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

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.

Exploration of Jesus' title as 'The Lord' and its significance in honoring Him as God; delves into the origin of the name in Scripture and its implications for personal relationship with God. Discusses surrendering to Jesus as the ultimate Lord, acknowledging His divine sovereignty over all aspects of life. Emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus as the Son of God and embracing Him as the ultimate authority for true Christian faith.

As we continue to learn about the name of Jesus and the titles given to him, we encounter in today’s readings the unique title that belongs to Jesus as the only “Son of God.” Fr. Mike clarifies how this title is different from the term “son of God” found in the Old Testament and explains the meaning of Jesus’ Divine Sonship. Lastly, Fr. Mike encourages us to profess with our lips and our lives this beautiful reality that Jesus is truly the only begotten Son of God. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 441-445. 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.

Exploring the meaning behind the title 'Christ' and Jesus' three-fold ministry as Messiah. Understanding the significance of Jesus as king, priest, and prophet, and how we can participate in his ministry. Delving into the deep connection between Jesus, Israel's history, and the Old Testament. Unveiling the profound theological concept of Jesus as the anointed one and the unity of the Trinity in his messianic identity. Reflecting on the paradoxical nature of Jesus as the Christ and the role of suffering in his redemptive mission.

Exploring the profound significance of the name 'Jesus' in Christian faith, its dual nature as fully God and man. Discussing the reverence and misuse of His name, emphasizing divine power and salvation. Highlighting the importance of invoking 'Jesus' in prayer and spiritual battles, leading to salvation and deepening spiritual connection.

Fr. Mike emphasizes that God did not have to do anything for us after the Fall, yet he sent us his only Son, and through his Son, we have received grace upon grace. We learn that the transmission of the Christian faith consists of proclaiming Jesus Christ to lead others to faith in him. If we are called to teach him, we must first have a relationship with him. Just as the Apostles burned with a desire to spread the Good News, we too are called to catechize and deliver the word of Christ as his spokesmen on Earth. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 422-429. 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 have arrived at the “nugget day” or the In Brief for the sections on The Father and Original Sin. Fr. Mike reiterates the important idea that every human person is good, but every human person is also broken. This brokenness and inclination towards sin is called concupiscence. However, as St. Paul reminds us “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20). Fr. Mike concludes with the sentiment of hope that we believe that the world has been established and set free by God’s love. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 413-421. 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 explores the hard battle which each and every one of us must face, the battle with sin. Together, we examine the mystery of us being both free and under the power of the Devil. Fr. Mike emphasizes that if we are unaware of our wounded nature, it can lead to grave errors in our own lives. If we have an attitude that, “since I’m made good, then everything I’m drawn to must be good,” we can fall into temptation and evil. We conclude on a hopeful note; however, that even after we sinned, God did not abandon us to the “domain of death,” and with God’s grace, evil will never have the last word. Today’s readings are Catechism Paragraphs 407-412. 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 examines the consequences of the sin of our first parents, Adam and Eve. He discusses that even though they committed a personal sin, it affected all of human nature. As Fr. Mike states, “Original sin broke the world.” Additionally, we explore the idea that although we are good, we are still broken. Fr. Mike also discusses how each and every one of us has an inclination towards evil and sin known as concupiscence. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 402-406. 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.