Catechism of The Council of Trent (in Less than a Year)

In this episode we read the Catechism's treatment concerning why Penance is a sacrament and we also begin to discuss its matter and form. Additionally we read from the Summa Theologica concerning these subjects and especially why the acts of the penitent may be considered the matter of Penance. (ST. IIIa. Q. 84 a.1 and a.2)

In this episode we commence our study of the sacrament of penance. The Catechism first explains the various meanings of the word penance, and then explains that penance is, first of all, a virtue. IN addition we read an article from the Summa Theologica in which St Thomas Aquinas justifies the saying of St Jerome that "penance is a second plank." (ST. IIIa. Q. 84, a. 6)

In this episode we conclude the Catechism's treatment concerning the Eucharist. Having set forth the doctrine concerning the Eucharist as a sacrament, the section concludes with a discussion concerning the Eucharist as a sacrifice. In addition to reading the catechism, we also read from three articles from the Summa Theologica concerning these same matters as well as St Thomas' explanation...

In this episode we read the Catechism concerning the reception of the Eucharist. Although canon law has changed the requirements concerning fast and abstinence before receiving the Eucharist it is instructive to read the stricter laws that were in place in the sixteenth century as they reflect the sort of disposition that Catholics should have in receiving the Eucharist. We also take a look at thr...

In this episode we read about the manifold effects of the sacrament of the Eucharist. Many of the effects of the sacrament may be adduced by a comaprison with the effects that physical food has on the living body. We also read about the effects of the Eucharist from the Summa Theologica. (ST. IIIa. Q.79)

In this episode we discuss the mystery of transubstantiation whereby the entire substance of the bread and wine becomes the entire substance of Christ's body and blood. Transubstantiation does not indicate any sort of local movement nor is it like any natural change (or "transformation") in our experience, therefore a new term was necessary to indicate this supernatural change. In ad...

In this episode we discuss the manner in which the whole Christ (i.e. the body, blood soul and Divinity) is contained in both species, although differently. We discuss the meaning of the term "concomitance" and how the substance of Christ is contained in every part of the Eucharistic species. Additionally we read portions of the first three articles from question 76 "Of the way in w...

In this episode we read the Catechism concerning the three mysteries of the Eucharist. The Catechism also gives considerable evidence from Scripture, the teaching of the Fathers and declarations from church councils concerning the truth that Christ's true body and blood are contained in this sacrament under the accidents of bread and wine. Additionally, we read several sections from the Summa...

In this episode we read the Catechism concerning the words used in the consecration of the bread and the wine effecting the transubstantiation. These words are the form of the sacrament. In addition we read the replies in several articles of the Summa Theologica where St Thomas talks about the form of the Eucharist. (IIIa. Q. 78. a. 1, a. 3, and a. 4)

In this episode we read the Catechism's explanation concerning why Christ chose bread and wine for the matter for the sacrament of his body and blood. The Catechism also discusses not only the particular suitability of bread and wine- but also why the bread should be unleavened (in the Latin Rite) and why there should be water mingled with it. In addition we read several articles from the Summ...

In this episode we commence our study of the Eucharist. The Catechism explains why it is a sacrament and when it was instituted. It also sets forth the various names for this sacrament and why it is only one sacrament although contained under the species of bread and wine. As a supplement to our study we read several articles from Question 73 in the thrid part of the Summa Theologica. (IIIa. Q. 73...

In this episode we conclude our study of the the sacrament of confirmation reading the catechism concerning the effects of the sacrament, most prominently sanctifying grace and the special "character." We also read what St Thomas says about these things from Question 72 in the third part of the Summa. (IIIa Q.72 a-5-7) (Interestingly, this podcast was recorded during a thunderstorm which...

In this episode we consider the words of the form of Confirmation and mention the changes that have been made in this form after the Second Vatican Council. As St. Thomas Aquinas argues in article 8 of question 60 (Tertia Pars) a change in the words of the form does not render a sacraent invalid so long as the change does not destroy the essential sense of the words. Additionally we read the Catec...

In this episode we explore the matter and form of the sacrament of confirmation. We focus primarily on the aptness of Chrism as the matter for the sacrament and also why the Chrism must be consecrated by a Bishop. In addition to reading the Catechism we also read the Summa Theologica concerning these same subjects. (ST. IIIa Q. 72 a. 2 and a. 3)

In this episode we commence our study of the sacrament of Confirmation. The Catechism cites multiple texts from the earliest Popes even from the first century (St. Clement and Denis The Areopagite) and many others (e.g. Urban, Fabian, Augustine, Ambrose) testifying that the Church has taught that Confirmation is a true sacrament from the very beginning. The Catechism explains why Confirmation is d...

In this episode we conclude our study of the sacrament of Baptism by discussing all the ceremonies attendant upon its administration. The ceremonies are divided into three categories: Ceremonies before arrival at the baptismal font, ceremonies at the baptismal font, and ceremonies that follow Baptism.

In this episode we conclude our reading and discussion of the six effects of Baptism: The remission of sin, the remission of punishment due to sin, Grace of regeneration, the infusion of virtues, character of a Christian, and opening the gates of heaven. We also revisit what St Thomas Aquinas says concerning the sacraments that imprint a "character" , what a character is and which sacram...

In this episode we begin our study of the six effects of Baptism: The Remission of all sin, the remission of all punishment due to sin, and the grace of regeneration. The Catechism explains why even though sin and its punishment is remitted by Baptism, it does not free us from all miseries of this life. IN addition to reading the Catechism we also take a look at the first three articles of Questio...

In this episode we discuss the dispositions necessary for the recipient of Baptism (intention, Faith, and repentance). We also read several articles in support of the Catechisms teaching from the Summa Theologica. (ST. IIIa, Q. 68. a.4-a.9)

In this episode we discuss the necessity of Baptism. In particular we discuss the distinction between the Baptism of adults and of children with regard to when it should be administered. With infants Baptism should not be deferred but with adults it is sometimes advantageous to defer the sacrament. As an aid to our understanding we turn to the third part of the Summa Theologica Question 68 article...

In this episode we continue our study of Baptism focusing on sponsors (Godparents) - why they are necessary, who is eligible to be a sponsor and the duites that sponsors have to their Godchildren. We also take a brief look at St Thomas' discussion of these topics (ST. IIIa. Q. 67 a.7-8)

In this episode we discuss the distinction between when Baptism was instituted as a sacrament and when it was made obligatory to receive. We also discuss the various gradations among the ministers of Baptism and to whom it primarily belongs to baptize. (ST. IIIa. Q. 66 a. 2 and Q. 67 a. 2)

In this episode we discuss the words of the form of Baptism Additionally, we continue to read tertia pars of the Summa where St Thomas addressed the form as well as the administration of the sacrament. (ST. IIIa Q.66 a6-7)

In this episode we discuss why water is such an appropriate matter for the sacrament of Baptism as instituted by Our Lord. The Catechism gives several reasons following the thought of St Thomas Aquinas in the Summa Theologica. (ST. IIIa Q. 66 a.3)

In this episode we begin reading the Catechism in its treatment on the sacraments in particular. Beginning with Baptism, after disucssing the importance of instruction concerning Baptism, the Catechism then sets forth its definition. We also read the first article from Question 66 from the Summa Theologica "Whether Baptism is the mere washing?" (ST. IIIa. Q. 63 a.1)