Catholic Me - Mass Reflection, Spirituality & Much More

Jesus founded one visible Church on Peter with the keys of the kingdom. We look at Matthew 16 and official teaching showing the Catholic Church is that same Church today. 

Non-Catholics often claim the word "Catholic" isn't in Scripture. We explain it's meaning (Universal) and show how the early Church used it while staying rooted in Christ's command for a universal Church

The Particular Judgement fixes destiny immediately, the Final Judgement publicly manifests it for all. A call and hope while God gives us time (CCC 1041)

At the Last Judgement , all truths, actions, and consequences are laid bare before Christ. God's justice and love triumph as the full meaning of history is revealed (CCC 1039-1040)

The Church teaches the resurrection of all bodies precedes the public Final (Last) Judgement when Christ returns. It universally confirms each soul's destiny (CCC 1038)

Explains the criteria and outcomes of the Particular Judgement. We are judged on our love and response to grace, with final destinations of Heaven, Purgatory, or Hell (CCC 1022)

The Church teaches that death ends our time of choice. At the Particular Judgement (CCC 1021-1022), each soul immediately receives it's eternal destiny before Christ: Heaven (possibly via Purgatory) or Hell.

In the series finale, Mike brings balance and peace: respect the traditional teaching, embrace scriptural hope, and center ultimate joy in God. Practical advice for loving current pets, entrusting departed ones to divine mercy, and avoiding idolatry while cherishing God's gifts. Encouragement to live with confident hope. 

A practical and heartfelt episode on processing pet loss through a Catholic lens. Mike discusses the goodness of grief, St. Frances of Assisi's Canticle of the Creatures, offering suffering to Christ, and family rituals for saying goodbye. Your sorrow is valid - and can draw you closer to God. 

Drawing from Isaiah, Romans 8, Revelation, and Laudato Si', Mike examines how Scripture portrays the renewal of all creation. God's plan includes the transfiguration of the entire cosmos - offering hope that our beloved pets may have a place in the new heavens and new earth. A biblical foundation for grieving with hope. 

Mike shares comforting papal statements, including words attributed to Pope Paul VI about seeing animals again in Christ's eternity, and Pope Francis's vision in Laudato Si' of creatures resplendently transfigured in eternal life. These reflections offer real hope without contradicting tradition. Ideal listening for pet owners seeking pastoral encouragement. 

In this opening episode, host Mike Fitzpatrick explores the long-standing Catholic tradition, particularly St. Thomas Aquinas's teaching on animal souls versus the immortal rational soul of humans. The Church has no dogma on pets in heaven, leaving room for hope. A compassionate look at why your love for animals matters to God. Perfect for anyone grieving a pet.

Conclusion of the series: Asking saints for prayers and using sacred images are aids that draw us closer to Jesus, not away from Him. Everything ultimately leads back to direct prayer to God. 

Mike addresses the Second Commandment and explains why Catholics use statues and images. Honor given to images passes to the person they represent, rooted in the Incarnation.

Biblical support for the intercession of saints, including Revelation's vision of heavenly prayers and the "great cloud of witnesses in Hebrews. Jesus remains the one Mediator. 

A deep dive into the Communion of Saints and how the Church on earth remains united in prayer with the saints in heaven. Catholics ask saints to pray with and for us without replacing direct prayer to God. 

Mike explains the difference between praying directly to God and asking saints for intercession. He clarifies that statues are not idols but visual reminders that help us focus on Christ and the saints. 

Why full visible unity matters and how Catholics should respond with prayer, charity, and clarity. 

Additional theological and liturgical differences, plus signs of hope for eventual reunion. 

Explaining the Filioque controversy and how the Catholic Church sees it as a legitimate developement of Trinitarian doctrine

Why the Pope's role as successor of St. Peter remains the central obstacle to full reunion with the Orthodox

A clear introduction to the 1054 Schism and why Catholics and Eastern Orthodox are not in full communion despite sharing so much in common

How the Trinity transforms daily life. Mike shows why this mystery matters for prayer, relationships, and salvation - ending with practical ways to live in the life of the Trinity 

Tackling the common claim "It's not in the Bible". Mike explains the role of Sacred Tradition, Church Councils, and why the word "Trinity" isn't required for the truth to be biblical

Scripture speaks! Mike highlights key Bible passages (Matthew 28:19, Jesus' Baptism, 2 Corinthians 13:14) that reveal the Trinity, showing it's deeply rooted in God's Word. 

Discover the official Catholic doctrine of unity and distinction in the Trinity. Mike explains the Athanasian Creed and how the Three Persons share one divine nature. 

In this opening episode, Mike Fitzpatrick introduces the central mystery of the Catholic faith: One God in Three Persons. Explore the Catechism teaching and early biblical glimpses of the Trinity

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

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

Straightforward answers to frequent questions about Jesus' "brothers," the miraculous nature of His birth, and why Mary's virginity matters. 

A look at the Scriptural roots of the Virgin Birth, including Isaiah's prophecy and the consistent teaching of the early Church. 

Learn how the Virgin Birth and May's perpetual virginity offer hope, inspire purity, and call us to greater trust in God today. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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! 

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. 

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. 

Encouragement on how to return to God after sin, the importance of Confession, and the power of God's mercy. 

Practical, everyday situations to help listeners discern between mortal and venial sins with real world examples. 

What venial sins are, common examples, and how they weaken our relationship with God even though they don't kill grace.