The authors give, in brief and simple form, a summary of the fundamental teachings of the Catholic Church, and of the fruits of the faith contained in the teachings.

The first part, The Faith of the Christian, outlines the basic teachings as embodied in the Apostles Creed, followed by chapters on the Seven Sacraments and the Liturgical Year. The second part, entitled The Life of the Christian, is concerned with the fruits of faith, treats Christian virtues.

No similar book covers so much ground, in such simple terms, in one brief work. What Catholics Believe was written before the liturgical changes implemented by the Second Vatican Council, but its theology and anthropology remain as relevant today as they did a half-century ago, and its impact is all the more startling for the clear, direct, orthodox approach it takes. This edition adds explanatory notes that cross-reference the text with contemporary rubrics for the benefit of modern readers.