
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 12, 2024 • 13min
Day 133: Devotion to Mary (2024)
Explore the significance of devotion to Mary in Christian worship, understanding how it complements adoration of God. Delve into the distinction between honoring Mary and adoring the Trinity, and how deepening love for Mary can lead to a deeper love for Jesus.

May 11, 2024 • 16min
Day 132: Mary Mother of the Church (2024)
Exploring Mary's role as Mother of the Church, Fr. Mike delves into her connection to Jesus and the significance of entrusting disciples to her. The episode covers Mary's spiritual motherhood, role as a mediator of grace, and her importance in the early church.

May 10, 2024 • 16min
Day 131: The Communion of the Church (2024)
Explore the communion of the Church and the intercession of saints, where believers are connected in prayer across different states. Learn about the powerful intercession of saints and the spiritual bond between believers on Earth and in heaven.

May 9, 2024 • 16min
Day 130: The Communion of Saints (2024)
Exploring the communion of saints, emphasizing unity in faith and love. Every act of charity benefits all, while sin harms the Church. Believers are interconnected and belong to each other, fostering unity. The podcast delves into the significance of shared spiritual goods and the power of sacraments in fostering unity in the Church.

May 8, 2024 • 13min
Day 129: Many Vocations (2024)
Exploring the various vocations within the Church, Fr. Mike highlights how God calls everyone to unity with Him. Emphasizing surrendering to the Lord, participating in Christ's offices, and today's readings on Catechism paragraphs 934-945.

May 7, 2024 • 17min
Day 128: Unique Calls to Holiness (2024)
Exploring unique calls to holiness, the podcast discusses religious life, secular institutes, and apostolic societies, emphasizing the diverse paths of consecrated life in the Church. It highlights the importance of sanctification before missionary work and the significance of witnessing the union of Christ and the Church through religious vocations.

May 6, 2024 • 22min
Day 127: Consecrated Life (2024)
The podcast explores different forms of consecrated life, such as hermits, consecrated virgins, widows, and religious, who commit to poverty, chastity, and obedience. It emphasizes the unique calling to intimacy with Christ and how consecrated life is a gift to the Church. The episode highlights the dedication to evangelical counsels and the spiritual diversity within various religious families, showcasing the deep commitment to God for the kingdom's sake.

May 5, 2024 • 20min
Day 126: Prophetic and Kingly Offices (2024)
Explore the roles of laity in Christ's prophetic and kingly offices, emphasizing evangelization and virtuous leadership. Fr. Mike explains the importance of Christian conscience in all actions and the duty of laypeople to collaborate with church leaders. Discover the vocation and mission of laypeople in sharing and defending the faith, integrating Christian principles into all aspects of life for the betterment of the church community.

May 4, 2024 • 20min
Day 125: Vocation of the Laity (2024)
Explore the unique vocation of the laity in sanctifying the world and spreading the Gospel to places unreachable by clergy. Learn how lay individuals participate in Christ's priestly vocation by offering every part of their lives as a sacrifice to God. Delve into the essential role of lay people in ecclesial communities and their responsibility in spreading the message of salvation worldwide.

May 3, 2024 • 22min
Day 124: Teaching, Sanctifying, and Governing (2024)
Exploring the roles of teaching, sanctifying, and governing within the episcopal college, emphasizing unity and obedience in following Church teachings. Fr. Mike clarifies the charism of infallibility in matters of faith and morals, encouraging docility towards the teachings of the Church.