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
10 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 19min
Day 245: Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit (2025)
Dive into the intriguing world of the Holy Spirit's gifts and fruits! Discover how these divine gifts enhance your virtues and guide your moral choices. The discussion reveals how these spiritual tools empower us to live joyfully and authentically. Learn about the connection between the gifts and fruits, and how they nurture a deeper relationship with God. This exploration not only enlightens but also inspires a more fulfilling spiritual journey!
8 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 22min
Day 244: The Virtue of Charity (2025)
Delve into the profound nature of charity as the highest theological virtue, where love defies mere obligation. Discover how loving God and our neighbors, including our enemies, shapes our spiritual journey. Fr. Mike emphasizes responding to God's love as cherished children, not fearful servants. Learn about charity's transformative power, connecting genuine faith with loving actions, leading to spiritual freedom and joyful obedience. These insights highlight love's essential role in enriching our relationships with both God and others.
9 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 14min
Day 243: The Virtue of Hope (2025)
Discover the transformative power of hope as a theological virtue that fuels our desire for the Kingdom of heaven. Fr. Mike emphasizes how this virtue shields us from discouragement and selfishness. By trusting in Christ's promises, we find the strength to love others and endure life's challenges. The discussion highlights the distinction between true hope and mere optimism, showcasing how genuine faith can lead to eternal happiness, especially in trying times.
9 snips
Aug 30, 2025 • 18min
Day 242: The Virtue of Faith (2025)
Dive into the significance of the theological virtues, focusing on faith as a deep-rooted trust in God. Discover how faith is not just belief but a profound relationship that connects us to hope and love. Fr. Mike unpacks the impact of expressing and sharing faith in our daily lives, using the story of Job to illustrate its depth. He emphasizes that faith must be lived out in community, urging listeners to profess their beliefs with confidence to those who have yet to know God.
10 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 22min
Day 241: The Cardinal Virtues (2025)
Explore the four cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. Learn how these virtues guide us toward goodness and spiritual growth. Discover the importance of temperance for moral balance and how it aligns passions with reason. Delve into practical applications of these virtues in everyday life, emphasizing the role of divine grace. Gain insights on how cultivating these traits can lead to moral living and greater joy.
8 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 13min
Day 240: Erroneous Judgment of Conscience (2025)
Fr. Mike explores the intricate nature of moral conscience and the pitfalls of erroneous judgment. He discusses how habitual sin can blind our decisions, leading to flawed moral choices. A well-formed conscience is emphasized as the key to true freedom and responsibility. The podcast navigates the complexities of moral ignorance and the need for active conscience formation, spotlighting its vital role in guiding ethical behavior.
14 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 22min
Day 239: The Formation of Conscience (2025)
Fr. Mike dives into the intricate process of forming a well-informed conscience. He stresses that it's not enough to know what's right or wrong; we must grasp the reasons behind our beliefs. The discussion highlights the vital role of the Holy Spirit, Church teachings, and personal reflection in moral decision-making. Developing this understanding leads to inner peace and virtue, emphasizing that the journey of conscience education is lifelong and essential for ethical living.
Aug 26, 2025 • 19min
Day 238: Our Moral Conscience (2025)
Dive into the fascinating concept of moral conscience, where intuition meets morality. Discover how our weakened intellect still allows us to discern right from wrong. Fr. Mike distinguishes between conscience and passions, urging personal reflection for a well-formed moral compass. The discussion prompts listeners to examine the guiding inner law that shapes ethical choices, making it a thought-provoking exploration of decision-making and conscience formation.
10 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 23min
Day 237: The Morality of the Passions (2025)
Explore the intriguing relationship between passions and morality. Learn how emotions can shape our decisions, serving as a double-edged sword between virtue and vice. Discover the importance of self-discipline and divine guidance in managing these complex feelings. Dive into the significance of love as a central passion, while also reflecting on how emotions like anger and joy influence ethical choices. Finally, differentiate between transient feelings and genuine love to better navigate the moral landscape of our lives.
8 snips
Aug 24, 2025 • 18min
Day 236: The Morality of Human Acts (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the intricate layers of morality, focusing on the three crucial sources: the object chosen, the intention behind it, and the surrounding circumstances. He discusses how these elements shape our moral decisions and emphasizes the importance of evaluating actions beyond mere intentions. The conversation highlights a troubling trend among young adults in grasping moral distinctions, urging listeners to reflect deeply on their ethical choices and the inherent nature of right and wrong.
