Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 24: Unity of Faith (2025)
Release Date: January 24, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Produced by: Ascension
Introduction
In Day 24 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound themes of unity and the language of faith as articulated in paragraphs 170 to 175 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode explores how the Catholic faith maintains a singular, unified belief system despite diverse languages and cultures worldwide. Fr. Mike emphasizes the indispensable role of the Church in preserving and conveying the faith through sacred traditions and doctrinal formulations.
Reading and Initial Reflection
Fr. Mike begins the episode by referencing the Ascension edition of the Catechism, highlighting the Foundations of Faith approach that facilitates understanding through a color-coded structure. He shares his excitement about transitioning into section two of the catechism, which focuses on the Creed and its significance.
Key Topics Discussed
1. Language of Faith
Fr. Mike underscores the distinction between believing in the formulations of faith and believing in the realities they express. He cites Paragraph 170, stating:
"We do not believe in formulas, but in those realities they express, which faith allows us to touch." [04:30]
He elaborates on this by explaining that while Christians recite creeds like the Nicene and Apostles' Creeds, their true belief lies in the divine realities these words convey, such as the existence of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The formulations serve as essential tools to articulate and preserve the profound mysteries of the faith, preventing doctrinal errors and fostering deeper understanding.
2. Unity of Faith
Central to the episode is the concept of unity in Christianity. Fr. Mike highlights that despite the multitude of Christian denominations and cultural expressions, there exists only one true faith. He references Paragraphs 170-175, emphasizing that the Catholic Church maintains a unified belief system handed down from the apostles:
"Only One Faith through the centuries, in so many languages, cultures, peoples and nations, the Church has constantly confessed this one faith received from the one Lord, transmitted by one baptism and grounded in the conviction that all people have only one God and Father." [12:15]
Fr. Mike references Saint Irenaeus of Lyon to illustrate the historical continuity and unity of the Church. Irenaeus asserted that despite linguistic and cultural differences, the essence of the faith remains consistent worldwide.
3. Role of the Church
Fr. Mike emphasizes the Church's role as the pillar and bulwark of truth, guarding the faith entrusted to it by Christ. This custodial responsibility ensures the transmission of authentic doctrine and the preservation of Christ's teachings across generations. He highlights how the Church acts as a mother, nurturing believers' understanding and facilitating their spiritual growth.
4. Apostolic Succession
A crucial aspect discussed is apostolic succession, the unbroken line of ordination from the apostles to current Church leaders. Fr. Mike traces this lineage through Saint Irenaeus, who was ordained by Polycarp, a disciple of John the Apostle. This historical continuity reinforces the Church's authority and the validity of its teachings.
"Saint Irenaeus of Leone... was himself ordained by Polycarp, who was himself ordained by John the Apostle, who himself was ordained by Jesus Christ." [22:45]
Notable Quotes
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Fr. Mike Schmitz on Formulations and Realities
"We do not believe in formulas, but in those realities they express, which faith allows us to touch." [04:30] -
Saint Irenaeus on Unity
"For though languages differ throughout the world, the content of their tradition is one and the same... one united faith, one church." [15:50] -
Fr. Mike Schmitz on the Church's Role
"The Church faithfully guards the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints... teaches us the language of faith in order to introduce us to the understanding and life of faith." [18:10]
Insights and Reflections
Fr. Mike shares personal reflections on the importance of distinguishing between faith formulations and the divine realities they represent. He acknowledges that while formulations like the Nicene Creed are essential for expressing and preserving faith, believers must strive to comprehend and live out the underlying truths. This balance ensures that faith remains both intellectually robust and spiritually vibrant.
He also touches upon the necessity of ongoing renewal and conversion, encouraging listeners to continually seek deeper understanding and a more profound relationship with God. This perpetual journey of faith requires humility and openness to the Church's guidance.
Conclusion
Day 24 of The Catechism in a Year podcast by Fr. Mike Schmitz offers a comprehensive exploration of the unity of faith and the language used to express Catholic beliefs. By dissecting paragraphs 170 to 175, Fr. Mike elucidates how the Church maintains a singular, unified doctrine amidst global diversity through sacred formulations and apostolic succession. He invites listeners to embrace the truths these formulations convey, fostering a deeper, more unified faith experience.
Fr. Mike closes with a heartfelt prayer, urging believers to seek renewal and deeper understanding through the Church's teachings, thereby strengthening their bond with God and the wider Christian community.
"Help us today not just so I can know more about you, but that in knowing you I can love you better, I can follow you better... I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless." [30:05]
Join us tomorrow for Day 25, where Fr. Mike will continue our journey through the Catechism, delving deeper into the foundational aspects of the Catholic faith.