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

Episode: Day 297: The Cross of Suicide (2025)

Date: October 24, 2025
Sections Covered: Catechism paragraphs 2280–2283

Overview of the Episode

In this emotionally resonant episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through the Catechism’s teaching on suicide—addressing its gravity, moral implications, and the Church’s nuanced, compassionate stance toward those who struggle with despair and mental illness. He explores what it means for us to be "stewards, not owners" of our own lives and underscores the enduring hope and prayer the Church offers for those lost to suicide and those left grieving. Fr. Mike balances Church doctrine with pastoral care, addressing both theological points and practical advice for listeners facing, or walking with others through, this tragic reality.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Our Responsibility for Life Before God (00:55)

• Main Idea: We are not the owners of our lives but stewards, entrusted by God.
  • “Everyone is responsible for his life before God, who has given it to him."
  • Our lives are not ours “to dispose of,” but gifts to be cherished and preserved for God’s honor and our salvation.
  • Common sentiment, “It’s my life, what does it matter?” is challenged; our lives are bound up with the wellbeing of others.

2. Suicide, Sin, and the Bonds of Community (04:15)

• Main Idea: Suicide is always grave matter—a serious sin that not only contradicts love of self but also harms our obligations to family, nation, and society.
  • “It unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies… We belong to each other.”
  • Fr. Mike discusses the anger and complicated grief survivors might experience:

    "Another part of this is anger, that sense of, okay, yeah, you’ve done this to yourself, but you’ve also done this to us, and that’s real." (06:22)

  • The phenomenon of "social contagion"—how suicide, especially among the young, can become imitative in communities.

3. The Church’s Historical Response and “Scandal” (08:40)

• Main Idea: Church practices regarding funeral rites and burial for those who die by suicide have historic roots in recognizing social effects and consequences.
  • The “gravity of scandal,” particularly when suicide is meant to set an example, is emphasized in the Catechism.
  • The Church’s caution was never meant as mere punishment but rooted in care for the wider community.
  • Fr. Mike:

    "It could be the case that the Church… is just trying again, not trying to punish someone unduly… but because the Church understands the nature of… social contagion." (09:48)

4. Diminished Responsibility and the Role of Mental Illness (11:42)

• Main Idea: Grave psychological disturbances, fear, and suffering can diminish the guilt (culpability) of suicide.
  • "Mental illness can diminish the responsibility of one committing suicide."
  • Fr. Mike provides poignant examples, such as those jumping from burning buildings (e.g., 9/11) or enduring torture, highlighting that “full consent of the will” may be lacking.
  • Quote:

    "Many people would not have full consent of the will if they're being driven by mental illness or… grave fear… That can diminish the responsibility." (12:56)

5. Eternal Salvation and the Call to Hope (14:50)

• Main Idea: The Church urges us not to lose hope or despair over the eternal salvation of those who have died by suicide.
  • “By ways known to Him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance.”
  • St. Augustine is cited:

    "We don't know what happens between the bridge and the water… that's why we pray for them." (16:02)

  • Real-life stories: People surviving suicide attempts immediately regretted their decision mid-act, began praying, and eventually found gratitude for continued life.

6. The Stigma of Mental Illness and a Pastoral Response (18:18)

• Main Idea: Mental illness is real and should be treated without stigma; all aspects of our being—body, mind, soul—can be wounded and are deserving of compassionate care.
  • Seeking help from mental health professionals is essential and should be free from stigma, just as with any physical illness.
  • Quote:

    "There should be no stigma whatsoever about mental illness. Just like… no stigma… with physical illness. Human beings, body, mind, soul, and all of those can be wounded." (18:50)

7. Practical Counsel for Those Encountering Suicide (20:00)

• Main Idea: If you are supporting someone experiencing suicidal temptation, do not act alone—connect them with people who can provide immediate help and put appropriate boundaries for safety.
  • “To offer that help alone… is a grave mistake… If you are in a place of danger right now, then stay on the phone, I’m going to come to you and we’re going to go to the hospital.” (05:50)
  • Setting boundaries is not only essential for the helper’s well-being but also for the effective care of the person in crisis.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Stewardship of Life:

  "We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us. It's not ours to dispose of." (04:46)

• Community and Grief:

  "Our lives don’t have to matter to thousands in order to matter… Your life matters." (08:09)

• Anger in Grief:

  "It's okay for me to also have some anger. That's natural for me to also have some anger." (06:42)

• Hope After Suicide:

  "We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives… God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance." (14:50)

• St. Augustine’s Wisdom:

  "We don’t know what happens between the bridge and the water." (16:10)

• Mental Health and Stigma:

  "There should be no stigma whatsoever about mental illness… all aspects of our being… can be wounded and are deserving of compassionate care." (18:50)

• Message to Those Struggling:

  "If you find yourself in a place where I can’t see any way forward, we are praying for you. Don’t give up hope. You may feel incredibly alone, but you are not alone." (21:30)

Essential Timestamps

• 00:55 – Intro to theme; “stewards, not owners”
• 04:15 – Suicide as grave sin; impact on community
• 06:22 – Grief and anger in survivors
• 08:40 – Church’s historic approach & social contagion
• 11:42 – Complicating factors and diminished guilt
• 14:50 – Hope: salvation and Church’s prayer
• 16:02 – St. Augustine and “between the bridge and the water”
• 18:18 – Mental illness, seeking help, combating stigma
• 20:00 – Practical advice for helping others
• 21:30 – Closing words of encouragement and prayer

Final Encouragement and Pastoral Message

Fr. Mike closes with a compassionate plea to everyone struggling or grieving: the Church prays for both the living and the dead, and we should never despair of God's mercy. People wrestling with suicidal thoughts are urged not to walk alone, to seek help, and to know that community and prayer surround them. The podcast ends with the assurance: “We haven’t given up hope… and we never will.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek immediate help from a mental health professional, clergy, or trusted person. You are not alone. The Church prays for you.