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 6, 2025 • 21min
Day 249: The Person in Society (2025)
Explore the vital role of community in human dignity and social existence. Discover how our divine creation calls us to nurture loving relationships and reflect God's image. Learn about the dangers of isolation and the importance of maintaining connections. Delve into the principle of subsidiarity, emphasizing local decision-making to uphold the common good. Understand how families serve as the foundational unit of society, driving our individual responsibilities within larger communal structures.
7 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 20min
Day 248: The Spread of Sin (2025)
The discussion dives into how sin spreads like a virus, influencing both personal and societal behavior. It categorizes the seven capital sins and their potential to create vices that cloud moral judgment. Fr. Mike emphasizes the dangers of cooperating in others' sins, highlighting the formation of 'structures of sin' that foster social evils. By exploring both mortal and venial sins, the conversation urges listeners to reflect on their personal responsibility and the collective impact of choices in the realm of morality.
8 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 22min
Day 247: The Weight of Sin (2025)
Explore the weight of sin and its impact on your relationship with God. Distinguish between mortal and venial sins and understand how they affect charity. Learn about the essential conditions for repentance and the limitless nature of God's mercy. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness through confession, inviting listeners to reflect on their spiritual journey. With engaging metaphors, this discussion sheds light on the nature of sin and the hope that exists in repentance.
9 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 25min
Day 246: Mercy and the Mystery of Sin (2025)
Dive into the profound nature of sin and how it impacts our relationship with God. Discover the importance of acknowledging our failings to embrace the loving mercy offered by Jesus. The metaphor of a heart patient underscores our need for redemption and grace. Explore vivid biblical narratives that illustrate the serious consequences of sin, juxtaposed with the transformative mercy available through Christ's sacrifice. This compelling discussion invites listeners to reflect on their own spiritual journeys.
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.
