

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

8 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 20min
Day 34: Unity in the Holy Spirit (2025)
Dive into the theological roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, exploring how each reveals God's essence. Discover insights into the unique nature and mission of the Holy Spirit within the Trinity. The discussion highlights the historical 'Filioque' controversy, showcasing the diverging views of Latin and Eastern Orthodox traditions. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of unity in the Church, fostering hope for reconciliation between these branches of Christianity.

15 snips
Feb 2, 2025 • 14min
Day 33: God as Father (2025)
Explore the profound relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ. Delve into what it means to understand God as a loving creator and protector. Reflect on how our earthly father relationships shape our view of God’s fatherhood. Discover the significance of being adopted as children of God, embracing both transcendence and intimacy within the Trinity. Join in a prayer that celebrates this divine connection.

17 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 15min
Day 32: The Most Holy Trinity (2025)
Delve into the central mystery of the Holy Trinity, where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist as one. Discover how this profound doctrine shapes Christian faith and highlights the essence of God's revelation. Explore the dynamics of God's nature and actions, and learn to cultivate gratitude through prayer. The podcast emphasizes the intimate relationship between believers and the divine, inviting listeners to reflect on their spiritual journey and the historical presence of God.

16 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 13min
Day 31: The Meaning of Faith (2025)
Explore the transformative implications of believing in one God. Discover how this faith fosters gratitude and underscores human dignity. Fr. Mike emphasizes that trust in God is essential, especially during challenging times. Learn how God's greatness shapes our lives and encourages us to nurture creation. The discussion highlights that every circumstance, even adversity, can lead to good outcomes through divine insight.

13 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 18min
Day 30: God Is Who Is (2025)
Discover the essence of God through His key attributes: truth, love, and existence. The discussion reveals how these divine qualities shape our understanding and call us to embody them in our own lives. Dive into the eternal nature of God's love, rooted in Scripture, and explore the profound invitation to deepen our relationship with Him. Reflect on how being made in His image inspires us to live out truth and love in a tangible way.

6 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 16min
Day 29: Knowing the Name of God (2025)
Unravel the profound significance of God’s name revealed to Moses, emphasizing the deep connection between humanity and the Divine. Explore the mystery of 'I am who I am,' which showcases God's unchanging nature and love. Dive into the themes of mercy and grace, reflecting on God’s unwavering faithfulness, even amidst human failures. Discover the theological implications of God's sacred name across various languages and its vital role in the New Testament, reinforcing the unity of the Holy Trinity.

8 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 15min
Day 28: The Nature of God (2025)
The discussion centers on the nature of God, particularly highlighting Him as the first Divine Person of the Holy Trinity. The concept of God being one Divine Being with three distinct persons is explored. Fr. Mike emphasizes that God is not just an abstract idea but a personal entity that has revealed Himself to humanity. The mystery of the Trinity is addressed, encouraging a deeper understanding of God's oneness and His relationship with us. This insightful conversation aims to foster a more personal connection with the divine.

12 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 11min
Day 27: The Gift of the Creed (2025)
Delve into the significance of the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, exploring their roles as key declarations of Christian belief. Discover why St. Ambrose deemed the Creed a precious guardian for the soul. Reflect on the Creed’s unifying power among believers and its essential role in articulating clear doctrines about God and Jesus. The discussion emphasizes deepening faith through community support and encourages listeners to appreciate this invaluable heritage.

5 snips
Jan 26, 2025 • 19min
Day 26: Communion of Believers (2025)
Dive into the significance of the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds, which serve as vital cornerstones of the Catholic faith. Explore the differences between the two and how the Nicene Creed expands on the beliefs of its predecessor. Discover how these creeds act as symbols of faith, fostering communion among believers. Reflect on their historical evolution and their roles in catechesis and baptismal rites, offering a unifying language amid modern challenges.

14 snips
Jan 25, 2025 • 12min
Day 25: Summary of Faith (2025)
Explore the essential role of faith as both a personal and communal commitment to God. Discover how faith, a supernatural gift, is shaped by the Holy Spirit and the Church. Delve into the depth of faith as a serious trust in God's self-revelation rather than just an emotional response. Understand the Church's vital role in guiding believers on their journey to salvation, encouraging the embrace of doubts and fostering a community. The call to prayer and reflection invites a deeper exploration of faith amidst uncertainty.


