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
24 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 18min
Day 44: The Scandal of Evil (2025)
Why does evil exist in a world created by a good God? This thought-provoking discussion dives deep into the nature of suffering and divine providence, highlighting how God redeems rather than erases evil. It explores the balance of free will, moral choices, and the potential for growth amid life's challenges. The conversation emphasizes that even in pain, there's a pathway to greater goods, offering hope through the insights of saints and scripture.
12 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 20min
Day 43: Creation Is Good (2025)
Explore how God creates an ordered and good world, continuously sustaining His creation. Delve into the unique dignity humans have as participants in divine providence, highlighting our meaningful role in God's plan. Discover the relationship between suffering and divine purpose, reassuring that our trials are significant contributions to creation. Engage in prayer to align with God's will and trust in His ongoing guidance, emphasizing the value of community support in tough times.
8 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 18min
Day 42: The Work of Creation (2025)
Delve into the profound reasons behind creation as an act of divine love from the Holy Trinity. Discover how God’s creative power reflects His glory and wisdom, emphasizing that He creates from nothing. The discussion highlights the ongoing nature of creation, assuring us that God is continuously breathing new life into our hearts, offering hope for spiritual renewal and resurrection. Embrace the idea that creation is not just a moment in time, but a loving act unfolding in our lives today.
12 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 17min
Day 41: Origins and Ends (2025)
Explore fascinating philosophical ideas like pantheism, dualism, and deism, and how they compare to Catholic beliefs about God’s existence. Fr. Mike discusses the importance of Revelation alongside human reason in uncovering the mysteries of creation. He emphasizes the significance of Genesis in understanding our origins and ultimate purpose. The conversation sheds light on God's essence and his relationship with humanity, setting the stage for deeper theological discussions to come.
5 snips
Feb 9, 2025 • 18min
Day 40: God Is the Creator (2025)
Discover the profound role of God as the Creator and how it shapes our understanding of existence. Delve into the relationship between faith and science as they explore our origins and purpose. The conversation emphasizes that we are created for a meaningful relationship with God, inviting us to embrace His love. Each reflection serves as a reminder of our potential and the eternal promise that lies ahead. Join in a heartfelt prayer that encourages deeper connection and appreciation for creation.
14 snips
Feb 8, 2025 • 20min
Day 39: The Father Almighty (2025)
The discussion dives into the nature of God as Almighty, highlighting the universality of His infinite power. It examines the loving relationship God establishes by adopting us as His children. Fr. Mike reflects on the complexities of divine power in the face of evil and suffering, emphasizing the importance of trust in God's goodness. The insights gleaned from this exploration encourage listeners to embrace faith amidst life's challenges and recognize the mysterious aspects of God's grace and mercy.
9 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 15min
Day 38: Summary of the Trinity (2025)
Dive into the profound nature of the Holy Trinity, exploring its intricate relationships. Discover how Baptism connects believers to this divine life. Fr. Mike highlights key theological insights and encourages reflection on the central mystery of faith. Listeners are reminded of the beauty of sharing in the Trinity's glory, even when felt in the obscurity of faith. These nuggets of wisdom shed light on the essence of God as one in three persons, inviting deeper understanding and personal connection.
5 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 15min
Day 37: The Divine Economy (2025)
Delve into the intricate dynamics of the Trinity and the divine economy, revealing how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit collaborate in creation and salvation. Discover the poetic beauty of God's salvation plan that invites humanity into divine life. Explore the unique yet united roles within the Trinity, highlighting how this understanding deepens our faith and the peace found in baptism. A reflective moment inspired by Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity encourages us to invite God into our hearts, turning them into a heavenly abode.
9 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 18min
Day 36: The Nature of the Trinity (2025)
Dive into the fascinating concept of the Holy Trinity, where unity and distinctness merge in divine mystery. Discover how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, while one God, maintain their unique identities. Fr. Mike explores historical insights and addresses common misconceptions, inviting deeper contemplation on the relationships among the divine persons. This engaging discussion sheds light on a core tenet of Christian faith, making complex theological ideas accessible and thought-provoking.
10 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 16min
Day 35: Formation of Trinitarian Dogma (2025)
Dive into the fascinating formation of the Church's understanding of the Trinity, where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit interconnect in divine mystery. Fr. Mike delves into key theological terms and the evolution of Trinitarian dogma through scripture and early Church councils. The narrative of St. Augustine and the child's seaside encounter illustrates the struggle to grasp such profound mysteries. Ultimately, it encourages listeners to embrace faith in the face of the infinite complexity of God.
