Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 120: The Apostolic Church
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Introduction
In Day 120 of Ascension's "The Catechism in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the fourth mark of the Church: its apostolic nature. Building upon the previous discussions about the Church being one and holy, Fr. Mike explores what it means for the Church to be apostolic, grounding his explanations in paragraphs 857 to 862 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Key Topics Covered
- Understanding the Apostolic Nature of the Church
- The Foundation of the Apostles
- Apostolic Succession and Its Importance
- Comparing Catholicism with Other Christian Denominations
- The Ongoing Mission of the Apostles and Their Successors
1. Understanding the Apostolic Nature of the Church
Fr. Mike begins by explaining the significance of the Church being apostolic. He emphasizes that the Church is not only one and holy but also carries forward the mission entrusted to the apostles by Jesus Christ. This apostolic nature ensures the continuity and authenticity of the Church's teachings and mission.
Notable Quote:
"The Church is apostolic because she is founded on the apostles in three ways."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [03:15]
2. The Foundation of the Apostles
The apostolic foundation is threefold:
-
Historical Foundation: The Church was built on the apostles, the first witnesses of Christ's resurrection and mission. Fr. Mike highlights how the apostles were chosen and sent out by Jesus to preach the Gospel.
Quote:
"She was and remains built on the foundation of the apostles, the witnesses chosen and sent on mission by Christ himself."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [10:45] -
Transmission of Teachings: With the Holy Spirit's guidance, the Church preserves and transmits the teachings and traditions handed down by the apostles.
Quote:
"With the help of the Spirit dwelling in her, the Church keeps and hands on the teaching, the good deposit, the salutary words she has heard from the apostles."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [12:30] -
Apostolic Succession: The Church continues to be guided and sanctified by the apostles' successors—the bishops—ensuring that the apostolic mission endures until Christ's return.
Quote:
"She continues to be taught, sanctified and guided by the apostles until Christ's return through their successors in pastoral office, the college of bishops, assisted by priests and united with the successor of Peter, the Pope."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [15:50]
3. Apostolic Succession and Its Importance
Fr. Mike underscores the critical role of apostolic succession in maintaining the Church's integrity and mission. He contrasts the Catholic Church with other Christian denominations, emphasizing that the Catholic Church uniquely preserves an unbroken line of apostolic authority through the bishops, culminating in the Pope.
Notable Quote:
"Only the Catholic Church recognizes and maintains the primacy and universal jurisdiction of the Pope."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [22:10]
He acknowledges the Orthodox Church's valid ordinations but points out the lack of recognition of the Pope's jurisdiction as a distinguishing factor.
4. Comparing Catholicism with Other Christian Denominations
Addressing common questions, Fr. Mike explains why the apostolic nature sets the Catholic Church apart from other Christian groups. He notes that most non-Catholic denominations lack an unbroken apostolic succession, which affects their authority and continuity in teaching.
Quote:
"There is actually a break in that apostolic ordination. There's a break in that apostolic succession."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [25:20]
He clarifies that this observation is meant to highlight the Catholic Church's unique stance rather than diminish the value in other Christian communities.
5. The Ongoing Mission of the Apostles and Their Successors
Fr. Mike elaborates on how the apostles' mission continues through their successors—the bishops. He refers to paragraph 862, explaining that just as Peter's pastoral role was to be continued by his successors, all bishops carry forward this enduring charge to shepherd the Church.
Notable Quote:
"Whoever listens to them is listening to Christ, and whoever despises them, despises Christ and him who sent Christ."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [35:50]
This underscores the theological and spiritual significance of respecting and adhering to the teachings of the bishops as representatives of Christ.
Conclusion and Reflections
Fr. Mike wraps up the episode by reflecting on the beauty and power of the Church's apostolic foundation. He encourages listeners to appreciate and embrace the Church's continuing mission and to recognize the gift of being part of an apostolic, holy, and universal community.
Closing Quote:
"The gift of the apostolic nature of the church is literally that. It is literally a gift."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [38:30]
He invites listeners to further explore the concept of the Church's apostolic mission in upcoming episodes, promising deeper insights and practical applications of this foundational belief.
Prayer Segment
The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, where Fr. Mike asks for divine guidance for the Church's leaders, particularly the bishops, and for the strength to uphold the apostolic mission faithfully.
Prayer Excerpt:
"Father, I pray for my bishop Daniel. I pray that you continue to guide and guard, to lead him so that he can guide and guard and lead all of us. Make them all great fathers."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [29:10]
Final Thoughts
Day 120's exploration of the Church's apostolic nature provides listeners with a profound understanding of how the Catholic Church maintains its mission and teachings through apostolic succession. Fr. Mike Schmitz effectively bridges theological concepts with practical faith applications, making the catechism's teachings accessible and relevant to everyday believers.
Stay Connected:
- Subscribe: Follow or subscribe to "The Catechism in a Year" on your preferred podcast platform to receive daily updates.
- Resources: Download your own catechism and reading plan at ascensionpress.com/ciy.
This summary aims to encapsulate the essence of Day 120's discussion on the apostolic nature of the Church, providing listeners and readers with a comprehensive overview of the episode's teachings and reflections.