Summary of The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 165: Summary of Liturgical Diversity

Release Date: June 14, 2025

In Day 165 of Ascension's The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the intricate relationship between the Catholic liturgy and diverse cultures, guided by paragraphs 1204 to 1209 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode offers profound insights into how the Church harmoniously blends tradition with cultural expressions to enrich worship while maintaining doctrinal integrity.

Understanding Liturgical Diversity

Fr. Mike begins by emphasizing the Church's mission to engage every culture without compromising the essence of its faith. He explains, “the Church always takes [culture] into account and incorporates it in a unique way when it comes to celebrating the liturgy” (02:30). This incorporation ensures that the liturgical expressions resonate with diverse populations, making the mystery of Christ accessible to all nations.

Balancing Unity and Diversity

A central theme of the episode is the delicate balance between embracing diversity and ensuring unity within the liturgy. Fr. Mike states, “there is a diversity, but that diversity is not random diversity… there is a variety, but that variety has a very clear unity as well” (10:15). He underscores that while liturgical expressions may vary across cultures, they must all remain faithful to the core tenets of the Catholic faith to prevent schisms and misunderstandings.

Cultural Adaptation and Its Boundaries

Fr. Mike discusses the concept of cultural adaptation, highlighting that not all cultural elements are compatible with Catholic teachings. He explains, “cultural adaptation also requires a conversion of heart and even, where necessary, a breaking with ancestral customs incompatible with the Catholic faith” (20:45). This means that while certain cultural practices can be integrated into the liturgy, others that contradict Catholic doctrine must be respectfully set aside.

Example: The Christmas Tree

To illustrate this point, Fr. Mike examines the Christmas tree's evolution within Christian tradition. He acknowledges its pagan origins but explains its Christianization: “the Church has baptized that… because you were a pagan once too, and you got baptized, you got brought into the faith” (15:50). This example demonstrates how cultural elements can be transformed to reflect Christian values, such as the evergreen tree symbolizing eternal life amidst winter's darkness.

Challenging Integrations

Conversely, Fr. Mike addresses more problematic cultural integrations, such as the blending of Catholic symbols with practices like voodoo. He recounts his observations in regions like Louisiana and Haiti, where local customs sometimes conflict with Catholic teachings. “The church has to say that actually isn’t legit” (25:30), emphasizing the necessity of maintaining doctrinal purity even amidst cultural diversity.

Criteria for Maintaining Unity

A pivotal criterion for ensuring unity amid diverse liturgical traditions is fidelity to apostolic tradition. Fr. Mike notes, “the criterion that assures Unity in the midst amid the diversity of liturgical traditions is fidelity to the apostolic tradition” (30:10). This fidelity ensures that all liturgical expressions remain rooted in the teachings and sacraments handed down from the apostles, safeguarded through apostolic succession.

Immutable and Adaptable Aspects of Liturgy

Fr. Mike elaborates on the dual nature of the liturgy, distinguishing between immutable and adaptable elements. While certain aspects are divinely instituted and unchangeable, others can be modified to better fit cultural contexts. “There is an immutable part, a part that is divinely instituted and of which the Church is the guardian, and parts that can be changed” (35:22). This structure allows the Church to honor tradition while remaining responsive to cultural diversity.

Liturgy’s Role in Shaping Culture

Moving beyond adaptation, Fr. Mike explores how the liturgy itself shapes and generates culture. “The liturgy itself generates cultures and shapes them” (40:05). He reflects on historical examples like Christendom, where Catholic liturgical practices profoundly influenced societal norms and values. Today, in a predominantly post-Christian culture, the Church continues this mission by allowing its liturgical practices to impact and transform contemporary culture.

Missionary Command and Cultural Engagement

Fr. Mike connects the discussion to the broader missionary command of the Church, urging believers to actively participate in shaping culture through liturgical worship. “We have an injunction… to bring the gospel to all nations” (45:30). This involves not only evangelization and proclamation but also embodying the faith through worship practices that inspire and influence the surrounding culture.

Final Reflections and Prayer

In concluding the episode, Fr. Mike emphasizes patience and perseverance in the process of cultural adaptation. “It takes time,” he reminds listeners, encouraging a steadfast commitment to both tradition and cultural engagement. He offers a heartfelt prayer for the community, reinforcing the episode’s themes of unity, faithfulness, and the transformative power of liturgical worship.

Notable Quotes:

• “There is a diversity, but that diversity is not random diversity. There's a variety, but that variety has a very clear unity as well.” (10:15)
• “Cultural adaptation also requires a conversion of heart and even, where necessary, a breaking with ancestral customs incompatible with the Catholic faith.” (20:45)
• “The liturgy itself generates cultures and shapes them.” (40:05)

Fr. Mike Schmitz’s exploration of liturgical diversity offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of how the Catholic Church navigates cultural differences while maintaining a unified faith. By integrating faith with cultural expressions, the Church not only preserves its traditions but also enriches its worship, making the mystery of Christ accessible and meaningful to diverse populations worldwide.