Podcast Summary: The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast Episode: Why We Keep Forgetting What We Believe as Catholics (Foundations of Faith Preview)
Release Date: May 29, 2025

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast, hosted by Ascension, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the foundational aspects of Catholic faith, specifically focusing on the importance of the Creed—the profession of faith that Catholics recite every Sunday during Mass. The discussion addresses why repetition of the Creed is essential for maintaining and reaffirming one's beliefs, especially in today's secular age where individual beliefs often take precedence over established doctrines.

The Necessity of Repetition in Faith

Timestamp [00:32] - Fr. Mike Schmitz:
Fr. Mike begins by explaining the primary reason for the repeated recitation of the Creed: “We tend to forget.” Drawing parallels from the Bible, he illustrates how the story of salvation is reiterated multiple times to ensure it remains vivid in the believers' hearts. He emphasizes that in a "broken world, in a world that's full of sadness, a world full of loss and challenges," it's easy to lose sight of foundational truths. Therefore, the Creed serves as a weekly reminder of these eternal truths, reinforcing the believers' identity and relationship with God.

Identity Through the Creed

Timestamp [01:53] - Ascension:
Ascension likens the recitation of the Creed to a family tradition of retelling a child's birth story on their birthday. This practice not only reinforces the children's sense of belonging and love but also solidifies their identity within the family. Similarly, the Creed anchors Catholics in their faith, reminding them of who God is and what He has done for their salvation.

Addressing Secular Perspectives

Timestamp [02:38] - Ascension:
In today's secular society, many individuals question the need for a fixed set of beliefs, advocating for personal morality and subjective truths. Ascension poses this real-world dilemma: “What would you say to someone coming from a perspective that emphasizes personal belief over established creed?”

Timestamp [02:38] - Fr. Mike Schmitz:
Fr. Mike responds by drawing an analogy to relationships: “Do you have a relationship with an imaginary spouse, or do you actually know your spouse?” He challenges listeners to consider whether they are worshipping the true God as revealed in the Creed or a self-invented version of God that aligns with personal preferences. This reflection underscores the importance of adhering to the authentic revelation of God rather than constructing a personalized deity.

The Creed as a Relationship Statement

Timestamp [04:22] - Ascension:
Looking ahead, Ascension mentions that upcoming sessions will explore the Catechism's presentation of the Creed, highlighting the relational aspect between humans and the divine Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Timestamp [04:53] - Fr. Mike Schmitz:
Fr. Mike encourages listeners to view the Creed not just as a list of beliefs but as a declaration of trust in who God is. He suggests reframing the Creed by focusing on “who I believe in” rather than simply “what I believe.” This perspective fosters a deeper, more personal connection with God.

The Personal Nature of God's Law

Timestamp [05:16] - Speaker C:
An additional contributor, Speaker C, recounts the dramatic event at Mount Sinai where God delivered the Ten Commandments to Israel. This moment is portrayed as highly personal, with God addressing each individual directly. Quoting the Catechism, “In all God's commandments, the singular personal pronoun designates the recipient,” Speaker C emphasizes that God's laws are meant to be understood and accepted personally, not just collectively.

Conclusion and Encouragement

Timestamp [07:18] - Fr. Mike Schmitz:
In wrapping up the discussion, Fr. Mike reiterates the importance of the Creed in maintaining a steadfast faith. He encourages listeners to embrace the upcoming exploration of the Catechism, promising that it will deepen their understanding of who God is and the relationship He desires with each individual.

Notable Quotes

• [00:32] Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “We tend to forget. So if you go back to the Bible, one of the things you'll notice if you're reading through the story of salvation is that the story is repeated again and again.”

• [02:38] Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “Is that the true God, Is that the God as he's revealed himself to us? ... my religion isn't necessarily I'm not Christian, I'm not Catholic, I'm a mistake. And I just basically have the religion of me.”

• [04:22] Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  “Sometimes when we recite the Creed, we can imagine that we're saying what God is. Here's what I believe. We could reframe that and say, oh, no, this is who I believe in.”

• [05:16] Speaker C:
  “In all God's commandments, the singular personal pronoun designates the recipient. God makes his will known to each person in particular at the same time as he makes it known to the whole people.”

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a profound reminder of the significance of the Creed in the Catholic faith. Fr. Mike Schmitz effectively communicates the necessity of repeated affirmation of beliefs to counteract forgetfulness and the distractions of a secular world. By framing the Creed as a personal relationship with God and emphasizing the personal nature of His commandments, listeners are encouraged to deepen their faith and understanding of their identity in Christ.

For Catholics seeking to reinforce their foundational beliefs and navigate the challenges of modern society, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical reflections.