Roman Catechism vs. New Catechism

I discovered the Roman Catechism or the Catechism of the Council of Trent a few days ago when I selected my books from the library run. I passed it by in favor of the latter Catechism (published in '94) but decided to check it out the following days.

I love it. The prose is stately and compelling, combining the grace of the medieval Church with the polemic power of Trent. Cardinel Joseph Ratzinger (more popularly known now as Pope Benedict XVI) said it's the most important catechism penned, and he even worked on the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). Thus, to kick off my theology studies, I shall read the Roman Catechism. I've got to about page 50 of 600, and I should finish in less than six weeks if I read about 10 pages a day, and 50 during the weekends. However, I am also reading the introductory theology text by Alister Mcgrath, which I rather adore, despite his being an evangelical Anglican (though the bias is scarecely noticable).

The Catechism is divided into expositions of four sections of Christian life: the Credo, the Sacraments, the Decalogue, and the Lord's Prayer. The Apostles' Creed, Sacraments, the Ten Commandments, and the Our Father are the fourfold manner of instruction according to the Medievals. Incidentally (or probably purposefully) this pattern is replicated in the '94 Catechism.

Now we know what I will be studying! After dear old Trent I will likely read (quickly) through the '94 Catechism and see what's different. All of them should be finished by the end of the semester and then it's on to something exciting.