Category: Ascension

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 168 – The Celebration of Baptism

We continue our examination of the Sacrament of Baptism, specifically how we celebrate the sacrament and the different elements that must always be present in Baptism. Fr. Mike emphasizes that while infant Baptism has become the “form in which this sacrament is usually celebrated,” post-baptismal formation and instruction is necessary in order for the full flowering of the graces received in the Sacrament of Baptism. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1229-1233.

Click on link to play video: https://youtu.be/TdJyJnPHiWA

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 167 – The Baptism of Christ

Together, with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacrament of Baptism. Fr. Mike emphasizes that each and every one of the Old Covenant prefigurations are fulfilled in Christ Jesus. He also unpacks Christ’s own Baptism in the Jordan, explaining that when Christ is baptized by John the Baptist, he brings the “mess of humanity” into the Jordan with him and makes the waters of Baptism holy. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1223-1228.

Click on link to play video: https://youtu.be/3eMcnzugtkA

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 166 – Introduction to Baptism

Together, we begin the chapter on the sacraments of initiation, specifically the section on the sacrament of Baptism. Fr. Mike unpacks the different names that the Church employs when discussing Baptism, such as the “washing of regeneration and renewal” and “enlightenment.” He concludes with a reflection on the prefigurations of Baptism in the Old Covenant. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1210-1222.

Click on link to play video: https://youtu.be/8687uCbz0D0

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 164 – Liturgical Diversity and Unity

Did you know there is more than one liturgical rite in the Catholic Church? Fr. Mike reviews the different liturgical Traditions that are part of the Catholic Church. All of the different rites are rooted in the same mission of Christ, reminding us that the diversity of liturgical Traditions does not take away from the unity of the Faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1200-1203.

Click on link to play video: https://youtu.be/DiueLBhlTCc

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 163 – Summary of the Liturgy

In today’s “nugget day”, we review the main takeaways from our readings on the liturgy. Fr. Mike invites us to remember that every time we participate in the liturgy, we are participating in the heavenly worship of the Father. We also learn that in times of discouragement, we can unite ourselves to Christ our high priest by praying the Liturgy of the Hours. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1187-1199.

Click on link to play video: https://youtu.be/YfvaDJFb2HE

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 162 – Where the Liturgy is Celebrated

Where is the liturgy celebrated? The Catechism offers us overarching principles as well as specific details about the spaces in which the liturgy is celebrated. Fr. Mike highlights the importance of endowing dignity and respect to these physical spaces because they are sacred places of encounter with our Lord. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1179-1186.

Click on link to play video: https://youtu.be/looYeHbdIvw

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 161 – The Liturgy of the Hours

The Liturgy of the Hours is known as the “public prayer of the Church.” Fr. Mike explains how praying the Liturgy of the Hours sanctifies time and gives God the opportunity to speak to us throughout our day. Fr. Mike encourages us to see the Liturgy of the Hours as a great gift from the Church that can powerfully transform our prayer lives when it takes root in our hearts. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1174-1178.

Click on link to play video: https://youtu.be/MgxDDU7Fa2E

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 160 – The Liturgical Year

Fr. Mike reviews the major solemnities and feast days that make up the liturgical year and explains why they are important to celebrate. We learn that the liturgical year highlights key moments of the Paschal Mystery and commemorates the life of our Blessed Mother and the lives of the saints and martyrs. The feasts and solemnities of the liturgical year ultimately point us to Christ’s sacrifice and strengthen our faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1168-1173.

Click on link to play video: https://youtu.be/d5fmEvwwCBE

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 159 – When the Liturgy is Celebrated

Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the question of when the liturgy is celebrated. The Catechism states that there is a word that marks Christian prayer, and that word is “today.” Fr. Mike emphasizes that our liturgy and worship happens “today,” not in the past and not in the future, but right now in this present moment. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1163-1167.

Click on link to play video: https://youtu.be/JcCyyJyc-4I

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Ascension Presents: Can I Sin on Accident?

How can we know if our actions are a sin or just a mistake? Can we be committing sin without knowing it?

Today Fr. Mike details the three elements that must be present for an act to be a sin and helps us grapple with our own sinfulness and God’s desire for mercy and reconciliation.