Reddit mentions of Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma

In order of interest:

1. Start with the Catechism.
   
   
2. Next, go onto the Summa Theologiæ.
   
   
3. After that, Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma.
   
   You'll be set.

Check out Ludwig Ott's Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma. The new Baronius Press versions is apparently the best.

Also http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_1998_professio-fidei_en.html

https://www.amazon.com/Fundamentals-Catholic-Dogma-Ludwig-Ott/dp/0895550091

You're welcome! Gotta do something with that undergrad degree from a seminary.

Oh, I didn't answer the limitations part. Right, in theory the Pope could use the "formula" of saying I am about to declare something infallibly, but it would have to be on a matter of faith and morals (as per Vatican 1 which formalized the doctrine in 1870). Additionally, Catholics believe it couldn't contradict other infallible statements, including the ordinary infallibility of the magisterium. So, for example, Francis can't overturn anything already considered part of the deposit of the faith (this excellent book lists all Catholic Dogma and its "tier"). Stuff that is considered in the highest tier could never be overturned by future popes without the whole house of cards falling down. So far it hasn't happened, though: changes have always been to the lower tier things, or in ways that maintain the entire truth of a top tier item but see it in a different light. For example "outside the Church there is no salvation" is a fundamental dogma, but it used to be interpreted as literal membership in the visible Church, while Vatican 2 redefined it to still mean "all salvation comes from the Church, i.e. from Christ", but those who are visibly outside of the Church on earth may still be able to attain salvation, but that salvation comes through the Church even if not part of it. Provided their non-membership is due to no fault of their own, etc etc.

Example of the tiers and items from each tier are here: http://catholicism.org/the-three-levels-of-magisterial-teaching.html

There's no official list from the vatican, but there is this. Your church library may have a copy you can check out.

Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma From the amazon bio: "Recognized as the greatest summary of Catholic dogma ever put between two covers. A one-volume encyclopedia of Catholic doctrines. Tells exactly what the Church teaches on any particular topic. Tells when the pronouncement was made and gives the sources from Scripture, Church Councils, Papal statements and the Fathers and Doctors of the Church. Essential for priests, seminarians, parents and teachers. Easily one of our most important books."

http://www.amazon.com/Fundamentals-Catholic-Dogma-Dr-Ludwig/dp/0895550091

Ott is pretty complete.

Well, for a great general history of Christianity until the middle ages I recommend The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Doctrine series, Vol. 1, Vol. 2, and Vol. 3. This was written by Jaroslav Pelikan, an ecumenically minded convert to Eastern Orthodoxy from Lutheranism.

Something for the intersection of Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy: Orthodoxy and the Roman Papacy: Ut Unum Sint and the Prospects of East-West Unity

Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma is a great summary of what Roman Catholicism actually is.

The Spirit of the Liturgy is a beautiful exploration of what you experienced at York Minster written by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI during his Cardinal days.

As for Celtic Christianity... to be honest it isn't an interest of mine so I can't personally recommend anything. However, these look good:

Christ in Celtic Christianity: Britain and Ireland from the Fifth to the Tenth Century

Celtic Monasticism: The Modern Traveler to the Early Irish Church

Irish Jesus, Roman Jesus : the Formation of Early Irish Christianity

Celtic Christianity: Making Myths and Chasing Dreams

Good luck in your studies, God bless.

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