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

The podcast discusses the importance of the Church's law, the five precepts of the Church, and the need for teachability and humility in observing these precepts. It also highlights the significance of learning from and supporting one another in the Church, with examples from Saint Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II. The episode emphasizes the importance of the five precepts as the minimum requirements for Catholics to live spiritually.

"The Church must both console and convict," says Fr. Mike in this episode. The Church plays the roles of mother and teacher, providing moral guidance and passing down authentic Christian moral teaching. The Church is the source of Scripture, tradition, sacraments, and saints as examples of holiness. The moral life is a form of spiritual worship and the Church has authority in teaching and judgment. The Magisterium proclaims people's true identity before God through words of both consolation and conviction."

This podcast explores the topics of salvation, grace, faith, free will, merit, and Christian holiness. It emphasizes the importance of responding to God's grace and living out our faith through love. The concept of grace in Catholic theology is discussed, along with the role of grace in responding to one's vocation. The work of God's mercy and the interaction with human freedom are explored, highlighting the freeing power of grace. The longing of the human heart for God's plan and the role of God's grace in perfecting human freedom are also discussed. The concept of man's merit being derived from God and the importance of love as the principal source of merit are emphasized.

This podcast explores the universal call to holiness and the role of God's grace in achieving it. It emphasizes that everyone is called to live a full Christian life and strive for perfection in charity. The significance of starting fresh regardless of setbacks and praying for the grace of final perseverance is also discussed.

Exploring the concept of merit in relation to God and how merit is bestowed by God's grace. The role of God's grace in our lives and the collaboration between divine goodness and our good works. Reflecting on St. Thérèse of Lisieux's journey towards humility and the recognition of everything as a gift from God.

Delve deeper into the concept of grace and its significance. Explore the free response demanded from humans by God. Reflect on God's grace and blessings in our lives. Explore the manifestation of grace through faith. Discover the unique expressions of grace and the importance of trusting in God's knowledge.

Exploring the concept of grace, the podcast discusses habitual and actual grace, and the role of prevenient grace. They emphasize that God is the initiator of all our spiritual efforts and that grace helps us achieve our supernatural vocation to eternal life. The podcast also highlights how grace is a participation in the life of God, emphasizing the importance of sanctifying grace in transforming and perfecting our souls. They reflect on God's work in us and tease future episodes on different kinds of grace and merit.

This episode explores the concept of justification and grace, discussing their transformative power in cleansing individuals from sins and renewing the interior person. It emphasizes our active role in receiving God's grace and the importance of living in obedience to God's will. The episode also highlights the tangible experiences of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in the sanctification of one's whole being through justification.

Fr. Mike reviews the significant takeaways about the moral law from the Catechism. The moral law is a 'fatherly instruction by God,' rooted in love and focused on our joy and flourishing. The podcast discusses the nature and purpose of law according to Scripture, the relationship between law and religion, and the significance of following God's commands for freedom and joy in our lives.

In this podcast, Father Mike Schmitz discusses the New Commandment and the law of love, grace, and freedom in the Christian faith. He explores the addition of moral teachings to the Sermon on the Mount, the importance of gratitude, and the concept of sanctity. The podcast highlights the call to love one another as Jesus loved us and the role of prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and seeking God's help in living according to His commandments.