Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 212: In Persona Christi (2025)
Release Date: July 31, 2025

Introduction

In Day 212 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into paragraphs 1546 to 1553 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode focuses on the Sacraments of Service, particularly the Holy Orders, and explores the distinct roles within the priesthood. Fr. Mike emphasizes the dual participation in the one priesthood of Christ and the profound responsibility that comes with ministerial authority.

Dual Participation in the Priesthood of Christ

Fr. Mike begins by explaining that the priesthood in the Catholic Church encompasses two distinct participations:

1. Common (Baptismal) Priesthood:

   • Description: This is the priesthood of all baptized believers, referred to as the kingdom priesthood.
   • Function: The faithful exercise this priesthood through their personal vocations—acting as priest, prophet, and king in their daily lives.
   • Quote:

     "The faithful exercise their baptismal priesthood through their participation, each according to his own vocation, in Christ's mission as priest, prophet and king."
     (00:15:30)

2. Ministerial (Hierarchical) Priesthood:

   • Description: This is the exclusive priesthood of bishops and priests, serving as a service-oriented extension of Christ's priesthood.
   • Function: Ministers act in Persona Christi capitis (in the person of Christ the Head), serving the common priesthood and building up the Church.
   • Quote:

     "The ministerial priesthood is a means by which Christ unceasingly builds up and leads his Church."
     (00:20:45)

Persona Christi Capitis: Representing Christ

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the concept of Persona Christi capitis—acting in the person of Christ the Head. Fr. Mike elaborates on this foundational aspect:

• Representation of Christ:

  • Priests are not mere representatives but are icons of Christ, embodying His presence and authority.
  • Quote:

    "Through the ordained ministry, especially that of bishops and priests, the presence of Christ as head of the Church is made visible in the midst of the community of believers."
    (00:25:10)

• Authority and Service:

  • While priests possess authority, it is fundamentally directed towards serving others, mirroring Christ's own servanthood.
  • Quote:

    "The exercise of this authority must therefore be measured against the model of Christ, who by love made himself the least and the servant of all."
    (00:35:00)

Distinct Roles and Mutual Support

Fr. Mike emphasizes the essential differences between the common and ministerial priesthoods:

• Common Priesthood:

  • Powered by: Baptismal grace.
  • Expression: Living a life of faith, hope, and charity under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
  • Service: Each believer participates in Christ's mission within their unique vocation.
  • Quote:

    "While the common priesthood of the faithful is exercised by the unfolding of baptismal grace... a life according to the Spirit."
    (00:18:20)

• Ministerial Priesthood:

  • Purpose: To serve the common priesthood by facilitating the unfolding of baptismal grace among all Christians.
  • Transmission: Bestowed through the sacrament of Holy Orders, directly linked to Christ's own priesthood.
  • Quote:

    "The sacrament of holy orders communicates a sacred power which is none other than that of Christ."
    (00:30:50)

Human Weakness and the Sacramental Grace

Acknowledging the humanity of priests, Fr. Mike discusses the limitations and enduring grace within the priesthood:

• Human Flaws:

  • Priests are susceptible to weaknesses, errors, and sin, just like any other human.
  • Quote:

    "The presence of Christ in the minister is not to be understood, as if the latter were preserved from all human weaknesses."
    (00:40:15)

• Grace in Sacraments:

  • Despite personal failings, the sacramental acts performed by priests remain effective because Christ Himself is present.
  • Quote:

    "While this guarantee extends to the sacraments, so that even the minister's sin cannot impede the fruit of grace."
    (00:42:30)

Responsibility and Service: Modeling Christ’s Leadership

Fr. Mike draws a parallel between societal perceptions of masculinity and the priesthood, highlighting the ethical responsibilities of priests:

• Masculinity and Service:

  • Referencing Dr. Sacks' Boys Adrift, he contrasts wasted strength and domination with the servant leadership exemplified by Jesus.
  • Quote:

