The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Ascension
In Ascension’s The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides you through the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 episodes, providing explanation, insight, and encouragement along the way.
Unlike any other Catechism podcast, The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) podcast follows a reading plan inspired by Ascension’s Foundations of Faith approach, a color-coded approach that reveals the structure of the Catechism, making it easier to read and understand. With this podcast, you’ll finally understand what it means to be Catholic and how the beliefs of the Catholic Faith come together.
Listen and…
Read the ENTIRE Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 days
Understand the essentials of the Catholic Faith and why they matter
Understand how Church teaching is rooted in Sacred Scripture
Absorb over 2,000 years of Sacred Tradition
Encounter God’s plan of sheer goodness for your life
Each 15-20 minute episode includes:
A guided prayer to help you enter into each episode
A reading from the Catechism of the Catholic Church
An explanation from Fr. Mike Schmitz about the reading
The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Unlike any other Catechism podcast, The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) podcast follows a reading plan inspired by Ascension’s Foundations of Faith approach, a color-coded approach that reveals the structure of the Catechism, making it easier to read and understand. With this podcast, you’ll finally understand what it means to be Catholic and how the beliefs of the Catholic Faith come together.
Listen and…
Read the ENTIRE Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 days
Understand the essentials of the Catholic Faith and why they matter
Understand how Church teaching is rooted in Sacred Scripture
Absorb over 2,000 years of Sacred Tradition
Encounter God’s plan of sheer goodness for your life
Each 15-20 minute episode includes:
A guided prayer to help you enter into each episode
A reading from the Catechism of the Catholic Church
An explanation from Fr. Mike Schmitz about the reading
The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Episodes
Mentioned books
16 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 18min
Day 9: The Fullness of Revelation (2026)
Discover how God revealed Himself through Jesus Christ, establishing an eternal covenant. Fr. Mike explains that while public revelation ended with Christ, its full meaning is still unfolding. He discusses the role of private revelations, emphasizing their non-binding nature and the necessity for them not to contradict established faith. The insights from Church councils illustrate how doctrine can develop over time, while still remaining rooted in the complete revelation of Christ. A thought-provoking exploration of faith and divine communication awaits!
25 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 17min
Day 8: God Forms His People (2026)
The podcast explores how God chose Abraham as the father of many nations, setting the foundation for Israel. It discusses Israel's formation through the Exodus and the significance of the Sinai covenant. Fr. Mike emphasizes the role of prophets in shaping hope for a new covenant written on hearts, especially highlighting the importance of the poor and humble. Notable women of Israel, including Mary, are celebrated for sustaining hope amidst challenges. The journey of faith and redemption unfolds through these rich narratives.
24 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 17min
Day 7: God Reveals Himself (2026)
Discover how God reveals Himself to humanity, offering a pathway to know and love Him beyond our natural abilities. Delve into the covenant with Noah and the promise of redemption following the fall of Adam and Eve. Fr. Mike explores the significance of divine revelation and its gradual unfolding, emphasizing that understanding God requires His self-revelation. Learn about the original communion between humanity and God, and how this relationship is central to salvation, providing hope amid human division.
21 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 19min
Day 6: Knowing God With Certainty (2026)
Discover how humans are innately designed for communion with God and how this relationship is key to true fulfillment. Fr. Mike Schmitz dives into St. Augustine's insights on joy versus fleeting happiness, urging listeners to recognize the certainty of God's existence through creation and conscience. He tackles the harmony between faith and science, emphasizing they address different realms. This enlightening discussion inspires sharing one's faith while navigating personal doubts.
18 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 13min
Day 5: How We Know God (2026)
Explore how human reason can affirm God's existence, as Fr. Mike delves into the limitations we face in fully knowing Him. Discover the concept of self-surrender, emphasizing the struggle between our disordered appetites and belief. The discussion elaborates on how our language can only imperfectly express divine realities, using analogies that highlight both resemblance and dissimilarity between Creator and creation. The need for revelation is underscored, reminding us of the infinite gap we must navigate to understand the divine.
21 snips
Jan 4, 2026 • 18min
Day 4: Our Capacity for God (2026)
Explore the innate human desire for God as Fr. Mike explains how we are restless until we find Him. Discover the reasons people often forget or reject God, from indifference to fear. Fr. Mike illustrates how creation reveals God through beauty and order, while our own conscience and longing point us toward the divine. He emphasizes that while reason can lead us to God, true intimacy comes through divine revelation and grace. Each point is grounded in the teachings of the Catechism, reminding us of God's unique love for each individual.
13 snips
Jan 3, 2026 • 48min
Day 3: What We Believe (Part 1 Introduction with Jeff Cavins) (2026)
Joined by Jeff Cavins, a renowned Catholic Bible teacher and catechetical leader, they dive into the foundational first pillar of the Catechism. Jeff outlines the four pillars and the importance of the Creed as God's salvation plan. He discusses the challenges readers face, emphasizing patience and the significance of both intellectual assent and personal faith. They also explore how Scripture and tradition guide our understanding of belief, highlighting the church's communion with Christ and the catechism as a treasure leading us towards the divine.
13 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 15min
Day 2: How the Catechism Works (2026)
Fr. Mike delves into the purpose and structure of the Catechism, emphasizing its role as a guide for local teachings. He explains the four pillars: Creed, Sacraments, Moral Life, and Prayer, breaking down their significance. Adaptation to local cultures is highlighted, ensuring teachings resonate with diverse communities. The ultimate aim of the Catechism, he notes, is to lead souls toward the love of God, underscoring that all teachings should be delivered with charity and sensitivity.
15 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 16min
Day 1: To Know and Love God (2026)
Join an enlightening journey that begins with profound questions about our existence and connection to God. Discover the beauty of creation and the Church's mission to foster communion among believers. Explore the role of catechesis in nurturing faith at all ages, and learn how to effectively share your beliefs through living, liturgy, and prayer. Fr. Mike discusses the necessity of a modern catechism to address today's spiritual needs, urging listeners to know God, be transformed, and pass on their faith.
Dec 31, 2025 • 33min
BONUS: How Do We Trust in Church Authority? (with Bishop Cozzens)
Bishop Andrew Cozzens, the Bishop of Crookston and chair of the USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, discusses his journey and role in the Church. He emphasizes why trust in Church authority remains vital, despite leadership flaws. The conversation delves into the Catechism's impact on faith, describing it as both a prayerful guide and a source of beauty. Bishop Cozzens highlights the importance of tradition, the nature of faith as relational trust, and the role of the Church in evangelization, encouraging a deeper engagement with the Catechism.
