Catholic Me - Mass Reflection, Spirituality & Much More
This podcast offers daily Catholic Mass reflections, spiritual insights, and teachings rooted in Catholic tradition. It aims to bring the heart of the Church into listeners' daily lives through accessible and thoughtful content. The host, Mike Fitzpatrick, shares perspectives on spirituality and Catholic tradition.
Episodes
Catholic Me - Approved Funeral Mass Guidelines
A practical and spiritual guide to the Mass of Christian Burial. Learn about the use of the pall, Paschal candle, approved music, the homily, Final Commendation, and how to ensure the funeral Mass truly glorifies God and consoles the family
Catholic Me - How Ashes Are To Be Treated
What should Catholics do with cremated remains? This episode explains the Church's clear rules on the respectful treatment of ashes, why scattering or keeping them at home is not permitted, and the proper ways to honor the dignity of the deceased.
Catholic Me - Official Teaching On Cremation
Cremation is permitted for Catholics, but with important conditions. Learn the Church's official stance since 1963, when it is allowed, when it is discouraged, and how the 2016 Vatican instruction Ad resurgendum cum Christo guides Catholic families today.
Catholic Me - The Church's Preference For Full Body Burial
Why does the Catholic Church strongly prefer burial of the body? We examine this corporal work of mercy, it's deep theological roots in the resurrection of the body, and how it reflects our belief that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Catholic Me - The Rite Of Christian Burial - An Overview
In this opening episode we explore the three statioins of the Order of Christian Funerals: the Vigil, the Funeral Liturgy, and the Rite of Committal. Discover how the Church's ancient rites honor the deceased, console the living, and proclaim the hope of the Resurrection.
Catholic Me - Answering Common Questions About Mary's Virginity
Straightforward answers to frequent questions about Jesus' "brothers," the miraculous nature of His birth, and why Mary's virginity matters.
Catholic Me - Biblical Foundations Of Mary's Virginity
A look at the Scriptural roots of the Virgin Birth, including Isaiah's prophecy and the consistent teaching of the early Church.
Catholic Me - Why The Virgin Birth Matters For Your Life
Learn how the Virgin Birth and May's perpetual virginity offer hope, inspire purity, and call us to greater trust in God today.
Catholic Me - Mary Ever Virgin - Before, During, And After
Discover the dogma of Mary's perpetual virginity and how the Church has always taught she remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus.
Catholic Me - The Virgin Birth - God's Miraculous Entrance
Explore the Catholic Church's teaching on Jesus' miraculous conception by The Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and why this truth is central to our faith.
Catholic Me - Answering The Objection Head-On
Addressing the common question "Why confess to a priest?" - the biblical and historical basis for the Sacrament of Reconciliation as Christ's gift for all time.
Catholic Me - Why Every Generation Needs This Sacrament
Jesus knew we would always need the personal assurance of forgiveness. Learn how the early Church practiced Confession and why it's still essential today.
Catholic Me - What The Bible Really Says About Forgiveness After The Apostles
A clear biblical look at why the power to forgive sins continues until the end of the age, with references to Matthew, John, Paul, and James.
Catholic Me - Apostolic Succession - How The Power Travels Through Time
Discover how the authority to forgive sins was passed from the Apostles to priests today through the laying of hands, ensuring Christ's mercy remains available in every age.
Catholic Me - Not Just The Twelve - The Gift For Every Generation
Mike explains the true Catholic teaching on the Sacrament of Reconciliation: Jesus instituted it for all generations through apostolic succession, not only for the original Apostles.
Catholic Me - The First Crusade - Triumph, Tragedy, and Catholic Truth Today
Mike concludes the series with the dramatic story of the First Crusade's success in liberating Jerusalem, while honestly addressing failures and sins. Learn how the Catholic Church defends the core decision even today.
Catholic Me - Spiritual Fire - Why Catholics Risked Everything
Explore the deep spiritual and penitential dimension of the Crusades. Mike shows how medieval Catholics viewed the expeditions as armed pilgrimages rooted in love of Christ, just-war teaching, and the desire to protect the innocent.
