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

Episode: Day 344: Guides for Prayer (2025)
Date: December 10, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Coverage: Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraphs 2683–2690

Episode Overview

This episode explores the theme of "Guides for Prayer" as outlined in paragraphs 2683–2690 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike delves into the crucial role that the great "cloud of witnesses" (the saints), a diversity of Christian spiritualities, families, ordained ministers, religious, catechists, and spiritual directors play in guiding the faithful in their prayer lives. The episode also examines the importance of being formed in prayer from an early age, and the need to seek trustworthy spiritual mentors.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Cloud of Witnesses and Intercessors (2683)

• The saints in heaven—“the cloud of witnesses”—are models of prayer and intercessors for those still on earth.
• Fr. Mike notes,

  “Their intercession is their most exalted service to God’s plan.” [04:58]

• Example: St. Thérèse of Lisieux desired to spend her heaven doing good on earth, interceding for souls.

2. Diversity of Spiritual Traditions (2684)

• Through history, many forms of Christian spirituality have arisen, reflecting the unique ways in which faith is lived out in different contexts.
• These traditions are not in conflict but are like different colors refracting the one pure light of the Holy Spirit.
• Memorable quote from St. Basil via the Catechism:

  “The Spirit is truly the dwelling of the saints, and the saints are for the Spirit a place where he dwells as in his own home.” [05:53]

3. Servants of Prayer—Who Teaches Us How to Pray? (2685–2690)

• The Christian Family:

  • The first "school of prayer"—the domestic church—where children learn not only memorized prayers, but how to persevere and grow in prayer.
  • Fr. Mike passionately remarks:

    “Wouldn’t it be incredible if families then said, okay, we’re going to be serious about this?... We’re going to disciple our kids in prayer.” [10:03]

  • Even if you didn’t have that example growing up, you can become that blessing for others.

• Ordained Ministers and Religious

  • Priests, deacons, and religious brothers and sisters are called to form and lead others in prayer, by example and teaching.
  • Religious communities—hermits, monks, and nuns especially—live lives dedicated to prayer and intercession for the Church.

• Catechesis and Prayer Groups

  • Catechists help the faithful, especially the young, to internalize the practice and meaning of prayer, not just memorization.
  • Prayer groups, when rooted in authentic Christian tradition, are powerful sources of renewal.

• Spiritual Directors

  • Some have received special gifts from the Holy Spirit—wisdom, faith, and discernment—to guide others on their spiritual paths.
  • Citing St. John of the Cross:

    “The person wishing to advance toward perfection should take care into whose hands he entrusts himself.” [14:30]

  • Fr. Mike reflects that true spiritual directors must be experienced and striving after holiness.

4. Mentorship in Prayer: The Importance of Discipleship

• Fr. Mike shares an experience from a diocesan camp, where young people are guided in practical aspects of prayer, learning about distraction, boredom, and perseverance.

• “For one week, one solid week, they get discipled in how to pray. And it’s one of the things I’m just most grateful for... because it gives these young people an opportunity to have what many of us never had a chance to have, the opportunity to have some kind of mentor who shows us how to pray.” [13:17]

5. The Reality and Challenge of Finding Spiritual Directors

• A shortage of spiritual directors exists, but the faithful are encouraged not to be discouraged.
• The Holy Spirit is always the “Director”:

  “The Holy Spirit is the director, like capital T, the capital D, THE Director. The Holy Spirit is the spiritual director of the faithful.” [16:43]

• We are lifelong learners in the "school of prayer," guided by the Holy Spirit, God’s Word, and the Church, and, when possible, by wise spiritual guides.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Saints & Intercession:

  “Saints in heaven are interceding on our behalf as they worship God and praise God constantly. It’s incredible.” [08:57]

• On Family as Domestic Church:

  “Wouldn’t it be cool if you had a parent or you had family members who showed you how to pray and discipled you in prayer? You are blessed indeed. But if you didn’t, you can be that blessing.” [11:42]

• On Spiritual Direction:

  “If the spiritual director has no experience of the spiritual life, he will be incapable of leading into it the souls whom God is calling to it, and he will not even understand them.” (St. John of the Cross, quoted at [15:30])

• On Lifelong Learning in Prayer:

  “Regardless, know this. You and I, we are in the school of prayer and we are lifelong learners in that school. There is no graduation, because for all eternity... we will spend eternity contemplating God, praising God and constantly caring for those whom we’ve left on earth. That is our destiny. That is our hope.” [17:32]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:05 — Introduction; overview of “cloud of witnesses”
• 04:10 — Reading of Catechism paragraphs 2683–2690 (Article 3: Guides for Prayer)
• 08:13 — Fr. Mike’s reflections: Saints in heaven and intercession
• 10:03 — The family as first school of prayer; mentoring children in prayer
• 13:17 — Story: Discipleship in prayer at diocesan camp
• 14:30 — On spiritual directors and caution from St. John of the Cross
• 16:43 — The Holy Spirit as the ultimate spiritual director
• 17:32 — Conclusion: Lifelong journey in the school of prayer

Final Thoughts

This episode emphasizes the Church’s rich, diverse heritage of prayer and the importance of intentional formation—through family, Church leaders, saints, and spiritual mentors. While not everyone may have a dedicated spiritual director, Fr. Mike encourages listeners to trust in God’s providence and to remain lifelong disciples in the school of prayer, with the Holy Spirit as the master teacher.

Fr. Mike closes:

“I’m praying for you. Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.” [17:56]