This catechism for adults fulfills what Pope John Paul II (the Great) intended when he promulgated The Catechism of the Catholic Church: a resource for catechisms to be created for various nations or regions. The U. S. Catholic Catechism for Adults speaks to Americans using language and topics familiar to Americans, like talking about the First Amendment to the Constitution. American saints and others are given as examples to imitate in our lives.

The 36 chapters are concluded with an epilogue followed by three appendices. Appendix A is a glossary of short definitions. Appendix B contains traditional Catholic prayers. Appendix C lists of further reading sources. The appendices are followed by a Scriptural index and a Catechism index. Helpful footnotes that define a topic or event are provided throughout.

The introduction presents a short history of catechisms, mentioning especially the Baltimore Catechism, and the structure of this new catechism which follows the arrangement of The Catechism of the Catholic Church. The catechism is divided into four sections:

1. The Creed: the faith professed (Apostolic Tradition, Scripture, and Magisterium)
2. Sacraments: the faith celebrated (liturgy and the Sacraments)
3. Christian morality: the faith lived
4. Prayer: the faith prayed (vocal prayer, meditation and contemplation, and the types of prayer)

1. Stories or lessons of faith. This is a biography of saints and others, several of whom are Americans, drawn from various sources.
2. Teaching: its foundation and application - a “presentation of a particular teaching” (p. xx)
3. Sidebars. One sidebar poses three questions and is answered by The Catechism of the Catholic Church; there are also sidebars on other topics.
4. Relationship of Catholic teaching to the culture - this connects the topic of the chapter with American culture.
5. Questions for discussion, taking into consideration the American culture.
6. Doctrinal statements, summaries of each chapter which could be used by those in a hurry.
7. Meditation and prayer. A short text is given to meditate on, then a short prayer from various sources with the chapter concluding on a Scripture verse.

This catechism is intended for Latin Catholics, but Eastern Catholics will also appreciate this book. It informs Latin Catholics about some differences or similarities between themselves and Eastern Catholics reminding all Catholics that the Church is made up of both Western and Eastern members.

In the section about the Mass or the Eucharist, the terms “sacrifice” and “meal” are used. The use of other traditional terms, like “theological virtues,” “cardinal virtues,” and “corporal works of mercy,” should not be surprising; these terms have been used by the Church in its theology for centuries.

This catechism is good for group or individual study. It is not overly academic but appropriate for most general readers. While not a lively novel, the catechism is neither a dry theology book that requiring much laboring over with its succinct chapters. Notes refer to other sources, especially The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Scriptures. Pope John Paul II (the Great) would be very happy with this catechism. It is highly recommended to those learning about the Catholic faith or to those wanting to know more about their faith.