This penultimate volume of the Tradivox collection represents the last catechism to be issued by a body of bishops before the opening of the Second Vatican Council in 1962. Promulgated by the bishops of Germany and first appearing as an illustrated "unified catechism" in 1955, the Katholischer Katechismus der Bistümer Deutschlands was adopted throughout Germany and several other German-speaking dioceses and soon became the gold standard for religious education in several translations and derivative works in Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, and other languages abroad.

Among its remarkable features, this carefully crafted catechism presents an admirable balance of theological precision and contemporary applications. It is masterfully structured for easy access, learning, and teaching, having drawn upon the best in expert teaching methods of the time. Uniquely designed in a five-tier format, nearly all of the more than three hundred lessons include:

• A thematic Scripture reference and gems from Catholic tradition
• Classic terms and explanations presented in a relevant style
• Expanded catechesis and reflection questions for deeper understanding
• Points for apologetics and making personal resolutions
• Resonances within Scripture, history, and liturgy
• Student activities, a concluding verse, and pastoral exhortations

For its breadth of topics and conciseness in lessons, this volume was immediately useful not only in the classroom but also for parents, pastors of souls, and students -- and it remains so today. Wisdom from the saints and highlights from our heritage fill the pages, along with classic prayers and customs, invaluable teachings on prayer and spirituality, steps for making a good confession, explanations of the liturgical seasons, excerpts from hymns and poems, and practical ideas for witnessing to our Faith in the world.

We are pleased to offer readers, as a kind of historical marker on the threshold of major methodological shifts, this new edition of Germany's Catholic Catechism.