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
17 snips
Jul 19, 2025 • 24min
Day 200: The Confession of Sins (2025)
Confessing sins opens the door for God’s healing touch, allowing us to confront our wounds. The sacrament of reconciliation serves as a vital step towards restoring our relationship with God and the Church. Fr. Mike clarifies key terms like absolution, penance, and satisfaction, emphasizing their significance in spiritual health. The transformative power of confession invites reflection, contrition, and the responsibility to make amends, leading to true reconciliation and mercy.
12 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 27min
Day 199: The Sacrament of Forgiveness (2025)
Discover the transformative journey through the sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr. Mike dives into its historical evolution, revealing how essential elements like contrition and confession have endured through time. Learn about the differences between perfect and imperfect contrition and why understanding this is crucial for the faithful. Explore the sacrament's role in reconciling sinners with God and appreciate the Church's significant part in granting forgiveness. It's a compelling discussion on mercy and grace!
17 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 16min
Day 198: Reconciliation with God (2025)
Dive into the profound sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, where sin is revealed as an offense against God and His Church. Discover how forgiveness strengthens our communion with both. Learn about the apostles' crucial role in dispensing God's mercy and how baptism serves as a transformative entry into the Church. Explore the deep connections between individual repentance and collective healing, illuminating the path to restored relationships with God and the community.
11 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 19min
Day 197: Forms of Penance (2025)
Explore the transformative power of penance through practices like prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of true internal transformation over mere external actions. He highlights embracing daily crosses and the connection between personal suffering and God's love. The discussion illuminates how spiritual practices can enhance both physical and spiritual health. Through the parable of the prodigal son, listeners are encouraged to return to God's mercy and embrace reconciliation as a path to joy.
13 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 18min
Day 196: Conversion of the Baptized (2025)
The podcast delves into the sacrament of Penance, emphasizing that true conversion is a heart-driven transformation rather than mere ritual compliance. Fr. Mike highlights the importance of actively rejecting sin and the continual journey of repentance. Using biblical examples like St. Peter, he illustrates how communal and personal renewal plays a role in spiritual growth. The discussion also underscores the necessity of genuine inner change as foundational to living a Christ-like life, guided by the Holy Spirit.
14 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 21min
Day 195: Penance and Reconciliation (2025)
Discover the transformative power of the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Explore how confession not only brings God's forgiveness but also strengthens community bonds through love. Delve into the dual miracles of recognizing sin and embracing mercy, encouraging personal conversion on our spiritual journeys. Learn the essential difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, and how they can restore trust in relationships, while tackling the challenges of human imperfection and the pursuit of holiness.
10 snips
Jul 13, 2025 • 16min
Day 194: Summary of the Sacrament of the Eucharist (2025)
This discussion dives deep into the Eucharist, often called the 'sacrament of sacraments,' illustrating its central role in the Church. Fr. Mike emphasizes God's desire to nourish us through His Son, and how this sacramental communion fosters unity among believers. The podcast also connects the Eucharist to biblical sacrifices, presenting Jesus as the ultimate Paschal Lamb. Listeners learn about the rich traditions and proper preparation required to receive Communion, enhancing their relationship with the divine.
18 snips
Jul 12, 2025 • 15min
Day 193: Communion Forever in Heaven (2025)
The podcast explores the Eucharist's role as a foretaste of heavenly glory, emphasizing its significance in Catholicism. Fr. Mike highlights how Holy Communion serves as a spiritual nourishment and a pledge of eternal life. Listeners are encouraged to prepare their hearts for unity with God, reflecting on personal experiences with the sacrament. The transformative power of the Eucharist is underscored, inviting believers to embrace divine love and the joy it brings.
14 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 18min
Day 192: Unity in the Eucharist (2025)
Holy Communion serves as a profound unifier among believers, yet it starkly reveals disunity within the Church. The discussion tackles a tough question: why can non-Catholics who believe in the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist not partake? The theological significance of the Eucharist is explored, emphasizing its role in fostering authentic unity and strengthening the Christian community. The podcast also addresses the complexities of intercommunion, highlighting the need for full communion to fully embrace this sacrament.
12 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 18min
Day 191: The Eucharist Changes Us (2025)
Discover how receiving Holy Communion transforms the soul, just as food nourishes the body. Explore the significance of an open heart in embracing change and the healing powers of the Eucharist. Learn how this sacrament fosters intimacy with Christ and deepens one’s spiritual journey. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of readiness in receiving divine graces, likening Holy Communion to a cleansing shower that requires shedding our barriers. Unpack the profound connection between Eucharist and spiritual renewal.
