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

Episode: Day 290 – The Duties of Citizens (2025)

Date: October 17, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz, Ascension

Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the Catholic teaching on the "Duties of Citizens" as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (par. 2238-2243). The episode investigates the Christian perspective on civic responsibility, focusing on the obligations of citizens toward civil authorities, one's own country, and fellow human beings—especially regarding paying taxes, voting, defense, immigration, and obedience to civil law. Fr. Mike emphasizes how these duties align with Scripture and Church wisdom, reminding listeners to seek the mind of Christ in societal engagement rather than defaulting to worldly ideologies.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Citizenship as a Christian Duty

Timestamps: 04:24–07:11

• Regard for Authority: Christians are called to see civil authorities as representatives of God, responsible for stewarding his gifts (“Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution.” — Romans 13).
• Living as Servants of God: While living as free individuals, Christians must avoid using freedom as a pretense for evil, instead living as true servants of Christ.

Notable Quote:

“Those subject to authority should regard those in authority as representatives of God, who has made them stewards of his gifts.” (Fr. Mike, 06:04)

2. Duties of Citizens: Contributions to the Common Good

Timestamps: 07:12–10:20

• Basic Obligations:
  • Contribute to society: Citizens must work for the common good through truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom.
  • Patriotism: Love and service for one's country are rooted in gratitude; patriotism belongs to the order of charity.
  • Virtue of Justice: Giving one's country what is owed is an extension of the virtue of justice.

Notable Quote:

“It’s actually right and just to love your country. That’s a good thing. Why? Because we get a lot from our country…This is all under the virtue of justice.” (Fr. Mike, 09:40)

3. Practical Duties: Taxes, Voting, Defense

Timestamps: 10:21–13:52

• Paying Taxes, Voting, Defense:
  • These are described as morally obligatory for all citizens.
  • Informed Voting: Not merely casting a ballot but making informed choices.
  • Defense: Citizens should be willing to defend their country if necessary.

Notable Quote:

“We are called to contribute to the needs of all—that’s part of paying taxes, right?... I believe... the exercise of your right to vote also involves becoming knowledgeable about the candidates, their positions, all the arguments.” (Fr. Mike, 12:15 & 12:43)

4. Welcoming the Foreigner and Immigration

Timestamps: 13:53–19:31

• Obligation to Welcome the Stranger: Prosperous nations must welcome foreigners to the extent possible, grounded in human dignity.
• Limits and Responsibilities:
  • Countries can set reasonable limits based on capacity and common good.
  • Immigrants must respect the laws and heritage of their host country.
  • There is a necessary tension: “...called to care for the stranger... at the same time, political authorities have an obligation, primary obligation for the people who are already living there.” (Fr. Mike, 16:58)

Notable Quote:

“Every person we treat with dignity because every person is made in God’s image... If someone is in a place where they need help and I’m in a position to give help, then I’m obliged to give that help.” (Fr. Mike, 14:45)

Memorable Explanation:

• Fr. Mike likens national obligation to family responsibility: A parent wants to help others but cannot do so at the expense of their children’s well-being. Similarly, nations must balance welcoming the stranger with safeguarding current citizens.

5. Obedience and the Limits of Authority

Timestamps: 19:32–22:11

• Limits of Civil Obedience: Citizens must not obey laws or directives contrary to moral order, fundamental rights, or the Gospel.
• Primary Allegiance: “We belong to the Lord first. So we give to God what belongs to God and render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar.”

Notable Quote:

“The citizen is obliged in conscience not to follow the directives of civil authorities when they are contrary to the demands of the moral order, to the fundamental rights of persons, or to the teachings of the Gospel.” (Fr. Mike, 19:57)

6. Armed Resistance: Just War Conditions

Timestamps: 22:12–24:45

• When is armed resistance justified? Five strict conditions (derived from St. Augustine and Church teaching):

  1. Grave and prolonged violation of fundamental rights.
  2. All other means of redress exhausted.
  3. Resistance will not provoke worse disorders.
  4. Well-founded hope of success.
  5. No better solution is reasonably foreseeable.

• Church Caution: If these conditions are not met, armed resistance is unjust.

Notable Quote:

“If [these five requirements] are not there, then it’s not just armed resistance.” (Fr. Mike, 24:24)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Discernment:
  “This is not the wisdom of the world. This is the wisdom of the Lord. And now we have to pay attention to this.” (Fr. Mike, 18:21)

• On citizenship identity:
  “I’m not an American Catholic. I’m not a Canadian Catholic. I’m not an Australian Catholic. I’m not a Brazilian Catholic. I am a Catholic, and I live in the United States of America...” (Fr. Mike, 20:42)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Citizens' Obligations & Authority: 04:24–07:11
• Patriotism & Common Good: 07:12–10:20
• Taxes, Voting, Defense: 10:21–13:52
• Immigration and Welcoming the Foreigner: 13:53–19:31
• Limits of Obedience & Allegiance: 19:32–22:11
• Just War & Armed Resistance: 22:12–24:45

Conclusion

Fr. Mike’s reflection draws out the richness and nuance in Catholic social teaching on citizenship. Catholics are challenged to participate actively and responsibly in political life, maintain a spirit of charity and justice, honor authorities as God’s stewards, and uphold truth and conscience above all. The Church’s wisdom offers a balanced approach: support for the good of society, love of country within charity, reasoned and informed participation in public life, openness to immigrants while safeguarding the common good, and the moral imperative to oppose injustice.

Next episode: Fr. Mike will explore the relationship between the Church and political community.
Final encouragement: Stay prayerful and engaged, seeking both heavenly wisdom and earthly responsibility.