How can I know if something I read or watch does explain correctly what the Catholic Church teaches?

If it is a book or Bible, look inside the front cover for the words ‘Nihil Obstat’ or ‘Imprimatur’ followed by a Bishop’s name. If it has both, it is officially Catholic. 

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What if a text has neither? Is it still Catholic? Ask yourself: Who wrote it? Is it by a Pope, Catholic Bishop, a Catholic Bishop’s Conference, or published by a Catholic publishing company? If so, it probably is Catholic.

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If it is a talk or film, who is the speaker or which organisation produced it?  Are they Catholic? Do they have a Church role or position? Do they sound authentic?

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However, there are many organisations and individuals producing material which is Catholic in content and approach, but which don’t have official approval. We can still learn from something which is not ‘officially’ Catholic, so don’t ignore it just because it’s not official.  Instead, ask yourself: does it chime with what I’ve read, heard or experienced in church or in official documents?  Does it show God’s love for the world and for each other?