Time for Lent Q&A with Fr. Mike! Based on the video below, we compiled some great questions people have about Lent and asked Fr. Mike Schmitz to give us the answers. Enjoy!
Q: Fr. Mike, why is Holy Week such a big deal for Catholics?
A: Holy Week is the culmination of all of Lent—it’s like the whole of Lent compacted into one week. As we begin, we are invited to journey with Jesus through His Passion, death, and Resurrection. It’s a profound movement the Church invites us into, not just something we observe from the outside.
Q: What does Palm Sunday teach us about our faith?
A: Palm Sunday is more than just commemorating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem; it’s an invitation to journey with Him. In the Gospels, after He enters the city, Jesus goes to the temple and cleanses it. This is an important moment for us as Catholics because it reminds us that when Jesus comes into our lives, He cleanses us too. If you’re baptized, you are a temple of the Holy Spirit. But do we always live as if we’re set apart for God? That’s what Holy Week invites us to reflect on.
Q: What is the significance of Jesus cleansing the temple?
A: In the ancient Jewish understanding, holiness means being set apart for a purpose. The temple was holy, set apart for the worship of God. When Jesus cleanses the temple, He is restoring it to its proper purpose. That applies to us as well—our lives can become cluttered with distractions or even sin, and Jesus desires to restore us to holiness. One of the best ways we allow Him to do that is through confession.
Check out our blog post “40 Simple Lenten Sacrifices That Will Change Your Life“ to go deeper with your Lent this year.
Q: What are some key ways to enter into Holy Week?
A: The first big thing? Go to confession. Palm Sunday isn’t just about waving palms—it’s about allowing the Lord to enter our hearts and purify us. Another key thing is to attend the Holy Week liturgies: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil. These are powerful moments of grace where we truly walk with Jesus through His Passion and Resurrection.
Q: What’s your favorite part of Holy Week?
A: The whole thing! It’s my favorite week of the year. But if I had to pick, I’d say the Easter Vigil—it’s the most beautiful Mass of the year. Seeing people enter the Church through baptism and confirmation is incredible. We have about 15 people coming into the Church on campus this year, and I’m so excited for them!
Q: Can you tell us about the Chrism Mass?
A: The Chrism Mass is when priests renew their vows, and the sacred oils for the sacraments are blessed. Normally, it happens on Holy Thursday, but in large dioceses, it’s moved earlier so priests can attend and still be with their parishes for the Triduum. It’s one of my favorite moments of the year.
Q: How can we invite friends to Holy Week without overwhelming them?
A: Holy Week has an air of mystery, and that’s a good thing. A simple way to invite someone is to say, “Hey, we’re going to this thing, it’s unique, and you might find it meaningful.” Just prepare them—let them know what to expect. And if they’re not Catholic, it’s a good idea to explain in advance that we don’t practice intercommunion at Mass.
Q: What’s a meaningful way to live Holy Week better?
A: Besides going to confession, one big thing is to recognize the opportunity for conversion. Holy Week isn’t just about remembering Jesus’ suffering—it’s about being transformed by it. Reflect on what’s keeping you from Christ, and take concrete steps to remove those barriers.
Q: Are baptisms allowed during Lent?
A: Yes, they can happen! I recently performed one. Regarding covering statues and crucifixes, that practice starts during Passiontide, which begins on the fifth Sunday of Lent.
Q: Can funerals be held during the Triduum?
A: No, funerals are not celebrated during the Triduum. The Triduum is a unique, brief liturgical season focused on walking with Christ through His Passion, death, and Resurrection. Since a funeral Mass celebrates Christ’s triumph over death, it is not held during this time.
Q: Any advice for those preparing for Confirmation or First Holy Communion?
A: Take the pressure off yourself. The effects of the sacraments unfold in time. It’s like conception—you don’t always recognize new life immediately, but it’s there. Be open, trust in God’s grace, and let Him work.
Q: Have you ever experienced suffering on an important day?
A: Absolutely! On the morning of my ordination, I strained my neck badly and was in severe pain throughout the ceremony. Looking back, I see it as a reminder that priesthood isn’t about personal glory—it’s about joining Christ in His suffering and offering myself to Him.
Q: Is Holy Thursday a holy day of obligation?
A: No, but attending the Mass of the Lord’s Supper is a powerful way to enter into the mystery of Christ’s Passion.
Q: How can I inspire people to stay in the Church after Confirmation?
A: Relationships. Programs are great, but what truly changes hearts is personal connection. Life Teen and FOCUS do this well. Jesus modeled this—He didn’t just teach; He built relationships.
Q: Can I invite friends of other religions to Holy Week?
A: Yes! Just prepare them for what to expect, especially regarding Communion and the length of certain liturgies.
Q: Who are some of your favorite Catholic authors?
A: Peter Kreeft, Flannery O’Connor, G.K. Chesterton, J.R.R. Tolkien, Walker Percy, and Michael O’Brien—his books are fantastic.
Q: What are some good resources for understanding Scripture?
A: Two great ones: The Great Adventure Bible Timeline by Jeff Cavins and Journey Through the Bible by Dr. Bill Creasy. Both are incredible for making sense of Scripture.
Q: How can college students and anyone else struggling with faith stay Catholic during Lent?
A: Four key things:
- Sacraments – Stay connected to the Eucharist and Confession.
- Prayer – Take responsibility for your prayer life.
- Community – Surround yourself with faithful friends.
- Study – Be ready to ask hard questions and seek authentic answers.
Q: What is your final tip for observing Holy Week?
A: We should live every Holy Week as if it could be our last. That mindset helps us enter into it fully.
Final Blessing
May the Lord be with you. May Almighty God bless you this day and every day throughout Holy Week. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God bless!
Additional Resources
Didn’t find what you were looking for in this Lent Q&A? From prayer guides like Litany of Humility: A Prayer for Lent to helpful lists like 20 Unique Things to Give Up for Lent, we’re covering you this Lent!
Looking for more ways to engage and deepen your relationship with Christ? Join us in a Lenten Bible study led by Curtis Martin and Dr. Edward Sri. The Crux is a seven-session Bible study that takes you deeper into the heart of the Gospel. Videos come out every Wednesday from March 5 to April 16 at 7 PM ET / 6 PM CT.
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