When the American Catechism was being prepared 10 years ago, the chairman of the editorial group, the then-Bishop Donald Wuerl, received a letter that was endorsed by more than 1,500 signatories. It included this comment: “We are particularly disappointed and deeply disturbed by news reports that the profile of Thomas Merton, which was to have appeared in the opening chapter of the catechism, was eliminated from the final draft. Merton has played a crucial role in the faith journeys of thousands upon thousands of Catholics (as well as other Christians and even non-Christians) both during his lifetime and since his death, and we believe his inclusion in the catechism can and should be a significant way to extend the powerful witness of his life and writings to a new audience. W