
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

18 snips
Jan 19, 2025 • 11min
Day 19: Summary of Sacred Scripture (2025)
Delve into the profound significance of sacred scripture as a unified testimony to Christ. Discover its divine inspiration and the importance of accurate interpretation. Explore the inerrant nature of the Bible and the vital role it plays in Christian living. Gain insights on the unity between the Old and New Testaments and the need to venerate all 73 books. Fr. Mike emphasizes the nourishing power of both scripture and the Eucharist in shaping our faith.

13 snips
Jan 18, 2025 • 16min
Day 18: The Unity of the Testaments (2025)
Discover the fascinating connection between the Old and New Testaments that unveils God's grand revelation. Delve into typology to see how the Old Testament beautifully prefigures the New. Learn about common myths around the Bible's accessibility and the Catholic Church's role in scripture dissemination. Explore why regular scripture study is essential for deepening your understanding of Jesus Christ and enhancing your faith journey. The significance of the Bible in Catholic theology is emphasized, showcasing its enduring relevance.

12 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 19min
Day 17: The Canon of Scripture (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the rich history of the canon of Scripture, emphasizing the vital role of all 73 books. He discusses the significance of both the Old and New Testaments, framing the Old Testament as foundational and the New as the ultimate revelation of God through Jesus. The transition from oral tradition to written Gospels highlights their importance in Christianity. You'll learn about the church's essential role in the canonization process, shedding light on how these texts inspire spiritual truth.

10 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 14min
Day 16: Senses of Scripture (2025)
Fr. Mike dives deep into the layers of Scripture, exploring its literal and spiritual senses. He discusses the allegorical, moral, and anagogical interpretations, offering scriptural examples to enhance understanding. The importance of communal engagement with the Word is highlighted, emphasizing mutual support among learners. Additionally, he touches on the authority of the Church in establishing the New Testament, showcasing the vital role it played in determining the biblical canon.

12 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 17min
Day 15: Interpreting Scripture (2025)
Discover how Catholics interpret Scripture with three fundamental principles: attentiveness to the entire Bible, reading within Church tradition, and the analogy of Faith. Delve into the Holy Spirit's role in inspiring and guiding these interpretations. Explore the dual authorship of Scripture and how context influences understanding. Learn the significance of connecting Old and New Testaments to uphold core Christian truths. This engaging discussion fosters a deeper relationship with faith and scriptural insight.

11 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 17min
Day 14: The Eternal Word of God (2025)
Explore the sacredness of Scripture and the Church's deep reverence for it. Understand how God communicates through human authors, revealing eternal truths. Delve into the dual authorship of the Bible and appreciate the balance of divine inspiration and human creativity. Discover the importance of engaging with Scripture as the living Word of God, not just any written text, and learn to interpret it as a profound, enriching experience. This journey speaks to the transformative power of faith and the intimacy of divine revelation.

10 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 16min
Day 13: The Single Deposit of Faith (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the essential relationship between Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture as the unified deposit of Faith. He clarifies the authoritative role of the Magisterium in interpreting divine teachings. The discussion also highlights how the Church's practices reflect its identity, emphasizing the continuity of revelation through generations. With a creative analogy, listeners explore the dynamics of written and unwritten faith, illustrating the importance of tradition in guiding spiritual journeys.

10 snips
Jan 12, 2025 • 16min
Day 12: Receiving Dogmas (2025)
Explore how the dogmas of faith serve as guiding lights on our spiritual journey. Fr. Mike illustrates the dual role of these truths as both boundaries and pathways, enhancing our relationship with God. Discover the interconnectedness of sacred tradition, scripture, and community in fostering a deeper understanding of salvation. Learn to embrace dogmas not as rules, but as gifts driven by love, empowering us to fully live out our faith.

9 snips
Jan 11, 2025 • 19min
Day 11: Sources of Divine Revelation (2025)
Fr. Mike dives into the fascinating synergy between Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, showcasing their equal significance in divine revelation. He clarifies the essential differences between Apostolic Tradition and other ecclesial practices. The discussion emphasizes the importance of the Magisterium's authority and the need for believers to embrace its teachings with openness. Overall, it presents a compelling case for understanding the roots of faith beyond just the written word.

Jan 10, 2025 • 17min
Day 10: The Apostolic Tradition (2025)
Discover how divine revelation is passed through oral and written traditions. Learn about the pivotal role of the apostles and their successors in preserving teachings. The discussion emphasizes that sharing the faith is not just for bishops; it's a collective calling. Explore the Holy Spirit's active presence in today's Church and the interplay between Scripture and tradition. This insightful conversation sheds light on the historical importance of apostolic succession and the contributions of early church fathers in maintaining the teachings of Christ.