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
14 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 16min
Day 353: The Lord's Prayer (2025)
Explore the depths of the Lord's Prayer as a summary of the entire Gospel. Discover its origins and significance, along with insights from early Church figures. Fr. Mike explains how addressing God as Father fosters trust and shapes our desires. Delve into the differences between Catholic and Protestant practices, and learn about the doxology's liturgical developments. The conversation emphasizes how prayer can reorder our priorities and lead to spiritual renewal, connecting believers directly to the heart of faith.
14 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 14min
Day 352: Summary of The Battle of Prayer (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the active battle of prayer, emphasizing that engaging in prayer is vital for spiritual growth. He creatively compares prayer to swimming, illustrating the varying levels of effort needed. Key challenges like distractions and dryness are discussed, along with the importance of trusting God to receive both blessings and trials. A deep dive into Jesus' heartfelt prayer in Gethsemane models humility and honesty, showcasing the essence of sincere communication with the Father.
12 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 15min
Day 351: The Prayer of the Hour of Jesus (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the Hour of Jesus' prayer, showcasing its profound scope over creation and salvation. He explains how this prayer captures the essence of unity, intertwining love, sin, and the glory of God. The discussion emphasizes Jesus' protective love even for his betrayer and highlights his prayers for future believers. Fr. Mike encourages silent prayer for unity during Mass, connecting this with the Lord's Prayer and its fulfillment in Jesus' high priestly petition.
16 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 16min
Day 350: Persevering in Prayer (2025)
Dive into the power of prayer and its importance in a Christian life. Fr. Mike explains how God desires our active participation in prayer, highlighting its role in deepening our relationship with Him. He discusses perseverance in faith, modeling prayer after Jesus, and integrating prayer into daily life. Discover how prayer not only transforms us but also connects us with God's heart, emphasizing its necessity and effectiveness. The call to pray without ceasing is made clear, inviting listeners to stay engaged in their spiritual journey.
17 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 21min
Day 349: Temptation, Trust, and Prayer (2025)
Exploring the essence of prayer, the discussion highlights common struggles like a lack of faith and acedia, or spiritual sloth. The contrast between viewing God as a divine genie versus a loving Father shapes our approach to prayer. Fr. Mike emphasizes that true trust in God is tested in trials, while also addressing the frustration of unanswered prayers. The importance of praying with the right motives and recognizing God's unwavering love is a central theme, inviting listeners to cultivate a deeper, more faithful relationship with the divine.
15 snips
Dec 14, 2025 • 26min
Day 348: The Battle of Prayer (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the concept of prayer as both a gift and a struggle, emphasizing that it’s a battleground for the soul. He confronts misconceptions, highlighting how distractions and worldly mindsets can undermine our connection with God. The discussion encourages humility, trust, and perseverance while addressing common challenges like dryness and disappointment in prayer. Practical tips are offered to help listeners navigate these hurdles, reinforcing the importance of returning to God amidst life's chaos.
14 snips
Dec 13, 2025 • 19min
Day 347: Contemplative Prayer (2025)
Explore the intimate world of contemplative prayer, a close sharing between friends as described by St. Teresa of Avila. Discover how silence can transform our hearts and illuminate Christ's mysteries. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of making time for prayer, even amidst trials of dryness. Learn how to gaze upon Jesus with faith and engage in active listening, allowing God's love to flow through us. This form of prayer is not just for the elite; it’s accessible to all, inviting humility and a deep connection with the Divine.
16 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 17min
Day 346: Meditation and Vocal Prayer (2025)
Explore how vocal prayer acts as a full-bodied expression of our hearts and minds, bringing us into a deeper relationship with God. Discover meditation as a quest, utilizing our thoughts and emotions to find union with Christ. Fr. Mike outlines practical steps for Lectio Divina, inviting listeners to engage with Scripture meaningfully. He encourages self-examination through the Parable of the Sower, helping us reflect on our personal growth and the inner movements of our faith.
13 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 15min
Day 345: Animated by Prayer (2025)
Discover how specific places, like churches and shrines, enhance our prayer experiences. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of setting times for prayer, integrating morning and evening rituals into our daily lives. He highlights three forms of prayer: vocal, meditative, and contemplative, encouraging a composed heart. Lastly, he shares personal insights on developing prayer habits, nudging listeners to plan for a deepened spiritual practice. Join in as he inspires a more intentional approach to connecting with God.
14 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 18min
Day 344: Guides for Prayer (2025)
Explore the rich tapestry of prayer guides in the Church, from saints to families, highlighting their roles in nurturing our spiritual lives. Discover how diverse spiritualities shape individual charisms, and the importance of the family as the first school of prayer. Fr. Mike emphasizes the role of priests and consecrated individuals in leading prayer, along with the benefits of spiritual direction. Engage with the idea that the Holy Spirit remains our ultimate guide, even when human support is absent.
