Summary of "Day 170: Who Can Be Baptized?" from The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host/Author: Ascension
• Episode: Day 170: Who Can Be Baptized? (2025)
• Release Date: June 19, 2025

Introduction

In Day 170 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the pivotal question, "Who can be baptized?" Drawing from paragraphs 1246 to 1252 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Fr. Mike explores the criteria and theological underpinnings of baptism, distinguishing between adult and infant baptism. This episode offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the sacrament's accessibility and its significance within the Catholic faith.

Opening Prayer

Fr. Mike opens the episode with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to center their hearts and minds on God's presence. He emphasizes gratitude for the gift of baptism and extends a plea for those who are not yet baptized to be guided towards this sacred sacrament.

"Father in heaven, we praise you... we ask that you please lead [listeners] closer and closer to this incredible gift that you have in store."
[00:05]

Overview of Catechism Paragraphs 1246-1252

Fr. Mike outlines the scope of today's discussion by reading and summarizing Catechism paragraphs 1246 to 1252. He highlights the Church's clear stance:

"Every person not yet baptized and only such a person is able to be baptized."
[00:05]

This succinctly answers the primary question of who is eligible for baptism, setting the foundation for further exploration of adult and infant baptism.

Adult Baptism and the Catechumenate

Fr. Mike discusses the tradition of adult baptism, particularly in contexts where Christianity is newly introduced or when individuals convert to the faith. He explains the role of the catechumenate, a period of preparation and formation for those seeking baptism.

Key Points:

• Catechumenate Purpose:
  The catechumenate aims to mature the faith of adults in response to God's initiative, fostering their integration into the ecclesial community.

• Formation Aspects:
  Catechumens are educated in the mysteries of salvation, evangelical virtues, and introduced to the liturgical and charitable life of the Church.

• Community Integration:
  Through sacred rites, catechumens become part of the Church's household, embodying faith, hope, and charity.

"The catechumenate is a formation in the whole Christian life, during which the disciples will be joined to Christ, their teacher."
[Timestamp Approximation: ~10:30]

Infant Baptism

Transitioning to infant baptism, Fr. Mike underscores its theological necessity and historical continuity within the Church. He explains that baptism removes original sin and incorporates the child into God's family, emphasizing the gratuitous nature of this sacrament.

Key Points:

• Original Sin and Fallen Nature:
  Infants, born with original sin, require baptism to be freed from darkness and to embrace the freedom of being children of God.

• Gratuitous Grace:
  Infant baptism exemplifies God's unmerited grace, as infants receive this gift without any prerequisite merit.

• Historical Tradition:
  The practice dates back to the second century, with early Christian writings and apostolic preaching supporting the inclusion of infants in baptismal households.

"The sheer gratuitousness of the grace of salvation is particularly manifest in infant baptism."
[Timestamp Approximation: ~25:45]

"From the beginning of the apostolic preaching, when whole households received baptism, infants may also have been baptized."
[Timestamp Approximation: ~30:10]

Continuous Formation in the Christian Life

Fr. Mike employs the analogy of a "training montage" from popular culture to illustrate the ongoing process of spiritual formation post-baptism. Whether through the pre-baptismal catechumenate or the post-baptismal formation, believers are continuously shaped in their Christian lives.

Key Points:

• Lifelong Journey:
  Baptism marks the beginning, but continual growth in faith, virtues, and participation in the Church's life is essential.

• Personal Reflection:
  Fr. Mike encourages listeners to assess their own spiritual formation, regardless of their stage in life, emphasizing that growth is always possible and desired by God.

• Community Support:
  Being part of the body of Christ means supporting each other through prayer and communal engagement.

"The catechumenate... is all about letting myself be formed, letting myself be trained in the spiritual life."
[Timestamp Approximation: ~35:20]

The Inclusive Nature of Baptism

A central theme of the episode is the universality of baptism. Fr. Mike reiterates that baptism is intended for all individuals, aligning with God's desire for everyone to be saved. This inclusivity underscores the Church's mission to evangelize and extend the grace of baptism to all corners of the world.

Key Points:

• God's Desire for Salvation:
  "Baptism is for everyone. God's grace of salvation, his grace of redemption... it's meant to be inclusive."
  [Timestamp Approximation: ~40:05]

• Mission of the Believers:
  Baptized individuals are called to evangelize, sharing the transformative gift of baptism and fostering the growth of the Church.

Conclusion

Fr. Mike wraps up the episode by celebrating the sacrament of baptism and the ongoing journey of faith it entails. He emphasizes the importance of prayer, community, and continuous formation in living out one's baptismal promises.

"Please pray for me. I am praying for you. Truly, my name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless."
[Timestamp Approximation: ~45:00]

Final Thoughts

Day 170 of The Catechism in a Year provides listeners with a thorough understanding of who can be baptized, the significance of both adult and infant baptism, and the essential role of ongoing spiritual formation within the Catholic faith. Fr. Mike Schmitz effectively communicates the inclusive and transformative nature of baptism, encouraging believers to embrace their faith journey with dedication and community support.

Note: Due to the nature of the provided transcript, specific timestamps beyond the initial [00:05] were approximated based on the flow of the discussion. For precise timestamps, please refer to the official podcast episode.