BONUS: How Do We Trust in Church Authority? (with Bishop Cozzens) (2024)
Dec 29, 2023
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Bishop Andrew Cozzens joins Fr. Mike Schmitz to discuss the trust in church authority, the value of the catechism in their faith journey, the importance of obedience, and the transformative power of studying God.
Trusting in the teaching authority of the Church is crucial despite the brokenness of its leaders at times.
The Catechism is a living tradition that incorporates the wisdom of saints, teachings of councils, and the rich tradition of the Church over the course of 2,000 years.
Deep dives
The Purpose of the Catechism and Introduction of Bishop Cousins
In this pre-launch episode, Father Mike Schmitz is joined by Bishop Andrew Cousins to introduce the second pillar of the Catechism. Bishop Cousins shares his background as a Bishop and his involvement in the Catechism in a Year project. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the authority and mission of the Church as we embark on this year-long study of the Catechism. The Catechism serves as a practical and deep tool for learning about God and His revelation, offering practical help, deeper understanding, and deeper love. Despite the brokenness and sinful actions of individuals in the Church, Bishop Cousins highlights the importance of trusting in the teaching authority of the Church rooted in Jesus Christ.
The Role of Authority in the Church
Bishop Cousins explains that all authority in the Church comes from Jesus Christ, and the Church's teaching authority is an attempt to faithfully transmit His teaching and revelation. The infallibility of the Church exists to protect the truth of revelation, ensuring that the essential teachings necessary for salvation are not lost throughout time. While individuals in the Church may exhibit brokenness and sin, the truth has remained intact over the course of 2,000 years. Bishop Cousins underscores the importance of making the distinction between the brokenness of individuals and the teachings of the Church.
The Living Tradition and Witness in the Catechism
The Catechism is a living tradition that flows from God Himself and leads back to God. It incorporates the wisdom of saints, the teachings of ecumenical councils, and the rich tradition of the Church over the course of 2,000 years. The Catechism quotes numerous saints and draws extensively from Scripture, showcasing the witness of those who lived out their faith and experienced its transformative power. Bishop Cousins highlights the importance of recognizing the witness factor in the Catechism and how it strengthens the faith of those who study it.
Approaching the Catechism with Trust and Openness
Approaching the Catechism requires an attitude of trust and openness. Bishop Cousins emphasizes that faith is always a relational act, placing trust in the person of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the Church. While doubts are normal, it is through testing the teachings that one discovers their practicality, deeper understanding, and ability to lead to fulfillment. The Catechism invites a trust-based approach to faith rather than a mindset of skepticism, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with God.
"In this special bonus episode, Bishop Andrew Cozzens joins Fr. Mike Schmitz to talk about his role as a bishop of the Catholic Church, his involvement in the Catechism in a Year podcast, and why we can continue to trust in the authority of the Church despite the brokenness of its leaders at times. Bishop Andrew Cozzens is the Bishop of the Diocese of Crookston in northern Minnesota. He currently serves as the chair of the
USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis where he has been tasked by the Bishops with leading a three-year National Eucharistic Revival."
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 complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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