Summary of The Catechism in a Year Podcast Episode

Title: Day 145: Introduction to the Liturgy
Host: Father Mike Schmitz
Release Date: May 25, 2025

Introduction

In the 145th episode of The Catechism in a Year, Father Mike Schmitz delves into the foundational aspects of the liturgy, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of Catholic worship. Acknowledging the dedication of his listeners, Father Mike reflects on the journey thus far and expresses gratitude for the support from the community.

"You've been here for 145 days. Here we are." ([00:05])

He briefly recounts the previous episode featuring Bishop Cousins and outlines the reading plan for the series, emphasizing the use of the Ascension edition of the Catechism, which incorporates the Foundations of Faith approach.

Understanding the Liturgy

Defining Liturgy

Father Mike begins by unpacking the term "liturgy," highlighting its multifaceted meaning within the Catholic tradition.

"The word liturgy originally meant a public work or a service in the name of or on behalf of the people." ([05:30])

He explains that, in Christianity, liturgy encompasses the participation of the people of God in God's work. This dual definition underscores both the communal and divine aspects of worship.

"In Christian tradition, it means the participation of the people of God in the work of God." ([05:45])

Purpose of the Liturgy

The liturgy serves as a conduit through which believers engage with God's actions in the world, particularly focusing on sanctification, redemption, and reconciliation.

"It is through the liturgy especially that the faithful are enabled to express in their lives and manifest to others the mystery of Christ and the real nature of the true Church." ([12:50])

Father Mike emphasizes that liturgy is not merely a ritual but an active participation in the divine work of God. This participation transforms worship from passive observation to an embodied experience of faith.

"We're meant to participate fully. That's one of the reasons why paragraph 1071 says the conscious, active and fruitful participation of everyone." ([14:20])

Theological Foundations

Sacrosanctum Concilium

Father Mike references Sacrosanctum Concilium, a key document from the Second Vatican Council, to elucidate the theological underpinnings of the liturgy. This document has significantly influenced the Catechism's presentation of the sacraments.

"Sacrosanctum Concilium states... that the work of our redemption is accomplished." ([08:15])

The Work of God

Central to the discussion is the concept of God's work, which encompasses sanctification, redemption, and deification. Father Mike articulates that through liturgy, believers participate in God's ongoing work to sanctify and redeem the world.

"The work of God is sanctification. The work of God is redemption. The work of God is deification." ([17:40])

He underscores that this divine work is actively present in every liturgical celebration, allowing the faithful to partake in the transformative processes initiated by God.

Participation vs. Observation

A significant portion of the episode addresses the difference between active participation and passive observation in the liturgy. Father Mike encourages listeners to engage deeply and consciously in the liturgical acts, moving beyond mere attendance.

"Too often when we show up to the sacraments, when we show up to worship, we are simply watching." ([20:05])

He clarifies that active participation means understanding and engaging with what is happening during the liturgy, whether through confession, Eucharistic prayer, or other sacramental acts.

"The conscious, active and fruitful participation of everyone means you and I understand what is happening... And we're participating in it in whatever way we possibly can." ([21:30])

Practical Implications

Father Mike provides practical examples of how believers can actively participate in the liturgy:

• Confession: Engaging in reconciliation and receiving grace.
• Mass: Offering prayers and the Eucharistic sacrifice in communion with the priest and Christ.
• Sacraments: Participating in sacraments like the Anointing of the Sick to experience God's healing work.

"Every time you and I show up for the sacraments... it is the work of God. So I mean, think about the anointing of the sick... we're participating in that work of God in the Mass, in the Eucharist." ([19:00])

Scriptural and Traditional Insights

Father Mike integrates scriptural references and Patristic traditions to reinforce the significance of the liturgy. He highlights how the liturgy reflects God's transcendence and immanence, bridging the divine and the human.

"Here is God, who is so transcendent, right? He is so other. And yet he reaches down to us and he comes to us in the liturgy." ([10:35])

He also references St. John Paul II's views on catechesis, emphasizing that liturgical catechesis fosters a deeper understanding of the mysteries of Christ through visible signs and sacraments.

"Catechesis is intrinsically linked with the whole of liturgical and sacramental activity." ([15:50])

Conclusion and Forward Look

Wrapping up the episode, Father Mike reiterates the central theme: liturgy as participation in God's redemptive work. He prepares listeners for the upcoming deep dive into the Sacramental Economy in the next episode.

"Tomorrow we're going to start section one. This was just a prologue, kind of a situation." ([25:00])

Father Mike concludes with a prayer, inviting listeners to support and pray for one another as they continue their journey through the Catechism.

"Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless." ([25:30])

Key Takeaways

1. Definition of Liturgy: Understanding liturgy as both a public service and active participation in God's work.
2. Purpose of Liturgy: Engaging in sanctification, redemption, and reconciliation through communal worship.
3. Active Participation: Moving beyond passive attendance to consciously engage in the liturgical acts.
4. Theological Foundations: Rooting the practice of liturgy in Sacrosanctum Concilium and the broader Catechism.
5. Practical Engagement: Applying the concepts of participation through sacraments like Confession and the Eucharist.
6. Integration of Scripture and Tradition: Using scriptural and traditional insights to deepen the understanding of liturgy.
7. Preparation for Future Topics: Setting the stage for a detailed exploration of the Sacramental Economy in subsequent episodes.

Notable Quotes

• Introduction of Liturgy:

  "The participation of the people of God in the work of God." – Father Mike Schmitz ([05:45])

• Purpose and Participation:

  "The conscious, active and fruitful participation of everyone." – Father Mike Schmitz ([14:20])

• Distinguishing Participation from Observation:

  "We're meant to participate fully... not simply observing." – Father Mike Schmitz ([20:05])

• Active Engagement in Sacraments:

  "Every time you and I show up for the sacraments... it is the work of God." – Father Mike Schmitz ([19:00])

• Theological Emphasis:

  "Here is God, who is so transcendent... he reaches down to us in the liturgy." – Father Mike Schmitz ([10:35])

This episode serves as a foundational introduction to understanding the liturgy within the Catholic faith, emphasizing active participation and the transformative power of communal worship. Father Mike Schmitz effectively bridges theological concepts with practical applications, encouraging believers to engage deeply with the liturgical life of the Church.