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

Episode: Day 130: The Communion of Saints (2025)
Release Date: May 10, 2025
Host: Father Mike Schmitz
Produced by: Ascension

Introduction

In Day 130 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz delves into the profound concept of the Communion of Saints, as outlined in paragraphs 946 to 953 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode explores the intricate relationships that bind the faithful, both living and deceased, within the body of Christ, emphasizing unity through faith, sacraments, charisms, and charity.

Core Themes and Discussions

Understanding the Communion of Saints

Father Mike begins by contextualizing the Communion of Saints within the broader framework of the Church. He references paragraph 946, highlighting that after confessing the Holy Catholic Church, the Apostles' Creed adds the Communion of Saints, serving as a further elucidation of the Church's nature.

“What is the Church if not the assembly of all the saints?” [00:05]

He emphasizes that the Communion of Saints isn't just a theological concept but a lived reality that unites believers across time and space.

Elements of Communion

1. Communion in Faith
   Drawing from Acts 2:42, Father Mike underscores how the early disciples devoted themselves to apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. This devotion fosters a deep-seated unity in faith among believers.

2. Communion in the Sacraments
   The sacraments, especially the Eucharist, act as sacred links that bind the faithful to one another and to Christ. Father Mike explains that through the sacraments, particularly Baptism and the Eucharist, believers receive and share in the riches of Christ.

3. Communion of Charisms
   The Holy Spirit bestows various charisms or gifts upon the faithful, empowering them to serve the common good. These gifts are meant to be shared, reinforcing the interconnectedness of the Church community.

4. Communion in Charity
   Charity, or love, is the binding force that unites all members. Father Mike quotes scripture to illustrate that the sufferings and joys of one member affect the entire body, fostering a sense of mutual responsibility and solidarity.

Key Insights on Unity and Mutual Support

• Unity Through Shared Goods
  Father Mike elaborates on how the Church functions as a communal body where “the good of each is communicated to the others” [00:05]. This mutual sharing ensures that the wealth of Christ benefits all members through the sacraments.

• Impact of Individual Actions
  He poignantly states, “The least of our acts done in charity redounds to the profit of all” [00:05], emphasizing that even small acts of love contribute to the well-being of the entire Church community. Conversely, he warns that “every sin harms this communion”, highlighting the collective responsibility of believers.

• Inclusivity of the Communion
  The Communion of Saints transcends earthly existence, encompassing not only the living but also those in purgatory and heaven. Father Mike reassures listeners that the departed faithful remain integral parts of this communion, maintaining a perpetual bond with the living.

Liturgical Expressions and Traditions

Father Mike introduces the Latin terms Sancta (holy things) and Sancti (holy persons), explaining their significance in understanding the Communion of Saints. He references the Eastern liturgies' proclamation of Sancta Sanctis (God's holy gifts for God's holy people) during the Eucharistic celebration, illustrating the universal nature of this communion across different rites within the Church.

“Sancta Sanctis, God's holy gifts for God's holy people” [00:05]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Introduction of Communion of Saints

   “What is the Church if not the assembly of all the saints?” [00:05]

2. Unity Through Faith and Sacraments

   “We're united in faith, to fellowship, that we were united in taking care of each other, caring for each other, to the breaking of the bread, which is code for the Eucharist. That's code for the Mass, essentially, and the prayers.” [00:05]

3. Impact of Charity and Sin

   “The least of our acts done in charity redounds to the profit of all. At the same time, the very last sentence we heard today is so convicting. And every sin harms this communion.” [00:05]

4. Inclusivity of the Communion

   “Those who have died, they're still part of the communion of saints. Those who are in purification, in purgatory, those who are in the beatific vision in heaven, we're still united with them.” [00:05]

Prayer Segment

Father Mike leads a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to thank God for their inclusion in the Church and the Communion of Saints. He prays for unity, charity, and the strength to reflect the communion of the saints in the world.

“Lord God, help us to truly be an image of communion to the world. In Jesus Name we pray in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Conclusion and Forward Look

As the episode concludes, Father Mike reflects on the beauty and significance of the Communion of Saints, expressing anticipation for upcoming topics. He previews that the next episodes will transition to discussing Mary, Mother of Christ, the nature of forgiveness, and the resurrection of the body. He reinforces the idea that the Communion of Saints is both an inspiring and convicting aspect of the faith, calling listeners to active participation and reflection.

Key Takeaways

1. Unified Body of Believers
   The Communion of Saints embodies the unity of all Christians, living and deceased, bound together through faith, sacraments, charisms, and charity.

2. Sacramental Life as a Foundation
   The sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, are central to maintaining and deepening this communion, acting as conduits of Christ's grace.

3. Active Participation and Responsibility
   Every act of charity and every sin has a collective impact, emphasizing the interconnectedness and mutual responsibility of all Church members.

4. Perpetual Bond Beyond Earthly Life
   The bonds of the Communion of Saints extend beyond mortality, ensuring a continuous spiritual connection between the living and the departed faithful.

5. Liturgical Diversity Reflecting Unity
   Various liturgical traditions within the Church, such as the Eastern liturgies, celebrate the Communion of Saints, showcasing the universal nature of this doctrine.

Final Reflections

Father Mike Schmitz's exploration of the Communion of Saints in Day 130 serves as a profound reminder of the Church's interconnectedness. By understanding and embracing this communion, believers are called to live out their faith not in isolation but as integral parts of a larger, unified body. This episode not only educates listeners on theological concepts but also encourages active participation in the communal aspects of Catholicism, fostering a deeper sense of belonging and responsibility within the faith community.

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