Apologetics and Catechism
Using the Methods of the Great Catholic Medieval Memory Masters
by Kevin Vost
"They laughed when I said I could name all 27 books of the New Testament . . . but after I named them all in order, plus the 46 books of the Old Testament, they begged me to show them how I did it."
Yes, I know that memorizing the Faith is no substitute for living a holy life, but even devout people can't live by truths and precepts they don't remember.
That's why, over 700 years ago, St. Thomas Aquinas perfected an easy method for his students to memorize most any information, but especially the truths taught by Christ and His Church.
As the years passed, our need for this ancient art of memorization grew, yet somehow our culture largely forgot it . . . which is why today, when you and I try to remember a list of things, we have to repeat their names over and over. Or, to remember to call the dentist, we tie a string on our finger. And we clutch at any means whatsoever to recall our passwords for ATMs, credit cards, and voicemail, our login names for Yahoo, eBay, and Amazon, and the host of other names and numbers that clog our minds and clutter our days.
Now, thanks to the delightful pages of Memorize the Faith!, you can easily keep all these in mind - and learn the Faith! - by tapping into the power of the classical memory system that helped St. Thomas become the Church's preeminent theologian, and made it easier for him to become one of its greatest saints.
Here, Catholic scholar Kevin Vost makes available again Aquinas's easy-to-learn method - the method Dr. Vost himself has used for decades to recall names, dates, phone numbers, the first dozen digits of pi (3.141592653589) and even whether, when his wife called him at work today, she asked him to bring home ice cream and toffee . . . or was it truffles and coffee?
Indeed, Dr. Vost will teach you to remember virtually anything, but he devotes most of his book to showing you how to improve your memory of Catholic truths so you can live the Faith better.
By the time you finish this book, you will have memorized dozens of key teachings of the Church, along with hundreds of precepts, traditions, theological terms, Scripture verses, and other elements of the Faith that every good Catholic needs to know by heart.
Memory is the foundation of wisdom. It makes holiness easier. To grow wiser in the Faith . . . and holier . . . turn to Memorize the Faith! today.
Note: Memorize the Faith! will teach you and your children how to remember anything, but it's particularly useful to those involved in religious education: catechists and converts, CCD teachers, RCIA members, and homeschoolers of all ages.
Here, Dr. Vost and St. Thomas Aquinas show you easy ways to memorize the following truths and precepts of our Faith, plus many more:
- The 9 Beatitudes
- The 12 Apostles
- The 7 Virtues
- The 7 Sacraments
- The 4 Last Things
- The 7 Capital Sins
- The 10 Commandments
- The 4 Marks of the Church
- The 14 Stations of the Cross
- The 5 Precepts of the Church
- The 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit
- The 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit
- The 7 Spiritual Works of Mercy
- The 20 Mysteries of the Rosary
- The 7 Corporal Works of Mercy
- The 10 Holy Days of Obligation
- The 6 Sins Against the Holy Spirit
- The 5 Proofs for the Existence of God
- The 27 Books of the New Testament
- The 46 Books of the Old Testament
And anything else you want to remember, from the 14 items on your grocery list to the birthdays of your 7 nephews and nieces!
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 250 pages
How to Think Like Aquinas
The Sure Way to Perfect Your Mental Powers
by Kevin Vost
About St. Thomas Aquinas, Pope John XXII said, “A man can derive more profit in a year from his books than from pondering all his life the teaching of others.”
And Pope Pius XI added: “We now say to all who are desirous of the truth:
‘Go to St. Thomas.’ ”
But when we do go to Thomas – when we open his massive Summa Theologica or another of his works – we’re quickly overwhelmed, even lost.
If we find him hard to read, how can we even begin to “think like Aquinas?”
Now comes Kevin Vost — the best-selling author of The One-Minute Aquinas — armed with a recently rediscovered letter St. Thomas himself wrote – a brief letter to young novice monk giving practical, sage advice about how to study, how to think, and even how to live.
In this letter written almost 800 years ago, St. Thomas reveals his unique powers of intellect and will, and explains how anyone can fathom and explain even the loftiest truths.
Vost and St. Thomas will teach you how to dissect logical fallacies, heresies, and half-truths that continue to pollute our world with muddy thinking. Best of all, you’ll find a fully-illustrated set of exercises to improve your intellectual powers of memory, understanding, logical reasoning, shrewdness, foresight, circumspection, and practical wisdom.
You’ll also learn:
- The four steps to training your memory.
- How to know your mental powers – and their limits.
- Why critical thinking alone is insufficient for reaching the truth.
- Twenty common fallacies – and how to spot them.
- The key to effectively reading any book.
- How to set your intellect free by avoiding worldly entanglements.
- How to commit key truths to memory.
Pius XI called St. Thomas Aquinas the “model” for those who want to “pursue their studies to the best advantage and with the greatest profit to themselves.” Leo XIII urged us all to “follow the example of St. Thomas.” Over the centuries, dozens of other popes have praised him.
