The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
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.
Latest episodes
Jul 10, 2024 • 18min
Day 192: Unity in the Eucharist (2024)
Exploring unity in the Eucharist, the podcast discusses the pain of disunity, the Church's teachings on non-Catholic Christians receiving the Eucharist, and the significance of unity in the Church. Fr. Mike addresses the common question of why non-Catholics cannot partake in the sacrament if they believe in the true presence of Jesus. The episode emphasizes the call to unity among Christians and the transformative power of the Eucharist in fostering unity and serving the poor.
Jul 9, 2024 • 18min
Day 191: The Eucharist Changes Us (2024)
Discover how the Eucharist changes us by nourishing the soul and separating us from sin. Fr. Mike explains the importance of being open to change and not wearing a 'raincoat' during Holy Communion. Explore the transformative power and spiritual growth that comes from receiving the Eucharist.
Jul 8, 2024 • 20min
Day 190: Receiving Holy Communion (2024)
Exploring the prerequisites and gravity of receiving Holy Communion, ensuring understanding of the obligation to go to confession. Emphasizing the importance of proper preparation, self-examination, fasting, and respectful conduct before partaking in the Eucharist.
Jul 7, 2024 • 18min
Day 189: Worship of the Eucharist (2024)
Exploring the worship of the Eucharist, the podcast delves into the importance of Adoration and reverence towards Christ's true presence. It discusses the significance of communion and the controversy of idolatry accusations. The episode emphasizes the transformative effects of spending time in front of the Eucharist for believers.
Jul 6, 2024 • 19min
Day 188: Christ’s Presence in the Eucharist (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses Christ's true presence in the Eucharist, explaining transubstantiation where bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ during the Consecration. The episode explores Church Fathers' affirmations and theological perspectives on this transformation.
Jul 5, 2024 • 18min
Day 187: The Church’s Sacrificial Unity (2024)
Exploring the Church's sacrificial unity through the Eucharist, emphasizing the connection between the visible and invisible Church. Unpacking the significance of apostolic succession in the offering of the Eucharistic sacrifice. Discussing the importance of praying for the deceased and the power of Mass in aiding their soul's purification.
Jul 4, 2024 • 18min
Day 186: The Sacrificial Memorial (2024)
Fr. Mike delves into the sacrament of the Eucharist, explaining how it represents Christ's single sacrifice. He highlights the dual nature of the Eucharist as both a noun and a verb, emphasizing that it reenacts the sacrifice of the Cross. The episode explores Catechism paragraphs 1362-1386 and draws parallels between the Passover and the Eucharistic celebration.
Jul 3, 2024 • 14min
Day 185: Thanksgiving, Memorial, Presence (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the sacrament of the Eucharist, emphasizing freedom in worship. He explores biblical stories of sacrifice, worship, and freedom, highlighting the significance of true worship and the Eucharist as a sacred act of devotion.
Jul 2, 2024 • 17min
Day 184: The Movement of the Mass (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the movement of the Mass, highlighting the roles of Christ and the laity, the importance of the altar, and God's inclusive and exclusive love. The episode explores the Eucharistic celebration and the inclusive love of God.
Jul 1, 2024 • 15min
Day 183: The Mass of All Ages (2024)
Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the history of the Eucharist, highlighting St. Justin Martyr's description of the Mass in AD 155. The importance of the Eucharistic celebration in the early Church and its continuity in modern-day worship practices is explored. The theological significance of Sunday as the Lord's day and the conditions for receiving Holy Communion are also discussed.
