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
5 snips
Apr 13, 2025 • 15min
Day 103: The Power of Pentecost (2025)
Explore the significance of Pentecost and its role in the birth of the Church. Discover how the Holy Spirit's outpouring fulfills Christ’s Passover and reveals the Holy Trinity. Learn about the empowerment believers receive to love as God loves through the diverse gifts of the Spirit. This discussion emphasizes the healing of our wounded nature and the transformative impact of divine grace in our lives.
7 snips
Apr 12, 2025 • 17min
Day 102: The Holy Spirit’s Mission (2025)
Discover how the Holy Spirit uniquely prepared Mary for her role in salvation history. Explore the profound connection between Mary, the Holy Spirit, and Christ in their divine mission. Delve into the themes of grace and humility, highlighting Mary's essential place in God's plan. The discussion emphasizes the collaborative effort of the Holy Spirit and the Son, inviting listeners to reflect on their own roles within this sacred mission.
5 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 17min
Day 101: Expecting the Messiah (2025)
Discover the profound connection between the Holy Spirit and the anticipation of the Messiah. Engage with the prophetic insights from Isaiah and explore the revealing characteristics of the Messiah found in the Servant Songs. Delve into John the Baptist's unique role in recognizing Christ even before birth. This journey highlights the interplay of divine purpose and human preparation for justice, bringing ancient prophecies to vibrant life.
14 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 22min
Day 100: God’s Word and Spirit (2025)
Explore the fascinating relationship between God's Word and Spirit, tracing their collaboration from creation to salvation. Discover the Holy Spirit's role in guiding Israel and the present-day Church, stemming from themes of exile and restoration. Delve into the significance of theophanies and divine law, illuminating how they shape our spiritual journey. Reflect on the hidden mission of these elements throughout biblical history and consider their impact on navigating faith in today's complex world.
Apr 9, 2025 • 20min
Day 99: Symbols of the Holy Spirit (2025)
Discover the rich symbolism of the Holy Spirit, including elements like fire, water, and the dove. Each symbol unveils deeper theological truths and connections to the Old Testament. Engage with how these symbols reflect the transformative presence of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives. The discussion highlights significant biblical implications and the roles of the Trinity in creation and renewal, emphasizing the Holy Spirit's continuous influence through sacraments and baptism.
Apr 8, 2025 • 15min
Day 98: The Son and the Spirit (2025)
Delve into the fascinating joint mission of the Son and the Holy Spirit, where two distinct persons operate together in unity. Discover the significance of the Holy Spirit's diverse names and titles, and how they relate to Christian baptism. Explore the Holy Spirit's transformative power in believers' lives, illuminating key theological concepts like 'Advocate' and 'Spirit of Truth.' This enlightening discussion reveals how the Holy Spirit connects the Holy Trinity while emphasizing the interdependence of its members.
4 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 17min
Day 97: Introduction to the Holy Spirit
Explore the fascinating nature of the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Trinity and its critical role in our faith journey. Discover how the Spirit ignites belief and fosters relationships with Christ. Dive into its transformative presence in liturgy and prayer, emphasizing its influence in the Eucharist. Understand the interconnectedness of the Holy Spirit with the Father and the Son, alongside insights from early church figures. This enlightening discussion invites you to reflect on how the Holy Spirit operates in your life.
Apr 6, 2025 • 21min
Day 96: The Church’s Ultimate Trial (2025)
Dive into the Church's ultimate trial as it anticipates the challenges before Christ's return. Explore the deceptions posed by the Antichrist and the dramatic threats to faith. Discover how personal decision-making plays a crucial role on this spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of confession and grace. Fr. Mike highlights the church's resilience amidst persecution and the need for vigilance against false hopes. Ultimately, faith must remain steadfast as believers wait for divine victory and judgment.
Apr 5, 2025 • 23min
Day 95: Christ’s Reign on Earth (2025)
Delve into the duality of Christ's reign on earth and in heaven, exploring the Church as both a kingdom and a community. The podcast highlights the tension between Christ's presence and the anticipation of his return. It discusses the coexistence of holiness and brokenness in faith, using 'The Lord of the Rings' as a metaphor for spiritual vigilance. Additionally, it underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel and emphasizes the hope for salvation shared by all believers.
Apr 4, 2025 • 17min
Day 94: Christ’s Ascension into Heaven (2025)
Discover the profound significance of Christ's Ascension into heaven, which connects humanity directly to the divine. Fr. Mike explains how this event marks Jesus' permanent union with God, fulfilling His saving mission. The discussion delves into the transformative effects of the Ascension, highlighting Christ as our eternal priest who intercedes for us. This podcast illuminates how the Ascension enhances our worship and deepens our connection to God's life and happiness, culminating beautifully in the Holy Mass.