Surely it is time to listen to these good men, time to “go to Thomas,” to learn to think like him, and, yes, even to live like him.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 256 pages
A Manual of Religion, A Catechism in Pictures
by Bp. Louis LaRavoire Morrow
193 chapters in three sections: What to Believe, What to Do, and Means of Grace.
Abundant Scriptural quotations (excellent for proving Catholic Doctrine to "Bible-Believing" Protestants). It's also an excellent tool for dealing with liberal Catholics because two subjects of utmost importance are thoroughly treated: the true nature of the Catholic Church (today denied by false ecumenism) and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (today obscured by the New Mass).
This catechism is known and loved by Catholics because of its timeless texts, charts, lists and graphs. Profusely and beautifully illustrated!
Hardcover, size 10.25" x 7.25", 415 pages
by St. Augustine of Hippo
St. Augustine’s "On Christian Doctrine" provides a masterful guide to reading and interpreting Sacred Scripture rightly, grounding interpretation in the graces of faith, hope, and love so that Scripture leads the reader to God’s eternal truth. Covering language, signs, figurative expressions, and the proper relationship between faith and reason, it guards against interpretive error and shows how all Christian learning must be ordered toward love of God and neighbour.
- Explains principles for discerning truth and meaning in Sacred Scripture rooted in the Church’s tradition.
- Shows how faith, hope, and love are indispensable graces for proper scriptural interpretation.
- Teaches the proper use of language, signs, and figurative expressions in Scripture.
- Warns against reading Scripture too literally or too loosely, aligning interpretation with charity.
- Challenges readers to pursue not merely knowledge, but true understanding directed toward God.
Paperback, size 7" x 5", 408 pages
112pp, hardcover
This book is a superb teaching tool with 33 lessons, and is appropriate for grades 4-7.
Hardcover, size 7" x 4.5", 72 pages
by Fr Bennet Kelly, C.P.
The New St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 2 contains the revised text of the Official Baltimore Catechism No. 2 in a user-friendly format and design.
Written for Grades 6, 7, and 8, this Baltimore Catechism explains Catholic doctrine with the aid of many exclusive features, including a large number of pictures to help children understand each lesson. Extensive use of Sacred Scripture demonstrates the basis of Catholic doctrine and brings it to life. The New St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 2 combines a contemporary viewpoint and language with a solid time-tested exposition of Catholic Church teachings.
Also available
No. 0 The New Saint Joseph First Communion Catechism
No. 1 The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism
Paperback, size 8.2" x 5.5, 264 pages
by Fr Bennet Kelly, C.P.
The catechism that you might have grown up with, that taught you about Jesus Christ and the doctrines of the Church in question and answer format with beautiful illustrations and wise simple teachings.
Especially designed for children, this catechism is as indispensible today as it was in all those years ago when it formed children to follow Our Lord Jesus Christ. Also suitable for adults who seek to know more of the Church or those who want a fine refresher course.
Written for Grades 3, 4, and 5.
Also available
No. 0 The New Saint Joseph First Communion Catechism
No. 2 The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism
Paperback, size 8.2" x 5.5", 192 pages
A Manual of Religion, A Catechism in Pictures
by Bp. Louis LaRavoire Morrow
The classic 1954 edition of this fabulous catechism.
193 chapters in three sections: What to Believe, What to Do, and Means of Grace.
Abundant Scriptural quotations (excellent for proving Catholic Doctrine to "Bible-Believing" Protestants). It\'s also an excellent tool for dealing with liberal Catholics because two subjects of utmost importance are thoroughly treated: the true nature of the Catholic Church (today denied by false ecumenism) and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (today obscured by the New Mass).
This catechism is known and loved by Catholics because of its timeless texts, charts, lists and graphs. Profusely and beautifully illustrated!
Hardcover, size 10.75" x 7.75", 415 pages
Quizzes to a Street Preacher
by Fr Leslie Rumble and Fr. Charles Mortimer Carty
79 Questions and Answers on artificial birth control -why the Catholic Church is against it, financial hardships of having children, danger of over-population, bachelor priests as unfit to teach against birth control, role of prayer and self-denial, danger to the mother's life, unfit parents, eugenic considerations, large families vs. higher standard of living and education, etc.
Booklet, size 7" x 4.25", 32 pages, Impr.
Catechism of the Council of Trent (hardcover)
"That golden book known as the Catechism of the Council of Trent, or Roman Catechism … Noted both for the abundance and accuracy of its teaching and for elegance of style, this catechism is a precious summary of the whole of theology, dogmatic and moral." – Leo XIII, Encyclical Depuis Le Jour.
The Council of Trent was called to counter the Protestant Reformation by unambiguously affirming the distinctive truths of the Catholic faith. To disseminate these truths, the Council of Trent commanded a Catechism to be written. Composed under the supervision of St. Charles Borromeo and promulgated by St. Pope St. Pius V, its value as an authoritative exposition of the Catholic faith has only increased through the centuries.
