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
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.
Dec 27, 2024 • 37min
BONUS: Why Scripture and Tradition? (with Jeff Cavins)
Jeff Cavins, an expert in Scripture and Tradition, dives deep into the connections between the Catechism and the Bible. He discusses how sacred tradition shapes the Catholic faith and preserves its teachings across generations. The conversation covers the creation of a catechism timeline to clarify Church history, and the four pillars that provide a framework for understanding Catholic beliefs. Cavins shares personal insights from his journey uncovering early church teachings, emphasizing patience and active engagement in spiritual learning.
Dec 27, 2024 • 21min
Day 362: Our Daily Bread (2024)
A heartfelt exploration of the petition for daily bread reveals its dual role in fulfilling both physical and spiritual hunger. The discussion emphasizes our reliance on God and the necessity of nurturing community awareness to combat worldly hunger. Listeners are invited to approach God with a childlike trust, recognizing the Eucharist as vital nourishment. The significance of daily bread is interwoven with acts of justice and compassion, reminding us of our broader responsibilities.
Dec 26, 2024 • 23min
Day 361: The Kingdom and Will of God (2024)
The discussion dives deep into the connection between God's kingdom and our responses as believers. Listeners explore the powerful petitions in the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing the need to yield to God's will. The transformative role of the Holy Spirit since Pentecost is highlighted, alongside the significance of communal worship. The Eucharist is portrayed as central to the Church's mission. Finally, there's a strong call to surrender personal desires in favor of divine plans, encouraging prayer and support within the faith community.
Dec 25, 2024 • 18min
Day 360: Hallowing God’s Name (2024)
What does it mean to hallow God’s name? We are not the source or cause of God’s holiness. As the Catechism says, we hallow God’s name so it may be glorified, loved, and known. Jesus instructs us in the Our Father to petition and desire that we be drawn into God’s plan of loving kindness. In time, God’s name is hallowed in how we live and how we pray. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2807-2815.
This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Dec 24, 2024 • 13min
Day 359: The Seven Petitions (2024)
Explore the Seven Petitions of the Lord's Prayer and their impact on personal faith. Discover how the first three enhance love for the Father, while the next two connect us to our present concerns. The final two reveal the ongoing battle in our prayer life. This engaging discussion deepens our understanding of aligning prayers with God's will, fostering a richer relationship with the divine.
Dec 23, 2024 • 15min
Day 358: Who Art in Heaven (2024)
Dive into the profound meaning of the phrase 'Who Art in Heaven' and discover how God is both majestic and intimately close. The discussion highlights our identity as members of God's family, emphasizing the importance of conversion to reconnect with the divine. Explore themes of prayer that foster reconciliation and a deep yearning for our heavenly home. This journey encourages a more profound engagement with spiritual learning, reminding us of God's omnipresence in our lives.
Dec 22, 2024 • 13min
Day 357: God, “Our” Father (2024)
Explore the profound meaning behind referring to God as 'Our Father' and what it signifies for our identity as His people. Fr. Mike highlights the communal aspect of prayer, enhancing our understanding of divine love and belonging. The discussion encourages listeners to reflect on their personal connections with God and how it shapes their relationships with others. Dive into the transformative nature of recognizing God’s boundless love and the unity of the divine family.
Dec 21, 2024 • 22min
Day 356: We Dare to Say (2024)
Explore the profound meaning behind the phrase 'We dare to say' in the Our Father, emphasizing our relationship with God as loving Father. Fr. Mike discusses the boldness of calling God 'Father' and how it inspires deeper trust and humility in prayer. The transformative nature of divine sonship is highlighted, drawing on insights from Church fathers like St. Cyprian and St. Augustine. Personal experiences and the significance of continual conversion further enrich the discussion of our identity as adopted children of God.
Dec 20, 2024 • 9min
Day 355: Summary of the Lord’s Prayer (2024)
The podcast dives into the profound significance of the Lord's Prayer, which serves as a cornerstone of Christian faith. It highlights the intimacy this prayer fosters between believers and God, emphasizing Him as a caring Father, not a tyrant. Insights from St. Augustine enrich the discussion, while the transformative power of the prayer nurtures trust and humility. Listeners are encouraged to embrace hope and perseverance as they reflect on their relationship with God throughout this insightful journey.
