how to cite the catechism of the catholic church mla

3 min read 18-01-2025

how to cite the catechism of the catholic church mla

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) is a significant resource for anyone studying Catholicism or theology. Knowing how to properly cite it, particularly using MLA style, is crucial for academic integrity. This guide will walk you through the process, providing examples for various citation scenarios. Understanding how to cite the CCC correctly ensures accurate attribution and avoids plagiarism.

Understanding the Basics of MLA Citation

Before we delve into citing the CCC specifically, let's briefly review the core principles of MLA style. MLA (Modern Language Association) is a widely used citation style in humanities disciplines. It emphasizes brevity and clarity, prioritizing the author and source information. The core components of any MLA citation typically include: author, title, publication information, and date.

Citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) in MLA

The Catechism of the Catholic Church presents a unique challenge for citation due to its structure. It lacks traditional chapter and verse numbering like the Bible. Instead, it uses paragraph numbers. This necessitates a slightly different approach compared to citing a standard book.

Basic In-Text Citation

When referencing a specific paragraph within the CCC, your in-text citation should include the paragraph number enclosed in parentheses. For example:

"The Catechism defines the sacrament of baptism as a 'spiritual rebirth' (CCC 1213)."

Notice the use of "CCC" as an abbreviation for Catechism of the Catholic Church. This abbreviation is widely understood within academic circles and helps avoid lengthy in-text citations. This consistency enhances the readability of your work.

Longer Quotations from the Catechism

For quotations exceeding four lines, you should format them as a block quote. Indent the entire quote one inch from the left margin. The citation should appear after the final punctuation mark of the block quote.

"The Church is called to live in the world but not to be of the world. It is the presence of the Kingdom of God in the midst of the world and carries in itself the principle of transformation of the world." (CCC 817)

This formatting clearly distinguishes the quoted material from your own writing. It also shows that the words belong to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, ensuring proper attribution.

Works Cited Entry

Your "Works Cited" page requires a full bibliographic entry for the Catechism. The format depends on the edition you're using. Here are examples for common editions:

Example 1: English Edition

Catechism of the Catholic Church. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1994.

Example 2: Specific Edition with Translator

Catechism of the Catholic Church. Translated by Father Laurence F. Byrnes, S.J., Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1997.

Important Considerations:

Edition: Always specify the edition you used, as different editions may have variations in text or paragraph numbering. This specificity is important for research reproducibility.
Translation: If you are using a translation other than the official English translation, include the translator's name in your Works Cited entry. This clarifies the source of your information.
Online Versions: If you are citing an online version, include the URL in your Works Cited entry after the publisher information. Make sure to access a reputable website.

Example incorporating multiple citations

Let's illustrate this with a short paragraph and its corresponding citations:

"The Catechism emphasizes the importance of the family as the 'domestic church' (CCC 1657). This fundamental unit of society reflects the communion of the Trinity and plays a vital role in the transmission of faith (CCC 2221). Furthermore, the Catechism notes the family's responsibility to educate children in the faith." (CCC 2223).

This paragraph correctly integrates in-text citations. The corresponding Works Cited entry would follow the format provided in the examples above.

Conclusion

Accurately citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church in MLA style demonstrates scholarly rigor and avoids potential issues with plagiarism. By following the guidelines outlined above and paying close attention to detail, you can ensure your work meets academic standards and accurately reflects your sources. Remember to always double-check your citations against the latest MLA guidelines.