Category: Ascension

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 156 – How the Liturgy is Celebrated

We continue to examine the celebration of the liturgy and sacraments. In the context of how the liturgy is celebrated, Fr. Mike explains that we are both body and spirit, and so signs and symbols are the way in which we communicate with and understand the world around us. God communicates spiritual realities in the same way. The signs and symbols which are utilized in the liturgy not only point to spiritual realities, but also make them present. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1145-1152.

https://youtu.be/sxwN2A9f6zQ

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 155 – Who Celebrates the Liturgy

Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine “who celebrates the liturgy.” Fr. Mike emphasizes that when we celebrate the sacraments, the whole Christ, not just the body on Earth, but also the body in Heaven, celebrates with us. The Church enables us to participate in the eternal liturgy through the sacraments, and our baptismal priesthood allows us to have full, conscious, and active participation in the liturgy. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1135-1144.

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

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 154 – Sacraments of Eternal Life

We’ve seen how the sacraments re-present what Christ worked for us in his Passion and death, but the Catechism also explains to us how the sacraments prefigure our eternal inheritance in heaven. Fr. Mike uses this “nugget day” as an opportunity to ensure we understand what the sacraments are and what they’re for. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1130-1134.

Click on link to play video: https://youtu.be/WOK-0hzrhW8

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 153 – Sacraments Save

Jesus uses his sacraments to save his people. The Catechism proclaims that the sacraments are “efficacious”, the sacraments are “wrought…by the power of God” alone, and the sacraments are “necessary for salvation”. Fr. Mike doubles down on the reality that sacraments cause what they signify. They are not merely signs pointing to an already present reality—Jesus, himself, is at work in each and every expression of the sacraments throughout time and in all places. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1127-1129.

Click on link to play video: https://youtu.be/jmusTMQ8KAk

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 152 – Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi

The Catechism makes clear to us that evangelization and the sacraments go hand in hand. An ancient saying is highlighted, linking the two: lex orandi, lex credendi—or, the law of prayer is the law of faith. Fr. Mike illustrates this connection by showing us that, when you change the sign that points to an invisible reality, you risk changing where it’s pointing. This is why “no sacramental rite may be modified or manipulated at the will of the minister or the community.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1122-1126.

Click on link to play video: https://youtu.be/hEeFKpG1G74

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The Catechism in a Year – Day 151 – The Seven Sacraments

The Catechism introduces the seven sacraments that Christ offers the Church: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. The Catechism highlights the fact that the sacraments are “by the Church” because the Church is “Christ’s action at work”, and they are “for the Church” because they “manifest and communicate to men…the mystery of communion with the God who is love.” Fr. Mike focuses on the fact that while ministerial priests administer many of the sacraments, their priesthood is at the service of the baptismal priesthood, into which all of the baptized are ordained. Today’s readings are from Catechism paragraphs 1113-1121.

Click on link to play video: https://youtu.be/34pSVZxRW8M

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Are You Willing to Take NO for an Answer?

Today Fr. Mark-Mary shares a challenging word for us about excusing our sins while being critical of other’s sins. We need to grow in docility to follow God’s commands for the moral life instead of making excuses for our sin.

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Speak the Truth in Love

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.”

Speak the Truth in Love

What is the relationship between truth and love? Today, Jeff dives into the books of Corinthians and Ephesians and shares what Paul teaches on how to love and the importance of love. Jeff explains what true love looks like and what it results in.

Click on the link to play video:

https://player.fireside.fm/v2/m7G8OqB6+GnGEItHZ?theme=dark

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The Transgender Question

Father Mike Schmitz discusses the difference between one’s perception of gender and gender reality. Gender stereotypes have altered our perception of what it means to be a man or a woman, but it is unhealthy to expect reality to conform to our perceptions.

If there is someone in your life struggling with gender identity, or any other brokenness, Father Mike encourages you to be there for them.