The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz): Episode Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host/Author: Ascension
• Episode: Day 121: The Apostolate (2025)
• Release Date: May 1, 2025
• Duration: Approximately 15-20 minutes

Overview: In Day 121 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the concept of the apostolate as presented in paragraphs 863 to 870 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode, titled "The Apostolate," explores the Church's mission to spread the Kingdom of Christ, the fundamental role of love derived from the Eucharist, and the unifying marks of the Church: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.

1. Introduction

Fr. Mike Schmitz opens the episode by greeting listeners and outlining the day's focus on paragraphs 863 to 870 of the Catechism. He emphasizes the series' aim to guide listeners through the entire Catechism over 365 episodes, fostering a deeper understanding of Catholic beliefs and their practical implications.

Notable Quote:

[00:05] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The Catechism in a Year is brought to you by Ascension. In 365 days, we'll read through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, discovering our identity in God's family as we journey together toward our heavenly home."

2. Understanding the Apostolate

Defining the Apostolate (Paragraphs 863-864)

Fr. Schmitz begins by defining the apostolate using paragraph 863, explaining that the Church remains apostolic by maintaining communion with the successors of St. Peter and the apostles and by being sent out into the world.

Key Points:

• Apostolate Defined: Every activity of the Mystical Body of Christ aimed at spreading the Kingdom of Christ globally.
• Etymology: The term "apostolate" derives from apostoloi, meaning emissaries or those sent out.

Notable Quote:

[00:35] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The word 'apostoloi' means those who are sent or emissaries, right? Those who are sent out."

The Church's Apostolic Nature

Building on the definition, Fr. Schmitz highlights that the Church's apostolic nature isn't limited to its hierarchical structure but extends to every member's mission to evangelize and manifest Christ's Kingdom.

Notable Quote:

[02:10] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The Christian vocation is of its nature a vocation to the apostolate as well."

3. The Centrality of Christ and Love in the Apostolate

Vital Union with Christ (Paragraph 864)

Fr. Schmitz underscores that the effectiveness of any apostolate hinges on the individual’s vital union with Christ. This union fuels the apostolate, making it fruitful and authentic.

Key Points:

• Source of Apostolate: Christ, sent by the Father, is the foundation of the Church’s mission.
• Fruitfulness through Union: Both ordained ministers and laypeople derive the effectiveness of their missions from their deep connection with Christ.

Notable Quote:

[03:50] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Thus, the fruitfulness of apostolate for ordained ministers as well as for lay people clearly depends on their vital union with Christ."

Charity Drawn from the Eucharist (Paragraph 864)

Emphasizing love as the soul of the apostolate, Fr. Schmitz explains that charity, especially as drawn from the Eucharist, is essential for all missionary activities.

Key Points:

• Primary Source of Charity: The Eucharist is the wellspring of love that must animate all apostolic efforts.
• Avoiding 'Busy Means Holy' Trap: Ensuring that actions are rooted in love rather than mere activity.

Notable Quote:

[05:20] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Charity drawn from the Eucharist above all is always, as it were, the soul of the whole apostolate."

4. The Kingdom of Christ in the Believer's Heart (Paragraph 865)

Fr. Schmitz explores the mysterious growth of Christ's Kingdom within the hearts of believers, progressing towards its ultimate fulfillment in the eschatological future.

Key Points:

• Present and Future: The Kingdom of Christ has arrived through Jesus and continues to grow within believers until its complete manifestation at the end of time.
• Eschatological Manifestation: The Kingdom will be fully realized in the eschaton, bringing everything to completion.

Notable Quote:

[06:45] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The kingdom has come in the person of Christ and grows mysteriously in the hearts of those incorporated into him until its full eschatological manifestation."

5. Prayer for Apostolate (Prayer Section)

Fr. Schmitz leads a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to seek God's love and strength to serve as apostles of love in their respective spheres.

Prayer Highlights:

• Invocation of God’s Love: Asking God to pour His love into hearts to become emissaries of love.
• Mission of the Apostolate: Praying for unity in the Church's mission to spread God's love worldwide.
• Personal Commitment: Encouraging personal reflection on how each individual can contribute to the apostolate.

