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

Episode: Day 217: The Effects of Holy Orders (2025)
Release Date: August 5, 2025

Introduction

In Day 217 of Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year, Father Mike Schmitz delves into the profound effects of the Sacrament of Holy Orders as outlined in paragraphs 1581 to 1589 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode serves as a critical bridge before transitioning to discussions on Holy Matrimony, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the priesthood's enduring impact and spiritual significance.

Overview of the Sacrament of Holy Orders

Father Mike begins by introducing the key topics of the day:

• Indelible Character: Holy Orders imprints an unchangeable spiritual mark on the ordained, akin to Baptism and Confirmation. Once ordained, a priest remains a priest permanently. As he states at [02:15], “Once a priest, always a priest... a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

• Grace of the Holy Spirit: The sacrament bestows a special grace that empowers priests, bishops, and deacons to serve effectively. This grace encompasses strength, wisdom, and other gifts essential for ministry.

Indelible Character

Father Mike emphasizes the permanence of the sacramental mark received through Holy Orders:

“The Sacrament of Holy Orders... confers an indelible spiritual character and cannot be repeated or conferred temporarily. You’re a priest forever...” ([08:45])

He addresses a common misconception about laicization, clarifying that even if a priest is discharged from his duties for grave reasons, the sacramental character remains intact. This permanence underscores the eternal bond between the ordained and their vocation.

Grace of the Holy Spirit

The episode explores the multifaceted grace granted through Holy Orders:

• For Bishops: Described as a “grace of strength,” enabling them to govern and defend the Church with prudence and love, especially for the marginalized. Father Mike highlights the episcopal consecration prayer, which asks for bishops to embody gratuitous love and courageously proclaim the Gospel ([15:30]).

• For Priests: The Byzantine ordination prayer is discussed, asking God to fill priests with the Holy Spirit, making them worthy to stand before the altar and fulfill their ministry faithfully ([20:50]).

• For Deacons: Deacons receive grace to serve the liturgy and engage in works of charity, acting in conjunction with bishops and priests to build up the Church ([25:10]).

Ordination Prayers

Father Mike shares excerpts from ordination prayers in different rites, illustrating the specific graces and responsibilities bestowed upon bishops and priests:

• Episcopal Consecration Prayer ([17:00]):

  “May he always gain the blessing of Your favor and offer the gifts of Your holy Church through the Spirit who gives the grace of high priesthood...”

• Byzantine Priest Ordination Prayer ([19:30]):

  “Fill him with the gift of the Holy Spirit... so that he may go out to meet our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ...”

These prayers encapsulate the divine support and expectations placed upon those who receive Holy Orders.

Notable Quotes

The episode features profound reflections from esteemed saints:

1. St. Gregory of Nazianzus ([28:00]):

   “St. Gregory... exclaimed, 'We must begin by purifying ourselves before purifying others. We must become light, to illuminate, draw close to God, and bring Him close to others.'”

2. St. Jean Marie Vianney ([35:45]):

   “St. John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, beautifully states, 'The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus.'”

These quotes underscore the essence of the priesthood as a vocation rooted in love and purification.

Personal Reflections and Insights

Father Mike shares his personal reflections on the unworthiness often felt by those in holy orders:

“We are unworthy to be priests, yet through Christ’s grace, we serve as His instruments. St. Augustine powerfully reminds us that 'What flows through him keeps its purity,' emphasizing that Christ’s actions remain effective despite our imperfections” ([30:20]).

He also touches on the profound desire to hear God’s commendation at life’s end:

“The words 'Well done, my good and faithful servant' are what we all long to hear, regardless of our vocation” ([34:10]).

Transition to Holy Matrimony

As the episode draws to a close, Father Mike prepares listeners for the upcoming discussion on Holy Matrimony, highlighting the interconnectedness of service-oriented sacraments in building the Body of Christ on earth.

Conclusion and Call to Prayer

Father Mike concludes by urging listeners to pray for those in Holy Orders:

• For Himself and Other Priests: He seeks prayers for his priesthood to glorify God and avoid scandal.

• For Bishops, Deacons, and Seminarians: Emphasizing the need for their strengthening, purification, and holiness.

“Pray for your bishop, pray for your priests in your life... Pray for those young men who are in seminary discerning the priesthood” ([37:30]).

He ends with a heartfelt prayer, invoking the Trinity for divine assistance in living out their vocations with undivided love and dedication.

Key Takeaways:

• Permanence of Holy Orders: The sacrament imparts an everlasting spiritual mark, ensuring a lifelong vocation.

• Divine Empowerment: The Grace of the Holy Spirit equips those in Holy Orders with the necessary strength, wisdom, and gifts to serve effectively.

• Role of Unworthiness: Recognizing personal inadequacies does not hinder the divine effectiveness of the sacramental grace.

• Essence of Priesthood: Rooted in love, the priesthood reflects the heart of Jesus, emphasizing service, purification, and unwavering dedication.

Notable Quotes:

• St. Gregory of Nazianzus (28:00):

  “We must begin by purifying ourselves before purifying others. We must become light, to illuminate, draw close to God, and bring Him close to others.”

• St. John Vianney (35:45):

  “The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus.”

• St. Augustine ([30:20]):

  “What flows through him keeps its purity,”

Final Prayer:

Father Mike leads a prayer invoking the Trinity, asking for hearts undivided in love, wills focused solely on God, and minds concentrated on His divine purpose. This prayer encapsulates the episode's theme of dedicating oneself entirely to God's service through Holy Orders.

Closing Remarks:

Father Mike expresses his gratitude and encourages listeners to engage deeply with their faith, highlighting the essential role of those in Holy Orders in nurturing and guiding the Catholic community.

Tune in tomorrow as Father Mike introduces "nuggets"—key insights and reflections—before embarking on the exploration of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.

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Parental Discretion: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Please exercise parental discretion.

God bless and continue to journey together toward our heavenly home.