Episode Summary: Day 105 - Christ’s Church and its Mission

Podcast Title: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Host: Ascension
Episode Title: Day 105: Christ’s Church and its Mission
Release Date: April 15, 2025

1. Introduction to Day 105

Fr. Mike Schmitz welcomes listeners to Day 105 of "The Catechism in a Year" podcast. He commends the audience for their dedication and introduces the focus of the day: Paragraphs 748 to 752 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, under Article 9: I Believe in the Holy Catholic Church.

"Today is day 105... chapter 748 to 752 with only five short paragraphs, but we're reading a new section."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:06]

2. Foundation of the Church in Christ and the Holy Spirit

Fr. Mike emphasizes that the Church's mission is rooted in the inseparable missions of Christ and the Holy Spirit. He underscores that Article 9 begins with Christ Jesus as the foundational point for understanding the Church, highlighting that the Church’s essence is entirely dependent on Christ.

"By choosing this starting point, the Council demonstrates that the article of faith about the Church depends entirely on the articles concerning Christ Jesus. So everything the Church goes on to say, the Church has no other light than Christ's."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:06]

He further explains that Paragraph 749 ties the Church’s mission to the Holy Spirit, reinforcing the unity between Christ’s mission and the Spirit’s role.

"The article concerning the Church also depends entirely on the article about the Holy Spirit."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [05:30]

3. The Four Marks of the Church

In Paragraph 750, Fr. Mike explores the four marks of the Church: holy, catholic, one, and apostolic—terms derived from the Nicene Creed. He elaborates on each mark, preparing listeners for a deeper dive into their significance.

"To believe that the Church is holy and Catholic, that she is one and apostolic is inseparable from belief in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [15:20]

4. Etymology and Meaning of 'Church'

Fr. Mike delves into the origins of the word "Church," tracing it back to the Latin "ecclesia" and the Greek "ekklesia", meaning "to call out" or "assembly." He also introduces the Greek term "kyriak," which translates to "what belongs to the Lord," highlighting the Church’s divine ownership.

"The word church designates the liturgical assembly, but also the local community or the whole universal community of believers."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [25:45]

5. The Three Levels of the Church

Explaining Paragraph 752, Fr. Mike outlines the three interconnected levels of the Church:

1. Liturgical Assembly: Gathering for Mass and the Eucharist.
2. Local Community: The diocese comprised of individual parishes.
3. Universal Community: The global body of Christian believers.

"When we use the term church, we're talking about those three levels... they're always all connected."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [35:10]

6. The Holy Spirit and the Church's Holiness

Fr. Mike highlights the role of the Holy Spirit as the source of the Church's holiness. He references Paragraph 749, which states that the Holy Spirit endows the Church with holiness, making it a sacred vessel for God's mission.

"The Holy Spirit is the source and giver of all holiness... he who has endowed the Church with holiness."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [40:00]

7. Belief in God vs. Belief in the Church

A critical distinction is made between believing in God and believing in the Church. Fr. Mike clarifies that while believers profess belief in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, they do not worship the Church itself but recognize it as God’s work.

"We don't believe in the Church in the same way because we don't confuse God with His works."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [50:30]

This distinction ensures that the divine nature of the Church is upheld, despite acknowledging the human imperfections that may sometimes obscure its holiness.

8. Understanding the Church’s Identity and Mission

Fr. Mike reflects on the human aspect of the Church, acknowledging that while the Church is divinely instituted, human shortcomings can cast shadows on its divine mission. He emphasizes the continuous work of the Holy Spirit in guiding and sanctifying the Church despite these challenges.

"Where human beings have shown up, you know, there can be hurt feelings... the broken part doesn't come from God."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [1:00:00]

9. Concluding Reflections and Future Directions

As the episode concludes, Fr. Mike encourages listeners to meditate on their role within the Church and the significance of being part of God's body. He previews the upcoming episodes, which will delve deeper into the symbols and images of the Church, fostering a more profound spiritual connection.

"How is the body that has authority over me, that has authority in my life, how is it going to continue to feed me? How's it going to continue to lead me?"
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [1:15:30]

10. Guided Prayer

The episode begins and ends with a heartfelt prayer led by Fr. Mike, inviting listeners to seek the Holy Spirit's presence in their lives and within the Church.

"Father in heaven, in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray... we praise your name in Jesus' name. Amen."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:20]

Key Takeaways:

• Foundational Belief: The Church’s mission is intrinsically linked to the missions of Christ and the Holy Spirit.
• Four Marks: The Church is holy, catholic, one, and apostolic, embodying key aspects of its identity.
• Etymology: Understanding the meaning of "Church" enhances its spiritual significance.
• Three Levels: The Church operates on liturgical, local, and universal levels, all interconnected.
• Holiness through the Spirit: The Holy Spirit is central to the Church’s sanctity and mission.
• Divine Ownership: The Church belongs to the Lord, distinguishing belief in God from belief in the Church as an institution.
• Human and Divine: Recognizing the interplay between the Church’s divine mission and human imperfections fosters a balanced faith perspective.

Next Episode Preview:

In the upcoming episodes, Fr. Mike will explore the symbols of the Church, enriching listeners' understanding and spiritual practice by engaging with the Church's rich symbolic heritage.

Fr. Mike Schmitz concludes Day 105 with gratitude and blessings, encouraging continued prayer and reflection as listeners deepen their journey through the Catechism.

"I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [1:18:45]

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the Church's identity, mission, and foundational beliefs, making it an essential guide for Catholics seeking to deepen their understanding of their faith and the role of the Church in their lives.