Who Belongs to the Church? – The Roman Catechism – Episode 11
In Episode 11 of The Catechism Series, Fr. Marcel Ockerse explains the ninth article of the Creed: “I believe in the Holy Catholic Church.”
What does the Church actually mean by the word Church? Fr. Ockerse begins with the Roman Catechism’s teaching that Christ established one visible society as the vessel through which He calls souls to salvation. He also considers Old Testament figures of the Church, especially Noah’s Ark and the city of Jerusalem.
The episode explains the different ways Scripture speaks of the Church, the Church triumphant and militant, and who does and does not belong to the visible Church.
Fr. Ockerse then turns to the four traditional marks by which the true Church can be recognized: one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic. He explains the Church’s unity of government, faith, and worship; why the sins of individual Catholics do not destroy the Church’s holiness; why Catholic means universal; and why apostolic succession is essential to the Church’s sacramental life.
Finally, the episode asks why this article is an object of faith at all. We can see the Church as a visible society, but faith reveals what cannot be seen: that Christ established this Church as His instrument for the salvation and sanctification of souls.
What does the Holy Ghost do? – The Roman Catechism – Episode 10
In Episode 10 of The Catechism Series, Fr. William MacGillivray explains the eighth article of the Creed: “I believe in the Holy Ghost.”
Who is the Holy Ghost, and why is He so often the least understood Person of the Blessed Trinity? Fr. MacGillivray explains His equality with the Father and the Son, His procession, and why the Church calls Him the Lord and giver of life.
The episode also examines the way the Church attributes sanctification, grace, and the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost to Him. Fr. MacGillivray explains how these gifts perfect the virtues by making the soul more docile to divine inspiration.
The conversation then turns to the visible manifestations of the Holy Ghost in Scripture, especially at Christ’s Baptism, the Transfiguration, and Pentecost. Pentecost is also presented as a reversal of the Tower of Babel: where sin divided mankind, the Holy Ghost reunites the nations within the one Catholic Church.
Finally, Fr. MacGillivray explains why extraordinary charisms such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, and miraculous healings were especially common in the early Church, and why charity and holiness remain far more important than extraordinary signs.
Why Are We Judged Twice? – The Roman Catechism – Episode 9
In Episode 9 of The Catechism Series, Fr. Marcel Ockerse explains the seventh article of the Creed: “From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.”
Catholics believe that each soul is judged immediately at death, but also that there will be a second, public judgment at the end of the world. Why are both necessary? Fr. Ockerse explains the difference between the particular and general judgments and why the effects of our actions, for good or evil, continue long after our earthly lives have ended.
The Roman Catechism also teaches that the Last Judgment will publicly restore truth, manifest the perfect justice of God, and unite the body once again with the soul so that both may share in reward or punishment.
This episode also considers the signs that precede the end of the world, Christ’s role as Judge, and the final sentences pronounced upon the just and the wicked.
What Does “He Descended into Hell” Mean? – The Roman Catechism – Episode 8
In Episode 8 of The Catechism Series, Fr. William MacGillivray explains three closely connected mysteries of the Creed: Christ’s descent into hell, His Resurrection from the dead, and His Ascension into heaven.
What does the Church mean when she says that Christ “descended into hell”? Fr. MacGillivray explains the different meanings of the word hell and why Our Lord descended not to the place of the damned, but to the limbo of the fathers, where the just of the Old Testament awaited the fruits of His Redemption.
The episode then turns to the Resurrection. Unlike Lazarus or others restored temporarily to life, Christ rose definitively, gloriously, and by His own divine power. His Resurrection is both the proof of His victory and the model of our own resurrection to grace and, ultimately, of the body.
Finally, Fr. MacGillivray explains why Christ ascended into heaven, opening the way for the just and preparing the Church for the coming of the Holy Ghost. Along the way, he explores the rich Old Testament figures that foreshadow these mysteries, from Jonas and Isaac to the Exodus, Joshua, and Elias.
Suffered, Crucified, Died and Was Buried – The Roman Catechism – Episode 7
In Episode 7 of The Catechism Series, Fr. Paul Robinson examines the fourth article of the Creed: Our Lord Jesus Christ “suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.”
The Roman Catechism calls the mystery of the Cross one of the most difficult truths for the human mind to accept: that our salvation should come through suffering, humiliation, and death. Fr. Robinson explains why Catholics profess these events as real historical facts and why Christ truly suffered and died according to His human nature.