Catholic Me - The Call From Clermont - Pope Urban II's Historic Plea
Step into 1095 and hear Pope Urban II's famous speech at Clermont that launched the First Crusade. Mike explains the just-war principles, the call to aid Eastern Christians, and the spiritual motivation behind "Deus Vult!
Catholic Me - Centuries Of Islamic Conquest - The Forgotten Backdrop
Mike sets the historical stage by walking through over 400 years of Muslim expansion that conquered Christian heartlands, including Jerusalem. Learn the real context that prompted Pope Urban II's call and why the Crusades were fundamentally a rescue mission.
Catholic Me - The Myth We've All Heard
In the premiere of this new series, Mike challenges the popular narrative that the Crusades were unprovoked Christian aggression. Discover why the Church launced the Crusades as a defensive response to centuries of Islamic conquest and what the Catholic perspective truly reveals. Perfect for anyone wanting a clear, charitable answer to one of the most common objections against the Church.
Catholic Me - Getting Back Up - Mercy Is Always Bigger
Encouragement on how to return to God after sin, the importance of Confession, and the power of God's mercy.
Catholic Me - Real-Life Examples - Mortal Or Venial?
Practical, everyday situations to help listeners discern between mortal and venial sins with real world examples.
Catholic Me - Venial Sin - The Little Things That Still Matter
What venial sins are, common examples, and how they weaken our relationship with God even though they don't kill grace.
Catholic Me - Mortal Sin - The Three Conditions
Clear explanation of the three conditions required for a sin to be mortal: grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent.
Catholic Me - What Is Sin, Anyway?
Introduction to the Catholic distinction between mortal and venial sins and why this teaching matters for everyday faith life.
Catholic Me - The Real Presence Through The Ages
From medieval theologians to Trent's affirmations, the Church has consistently upheld Christ's Real Presence in The Eucharist. This unbroken chain - Scripture, Fathers, Councils - invites deeper union with Jesus and adoration in the tabernacle.
Catholic Me - Transubstantiation Defined At Trent
The Council of Trent clarified transubstantiation: the substance of bread becomes Christ's body, wine His blood. Though appearances remain, Jesus is wholly present - body, blood, soul, and divinity. This doctrine confirms centuries of apostolic belief.
Catholic Me - The Didache And Early Church Practice
The Didache (late 1st century) Restricted The Eucharist to the baptized, treating it as holy and Christ's actual body and blood. Early Christians guarded the Eucharist with reverence, reflecting their belief in The Real Presence
Catholic Me - Ignatius Of Antioch's Witness
Sant Ignatius of Antioch (AD 110), who knew the Apostles, affirmed the Eucharist as Christ's real flesh and blood. His writings combat heretical denials and demonstrate the early Church's unwavering belief in The Real Presence.
Catholic Me - The Biblical Foundation of The Real Presence
Jesus declares in John 6 the He is the living bread from heaven. The Eucharist is Christ's real body and blood - a literal, not symbolic teaching roted in Scripture and The Last Supper. Saint Paul warns of the gravity of unworthy reception.
Catholic Me - Why Indulgences Matter
Why should Catholics care about indulgences today? See how they fit into daily spiritual life and ongoing conversion.
Catholic Me - The Biggest Myth About Indulgences
Did the Church sell indulgences? Separate fact from fiction and understand the historical abuses vs authentic Catholic teaching.
Catholic Me - Indulgences and Mercy
Explore how indulgences connect to God's mercy and the communion of saints. Plus, how your prayers can help the poor souls in purgatory.
Catholic Me - Do Indulgences Still Exist?
Yes, indulgences are still part of Catholic life today. Discover how everyday practices like prayer, scripture, and adoration can carry indulgences - and the conditions that go with them.
Catholic Me - What is an Indulgence?
Quick breakdown of what indulgences really are, and what they're not. Learn the difference between forgiveness of sin and temporal punishment, and why indulgences are about healing, not "buying grace".
Catholic Me - The Council of Trent and why the full Bible still matters
The Council of Trent reaffirmed the full 73 book Catholic Bible. Mike explains why the complete canon still matters for Catholics today.
