
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

Mar 24, 2024 • 15min
Day 84: The Claim of Savior (2024)
Exploring Jesus' claim as the world's savior challenged the Jewish people, with hardness of heart leading to tragic misunderstandings. Recognizing our own hardness of heart can help us grow in faith. The episode delves into the controversy surrounding Jesus' divine claims and the trilemma of whether he was a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord.

Mar 23, 2024 • 14min
Day 83: Jesus and the Temple (2024)
Explore Jesus' profound respect for the Temple, his prophecy on its destruction, and the symbolic importance of the Temple. Discover how Jesus fulfills the purpose of the Temple through prayer and worship, marking a shift towards spiritual depth and fulfillment of worship.

Mar 22, 2024 • 15min
Day 82: Jesus and the Law (2024)
Exploring Jesus' relationship with the Old Testament Law, understanding His role as the Author of the Law and His mission to fulfill it. Clarifying the differences between Temple Laws, Kingdom Laws, and Moral Laws in Scripture. Highlighting Jesus' authority in interpreting the Law and providing the definitive interpretation of God's will.

Mar 21, 2024 • 18min
Day 81: Christ’s Paschal Mystery (2024)
Fr. Mike delves into the Paschal Mystery of Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection, highlighting the importance of understanding Scripture. He explores Jesus' relationship with Israel and the Jewish roots of Christianity. The episode emphasizes the redemptive power of Christ's sacrifice and the deep connection between Jesus' life and our own faith journey.

Mar 20, 2024 • 17min
Day 80: Summary of the Mysteries of Christ’s Life (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the significance of Christ's obedience to the Father and the importance of reflecting on the mysteries of Christ's life. He encourages reading and meditating on the Gospels and praying the Rosary. Today's readings cover paragraphs 561-570 of the Catechism.

Mar 19, 2024 • 18min
Day 79: Jesus’ Transfiguration and Messianic Acts (2024)
Explore the mysteries of Christ's Transfiguration and his messianic entrance into Jerusalem, revealing his voluntary sacrifice and future glory. Discover the parallels between his baptism and Transfiguration, emphasizing the divine power and vulnerability in his nature.

Mar 18, 2024 • 21min
Day 78: Signs of the Kingdom (2024)
Explore how Jesus' miracles affirmed his identity as the promised Messiah and reflect on the importance of these signs in establishing the presence of the kingdom of God. Discover the significance of Christ's miracles and authority in showcasing compassion and freeing people from sin. Unpack Peter's unique authority within the structure of the kingdom through Jesus' act of handing over the keys. Dive into the exploration of miracles in strengthening faith and addressing the spiritual battle between light and darkness.

Mar 17, 2024 • 18min
Day 77: The Kingdom of God (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the Kingdom of God and who belongs, emphasizing the importance of welcoming all. He challenges listeners to give everything to enter the kingdom, not just words but deeds. The episode explores Jesus' mission and the inclusive nature of the kingdom, calling for active faith and commitment.

Mar 16, 2024 • 20min
Day 76: Jesus’ Baptism and Temptation (2024)
Explore Jesus' Baptism as a manifestation of his mission and acceptance of suffering. Discover how his temptations echo Adam's but reveal his faithful obedience to the Father. Learn how our obedience participates in his victory over the Devil.

Mar 15, 2024 • 24min
Day 75: Jesus’ Infancy and Hidden Life (2024)
Fr. Mike delves into the mysteries of Jesus' infancy, focusing on his circumcision, Epiphany, and hidden life. He emphasizes Jesus' obedience to both his heavenly and earthly parents, encouraging listeners to imitate this obedience. The podcast explores the symbolism behind key events in Jesus' infancy, highlighting themes of salvation and opposition to darkness.