Summary of "The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)" - Episode Day 203: The Purpose of Indulgences
In Day 203 of Ascension’s "The Catechism in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the intricate concepts of indulgences and the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance). This episode, released on July 22, 2025, spans paragraphs 1474-1484 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of these pivotal elements of Catholic doctrine.
Introduction
Fr. Mike Schmitz begins the episode by setting the stage for the day's discussion, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the Communion of Saints and the mechanisms through which Catholics seek holiness and forgiveness. He invites listeners to engage in prayer, fostering a receptive heart for the teachings to follow.
[00:05] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "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."
The Communion of Saints
Understanding Our Connection
Fr. Mike elucidates the concept of the Communion of Saints, highlighting that Christians are not solitary in their spiritual journey. Instead, they are part of a vast, mystical Body of Christ that transcends time and space.
[00:45] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The life of each of God's children is joined in Christ and through Christ, in a wonderful way, to the life of all the other Christian brethren in the supernatural unity of the mystical Body of Christ."
The Treasury of the Church
He introduces the treasury of the Church, a spiritual repository comprising the merits of Christ and the saints. This treasury is inexhaustible and serves as the foundation for obtaining indulgences.
[02:15] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "On the contrary, the treasury of the Church is the infinite value which can never be exhausted, which Christ's merits have before God."
Indulgences: Purpose and Misconceptions
Defining Indulgences
Fr. Mike defines indulgences as the remission of temporal punishments due to sin, granted through the Church's authority. He explains that indulgences are not about purchasing grace but are instead spiritual aids that encourage acts of devotion, penance, and charity.
[10:30] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "An indulgence is obtained through the Church who, by virtue of the power of binding and loosing granted her by Christ Jesus, intervenes in favor of individual Christians."
Addressing Common Criticisms
He tackles prevalent misconceptions surrounding indulgences, particularly the historical abuse of selling indulgences. Fr. Mike clarifies that the Church never officially sanctioned the sale of indulgences and emphasizes the sacrificial nature of the acts associated with obtaining them.
[15:50] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Whenever we associate the spiritual life with money, there's always a danger. The danger is people can often think that they're buying their way into heaven."
The Four Aspects of an Indulgence
Fr. Mike outlines the four essential components required to obtain a plenary indulgence:
- Performing the indulgenced act (e.g., praying the Stations of the Cross).
- Receiving Holy Communion.
- Confessing sins through the Sacrament of Reconciliation within the prescribed time.
- Praying for the intentions of the Holy Father.
[12:40] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "These four aspects... are [what] make them special... through the power and the grace of the Holy Spirit working through the church, you have a partial or a plenary indulgence."
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance)
Liturgical Nature of Penance
Fr. Mike transitions to discussing the Sacrament of Reconciliation, emphasizing its liturgical and communal dimensions. He describes the standard structure of the sacrament, including the priest's role in absolving sins.
[18:20] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The celebration of penance is a liturgical action. The elements of the celebration are... the confession which acknowledges sins and makes them known to the priest."
Forms of Absolution
He explores different liturgical traditions, such as the Byzantine Rite, showcasing the diversity in expressions of absolution within the universal Church.
[20:10] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The Byzantine liturgy recognizes several forms of absolution in the form of invocation which admirably express the mystery of forgiveness."
Communal Celebration of Penance
Fr. Mike highlights the possibility of communal reconciliation services, where individuals prepare and participate in confession collectively, reinforcing the Church's unity.
[23:00] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The sacrament of penance can also take place in the framework of a communal celebration... It highlights the fact that we are one. We are one body, we're one family, one parish."
General Absolution in Cases of Grave Necessity
He explains the rare circumstances under which general absolution may be granted, such as imminent danger of death or insufficient confessional resources during extraordinary events. Fr. Mike underscores that such practices are strictly regulated by diocesan bishops.
[27:15] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "It's incredibly, incredibly rare for there to be general absolution happening. If it's happening in your parish, that is one of the things... recognize that even if it's offered, it's very, very rare."
Theological Implications
Growth in Grace
Fr. Mike contrasts Catholic beliefs on grace with notions like "once saved, always saved." He emphasizes that Catholics believe in the ongoing process of justification and sanctification, requiring active participation and cooperation with God's grace.
[22:30] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "As Catholics, we believe that we don't have this imputation of grace upon us. It's more intrinsic. It's in us that we have to either cooperate with it or we refuse to cooperate with it."
Encouraging Holiness
He reiterates the Church's role in guiding believers toward holiness through indulgences, penances, and the sacraments, fostering a deeper relationship with God and the community.
[30:50] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "It's the authority that Jesus extended to the church... through the power and the grace of the Holy Spirit working through the church, you have a partial or a plenary indulgence."
Conclusion and Reflections
Fr. Mike wraps up the episode by reflecting on the profound interconnectedness of the faithful, both living and departed, within the Communion of Saints. He encourages listeners to engage in practices that foster spiritual growth and unity, such as seeking indulgences and participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
[35:10] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Recognizing that we're not just individual Christians... we are part of the Body of Christ in Heaven, in Purgatory, and on earth."
He concludes by previewing the next episode, expressing his prayers and encouragement for continued spiritual journeying.
Key Takeaways
- Communion of Saints: Catholics are spiritually connected with all members of the Church, living and deceased, forming a unified Body of Christ.
- Indulgences: These are spiritual benefits granted by the Church, aimed at reducing temporal punishment for sins, obtained through specific acts of devotion, prayer, and charity.
- Sacrament of Reconciliation: A vital sacrament for forgiveness and spiritual healing, emphasizing both personal confession and communal unity.
- Authority of the Church: The Church, endowed with Christ's authority, administers indulgences and sacraments to guide believers toward holiness.
- Ongoing Sanctification: Catholic theology emphasizes continual growth in grace, contrasting with beliefs that suggest salvation is a one-time event.
This episode offers a deep dive into the theological foundations and practical applications of indulgences and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, reinforcing the Catholic understanding of communal faith and individual spiritual growth.