The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) BONUS: How Do We Trust in Church Authority? (with Bishop Cozzens)
Dec 31, 2025
Bishop Andrew Cozzens, the Bishop of Crookston and chair of the USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, discusses his journey and role in the Church. He emphasizes why trust in Church authority remains vital, despite leadership flaws. The conversation delves into the Catechism's impact on faith, describing it as both a prayerful guide and a source of beauty. Bishop Cozzens highlights the importance of tradition, the nature of faith as relational trust, and the role of the Church in evangelization, encouraging a deeper engagement with the Catechism.
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Early Seminary Encounter With The Catechism
- Bishop Andrew Cozzens recounts discovering the catechism in seminary and devouring it with fellow seminarians.
- That early encounter shaped his vocation and led him to teach sacraments and pursue a doctorate in theology.
Authority Comes From Christ, Not Individuals
- Church authority flows from Jesus Christ and exists to preserve revelation essential for salvation.
- Infallibility is the Holy Spirit's protection of revealed truth, not a guarantee that every statement by leaders is error-free.
Authority Enables Saving Obedience
- Authority enables obedient response, which participates in Christ's saving obedience.
- Obedience to truth unites believers to Jesus and advances salvation in personal life.