The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 213: Bishops and the Episcopacy (2025)
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Aug 1, 2025 Delve into the sacrament of Holy Orders, focusing on the essential role of bishops in the Church. Learn about their unique participation in Christ’s high priesthood and the significance of episcopal consecration. Discover how bishops maintain unity within the Church and their vital responsibilities towards the faithful. This exploration highlights the hierarchical structure of ministry and the spiritual weight that comes with shepherding souls, urging listeners to support these leaders in their mission.
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Three Degrees of Holy Orders
- The Holy Orders has three degrees: episcopacy (bishops), presbyterate (priests), and diaconate (deacons).
- Bishops represent the fullness of priesthood and maintain apostolic succession dating back to the apostles.
Bishops as Christ's Representatives
- Episcopal consecration confers sanctifying, teaching, and ruling offices to bishops.
- Bishops act visibly as Christ's representatives, teacher, shepherd, and priest in the Church.
Apostolic Lineage of Bishops
- Father Mike shares the early Church lineage: St. Ignatius of Antioch was taught by St. Polycarp, who was taught by St. John the Evangelist.
- This illustrates the unbroken apostolic succession that underpins the episcopacy today.