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

Episode: Day 280 – The Christian Name (2025)
Date: October 7, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz, Ascension
Reading: Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 2156–2167

Main Theme & Purpose

Overview:
In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz concludes the exploration of the Second Commandment—specifically, the sacredness and impact of the Christian name. He unpacks what it means to bear the name of Christ, how one's name is set apart at baptism, and why our actions as Christians have both personal and communal repercussions. The episode emphasizes that names hold deep spiritual significance, and respecting God’s name, as well as our own, aligns us with our identity as God’s children.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Sacredness of the Christian Name

• Baptism and Naming:
  • Baptism is conferred "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." This sanctifies the individual and imbues the Christian with a name of spiritual depth.
  • Traditionally, Christians receive a name at baptism, often that of a saint or a name reflecting a Christian virtue or mystery.
  • Fr. Mike: “Once again, an oath is calling upon the Lord God… And yet think about this. At the beginning of every one of our prayers, how do we begin our prayers? ...We begin in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” [10:01]

2. Historical and Practical Naming Traditions

• Historical Conversion Practices:
  • Converts to Christianity often abandon pagan names (e.g., Mars, Venus) in favor of a Christian name, symbolizing a new spiritual identity.
  • The phrase “Christian name” genuinely refers to the name given at baptism, distinct from the birth or given name in some traditions.
  • Church Guidance: Parents, sponsors, and pastors are to ensure that names given at baptism reflect Christian sentiment, avoiding names contrary to faith.

3. The Communal Dimension of Sin and Living Out the Name of Christ

• Public Nature of Sin:
  • Fr. Mike stresses that while sins are personal, none are truly private for baptized Christians because we collectively bear Christ's name.
  • Not living up to the Christian name can cause scandal or even blaspheme God’s name.
  • Memorable Quote: “There are such things as personal sins, but no such thing as a private sin… Since I bear the name of Christ…there's a communal aspect to every sin.” [02:34]
• Responsibility:
  • Christians are called to “lift up” God's name by living faithfully, or risk defaming His name through scandal.

4. Daily Life: The Sign of the Cross, Morning Offering, and Prayer

• Daily Consecration:
  • Christians start their day, prayers, and activities with the sign of the cross, dedicating all to God’s glory.
  • Fr. Mike recommends making a morning offering to God—giving Him the entire day.
  • Personal Anecdote: Fr. Mike describes how he begins every day with a morning offering and encourages listeners to do the same. [15:11]
• Practical Tips:
  • Even using the common pre-meal prayer as a daily morning offering has significance (“Bless us, O Lord, and these, thy gifts…”).
  • The sign of the cross, particularly during temptations, is an act of worship and a literal shutting of the door to sin.

5. The Spiritual and Eternal Significance of One’s Name

• Dignity of the Name:
  • Every person’s name is sacred, being the “icon of the person,” demanding respect.
  • The name given in baptism becomes a name for eternity, referenced in Revelation (2:17).
  • Fr. Mike’s Reflection: “Your name is sacred because the name is the icon of the person. It demands respect as a sign of the dignity of the one who bears it.” [20:52]
• Eternal Uniqueness and Love:
  • In heaven, each will receive a new name only known to God and themselves—symbolizing God’s infinite and unique love for each person.
  • Quote from Revelation: “To him who conquers, I will give a white stone with a new name written on the stone, which no one knows except him who receives it.” [21:40]
  • Fr. Mike’s Insight: “I interpret that as meaning, not only does God love you infinitely, He loves you infinitely, uniquely.” [22:39]

6. The Commandment and the Use of God’s Name

• Second Commandment Recap:
  • Respect for the Lord’s name is enshrined in the commandment not to take God’s name in vain.
  • The Catechism forbids blasphemy, perjury, and irreverent use of holy names.
  • Saint Ignatius of Loyola’s Advice: “Do not swear, whether by the Creator or any creature, except truthfully, of necessity and with reverence.” [17:31]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the nature of Christian identity:
  “When you're baptized…you’re baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. And so in baptism, the Lord's name sanctifies us, and the Christian receives his name in the Church.” — Fr. Mike [02:05]

• On personal vs. public sin:
  “There are such things as personal sins, but no such thing as a private sin.” — Fr. Mike [02:34]

• On the daily sign of the cross:
  “The sign of the cross strengthens us in temptations and difficulties. At any given moment, if you’re facing temptation, simply make the sign of the cross...” — Fr. Mike [18:34]

• On God’s unique love:
  “God loves you infinitely. He also loves you infinitely, uniquely. There’s a name He knows you in a way He knows no one else.” — Fr. Mike [22:39]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:05] – Introduction and overview of the day’s topic.
• [02:05] – Meaning and impact of the Christian name at baptism.
• [10:01] – Reflections on invoking God’s name in prayer and the Mass.
• [15:11] – Fr. Mike’s morning offering and practical prayer advice.
• [17:31] – Catechism’s guidance on Christian names and swearing by God’s name.
• [18:34] – The power of the sign of the cross in spiritual warfare.
• [20:52] – Sacredness and eternal dignity of the Christian name.
• [21:40] – Revelation’s promise of a unique name in heaven.
• [22:39] – God’s infinite and unique love for each person.

Tone & Language

Fr. Mike delivers the episode in his trademark warm, enthusiastic, and pastorally encouraging tone. He offers practical advice, personal anecdotes, and relatable examples to drive home theological points, consistently inviting listeners into deeper prayer and reflection.

Summary

Day 280 of "The Catechism in a Year" explores the profound reality of what it means to carry the Christian name, conferred at baptism and intertwined with one’s identity and destiny. Fr. Mike emphasizes that bearing this name is not only a privilege, but a responsibility—a call to live so as to glorify God, reflecting the holiness of His name. The episode closes with an uplifting reminder of God’s personal, unique love, summed up by the promise of a special name known only by God and each soul in eternity.