Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 160: The Liturgical Year
Introduction
In Day 160 of "The Catechism in a Year" podcast, Father Mike Schmitz delves into the intricacies of the Liturgical Year and the Sanctoral as outlined in paragraphs 1168 to 1173 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode, released on June 9, 2025, serves as a comprehensive exploration of how the Church structures time to reflect and celebrate the pivotal events of the Christian faith.
The Centrality of the Liturgical Year
Father Mike begins by emphasizing the Easter Triduum as the cornerstone of the liturgical year. He explains that the Triduum—comprising Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday—represents the holiest days in the church calendar, focusing on Jesus Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection. He underscores Easter's preeminence, stating:
"[Easter] is not simply one feast among others, but the feast of feasts, the solemnity of solemnities." (00:15)
This centrality is further highlighted by comparing the Easter Triduum to other major feasts like Christmas, Epiphany, and the Annunciation, all of which commemorate significant moments in the Paschal Mystery—the mystery of Christ's redemption.
Understanding the Cyclical Nature of the Church Year
The liturgical year is described as cyclical, with each season reflecting different aspects of the faith and leading back to Easter. Father Mike explains:
"The new age of the Resurrection fills the whole liturgical year with its brilliance." (09:45)
This cyclical structure allows believers to continually return to the foundational event of Jesus' resurrection, celebrating a "mini Easter" each week through the Sunday Mass. This ongoing celebration reinforces the message of hope and salvation central to Christianity.
The Easter Triduum: Heart of the Liturgical Year
Delving deeper into the Triduum, Father Mike explains its significance as the "Great Sunday" and the "Great Week" in Eastern traditions. He notes:
"The mystery of the Resurrection, in which Christ crushed death, permeates our old time until all is subjected to Him." (15:30)
This period encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith—the transformation from death to life, despair to hope, and bondage to freedom. The Triduum serves as a continual reminder of Christ's ultimate sacrifice and victory over sin and death.
Council of Nicaea and the Determination of Easter's Date
Father Mike touches upon the historical aspect of Easter's calculation, referencing the Council of Nicaea (325 AD). The council established that Easter should be celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox. However, due to varying calculation methods between Eastern and Western churches, Easter often falls on different dates. He expresses hope for unity:
"The churches are currently seeking an agreement in order once again to celebrate the day of the Lord's Resurrection on a common date in the liturgical year." (22:10)
This effort underscores the desire for unity within the Church and a shared celebration of the most significant event in Christianity.
The Sanctoral: Honoring Mary and the Saints
Beyond the major feasts, the Sanctoral encompasses celebrations honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary, various saints, and martyrs. Father Mike explains that these commemorations serve multiple purposes:
- Modeling Holiness: Saints and Mary exemplify lives of unwavering faith and devotion.
- Community and Family: These feasts remind believers of their spiritual family within the Church.
- Inspiration and Intercession: Saints are presented as intercessors who draw the faithful closer to God.
He elaborates:
"The Church proposes them to the faithful as examples who draw all men to the Father through Christ and through their merits." (35:20)
Celebrating saints like St. John Vianney and St. Therese of Lisieux inspires believers to pursue holiness in their own lives, reflecting on how ordinary individuals can be transformed by God's grace.
Practical Implications for the Faithful
Father Mike concludes by encouraging listeners to internalize the lessons from the liturgical celebrations. He emphasizes that each feast and memorial is an invitation to:
- Reflect on Christ's Sacrifice: Understanding the depth of Jesus' love and its implications for personal faith.
- Embrace Holiness: Striving to emulate the virtues of saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary in daily life.
- Community Participation: Engaging actively in the liturgical calendar fosters a sense of belonging within the Church family.
He inspires believers to recognize their potential for sanctity:
"God has made you, and he's made me to be a saint. He has redeemed you and redeemed me to be nothing less than a saint of God who gives Him glory for all eternity." (42:50)
Conclusion
Day 160 of "The Catechism in a Year" offers a profound exploration of the Liturgical Year and Sanctoral, highlighting how the Church's temporal structure is deeply intertwined with its spiritual mission. Father Mike Schmitz effectively conveys the importance of celebrating major feasts like Easter, recognizing the exemplary lives of saints, and understanding the cyclical nature of liturgical seasons. By doing so, he provides listeners with a richer appreciation of their faith and a clearer understanding of their place within the Catholic tradition.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- 00:15 – "Easter is not simply one feast among others, but the feast of feasts, the solemnity of solemnities."
- 09:45 – "The new age of the Resurrection fills the whole liturgical year with its brilliance."
- 15:30 – "The mystery of the Resurrection, in which Christ crushed death, permeates our old time until all is subjected to Him."
- 22:10 – "The churches are currently seeking an agreement in order once again to celebrate the day of the Lord's Resurrection on a common date in the liturgical year."
- 35:20 – "The Church proposes them to the faithful as examples who draw all men to the Father through Christ and through their merits."
- 42:50 – "God has made you, and he's made me to be a saint. He has redeemed you and redeemed me to be nothing less than a saint of God who gives Him glory for all eternity."
Final Thoughts
Father Mike Schmitz masterfully guides listeners through the Liturgical Year, elucidating how each season and feast day contributes to a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith. By highlighting the centrality of Easter and the role of saints, he invites believers to engage more fully with their spiritual journey, fostering a profound connection with God and the broader Church community.