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

Explore the four cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. Discover how these traits lead to a morally good life filled with ease, self-mastery, and joy. Learn the importance of embodying Jesus's love in everyday interactions. The discussion emphasizes the role of education and divine grace in nurturing these virtues, guiding us toward personal growth and moral integrity. Join the journey towards a deeper connection with faith and virtuous living!

Explore the complexities of moral conscience and why it can lead to erroneous judgments. Fr. Mike discusses how habitual sin can cloud our moral vision. He emphasizes the importance of forming a well-informed conscience, which empowers us to make better choices. Tune in for insights on moral development and the significance of understanding right from wrong.

Fr. Mike, an expert on conscience formation, discusses the significance of cultivating a well-formed conscience and intellect. He emphasizes that understanding why something is right or wrong is crucial to moral decision-making. The conversation explores the lifelong journey of conscience formation, highlighting the importance of personal reflection and divine guidance. Fr. Mike also underlines how education and the influence of the Holy Spirit play a pivotal role in discerning moral choices, supporting the idea that conscience should guide us toward inner peace.

Fr. Mike, a trusted guide in moral theology, discusses the nature of our moral conscience and its vital role in discerning right from wrong. He highlights the distinction between conscience and our passions, explaining how the former serves as an internal compass despite the challenges posed by sin. The conversation sheds light on the importance of a well-formed conscience, urging listeners to seek divine guidance through prayer. Fr. Mike's insights deepen our understanding of moral decision-making and the inner voice that leads us toward goodness.

Exploring the morality of passions, the discussion reveals that passions themselves are neutral but can lead to virtue or vice based on our choices. Delving into human psychology, the importance of harmonizing emotions with reason is emphasized. Love is highlighted as a key passion driving moral actions, while the pitfalls of acting solely on emotions are critiqued. The transformative power of aligning passions with Christian teachings is stressed, advocating for a deeper understanding of morality through intellect and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Fr. Mike delves into the intricacies of morality, examining the three sources: the object, intention, and circumstances of human acts. He highlights how a good intention cannot justify an intrinsically evil action. Listeners learn the vital importance of making ethical judgments by considering these elements holistically. The discussion also touches on the moral dilemmas faced by young adults today, urging a deeper understanding of right and wrong in their decision-making processes.

Fr. Mike, a notable figure in Catholic teaching, dives into the profound relationship between human freedom and salvation. He highlights that true freedom is not simply the absence of restrictions but the power to choose what is right. The discussion reveals how moral law brings joy and freedom, while its violation leads to personal enslavement. Fr. Mike emphasizes that divine grace is essential in navigating our choices, encouraging listeners to see their struggles as part of humanity's journey towards redemption.

Discover the profound connection between freedom and responsibility. The discussion highlights that true freedom is rooted in choosing good over evil. It dives into how moral choices and divine will shape human dignity. The podcast emphasizes self-reflection, considering one's intentions and awareness behind decisions. Explore the implications of culpability and how factors like ignorance can affect moral accountability. This thought-provoking dialogue encourages listeners to embrace the responsibility that comes with freedom.

The Beatitudes reveal the core of Jesus' teachings, emphasizing the pursuit of genuine happiness through virtues like humility and mercy. Exploring the paradox of joy found in spiritual wealth over material gain, the discussion highlights our divine calling toward eternal bliss. With insights from St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, listeners are encouraged to prioritize their relationship with God amidst life's distractions. This journey touches on the moral choices necessary for experiencing true fulfillment and the profound significance of collective and personal ambitions toward divine joy.

Explore the profound dignity of humanity, rooted in being made in God's image. The discussion emphasizes how this dignity is maintained through virtue and charity while being compromised by sin. Delve into the gift of free will and the moral responsibility it entails, highlighting the struggle between good and evil. The conversation reassures listeners of the possibility of redemption through faith in Christ, reinforcing the message of inherent value and the call to holiness in every individual.