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The priesthood of the Old Covenant among the people of Israel is fulfilled in the one priesthood of Christ. The Catechism compares the Old Testament priesthood, “powerless to bring about salvation,” with the ordained ministry in the New Covenant. Fr. Mike unpacks the reality that there is only one true priest—Jesus Christ. His “priests” on earth are humble ministers. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1539-1545.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/pwd8sGhc6fE
The Catechism enters Chapter Three on the “Sacraments at the Service of Communion” which include both Holy Orders and Matrimony. As it introduces the sacrament of Holy Orders, Fr. Mike reminds us that every vocation is a gift, and that—no matter what state of life we are in or have been called to—we should read this chapter with an open heart and a grateful spirit. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1533-1538.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/-YHKb4n8efc
This summary of the Catechism’s teaching about the Anointing of the Sick is concise and rich. This holy anointing brings us hope and courage as we endure illness and the difficulties of old age. While we pray for healing of body and soul, this sacrament also prepares us for death. Fr. Mike ends this episode by explaining three practices of the Church that help her members prepare for death. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1526-1532.
Click on link to play video: https://youtu.be/MaEcNSqc3SA
When things don’t go the way we expect, it’s hard not to be frustrated and disappointed. How do we move on after unmet expectations? And how do we break the vicious cycle?
Today, Fr. Mike tells us how to keep it real.
We must place our faith in Christ in order to allow him to save us. But what does it actually mean to have faith? What does it look like? Does it mean you just “agree” with everything Jesus and his Church say? Or is it deeper than that?
Today, Fr. Mike draws a sharp distinction between faith and mere “agreement”, and calls us to a more radical trust in our savior.
Have questions about the Catechism? We have answers!
📣 Catechism expert Dr. Scott Sollom from Franciscan University will be going LIVE each week to answer your questions about the Catechism as we journey through The Catechism in the Year podcast! Join us every Monday at 12:30pm ET.
Dr. Scott Sollom is a Professor of Theology at Franciscan University and the Director of the Catechetical Institute at Franciscan’s Center for Evangelization and Renewal. He has been blessed to engage in various catechetical workshops across the country as well as consult for the USCCB Institute for the Catechism. Scott has previously served as a DRE in Stillwater, Minnesota, and College Station, Texas, and as a youth minister in Hudson, Wisconsin. Scott and his wife, Mary, have five children and enjoy spending time outdoors as a family.
The effects of the Anointing of the Sick are numerous and deeply transformative. In times of great need and temptation, this sacrament brings us strength, courage, peace, and the forgiveness of sins. Fr. Mike explains that these effects aren’t only for the individual recipient but for the whole ecclesial community. We learn that when a person approaches the threshold of death, joining this anointing with Reconciliation and the Eucharist as viaticum constitute “the sacraments that complete the earthly pilgrimage.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1520-1525.
Click on link to play video: https://youtu.be/GPICk60pNJs
The Anointing of the Sick is not just for those on the verge of death but for any faithful suffering from a grave illness. Fr. Mike explains that because of this, we don’t have to put this sacrament off to the very end; instead, we can enjoy the graces it confers as often as is fitting throughout a lifetime. This section also discusses how we can celebrate the Anointing of the Sick. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1514-1519.
Click on link to play video: https://youtu.be/nMVqM8j_OYI
By taking up our cross and following Christ, we gain a new way of seeing sickness and frailty. Along with this newness of vision, the Church is given the command from her founder to heal the sick. Since its beginning, the Church has anointed the sick among us, praying for their healing and salvation. Amid their sufferings, the suffering can endure, uniting themselves to Christ’s own afflictions for the sake of the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1506-1513.
Click on link to play video: https://youtu.be/U94oBQ8ZHj4
Sickness and suffering bring us face-to-face with our fragility and limitations. While they might cause some to lose hope and become bitter, we can also endure them in such a way as to grow in maturity and trust in God. Jesus not only heals the sick in the Gospels but also plunges into suffering’s depths. In this redemptive work, we know Jesus as the physician of soul and body. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1499-1505.
Click on link to play video: https://youtu.be/v71IcAYTCaM