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
11 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 13min
Day 209: Summary of the Anointing of the Sick (2025)
Explore the powerful sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, which offers hope and courage amid illness and old age. Delve into its role in providing spiritual healing and preparing individuals for eternity. Discover three key Church practices that guide the faithful in facing death. This discussion highlights the comforting aspects of faith during life's toughest moments.
16 snips
Jul 27, 2025 • 17min
Day 208: Completing the Earthly Pilgrimage (2025)
Discover the transformative power of the Anointing of the Sick, which offers strength and peace during life's toughest moments. Dive into the connection between this sacrament and communion, emphasizing its role in the spiritual journey toward death. Explore how embracing suffering can lead to grace and growth, while understanding the significance of viaticum as nourishment for the soul. The Church's provision of apostolic pardon highlights the comfort available as one transitions to eternity.
8 snips
Jul 26, 2025 • 11min
Day 207: Celebrating the Anointing of the Sick (2025)
Discover the significance of the Anointing of the Sick, which offers grace not just at death's door but throughout life. Fr. Mike highlights its transformative power, encouraging trust in God amidst suffering. Explore the sacrament's timing and the essential role of the priest in its administration. Gain insights on how communities can spiritually prepare for this meaningful celebration, deepening the understanding of healing and faith.
12 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 19min
Day 206: Healing the Sick (2025)
Discover how embracing personal suffering can transform one's spiritual journey. The discussion highlights Jesus’ call to heal the sick and the power of the sacrament of anointing. Explore the connection between illness and growth, underscoring how struggles can deepen faith. Delve into the significance of uniting personal afflictions with Christ’s redemptive suffering, and learn how this shared journey enhances the Church's mission. Engaging insights invite reflection on the healing grace found within suffering.
11 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 22min
Day 205: Christ the Physician (2025)
Delve into the significance of suffering and healing as the community explores the transformative power of Christ's compassion. Discover how illness can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper connection with God. The sacrament of anointing the sick emerges as a vital source of healing, not just a final rite. Reflecting on the intersection of suffering and faith, the discussion highlights Jesus as the ultimate healer, offering hope and redemption through our struggles. Join in understanding how vulnerability can guide us to a profound journey of trust in God.
14 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 13min
Day 204: Summary of Sacrament of Reconciliation (2025)
Dive into the profound themes surrounding the sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr. Mike highlights six spiritual effects that illuminate the significance of Confession. Listen to reflections on God’s limitless mercy and the importance of humility in seeking forgiveness. The journey back to communion with God after sin is a central focus, reminding us that no evil is greater than sin itself. This discussion leaves listeners with a sense of gratitude for divine mercy and the invaluable gift of reconciliation.
10 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 24min
Day 203: The Purpose of Indulgences (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the intriguing concept of indulgences and the Church's authority over them. He sheds light on the vital role of the Communion of Saints in enhancing our spiritual journey. Moreover, the discussion reveals how the merits of Christ and saints contribute to a collective treasury that aids both the living and the departed. Additionally, the importance of the sacrament of penance is examined, including its liturgical structure and communal aspects that foster unity among believers.
12 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 25min
Day 202: How Confession Heals (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the healing power of Confession and its transformative effects on our spiritual lives. He explains how the Sacrament of Reconciliation not only restores our relationship with God but also aids in personal growth. The discussion highlights the eternal and temporal consequences of sin and introduces the four aspects of indulgences, emphasizing our collaboration with divine grace. It's a profound exploration of forgiveness and renewal.
12 snips
Jul 20, 2025 • 16min
Day 201: The Confessor’s Role (2025)
Dive into the profound role of priests as confessors in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Discover how they are called to be servants of God's mercy, not masters. The discussion highlights the importance of compassion in confession, along with the protection of the sacramental seal. Fr. Mike encourages prayer for priests to be gentle and truthful in their ministry. Delve into the purpose of excommunication and the healing nature of reconciliation, shedding light on this divine gift for believers.
17 snips
Jul 19, 2025 • 24min
Day 200: The Confession of Sins (2025)
Confessing sins opens the door for God’s healing touch, allowing us to confront our wounds. The sacrament of reconciliation serves as a vital step towards restoring our relationship with God and the Church. Fr. Mike clarifies key terms like absolution, penance, and satisfaction, emphasizing their significance in spiritual health. The transformative power of confession invites reflection, contrition, and the responsibility to make amends, leading to true reconciliation and mercy.
