Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 179: Summary of Confirmation

Introduction

In Day 179 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz delves into the sacrament of Confirmation, providing a comprehensive overview based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) paragraphs 1315 to 1321. Released on June 28, 2025, this episode not only explains the theological underpinnings of Confirmation but also explores its practical implications for believers. Through a mix of scriptural references, personal anecdotes, and reflective questions, Fr. Mike encourages listeners to deeply consider their intentions and readiness to embrace this significant sacrament.

Overview of Confirmation

Father Mike begins by reading the pertinent paragraphs from the Catechism, establishing a foundational understanding of Confirmation. He highlights that Confirmation "perfects baptismal grace" by bestowing the Holy Spirit upon the recipient, thereby deepening their connection to God and the Church.

"Confirmation perfects baptismal grace. It is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the Divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds." [04:25]

Key Discussions

1. Purpose and Effects of Confirmation

   Fr. Mike elaborates on the multifaceted purposes of Confirmation:

   • Indivisible Character: Like baptism, Confirmation imprints an indelible spiritual mark, signifying a permanent bond with the Church.

   • Strengthening Divine Filiation: The sacrament deepens one’s identity as a child of God, fostering a closer relationship with the Trinity.

   • Ecclesial Bond and Mission: Confirmation reinforces ties with the Church and its mission, empowering individuals to actively participate in spreading the Gospel.

   "Confirmation, like baptism, imprints a spiritual mark or indelible character on the Christian's soul. For this reason, one can receive this sacrament only once in one's life." [09:15]

2. Preparation and Intent for Receiving Confirmation

   A significant portion of the discussion centers on the readiness and genuine intention behind receiving Confirmation. Fr. Mike stresses the importance of personal commitment over mere ritual participation.

   • Professing the Faith: Candidates must consciously affirm their belief in the core tenets of Christianity.

   • State of Grace: Being free from mortal sin is essential to fully receive the sacrament.

   • Intent and Commitment: Beyond saying the necessary words, individuals must aspire to live out their faith authentically.

   "The candidate for confirmation who has attained the age of reason must profess the faith, be in a state of grace, have the intention of receiving the sacrament, and be prepared to assume the role of disciple and witness to Christ both within the ecclesial community and in temporal affairs." [12:45]

3. Personal Anecdotes and Analogies

   To illustrate the importance of genuine intent, Fr. Mike shares a memorable anecdote about conducting a mock wedding during confirmation retreats. This exercise underscores that performing a sacrament without true commitment renders it meaningless.

   "How many of us would get married to someone we did not want to get married to, but just because Grandma wants us to, just because Grandpa says, hey, you know, it's really important to me that you marry this person. Would we just do it then?" [22:10]

   This analogy serves to highlight that Confirmation, much like marriage, requires sincere personal dedication rather than mere compliance with tradition or obligation.

4. Challenges in the Confirmation Process

   Fr. Mike candidly addresses common challenges faced during Confirmation preparations:

   • Lack of Genuine Interest: Many candidates may attend the sacrament without a real desire to embrace its responsibilities.

   • Preparation Variability: The effectiveness of Confirmation classes can vary, sometimes leaving candidates unauthenticated in their understanding and commitment.

   "Maybe a lot of youth programs are overtaxed and stressed. And so we're like, nope, this is the class you're getting confirmed, but really, really good ones. Say, this is the class and you're planning on getting confirmed. And someone says, I'm not sure if I'm ready." [35:40]

   Fr. Mike emphasizes the need for personalized formation that respects individual readiness and fosters genuine faith commitment.

Insights and Reflections

Throughout the episode, Fr. Mike encourages listeners to engage in self-examination regarding their faith journey. He prompts them to consider whether their actions and intentions align with the teachings of the Church and the spirit of Confirmation.

• Self-Assessment: Reflect on how one's life demonstrates Catholic beliefs and the willingness to be a disciple of Christ.

• Continuous Growth: Acknowledges that faith is a lifelong journey, and Confirmation is a pivotal step that requires ongoing commitment and growth.

"The question I get to ask is, how have I used God's gifts? Does anyone around me know that I'm Catholic? Other than the fact that maybe it came up once, or did they even know I'm Catholic?" [30:50]

Conclusion

In concluding the episode, Father Mike reiterates the profound significance of Confirmation as more than a ritualistic milestone. It is a sacrament that demands heartfelt commitment, active participation in the Church’s mission, and a continuous effort to live out one’s faith authentically.

He calls upon listeners to reassess their intentions, ensuring that their decision to receive Confirmation stems from a genuine desire to deepen their relationship with God and contribute positively to the Church community.

"So fill me with your grace, fill me with your spirit, and fill me with your life now. And we, any, any one of us can pray that prayer." [45:30]

Father Mike closes with a heartfelt prayer, encouraging believers to seek the Holy Spirit earnestly and to embrace the transformative power of Confirmation in their lives.

Notable Quotes

1. On the Purpose of Confirmation:

   "Confirmation perfects baptismal grace." [04:25]

2. On Indelible Spiritual Mark:

   "Confirmation, like baptism, imprints a spiritual mark or indelible character on the Christian's soul." [09:15]

3. On Genuine Intent:

   "I have no intention of being a disciple of Jesus. I have no intention to assume the role of disciple and witness to Christ for the rest of my life." [27:10]

4. On Personal Commitment:

   "The question I get to ask is, how have I used God's gifts?" [30:50]

5. On Prayer and Grace:

   "So fill me with your grace, fill me with your spirit, and fill me with your life now." [45:30]

Final Thoughts

Day 179 of The Catechism in a Year offers a profound exploration of the sacrament of Confirmation, emphasizing the necessity of sincere personal commitment and the transformative role of the Holy Spirit. Father Mike Schmitz adeptly balances theological exposition with relatable anecdotes, making the teachings accessible and engaging for listeners. This episode not only educates but also invites believers to introspect and reaffirm their faith journey, aligning their lives more closely with the teachings of the Catholic Church.