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
7 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 17min
Day 280: The Christian Name (2025)
What does it truly mean to bear a Christian name? The sacredness of baptismal names is explored, highlighting their role in our dignity and personal identity in Christ. Fr. Mike discusses the importance of the Sign of the Cross as a public declaration of faith and protection against temptation. The tradition of choosing a Christian name and the significance of patron saints are examined. Ultimately, listeners discover how their names reflect God's unique love and call to live as children of the Father.
7 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 16min
Day 279: False Oaths (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the significance of respecting God's name in our oaths and speech. He explains the gravity of false oaths, linking them to our duty before God. The teachings of Jesus and Paul highlight when oaths are appropriate, alongside canonical limits governing their use. Fr. Mike stresses the importance of integrity and the courage needed to refuse illegitimate oaths, using Thomas More as an inspiring example. Ultimately, he encourages Christians to witness truth in their lives and words.
9 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 19min
Day 278: The Second Commandment (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the significance of the Second Commandment, emphasizing the reverence due to God's name. He highlights the casual ways people misuse it in modern culture, labeling such acts as blasphemy. The podcast explores the power and intimacy behind revealing God's name, while Fr. Mike provides everyday examples of taking it in vain. He stresses the importance of treating sacred names with respect and the implications of oaths made in God's name. Listeners are encouraged to bear witness to their faith without fear.
8 snips
Oct 4, 2025 • 16min
Day 277: Agnosticism and Graven Images (2025)
Dive into the intriguing world of agnosticism as Fr. Mike explores its various forms, from sincere seekers to those using it to avoid moral responsibilities. The discussion then shifts to the significance of graven images, highlighting the transition from prohibition to the Christian veneration of icons after the Incarnation. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between veneration and worship, showing how devotional images can deepen one's love for God. Tune in for a thought-provoking look at faith and representation!
9 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 23min
Day 276: Irreligion and Atheism (2025)
Explore the intriguing themes of irreligion and atheism as Fr. Mike unpacks key elements like tempting God, sacrilege, and simony. Learn how these concepts challenge our faith and what it means to trust in God. Delve into the serious implications of contemporary atheism, including materialism and socio-economic liberation views. Fr. Mike highlights the vital role of believers in nurturing faith and combating atheism through authentic witness and instruction. Join in prayer for personal conversion and a deeper understanding of God's goodness.
10 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 20min
Day 275: Superstition, Idolatry, and Magic (2025)
Explore the intriguing world of superstition and idolatry with Fr. Mike. He explains how superstition can distort our true worship of God, even in Catholic practices. Idolatry, defined as divinizing anything other than God, becomes a constant temptation for many. The discussion also highlights the dangers of divination and magic, emphasizing their negative influences. Join in for an insightful look at how these elements interact with faith and worship.
10 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 17min
Day 274: Social Duty of Religion (2025)
Explore the social duty of religion and the nuances of religious freedom. Discover how Christians are called to evangelize and infuse their beliefs into society. Fr. Mike highlights the importance of respecting other faiths while upholding truth. Learn about the delicate balance of conscience and limits in religious practice. The discussion includes state recognition of rights and the foundation of religious liberty as a civil right. Wrap up with the call to bring Catholic values into the public sphere.
8 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 20min
Day 273: Him Only Shall You Serve (2025)
Explore how to serve God through adoration, prayer, and sacrifice. Fr. Mike reveals the essence of prayer as vital for living faith and virtue. Delve into the significance of genuine sacrifice as a sign of true worship. Discover the importance of making promises and vows, and how they foster a deeper relationship with God. Unpack the role of humility in adoration, and how true worship liberates us from idolatry. Get insights into the connection between religion, justice, and the necessity of spiritual guidance for devotional promises.
10 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 25min
Day 272: You Shall Worship the Lord Your God (2025)
Exploring the first commandment, this discussion emphasizes the call to love and worship God above all. It highlights potential sins against faith, hope, and charity, illustrating the balance between divine love and human falterings. Fr. Mike delves into doubts, despair, and spiritual challenges, urging listeners to nourish their faith and resist spiritual sloth. He also previews upcoming topics on serving God alone through practices like adoration and prayer, reminding everyone of God's freeing commands from idols.
17 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 21min
Day 271: Love of God (2025)
This discussion dives into the essence of the Ten Commandments, focusing on the intertwined themes of loving God and loving neighbor. Fr. Mike emphasizes that adhering to these commandments requires divine grace and prayer. He also explores how the Decalogue reflects natural law and moral obligations inherent in human nature. Utilizing insights from theology, listeners learn how union with Christ enables true obedience and the importance of understanding the commandments as universal truths that guide our lives.
