
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

Jun 30, 2024 • 20min
Day 182: The Signs of Bread and Wine (2024)
The podcast discusses the significance of bread and wine in the Eucharist, highlighting how it fulfills the sacrifices of the Old Covenant. It explains that the Eucharist is a tangible reminder of God's love and Jesus' presence with us. The episode delves into the deep meaning of the Eucharist as a symbol of God's immense love and deliverance revealed in the Mass.

Jun 29, 2024 • 14min
Day 181: The Sacrament of the Eucharist (2024)
Exploring the profound meanings behind the various names of the Eucharist, reflecting its roles as thanksgiving, Lord's Supper, communion with Christ, and more. Unpacking the significance of the Eucharist as a symbol of Jesus' sacrifice and the unity of believers in worship.

Jun 28, 2024 • 11min
Day 180: The Source and Summit (2024)
Exploring the significance of the Holy Eucharist as the source of grace and unity in Christianity, emphasizing its sacrificial nature and connection to eternal life. The Eucharist unites us to the heavenly liturgy and draws us into communion with God.

Jun 27, 2024 • 17min
Day 179: Summary of Confirmation (2024)
Exploring the importance of Confirmation, receiving God's gifts, and having a genuine desire for the sacrament. Emphasizing the need to use these gifts and the significance of readiness for Confirmation.

Jun 26, 2024 • 16min
Day 178: Who Receives Confirmation (2024)
Discussing the importance of who should receive Confirmation and who can act as the minister of the sacrament. Highlighting the significance of completing Christian initiation through Confirmation and selecting a sponsor to help grow in the Faith. Exploring how the minister of Confirmation ties us to the apostolic succession.

Jun 25, 2024 • 20min
Day 177: The Celebration of Confirmation (2024)
Exploring the celebration and effects of Confirmation, emphasizing the empowerment to spread and defend the Faith. Encouraging responsibility to boldly share the Gospel message with the world.

Jun 24, 2024 • 17min
Day 176: Traditions and Signs of Confirmation (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the differences between Eastern and Western traditions in Confirmation. He also explores the symbolism of oil and anointing in the sacrament, highlighting the spiritual significance and historical development of these practices.

Jun 23, 2024 • 12min
Day 175: Introduction to Confirmation (2024)
The discussion centers on the sacrament of Confirmation, highlighting its significance as a culmination of baptismal grace. Fr. Mike explains how Confirmation empowers individuals to embody and witness God's grace, reminiscent of the Apostles' experience at Pentecost. The biblical roots and historical context of this sacrament reveal its importance across Christian traditions. The podcast encourages embracing Confirmation as a vital step in one’s faith journey, emphasizing the call to share and defend beliefs in the contemporary world.

Jun 22, 2024 • 13min
Day 174: Summary of the Sacrament of Baptism (2024)
The podcast delves into the essence of Baptism as a grace and gift from God, devoid of human merit. It serves as a concise guide for explaining Baptism, emphasizing its transformative power, forgiveness of sins, and incorporation into the Church and priesthood of Christ.

Jun 21, 2024 • 16min
Day 173: Brothers and Sisters in Baptism (2024)
Discover how Baptism unites believers as part of the 'People of God of the New Covenant' according to the Catechism. Learn about the responsibilities that come with this unity and the foundation it provides for communion among all Christians. Explore the significance of Baptism in fostering a communal connection and the privileges associated with this sacrament.