The sacrament of Holy Communion unites the faithful together in a most profound, visible way. It also makes disunity in the Church all the more painful and apparent. The Catechism reveals the Church’s teachings regarding the Eucharist and Christian churches who are not in full communion with the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike addresses a most common and difficult question: “If a non-Catholic believes that the Eucharist is truly Jesus, why can they not receive him in the sacrament?” Today’s readings a...
Jul 10, 2024•18 min
As the popular adage goes, “you are what you eat.” The Catechism tells us that, as food nourishes the body, so Jesus present in Holy Communion nourishes the soul. It especially highlights the Eucharist’s role in separating us from sin. Fr. Mike reminds us we must be open to change if Jesus is going to change us in the reception of Holy Communion. If—to use Fr. Mike’s analogy—Holy Communion is a “shower” of graces, we must ensure that we’re not wearing a raincoat. Today’s readings are Catechism p...
Jul 09, 2024•18 min
The Catechism goes over the prerequisites to receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, as well as how often the faithful can and should receive him. Fr. Mike ensures that we understand the gravity of our obligation to go to the sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Communion. As St. Paul said, “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1384-1390. This...
Jul 08, 2024•20 min
We continue our examination of the sacrament of the Eucharist, specifically how we worship the Eucharist. Fr. Mike examines how we, as Catholics, worship Christ's true and real presence in the Eucharist. He emphasizes how incredibly important the worship of Christ in the Eucharist is, specifically in Adoration. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1378-1383. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Ca...
Jul 07, 2024•18 min
Together, with Fr. Mike, we explore the reality of Christ’s true presence in the Eucharist. Fr. Mike unpacks what actually happens during the celebration of the sacrifice of the Eucharist, specifically, transubstantiation. He explains that during the Consecration, the whole substance of bread and wine becomes the whole substance of the Body and Blood of Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1373-1377. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute...
Jul 06, 2024•19 min
Together, we continue our exploration of the sacrificial memorial of the sacrament of the Eucharist. Fr. Mike reiterates that the whole Church, both visible and invisible, is united in the Sacrifice of the Eucharist. He also further unpacks the importance of a quote from St. Ignatius of Antioch, which states that the offering of the sacrifice of the Eucharist must be united with the apostolic succession of our Pope and bishop. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1369-1372. This episode has...
Jul 05, 2024•18 min
We continue our examination of the sacrament of the Eucharist. Fr. Mike emphasizes that every element of Christ’s passion, the whole thing, is one, single sacrifice, and when we celebrate the Mass, we are participating in that same sacrifice. He also reiterates that the Eucharist is both a noun and a verb. It “re-presents” the sacrifice of the Cross. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1362-1386. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Cat...
Jul 04, 2024•18 min
Together with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacrament of the Eucharist. Fr. Mike takes us back to the Book of Genesis, the sacrifices of Cain and Abel, and the Book of Exodus, the story of Moses and Pharaoh. He emphasizes that the point of freedom in life is to be led to the freedom to worship God and that it matters to God that we freely choose to attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1356-1361. This episode has been found to be in confo...
Jul 03, 2024•14 min
There is great depth to the movement of the celebration of the Mass. Fr. Mike highlights the role of Christ as the head and high priest and the role of the laity as the body of Christ at Mass. Fr. Mike also emphasizes the importance of the altar at Mass, reminding us that the heart of religion is worship, and the heart of worship is sacrifice. Lastly, Fr. Mike explains how God’s love requires a response from each of us, making it both inclusive and exclusive love. Today’s readings are Catechism ...
Jul 02, 2024•17 min
Celebrating the sacrament of the Eucharist has been part of the Tradition of the Catholic Church for 2,000 years. Fr. Mike unpacks the citation from St. Justin Martyr's First Apology, which beautifully describes the structure of the Mass in AD 155 and captures how the Early Church had the same understanding of the Eucharist as we do today. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1341-1347. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, und...
Jul 01, 2024•15 min
Fr. Mike breaks down the various ways the Eucharist fulfills the sacrifices of bread and wine of the Old Covenant and explains why the Eucharist is central to God’s plan of salvation. We learn that the Eucharist is a pledge of God’s love for each one of us and a tangible reminder that Jesus is always with us. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1333-1340. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Cate...
Jun 30, 2024•20 min
The sacrament of the Eucharist has many different names, and "each name evokes certain aspects of it." Fr. Mike explains the meaning behind this sacrament's various titles, including; thanksgiving to God, the Lord's Supper, Breaking of Bread, the Holy Sacrifice, Holy Mass, and others. All the names of this sacrament ultimately remind us that the Eucharist is both a noun and a verb. It is the Son's great sacrifice to the Father and Jesus Christ himself. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1...
Jun 29, 2024•14 min
The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” Today, we begin our journey into the mystery of the Eucharist. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the Eucharist is particularly unique in relation to the other sacraments because it unites us to the heavenly liturgy and draws us into communion with God. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1322-1327. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechi...
