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
Dec 31, 2025 • 33min
BONUS: How Do We Trust in Church Authority? (with Bishop Cozzens)
Bishop Andrew Cozzens, the Bishop of Crookston and chair of the USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, discusses his journey and role in the Church. He emphasizes why trust in Church authority remains vital, despite leadership flaws. The conversation delves into the Catechism's impact on faith, describing it as both a prayerful guide and a source of beauty. Bishop Cozzens highlights the importance of tradition, the nature of faith as relational trust, and the role of the Church in evangelization, encouraging a deeper engagement with the Catechism.
6 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 15min
Day 365: So Be It (2025)
Celebrate the completion of a transformative journey exploring the Catechism! Dive into the seven petitions of the Lord's Prayer, highlighting God's glory and our dependence on Him. Discover how prayer, creed, and morals intertwine to shape our lives. Fr. Mike emphasizes God's personal love for each listener and the significance of responding with 'Amen' as a commitment to His will. Reflect on the essential role of prayer in our relationship with God as you wrap up this enlightening exploration.
Dec 30, 2025 • 37min
BONUS: Why Scripture and Tradition? (with Jeff Cavins)
Jeff Cavins, a Catholic author and teacher renowned for his Bible timeline resources, joins Fr. Mike to delve into the intricate relationship between Scripture and Tradition. He explains how Scripture's primacy naturally leads to a deeper understanding of the Catechism's purpose. Jeff likens Scripture and Tradition to Damascus steel, showcasing their integration and mutual strength. He also discusses the origins of the modern Catechism, offers practical study tips, and encourages viewers to see it as a transformative journey toward intimacy with God.
8 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 23min
Day 364: Deliver Us from Evil
Fr. Mike explores the deep meanings behind the Lord's Prayer, especially the plea to be spared from temptation. He highlights the distinction between trials that lead to growth and temptations that lead to sin. Through the lens of Origen, he reflects on how temptation reveals our true selves. Listeners are encouraged to embrace prayer for strength and perseverance, as well as to seek deliverance from the evil one. The discussion culminates in praising Christ's victory and the church's unity in seeking protection.
8 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 25min
Day 363: Forgive Us Our Trespasses (2025)
The struggle of forgiving those who have hurt us takes center stage. A powerful exploration of the Lord's Prayer reveals the challenge of 'forgive us as we forgive.' Fr. Mike discusses the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, emphasizing the need for an open heart. He highlights how our pain can be transformed into intercession through God’s grace. The parable of the Merciless Servant illustrates the importance of heartfelt forgiveness and its lasting impact on our spiritual journey.
5 snips
Dec 28, 2025 • 20min
Day 362: Our Daily Bread (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the meaning of asking for our 'daily bread,' emphasizing our dependence on God for both physical and spiritual sustenance. He discusses the importance of childlike trust and a Christian's responsibility to care for the hungry. The episode also highlights the connection between prayer and action, urging listeners to seek justice and support the marginalized. The Eucharist is framed as the 'super-essential' nourishment, deepening the call for spiritual fulfillment through the word of God and the Eucharist.
Dec 27, 2025 • 22min
Day 361: The Kingdom and Will of God (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the profound meanings behind the petitions 'Thy kingdom come' and 'Thy will be done'. He explores the essence of Christ's reign and how it is both present and anticipated. Historical insights from early Church figures highlight this plea's significance. The Eucharist is revealed as a powerful invocation of God's kingdom. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of discerning God's will, urging listeners to unite their intentions with Christ's and to seek grace for endurance in their mission.
17 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 17min
Day 360: Hallowing God’s Name (2025)
Explore the profound meaning of hallowing God's name, emphasizing that we recognize it as holy through how we live and pray. Discover Jesus' teachings on love and kindness, inviting us into divine plans. Fr. Mike highlights God's name revealed in pivotal moments of salvation history and through Christ's incarnation. The discussion includes the importance of daily sanctification and how our actions influence the honor of God's name, urging continual conversion and prayer.
4 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 13min
Day 359: The Seven Petitions (2025)
Explore the seven petitions of the Lord's Prayer and discover how they each hold unique significance. Delve into the first three petitions focused on glorifying God and the next two that address our daily needs. The final two petitions highlight the spiritual battles we face, asking for strength against temptation and evil. Fr. Mike emphasizes how these petitions deepen faith, nurture hope, and ignite charity, all while encouraging a communal spirit of prayer for everyone.
16 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 15min
Day 358: Who Art in Heaven (2025)
Explore the profound meaning behind the phrase 'Who Art in Heaven.' Fr. Mike reveals God's immediate presence in our lives, countering the notion of distance. He discusses how sin can exile us but emphasizes that conversion allows us to reconnect with the Father. The podcast also reflects on prayer as a personal communion rather than mere words. Delve into the promise that Christ has prepared a dwelling place for everyone, highlighting the journey from exile to reconciliation.
