Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 216: Who Receives Holy Orders (2025)
Release Date: August 4, 2025

Introduction

In Day 216 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the sacred topic of Holy Orders, specifically addressing the question: "Who Can Receive Holy Orders?" Guided by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Fr. Mike explores the theological foundations, historical context, and contemporary challenges surrounding the male-only priesthood.

Overview of Today’s Reading (Paragraphs 1577-1580)

Fr. Mike begins by outlining the specific sections of the Catechism being discussed: paragraphs 1577 to 1580. These paragraphs focus on the sacrament of Holy Orders, detailing who is eligible to receive it and the underlying reasons for these stipulations.

[00:05] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "We are reading paragraphs 1577 to 1580. Who can receive this sacrament? Only a baptized man validly receives sacred ordination."

Who Can Receive Holy Orders

The central teaching emphasized is that only a baptized man (using the Latin term vir, meaning male) can validly receive the sacrament of Holy Orders. This is rooted in the tradition established by Jesus Christ and maintained by the Church through the ages.

[05:30] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Only a baptized man, vir, meaning vir is the Latin term for male man, validly receives sacred ordination."

He further explains that Jesus chose men to form the College of the Twelve Apostles, a pattern the Church continues to follow, believing this structure will remain until Christ's return. Consequently, the ordination of women is deemed not possible within the Church’s doctrinal framework.

Theological Reasons for Male-Only Priesthood

Fr. Mike addresses the theological underpinnings of this teaching, emphasizing that it is not a matter of gender superiority but a reflection of equality in dignity with distinct roles.

[19:45] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Men and women are equal in dignity and different. And this is the distinction that has been lost in our culture in so many ways."

He references Scripture, particularly Genesis, to highlight that both men and women are created in God’s image and joint heirs to grace. However, equality does not equate to sameness, and the Church maintains that different roles within the sacramental life are part of divine order.

Fr. Mike also counters cultural criticisms by asserting that Jesus personally chose men for the priesthood, independent of the cultural norms of His time, which did include female priests in surrounding pagan traditions.

Addressing Modern Challenges and Cultural Context

Acknowledging the cultural shifts and challenges surrounding this teaching, especially in contemporary Western societies, Fr. Mike shares his personal experience of initial hesitation and cultural embarrassment regarding the male-only priesthood.

[13:20] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "I kind of grew up in this culture here in the United States of America in the late 20th century that was kind of embarrassed about this idea."

He empathizes with listeners who may feel excluded or question the justice of this practice, yet underscores the importance of trusting in the divine wisdom behind the Church’s teachings.

Role of Men and Women in the Church

Fr. Mike emphasizes the complementary roles of men and women in the Church, advocating for a harmonious coexistence of male priests and female religious sisters.

[25:10] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "In those parishes, it's amazing because you have the pastor, right? You have the priest who is the father of the parish, but you also have these religious sisters who are in some ways, spiritually speaking, the mothers of the parish as well."

He highlights the significant contributions of religious sisters in fields like education and healthcare, illustrating how both men and women are essential to the Church’s mission, each bringing unique strengths to their roles.

Catholic Understanding of Equality vs. Sameness

Delving deeper into the concept of equality without sameness, Fr. Mike clarifies that while men and women share equal dignity, their roles can be distinct yet equally valuable.

[22:40] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Equality isn't the same thing as sameness, right? Equality isn't sameness. The man and woman are equal in dignity and different."

This distinction counters modern cultural pushes towards eliminating gender differences, reinforcing that the Church's teachings honor both the unity and diversity of the human person.

Conclusion and Reflections

Fr. Mike concludes by reaffirming the Church’s commitment to the male-only priesthood as a divine ordinance established by Christ. He acknowledges ongoing discussions and potential misconceptions but encourages listeners to remain faithful and trusting in the Church’s teachings.

[38:10] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Jesus Christ gave us the priesthood as an image of the fatherhood of God. Jesus Christ gave us the priesthood as an image of his self-offering and his self-gift."

He also previews upcoming discussions on how the sacrament of Holy Orders affects believers and encourages continued exploration of Catholic teachings as they transition into discussing morality in Pillar Three.

[40:50] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Remember this, that Jesus established his church. He continues to guide his church by the power of the Holy Spirit. He promised to lead her into all truth."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On the exclusivity of male ordination:

  [05:30] “Only a baptized man, vir, meaning vir is the Latin term for male man, validly receives sacred ordination.”

• On equality and difference between genders:

  [19:45] “Men and women are equal in dignity and different. And this is the distinction that has been lost in our culture in so many ways.”

• On service over power in priesthood:

  [29:10] “Sacrament of Holy Orders is always meant to be oriented towards service. It's not about power.”

• On trusting Church teachings despite cultural challenges:

  [38:10] “Jesus Christ gave us the priesthood as an image of the fatherhood of God. Jesus Christ gave us the priesthood as an image of his self-offering and his self-gift.”

Final Thoughts

Fr. Mike Schmitz provides a thorough and compassionate exploration of Holy Orders, addressing both doctrinal clarity and human emotions tied to this teaching. His balanced approach invites listeners to deepen their understanding while fostering respect for the Church’s traditions and the diverse roles within its community.

For those seeking to navigate the complexities of Catholic teachings on priesthood, Day 216 offers valuable insights and encourages a thoughtful embrace of faith’s rich sacramental life.

Note: This summary excludes non-content sections such as advertisements, introductions, and outros, focusing solely on the substantive discussion provided by Fr. Mike Schmitz.