The Sacraments
Welcome to Part 2, Section 2 of the Catechism in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz. We'll continue looking at the "Celebration of the Christian Mystery," or How We Worship. In this second section, Fr. Mike will walk us through The Sacraments. To find the Reading Plan from Ascension, visit https://hallow.com/ciyplan
64 sessions
1Day 166: Introduction to BaptismTogether, we begin the chapter on the sacraments of initiation, specifically the section on the sacrament of Baptism. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1210-1222.CCC #1210-1222
2Day 167: The Baptism of ChristTogether, with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacrament of Baptism. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1223-1228.CCC #1223-1228
3Day 168: The Celebration of BaptismWe 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. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1229-1233.CCC #1229-1233
4Day 169: The Mystagogy of BaptismTogether with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacrament of Baptism, specifically the mystagogy of the rite of Baptism. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1234-1245.CCC #1234-1245
5Day 170: Who Can Be Baptized?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.CCC #1246-1252
6Day 171: The Necessity of Baptism“Baptism is the sacrament of faith.” The Catechism explains to us who can baptize as well as why we need Baptism for eternal life. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1253-1261.CCC #1253-1261
7Day 172: What Does Baptism Do?Baptism has profound effects upon the baptized: “purification from sins and new birth in the Holy Spirit.” Today’s readings are paragraphs 1262-126CCC #1262-1266
8Day 173: Brothers and Sisters in BaptismThe 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.CCC #1267-1274
9Day 174: Summary of the Sacrament of BaptismIn this summary of the Church’s teachings on Baptism, the Catechism relays the heart of the sacrament. Today’s readings are paragraphs 1275-1284.CCC #1275-1284*
10Day 175: Introduction to ConfirmationWe 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. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1285-1289.CCC #1285-1289
11Day 176: Traditions and Signs of ConfirmationTogether, with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacrament of Confirmation, specifically the two Traditions and different signs of Confirmation. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1290-1296.CCC #1290-1296
12Day 177: The Celebration of ConfirmationWe continue our examination of the sacrament of Confirmation, specifically the celebration and effects of the sacrament of Confirmation. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1297-1305.CCC #1297-1305
13Day 178: Who Receives ConfirmationWe continue our examination of the sacrament of Confirmation, specifically both who should receive Confirmation and who can act as the minister of the sacrament. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1306-1314.CCC #1306-1314
14Day 179: Summary of ConfirmationTogether, with Fr. Mike, we have arrived at the conclusion and nugget day for the section on the sacrament of Confirmation.Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1315-1321.CCC #1315-1321*
15Day 180: The Source and SummitThe 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.CCC #1322-1327
16Day 181: The Sacrament of the EucharistThe sacrament of the Eucharist has many different names, and "each name evokes certain aspects of it."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 1328-1332.CCC #1328-1332
17Day 182: The Signs of Bread and WineFr. 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. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1333-1340.CCC #1333-1340
18Day 183: The Mass of All AgesCelebrating the sacrament of the Eucharist has been part of the Tradition of the Catholic Church for 2,000 years. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1341-1347.CCC #1341-1347
19Day 184: The Movement of the MassThere 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. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1348-1355.CCC #1348-1355
20Day 185: Thanksgiving, Memorial, PresenceTogether with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacrament of the Eucharist. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1356-1361.CCC #1356-1361
21Day 186: The Sacrificial MemorialFr. 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. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1362-1386.CCC #1362-1368
22Day 187: The Church’s Sacrificial UnityTogether, we continue our exploration of the sacrificial memorial of the sacrament of the Eucharist. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1369-1372.CCC #1369-1372
23Day 188: Christ’s Presence in the EucharistFr. Mike unpacks what actually happens during the celebration of the sacrifice of the Eucharist, specifically, transubstantiation. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1373-1377.CCC #1373-1377
24Day 189: Worship of the EucharistFr. Mike examines how we, as Catholics, worship the true and real presence of Christ 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.CCC #1378-1383
25Day 190: Receiving Holy CommunionThe Catechism goes over the prerequisites to receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, as well as how often the faithful can and should receive him. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1384-1390.CCC #1384-1390
26Day 191: The Eucharist Changes UsThe Catechism tells us that, as food nourishes the body, so Jesus present in Holy Communion nourishes the soul. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1391-1395.CCC #1391-1395
27Day 192: Unity in the EucharistThe 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. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1396-1401.CCC #1396-1401
28Day 193: Communion Forever in HeavenThe Catechism wraps up its overview of the Eucharist by reminding us that the sacrament of Holy Communion is a foretaste of what is to come in heaven. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1402-1405.CCC #1402-1405
