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 19, 2024 • 15min
Day 354: The Prayer of the Church (2024)
Discover the deep significance of the Lord's Prayer, as Fr. Mike explores its roots in Jesus' teachings. He highlights how this powerful prayer fosters a direct connection with God, enriching both personal and communal worship. The discussion emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in enhancing our prayers, making them resonate more profoundly. Learn how these words can transform our relationship with the Divine, encouraging us to pray like Christ and reflect His love.
Dec 18, 2024 • 16min
Day 353: The Lord’s Prayer (2024)
The podcast dives deep into the significance of the Lord's Prayer, describing it as a summary of the Gospel. Fr. Mike sheds light on its rich historical context and theological insights, emphasizing its role in transforming our desires. The discussion highlights the importance of addressing God as 'Abba,' showcasing how this prayer can realign our spiritual priorities. Listeners are encouraged to see the prayer not just as words, but as a powerful guide for their relationship with the loving Father.
Dec 17, 2024 • 14min
Day 352: Summary of The Battle of Prayer (2024)
Dive into the significance of prayer as a transformative battle within our spiritual lives. Explore how humility and perseverance can reshape our prayer experience, even in moments of distraction and dryness. Discover how Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane serves as a model for trust and honesty with the Father. Engage actively in your prayer life, integrating grace and daily routines to cultivate a deeper connection with God. Remember, the way we pray reflects how we live.
Dec 16, 2024 • 15min
Day 351: The Prayer of the Hour of Jesus (2024)
Discover the rich themes of Jesus's high priestly prayer, emphasizing the unity of creation and salvation. Reflect on the intersection between His ultimate sacrifice and our call as believers. Explore the significance of the Lord’s Prayer and how it embodies Christ's desire for oneness among His followers. Delve into the prayer's ability to connect us as sons and daughters of God, highlighting the relationship between humility and glory. It's a profound meditation on faith, unity, and the divine economy of love.
6 snips
Dec 15, 2024 • 16min
Day 350: Persevering in Prayer (2024)
The discussion centers on the profound effectiveness and necessity of prayer in the Christian journey. Fr. Mike emphasizes that while God knows our needs, He invites us to engage through prayer, fostering a deeper relationship with Him. The talk highlights the transformative qualities of humility, trust, and perseverance in our prayer life. Additionally, it underscores the dignity of human involvement in God's goodness, stressing that prayer is integral to spiritual growth and accessible to all.
Dec 14, 2024 • 21min
Day 349: Temptation, Trust, and Prayer (2024)
The podcast dives into the motivations behind our prayers, questioning whether we view God as a genie or as a caring Father. It highlights the common temptations of doubt and sloth during prayer, urging listeners to cultivate trust in God. The discussion emphasizes embracing struggles and humility as essential parts of the spiritual journey. It also reveals how our actions can showcase our faith, even amid challenges, reinforcing that divine responses often hold deeper meanings.
Dec 13, 2024 • 26min
Day 348: The Battle of Prayer (2024)
Explore the essence of prayer as a blend of grace and grit. Discover the internal battles against distraction and spiritual dryness that challenge many in their prayer journeys. Engage with the idea that authentic prayer is intertwined with moral integrity, emphasizing that struggles can lead to profound spiritual growth. This insightful discussion encourages perseverance, humility, and trust in the Holy Spirit's assistance, making it a captivating dive into the complexities of personal faith.
Dec 12, 2024 • 19min
Day 347: Contemplative Prayer (2024)
Discover the beauty of contemplative prayer as an intimate dialogue with Jesus. Fr. Mike emphasizes its simplicity and the importance of dedicating time to deepen this connection. Through the teachings of St. Teresa of Avila, understand how this form of prayer serves as a gift and a covenant. Explore how it contrasts with other practices, focusing on a silent gaze fixed on the divine. Embrace the journey into this unique spiritual intimacy, enriching your relationship with God.
Dec 11, 2024 • 17min
Day 346: Meditation and Vocal Prayer (2024)
Explore the dual nature of prayer as both vocal and meditative, emphasizing how each engages the whole person. Discover the profound impact of vocal prayer in expressing heartfelt emotions and intentions. Dive into meditation as a journey that enriches your connection with Christ, using imagination and thought. Gain practical tips to elevate your spiritual practice, connecting personal prayer with deep reflection and scripture engagement. Uncover the transformative power of these practices in your Christian life.
Dec 10, 2024 • 15min
Day 345: Animated by Prayer (2024)
Prayer can happen anywhere, but certain places elevate the experience. Fr. Mike dives into the importance of specific environments, like churches and personal prayer corners, in enhancing spiritual connections. He emphasizes that regular rhythms of prayer help us stay attentive to the divine. Discover how communal prayer in monasteries and the significance of pilgrimages enrich our spiritual journeys. Finding your unique space and time for prayer is key to truly engaging with the Lord.