Notable Quote:

[08:30] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Help us to love the people around us well today. Help them to know that in our loving them, they are reminded of your unstoppable and unfailing love for each one of them."

6. Detailed Examination of Paragraphs 863-870

Paragraph 863: The Apostolic Continuity

Explores how the Church maintains its apostolic foundation through the succession of apostles and their teachings.

Paragraph 864: The Source and Fruitfulness of the Apostolate

Emphasizes Christ as the source of apostolic mission and the necessity of union with Him for fruitful ministry.

Paragraph 865: The Growth of the Kingdom in Believers

Discusses the mysterious growth of Christ’s Kingdom within the faithful, leading to its ultimate completion.

Paragraphs 866-870: Nuggets on Unity, Holiness, Catholicity, and Apostolicity

Fr. Schmitz highlights the key attributes of the Church:

• One: Unity in Lord, faith, baptism, Spirit, and hope.
• Holy: Sanctity inspired by God, exemplified in saints and Mary.
• Catholic: Universality in faith, salvation, and missionary nature.
• Apostolic: Grounded in the apostles' foundation, governed by successors, yet acknowledging truth and sanctification outside visible confines.

Notable Quote:

[14:20] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The Church is one, she acknowledges One Lord confesses One faith is born of one baptism forms only one body is given life by the one Spirit for the sake of one hope, at whose fulfillment all divisions will be overcome."

7. Practical Applications and Encouragement

Personal Apostolate

Fr. Schmitz encourages listeners to recognize their personal call to the apostolate, regardless of their state in life. He shares a poignant example of his mother's missionary spirit manifested through local acts of charity.

Key Points:

• Universal Call: Every Christian is called to contribute to the Church’s mission.
• Everyday Missions: Missionary work isn't confined to foreign lands but includes caring for those around us.

Notable Quote:

[10:10] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The recognition of every single one of us is called wherever we are planted to say, how can I bring the kingdom of God here?"

Integration of Faith and Action

Highlighting the necessity of integrating one's faith life with active service, Fr. Schmitz stresses that genuine apostolate stems from a heartfelt relationship with Christ.

Notable Quote:

[12:00] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The vital relationship with Jesus Christ has to be at the heart of everything that we do."

8. Nuggets Recap

In the final segment, Fr. Schmitz revisits the five nuggets derived from paragraphs 866 to 870, emphasizing their significance in understanding the Church's identity and mission.

Key Points:

• Unity: The Church's oneness in doctrine and mission despite internal and external divisions.
• Holiness: The Church as a holy institution, perpetuated by saints and Mary.
• Catholicity: The universal reach and comprehensive mission of the Church.
• Apostolicity: Continuity and governance through apostolic succession, while recognizing truth outside visible boundaries.

Notable Quote:

[16:00] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The sole church of Christ, which in the Creed we profess to be one, holy, catholic and apostolic, subsists in the Catholic Church... nevertheless, many elements of sanctification and of truth are found outside its visible confines."

9. Conclusion and Final Encouragement

Fr. Schmitz wraps up the episode by encouraging continuous growth in faith and unity within the Church. He reminds listeners of the Church’s invitation to partake in the apostolate and to strive for the Kingdom of God in their daily lives.

Final Thoughts:

• Growth in Faith: Emphasizing the ongoing journey of understanding and living out Catholic teachings.
• Prayer for Unity: Urging prayers for overcoming divisions and fostering unity within the Church.

Notable Quote:

[18:30] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "All of us need to grow. So, Lord, please help us to grow. We need to pray for each other. I am praying for you. Please pray for me."

Closing: Fr. Mike signs off warmly, expressing his anticipation for the next day's episode and blessing his listeners.

Summary: Day 121 of The Catechism in a Year offers a profound exploration of the apostolate, emphasizing that every Catholic is called to participate in spreading the Kingdom of Christ. Through a detailed examination of key Catechism paragraphs, Fr. Schmitz highlights the importance of a deep union with Christ and the centrality of love derived from the Eucharist in all apostolic endeavors. He reinforces the Church's identity as one, holy, catholic, and apostolic, while acknowledging the presence of sanctification and truth beyond its visible boundaries. The episode serves as both an informative guide and an inspirational call to action for all listeners to embrace their role in the Church's mission.