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
14 snips
Jan 5, 2025 • 13min
Day 5: How We Know God (2025)
Discover how we can know God through reason, yet remain aware of our limitations. The discussion reveals the essential role of divine revelation in deepening our understanding beyond mere intellect. Explore the struggle of human rationality in grasping the divine and the inadequacies of language when attempting to describe God. Fr. Mike emphasizes the need for self-surrender in this quest for truth, illustrating the interplay between faith and reason. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own journeys toward a greater understanding of the divine.
13 snips
Jan 4, 2025 • 18min
Day 4: Our Capacity for God (2025)
Explore humanity's deep-rooted desire for God and how it shapes our spiritual journey. Discover the connection between creation, beauty, and our quest for truth. Fr. Mike emphasizes that God loves each person uniquely, inviting us to recognize this divine affection. Delve into faith's relationship with God's revelation, highlighting our struggle to see our value in His eyes. This discussion sets a profound stage for understanding belief and communion with the divine.
37 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 48min
Day 3: What We Believe (Part 1 Introduction with Jeff Cavins) (2025)
In this conversation, Jeff Cavins, a Catholic author and speaker renowned for his expertise in the Bible and the Catechism, joins Fr. Mike Schmitz. They explore the foundational beliefs of the faith, emphasizing the significance of divine revelation and personal transformation. The duo discusses the balance between eagerness and patience in understanding faith and the importance of interpreting scripture through the lens of tradition. They also highlight the connection between the Old and New Testaments and the role of the Holy Spirit in nurturing spiritual growth.
23 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 15min
Day 2: How the Catechism Works (2025)
Delve into the Catechism's purpose and audience as it unfolds its four pillars: faith, sacraments, moral life, and prayer. Discover how the document adapts to the diverse needs of believers, emphasizing that love drives perfect Christian virtue. Practical guidance on utilizing the Catechism effectively is shared, including tips for cross-referencing and understanding its historical context tied to the Protestant Reformation. Overall, it's a journey to deepen your connection with God through informed and compassionate faith.
34 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 16min
Day 1: To Know and Love God (2025)
Embark on a transformative journey exploring the Catechism's opening teachings. Delve into profound questions about God's purpose in creating us and how we can truly know Him. Discover the vital mission of spreading the gospel and the essential role of catechesis in shaping believers. Fr. Mike emphasizes our shared invitation to partake in divine life through faith, liturgy, and prayer, encouraging a meaningful connection with God.
8 snips
Dec 31, 2024 • 11min
Day 366: Special Leap Year Message
In this special leap year reflection, Fr. Mike celebrates a transformative year of faith. He underscores the value of daily reminders of God's presence and invites listeners to deepen their prayer life. The discussion highlights the journey of spiritual growth and the importance of community formed over this time. Encouraging ongoing reflection and gratitude, he inspires everyone to take meaningful steps in their faith beyond this milestone.
Dec 30, 2024 • 33min
BONUS: How Do We Trust in Church Authority? (with Bishop Cozzens)
Bishop Andrew Cozzens, the Bishop of Crookston and chair of the USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, shares profound insights about Church authority. He discusses maintaining trust in the Church, even amidst its leaders' imperfections. Bishop Cozzens highlights the vital role of the Catechism in enriching spiritual lives and the importance of the upcoming National Eucharistic Revival. He emphasizes the relationship between understanding authority and deepening faith, inviting listeners to embrace their spiritual journey with openness.
Dec 30, 2024 • 16min
Day 365: So Be It (2024)
Celebrate reaching the final day of a transformative year! Discover the profound significance of the Lord's Prayer, uncovering themes of glory and submission to God's will. Reflect on how authentic prayer can deepen our connection with the divine. Every individual is cherished by God, worth the ultimate sacrifice. Conclude with messages of gratitude, hope, and a commitment to community support through ongoing prayer, reminding us of God's unwavering love and presence in our lives.
Dec 29, 2024 • 24min
Day 364: Deliver Us from Evil (2024)
Explore the deep meaning behind the final petitions of the Lord's Prayer, focusing on our plea to be delivered from evil. Discover the crucial difference between divine trials that foster growth and temptations that lead us astray. Fr. Mike highlights the importance of discernment when facing life's challenges. The conversation culminates in a powerful doxology, reaffirming the triumph of good over evil and the strength found in communal prayer. Join the journey of understanding grace and resisting temptation!
Dec 28, 2024 • 26min
Day 363: Forgive Us Our Trespasses (2024)
Forgiveness is a challenging yet essential aspect of faith. Explore the profound implications of asking for forgiveness as we engage with God's mercy. Discover how our struggles with pain can become opportunities for intercession. Learn the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, and how embracing Christ's mercy transforms our relationships. Daily reflections encourage a journey towards healing, urging a softened heart open to love and forgiveness.