Catholic Me - Martin Luther and the books that disappeared
Why did seven books disappear from Protestant Bibles? Mike examines Martin Luther's removal of the Deuterocanonical books during the Reformation
Catholic Me - The Septuagint - The Bible Jesus actually used
What Bible did Jesus use? Mike explains The Septuagint and why it included the seven Deuterocanonical books found in Catholic Bibles today
Catholic Me - How The Catholic Church actually gave us The Bible
Discover how The Catholic Church gave us The Bible. Mike covers the early councils of Hippo and Carthage, St Jerome, and the original 73 book canon used by early Christians
Catholic Me - The Bible we all think we know - but there is a difference
Why do Catholics Bibles have 73 books while Protestant Bibles have 66? Mike explores the historical difference between the original Catholic Bible and later Protestant versions. Learn how The Catholic Church gave the Bible to the world.
Catholic Me - The Catholic Church's Exact Teaching on Hell
In this sobering final episode, discover the Catholic Church's exact doctrine on Hell - eternal separation from God for those who die in unrepented mortal sin. Learn why Hell exists, how God desires all to be saved, and practical steps to avoid it through frequent Confession and living in grace.
Catholic Me - The Catholic Church's Exact Teaching on Heaven
A hopeful look at Heaven as the beatific vision and eternal union with The Blessed Trinity. I share the Church's teaching on who enters Heaven, the joy that awaits the saints, and why every Catholic should fix their eyes on this ultimate goal.
Catholic Me - The Catholic Church's Exact Teaching on Judgement
Explore the Church's clear teaching on Particular Judgement and Final Judgement. Learn how we will be judged by Christ, the role of mercy and justice, and practical ways to live ready for the moment we stand before God.
Catholic Me - The Catholic Church's Exact Teaching on Death
We explore the Church's precise doctrine on Death as the separation of body and soul, it's consequences from sin, and how Christians can prepare for a holy death through the sacraments and daily prayer. A must listen for anyone seeking a happy death.
Catholic Me - Introduction to the Four Last Things
In this opening episode, Mike introduces the Catholic Church's exact teaching on the Four Last Things - Death, Judgement, Heaven, and Hell. Discover why meditating on these realities helps Catholics live with purpose, stay in a state of grace, and prepare for eternity according to Scripture and the Catechism.
Catholic Me - Why Sola Scriptura Leads to Division - And the Catholic Solution
Why are there thousands of Protestant denominations all claiming to follow the Bible alone? In this Episode of Catholic Me, we discuss how Sola Scriptura naturally leads to divisioin because the Bible warns against private interpretation. Learn why the "Bible alone" leaves every person as their own final authority, resulting in conflicting doctrines and endless splits.
Catholic Me - Who gave us the Bible? The Catholic Church and the Canon vs Sola Scriptura
If Sola Scriptura is true, then who decided which books belong in the Bible? In this episode of Catholic Me, I discuss how the Catholic Church gave us the Bible by discerning the canon of Scripture at The Councils of Hippo (393AD) and Carthage (397AD).
Catholic Me - Why The Catholic Church is the Pillar and Bulwark of Truth (Not Sola Scriptura) - Timothy 3:15 explained
Is the Bible the only authority, or did God establish something greater? In this episode of Catholic Me we dive into Timothy 3:15, where Saint Paul calls the Church "the pillar and bulwark of truth". Learn why this verse directly challenges the Protestant doctrine of Sola Scriptura (Bible alone) and shows that Jesus built his Church as the trustworthy guardian of truth.
