Where can i find a simple book on catholocism?

Could someone suggest a really simple book explaining catholocism? explaining the faith, what is celebrated, and things you would need to know to explain it to your child.

I have seen in bookshops 'Catholicism for dummies' or 'The idiots guide to Catholocism'.

MB, I don't know where you're located, but in most of the big cities there is a Catholic bookshop with a children's section in it. I'm sure the shop staff would be able to help you find something suitable.

being christmas, you should also find some nice childrens christmas books about christian traditional christmas.
Also, check out your church, they should have some reading info, and as you boys get older, your local church may do nativity scenes, and re-enactments etc to help explain things to them.. (esp at Easter as well.) Perhaps even Sunday school may be an option for you.
If you have any questions thou, or want to discuss any thing, i am sure in my 6 years of living in a convent (ie.. boarding school) will come to some use..

Thanks for that, i had wanted the book for myself, but something in the childrens section might be a start.

I want to educate myself about the faith since i left after my holy communion (out of my control at the time). As we're sending the boys to the catholic school and they will go through the processes i need to know what is involved so i can understand and support them. I also myself need to be confirmed... and the preist has suggested this at the "easter vigil", much to my embarrassment i agreed, but i couldn't remember what exactly the vigil is :redface:

Debbie thanks, i will have to chat about it in person, i am sure i have lots to ask you!

Hi MummaB, both your boys school and the parish assosiated with them will have a section of books or publications you could have a look for. trust me both would be MORE than happy to share with you. It isn't often parents go out of their way to educate themselves about Catholicism just because their kids attend a Catholic school - good on you.

As for the easter vigil, most Catholic parishes run what is called the RCIA program. Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. I have sponsered two people through this program and it is excelent, basically teaches you the basis of the Christian faith and examines the reading from Sunday's mass each week and culminates in the Rites of initiation (Baptisim, conformation, communion) at the vigil (Saturday before Easter Sunday)

Enjoy your journey

Thanks for that, it makes sense now as he told me there would be some other adults doing it also. This may sound silly but having the conformation as an adult, do you still dress up? or do people go along casually? I just remember my holy communion (20 years ago now!) wearing a big white dress and it was pretty formal. I also need to educate myself in that regard because dh asked me which saint i was going to choose for this and the only one i could think of is Saint Christopher (protector of children i think?). I really don't remember much as my catholic education onl went until about age 8.

Depends on your parish but usually you wear a nice outfit that you would normally wear to church and after the rites you are asked to go and change into your "initiation outfit" which is a white outfit of some sort. This is for those making baptisim as well - so obviously they get wet - thus the need to get changed. As you will be making confirmation but already have been baptised you might wear your 'new' outfit from the beginning. the idea of the white is to symbolised being reborn in Christ.

I don't think they do the Saints names anymore :-( Which is a shame as it was a lovely way for kids to learn about the Saints and their lives and who they would like to emulate.

Oh also when your kids go through each of the sacraments there will be parent information sessions and also a preparation period to learn about the sacramaent.

Hope that helps

MB, I was baptised and confirmed at age 11 and I recall the clothing was not important. Even for babies now wearing white is traditional but not 'compulsory'. There's a part in the baptism service where a white shawl/stole is placed on the person but that's it for the white. I know a lot of ppl make a big fussy dress spectacle out of First Communion but in my mind that's not what it's about either.

I think you should just wear what you feel well dressed in and don't worry about the 'white' aspect. Also, the Easter Vigil is a pretty big spectacular event (and usually quite late in the evening) so if you're not comfortable with that, speak to your priest about doing it another time.

BTW, found a fantastic Saint's database here.