Podcast Summary: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 365: So Be It (2025)

Overview

On the final episode of The Catechism in a Year, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on the journey of reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church over 365 days. Focusing on the concluding paragraphs concerning the “Our Father,” he offers a heartfelt review of the core teachings, the meaning of prayer, and why the truths of the faith matter for each listener. The tone is deeply grateful, encouraging, and warmly personal, guiding listeners to embrace God’s love and the transformative power of the Catechism.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Gratitude and the Journey’s End

[00:05; 03:00]

• Fr. Mike opens with sincere thanks for listeners' perseverance, prayers, and support—both spiritual and financial.
• He recognizes those who contributed behind the scenes and all listeners, whether they finished in 365 days or took longer.

  "Did you ever think that you would read through the entire Catechism? I can't imagine. So thank you so much." (Fr. Mike, 01:01)

2. Context: The Final Nugget Day & The Our Father Review

[03:00; 04:35]

• This last episode is dubbed “Nugget Day,” featuring an in-brief review of the entire section on the Lord’s Prayer—specifically paragraphs 2857 to 2865.

• The “nuggets” recap how the Lord’s Prayer encapsulates the Christian life:

  • The first three petitions—glory of the Father (sanctification of His name, coming of His kingdom, fulfillment of His will).
  • The four subsequent petitions—our needs for sustenance, forgiveness, perseverance, and deliverance from evil.

  "The object of the first three petitions is the glory of the Father, the sanctification of his name, the coming of the kingdom, and the fulfillment of his will." (Catechism summary read by Fr. Mike, 04:16)

3. Petitions of the Our Father Explained

[04:35; 07:30]

• The petitions call the faithful to trust in God with the heart of children.

• Emphasis that prayer in the “Our Father” is both a personal and communal act, highlighting dependence on God for all needs.

• The transformative nature of prayer: not just information, but an invitation to conversion.

  "We recognize that we're praying because we realize we have this incredible dependence on God... We are children who trust in you to give us exactly what we need." (Fr. Mike, 06:32)

4. Purpose and Structure of the Catechism

[07:30; 13:00]

• Fr. Mike reviews the four pillars of the Catechism and their transformative intent:

  1. Creed (What we believe): Shapes our lens for seeing God, salvation, and ourselves.
  2. Worship/Liturgy: Forms the way we approach and worship God, especially through the sacraments.
  3. Morality/Life in Christ: Challenges and changes how we live.
  4. Prayer: The culmination—calls us to live in relationship with God through continual prayer.

  Each pillar is a call not only to knowledge, but to action and conversion.

  "This is not just about communication of data or wanting to know more things. It's about conversion of heart." (Fr. Mike, 08:32)

  "To read about prayer, to listen about prayer, to learn about prayer, is wonderful, amazing, so good. But if we do not become prayers, in some ways, we're just missing the most incredible opportunity." (Fr. Mike, 12:12)

5. Why It Matters: God’s Personal Love

[13:00; 16:30]

• God’s desire for relationship is emphasized; everything in the Catechism matters because you matter to God.
• Fr. Mike invites listeners to reflect on the personal aspect: that God cares about each individual’s faith, worship, life choices, and prayers.
• Memorable quote:

  "Why in the world would the God of the universe ever want my attention?... The reason is because you matter to Him. That's why it matters whether we know Him. That's why it matters whether we worship Him. That's why it matters how we live. It's why it matters whether or not we pray—because you matter to him. You matter to God." (Fr. Mike, 14:35)

• The Catechism is ultimately about transformation because of God’s radical love.

6. Ultimate Value of Each Person

[16:30; 17:58]

• Fr. Mike references a Mother Teresa quote:

  "When you look at a crucifix, you can see how much he loved you back then, and when you look at the Eucharist, you can see how much he loves you right now." (Fr. Mike quoting Mother Teresa, 17:35)

• The Cross and the Eucharist are held up as proof of each person’s infinite value to God.

7. The Final Amen: “So Be It”

[17:58; 18:50]

• The conclusion of the Our Father and of the Catechism readings is the “Amen”—a “So be it” that accepts God’s word, God’s love, and the call to transformation.

  "In response, what do we do? We say, amen. You're loved. So be it." (Fr. Mike, 18:13)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "It matters to Him whether we know Him... It matters to Him that we participate... God loves you so much. You need to know that God loves you so much. And remember, he knows you... He loves you so much." (Fr. Mike, 13:52–15:00)
• "Why would it matter to the God of the Universe what I do in that third pillar? Right? How we live?... It matters to God. What we do with our sexuality—isn't that crazy to think? But it matters to Him. Why? Because you matter to Him." (Fr. Mike, 14:17)
• "The greatest big deal, right? The Lord himself says so. So you can argue with me and say, 'Father, you're wrong. I'm not a big deal.' Well, don't take my word for it. Look at a crucifix. That's how much you matter to him. Look at the Eucharist. That's how much you matter to him." (Fr. Mike, 17:11)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:05 – Opening remarks, gratitude, prayer for the community
• 03:00 – Introduction to “Nugget Day” and review of Lord’s Prayer
• 04:35 – Breakdown of the Our Father’s petitions
• 07:30 – Review of the four pillars of the Catechism and their intended transformation
• 13:00 – Why our lives, faith, and relationship with God matter
• 17:35 – Mother Teresa quote about the Cross and Eucharist
• 17:58 – The “Final Amen”—meaning and importance

Conclusion

Fr. Mike closes by recommitting to pray for every listener, not just for the past 365 days but every day going forward. He underscores the communal nature of faith, gratitude for all who made the podcast possible, and the simple, profound truth: God’s love for you is at the heart of everything. The invitation is to say “Amen”—to accept and live out the radical call of the Catechism in daily life.

"I am going to continue praying for you on day 366 and day 367 until I can't anymore. I am praying for you. Please pray for me." (Fr. Mike, 18:50)

Tone: Warm, joyful, encouraging, filled with gratitude, and a clear call to personal transformation.

Utility: This summary provides a complete thematic overview, key teachings, quotes, and timestamped signposts. It stands alone as a moving conclusion to the year-long Catechism journey for those who have or have not listened.