
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

Dec 2, 2024 • 23min
Day 337: Blessing, Adoration, and Petition (2024)
Discover the beauty of prayer within the Church, focusing on blessing, adoration, and petition. Fr. Mike highlights how our prayers are responses to God's blessings and encourages a hopeful approach to petitions. Experience the transformative power of prayer, guided by the Holy Spirit, and learn that even the smallest requests are meaningful to God. Through engaging stories, this discussion inspires a deeper connection with spirituality and emphasizes the importance of humility and forgiveness in prayer.

Dec 1, 2024 • 14min
Day 336: Jesus Hears Our Prayer (2024)
Delve into the beauty and simplicity of the Jesus Prayer, a transformative practice in daily life. Explore how Jesus listens to our prayers, highlighted by biblical examples. Discover Mary's vital role in prayer, from her fiat to her intercessory power. Learn about the sincerity and faith Jesus teaches regarding prayer, and how authentic connection with God transcends mere words. Finally, embrace the invitation to pray earnestly, emphasizing that action in prayer is far more important than merely discussing it.

Nov 30, 2024 • 19min
Day 335: Jesus Teaches Us to Pray (2024)
Explore how Jesus exemplifies deep and sincere prayer as a guide for believers. Discover the significance of internal conversion and the heart's transformation in connecting with God. Dive into teachings about reconciliation, loving enemies, and the power of secret prayer. Learn the importance of persistence and humility through parables that showcase faith's role in being heard by the Father. This insightful discussion encourages a more profound, personal relationship with prayer.

Nov 29, 2024 • 20min
Day 334: How Jesus Prayed (2024)
Dive into the profound nature of prayer as illustrated by Jesus. Discover how He learned from His mother and engaged in dialogue with the Father. Uncover the significance of solitude and thanksgiving in His prayer practice. Reflect on His heartfelt cries, connecting human suffering to divine response. This exploration encourages a deeper relationship with God, where all thoughts and needs are laid bare, inviting hope and fulfillment in the divine promise.

Nov 28, 2024 • 13min
Day 333: The Psalms (2024)
Dive into the powerful world of the Psalms, where prayer becomes a vital connection to God. Discover how these ancient texts express deep emotions, transforming our spiritual journeys. The discussion highlights the Psalms' role in personal and communal worship, revealing their enduring impact on faith practices. Explore themes of praise, lamentation, and thanksgiving, and understand how to find God’s presence even amidst life’s struggles. Embrace humility and trust as essential components of a steadfast prayer life.

Nov 27, 2024 • 19min
Day 332: Prayer Converts Our Heart (2024)
Discover the essential role of prayer in forging a personal connection with God, emphasizing the transformative power it holds. Explore the profound insights of the prophets, particularly Elijah, and the community aspect of Psalms that unites believers. Learn how prayer transcends mere ritualistic practices and reflects a genuine faith journey. Delve into key moments of Elijah’s life that illustrate the need for a heartfelt relationship with the divine, connecting ancient wisdom with modern worship experiences.

Nov 26, 2024 • 19min
Day 331: The Foundations of Prayer (2024)
Discover how Moses and David exemplify the power of prayer and its foundational role in connecting with God. Learn about Moses' humility and his intimate conversations with the divine, alongside David's heartfelt expressions found in the Psalms. Explore the transformative nature of prayer in both personal and communal settings and its significance throughout biblical history. Delve into the honest nature of prayer that fosters trust and intimacy with God, offering hope amid life's challenges.

Nov 25, 2024 • 21min
Day 330: The Revelation of Prayer (2024)
Explore the profound connection between humanity and the divine through the lens of prayer. Discover how figures like Abraham exemplify the journey toward understanding God's call. Delve into the transformative nature of prayer, emphasizing faith and perseverance. The discussion reveals prayer as a communal experience essential for living out God’s promises, enhancing our likeness to Him. Each revelation invites listeners to reflect on their personal relationship with God in a meaningful and engaging way.

7 snips
Nov 24, 2024 • 21min
Day 329: The Gift of Prayer (2024)
Explore the profound insights of St. Thérèse on prayer as a heartfelt surge toward God. Delve into how true prayer emerges from humility, reflecting our deep longing for divine intimacy. Discover the covenant relationship highlighted in prayer, where it transforms from mere ritual to a genuine encounter with the divine. The heart's role is pivotal, serving as the center for authentic connection and decision-making in our spiritual journey. Embrace the invitation to deepen your relationship with God through sincere prayer.

Nov 23, 2024 • 57min
Day 328: How We Pray (Part 4 Intro w/ Sr. Miriam James Heidland) (2024)
Sr. Miriam James Heidland, a member of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, shares her journey of faith and insights on deepening prayer. She discusses the transformative power of prayer, urging listeners to overcome misconceptions and recognize their rightful relationship with God. The conversation highlights the importance of honesty in prayer and relationships, as well as embracing love and mercy. Listeners are encouraged to engage in contemplative prayer, deepening their connection with God and fostering authenticity in their spiritual lives.