Summary of "The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)"
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
- Host/Author: Ascension
- Episode: Day 366: Special Leap Year Message
- Release Date: December 31, 2024
Introduction
In the special leap year episode of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on the journey of completing the Catechism of the Catholic Church over the past 365 days. This final message serves as both a celebration of the completed year and an encouragement for continued spiritual growth.
Reflection on the Year
Fr. Schmitz begins by acknowledging the unique opportunity presented by a leap year, granting listeners an additional day beyond the planned 365 episodes. He appreciates this "bonus day," emphasizing gratitude for every extra moment to deepen one's faith.
"If you are listening to this during a leap year, you are in luck because you've been blessed with one extra day. It's a bonus day, and we thank the Lord for every single bonus day."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:25]
He reminisces about the podcast's inception, noting the initial challenges in finding the right format to convey the rich content of the Catechism effectively.
The Challenge of Engaging Hearts
Fr. Schmitz discusses the difficulty of not just transferring information but also touching the hearts of listeners. In the early days, he grappled with balancing comprehensive teachings with heartfelt engagement.
"Here is an information transfer. I know there's a lot of information, but how do we do this in such a way that hearts are touched."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:25]
Eventually, he discovered that consistently reminding listeners to "remember God" became the cornerstone of the podcast, ensuring that the teachings resonated deeply on a personal level.
Importance of Remembering God
The recurring theme of "remember God" is highlighted as the essential takeaway from the year's lessons. Fr. Schmitz emphasizes that amidst busy lives, it's easy to forget the presence and importance of God.
"Remember God. If there's any two words that I can think of that really helped shape this last year for the catechism is remember God."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:25]
He compares the faithful to "leaky buckets," constantly needing to refill with divine knowledge and grace to prevent spiritual emptiness. The daily reminders through the Catechism serve as this necessary refilling.
Transformation through the Catechism
Fr. Schmitz shares his personal transformation experienced through the catechism, particularly in enhancing his prayer life. He notes how understanding the Catechism has deepened his connection with the Lord's Prayer, making his prayers more meaningful and reflective.
"Going through the catechism and reading, here's what we can think of, here's what we can be entering into when we pray the Lord's Prayer. It just has really transformed my heart, really transformed my prayer."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:25]
He encourages listeners to recognize that the journey doesn't have to end with the podcast. Continual engagement with Scripture, the Catechism, or other devotional practices can further strengthen one's faith.
Invitation to Continue Growing Spiritually
As the year concludes, Fr. Schmitz invites listeners to persist in their spiritual journey. Whether it's revisiting the Bible, continuing with the Catechism, or adopting new practices like the Rosary, he urges believers to keep nurturing their relationship with God.
"This doesn't have to be the last day. Just a reminder. It doesn't have to be the last day."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:25]
He underscores the importance of prayer in every season of life, likening it to building a house on solid rock. This foundation ensures resilience against life's inevitable storms.
"The person who knows how to pray in every season of life will never be alone and will be able to weather any storm."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:25]
Concluding Remarks
Fr. Schmitz closes the episode with heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to guide listeners through the Catechism. He pledges to continue praying for his audience and requests their prayers in return. His final thoughts serve as both a conclusion to the year's journey and an affirmation of the ongoing nature of faith.
"Every single day I have been praying for you. And I'll tell you this, every single day I, I will continue praying for you."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:25]
He extends a warm farewell, expressing anticipation for future encounters and blessings for his listeners.
"I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:25]
Key Takeaways:
- Consistent Remembrance: The importance of daily reminders to keep God at the forefront of one's life.
- Heartfelt Engagement: Balancing doctrinal teaching with personal spiritual growth.
- Continual Growth: Encouragement to persist in faith practices beyond the podcast.
- Prayer as Foundation: Establishing prayer as a resilient foundation for navigating life's challenges.
This special episode serves as both a reflection on a year-long spiritual journey and a call to continue nurturing one's relationship with God through ongoing faith practices.