This episode explores the nature of the Catholic Church, specifically focusing on paragraphs 748-752 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike Schmitz begins by emphasizing the inseparable connection between the missions of Christ and the Holy Spirit, asserting that understanding the Church hinges entirely on understanding Christ and the Holy Spirit. More significantly, he delves into the four marks of the Church—holy, catholic, one, and apostolic—drawing from the Nicene Creed and exploring the etymology of the word "Church" itself, tracing its origins in Latin and Greek. Against this backdrop, Fr. Schmitz explains the three inseparable levels of the Church: the liturgical assembly, the local community, and the universal community of believers. For instance, he highlights how the Church draws life from the Word and Body of Christ, becoming Christ's body itself. This understanding of the Church's multifaceted nature, its dependence on Christ and the Holy Spirit, and its various levels of expression is crucial for believers to engage meaningfully with their faith.