Jun 28, 2024•11 min
Together, with Fr. Mike, we have arrived at the conclusion and nugget day for the section on the sacrament of Confirmation. Fr. Mike reiterates the idea that, “What God has done in me cannot stop with me.” We receive God’s gifts at Confirmation, and it is now up to us to use these gifts. He also emphasizes the importance of having the desire for the sacrament of Confirmation when the sacrament is received. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1315-1321. This episode has been found to be in ...
Jun 27, 2024•17 min
We continue our examination of the sacrament of Confirmation, specifically both who should receive Confirmation and who can act as the minister of the sacrament. Fr. Mike reiterates that every baptized person, not yet confirmed, should receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Without Confirmation, Christian initiation remains incomplete. He also emphasizes the importance of choosing someone who can help you grow in the Faith as a sponsor. Fr. Mike concludes with an examination of who the minister ...
Jun 26, 2024•16 min
We continue our examination of the sacrament of Confirmation, specifically the celebration and effects of the sacrament of Confirmation. Fr. Mike explores the different elements of the rite of Confirmation and the ways in which Confirmation increases and deepens our baptismal graces. He emphasizes, in particular, the special strength of the Holy Spirit that we receive to spread and defend the Faith by our words and actions. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1297-1305. This episode has be...
Jun 25, 2024•20 min
Together, with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacrament of Confirmation, specifically the two Traditions and different signs of Confirmation. Fr. Mike unpacks the differences in the two Traditions, East and West, in the celebration of Confirmation. He also explores the different signs that oil and anointing in the sacrament of Confirmation can signify. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1290-1296. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Inst...
Jun 24, 2024•17 min
We begin our examination of the sacrament of Confirmation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the reception of Confirmation is necessary for the completion and strengthening of baptismal grace. He also highlights the vital importance of the reception of Confirmation because it gives us the power to be a witness to God’s grace on earth, just as the Apostles received that same power at Pentecost. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1285-1289. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Ca...
Jun 23, 2024•12 min
In this summary of the Church’s teachings on Baptism, the Catechism relays the heart of the sacrament. If you needed to quickly explain Baptism to someone on the street—Fr. Mike says—this would be your guide. Fr. Mike hones in on the fact that Baptism is “a grace and a gift of God that does not presuppose any human merit.” Today’s readings are paragraphs 1275-1284. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the ...
Jun 22, 2024•13 min
The Catechism shows us how Baptism unites the Church as a “People of God of the New Covenant” and goes so far as to say that “Baptism constitutes the foundation of communion among all Christians.” We all belong to Jesus, together. Fr. Mike highlights the fact that with the gift of unity in Baptism comes real responsibility. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1267-1274. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommit...
Jun 21, 2024•16 min
Baptism has profound effects upon the baptized: “purification from sins and new birth in the Holy Spirit.” The Catechism shows us that the graces of Baptism are so deep that—for the newly baptized—“nothing remains that would impede their entry into the Kingdom of God.” Fr. Mike relates to us the hard teaching that we are born mere beloved creatures of God—but through Baptism, we become adopted sons and daughters of God. Today’s readings are paragraphs 1262-1266. This episode has been found to be...
Jun 20, 2024•15 min
“Baptism is the sacrament of faith.” The Catechism explains to us who can baptize as well as why we need Baptism for eternal life. It also explains to us what happens when people die without the opportunity for Baptism. Fr. Mike addresses our “what about” questions concerning Baptism. Most especially, Fr. Mike addresses the destination of those who will never have the opportunity to hear the Gospel or be baptized. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1253-1261. This episode has been found t...
Jun 19, 2024•20 min
Put simply, “[e]very person not yet baptized and only such a person is able to be baptized.” The Catechism explains to us the purpose of Baptism for both adults and infants. Fr. Mike doubles down and makes sure we understand that Baptism is for everyone. God wills Baptism for all people. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1246-1252. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the ...
Jun 18, 2024•14 min
Together with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacrament of Baptism, specifically the mystagogy of the rite of Baptism. The Catechism explains each and every element of the Baptismal rite, from the Sign of the Cross to the baptismal water. Fr. Mike concludes with a reflection on Baptism as the beginning of our sacramental journey and how we are called to walk as children of God throughout our lives after our Baptism. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1234-1245. This episode h...
Jun 17, 2024•14 min
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. This episode has been foun...
Jun 16, 2024•14 min
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. This episode has been found to be in conformit...
Jun 15, 2024•13 min
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. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on ...
Jun 14, 2024•19 min
Together, with Fr. Mike, we arrive at the conclusion and “nugget day” for the section on liturgy and culture. Fr. Mike reiterates the importance of the fact that the Church does not abolish culture, but redeems and fulfills it. He also emphasizes that even though the Church welcomes liturgical diversity, there are still some things that are incompatible with the Faith and, therefore, unable to be incorporated into Catholic liturgy. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1204-1209. This episod...
Jun 13, 2024•14 min
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. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, unde...
Jun 12, 2024•11 min
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. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on ...
Jun 11, 2024•11 min
