

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

Nov 29, 2024 • 20min
Day 334: How Jesus Prayed (2024)
Dive into the profound nature of prayer as illustrated by Jesus. Discover how He learned from His mother and engaged in dialogue with the Father. Uncover the significance of solitude and thanksgiving in His prayer practice. Reflect on His heartfelt cries, connecting human suffering to divine response. This exploration encourages a deeper relationship with God, where all thoughts and needs are laid bare, inviting hope and fulfillment in the divine promise.

Nov 28, 2024 • 13min
Day 333: The Psalms (2024)
Dive into the powerful world of the Psalms, where prayer becomes a vital connection to God. Discover how these ancient texts express deep emotions, transforming our spiritual journeys. The discussion highlights the Psalms' role in personal and communal worship, revealing their enduring impact on faith practices. Explore themes of praise, lamentation, and thanksgiving, and understand how to find God’s presence even amidst life’s struggles. Embrace humility and trust as essential components of a steadfast prayer life.

Nov 27, 2024 • 19min
Day 332: Prayer Converts Our Heart (2024)
Discover the essential role of prayer in forging a personal connection with God, emphasizing the transformative power it holds. Explore the profound insights of the prophets, particularly Elijah, and the community aspect of Psalms that unites believers. Learn how prayer transcends mere ritualistic practices and reflects a genuine faith journey. Delve into key moments of Elijah’s life that illustrate the need for a heartfelt relationship with the divine, connecting ancient wisdom with modern worship experiences.

Nov 26, 2024 • 19min
Day 331: The Foundations of Prayer (2024)
Discover how Moses and David exemplify the power of prayer and its foundational role in connecting with God. Learn about Moses' humility and his intimate conversations with the divine, alongside David's heartfelt expressions found in the Psalms. Explore the transformative nature of prayer in both personal and communal settings and its significance throughout biblical history. Delve into the honest nature of prayer that fosters trust and intimacy with God, offering hope amid life's challenges.

Nov 25, 2024 • 21min
Day 330: The Revelation of Prayer (2024)
Explore the profound connection between humanity and the divine through the lens of prayer. Discover how figures like Abraham exemplify the journey toward understanding God's call. Delve into the transformative nature of prayer, emphasizing faith and perseverance. The discussion reveals prayer as a communal experience essential for living out God’s promises, enhancing our likeness to Him. Each revelation invites listeners to reflect on their personal relationship with God in a meaningful and engaging way.

7 snips
Nov 24, 2024 • 21min
Day 329: The Gift of Prayer (2024)
Explore the profound insights of St. Thérèse on prayer as a heartfelt surge toward God. Delve into how true prayer emerges from humility, reflecting our deep longing for divine intimacy. Discover the covenant relationship highlighted in prayer, where it transforms from mere ritual to a genuine encounter with the divine. The heart's role is pivotal, serving as the center for authentic connection and decision-making in our spiritual journey. Embrace the invitation to deepen your relationship with God through sincere prayer.

Nov 23, 2024 • 57min
Day 328: How We Pray (Part 4 Intro w/ Sr. Miriam James Heidland) (2024)
Sr. Miriam James Heidland, a member of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, shares her journey of faith and insights on deepening prayer. She discusses the transformative power of prayer, urging listeners to overcome misconceptions and recognize their rightful relationship with God. The conversation highlights the importance of honesty in prayer and relationships, as well as embracing love and mercy. Listeners are encouraged to engage in contemplative prayer, deepening their connection with God and fostering authenticity in their spiritual lives.

Nov 22, 2024 • 14min
Day 327: Poverty of Heart (2024)
Where should we find consolation? It's essential to remember that our ultimate goal and true source of happiness is God. With this in mind, Fr. Mike emphasizes the need to detach ourselves from worldly possessions and strive to be channels of God's grace. By doing so, when we receive blessings, we can in turn become a blessing to others. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2544-2557.
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.

Nov 21, 2024 • 20min
Day 326: Envy and Jealousy (2024)
Explore the depths of envy and jealousy, often labeled as the diabolical sins. Discover the transformative power of humility and goodwill in overcoming these destructive desires. Delve into the emotional distinctions between jealousy as a natural reaction and envy as a harmful force. Reflect on how societal norms around instant gratification have shaped our desires for consumption. Lastly, find insight on aligning one's desires with the Spirit to attain true fulfillment.

Nov 20, 2024 • 22min
Day 325: Battling for Purity (2024)
Explore the ongoing battle for purity in today's world and how divine grace can lead to freedom from temptation. Discover the significance of purity of heart and modesty in safeguarding dignity and relationships. Dive into St. Augustine's struggles to grasp the challenges of chastity, while emphasizing the importance of both internal discipline and external influences. Finally, shift your perspective on purity and modesty to foster respect and love, enhancing interpersonal connections.