    "A good man, a true man, is to place one's strength at the service of others."
    (00:50:10)

• Priestly Conduct:

  • Priests are called to avoid the extremes of indifference (slacker priest) or abusive power (bully priest), striving instead to embody Christ’s humility and service.
  • Quote:

    "Neither of those is the ideal. The ideal is always going to be Jesus."
    (00:55:45)

Personal Reflections and Call to Prayer

Towards the end of the episode, Fr. Mike shares personal reflections on the dual nature of priesthood—its capacity to both inspire and, unfortunately, cause harm:

• Impact of Priests:

  • Acknowledges the profound positive influence of faithful priests while also recognizing the deep pain caused by those who fail in their duties.
  • Quote:

    "We recognize that the weight that's placed on priests, that they better live up to this."
    (01:05:20)

• Responsibility and Accountability:

  • Emphasizes the severe responsibility of priests, quoting Dr. Chris Thompson and referencing Matthew 18:6 about the gravity of leading others to sin.
  • Quote:

    "God has given his ministerial priests this sacred power. But with power, as Uncle Ben says, with great power comes great responsibility."
    (01:10:35)

• Invitation to Support:

  • Concludes with a heartfelt appeal for prayers, acknowledging his own imperfections and reliance on the community's support.
  • Quote:

    "I realize, man, I'm a mess, so I need your prayers. I'm not as good at spiritual Father as I want to be. I need your prayers."
    (01:18:50)

Conclusion

In this comprehensive exploration of Holy Orders and the priesthood, Fr. Mike Schmitz provides listeners with a deeper understanding of the dual facets of priesthood within the Catholic Church. He underscores the sacred responsibility of ministerial priests to embody Christ's servant leadership while highlighting the vital role of the laity in supporting and participating in the Church's mission. Through personal anecdotes and theological insights, Fr. Mike invites the faithful to reflect on their own vocations and the intertwined nature of service within the Church community.

Key Takeaways:

• The priesthood comprises both the common (baptismal) priesthood of all believers and the ministerial (hierarchical) priesthood of ordained ministers.
• Persona Christi capitis signifies that ministers act in the person of Christ, embodying His presence and authority.
• Priests hold a servant-leadership role, mirroring Jesus' humility and dedication to others.
• Human weakness does not negate the efficacy of sacraments, as Christ remains present in ministerial acts.
• The responsibility bestowed upon priests is immense, requiring constant striving towards Christ-like service and leadership.
• The faithful are encouraged to pray for their priests and recognize the profound impact of both positive and negative priestly actions on the Church community.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "The faithful exercise their baptismal priesthood through their participation, each according to his own vocation, in Christ's mission as priest, prophet and king." (00:15:30)
• "The ministerial priesthood is a means by which Christ unceasingly builds up and leads his Church." (00:20:45)
• "Through the ordained ministry... the presence of Christ as head of the Church is made visible in the midst of the community of believers." (00:25:10)
• "The exercise of this authority must therefore be measured against the model of Christ, who by love made himself the least and the servant of all." (00:35:00)
• "While the common priesthood of the faithful is exercised by the unfolding of baptismal grace... a life according to the Spirit." (00:18:20)
• "The sacrament of holy orders communicates a sacred power which is none other than that of Christ." (00:30:50)
• "The presence of Christ in the minister is not to be understood, as if the latter were preserved from all human weaknesses." (00:40:15)
• "Neither of those is the ideal. The ideal is always going to be Jesus." (00:55:45)
• "God has given his ministerial priests this sacred power. But with power, as Uncle Ben says, with great power comes great responsibility." (01:10:35)
• "I realize, man, I'm a mess, so I need your prayers. I'm not as good at spiritual Father as I want to be. I need your prayers." (01:18:50)

This episode serves as a profound reminder of the call to service inherent in all forms of priesthood and the mutual support required between clergy and laity to foster a thriving and faithful Church community.