
The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
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.
Latest episodes

9 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 15min
Day 38: Summary of the Trinity (2025)
Dive into the profound nature of the Holy Trinity, exploring its intricate relationships. Discover how Baptism connects believers to this divine life. Fr. Mike highlights key theological insights and encourages reflection on the central mystery of faith. Listeners are reminded of the beauty of sharing in the Trinity's glory, even when felt in the obscurity of faith. These nuggets of wisdom shed light on the essence of God as one in three persons, inviting deeper understanding and personal connection.

5 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 15min
Day 37: The Divine Economy (2025)
Delve into the intricate dynamics of the Trinity and the divine economy, revealing how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit collaborate in creation and salvation. Discover the poetic beauty of God's salvation plan that invites humanity into divine life. Explore the unique yet united roles within the Trinity, highlighting how this understanding deepens our faith and the peace found in baptism. A reflective moment inspired by Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity encourages us to invite God into our hearts, turning them into a heavenly abode.

9 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 18min
Day 36: The Nature of the Trinity (2025)
Dive into the fascinating concept of the Holy Trinity, where unity and distinctness merge in divine mystery. Discover how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, while one God, maintain their unique identities. Fr. Mike explores historical insights and addresses common misconceptions, inviting deeper contemplation on the relationships among the divine persons. This engaging discussion sheds light on a core tenet of Christian faith, making complex theological ideas accessible and thought-provoking.

10 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 16min
Day 35: Formation of Trinitarian Dogma (2025)
Dive into the fascinating formation of the Church's understanding of the Trinity, where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit interconnect in divine mystery. Fr. Mike delves into key theological terms and the evolution of Trinitarian dogma through scripture and early Church councils. The narrative of St. Augustine and the child's seaside encounter illustrates the struggle to grasp such profound mysteries. Ultimately, it encourages listeners to embrace faith in the face of the infinite complexity of God.

8 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 20min
Day 34: Unity in the Holy Spirit (2025)
Dive into the theological roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, exploring how each reveals God's essence. Discover insights into the unique nature and mission of the Holy Spirit within the Trinity. The discussion highlights the historical 'Filioque' controversy, showcasing the diverging views of Latin and Eastern Orthodox traditions. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of unity in the Church, fostering hope for reconciliation between these branches of Christianity.

15 snips
Feb 2, 2025 • 14min
Day 33: God as Father (2025)
Explore the profound relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ. Delve into what it means to understand God as a loving creator and protector. Reflect on how our earthly father relationships shape our view of God’s fatherhood. Discover the significance of being adopted as children of God, embracing both transcendence and intimacy within the Trinity. Join in a prayer that celebrates this divine connection.

17 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 15min
Day 32: The Most Holy Trinity (2025)
Delve into the central mystery of the Holy Trinity, where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist as one. Discover how this profound doctrine shapes Christian faith and highlights the essence of God's revelation. Explore the dynamics of God's nature and actions, and learn to cultivate gratitude through prayer. The podcast emphasizes the intimate relationship between believers and the divine, inviting listeners to reflect on their spiritual journey and the historical presence of God.

16 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 13min
Day 31: The Meaning of Faith (2025)
Explore the transformative implications of believing in one God. Discover how this faith fosters gratitude and underscores human dignity. Fr. Mike emphasizes that trust in God is essential, especially during challenging times. Learn how God's greatness shapes our lives and encourages us to nurture creation. The discussion highlights that every circumstance, even adversity, can lead to good outcomes through divine insight.

13 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 18min
Day 30: God Is Who Is (2025)
Discover the essence of God through His key attributes: truth, love, and existence. The discussion reveals how these divine qualities shape our understanding and call us to embody them in our own lives. Dive into the eternal nature of God's love, rooted in Scripture, and explore the profound invitation to deepen our relationship with Him. Reflect on how being made in His image inspires us to live out truth and love in a tangible way.

6 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 16min
Day 29: Knowing the Name of God (2025)
Unravel the profound significance of God’s name revealed to Moses, emphasizing the deep connection between humanity and the Divine. Explore the mystery of 'I am who I am,' which showcases God's unchanging nature and love. Dive into the themes of mercy and grace, reflecting on God’s unwavering faithfulness, even amidst human failures. Discover the theological implications of God's sacred name across various languages and its vital role in the New Testament, reinforcing the unity of the Holy Trinity.