Fr. Mike

Part 2 of the Catechism—the Second Pillar—is about “how we worship” through the Liturgy and the sacraments. Fr. Mike sits down with Bishop Andrew Cozzens to discuss the significance of the way we worship God and how Jesus meets us in the sacraments. 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. 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.

Together, with Fr. Mike, we explore Christ’s reign on earth. We examine the reality of Christ’s reign as both “already” and “not yet.” For, even though Christ reigns on earth, we are still waiting for the fulfillment of his kingdom. Because, while the Church is Christ’s kingdom on earth, it is endowed with a “sanctity that is real but imperfect.” Fr. Mike also reiterates that Jesus Christ is truly the fulfillment of every promise made to Israel in the Old Testament. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 668-674. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy If you have found this podcast to be helpful in your faith life and would like to help us continue bringing this Catholic media to as many people as possible, please consider making an ongoing financial gift at ascensionpress.com/support. Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 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.

Together, with Fr. Mike, we explore the nature of God as Almighty. Fr. Mike discusses three important points to keep in mind about the reality of God’s power. The first is that God’s power is universal. God rules over everything; it is an infinite power. He is loving, he adopts us as his sons and daughters and shows us his mercy. Fr. Mike concludes with a reflection on God’s mysterious power in relation to the reality of the problem of evil and suffering in our world. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 268-278. 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. 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.

Fr. Mike, Catholic priest, discusses the grave sins of polygamy, incest, sexual abuse, and free union, emphasizing that God gives hope to those experiencing wounds or guilt. Topics discussed include the contradiction of polygamy to the moral law and God's plan, the condemnation of incestuous relationships, the challenges faced by those wanting to become Catholic but required to repudiate multiple spouses, the negative effects of divorce and cohabitation, and the importance of commitment and love in marriage.

Together with Fr. Mike, we unpack the joint mission of God’s Word and the Spirit in the Old and New Testaments. Fr. Mike emphasizes the Spirit’s role in creation, the theophanies, and the Law. We conclude today’s reflection with an examination of the prefiguration of the Church in the exile of the people of God in the Old Testament. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 702-710. 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. 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.

Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the wounds to the unity of Christ’s one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic Church. The Catechism emphasizes that people on both sides of this division are to blame for this broken unity. God did not intend for the disunity of Christians that we see today, but rather, intended for the unity of all Christians. Fr. Mike, therefore, concludes with asking us to pray and hope for the miracle of the unity, once again, of all Christians. Today’s readings from the Catechism are paragraphs 817-822. 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. 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.

Fr. Mike, a captivating speaker and theologian, delves into the Christian understanding of the body and soul, referencing St. John Paul II's insights. He discusses how society often swings between neglecting the body and idolizing it, while Christianity promotes a balanced view. Fr. Mike emphasizes that our bodies, though important and worthy of care, should not define our purpose. This profound perspective invites listeners to respect their bodies as part of a greater spiritual journey, encouraging deeper exploration of the Theology of the Body.

Fr. Mike, a compassionate guide on navigating grief, shares invaluable insights on coping with major losses. He introduces the '4 Rs: Restore, Replace, Redesign, Relinquish,' breaking down how each response can aid healing. Listeners learn that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to grief, encouraging them to choose what resonates with their situation. With thoughtful reflections, Fr. Mike illuminates the emotional complexities of loss and personal adaptation, offering a roadmap to finding peace in difficult times.

Fr. Mike, a Catholic priest, delves into the role of the Catholic Church as a mediator between individuals and Jesus, emphasizing the importance of the Church in connecting believers to God through various means such as intercessory prayer and confession.

Fr. Mike discusses the importance of the liturgy in encountering God's grace. The podcast explores the significance of liturgy in expressing the mystery of Christ and engaging in transformative acts of redemption. Listeners are urged to actively participate in liturgical activities for sanctification and reconciliation.