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
10 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 20min
Day 262: Habitual and Actual Grace (2025)
Explore the intricacies of divine grace and its pivotal role in our spiritual journey. Discover the differences between habitual and actual grace, and how God initiates every step of our efforts toward eternal life. Fr. Mike shares Augustine's insights on prevenient grace, emphasizing our participation in God's life. Each moment of grace is a reminder of our dependency on divine assistance. Tune in for deep reflections and inspiring teachings that guide our understanding of faith.
6 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 19min
Day 261: Justification (2025)
Explore the powerful concept of justification and how it transforms our hearts through the grace of the Holy Spirit. Discover how this process detaches us from sin, purifies our souls, and embodies God's mercy. Fr. Mike discusses the essential role of faith and baptism in beginning our journey toward salvation, while reflecting on the balance between divine grace and human freedom. Embrace the gift of justification and its marvelous impact on our lives.
6 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 11min
Day 260: Summary of the Moral Law (2025)
Fr. Mike highlights the moral law as an intrinsic guide written in every human heart. It’s portrayed as a loving instruction aimed at our joy and flourishing. The discussion reveals how the gospel fulfills this law through love and grace, emphasizing the transformative power it holds. Furthermore, the purpose of God's law is explored as a pathway to freedom and joy, fostering a deeper commitment to faith and community.
9 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 19min
Day 259: The New Commandment (2025)
Explore the transformative power of Jesus' New Commandment, emphasizing love over ritual. Delve into how grace and the Holy Spirit empower believers to deepen their relationship with God, moving from servitude to friendship. Discover the significance of internal change and moral conduct, driven by love and charity. Learn how embracing the sacraments fosters a more profound connection with God, enhancing your spiritual journey and commitment to holiness through the teachings of the Gospel and apostolic virtues.
7 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 16min
Day 258: The New Law (2025)
Discover how the New Law fulfills and surpasses the Old Law, as Fr. Mike highlights its focus on the heart rather than mere actions. Dive into the transformative teachings of the Sermon on the Mount and learn how grace, the Holy Spirit, and sacraments empower believers. This engaging discussion reflects on the journey of faith and spiritual growth, providing insights into living a life enriched by the new gospel values.
8 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 13min
Day 257: The Old Law (2025)
Dive into the fascinating exploration of the Old Law as the first stage of Revealed Law. Discover how the Old Law prepares humanity for the Gospel and God's promises through Christ. Understand the vital connection between divine justice and mercy, illustrated by the Ten Commandments. Learn how to open your heart to commandments as pathways to freedom, emphasizing the need for guidance from the Holy Spirit and the support of community in living out these teachings.
9 snips
Sep 13, 2025 • 26min
Day 256: The Natural Moral Law (2025)
The discussion kicks off with natural moral law as a universal guide inscribed in every human soul. Fr. Mike highlights how this moral foundation is tied to our dignity and divine grace, essential for achieving true happiness. The podcast delves into the connection between moral law and God's nature, urging listeners to reflect on the ethical truths we all share. It also emphasizes our dependence on divine guidance to navigate sin and fulfill our purpose, making a case for the inherent moral compass within us all.
9 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 17min
Day 255: Human Solidarity (2025)
Fr. Mike dives into the profound concept of human solidarity, urging us to embrace our communal responsibilities. He highlights the delicate balance between the right to private property and the duty to help those in need. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the importance of cooperation and support in creating a thriving society. Through spiritual insights, the discussion emphasizes recognizing each person's dignity and fostering authentic connections within our communities.
27 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 21min
Day 254: Social Justice (2025)
Delve into the essential principles of social justice, focusing on human dignity and equality. Fr. Mike discusses our responsibility to love everyone, even our enemies, as reflections of God's image. The podcast emphasizes the importance of recognizing our differences while striving for fairness and support for marginalized individuals. Through a Christian lens, it encourages active participation in combatting inequalities and fostering a sense of community grounded in charity and mutual respect.
16 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 22min
Day 253: Participation in Public Life (2025)
Learn how storytelling shapes our values and inspires virtue in society. Discover the moral obligation to engage in public life, emphasizing personal responsibility and community action. Delve into the essence of the common good, human rights, and the role of institutions in fostering a supportive civic environment. Fr. Mike highlights the importance of seeing and fulfilling societal needs, encouraging ethical engagement for the betterment of all. This insightful discussion blends personal growth with a collective call to action.
