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

Episode: Day 26 – Communion of Believers (2026)
Original Release: January 26, 2026

Overview of the Episode

In Day 26 of The Catechism in a Year, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the meaning, purpose, and origins of the Christian creeds, especially the Apostles’ Creed and Nicene Creed. This episode marks the beginning of Section Two of the Catechism, focusing on how these creeds articulate and unify the essential beliefs of the Catholic faith. Fr. Mike explains the deep communal, spiritual, and historical significance of professing the Creed, weaving in practical insights and memorable analogies.
Readings: Catechism paragraphs 185–192, the Apostles’ Creed, and the Nicene Creed.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Introduction to Section Two: The Profession of the Christian Faith

• Fr. Mike announces the transition into Section Two of the Catechism, which unpacks the Creed, dividing it into three main “chapters”: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
  • Quote: "The Creed is kind of in three 'chapters': God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit." (01:55)
  • Preview: Over the coming days, the podcast will delve into each Person of the Trinity.

2. The Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed

• Both creeds are read in full (06:05–08:25).
  • Apostles’ Creed: the ancient, foundational summary of faith, traceable to the early Church and the apostles.
  • Nicene Creed: a more developed version, addressing doctrinal challenges—especially concerning the divinity of Christ—and originating from the early Church councils (Nicaea 325, Constantinople 381).

3. Why Do We Have Creeds? The Need for a Common Faith

• The Church needs a common language to unite all believers in the faith.
  • "Whoever says 'I believe' says I pledge myself to what we believe. Communion in faith needs a common language of faith, normative for all and uniting all in the same confession of faith." (08:30)
• From the beginning, Christianity formulated and passed on its beliefs through concise summaries (professions of faith), particularly for baptismal candidates.

4. Meaning of the Word "Creed" and "Symbol"

• Creed comes from the Latin credo (“I believe”).
• The Greek word symbolon originally referred to two halves of a broken object, fitting together as a sign of authenticity and unity—like “friendship necklaces.”
  • Quote: "It essentially is the best friends forever broken necklace that we walk up to any other Christian and realize, wait a second. You believe what I believe... because we share the same creed." (05:05)
• Profession of faith as symbolon is both a summary of doctrine and a profound sign of mutual recognition and communion among believers.

5. Structure of the Creed

• The Creed is traditionally divided into three parts reflecting belief in the Trinity:
  • Creation (God the Father)
  • Redemption (God the Son)
  • Sanctification (God the Holy Spirit)
  • "These are the three chapters of our baptismal seal." (10:28)

6. Articles of Faith and Their Meaning

• The Creed is broken into "articles," akin to bodily joints that articulate and distinguish parts, each article distinctly stating a principal truth.
  • "Just as in our bodily members there are certain articulations which distinguish and separate them, so too in this profession of faith..." (11:13)
• Traditionally, the Apostles’ Creed is reckoned as having twelve articles, symbolizing the fullness of apostolic faith (twelve apostles).

7. The Historical Growth of Creeds

• The creeds grew and expanded over time to address new challenges and clarify doctrine.
  • The Nicene Creed, for example, developed to clarify Christ’s divine nature.
  • Quote: “We might learn this even later. The Apostles Creed is that essential creed that can be traced back to the Apostles... Nicene Creed, which comes later, doesn't contradict the Apostles Creed at all. In fact, it's an expansion. Why did it get expanded?... in response to the needs of different eras.” (14:08)
• Naming other creeds: Athanasian Creed, various council professions, and papal symbols.

8. The Function of Creeds Today

• Creeds distill complex theological teachings into a concise, clear form that anyone can profess.
• They help believers articulate and communicate faith in a way that's accessible and comprehensive, much like how a summary serves those introduced to complex topics.
  • Quote: “We have these creeds because this is a summary just in the essential elements of the faith... distilled down to the most concentrated form.” (17:13)

9. Symbols of Unity and the Reality of Christian Suffering

• The Creed connects believers past and present, and is a powerful sign of unity—especially moving in light of contemporary martyrdoms.
  • "There are people who believe exactly what you and I believe. And because of that, they are now being persecuted, they are now being tortured." (19:48)
• Through the Creed, all Christians share the same faith, regardless of circumstance.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On the Symbolon Analogy:
  • “The broken parts were placed together to verify the bearer's identity. The symbol of faith, then, is a sign of recognition and communion between believers.” (11:00)
• On Creed as Common Faith:
  • “Whoever says I believe says, I pledge myself to what we believe.” (08:30)
• On Articles of the Creed:
  • “Just as in our bodily members there are certain articulations which distinguish and separate them, so too in this profession of faith...” (11:13)
• On the Creed as Distilled Faith:
  • “These creeds... summary in the essential elements of the faith... distilled down to the most concentrated form.” (17:13)
• On the Contemporary Need for Unity and Prayer:
  • “There are people who believe exactly what you and I believe. And because of that, they are now being persecuted... The only difference between them and us is their situation.” (19:48)
• Final Encouragement:
  • “We just get to profess this faith... I can't wait to see you there. I am praying for. Please, please pray for me.” (21:02)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:00 – Introduction to Section 2: The Creed’s structure
• 06:05 – Recitation of the Apostles’ Creed
• 07:20 – Recitation of the Nicene Creed
• 08:30 – The necessity of creeds for unity
• 10:00 – Explanation of “creed,” “symbol,” and “article”
• 11:13 – Articles of faith; faith’s articulation
• 14:08 – Historical development: Apostles’ Creed vs. Nicene Creed
• 17:13 – Creeds as concise summaries of complex belief
• 19:48 – Suffering, unity, and prayer for persecuted Christians
• 21:02 – Closing remarks and preview of next episodes

Tone and Style

Fr. Mike maintains a pastoral, enthusiastic, and accessible tone throughout the episode, using easy-to-understand analogies and practical encouragements. His examples—like the friendship necklace—bridge ancient concepts with modern understanding, making the Catechism’s meaning approachable and relevant.

For Listeners New and Old

This episode is foundational for anyone wanting to grasp not just what Christians believe, but how and why those beliefs are structured, professed, and lived—across history and in the present day. Fr. Mike’s teaching connects deep doctrinal truths with daily Christian life, motivating listeners to not only understand, but actively live and share their faith.