
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

Apr 22, 2024 • 18min
Day 113: The Temple of the Holy Spirit (2024)
Discover the diverse gifts of the Holy Spirit for building up the Kingdom through charisms. Learn about the unity of mission between the Son and the Spirit in making the Church temples of God. Explore the empowering graces within the Church and the importance of discerning and using spiritual gifts wisely.

Apr 21, 2024 • 16min
Day 112: The Church Is the Bride (2024)
The podcast discusses the Church as the bride of Christ, emphasizing the personal relationship between Jesus and his Church. Fr. Mike highlights the importance of God's love for each individual. It explores the unity and transformative relationship between the Church and Christ, encouraging believers to embrace God's love and support each other in prayer and unity.

Apr 20, 2024 • 17min
Day 111: The Church as the Body of Christ (2024)
Exploring the deep unity between Jesus and the Church as the 'body of Christ', emphasizing the intimate connection believers have with Jesus. Discussing the importance of love, unity, and diversity within the Church, highlighting the unique gifts each person brings for the benefit of the community.

Apr 19, 2024 • 19min
Day 110: The People of God (2024)
Exploring the concept of the Church as the people of God, emphasizing diverse members acquired through baptism, roles, responsibilities, and communal faith. Highlighting the duty to serve the less fortunate and vulnerable while embodying royal dignity through acts of service and faith. Emphasizing love, service, shared roles of priest, prophet, and king in fulfilling the mission of being salt and light in the world. Delving into the obligations and destiny of the anointed, roles of priest, prophet, and king within the framework of service and missions.

Apr 18, 2024 • 17min
Day 109: Mystery of Union With God (2024)
Exploring the love for the Church as essential, sacraments as instruments of grace, and the unity and love in the Church as God's plan for humanity. The podcast delves into the nuptial union of Christ and the Church, emphasizing the importance of holiness and Mary as a model of love. The profound impact of sacraments on salvation and the role of the Church as a conduit of God's love are also discussed.

Apr 17, 2024 • 19min
Day 108: Revealed by the Holy Spirit (2024)
Exploring the dual nature of the Church as visible and spiritual, sustained by the Holy Spirit. Discussing the mission to establish God's Kingdom through charity and humility. Reflecting on the paradox of the Church as human and Divine. Emphasizing the importance of recognizing and utilizing gifts from the Holy Spirit to strengthen the Church.

Apr 16, 2024 • 20min
Day 107: Origin of the Church (2024)
Exploring the divine origins and mission of the Church, The Church as God's Family and the Covenant, The Church as the Reign of Christ and the Role of the Apostles, The Birth of the Church through Christ's Sacrifice

Apr 15, 2024 • 17min
Day 106: Symbols of the Church (2024)
Explore various symbols of the Church like a sheepfold and cultivated field. Reflect on the need for constant reform and loving the Church. Emphasize the importance of examining one's heart and avoiding hostility or indifference towards the Church.

Apr 14, 2024 • 17min
Day 105: Christ’s Church and its Mission (2024)
Exploring the Church's connection to Christ and the Holy Spirit, Fr. Mike discusses the Church's holiness, catholicity, unity, and apostolic nature. Members uniquely belong to the Lord, and the word 'church' holds multiple meanings. The Church draws life from Christ's body, becoming His body on earth.

Apr 13, 2024 • 17min
Day 104: The Holy Spirit and the Church (2024)
Exploring the role of the Holy Spirit in the Church, detailing how it completes the mission of Christ. The joint mission of the Holy Spirit and the Church in bringing believers into communion with God. The Holy Spirit's role in preparing individuals for Christ and making the mystery of Christ present in the Eucharist. Christ bestowing the Spirit upon individuals for various functions within the Church, emphasizing privilege and responsibilities.