Explore the world's largest Christian faith
With more than 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide—and growing—Catholicism continues to shape lives and communities across the globe. Whether you're discovering faith for the first time, returning with fresh questions, or seeking to understand Catholic friends and family, Catholicism For Dummies provides your accessible guide to this rich tradition and its evolving role in today's world.
This book transforms complex theology into clear insights, tracing the Church's journey from ancient foundations to contemporary realities. You'll discover how Catholic beliefs address both timeless mysteries and pressing modern questions, from the sacraments and creation to current social issues.
Learn all about Catholic teachings, traditions, worship, and holydays Find information on Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, and his focus on Catholic social teaching and inclusive leadership Read about recent canon law revisions that modernize Church governance while clarifying authority Get profiles of newly canonized saints and blesseds who inspire today’s faithful
Catholicism For Dummies is perfect for seekers, students, spiritual explorers, and practicing Catholics alike. It’s an engaging and straightforward exploration of Catholic beliefs and traditions and how they interact with the modern world.
By:
Rev. John Trigilio Jr. Jr.,
Rev. Kenneth Brighenti
Imprint: Wiley
Country of Publication: United States
Edition: 5th edition
Dimensions:
Height: 234mm,
Width: 185mm,
Spine: 33mm
Weight: 703g
ISBN: 9781394399796
ISBN 10: 1394399790
Pages: 496
Publication Date: 12 May 2026
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Introduction 1 Part 1: What Do Catholics Believe? 5 CHAPTER 1: What It Means to Be Catholic 7 CHAPTER 2: Having Faith in God's Revealed Word 19 CHAPTER 3: In the Beginning: Creation and Original Sin 37 CHAPTER 4: Believing in Jesus 49 CHAPTER 5: Defining ""the Church"" and What Membership Means 69 CHAPTER 6: Organizing the Church 79 Part 2: Celebrating the Mysteries of Faith 103 CHAPTER 7: Body and Soul: Worshipping Catholic Style 105 CHAPTER 8: Entering the Church: Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation 117 CHAPTER 9: The Sacraments of Service and Healing 135 CHAPTER 10: Celebrating the Catholic Mass 157 Part 3: Living a Saintly Life 187 CHAPTER 11: Obeying the Rules: Catholic Law 189 CHAPTER 12: Loving and Honoring: The Ten Commandments 205 CHAPTER 13: Being Good When Sinning Is So Easy 221 CHAPTER 14: Standing Firm: The Church's Stance on Some Sticky Issues 239 Part 4: Praying and Using Devotions 269 CHAPTER 15: Growing in the Faith 271 CHAPTER 16: Showing Your Love for God 287 CHAPTER 17: Expressing Affection for Mary 303 CHAPTER 18: Honoring the Catholic Saints 321 CHAPTER 19: Practicing Catholic Traditions 343 Part 5: The Part of Tens 363 CHAPTER 20: Ten Famous Catholics 365 CHAPTER 21: Ten Popular Catholic Saints 375 CHAPTER 22: Ten Popular Catholic Places to Visit 385 CHAPTER 23: Ten Recent Beatifications and Canonizations 393 CHAPTER 24: Ten Catholic Books and Texts 401 Part 6: Appendixes 409 APPENDIX A: A Brief History of Catholicism 411 APPENDIX B: Popular Catholic Prayers 439 APPENDIX C: Catholic Legends 451 Index 461
Rev. Fr. John Trigilio, Jr., PhD, KGCO, is President of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy and teaches at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD. Rev. Fr. Kenneth Brighenti, PhD, KGCO, is Vice Rector at Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, OH. They are co-authors of previous editions of Catholicism For Dummies, Women in the Bible For Dummies, Catholic Mass For Dummies, and John Paul II For Dummies, and co-hosts of Web of Faith and Catholic Blitz on EWTN, the world’s largest religious media network.