Catholic Me - Does the Bible teach Sola Scriptura? Catholic response to "Bible Alone" doctrine
Does the Bible actually teach Sola Scriptura - the idea that Scripture aloneis the only infallible rule of faith? In this eipisode of Catholic Me, I examine the key Bible verses Protestants use to support "Bible Alone" teaching. Discover 2 Thessalonians 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:16, and other passages that point to both Scripture and Sacred Tradition. Learn why the early Church approach brings clarity and
Catholic Me - Sola Scriptura Explained: Why Catholics Reject "Bible Alone" & What The Church Actually Teaches
In this series of Catholic Me, I break down the Protestant doctrine of Sola Scriptura ("Scripture Alone") and explore the Catholic response. Discover why the Bible itself does not teach "Bible alone", how Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium fit into God's plan of revelation, and why the early Church never practiced Scripture alone. Learn the key verses that refute Sola Scriptura, who decided the
Catholic Me - How To Live The Communion Of Saints Every Day - Part 5
In the final episode of our Communion of Saints series, learn practical ways to live this beautiful Catholic teaching every single day. Discover how to grow closer to to the saints in heaven, pray effectively for the souls in purgatory, strengthen your bond with The Church Militant, and experience the power of The Mystical Body of Christ in your daily life through prayer, virtue, and spiritual fri
Catholic Me - How The Communion Of Saints Helps The Souls In Purgatory - Part 4
In Part 4 of our Communion of Saints series, discover how the faithful on earth (Church Militant) can powerfully assist the souls in Purgatory (Church Suffering) through prayer, sacrifice, and indulgences. Why our prayers help souls get to heaven faster, and practical ways you can help the holy souls right now as part of The Communion Of Saints.
Catholic Me - Can The Saints In Heaven Pray For Us? Part 3
Do the saints in heaven hear our prayers? In this episode of Catholic Me, we explore how The Communion of Saints works and why The Church Triumphant (saints in heaven) can and do pray for us.
Catholic Me - The Three Parts of The Communion of Saints - Part 2
In part two of our series on The Communion of Saints, we break down the three distinct parts: The Church Triumphant (Saints in Heaven), The Curch Suffering (souls in purgatory), and The Church Militant (faithful on earth). Learn how these groups form one mystical body in Christ and why this truth matters for your daily prayer life and spiritual journey.
Catholic Me - What the Communion of Saints Really Means – Part 1
In this first part of our series, we dive into one of the most beautiful and misunderstood teachings of The Catholic Church: The Communion of Saints. What does it actually mean that we are united with the saints in heaven, the souls in purgatory, and all the faithful on earth? Discover how this profound reality strengthens our prayer life, gives us hope, and reminds us that we are never alone in o
Catholic Me - Episode 20 - Church teaching on Mary
Mary's Intercession, the Rosary, and model for Disciples
Catholic Me - Episode 19 - Church teaching on Mary
Perpetual Virginity and the Assumption
Catholic Me - Episode 18 - Church teaching on Mary
The Immaculate Conception
Catholic Me - Episode 17 - Church teaching on Mary
Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church
Catholic Me - Episode 16 - Church teaching on Mary
Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church
Catholic Me - Episode 15 - The Sacrament of Confession
The healing power of Confession and why you need it now.
Catholic Me - Episode 14 - The Sacrament of Confession
How Confession actually works.
Catholic Me - Episode 13 - The Sacrament of Confession
From The Apostles to your parish: 2000 years of mercy
Catholic Me - Episode 12 -The Sacrament of Confession
The Day Jesus instituted The Sacrament of Confession
Catholic Me - Episode 11 - The Sacrament of Confession
Why Confession? The gift Jesus left us.
Catholic Me - Episode 10 - Church teaching on Purgatory
Why Purgatory should change our lives now.
Catholic Me - Episode 9 - Church teaching on Purgatory
How we help the holy souls in purgatory.
Catholic Me - Episode 8 - Church teaching on Purgatory
Purgatory is justice and mercy in perfect harmony.
Catholic Me - Episode 7 - Church teaching on Purgatory
Is Purgatory in the Bible?
Catholic Me - Episode 6 - Church teaching on Purgatory
The Basics. What Purgatory really is.
Catholic Me - Episode 5 - Was The Catholic Church the one founded by Jesus Christ?
Was The Catholic Church the one founded by Jesus Christ? Why it matters for daily faith.
Catholic Me - Episode 4 - Was The Catholic Church the one founded by Jesus Christ?
Was The Catholic Church the one founded by Jesus Christ? Hierarchical Society Founded by Christ.
Catholic Me - Episode 3
Was The Catholic Church the one founded by Jesus Christ? The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail.
Catholic Me - Episode 2
Was The Catholic Church the one founded by Jesus Christ? Apostolic Foundation and Continuity.
Catholic Me - Episode 1
Exploring the teaching that the Catholic Church is the one founded by Jesus Christ. The Promise to Peter.
