Summary of "Day 201: The Confessor’s Role" from The Catechism in a Year Podcast

The Catechism in a Year podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz and produced by Ascension, offers a comprehensive journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church over 365 episodes. In Day 201: The Confessor’s Role, released on July 20, 2025, Fr. Mike delves into the pivotal role of priests as ministers of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, exploring their responsibilities, the theological underpinnings of their authority, and the profound importance of maintaining the sanctity of confession.

Introduction

Fr. Mike Schmitz opens the episode by greeting listeners and setting the stage for the day's discussion:

“[00:05] Hi, my name is Fr. Mike Schmitz and you're listening to the Catechism in a Year podcast where we encounter God's plan of sheer goodness for us revealed in Scripture and passed down through the tradition of the Catholic faith.”

He introduces the specific focus of Day 201, which covers paragraphs 1461 to 1467 of the Catechism, emphasizing the Foundations of Faith approach that structures the reading.

Recap of Previous Discussion

Fr. Mike briefly recaps the previous day's topic on confession, highlighting the three essential elements:

1. Contrition
2. Confession
3. Satisfaction

This establishes continuity and sets the foundation for today's deeper exploration into the role of the confessor.

The Minister of the Sacrament

The core of the episode revolves around understanding who holds the authority to administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr. Mike explains that:

“Jesus is the one who forgives sins. It's always Jesus, but he forgives sins through the ministry."

He underscores that priests act as servants of God's forgiveness, not as masters, emphasizing their role as instruments through whom Christ's mercy is dispensed.

Responsibilities of the Confessor

Fr. Mike outlines several key responsibilities assigned to priests in their ministerial role:

• Encouraging Confession: Priests must actively invite the faithful to partake in the Sacrament of Penance.

  “Priests must encourage the faithful to come to the sacrament of penance and must make themselves available to celebrate this sacrament each time Christians reasonably ask for it.”

• Maintaining Confidentiality: The sanctity of confession is paramount, with absolute secrecy mandated by the sacramental seal.

  “Every priest who hears confessions is bound under very severe penalties to keep absolute secrecy regarding the sins that his penitents have confessed to him.”

• Exercising Mercy and Compassion: Priests are to embody the virtues of the Good Shepherd, showing patience, respect, and sensitivity toward penitents.

  “He must have a proven knowledge of Christian behavior, experience of human affairs, respect and sensitivity toward the one who has fallen.”

Authority and Hierarchical Structure

The episode delves into the hierarchical nature of the priesthood, tracing authority from Christ to the apostles and their successors:

“In John chapter 21, he breathes on them and says, receive the Holy Spirit. Those whose sins you forgive are forgiven...”

Fr. Mike explains that bishops, as successors of the apostles, hold the full authority to forgive sins, with priests acting as their collaborators. This structure ensures a consistent and unified practice of the sacrament across the Church.

Understanding Excommunication

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on excommunication, defined as the most severe ecclesiastical penalty that excludes individuals from participating in the sacraments and certain Church activities. Fr. Mike references scriptural foundations, particularly St. Paul's teachings in First Corinthians:

“He is not in union with the Church... he is standing outside the fold.”

However, he highlights the merciful aspect of the Church's approach, noting that in cases of sudden danger of death, any priest, even those without current faculties, can absolve sins and lift excommunications, demonstrating the Church's unwavering commitment to mercy.

Anecdote: Dialogue with a Baptist Pastor

Fr. Mike shares a personal anecdote illustrating the shared understanding of priestly authority across Christian denominations:

“When I say, I absolve you of all your sins in the name of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Jesus forgives through me...”

This conversation underscores that priests do not claim authority independently but operate as conduits of Christ's healing power, akin to the healing ministry of the Baptist pastor.

Encouragement and Healing

Addressing potential negative experiences with priests during confession, Fr. Mike offers reassurance:

• Healing Through Mercy: Regardless of past hurts, God's mercy remains accessible through genuine confession.

  “God's mercy is for you. His invitation is still for you to come back to hear those words of I absolve you of all of your sins...”

• Prayer for Priests: He emphasizes the importance of praying for priests, especially those who may have failed in their ministerial duties.

  “If you're one of those people who have been hurt, number one, I'm sorry... we have to pray for them.”

Conclusion and Final Prayer

Fr. Mike concludes by reaffirming the sanctity and healing power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, urging listeners to approach confession without fear or shame. He offers a heartfelt prayer for both priests and the faithful, seeking divine healing and a deepened connection to God's mercy.

“Lord God, heal the brokenness in all of us priests and heal those wounds in all your faithful... I pray for you. Please pray for me.”

Key Takeaways

• Priestly Role: Priests serve as servants of God's forgiveness, facilitating the sacrament of reconciliation through Christ's authority.

• Confidentiality: The sacramental seal ensures absolute confidentiality, fostering a safe environment for penitents.

• Mercy Over Judgment: The Church's approach to penalties like excommunication is rooted in healing and reconciliation, not mere punishment.

• Call to Action: Both priests and the faithful are encouraged to engage earnestly with the sacrament, maintaining its integrity and transformative power.

This episode offers a profound exploration of the confessor's role within the Catholic faith, blending theological insights with pastoral care, and reinforcing the essential nature of confession as a conduit for God's enduring mercy.