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

Episode: Day 163: Summary of the Liturgy (2025)
Release Date: June 12, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Produced by: Ascension

Introduction

In Day 163 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into a comprehensive overview of the liturgy, encompassing paragraphs 1187 to 1199 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode, aptly titled "Summary of the Liturgy," serves as a "nugget day," where Fr. Mike synthesizes recent discussions into key foundational questions about the liturgy: Who celebrates it? How is it celebrated? When is it celebrated? And where is it celebrated?

Opening Prayer

Fr. Mike begins the episode with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance. He prays:

"Father in heaven, we praise you, we give you glory. We thank you for bringing us to this day. We ask that you please send your Holy Spirit to not only remind us of what you have done... but also fill us with insight. Give us wisdom, not just knowledge... to be able to worship you well and walk with you in faith and hope and in love. We make this prayer in the mighty name of Jesus Christ our Lord."
(00:05)

Overview of the Liturgy (Paragraphs 1187-1199)

Fr. Mike presents a detailed exposition of the liturgy, emphasizing its communal and sacramental nature:

• The Whole Christ’s Work:
  "The liturgy is the work of the whole Christ, head and body. Our High Priest celebrates it unceasingly in the Heavenly Liturgy with the Holy Mother of God, the apostles, all the saints, and the multitude of those who have already entered the kingdom."
  (02:30)

• Roles within the Liturgy:
  The celebration involves the entire assembly, with ordained priests representing Christ as the Head of the Body. Lay faithful participate according to their own roles.

• Symbols and Rituals:
  Fr. Mike highlights the significance of various liturgical symbols—candles, water, fire, anointing oil, bread—forging a connection between creation, human life, and salvation history.

• Integration of the Passover:
  "The rites of the Passover integrated into the world of faith and taken up by the power of the Holy Spirit... bearers of the saving and sanctifying action of Christ."
  (04:15)

• Liturgy of the Word and Music:
  Emphasizing the importance of Scripture and song, Fr. Mike notes that music in liturgy must reflect "the beauty expressive of prayer, the unanimous participation of the assembly, and the sacred character of the celebration."
  (06:50)

• Sacred Images:
  "Sacred images in our churches and homes are intended to awaken and nourish our faith in the mystery of Christ... Through sacred images of the Holy Mother of God, of the angels and of the saints, we venerate the persons represented."
  (09:10)

• Sunday as the Lord’s Day:
  Sunday is highlighted as the principal day for Eucharistic celebration, embodying resurrection joy, family unity, and communal worship.

• Liturgical Year and Harmony with Heaven:
  The liturgical calendar mirrors the mystery of Christ, from incarnation to the anticipation of His return, uniting earthly worship with heavenly liturgy.

Fr. Mike’s Insights and Reflections

Fr. Mike offers personal reflections to deepen the understanding of the liturgy’s significance:

• The Reality Behind the Sacraments:
  "If we could pull back the veil on all that's happening in the sacraments... we recognize that these are not empty rituals... But this is a real participation in the time of what's happening in eternity."
  (12:45)
  He emphasizes that sacraments are tangible connections to divine actions, transcending mere symbolic gestures.

• Participation in Heavenly Worship:
  "Our participating in the sacraments is a sharing in this... if we knew what was happening, our lives... the way we approach the Lord... especially the Eucharist, would be dramatically changed."
  (15:20)
  Fr. Mike urges listeners to perceive sacraments as active engagements with divine reality, enhancing their spiritual lives.

• Liturgy of the Hours:
  Highlighting the unceasing prayer of the Church, Fr. Mike explains:
  "The faithful who celebrate the Liturgy of the Hours are united to Christ, our High Priest... a participation in the prayers and the priesthood of Jesus Christ."
  (21:30)
  He encourages incorporating this prayer into daily life, referencing apps like iBreviary for accessibility.

• Engaging with the Broken World:
  Fr. Mike addresses contemporary challenges:
  "When I look out at this world and see so much brokenness... I can exercise my priesthood... join with his unceasing and universal prayer that gives glory to the Father and implores the gift of the Holy Spirit on the whole world."
  (25:10)
  He advocates for active participation in prayer as a response to global and personal struggles.

Conclusion and Looking Forward

Fr. Mike wraps up the episode by previewing the next day's topic:

"Tomorrow we're talking about liturgical diversity and the unity of the mystery... there are so many liturgical traditions in the Catholic Church... we're all united."
(28:40)

He concludes with a personal touch, expressing his anticipation for future discussions and extending blessings to his listeners.

Key Takeaways

• Holistic Celebration: The liturgy involves the entire Body of Christ, both in heaven and on earth, emphasizing communal worship and participation.
• Sacraments as Divine Participation: Sacramental rituals are active engagements with divine mysteries, offering a tangible connection to God's salvific actions.
• Liturgy of the Hours: Regular participation in the Liturgy of the Hours connects believers to the universal prayer of the Church, reinforcing their priestly role.
• Unity in Diversity: Despite diverse liturgical practices within the Catholic Church, there is a profound unity grounded in the shared mystery of Christ.
• Practical Application: Engaging deeply with the liturgy can transform personal faith and response to the world's challenges.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On the Liturgical Celebration:
  "The liturgy is the work of the whole Christ, head and body..."
  (02:30)

• On Sacramental Reality:
  "These are not empty rituals... But this is a real participation in the time of what's happening in eternity."
  (12:45)

• On Liturgy of the Hours:
  "The faithful who celebrate the Liturgy of the Hours are united to Christ, our High Priest..."
  (21:30)

• On Responding to the World’s Brokenness:
  "I can exercise my priesthood... join with his unceasing and universal prayer..."
  (25:10)

This episode of The Catechism in a Year offers a profound exploration of the liturgy, blending theological depth with practical insights. Fr. Mike Schmitz effectively bridges the eternal and the temporal, encouraging listeners to engage deeply with their faith through active participation in the Church's sacred traditions.