In this video, Fr. Mike explains what the “seal of confession” is. He helps us understand the sacred duty of a priest to never reveal what is said in the confessional. The Church takes this sacred responsibility so seriously, that any priest who breaks the seal of confession is automatically excommunicated.
Haven’t Been to Confession in a While?
Has it been a long since you’ve been to Confession? Maybe you need some help to prepare. What should you do? Fr. Mike is here to help! He understands that Confession can be a very daunting experience, but God is ready and willing to forgive your sins.
Making a Good Confession
If you have ever wondered how to make a good confession, Fr. Mike Schmitz has some solid advice for you in this video. In this video, he offers 4 powerful ways to examine our consciences so that our reconciliation experience moves us toward the holiness God calls us to.
Do I Need to Go to Confession?
The first question you might have is whether you need to go to Confession at all. Why do we have to confess our sins? In this video, Fr. Mike encourages and challenges us to see the Sacrament of Reconciliation not as a burden but as a gift from God.
The Catechism in a Year – Day 365 – So Be It
Congratulations, you have reached Day 365! We conclude our journey through the Catechism with the final “nugget day” as we review the seven petitions of the Lord’s prayer. In closing, Fr. Mike reminds us of the purpose of our time with the Catechism: recognizing that every part of our human experience matters to God simply because he loves us. It matters to God that we know him, worship him, live in his love, and draw near to him in prayer. We respond to God’s astounding love for each of us with our final “Amen- so be it.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2857-2865.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/ubxspUNbdHY?si=qMsav3N4LyMXIxfL
The Catechism in a Year – Day 364 – Deliver Us From Evil
Toward the end of the Lord’s Prayer, we implore God to protect us from temptation and from the evil one. Fr. Mike clarifies what we mean when we ask God not to “lead us into temptation” and emphasizes the importance of discerning between trials and temptations. Lastly, we review the conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer, known as the final doxology. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2846-2856.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/NnYtXZpsZ_Y?si=35x0Udkmmdv9A8dq
The Catechism in a Year – Day 363 – Forgive Us Our Trespasses
Forgiving those who have hurt us is a challenging call. Fr. Mike explains what it means to “forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” We learn that forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same thing and that we can transform our hurt into intercession with God’s grace. We ask the Lord to soften our hearts so that they may remain open to loving and forgiving others. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2838-2845.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/yvdC1ZEL7JM?si=JtrNqBE1MrIgSzpU
The Catechism in a Year – Day 362 – Our Daily Bread
Asking God for our “daily bread” is a petition for him to fill our physical and spiritual hunger. Fr. Mike breaks down this simple yet profound petition that reminds us of our reliance on God for all our needs. In this part of the Lord’s prayer, we turn to God with childlike hearts, trusting that he will nourish us with all the appropriate material goods and, above all, with the Eucharist. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2828-2837.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/pPQIorBCULc?si=URYl6v5DOfnW2byH
The Catechism in a Year – Day 361 – The Kingdom and Will of God
When we pray for God’s Kingdom to come and God’s will to be done, we are asking for the final coming of the reign of God and for his plan of salvation to come to fruition. This petition is most powerfully expressed in the Mass. Fr. Mike reminds us that anticipating Christ’s return should inflame our hearts to continue our mission here on earth and to carry out God’s will with perseverance. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2816-2827.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/Mf6Os0mQjjM?si=K_a_UCyTXjSYFfJ8
The Catechism in a Year – Day 360 – Hallowing God’s Name
What does it mean to hallow God’s name? We are not the source or cause of God’s holiness. As the Catechism says, we hallow God’s name so it may be glorified, loved, and known. Jesus instructs us in the Our Father to petition and desire that we be drawn into God’s plan of loving kindness. In time, God’s name is hallowed in how we live and how we pray. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2807-2815.
Click on link: https://youtu.be/RNu4X89KYCY?si=iyF_o-Qs_62xcI9z