An engaging vignette opens each chapter, drawing the reader in by encouraging a personal connection to the people of the time. A chapter overview then signals the material to follow. Throughout the text, sidebars highlight key persons and events, excerpts from primary sources enrich the reading, connections with the Church today add relevance, and end-of-chapter questions prompt reflection and review. Altogether, The Catholic Church: A Brief Popular History provides a solid foundation in major theological themes and prepares students for further study.