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
Mar 15, 2025 • 18min
Day 74: The Christmas Mystery (2025)
Explore the profound mystery of Jesus' coming during Advent and Christmas. Fr. Mike emphasizes that Jesus is the focus, reminding us to adopt a childlike relationship with God. He discusses the centuries of preparation in Israel, the role of John the Baptist, and the various comings of Christ. The humble birth narrative highlights the significance of witnesses like the shepherds and magi. Ultimately, the mystery of Christmas is fulfilled when we allow Christ to be formed in us, shifting the spotlight from ourselves to Him.
Mar 14, 2025 • 22min
Day 73: Christ’s Life Is Mystery (2025)
Dive into the mystique of Christ's life, where the beauty lies in mystery rather than mere knowledge. Explore how revelation, redemption, and recapitulation shape our understanding of divine love. Reflect on the hidden and public aspects of Jesus' journey, urging personal connection to these spiritual mysteries. Also, discover how Christ's life serves as a guide for emulating His qualities. The significance of salvation is discussed as a transformative process, particularly during the meaningful season of Advent.
4 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 14min
Day 72: Mary’s Motherhood (2025)
Discover the intriguing reasons behind Mary's perpetual virginity and their spiritual significance. Explore how her role as a mother fits into God's grand redemptive plan. Fr. Mike emphasizes the relationship between Mary, Jesus, and the Church, shedding light on her faith and obedience. This insightful conversation invites listeners to deepen their understanding of their spiritual motherhood.
7 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 16min
Day 71: Mary’s Virginity (2025)
Dive into the fascinating mysteries of Mary's virginity and her role as the Mother of God. Discover the theological significance behind her unique status in the Incarnation of Jesus. Fr. Mike clarifies common misunderstandings about her perpetual virginity and the meaning of 'brothers and sisters' in Scripture. This enlightening discussion encourages a deeper appreciation for faith and the Blessed Mother.
Mar 11, 2025 • 13min
Day 70: The Immaculate Conception (2025)
The Catechism introduces us to Mary’s Immaculate Conception and explains why God preserved her “immune from all stain of original sin.” Fr. Mike answers a common question asked in response to this revelation: “Why didn’t God just preserve us all from original sin?” His answer might surprise you. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 490-494.
This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Mar 10, 2025 • 18min
Day 69: Born of the Virgin Mary (2025)
Fr. Mike helps us to understand Mary’s role in the history of salvation. Through her belief and obedience, Mary becomes the Mother of God, and she cooperates in the redemption of the entire world. God’s glory is manifested when he uses weak and powerless people to show forth his faithfulness. What we believe about Mary is based on what we believe about Christ, and what the Church teaches about Mary illuminates our faith in Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 484-489.
This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Mar 9, 2025 • 18min
Day 68: The Mystery of the Incarnation (2025)
We learn more about Jesus Christ’s nature as fully God and fully human. Because he was fully human, “like us in all things but sin,” Jesus had a human will that was perfectly aligned with the will of God the Father, a human body that can be seen and venerated, and a human heart with which he loves us. Fr. Mike sums up the teachings in recent readings by reviewing that the Incarnation is the mystery of the union of the divine and human natures in the one person of the Word. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 475-483.
This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
6 snips
Mar 8, 2025 • 18min
Day 67: The Humanity and Divinity of Christ (2025)
Discover the fascinating dual nature of Jesus Christ as both divine and human. Fr. Mike explores how Jesus experienced life with a human mind, soul, and heart while retaining his divinity. The discussion reveals how Christ's growth in wisdom and understanding connects to our own human journeys. Delve into the mystery of his perfect union, highlighting the significance of his incarnation and the impact of his emotions on his divine mission. It's a thought-provoking look at the essence of faith.
Mar 7, 2025 • 25min
Day 66: True God and True Man (2025)
The discussion centers on the profound truth that Jesus Christ embodies both full divinity and humanity. Fr. Mike delves into how Mary is recognized as the Mother of God since Jesus was both divine and human at conception. The podcast tackles historical heresies that have attempted to distort this understanding, emphasizing the Church's steadfast responses. It highlights the importance of Christ's dual nature for contemporary believers, affirming the foundational belief that he remains both our Lord and a relatable human brother.
8 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 19min
Day 65: Why the Word Became Flesh (2025)
Explore the deep significance of the Incarnation as the Son of God takes on human flesh for our salvation. Discover how this divine act reveals God's immense love, inspires holiness, and connects us to the divine nature. Delve into biblical foundations, particularly St. Paul's insights, highlighting the profound meaning behind God becoming human. Reflect on the personal and communal implications of this core Christian belief, and engage in a thoughtful prayer about the transformative power of God's love.