29Day 194: Summary of the Sacrament of the EucharistThe Catechism has spent considerable time unpacking Holy Communion—the “sacrament of sacraments”—with us, and now she summarizes the most essential truths that we must internalize and move forward with. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1406-1419.CCC #1406-1419*
30Day 195: Penance and ReconciliationTogether, with Fr. Mike, we begin the chapter on the sacraments of healing, starting with the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1420-1426.CCC #1420-1426
31Day 196: Conversion of the BaptizedWe continue our examination of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1427-1433.CCC #1427-1433
32Day 197: Forms of PenanceTogether, with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance. In particular, we explore the different forms of penance, such as prayer, fasting, almsgiving, as well as other things people can do that orient their hearts towards conversion.Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1434-1439.CCC #1434-1439
33Day 198: Reconciliation with GodWe continue our examination of the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that sin, above all else, is an offense against God and his Church. It damages our communion with both.Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1440-1445.CCC #1440-1445
34Day 199: The Sacrament of ForgivenessTogether, with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the sacrament of Reconciliation. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1446-1454.CCC #1446-1454
35Day 200: The Confession of SinsToday we learn why the act of confessing our sins is an essential part of the sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr. Mike also clarifies the difference between absolution, penance, and satisfaction. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1455-1460.CCC #1455-1460
36Day 201: The Confessor’s RoleIf God is the one who forgives our sins, why do we need priests as confessors? The Catechism teaches us today about the role of the priest as the minister of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1461-1467.CCC #1461-1467
37Day 202: How Confession HealsWhat happens to us when we go to Confession? Fr. Mike explains the powerful ways the Sacrament of Reconciliation spiritually restores and perfects us. We also learn about the eternal and temporal consequences of sin, and finally, Fr. Mike discusses the four aspects to an indulgence and how these aspects require our cooperation with God's grace. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1468-1473.CCC #1468-1473
38Day 203: The Purpose of IndulgencesFr. Mike expands on the purpose of indulgences and clarifies why the Church has the authority to provide indulgences. We also learn about the role of the Communion of Saints in our strive for holiness and the different liturgical forms and elements of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1474-1484.CCC #1474-1484
39Day 204: Summary of Sacrament of ReconciliationIn today’s nugget day, Fr. Mike reviews the major themes of the sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr. Mike emphasizes the six spiritual effects of this sacrament and reminds us of the great gift of Confession because, as the Catechism states, “to the eyes of faith, no evil is graver than sin.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1485-1498.CCC #1485-1498*
40Day 205: Christ the PhysicianSickness and suffering bring us face-to-face with our fragility and limitations. While they might cause some to lose hope and become bitter, we can also endure them in such a way as to grow in maturity and trust in God. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1499-1505.CCC #1499-1505
41Day 206: Healing the SickSince its beginning, the Church has anointed the sick among us, praying for their healing and salvation. Amid their sufferings, the suffering can endure, uniting themselves to Christ’s own afflictions for the sake of the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1506-1513.CCC #1506-1513
42Day 207: Celebrating the Anointing of the SickThe Anointing of the Sick is not just for those on the verge of death but for any faithful suffering from a grave illness. Fr. Mike explains that because of this, we don’t have to put this sacrament off to the very end; instead, we can enjoy the graces it confers as often as is fitting throughout a lifetime. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1514-1519.CCC #1514-1519
43Day 208: Completing the Earthly PilgrimageThe effects of the Anointing of the Sick are numerous and deeply transformative. In times of great need and temptation, this sacrament brings us strength, courage, peace, and the forgiveness of sins. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1520-1525.CCC #1520-1525
44Day 209: Summary of the Anointing of the SickThis summary of the Catechism’s teaching about the Anointing of the Sick is concise and rich. This holy anointing brings us hope and courage as we endure illness and the difficulties of old age. While we pray for healing of body and soul, this sacrament also prepares us for death. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1526-1532.CCC #1526-1532*
45Day 210: The Sacrament of Holy OrdersThe Catechism enters Chapter Three on the “Sacraments at the Service of Communion” which include both Holy Orders and Matrimony. As it introduces the sacrament of Holy Orders, Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1533-1538.CCC #1533-1538
46Day 211: The One Priesthood of ChristThe priesthood of the Old Covenant among the people of Israel is fulfilled in the one priesthood of Christ. The Catechism compares the Old Testament priesthood, “powerless to bring about salvation,” with the ordained ministry in the New Covenant. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1539-1545.CCC #1539-1545
47Day 212: In Persona ChristiThe Catechism unpacks—by way of comparison—the “two participations in the one priesthood of Christ”: the common priesthood of all the faithful and the ministerial (or hierarchical) priesthood of the bishops and priests. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1546-1553.CCC #1546-1553
