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Every episode
The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
30 episodes
Day 228: Blessings, Sacramentals and Popular Piety (2026)
Aug 16, 2026 · 23 min
Sacramentals are sacred signs that resemble the sacraments. Blessings of people, places, and objects are foremost among the various sacramentals found in the life of the Church. Among these blessings are those of exorcism, in both its simple and solemn form. Fr. Mike notes that sacramentals and the many forms of popular piety, such as the Rosary, are noble expressions of faith that prepare us to participate in the Liturgy but can never replace the Liturgy. Today’s readings are Catechism paragrap…
Day 227: Summary of the Sacrament of Matrimony (2026)
Aug 15, 2026 · 13 min
This summary of the Catechism's teaching on the sacrament of Matrimony pulls together several beautiful themes regarding marriage and family. Fr. Mike emphasizes the family as the Domestic Church, that community where parents and children grow in charity, forgiveness, prayer, and self-giving. We're reminded that the communion of love shared by husband and wife in marriage is a sacramental sign of the union between Christ and his Church. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1659 through 1666…
Day 226: The Supreme Gift of Marriage (2026)
Aug 14, 2026 · 16 min
“Children are the supreme gift of marriage,” says Vatican II. Marriage is directed by its very nature toward the procreation of children. Beyond this, parents are the primary educators of their children, responsible for their holistic formation. Sadly, many couples suffer from infertility. Even in their struggle, they can provide a powerful witness of love, sacrifice, and fidelity. In all this and more, we see the family as the Domestic Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1652-1658…
Day 225: Total Fidelity in Marriage (2026)
Aug 13, 2026 · 20 min
“Love seeks to be definitive,” the Catechism tells us in this section on marital fidelity. The faithfulness of husband and wife in the sacrament of Matrimony is a sign of God’s irrevocable covenant with humanity. This fidelity is both beautiful and challenging. Fr. Mike addresses painful separation and divorce situations and how the whole ecclesial community should respond with truthful love. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1646 through 1651. This episode has been found to be in confor…
Day 224: The Grace of the Sacrament of Marriage (2026)
Aug 12, 2026 · 21 min
The grace of the Sacrament of Marriage provides husbands and wives the strength to love one another with supernatural, tender, and fruitful love. Fr. Mike covers the characteristics of the marriage bond and the different roles of husbands and wives. He explains what it means to “be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.” We also learn that indissolubility, faithfulness, and openness to fertility are requirements of conjugal love. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1638-1645.…
Day 223: Differences in Religion in Marriage (2026)
Aug 11, 2026 · 18 min
Can a Catholic marry a baptized non-Catholic or a non-baptized person? Fr. Mike breaks down the Church’s teaching on mixed marriages and disparity of cult. The Catechism teaches us that while a difference in religion “does not constitute an insurmountable obstacle for marriage,” it can often be a source of tension in marriage and present significant challenges when raising a family. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1625-1632. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Cate…
Day 222: Matrimonial Consent (2026)
Aug 10, 2026 · 23 min
Matrimonial consent is an indispensable element of the Sacrament of Marriage. Fr. Mike explains why it is essential for those entering marriage to express their consent freely and why in the Church’s eyes, “if consent is lacking, there is no marriage.” Fr. Mike also guides us through the Church’s teaching on annulment and clarifies why it can be complex. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1625-1632. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the…
Day 221: The Celebration of Marriage (2026)
Aug 9, 2026 · 16 min
What does a Catholic wedding look like? Today, we dive into the liturgical celebration of marriage and learn that the celebration must be valid, worthy, and fruitful. Additionally, we briefly cover virginity for the sake of the Kingdom and how this particular call highlights the beauty and goodness of marriage. Fr. Mike emphasizes that those called to celibacy can truly live joyful and fulfilling lives. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1618-1624. This episode has been found to be in con…
Day 220: Marriage in the New Covenant (2026)
Aug 8, 2026 · 22 min
How is the meaning of marriage different in the New Covenant? The Catechism teaches us today that Christ elevates the gift of marriage to a sacrament and restores the original order of this powerful union between man and woman. Fr. Mike explains why marriage looked different in the Old Covenant and how God was preparing his chosen people throughout time to accept Christ’s law of marriage. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1609-1617. This episode has been found to be in conformity with th…
Day 219: Marriage in God’s Plan (2026)
Aug 7, 2026 · 21 min
Together, with Fr. Mike, we begin the section on the sacrament of holy Matrimony. We unpack two elements of the sacrament, namely marriage in the order of creation and marriage under the regime of sin. Fr. Mike emphasizes that marriage is a partnership between man and woman that is oriented towards the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1601-1608. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the I…
