Category: Ascension

Posted on

The Catechism in a Year – Day 291 – The Political Community and the Church

We take a look at what the Catechism teaches about the Church in relation to political communities. Every institution has their own vision of what it means to be human, which shapes their policies. Because the Church knows the truth, that every person is made in the image and likeness of God, the Church must weigh in to ensure that the dignity of the human person is at the forefront of political decisions and policies. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2244-2257.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/4ez8_W6K2YQ?si=InTnjbz5LsPWaIa_

Posted on

The Catechism in a Year – Day 290 – The Duties of Citizens

As citizens of a nation, we have certain responsibilities in accordance with God’s Law. The Catechism provides parameters for contributing to society, welcoming the foreigner, refusing obedience, and resisting oppression. Fr. Mike helps us better understand our role as co-collaborators in society within the lens of our world today. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2238-2243.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/dM_X7N2xsbw?si=fBqyv3m3waKNWXqg

Posted on

The Catechism in a Year – Day 289 – Family, Society, and the Kingdom

While family is important, the Catechism states, “The first vocation of the Christian is to follow Jesus.” This means that parents should support Christ’s call for their children. Fr. Mike explains that when we deny Jesus or his teachings for the sake of our families, we are making an idol of the family. We also learn the duties of civil authorities. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2232-2237.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/GA7bWqW0EjM?si=cuj9eAMzhs0QCkc2

Posted on

The Catechism in a Year – Day 288 – The Duties of Parents

Being a parent is far more than just having kids. As the Catechism reminds us, the fruitfulness of married love extends to the moral and spiritual education of a couple’s children. Parents are the primary educators of their children, especially in the ways of virtue and prayer. Fr. Mike reminds us that it is also parents’ privilege to evangelize their children. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2221-2231.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/sZ-UvMcIA5E?si=GR9zEzOgVnFL9Lhi

Posted on

The Catechism in a Year – Day 287 – The Gratitude of Children

Gratitude is the proper response of children toward their parents. Out of this gratitude comes respect. When we are children at home, this respect includes “true docility and obedience.” Fr. Mike emphasizes respect for parents doesn’t expire when we leave home as adults. Grown children are responsible for caring for and supporting their parents in their old age. As Fr. Mike stresses, this can be the simple but often overlooked phone call to mom or dad. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2214-2220.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/3RScC-G64J8?si=ieSuZlY5YRXZ0c10

Posted on

The Catechism in a Year – Day 286 – The Family and Society

The family is the foundational element of society. Fr. Mike explains how families initiate us into societal life and act as the foundation of freedom and community. Because of its indispensable importance, we learn that civil authorities are responsible for supporting and honoring the family. Familial relationships also enlighten those found in society; we see our neighbor not as an anonymous individual but as “someone.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2207-2213.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/LDgpR-Hcev8?si=qj3wvPobWuIOCZbC

Posted on

The Catechism in a Year – Day 285 – The Nature of the Family

In learning the core and fundamental definition of the family, we read today that a family is formed by a “man and a woman united in marriage, together with their children.” The Christian family is a communion of faith, hope, and love and an image of the Trinity. Fr. Mike shares how important he believes friendship and family are in spreading the Good News of the Gospel. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2201-2206.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/9BaR9ub5eG8?si=VIA4hYyydKo4f0kU

Posted on

The Catechism in a Year – Day 284 – The Fourth Commandment

The Fourth Commandment addresses the most universal human relationship: our relationship with our parents. Why does God command us to honor our father and our mother? Fr. Mike explains why this Commandment sets the foundation for all the other Commandments. He shares the 3 levels of respect and what it looks like to honor our parents despite their brokenness and imperfections. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2196-2200.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/qMY2ZgFoQrk?si=U_g6jj8x-Es_whYY

Posted on

The Catechism in a Year – Day 283 – The Day of Rest

We all tend to make an idol of work. The Catechism teaches us that Sunday is a day of grace and rest from work. Fr. Mike explains what holy leisure looks like, emphasizing the importance of spending time with family, serving the poor, and taking time to meditate and pray. Resting on the Sabbath reminds us that our freedom and identity are found in the Lord. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2184-2195.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/xjPT7vyYDPM?si=ZJmLVC1PBgVG98c7

Posted on

The Catechism in a Year – Day 282 – The Sunday Obligation

Why are Catholics obligated to attend Mass every Sunday? The Catechism teaches us today about the centrality of the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist in the life of the Church. Fr. Mike emphasizes that Sunday Mass is at the heart of our worship because it is the participation in the representation of the Paschal Mystery. He invites us to honor the Sunday obligation out of love for Jesus. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2177-2183.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/6xy6GkQVQ44?si=2FxoZ_C9o1POpJiQ