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


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


The Catechism in a Year – Day 278 – The Second Commandment

We begin our examination of the second commandment, to not take the Lord’s name in vain. Fr. Mike emphasizes that God has revealed his sacred name to us, and it is our duty to treat that name with reverence. He also emphasizes just how easy it is for us to take the Lord’s name in vain in our day and age, and how vitally important it is for us to treat his holy name with respect. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2142-2149.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/V-0SXT0mGZA?si=BiC6bprB2NdIWXMH


The Catechism in a Year – Day 276 – Irreligion and Atheism

We continue our examination of the First Commandment, unpacking irreligion and atheism. Fr. Mike highlights the different elements of irreligion, namely tempting God in words or deeds, sacrilege, and simony. He emphasizes that the sin of tempting God is easy to fall into when we are deeply troubled or afraid. Fr. Mike also spends time unpacking the many different aspects of atheism, and its impact on our world today. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2118-2126.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/E8YwsR6eBJU?si=JeAxhn0i8V2NzBCd


The Catechism in a Year – Day 274 – Social Duty of Religion

The social duty of religion and the right to religious freedom are presented to us in the Catechism. We examine what it means to have respect for other religions and the freedom, within limits, to exercise our convictions. Fr. Mike makes it clear that it is our calling as Christians to evangelize and bring our Catholic Christianity to the public square. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2104-2109.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/aVzWaC9X5oM?si=FyGxta7S9FrcG4dC


The Catechism in a Year – Day 270 – The Ten Commandments

God reveals himself and his glory through the Ten Commandments. We begin exploring the Ten Commandments as shown in the Catechism and learn about how these laws are not meant to limit us, but set us free from the slavery of sin. Fr. Mike reminds us that the Commandments are truly a gift from God and reflects his love for us. Today’s readings are the Ten Commandments and Catechism paragraphs 2052-2063.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/Ne2DREYOnYg?si=RPaNGJxza6u86_eR


The Catechism in a Year – Day 269 – Our Missionary Witness


The Church’s mission of evangelization depends on the faithful witness of her members. Christian goodness and fidelity authenticate the Gospel. As Fr. Mike relates, people are attracted to admirable but everyday Christian witnesses. Through such lives of quiet holiness, the Church is built up and brought to greater fullness. This episode closes with a few summary “nuggets” about the moral life in the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2044-2051.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/qhgJ0P6eSRU?si=7KHzTBODsZSQmC99


The Catechism in a Year – Day 268 – The Precepts of the Church

God has given the Church his law as “the way of life and truth.” We, therefore, have the right to be taught and guided while maintaining a spirit of docility in love. In this, Fr. Mike reminds us that the Church is our caring mother. Her care extends into the five precepts of the Church, those laws establishing the very minimum needed to remain an active member of the Body of Christ. These have to do with attending Mass, receiving the sacraments, fasting, and providing for the needs of the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2037-2043.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/sqtGnhY7FOs?si=uubQzY9K3AaFKfOx


The Catechism in a Year – Day 266 – The Gift of Grace

In this summary of the Catechism’s teaching on holiness, justification, and merit, we briefly consider the work of God’s grace and mercy. His grace moves us from sin and toward him, making us his sons and daughters and bringing us into the very life of the Trinity. This gift of grace invites us to respond to his promptings and invitations freely. Finally, God offers “all the graces needed to attain eternal life.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2017-2029.

Click on link: https://youtu.be/thnwUFdtSAA?si=DVVzpWlHmaR3dmPY