While originally intended for priests to use alongside the Sacred Scriptures in defending the faith, its straightforward and logical explanation of Catholic doctrinal and moral teachings makes it a useful reference and guide for the laity more than 400 years after it was first published. Today, it continues to enlighten souls who seek to discern between true and false teachings.
This edition is the definitive translation of the Catechism of the Council of Trent from the original Latin. The book is divided into four parts which explain, respectively, the Articles of Faith, the Seven Sacraments, the Ten Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer. There are also appendices on the Immaculate Conception, Papal Infallibility, Christian Marriage and on Frequent and Daily Communion.
Windsor Tan Leather, Hardcover, size 8.5" x 5.5", 608 pages
by Fr Júlio Maria de Lombaerde
The author of this book, the great Belgian missionary and apologist, Father Júlio Maria de Lombaerde (1878-1944), spent most of his priestly life in Brazil.
Hearing from a fellow priest that there were some Muslims in Brazil, he decided to write a succinct, clear and simple explanation of the life and doctrine of Mohammed in order to provide them with “irrefutable proof of the entirely human origin of their sect and give Catholics more conviction and firmness in the practical profession of their religion, the only Divine one.”
“May these pages be a ray of light for souls and direct them towards the truth,” he writes. “This is the author’s only hope.”
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.6", 168 pages
by Fr Léon Roger
Every great society possesses a distinctive mark by which its members are recognised. Every well-ordered army has a standard beneath which its soldiers rally. Similarly, the members of the society which is the Church must have a mark or a sign by which they may be recognised. This sign is the sign of the Cross. The standard beneath which the soldiers of Christ rally is the Cross.
This short but profound book looks at the sign of the Cross, first in itself: its historical origins, its composition, its dogmatic and moral significance. Then it examines the place of this sign in the Church’s liturgy. Finally, it focuses on the power of the sign of the Cross and its wonderful effects.
The author, Father Léon Roger, was Chaplain of the Basilica of Notre-Dame des Victoires in Paris at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Paperback, size 8" x 5.25", 100 pages
by St. Justin Martyr
These foundational apologetic works deliver the early‑Church’s reasoned defence of Christianity in the face of persecution, addressing pagan criticisms and explaining Christian doctrine, worship, and moral life. Written as direct appeals to the Roman authorities, the texts unite philosophical insight with scriptural fidelity and bear witness to the courage and integrity of the early Christian community.
- Examines the beliefs of early Christians regarding God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit to show the faith’s doctrinal clarity and coherence
- Defends Christian practices such as baptism and the Eucharist against accusations of immorality and atheism
- Bridges Greek philosophical tradition and Christian theology, illustrating Christianity as the fulfilment of humanity’s rational and spiritual aspirations
- Presents a compelling historical witness to the courage and sacrifice of the early Church, showing believers willing to face oppression rather than renounce their faith
- Serves as a vital resource for those studying the origins of Christian doctrine, apologetics, church history, or early patristic thought
Cur Deus Homo
by Don Caspar Gilli
In St. Anselm of Canterbury's foundational theological work, Why God Became Man (Cur Deus Homo), delve into a profound and meticulously reasoned exploration of the Incarnation and Atonement. Written in the 11th century as a dialogue, Anselm addresses the fundamental question of why God, being omnipotent, chose to redeem humanity through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, rather than by a simple act of divine will. He masterfully articulates the satisfaction theory of atonement, arguing that humanity's sin incurred an infinite debt to God's honor, a debt only an infinite being—God Himself—could repay. This seminal text continues to be a cornerstone of Christian theology, offering timeless insights into the nature of God, sin, justice, and salvation. A must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the theological underpinnings of Christianity.
Paperback, size 7" x 5", 220 pages
by R. P. Bailly
A unique pictorial catechism of 66 chapters, each covering a different topic of the Creed, the Sacraments, the Ten Commandments, the Commandments of the Church, Prayer, the Last Things, Sin, Virtue, and the Works of Mercy. All of the basic truths of Faith and Morality are covered.
The Faith is presented via 66 huge (10.5" x 7.5") full-colour classic pictures. The text facing the picture explains the Church's teaching on the matter and then explains the applicable symbolism of the picture. An excellent way to pass the Faith on to your children who will find the pictures very engaging.
Hardcover with brass corners, size 11.4" x 9.7", 125 pages, 66 full colour illustrations on gloss paper with ribbon
From the Baltimore Catechism
by Fr Bennet Kelly, C.P.
The New Saint Joseph First Communion Catechism contains the revised text of the official Baltimore Catechism (No. 0) in a user-friendly format and design.
Written for children in Grades 1 and 2, this book explains Catholic doctrine with the aid of many exclusive features, including many pictures to help children understand each lesson. Extensive use of Sacred Scripture demonstrates the basis of Catholic doctrine and brings it to life.
This book combines a contemporary viewpoint and language with a solid time-tested exposition of Catholic Church teachings.
Also available:
No. 1 The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism
No. 2 The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism
Booklet, size 8.1" x 5.3", 68 pages, Impr.