The Heidelberg Catechism was written in 1563 in Heidelberg at the request of Elector Frederick III, ruler of the Palatinate, with the theologian Zacharias Ursinus taking a leading role in its composition. It remains one of the most beloved teaching documents of the Reformation and, together with the Belgic Confession and the Canons of Dort, forms the Three Forms of Unity, the doctrinal standards of many Reformed churches.
The catechism presents the core teaching of Scripture in 129 questions and answers, organized around three themes: the misery of man, deliverance in Christ, and gratitude for that deliverance. Its opening question sets the tone for the whole: “What is thy only comfort in life and death?”
From its first publication, the catechism has been divided into 52 sections — one for each Lord’s Day of the year — so that congregations could hear it taught in full every year. Heidelberg Weekly follows that traditional division: each week presents one Lord’s Day’s questions and answers, with Scripture proof texts drawn from the King James Version.
You can find the weekly readings at reformedconfessions.com/heidelberg-weekly, follow along by RSS, or browse the full 52-week plan.
This site is a companion to Westminster Daily, a daily reading through the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms.
This site is maintained by Tim Hopper.