Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 113 – The Temple of the Holy Spirit
Release Date: April 23, 2025
Introduction
In Day 113 of Ascension's The Catechism in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz delves into paragraphs 797 to 810 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Titled "The Temple of the Holy Spirit," this episode explores the profound relationship between the Holy Spirit and the Church, emphasizing the unity and diverse gifts that contribute to the vitality of the Catholic faith.
The Church as the Temple of the Holy Spirit
Father Schmitz begins by highlighting the central theme of the episode: the Church as the temple of the Holy Spirit. He underscores the unity between the missions of the Son and the Holy Spirit, stating:
"The Son's mission and the Spirit's mission are the same mission." (00:05)
He explains that just as the soul unites the human body, the Holy Spirit unites the diverse members of the Church, making it a living temple:
"What the soul is to the human body, the Holy Spirit is to the body of Christ, which is the Church." (10:45)
This analogy emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is not only the soul of individual believers but also the binding force that unites the entire Church.
Role and Actions of the Holy Spirit
Delving deeper into paragraph 798, Fr. Schmitz elucidates the multifaceted role of the Holy Spirit within the Church. He describes the Holy Spirit as the "principle of every vital and truly saving action in each part of the body," highlighting the Spirit's foundational role in sustaining the Church's life and mission.
He breaks down the ways the Holy Spirit builds up the Church:
- By God's Word: The Holy Spirit utilizes Scripture to nurture and guide the faithful.
- Through Baptism: Baptism forms individuals into Christ's body, initiating them into the Church.
- Via the Sacraments: The sacraments promote growth and healing within the Church community.
- By the Grace of the Apostles: This grace emphasizes governance, teaching, and sanctification, maintaining the Church's structure and mission.
- Through Virtues: Virtues, empowered by the Holy Spirit, enable believers to act according to what is good.
- Through Charisms: Special graces called charisms equip the faithful to undertake various tasks and roles for the Church's renewal and building up.
Fr. Schmitz reflects personally on the necessity of the Holy Spirit in evangelization and mission work:
"We need the Holy Spirit. In that case, we need the Holy Spirit." (30:20)
He recounts initiating prayer retreats to specifically invite the Holy Spirit, recognizing that both Christ and the Holy Spirit are indispensable for effective ministry.
Understanding Charisms
A significant portion of the episode focuses on charisms—the special graces given by the Holy Spirit to individuals for the edification of the Church. Fr. Schmitz articulates the purpose and nature of charisms, emphasizing their role as "kingdom gifts" meant not for personal glory but for the collective good.
He explains:
"Charisms...are ordered as they are to building up the church for the good of people around the world and for the needs of the world." (50:10)
Charisms can range from extraordinary gifts like healing and miracle-working to simple and humble ones such as administration, hospitality, writing, teaching, and counsel. Fr. Schmitz encourages believers to recognize and utilize their charisms, regardless of their nature, as integral contributions to the Church's mission.
Acceptance and Discernment of Charisms
Father Schmitz stresses the importance of accepting charisms with gratitude and discernment. He advises that:
"Charisms are to be accepted with gratitude by the person who received them and by all members of the Church as well." (65:15)
He cautions against envy or jealousy over others' gifts, reminding listeners that every charism is essential for the Church's harmony and effectiveness. Fr. Schmitz references St. Paul to illustrate the interconnectedness of all members within the Church body:
"Can the eye say to the foot, I don't need you?" (70:30)
Moreover, he underscores the necessity of submitting charisms to the Church's authority for proper discernment and guidance. This ensures that all gifts are genuine and used appropriately, fostering unity and preventing misuse:
"Their office is not indeed to extinguish the Spirit, but to test all things and hold fast to what is good." (80:05)
Fr. Schmitz concludes this section with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to seek and embrace their charisms while humbly submitting them to the Church's leadership.
Summary of Key Points
At the end of the reading, Father Schmitz offers concise "in brief" summaries that encapsulate the core teachings of the paragraphs studied:
- Christ's Self-Giving: Christ Jesus gave Himself to redeem humanity and purify His people.
- The Church as God's People: Baptism incorporates individuals into the new people of God, forming one family and one people under Christ.
- Unity and Diversity: The Church, as the body of Christ, embodies both unity and diversity, with each member playing a unique role.
- The Holy Spirit's Role: The Holy Spirit is the soul of the Church, ensuring its life, unity, and the distribution of charisms for its growth and holiness.
Conclusion and Prayer
Fr. Schmitz wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of the Holy Spirit in maintaining the Church's life and mission. He invites listeners to pray for the revelation and proper use of their charisms, fostering a spirit of humility and cooperation within the Church community.
"I'm praying for you. I'm praying that God just reveals the charisms he's given to you and also gives you a chance, gives you an opportunity to use those charisms." (110:50)
He concludes with a blessing, encouraging continued engagement and growth in understanding the Catholic faith through the Catechism.
Final Thoughts
Day 113 of The Catechism in a Year offers a profound exploration of the Holy Spirit's role in the Church, emphasizing unity, the diversity of gifts, and the importance of discernment. Father Mike Schmitz effectively bridges theological concepts with practical applications, inspiring listeners to recognize and utilize their unique charisms for the greater good of the Catholic community and the world.
Notable Quotes:
- Father Mike Schmitz (00:05): "The Son's mission and the Spirit's mission are the same mission."
- Father Mike Schmitz (10:45): "What the soul is to the human body, the Holy Spirit is to the body of Christ, which is the Church."
- Father Mike Schmitz (30:20): "We need the Holy Spirit. In that case, we need the Holy Spirit."
- Father Mike Schmitz (50:10): "Charisms...are ordered as they are to building up the church for the good of people around the world and for the needs of the world."
- Father Mike Schmitz (65:15): "Charisms are to be accepted with gratitude by the person who received them and by all members of the Church as well."
- Father Mike Schmitz (70:30): "Can the eye say to the foot, I don't need you?"
- Father Mike Schmitz (80:05): "Their office is not indeed to extinguish the Spirit, but to test all things and hold fast to what is good."
- Father Mike Schmitz (110:50): "I'm praying for you. I'm praying that God just reveals the charisms he's given to you and also gives you a chance, gives you an opportunity to use those charisms."
Resources Mentioned:
- The Catechism of the Catholic Church (Ascension edition)
- Ascension's Foundations of Faith approach
- Ascension Press – Catechism in a Year Reading Plan
Prayer
Father Schmitz leads the listeners in a guided prayer at the beginning of the episode, inviting God's Holy Spirit to dwell within them and inspire their actions:
"Father in heaven, we thank you, we give you praise...Send your Holy Spirit into our lives...Pour out your spirit of love in our hearts so that we can be your love in this world...In Jesus' name we pray. Amen."
Endnote
Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the podcast for daily updates and to participate actively in the reading plan to fully grasp the essence of being Catholic as articulated in the Catechism.