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 5, 2025 • 17min
Day 64: The Lord (2025)
The discussion centers around the title 'Lord' as it relates to Jesus, examining its deep biblical roots and significance in understanding His divine authority. The conversation highlights how the translation of Yahweh to 'Kyrios' underscores Jesus' sovereignty. Listeners are encouraged to embrace His authority over every aspect of life, recognizing the transformative impact of the Holy Spirit in acknowledging His power. This exploration elevates our personal relationship with God, inviting a deeper respect and honor for Jesus.
6 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 16min
Day 63: The Only Son of God (2025)
Explore the profound title of Jesus as the only Son of God and its significance in Christianity. Discover how this unique divine sonship sets him apart from other figures labeled 'sons of God' in the Old Testament. Fr. Mike emphasizes the transformative nature of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection and encourages a deeper understanding of his identity. Delve into the intimate relationship between Jesus and God the Father, and reflect on how this impacts personal faith and acknowledgment of his divine nature.
7 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 18min
Day 62: The Christ (2025)
Explore why Jesus is called 'The Christ' and what this title truly signifies. Discover the three-fold ministry of Jesus as the awaited Messiah. Dive into the paradox of his kingship, revealing how he embodies both divine authority and sacrificial service. Fr. Mike encourages reflection on our roles in his mission and the significance of community and prayer in our lives. It's a thought-provoking discussion that challenges expectations and deepens understanding.
5 snips
Mar 2, 2025 • 16min
Day 61: The Name of Jesus (2025)
Explore the profound significance of the name Jesus, meaning 'God saves' in Hebrew. Discover why this name is held in such high reverence in Christian faith and how misuse can be detrimental. Fr. Mike emphasizes the unique role of Jesus in salvation and urges listeners to approach His name with respect, particularly in prayer. The conversation highlights both the divine power of the name and the humility it requires from us, inviting a deeper understanding of its importance in our lives.
6 snips
Mar 1, 2025 • 21min
Day 60: God Sends His Only Son (2025)
Fr. Mike highlights the astonishing gift of Jesus, sent by God after the Fall, emphasizing grace and redemption. The discussion pivots on the essential role of teaching and fostering a personal connection with Christ, modeled after the fervor of the Apostles. Key themes include the significance of catechesis in understanding Christ's mission and the call to evangelize through personal testimony. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their relationship with Jesus as foundational to sharing the faith and leading others towards the Good News.
4 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 15min
Day 59: Summary of The Fall (2025)
Dive into the exploration of original sin and how it affects us all. Fr. Mike emphasizes that while we are inherently good, we also carry the weight of our brokenness. Concupiscence, the inclination to sin, is a central theme. Yet, there's hope! St. Paul's words remind us that grace overflows where sin abounds. The transformative power of Christ's grace is also highlighted, encouraging a deepening relationship with God and a supportive community. Engage with these profound insights as they inspire reflection and growth.
6 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 22min
Day 58: Man’s Spiritual Battle (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the hard truths of our spiritual battles with sin and the lingering effects of original sin. He discusses the balance of being made good yet drawn to temptation, highlighting the dangers of misinterpreting our nature. The conversation emphasizes the transformative power of baptism and God's redeeming grace, assuring listeners that evil won't ultimately prevail. With a focus on community and prayer, he encourages hope and spiritual trust even amid life's challenges, showcasing the light of redemption.
7 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 16min
Day 57: Consequences of Adam’s Sin (2025)
The discussion dives into the profound implications of Adam and Eve's sin, illustrating how it shattered human nature yet failed to erase our inherent goodness. Fr. Mike explores the concept of original sin and its universal impact, revealing that while we are inclined towards evil, hope remains through God’s grace. The episode sheds light on theological debates, contrasting views on the nature of sin and redemption, and emphasizes the vital role of baptism in restoration.
5 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 21min
Day 56: Man’s First Sin (2025)
Dive into the intriguing concept of man’s first sin and how it reflects our daily choices. Fr. Mike explores the true meaning of freedom—not just doing what we want, but what we ought to do. This discussion emphasizes our tendency to prioritize our own desires over divine goodness. He unveils the deep implications of original sin and its ongoing influence on humanity's spiritual journey, showcasing God’s promise of redemption amidst our flawed nature.
Feb 24, 2025 • 19min
Day 55: The Fall of the Angels (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the dramatic fall of the angels, probing the deeper implications of pride and envy that led to their rebellion. He explains how this celestial schism influences humanity’s experience of original sin. The discussion highlights the power dynamics of evil, emphasizing that even Satan is ultimately a creature within God’s dominion. With insightful comparisons to fear as a lurking lion, he underscores the necessity of resisting evil through faith and the strength of Divine Providence.
