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

Exploring the deep mystery of Christ's coming in Advent and Christmas, emphasizing the need for Christ to be formed in us. Discussing the humility of Jesus' birth and the importance of becoming children in relation to God. Reflecting on the significance of Christ being the center of our lives and the continuous journey of preparing for His presence.

Exploring the enigmatic facets of Christ's life, focusing on the various mysteries surrounding His existence. Emphasizing Christ as a revelation of the Father, a model for believers, and an instrument of redemption. Diving into the profound roles of Mary and Joseph in His upbringing. Signifying his divine mystery, revealing the fullness of deity dwelling in him.

Exploring the theological basis for Mary's perpetual virginity and its connection to the incarnation of Jesus. Emphasizing Mary's crucial role as a virgin and mother in God's divine plan. Delving into the profound significance of Mary's virginal motherhood and her portrayal of ideal faith and obedience. Highlighting Mary's role in God's saving plan as the mother of Christ through the Holy Spirit. Discussing the deep connection between Mary and the Church as vessels of the Holy Spirit.

The podcast explores the theological significance of Mary as the mother of God, her virginal conception of Jesus, and her perpetual virginity. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of our Faith in understanding our Blessed Mother correctly. The episode delves into the belief in Mary's perpetual virginity and clarifies the misconception about Jesus' siblings being close relatives, not biological siblings.

Exploring the Immaculate Conception of Mary and why she was preserved from original sin, contrasting with Adam and Eve's fall. Fr. Mike surprises with his answer to why God didn't preserve everyone. The significance of Mary's role in redemption and her obedience compared to Eve. Delving into why the Immaculate Conception was necessary for Mary as the new Eve. Embracing God's call and grace in fulfilling unique vocations, drawing parallels with Mary's mission.

Explore Mary's pivotal role in salvation history, from being the Mother of God to cooperating in the redemption of the world. Understand the interconnectedness between beliefs about Mary and Christ, emphasizing her predestination and free choice to say 'yes' to God. Delve into the parallels between Mary and Eve in redemption, highlighting her immaculate conception and critical role in bringing freedom. Discover how doctrines about Mary ultimately direct attention to Jesus and her vital role in the salvation narrative.

Discover the mystery of the Incarnation, where Jesus is fully God and fully human. Learn about his human will aligned with God, his visible body, and loving heart. Explore themes of salvation, divine love, and the unity of human and divine nature in Jesus.

In this podcast, Fr. Mike discusses the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ, highlighting how Jesus truly became like us in all things but sin. He explains that Jesus possessed a human soul, intellect, will, and body while retaining his divinity. The episode explores the mystery of Christ's true humanity and divinity, emphasizing his unique unity within the Trinity. Fr. Mike also reflects on God's foreknowledge of suffering and love for humanity displayed through Jesus' sacrifice.

Exploring the truth that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, the podcast discusses heresies that denied his humanity, affirmed Mary as the Mother of God, and emphasized his dual nature. The importance of Jesus being both God and man is highlighted, along with the significance of his unique identity for redemption.

Exploring the reasons behind the Incarnation, understanding God's love, serving as a model of holiness, and becoming partakers of the divine nature. Belief in the Incarnation as a distinctive sign of Christian faith. Reflections on becoming a new creation through baptism and sharing in divine nature, emphasizing God's love and community significance.