
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

May 22, 2024 • 16min
Day 143: Amen (2024)
Explore themes like the meaning of 'Amen,' post-death judgment, and the significance of entrusting oneself to Jesus Christ. Reflect on facing God's judgment, death, grace, and final perseverance. Discover the deep commitment and reflection in saying 'Amen' in prayers and the Eucharist, emphasizing belief, faithfulness, and trust in God.

May 21, 2024 • 16min
Day 142: The New Heaven and the New Earth (2024)
The podcast explores the joyous hope of the new heaven and the new earth after the Last Judgment. It discusses the redemption and renewal of all creation, the end of suffering and death, and the promise of a glorious future. Fr. Mike encourages us to hold onto this hope as we navigate life on this side of heaven.

May 20, 2024 • 17min
Day 141: The Last Judgment (2024)
Exploring the Last Judgment, its cosmic significance, and personal implications. Emphasizing God's justice and hope amidst our actions. Reflecting on the eternal consequences of our deeds and the need for conversion. Balancing love and fear in our relationship with the Lord for a transformative encounter.

May 19, 2024 • 21min
Day 140: Purgatory and Hell (2024)
Explore the concepts of purgatory and hell, understanding purgatory as a transitional purification state and hell as permanent separation from God. Emphasize the importance of freely choosing to love God to unite with Him. Delve into the historical evolution of the purgatory concept in Christianity and the necessity of purifying the heart to genuinely love God and avoid hell.

May 18, 2024 • 18min
Day 139: I Believe in Life Everlasting (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the concept of life everlasting and individual judgment at death. He emphasizes the importance of actively choosing heaven and the rewards of being in eternal communion with God. The episode explores Christian beliefs on immediate eternal retribution, the significance of last rites, and the believer's role in Jesus' functions.

May 17, 2024 • 15min
Day 138: Summary of the Resurrection of the Body (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the Christian view of death and the importance of preparing for the afterlife. He emphasizes the hope found in resurrection and the need to live in alignment with God's will. The episode explores grief, hope, and the urgency of daily living in faith.

May 16, 2024 • 17min
Day 137: Dying in Christ Jesus (2024)
Fr. Mike explores the mystery of death in Christ, emphasizing complete submission to God's will. The episode delves into the spiritual significance of death, the urgency of life, and the longing for God. It reflects on the positive transformation of death through Christ's sacrifice.

May 15, 2024 • 15min
Day 136: Questions of Resurrection (2024)
Exploring questions of resurrection, body and soul reunification, and participation in Christ's death and resurrection. Reflecting on transforming concepts, Eucharist connection, and heavenly life in Christ. Emphasizing dignity of the human body and glorifying God through respecting it.

May 14, 2024 • 14min
Day 135: The Resurrection of the Body (2024)
Explore the Christian belief in the resurrection of the body, distinguishing it from the soul's existence after death. Learn about the historical evolution of this belief, from early instances to Jesus' affirmation. Reflect on the promise of eternal life and living a life aligned with the desire for union with God.

May 13, 2024 • 17min
Day 134: The Forgiveness of Sins (2024)
Exploring the power of forgiveness granted by Jesus through Baptism and Reconciliation, highlighting that no sin is beyond forgiveness. The significance of faith, the Holy Spirit, and the Church in obtaining salvation. Delving into the ongoing struggle against sin despite the forgiveness received through baptism.