Day 218: Summary of Holy Orders (2026)
Aug 6, 2026 · 15 min
Together, with Fr. Mike, we reach the conclusion and “nugget day” for the section on the sacrament of Holy Orders. Fr. Mike reiterates that all three degrees of the sacrament are a longed for element of the “priestly people.” They are those called to go before God and before his people as a mediator. Fr. Mike also explains that for those who are not called to either “sacrament of service”, Holy Orders or Matrimony, we are all called “to be able to rejoice with those who have received gifts.” Tod…
Day 217: The Effects of Holy Orders (2026)
Aug 5, 2026 · 18 min
Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the effects of the sacrament of Holy Orders. Fr. Mike emphasizes that once a man is ordained a priest, he is always a priest because he receives an indelible spiritual mark. He also emphasizes that Holy Orders is a sacrament of service. The effects of the sacrament configure him in such a way that he is best able to serve the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1581-1589. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the I…
Day 216: Who Receives Holy Orders (2026)
Aug 4, 2026 · 25 min
We continue our examination of the sacrament of Holy Orders. Specifically, we explore exactly who can receive the sacrament of Holy Orders. Fr. Mike emphasizes that only a baptized man can receive the “sacred ordination”. He then unpacks exactly why the ordination of women is not possible. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1577-1580. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For th…
Day 215: Deacons and the Diaconate (2026)
Aug 3, 2026 · 14 min
Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the ordination of deacons and the diaconate. Fr. Mike unpacks each of the essential elements of the rite of the ordination of deacons as well as each of the tasks of the deacon. He emphasizes that only a validly ordained bishop can validly confer the sacrament of Holy Orders. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1569-1576. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Ca…
Day 214: Priests and the Presbyterate (2026)
Aug 2, 2026 · 19 min
The Catechism moves on from bishops—the episcopacy—to priests in the presbyterate, who share in the bishop’s ministry “in a subordinate degree”, to be “co-workers”. Fr. Mike dives deep into the service-leadership that priests are called to. “[A priest’s] whole life must be configured and must be conformed to Jesus Christ the high priest.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1562-1568. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, unde…
Day 213: Bishops and the Episcopacy (2026)
Aug 1, 2026 · 17 min
There are three degrees within the sacrament of Holy Orders: the episcopacy (bishops), the presbyterate (priests), and the diaconate (deacons). The Catechism begins unpacking ordination with the bishops. Fr. Mike speaks on the special role that bishops play in the life of the Church. Today’s readings are from Catechism paragraphs 1554-1561. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the…
Day 212: In Persona Christi (2026)
Jul 31, 2026 · 20 min
The Catechism unpacks—by way of comparison—the “two participations in the one priesthood of Christ”: the common priesthood of all the faithful and the ministerial (or hierarchical) priesthood of the bishops and priests. Fr. Mike hones in on the ministerial priesthood as a means for Jesus to minister to his Church. His ministers act on his behalf in persona Christi Capitis: in the person of Christ, the Head. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1546-1553. This episode has been found to be in…
Day 211: The One Priesthood of Christ (2026)
Jul 30, 2026 · 17 min
The priesthood of the Old Covenant among the people of Israel is fulfilled in the one priesthood of Christ. The Catechism compares the Old Testament priesthood, “powerless to bring about salvation,” with the ordained ministry in the New Covenant. Fr. Mike unpacks the reality that there is only one true priest—Jesus Christ. His “priests” on earth are humble ministers. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1539-1545. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Ins…
Day 210: The Sacrament of Holy Orders (2026)
Jul 29, 2026 · 17 min
The Catechism enters Chapter Three on the “Sacraments at the Service of Communion” which include both Holy Orders and Matrimony. As it introduces the sacrament of Holy Orders, Fr. Mike reminds us that every vocation is a gift, and that—no matter what state of life we are in or have been called to—we should read this chapter with an open heart and a grateful spirit. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1533-1538. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Insti…
Day 209: Summary of the Anointing of the Sick (2026)
Jul 28, 2026 · 13 min
This summary of the Catechism’s teaching about the Anointing of the Sick is concise and rich. This holy anointing brings us hope and courage as we endure illness and the difficulties of old age. While we pray for healing of body and soul, this sacrament also prepares us for death. Fr. Mike ends this episode by explaining three practices of the Church that help her members prepare for death. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1526-1532. This episode has been found to be in conformity with…
Day 208: Completing the Earthly Pilgrimage (2026)