48Day 213: Bishops and the EpiscopacyThere are three degrees within the sacrament of Holy Orders: the episcopacy (bishops), the presbyterate (priests), and the diaconate (deacons). The Catechism begins unpacking ordination with the bishops. Fr. Mike speaks on the special role that bishops play in the life of the Church. Today’s readings are from Catechism paragraphs 1554-1561.CCC #1554-1561
49Day 214: Priests and the PresbyterateThe Catechism moves on from bishops—the episcopacy—to priests in the presbyterate, who share in the bishop’s ministry “in a subordinate degree”, to be “co-workers”. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1562-1568.CCC #1562-1568
50Day 215: Deacons and the DiaconateTogether, with Fr. Mike, we examine the ordination of deacons and the diaconate. Fr. Mike unpacks each of the essential elements of the rite of the ordination of deacons as well as each of the tasks of the deacon. He emphasizes that only a validly ordained bishop can validly confer the sacrament of Holy Orders. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1569-1576.CCC #1569-1576
51Day 216: Who Receives Holy OrdersWe continue our examination of the sacrament of Holy Orders. Specifically, we explore exactly who can receive the sacrament of Holy Orders. Fr. Mike emphasizes that only a baptized man can receive the “sacred ordination”. He then unpacks exactly why the ordination of women is not possible. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1577-1580.CCC #1577-1580
52Day 217: The Effects of Holy OrdersTogether, with Fr. Mike, we examine the effects of the sacrament of Holy Orders. Fr. Mike emphasizes that once a man is ordained a priest, he is always a priest because he receives an indelible spiritual mark.Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1581-1589.CCC #1581-1589
53Day 218: Summary of Holy OrdersTogether, with Fr. Mike, we reach the conclusion and “nugget day” for the section on the sacrament of Holy Orders. Fr. Mike reiterates that all three degrees of the sacrament are a longed for element of the “priestly people.” They are those called to go before God and before his people as a mediator. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1590-1600.CCC #1590-1600*
54Day 219: Marriage in God’s PlanTogether, with Fr. Mike, we begin the section on the sacrament of holy Matrimony. We unpack two elements of the sacrament, namely marriage in the order of creation and marriage under the regime of sin. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1601-1608.CCC #1601-1608
55Day 220: Marriage in the New CovenantThe Catechism teaches us today that Christ elevates the gift of marriage to a sacrament and restores the original order of this powerful union between man and woman. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1609-1617.CCC #1609-1617
56Day 221: The Celebration of MarriageWhat does a Catholic wedding look like? Today, we dive into the liturgical celebration of marriage and learn that the celebration must be valid, worthy, and fruitful. Additionally, we briefly cover virginity for the sake of the Kingdom and how this particular call highlights the beauty and goodness of marriage. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1618-1624.CCC #1618-1624
57Day 222: Matrimonial ConsentMatrimonial consent is an indispensable element of the Sacrament of Marriage. Fr. Mike explains why it is essential for those entering marriage to express their consent freely and why in the Church’s eyes, “if consent is lacking, there is no marriage.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1625-1632.CCC #1625-1632
58Day 223: Differences in Religion in MarriageFr. Mike breaks down the Church’s teaching on mixed marriages and disparity of cult. The Catechism teaches us that while a difference in religion “does not constitute an insurmountable obstacle for marriage,” it can often be a source of tension in marriage and present significant challenges when raising a family. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1625-1632.CCC #1633-1637
59Day 224: The Grace of the Sacrament of MarriageThe grace of the Sacrament of Marriage provides husbands and wives the strength to love one another with supernatural, tender, and fruitful love. Fr. Mike covers the characteristics of the marriage bond and the different roles of husbands and wives. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1638-1645.CCC #1638-1645
60Day 225: Total Fidelity in Marriage“Love seeks to be definitive,” the Catechism tells us in this section on marital fidelity. Fr. Mike addresses painful separation and divorce situations and how the whole ecclesial community should respond with truthful love. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1646 through 1651.CCC #1646-1651
61Day 226: The Supreme Gift of Marriage“Children are the supreme gift of marriage,” says Vatican II. Marriage is directed by its very nature toward the procreation of children. Beyond this, parents are the primary educators of their children, responsible for their holistic formation. Sadly, many couples suffer from infertility. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1652-1658.CCC #1652-1658
62Day 227: Summary of the Sacrament of MatrimonyThis summary of the Catechism's teaching on the sacrament of Matrimony pulls together several beautiful themes regarding marriage and family. Fr. Mike emphasizes the family as the Domestic Church, that community where parents and children grow in charity, forgiveness, prayer, and self-giving. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 1659 through 1666.CCC #1659-1666*
63Day 228: Blessings, Sacramentals and Popular PietySacramentals are sacred signs that resemble the sacraments. Blessings of people, places, and objects are foremost among the various sacramentals found in the life of the Church. Among these blessings are those of exorcism, in both its simple and solemn form. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1667-1679.CCC #1667-1679
64Day 229: Christian FuneralsIn this final episode of Pillar 2, we learn about the Christian funeral rite. The Church, who has sacramentally nourished her children throughout their earthly pilgrimage, upon their death commends them to the Father and places their bodies in the earth to await the resurrection in hope. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1680-1690.CCC #1680-1690