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
Sep 27, 2025 • 22min
Day 270: The Ten Commandments (2025)
Explore the Ten Commandments as divine gifts that reveal God's glory and love. Fr. Mike emphasizes how these laws liberate us from sin rather than constrain us. He delves into the biblical origins, comparing the Exodus and Deuteronomy versions. The discussion includes Jesus' affirmation of the commandments, illustrating how love fulfills the law. Fr. Mike highlights that the commandments guide our freedom and express God's care, showing the depth of the covenantal relationship between Him and humanity.
6 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 17min
Day 269: Our Missionary Witness (2025)
The importance of baptized fidelity in proclaiming the Gospel is highlighted. Transforming Christian lives draw others to faith, showcasing the validity of salvation. Fr. Mike discusses integrating daily tasks with holiness, urging visible community witness. He emphasizes how ordinary Christians can attract others through peace and joy. Humility, perseverance, and the need for confession are also key in authentic missionary witnessing. Ultimately, individual moral choices play a crucial role in the Church's mission, requiring adherence to Church teachings.
12 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 22min
Day 268: The Precepts of the Church (2025)
Discover how the Church acts as a caring mother, guiding individuals through divine laws. Fr. Mike highlights the five essential precepts that keep Catholics active in their faith—Mass attendance, confession, receiving the Eucharist at Easter, fasting, and supporting the Church. He emphasizes the importance of being taught and maintaining a spirit of love and docility. The precepts serve as the minimum standards for spiritual and moral life, making them crucial for all believers.
8 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 20min
Day 267: The Church as Mother and Teacher (2025)
Explore the idea that the moral life serves as spiritual worship, guided by the Church’s teachings. Discover how the Magisterium preserves authentic Christian moral values across generations. Learn about the Church’s dual role as a comforting presence and a source of conviction, reminding us of our identity and purpose. Engage with the powerful insights on fulfilling our vocation in communion with the Church, enriched by Scripture, sacraments, and examples from the saints.
8 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 18min
Day 266: The Gift of Grace (2025)
Explore how the Holy Spirit's grace unites us with Christ and leads us from sin towards God. Discover the powerful role of justification, merited through Christ's passion. Learn about the various types of grace and the importance of human cooperation in achieving merit. Father Mike encourages listeners to embrace God's free gift of grace, inviting a transformative relationship. Closing with a prayer, he sets the stage for the next discussion on the Church's role as a nurturing guide.
7 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 14min
Day 265: The Call to Holiness (2025)
Explore the universal call to holiness, where every Christian is invited to a deeper union with Christ. Discover how the journey involves embracing the Cross, self-denial, and sacrifice, ultimately leading to profound peace. Fr. Mike emphasizes that setbacks are part of the spiritual journey, reminding us that we can always begin again. Dive into the core teachings of the Catechism that inspire a life of renewal and perseverance.
8 snips
Sep 21, 2025 • 15min
Day 264: Man’s Merit (2025)
Fr. Mike explores the profound concept of merit, emphasizing that our good actions are rooted in Christ and grace. He highlights how true merit comes from God's initiative and our response to it, using St. Thérèse of Lisieux's beautiful image of appearing before God with empty hands. The discussion encourages reflection on the balance between grace and our cooperative efforts as baptized co-heirs with Christ. Listeners are invited to consider the examples set by the saints in living out these truths.
7 snips
Sep 20, 2025 • 18min
Day 263: Responding to Grace (2025)
The discussion centers on the dynamic interplay between God's grace and human freedom. Fr. Mike dives into how grace encourages our authentic responses and the importance of sacramental graces in our spiritual lives. The conversation also touches on reflections from St. Augustine about longing and recognizing the fruits of grace, highlighting the diverse expressions of these gifts across the Christian community. It's a thought-provoking exploration of empowerment through divine initiative.
10 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 20min
Day 262: Habitual and Actual Grace (2025)
Explore the intricacies of divine grace and its pivotal role in our spiritual journey. Discover the differences between habitual and actual grace, and how God initiates every step of our efforts toward eternal life. Fr. Mike shares Augustine's insights on prevenient grace, emphasizing our participation in God's life. Each moment of grace is a reminder of our dependency on divine assistance. Tune in for deep reflections and inspiring teachings that guide our understanding of faith.
6 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 19min
Day 261: Justification (2025)
Explore the powerful concept of justification and how it transforms our hearts through the grace of the Holy Spirit. Discover how this process detaches us from sin, purifies our souls, and embodies God's mercy. Fr. Mike discusses the essential role of faith and baptism in beginning our journey toward salvation, while reflecting on the balance between divine grace and human freedom. Embrace the gift of justification and its marvelous impact on our lives.