Jul 27, 2026 · 17 min
The effects of the Anointing of the Sick are numerous and deeply transformative. In times of great need and temptation, this sacrament brings us strength, courage, peace, and the forgiveness of sins. Fr. Mike explains that these effects aren’t only for the individual recipient but for the whole ecclesial community. We learn that when a person approaches the threshold of death, joining this anointing with Reconciliation and the Eucharist as viaticum constitute “the sacraments that complete the ea…
Day 207: Celebrating the Anointing of the Sick (2026)
Jul 26, 2026 · 11 min
The Anointing of the Sick is not just for those on the verge of death but for any faithful suffering from a grave illness. Fr. Mike explains that because of this, we don’t have to put this sacrament off to the very end; instead, we can enjoy the graces it confers as often as is fitting throughout a lifetime. This section also discusses how we can celebrate the Anointing of the Sick. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1514-1519. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Cate…
Day 206: Healing the Sick (2026)
Jul 25, 2026 · 19 min
By taking up our cross and following Christ, we gain a new way of seeing sickness and frailty. Along with this newness of vision, the Church is given the command from her founder to heal the sick. Since its beginning, the Church has anointed the sick among us, praying for their healing and salvation. Amid their sufferings, the suffering can endure, uniting themselves to Christ’s own afflictions for the sake of the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1506-1513. This episode has been…
Day 205: Christ the Physician (2026)
Jul 24, 2026 · 22 min
Sickness and suffering bring us face-to-face with our fragility and limitations. While they might cause some to lose hope and become bitter, we can also endure them in such a way as to grow in maturity and trust in God. Jesus not only heals the sick in the Gospels but also plunges into suffering’s depths. In this redemptive work, we know Jesus as the physician of soul and body. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1499-1505. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism…
Day 204: Summary of Sacrament of Reconciliation (2026)
Jul 23, 2026 · 13 min
In today’s nugget day, Fr. Mike reviews the major themes of the sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr. Mike emphasizes the six spiritual effects of this sacrament and reminds us of the great gift of Confession because, as the Catechism states, “to the eyes of faith, no evil is graver than sin.” We conclude today’s article with humble gratitude for God’s unfathomable mercy. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1485-1498. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Ins…
Day 203: The Purpose of Indulgences (2026)
Jul 22, 2026 · 24 min
Fr. Mike expands on the purpose of indulgences and clarifies why the Church has the authority to provide indulgences. We also learn about the role of the Communion of Saints in our strive for holiness and the different liturgical forms and elements of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1474-1484. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the comp…
Day 202: How Confession Heals (2026)
Jul 21, 2026 · 25 min
What happens to us when we go to Confession? Fr. Mike explains the powerful ways the Sacrament of Reconciliation spiritually restores and perfects us. We also learn about the eternal and temporal consequences of sin, and finally, Fr. Mike discusses the four aspects to an indulgence and how these aspects require our cooperation with God's grace. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1468-1473. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism…
Day 201: The Confessor’s Role (2026)
Jul 20, 2026 · 16 min
If God is the one who forgives our sins, why do we need priests as confessors? The Catechism teaches us today about the role of the priest as the minister of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We learn that priests ought to be "servants" of God's mercy rather than "masters" of God's mercy. Fr. Mike invites us to pray for all priests' hearts, encouraging gentle, loving, and truthful confessors. Lastly, Fr. Mike clarifies the purpose of excommunication and the sacramental seal. Today's readings are…
Day 200: The Confession of Sins (2026)
Jul 19, 2026 · 24 min
When we confess our sins, we’re not telling God something he doesn’t know; we’re giving God access to something he doesn’t have: permission to heal our wounds. Today we learn why the act of confessing our sins is an essential part of the sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr. Mike also clarifies the difference between absolution, penance, and satisfaction. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1455-1460. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Cat…
Day 199: The Sacrament of Forgiveness (2026)
Jul 18, 2026 · 27 min
Together, with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacrament of Reconciliation. Specifically, we explore the origins and structure of the sacrament that we use today. Fr. Mike emphasizes that although some of the ways we celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation have changed, the essential elements have always remained the same. He also explores the importance of understanding the differences between perfect and imperfect contrition. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1446-1454.…
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