Catholic Answers Live #12466 Why Do We Need the Apostles, Mary, and the Saints? – Why Aren’t You Catholic? - Joe Heschmeyer
Nov 20, 2025
Joe Heschmeyer, a staff apologist and author, dives into essential questions about the apostles, Mary, and the saints. He discusses why Jesus chose apostles for Church authority and how this structure safeguards doctrine. Heschmeyer clarifies that while devotion to Mary and the saints is encouraged, it's not a substitute for a relationship with Jesus. He also provides insights on responding to church scandals, the biblical basis for Church authority, and the significance of communal confession, offering a comprehensive view of Catholic practice.
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Apostles Establish Top-Down Church Authority
- Jesus appointed the Twelve so leadership would be top-down, not congregational, reflecting God's family structure.
- Joe Heschmeyer argues this protects the Church from being swayed by every wind of doctrine and popular error.
Don't Replace Prayer To Jesus With Saints
- Do not treat devotion to Mary and the saints as a replacement for going directly to Jesus.
- Joe Heschmeyer explains the Church encourages Marian devotion but forbids exaggerations like redirecting all minor prayers away from Christ.
Religion As Covenant, Not Roadblock
- Religion, in the biblical sense, is covenantal structure for our relationship with God, not a barrier to intimacy.
- Joe links covenant and the Eucharist as the linchpin showing how relationship and ritual form a healthy bond with Christ.