But the episode goes beyond the historical facts to ask a deeper question: why did God choose the Cross? We consider how the tree of the Cross reverses the fall of Adam, how Christ’s humility and obedience repair man’s pride and disobedience, and how the Old Testament prefigured the Passion through Abel, Isaac, the Paschal Lamb, and the bronze serpent.
Finally, Fr. Robinson reflects on the intensity of Christ’s sufferings, the fruits of His Passion, and what His Cross teaches us about accepting our own sufferings with faith, gratitude, and love.
The Incarnation and the Virgin Birth – The Roman Catechism – Episode 6
Today in The Catechism Series, we continue through the Creed with the mystery of the Incarnation: “Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary.” Fr. Marcel Ockerse explains how the Son of God assumed a true human nature in the womb of Our Lady, while remaining what He was from all eternity. We’ll also look at why this work is attributed to the Holy Ghost, why Mary is truly the Mother of God, and what the Virgin Birth teaches us about humility, gratitude, and our own life of grace.
What Catholics Really Mean by Christ – The Roman Catechism – Episode 5
Today in The Catechism Series, we turn to the next article of the Creed and begin speaking about Our Lord Jesus Christ. Fr. Lukas Lipp explains the central truth that Christ is true God and true man: one divine Person with two complete natures. What does that actually mean? Why does the Church insist that Christ is not partly God and partly man, but fully both? And why does this doctrine matter for the Incarnation, the Redemption, and even the title of Our Lady as Mother of God?
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Why We Call God Father – The Roman Catechism – Episode 4
Today in The Catechism Series, we continue through the opening article of the Creed: “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.” Fr. David Sherry explains what Catholics mean when they profess belief in God, not merely as a conclusion of reason, but as our first beginning and last end. We’ll also look at how God’s existence can be known, why we call Him Father, what it means that He is almighty, and how creation itself points us back to Him.
What Catholics Mean by Faith – The Roman Catechism – Episode 3
SSPX News – English
Today in The Catechism Series, we begin the first major section of the Roman Catechism: the Creed. But before looking at each article, Fr. David Sherry helps us understand the opening words: “I believe.” What does faith really mean? Why do we say “I believe” rather than simply “we believe”? And why is supernatural faith different from opinion, suspicion, doubt, or merely human trust? This episode lays the foundation for understanding the Creed as a personal profession of the truths revealed by God.
How Not to Read the Catechism – The Roman Catechism – Episode 2
Today in The Catechism Series, we continue with a practical question: how should Catholics actually use the Roman Catechism? Fr. Richard Boyle walks through its four major divisions: the Creed, the Sacraments, the Commandments, and Prayer. He explains why this book is not ordinary reading, but a guide for study, reflection, and deeper formation. We’ll also look at why some topics are not treated directly in the Catechism of Trent, and why returning to the basics remains essential for knowing, loving, and serving God.
What is a Catechism? – The Roman Catechism – Episode 1
SSPX News – English
Today in The Catechism Series, we begin with two basic questions: what is a catechism, and why are we using the Roman Catechism, also known as the Catechism of the Council of Trent? Before we enter into the Creed, the Sacraments, the Commandments, and Prayer, it is important to understand the kind of book the Church has given us, and the authority it carries. Fr. Richard Boyle explains the history of the Roman Catechism, its connection to the Council of Trent, and why Catholics today still need clear, systematic formation in the truths of the Faith.
– OFFICIAL TEASER – What do Catholics believe? They believe not in fragmentary constructs or passing doctrines, but the unyielding truths that lead to eternal life–the truths the Catholic Church has handed on for 2,000 years. This year, we begin a new series on the Catechism, using one of the great treasures of the Church: the Roman Catechism, also known as the Catechism of the Council of Trent. Written for priests, teachers, parents, and the faithful, this catechism is intended to form Catholic minds in the truths of the Faith: the Creed, the sacraments, the Commandments, and prayer. Each week, we will walk through these pillars of Catholic doctrine with priests who will help explain not only what the Church teaches, but why these teachings mean for your soul, your family, and the life of the Church. Because in a time of confusion, Catholics need more than opinions. They need sound doctrine and clarity. Join us for this new series on the Catechism and rediscover the Faith in its entirety.
