Detailed Summary of The Catechism in a Year Podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Episode: Day 190: Receiving Holy Communion
Release Date: July 9, 2025

Introduction and Context

In Day 190 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound sacrament of Holy Communion, emphasizing its dual nature as both a sacrificial offering and a communal banquet. This episode covers Catechism paragraphs 1384–1390, exploring the theological and practical aspects of receiving Communion in a manner that honors its sanctity and transformative power.

Recap of Previous Episode

Fr. Mike begins by congratulating listeners on reaching the 190th day of their catechism journey, highlighting the commitment required to engage with the Catechism daily. He briefly revisits the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the concept of the Paschal banquet, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of Communion's significance.

Main Discussion Points

1. The Eucharist: Sacrifice and Banquet

Fr. Mike elucidates that the Eucharist transcends being merely a devotional sacrifice; it also embodies a joyous banquet where believers partake in the body and blood of Christ. He states:

“The Eucharist is both a sacrificial memorial of the sacrifice of the cross and the sacred Banquet of the Communion with our Lord's body and blood.”
(Transcript Timestamp: 10:45)

This duality underscores the richness of the Eucharistic mystery, blending solemn remembrance with celebratory fellowship.

2. Preparing to Receive Holy Communion Worthily

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the necessary preparations to approach Communion with the reverence it deserves.

• Self-Examination and Confession:

  Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of examining one’s conscience before receiving Communion. Referencing St. Paul’s admonition, he warns against partaking in Communion unworthily:

  “Whoever therefore eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord.”
  (Transcript Timestamp: 15:30)

  He advises that any conscious grave sin requires the individual to undergo Sacrament of Reconciliation before approaching the Eucharist to ensure spiritual readiness and transformation.

• Fasting Requirements:

  The Church mandates a fast of at least one hour before receiving Holy Communion, allowing believers to prepare physically and spiritually. Fr. Mike shares a personal anecdote:

  “I knew I was coming to daily Mass, so I threw on a tie. It reminds all of us how solemn, how respectful, how joyful this moment is.”
  (Transcript Timestamp: 21:10)

• Bodily Demeanor and Attire:

  Beyond fasting, the manner in which one presents themselves—through attire and behavior—should reflect the respect and joy of receiving Christ. Fr. Mike observes diverse expressions of reverence, from formal attire to simpler, more personal styles, all conveying a unified respect for the sacrament.

3. Conditions and Obligations for Receiving Communion

The Catechism outlines specific obligations for believers concerning Holy Communion:

• Annual Obligation:

  The faithful are obligated to receive Holy Communion at least once a year, particularly during the Easter season, provided they are in a state of grace. Fr. Mike underscores this as a fundamental practice for sustaining one’s spiritual life.

• Encouragement for Frequent Reception:

  While the minimum is annual reception, the Church strongly encourages more frequent participation—ideally weekly on Sundays and feast days, or even daily—to fully embrace the Eucharist’s role as the source and summit of Christian life.

4. Consequences of Receiving Unworthily

Fr. Mike addresses the severe implications of receiving Communion without proper disposition:

• Profaning the Eucharist:

  Partaking in the Eucharist unworthily is likened to profaning Christ’s body and blood, an act with grave spiritual consequences.

• Dulling of Conscience:

  He recounts a cautionary tale purportedly involving Voltaire, illustrating how repeatedly receiving Communion amidst unrepented sin can numb one’s conscience, leading to moral degradation.

“In this case, it's all about, where am I at? Where am I called to do? ... We're eating and drinking condemnation upon ourselves.”
(Transcript Timestamp: 37:25)

Insights and Reflections

Fr. Mike navigates the delicate balance between the reverence required for Communion and the accessibility that Christ offers. He acknowledges the brokenness present in contemporary lives and hearts, advocating for God's grace and healing through sincere participation in the Eucharist. His heartfelt encouragement invites listeners to approach Communion with both humility and confidence, embracing God’s desire for reconciliation and unending grace.

Notable Quotes

• Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “The Eucharist is both a sacrificial memorial of the sacrifice of the cross and the sacred Banquet of the Communion with our Lord's body and blood.”
  (10:45)

• St. Paul (interpreted by Fr. Mike):
  “Whoever therefore eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord.”
  (15:30)

• Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “We have to prepare ourselves so we can't just, like, saunter up, right? Because this truly is God.”
  (23:50)

• Centurion’s Words (Echoed by Fr. Mike):
  “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”
  (29:15)

Conclusions and Encouragement

Fr. Mike concludes the episode by reiterating the essentiality of proper preparation for receiving Holy Communion. He urges listeners to seek reconciliation when burdened by grave sin and to embrace the Eucharist with a heart full of gratitude, humility, and renewed faith. His personal prayers and blessings underscore a message of hope and restoration, inviting all believers to experience the transformative power of the Eucharist faithfully and reverently.

“Approach our Lord's altar with all the confidence in his love, in his goodness and his beauty, and the fact that he wants you to come close.”
(44:10)

Subscribe and Continue Your Journey

To stay engaged with this transformative journey through the Catechism, subscribe to The Catechism in a Year podcast and join Fr. Mike Schmitz in discovering the depths of the Catholic faith one day at a time.