Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 117: The Church Is Catholic

Release Date: April 27, 2025
Episode: Day 117
Reading: Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraphs 830–838
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Publisher: Ascension

Introduction to the Episode and Topic

In Day 117 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound topic of "The Church Is Catholic," based on paragraphs 830 to 838 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode explores the meaning of Catholicity, the structure of the Church, and the encompassing nature of its mission.

Understanding 'Catholic' – The Universal Church

Fr. Mike begins by unpacking the term "Catholic," highlighting its meaning as "universal." He elucidates that the Catholic Church is universal in two primary senses:

1. Fulfillment of Christ’s Presence:
   The Church embodies the fullness of Christ's presence, offering complete means of salvation. This includes a correct and comprehensive profession of faith, full sacramental life, and ordained ministry in apostolic succession.

   “In her subsists the fullness of Christ's body united with its head.”
   — Father Mike Schmitz [04:10]

2. Mission to the World:
   The Church is tasked with a mission to spread the Gospel to the entire human race, ensuring that God's design for unity and salvation is fulfilled globally.

   “The character of universality which adorns the people of God is a gift from the Lord himself.”
   — Father Mike Schmitz [16:45]

These dual aspects underscore the Church’s role as both the bearer of divine truth and the missionary arm reaching out to all humanity.

The Structure of the Catholic Church – Particular Churches

Fr. Mike transitions to discussing the organizational structure of the Catholic Church, focusing on the concept of "particular churches."

1. Definition of Particular Church:
   A "particular church" primarily refers to a diocese or eparchy—a community of the faithful united in faith and sacraments under a bishop ordained in apostolic succession.

   “The phrase 'particular church' refers to a community of the Christian faithful in communion of faith and sacraments with their bishop ordained in apostolic succession.”
   — Father Mike Schmitz [12:30]

2. Communion with the Church of Rome:
   Each particular church maintains its Catholicity through communion with the Church of Rome, led by the Pope. This connection emphasizes unity and consistency in doctrine and practice across all dioceses.

   “Each particular church is Catholic through their communion with one of them, the Church of Rome, which presides in charity.”
   — Father Mike Schmitz [19:00]

3. Historical Foundations:
   Fr. Mike references early Church Fathers like St. Ignatius of Antioch and St. Irenaeus of Lyon to illustrate the longstanding tradition of communion with Rome, emphasizing the historical continuity of the Catholic Church’s structure.

   “From the very beginning, the Christians understood that they were united with the Church in Rome.”
   — Father Mike Schmitz [14:50]

Who Belongs to the Catholic Church?

A central question addressed is, "Who belongs to the Catholic Church?" Fr. Mike outlines three distinct groups:

1. The Catholic Faithful:
   Individuals fully incorporated into the Church, embracing all sacraments, and adhering to the profession of faith.

   “Those who possess the Spirit of Christ and accept all the means of salvation given to the Church are fully incorporated into the society of the Church.”
   — Father Mike Schmitz [22:15]

2. Others Who Believe in Christ:
   Christians who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized but do not fully profess the Catholic faith or maintain communion with the Church of Rome. This includes members of Orthodox Churches, who share a profound communion with the Catholic Church.

   “Those who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are in a certain, though imperfect communion with the Catholic Church.”
   — Father Mike Schmitz [28:30]

3. All Mankind Called by God’s Grace:
   Every person is called to belong to the Catholic Church in different ways, emphasizing the universal call to salvation and participation in God's plan.

   “All men are called to this Catholic unity of the people of God.”
   — Father Mike Schmitz [25:00]

Fr. Mike emphasizes the necessity of perseverance in charity for salvation, highlighting that mere membership is insufficient without an enduring commitment to love and faith.

“One who does not persevere in charity is not saved. He remains indeed in the bosom of the Church, but in body, not in heart.”
— Father Mike Schmitz [31:45]

Key Insights and Reflections

Fr. Mike reflects on the inclusivity of the Catholic Church, countering common misconceptions about exclusivity based on ethnicity, language, or past brokenness. He underscores that the Church's catholicity ensures that everyone is invited and belongs.

• Fullness of Means of Salvation:
  The Catholic Church offers the complete array of sacraments and a thorough profession of faith, providing all necessary tools for spiritual growth and salvation.

  “Do you want to have access to God's grace that he's given to us through the sacraments?”
  — Father Mike Schmitz [21:10]

• Missionary Impulse:
  The Church's mission to reach every corner of the world reflects its universal nature and God's desire for all humanity to embrace His grace fully.

  “There is no one who doesn't belong in the Catholic Church.”
  — Father Mike Schmitz [26:20]

• Unity Amid Diversity:
  While the Church embraces a rich diversity of rites and cultural expressions, it maintains unity under the leadership of the Pope and the bishops, showcasing the depth of its catholicity.

  “The rich variety of ecclesiastical disciplines... shows all the more resplendently the catholicity of the undivided Church.”
  — Father Mike Schmitz [18:50]

Notable Quotes

• Definition of Catholicity:

  “The Church is Catholic in two senses. First, the Church is Catholic because Christ is present in her... Secondly, the Church is Catholic because she has been sent out by Christ on a mission to the whole of the human race.”
  — Father Mike Schmitz [09:15]

• On Communion with Rome:

  “The Church in Rome presides in charity... the whole Church must necessarily be in accord.”
  — Father Mike Schmitz [17:35]

• Inclusivity of the Church:

  “The Church is Catholic because everyone belongs there. There’s no background, no ethnicity, no language barrier that excludes anyone.”
  — Father Mike Schmitz [27:50]

Conclusion

Day 117 of The Catechism in a Year offers a comprehensive exploration of the Catholic Church's universal nature. Fr. Mike Schmitz adeptly breaks down complex theological concepts, making the Catechism accessible and engaging. By emphasizing both the fullness of the means of salvation within the Church and its universal mission, he invites listeners to appreciate the depth and breadth of Catholic catholicity.

Fr. Mike concludes with a heartfelt prayer, reinforcing the episode's themes and encouraging listeners to embrace their place within the universal Church.

“God longs for us to have the fullness of his grace. God longs for us to say, to be able to say fully yes to him in all that he's revealed about Himself.”
— Father Mike Schmitz [35:20]

Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of the Catholic Church and the universal mission it carries forward.

Looking Ahead

In the next episode, Fr. Mike will continue to unpack the Catechism, addressing the Church's relationship with non-Christians, including Jews, Muslims, and adherents of other religions, further expanding on the Catholic Church's role in the broader religious landscape.

Additional Resources

• Download Your Reading Plan: Visit ascensionpress.com/ciy to download your free Catechism in a Year reading plan.
• Subscribe for Daily Updates: Click Follow or Subscribe on your preferred podcast app to receive daily notifications and stay on track with your reading.

Prayer from Fr. Mike Schmitz

“Father in heaven, we thank you. We thank you and give you praise. We thank you for the gift of faith and hope and love. We ask you to please increase our faith so that we can trust you all the more. Not only trust what you have done, but also trust what you are doing. Give us hope not only to belong to you today, but to belong to you in the future. And give us love, the love that will never end, love that will last and endure and be alive forever in heaven. Lord God, we ask you to give us these incredible gifts of faith, hope and love. Keep us deeply rooted in you, in your heart. Keep us deeply rooted in your Church. We make this prayer in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.”

— Father Mike Schmitz [Prayer Segment]

Final Thoughts

Day 117 serves as a pivotal point in understanding the Catholic Church's universal nature. Fr. Mike Schmitz effectively bridges theological depth with relatable insights, fostering a meaningful connection for both longtime Catholics and those newly exploring the faith.