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
17 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 21min
Day 349: Temptation, Trust, and Prayer (2025)
Exploring the essence of prayer, the discussion highlights common struggles like a lack of faith and acedia, or spiritual sloth. The contrast between viewing God as a divine genie versus a loving Father shapes our approach to prayer. Fr. Mike emphasizes that true trust in God is tested in trials, while also addressing the frustration of unanswered prayers. The importance of praying with the right motives and recognizing God's unwavering love is a central theme, inviting listeners to cultivate a deeper, more faithful relationship with the divine.
15 snips
Dec 14, 2025 • 26min
Day 348: The Battle of Prayer (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the concept of prayer as both a gift and a struggle, emphasizing that it’s a battleground for the soul. He confronts misconceptions, highlighting how distractions and worldly mindsets can undermine our connection with God. The discussion encourages humility, trust, and perseverance while addressing common challenges like dryness and disappointment in prayer. Practical tips are offered to help listeners navigate these hurdles, reinforcing the importance of returning to God amidst life's chaos.
14 snips
Dec 13, 2025 • 19min
Day 347: Contemplative Prayer (2025)
Explore the intimate world of contemplative prayer, a close sharing between friends as described by St. Teresa of Avila. Discover how silence can transform our hearts and illuminate Christ's mysteries. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of making time for prayer, even amidst trials of dryness. Learn how to gaze upon Jesus with faith and engage in active listening, allowing God's love to flow through us. This form of prayer is not just for the elite; it’s accessible to all, inviting humility and a deep connection with the Divine.
16 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 17min
Day 346: Meditation and Vocal Prayer (2025)
Explore how vocal prayer acts as a full-bodied expression of our hearts and minds, bringing us into a deeper relationship with God. Discover meditation as a quest, utilizing our thoughts and emotions to find union with Christ. Fr. Mike outlines practical steps for Lectio Divina, inviting listeners to engage with Scripture meaningfully. He encourages self-examination through the Parable of the Sower, helping us reflect on our personal growth and the inner movements of our faith.
13 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 15min
Day 345: Animated by Prayer (2025)
Discover how specific places, like churches and shrines, enhance our prayer experiences. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of setting times for prayer, integrating morning and evening rituals into our daily lives. He highlights three forms of prayer: vocal, meditative, and contemplative, encouraging a composed heart. Lastly, he shares personal insights on developing prayer habits, nudging listeners to plan for a deepened spiritual practice. Join in as he inspires a more intentional approach to connecting with God.
14 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 18min
Day 344: Guides for Prayer (2025)
Explore the rich tapestry of prayer guides in the Church, from saints to families, highlighting their roles in nurturing our spiritual lives. Discover how diverse spiritualities shape individual charisms, and the importance of the family as the first school of prayer. Fr. Mike emphasizes the role of priests and consecrated individuals in leading prayer, along with the benefits of spiritual direction. Engage with the idea that the Holy Spirit remains our ultimate guide, even when human support is absent.
12 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 15min
Day 343: Praying Through Mary (2025)
Dive into the profound role of Mary in prayer and her connection to Jesus. Explore the origins of the Hail Mary and other Marian prayers throughout history. Fr. Mike discusses Mary's strength and tenderness as a mother, emphasizing how her fiat unites our trust with her intercession. Learn how prayers to Mary complement, rather than compete with, Christ's mediation. Discover the significance of Marian devotions, from the rosary to Eastern hymns, and reflect on Mary's presence in the life of Christ and believers.
18 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 19min
Day 342: Trinitarian Prayer (2025)
Explore the depths of Trinitarian prayer, highlighting the importance of connecting with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Fr. Mike emphasizes Christ as the center of Christian prayer, revealing the transformative power of invoking His name. Delve into how the Holy Spirit guides us in prayer and the rich traditions within the Church. The podcast also stresses the necessity of vulnerability and honesty in our spiritual conversations. Join in for a reflective journey that sets the stage for future discussions on devotion.
6 snips
Dec 7, 2025 • 14min
Day 341: The Theological Virtues (2025)
Discover the profound connection between faith, hope, and love as essential wells of prayer. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of praying in the present moment, encouraging listeners to focus on today rather than the past or future. He explains how faith is the gateway to sacramental grace and outlines how hope shapes our expectations for Christ's return. Additionally, he reflects on how God's love inspires our prayers and invites listeners to embrace St. John Vianney's heartfelt expression of love in their own prayer lives.
12 snips
Dec 6, 2025 • 15min
Day 340: Scripture and the Liturgy (2025)
Explore the profound connection between prayer and Scripture. Fr. Mike underscores that prayer isn't just spontaneous; it requires intention and learning. He highlights the Holy Spirit's role in guiding our conversations with God. Discover how the liturgy becomes a living representation of salvation, deepening our prayer life. Frequent engagement with Scripture is emphasized as essential for meaningful dialogue with the divine. Delve into these spiritual wells and enhance your understanding of prayer.
