The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Fr. Mike delves into Jesus' mission to establish the Kingdom of God here on earth. He emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, revealing that everyone, especially the marginalized and lowly, belongs to this kingdom. Listeners are challenged to recognize that entering requires not just words but a commitment of deeds. The discussion also highlights the radical choices necessary for true membership in the Kingdom, urging action and service in alignment with Jesus’ teachings.

Delve into the profound significance of Jesus' baptism and His trials in the desert. Discover how these events not only reveal His role as the sinless Messiah but also symbolize His obedience and acceptance of divine purpose. Fr. Mike highlights the parallels between Jesus' temptations and those faced by Adam, showcasing how faithfulness to God conquers evil. This exploration encourages listeners to embrace their own journey of obedience to participate in Christ’s victory.

Discover the key moments of Jesus’ early life, from his miraculous circumcision to the awe of the Epiphany. Unpack how these events reveal the universal nature of salvation. Delve into the hidden years of Jesus, where his obedience to his earthly parents offers a profound lesson for us all. The podcast highlights the significance of his ordinary life in Nazareth, showcasing how these formative experiences shape his future mission and our spiritual journeys.

Diving deeper into Jesus Christ as Mystery, the Catechism describes the deep mystery in the preparations for Christ’s coming—also known as Advent—as well as the mystery of his first coming in Christmas. Fr. Mike points to one of the last sentences of today’s readings—”Only when Christ is formed in us will the mystery of Christmas be fulfilled in us”—and reminds us that Jesus is the star of the story, not us. Our goal is to become children in relation to God. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 522-526. 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.

Dive into the mystique of Christ's life, where the beauty lies in mystery rather than mere knowledge. Explore how revelation, redemption, and recapitulation shape our understanding of divine love. Reflect on the hidden and public aspects of Jesus' journey, urging personal connection to these spiritual mysteries. Also, discover how Christ's life serves as a guide for emulating His qualities. The significance of salvation is discussed as a transformative process, particularly during the meaningful season of Advent.

Discover the intriguing reasons behind Mary's perpetual virginity and their spiritual significance. Explore how her role as a mother fits into God's grand redemptive plan. Fr. Mike emphasizes the relationship between Mary, Jesus, and the Church, shedding light on her faith and obedience. This insightful conversation invites listeners to deepen their understanding of their spiritual motherhood.

Dive into the fascinating mysteries of Mary's virginity and her role as the Mother of God. Discover the theological significance behind her unique status in the Incarnation of Jesus. Fr. Mike clarifies common misunderstandings about her perpetual virginity and the meaning of 'brothers and sisters' in Scripture. This enlightening discussion encourages a deeper appreciation for faith and the Blessed Mother.

The Catechism introduces us to Mary’s Immaculate Conception and explains why God preserved her “immune from all stain of original sin.” Fr. Mike answers a common question asked in response to this revelation: “Why didn’t God just preserve us all from original sin?” His answer might surprise you. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 490-494. 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.

Fr. Mike helps us to understand Mary’s role in the history of salvation. Through her belief and obedience, Mary becomes the Mother of God, and she cooperates in the redemption of the entire world. God’s glory is manifested when he uses weak and powerless people to show forth his faithfulness. What we believe about Mary is based on what we believe about Christ, and what the Church teaches about Mary illuminates our faith in Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 484-489. 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.

We learn more about Jesus Christ’s nature as fully God and fully human. Because he was fully human, “like us in all things but sin,” Jesus had a human will that was perfectly aligned with the will of God the Father, a human body that can be seen and venerated, and a human heart with which he loves us. Fr. Mike sums up the teachings in recent readings by reviewing that the Incarnation is the mystery of the union of the divine and human natures in the one person of the Word. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 475-483. 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.