how to cite the catechism of the catholic church

2 min read 06-02-2025

how to cite the catechism of the catholic church

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) is a valuable resource for anyone studying Catholicism. Knowing how to properly cite it in your academic papers or other writings is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and giving credit where it's due. This guide explains different citation styles and provides examples to help you accurately cite the Catechism.

Understanding the Structure of the Catechism

Before discussing citation styles, understanding the Catechism's structure is vital. It's organized into four sections, each divided into parts, chapters, articles, and paragraphs. The paragraphs are numbered consecutively throughout the entire Catechism. This numbering system is the key to accurate citation.

Common Citation Styles and Examples

Several citation styles exist, each with its own specific requirements. Here are examples using three popular styles: MLA, Chicago, and APA.

MLA Style

MLA (Modern Language Association) style is commonly used in humanities disciplines. Citations generally include the paragraph number(s) within parentheses at the end of the sentence. A full bibliographic entry is needed on your Works Cited page.

In-text citation example: The Catechism states that the "Ten Commandments summarize the moral law" (CCC 2051).

Works Cited entry:

Catechism of the Catholic Church. Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1994.

Chicago Style

Chicago style offers two main systems: notes and bibliography and author-date. The notes and bibliography system uses footnotes or endnotes for in-text citations.

Footnote/Endnote example:

Catechism of the Catholic Church (Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1994), para. 2051.

Bibliography entry:

Catechism of the Catholic Church. Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1994.

APA Style

APA (American Psychological Association) style is prevalent in social sciences. Similar to MLA, it uses parenthetical citations with the paragraph number.

In-text citation example: The Catechism defines prayer as "a living relationship of the children of God with their Father" (CCC, para. 2558).

References entry:

Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1994). Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Important Considerations When Citing the CCC

Consistency: Maintain consistency throughout your work. Choose one citation style and stick to it.
Accuracy: Double-check paragraph numbers to avoid errors.
Multiple Paragraphs: When citing multiple consecutive paragraphs, use an en dash (–) to indicate the range (e.g., CCC 2051–2055). For non-consecutive paragraphs, list them separately (e.g., CCC 2051, 2057, 2060).
Specific Editions: While the core content remains consistent, minor updates may occur. If using a specific edition, it is helpful to specify it in your citation (e.g., Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd edition, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2006). However, the paragraph numbering remains generally consistent across editions, reducing the need for this specification in most cases.
Online Versions: When citing online versions, include the URL in your bibliography, along with the date you accessed it.

Beyond Paragraph Numbers: Referencing Specific Sections

While paragraph numbers are the primary means of citation, you can also provide additional context by referencing the section, chapter, or part the paragraph falls under. This helps readers locate the specific passage more easily. For example, you could say, “The Catechism explains the nature of conscience in Section II, Part Three, Chapter Three, paragraph 1776.” While not strictly required in all citation styles, this added precision enhances clarity.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church accurately and consistently is essential for any scholarly work. By following these guidelines and choosing a consistent citation style, you can ensure the integrity of your research while properly crediting this important theological text. Remember to always double-check your citations before submitting your work.