The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 1, No. 2, and First Communion Catechism

Religious_studiesGrades 1–8

About This Curriculum

Revised editions of the official Baltimore Catechism with modern format, illustrations, and extensive use of Sacred Scripture to explain Catholic doctrine clearly for children.

What makes it unique: Time-tested catechism enhanced with pictures, Scripture integration, discussion questions, and fill-in-the-blank exercises while maintaining traditional Catholic doctrine.

The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism: Traditional Question-Answer Format

This is a revised edition of the classic Baltimore Catechism using traditional question-and-answer methodology to teach Catholic doctrine to children grades 1-8. The curriculum incorporates Scripture verses, discussion questions, and fill-in-the-blank exercises alongside memorization of doctrinal statements organized around the Creed, Commandments, and Sacraments.

Best for

Catholic homeschooling families seeking traditional, systematic doctrinal instruction with emphasis on memorization for grades 1-8

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 1 concern · 3 neutral

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum facilitates direct instruction through clear question-and-answer formats, discussion questions, and structured lesson plans that parents can follow systematically.

Reviews describe 'discussion questions' and 'fill-in-the-blank section' with one reviewer noting practical implementation where 'lessons align perfectly' and parents can teach using 'age-appropriate versions'

Theological KnowledgeStrength

The curriculum systematically builds Catholic doctrinal knowledge through organized coverage of core theological concepts including the Creed, Commandments, and Sacraments.

Content is 'divided into three parts: The Creed, The Commandments, and The Sacraments and Prayer' with reviewers noting it provides 'a solid foundation in Catholic doctrine' and 'doesn't water down Catholic teachings'

Historical ContextConcern

Historical context is limited, as the curriculum focuses primarily on doctrinal statements rather than the historical development of Catholic teaching.

Reviews mention the catechism's historical origins dating to 1885 but do not describe historical context being provided within the lessons themselves

Teacher TrainingNeutral

Teacher support is provided through an adult/instructor version for parent preparation, though comprehensive training materials are not extensively detailed in reviews.

One reviewer recommends 'parents first obtain the adult/instructor version for preparation, then teach children using the age-appropriate versions'

Vocabulary BuildingNeutral

Religious vocabulary is developed through the traditional question-and-answer format, though explicit vocabulary instruction is not extensively described in reviews.

The curriculum covers theological concepts systematically, and reviewers note memorization builds 'religious foundation' and 'tools necessary to defend their faith'

Primary Text EngagementNeutral

The curriculum incorporates Holy Scripture with each lesson and includes suggested Bible readings, though the primary focus remains on catechetical statements rather than extended scriptural study.

Reviews note that 'it incorporates Holy Scripture with each lesson' and includes 'suggested Bible readings at the end of each lesson,' with one reviewer copying Scripture verses on cards for memorization

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, elizabethclareblog.com