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
8 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 19min
Day 332: Prayer Converts Our Heart (2025)
Discover the transformative power of prayer as it intertwines with worship, moving beyond mere ritualism. Fr. Mike delves into how encounters with God, like those of the prophets, strengthen our mission and shape our hearts. Hear about Elijah's remarkable acts of mercy and the vital role of the Psalms in community worship. The discussion emphasizes the importance of persistence in prayer, encouraging listeners to let their actions influence their beliefs for true conversion.
10 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 19min
Day 331: The Foundations of Prayer (2025)
Explore the essence of prayer through the lessons of Moses and David. Discover how Moses models honest intercession, showcasing humility and intimacy with God. Delve into how David's Psalms serve as Spirit-inspired prayers, teaching us to trust during suffering. Fr. Mike emphasizes that humility and honesty are vital for authentic prayer. Ultimately, see how Jesus fulfills Davidic prayers, bridging our petitions to divine love. A deep dive into the foundations of how we communicate with the divine awaits!
14 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 22min
Day 330: The Revelation of Prayer (2025)
Explore the essence of prayer as a divine invitation, revealing how humans are called to a deeper relationship with God. Discover the covenantal nature of prayer through salvation history, illustrated by Abraham's unconditional obedience and intercessory heart. Delve into the transformative power of prayer that restores our likeness to God, alongside Jacob's struggle that reflects a persevering battle of faith. Each reflection emphasizes how prayer is both a gift and a fundamental aspect of our spiritual journey.
14 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 22min
Day 329: The Gift of Prayer (2025)
Explore the depths of prayer as a heartfelt surge defined by St. Thérèse. Delve into how humility acts as the foundation for genuine connection with God. Discover the beautiful notion that prayer is God's gift, where our thirst meets His. Understand the heart's role in sincere prayer and its biblical implications. Finally, learn how Christian prayer embodies a covenant and communion with the Father through the Spirit, enriching your spiritual journey.
24 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 58min
Day 328: How We Pray (Part 4 Intro w/ Sr. Miriam James Heidland) (2025)
Sr. Miriam James Heidland, a religious sister and retreat leader, shares her journey from a Catholic upbringing to a life dedicated to prayer. The discussion highlights prayer as a relational experience rather than mere performance. They explore common obstacles, like shame and distractions, while emphasizing the importance of solitude and silence. The power of contemplative prayer for intimacy with God is examined, along with Jesus's teachings on authentic prayer. Sr. Miriam encourages listeners to embrace God’s love and deepen their connection through heartfelt prayer.
10 snips
Nov 23, 2025 • 15min
Day 327: Poverty of Heart (2025)
Fr. Mike dives into the theme of poverty of heart, emphasizing God as our ultimate source of happiness. He discusses the importance of detachment from worldly possessions while encouraging listeners to become vessels of God's grace. Through a captivating analogy of the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea, he illustrates the flow of blessings versus hoarding. The conversation also touches on the challenges of avarice and the need for mortification to deepen our relationship with God, all wrapped in heartfelt prayers.
8 snips
Nov 22, 2025 • 21min
Day 326: Envy and Jealousy (2025)
Envy, described as the 'diabolical sin,' takes center stage as Fr. Mike explores its dangers and manifestations. He highlights the Tenth Commandment's role in addressing covetous desires and how it complements the Ninth. The podcast discusses the destructive nature of envy, calling it a source of hatred and detraction. Practical guidance is offered on overcoming such feelings through humility and rejoicing in the success of others. Fr. Mike also distinguishes between jealousy and envy, providing relatable examples to clarify their moral implications.
7 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 23min
Day 325: Battling for Purity (2025)
Fr. Mike tackles the challenging battle for purity in modern life. He emphasizes the importance of chastity and pure intentions, urging listeners to see others as God does. The discussion touches on the role of modesty in protecting personal dignity and the need for media responsibility. He shares insights on disciplining feelings and thoughts while leaning on prayer for strength. With anecdotes and practical advice, the conversation aims to inspire freedom from temptation and promotes a deeper connection to faith.
12 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 18min
Day 324: The Ninth Commandment (2025)
Dive into the ninth commandment, where covetousness and the battle between flesh and spirit take center stage. Fr. Mike highlights the importance of purity of heart and temperance in overcoming earthly desires. Explore the three kinds of concupiscence and how they intertwine. Illustrative anecdotes, like the candy and window story, reveal the root of our desires. With discussions on confession and obedience, discover the path to heart purification through faith and gradual freedom.
21 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 16min
Day 323: Truth, Beauty, and Sacred Art (2025)
Explore the awe-inspiring connection between truth and beauty, revealed through sacred art. Discover how creation serves as a reflection of God's perfection and how art, as a true human expression, can evoke deep spiritual joy. Fr. Mike emphasizes the role of faith in regulating sacred art to ensure it glorifies the divine mystery. He highlights the importance of truthfulness in life and the power of witnessing Christ through our actions and words, even in the age of social media.
