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
Feb 2, 2026 • 14min
Day 33: God as Father (2026)
A theological look at how Scripture and tradition portray God as Father. Conversations probe how earthly fathers shape our image of the divine and where that image falls short. Exploration of Jesus’ revelation of eternal fatherhood and the Word’s relationship to the Father. Brief overview of Nicene-Trinitarian language and pastoral hope for healing and prayerful trust.
6 snips
Feb 1, 2026 • 15min
Day 32: The Most Holy Trinity (2026)
A focused meditation on the Trinity and what baptism means when it invokes one name in three persons. Clear explanations of theology versus economy and how God’s actions reveal His inner life. Scriptural hints of Trinitarian reality and a guided prayer to prepare listeners for the text.
17 snips
Jan 31, 2026 • 13min
Day 31: The Meaning of Faith (2026)
Explores what believing in one God implies for life: reverence for God’s greatness, a posture of thanksgiving, and the dignity shared by all people. Considers how to use creation to grow closer to God and practices detachment. Encourages trusting God in every circumstance and orienting life toward God as first origin and ultimate goal.
19 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 18min
Day 30: God Is Who Is (2026)
Explores God's eternal nature as existence itself, and what 'I am who I am' means. Discusses divine truth, faithfulness, and why God's promises hold. Looks at how sin began with doubt of God's word. Reflects on God's gratuitous love for Israel and rich biblical images of love. Presents the Trinity as the inner life of God and an invitation to share in divine love.
24 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 16min
Day 29: Knowing the Name of God (2026)
A look at God’s Divine Name in Scripture and what its mystery reveals. Discussion of the paradox of a name that both reveals and exceeds understanding. Reflections on human unworthiness and the reverent avoidance of pronouncing Yahweh. Exploration of God’s steadfast mercy and how Jesus embodies the divine I AM.
39 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 15min
Day 28: The Nature of God (2026)
A clear look at who God is, starting with God the Father and why the Creed opens with him. A plain explanation of one divine being in three persons and how that shapes faith. Discussion of God revealing his name and making relationship possible. Reflection on the mystery of the Trinity alongside its accessibility.
18 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 11min
Day 27: The Gift of the Creed (2026)
A clear look at why creeds arose and how they shaped Christian belief. Short contrasts between the Apostles' and Nicene formulations and their roles in Church life. Reflections on St. Ambrose calling the creed a spiritual guardian and treasure. Discussion of Nicaea’s language that affirmed Christ’s full divinity and how the creed frames boundaries for belief.
22 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 19min
Day 26: Communion of Believers (2026)
A clear look at the Apostles' and Nicene creeds and why the later creed expanded on the earlier one. Exploration of creeds as concise symbols of faith that unite believers and trace baptismal roots. Discussion of the threefold Trinity structure, the tradition of creed articles, and how creeds evolved to address doctrinal challenges.
25 snips
Jan 25, 2026 • 12min
Day 25: Summary of Faith (2026)
A lively walk through faith as both a personal trust in God and a communal bond formed by the Church. Discussion of prayer for the gift and virtue of faith and why believing the Revealer matters more than just accepting teachings. Reflections on faith as a foretaste of fuller knowledge and encouragement to be a diligent student of the Church.
21 snips
Jan 24, 2026 • 16min
Day 24: Unity of Faith (2026)
A reflection on how faith is more than formulas and points to real spiritual realities. A look at the Church as guardian of truth and the unity of belief across nations. Tracing apostolic succession and the historical continuity that links early teachers to today. Remarks on councils, struggles, and the ongoing renewal of the deposit of faith.
