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
Aug 12, 2024 • 20min
Day 225: Total Fidelity in Marriage (2024)
The podcast dives into the profound meaning of fidelity in marriage, portraying it as both a beautiful gift and a significant challenge. It connects the commitment between spouses to God's everlasting covenant with humanity. Fr. Mike discusses the painful realities of separation and divorce, emphasizing the church's role in offering support and love. Personal stories illustrate the journey of couples navigating difficulties, highlighting the vital importance of lifelong promises and reconciliation.
Aug 11, 2024 • 21min
Day 224: The Grace of the Sacrament of Marriage (2024)
Discover the divine power of the Sacrament of Marriage, emphasizing the strength it offers couples to love deeply. Explore the importance of mutual submission and selfless love, shifting away from traditional hierarchies. Learn about the essential qualities of conjugal love, including faithfulness, openness to fertility, and the indissoluble nature of the marital bond. Fr. Mike sheds light on how these principles provide a spiritual foundation for navigating both joys and challenges in married life.
Aug 10, 2024 • 18min
Day 223: Differences in Religion in Marriage (2024)
Fr. Mike, a knowledgeable priest, guides listeners through the complexities of mixed marriages and disparity of cult in Catholic teaching. He discusses how differing religious beliefs can lead to challenges, especially in raising children. Emphasizing the sacredness of marriage, he encourages couples to embrace their faith differences and highlights the significance of prayer and understanding. Fr. Mike offers insights on how the Catholic spouse can foster spiritual growth while navigating these unique dynamics.
Aug 9, 2024 • 23min
Day 222: Matrimonial Consent (2024)
Matrimonial consent is crucial for a valid marriage, requiring a free expression from both partners. External pressures can complicate this essential choice, making it vital to address challenges like unplanned pregnancies. The discussion sheds light on the distinctive elements of marriage, emphasizing the role of sexual union and mutual consent. Additionally, the complexities of annulment are explored, offering clarity for those facing marital struggles. Finally, the podcast highlights the sacramentality of marriage as a public act that serves both the Church and the community.
Aug 8, 2024 • 16min
Day 221: The Celebration of Marriage (2024)
Discover the essence of a Catholic wedding, focusing on its valid, worthy, and fruitful nature. Explore the beautiful connection between virginity and marriage as a higher divine purpose. Delve into the sacramental significance of matrimony, emphasizing mutual consent and the joy of celibacy. Fr. Mike highlights how celibate individuals can lead fulfilling lives while underscoring prayer and the Holy Spirit's role in sustaining couples' love and commitment.
Aug 7, 2024 • 22min
Day 220: Marriage in the New Covenant (2024)
Discover how the meaning of marriage transforms from the Old to the New Covenant. The sacrament of marriage is unveiled as a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church. Explore the journey from polygamy and divorce to the sanctity of Christian marriage. Learn how true love thrives on sacrifice and self-giving amidst life’s challenges. Fr. Mike emphasizes the grace-filled nature of this union and the divine support available to couples, revealing the powerful connection between love and commitment.
Aug 6, 2024 • 21min
Day 219: Marriage in God’s Plan (2024)
In this engaging discussion, Fr. Mike, a knowledgeable priest and theologian, dives into the sacred sacrament of holy Matrimony. He reveals how marriage is both a divine vocation and a partnership aimed at the good of the spouses and family. Fr. Mike explores God’s design for marriage, emphasizing its purpose amidst life's challenges. He also discusses the transformative grace that helps couples navigate sin and discord, highlighting the essential roles of love and commitment in the journey of married life.
Aug 5, 2024 • 15min
Day 218: Summary of Holy Orders (2024)
Fr. Mike, a devoted priest, shares insightful reflections on the sacrament of Holy Orders. He emphasizes the vital role of bishops, priests, and deacons as mediators between God and the community. Fr. Mike encourages listeners to embrace their own callings, whether in holy orders or matrimony, while celebrating the shared priesthood of all believers. He also calls for prayers for those discerning their vocations and highlights the significance of God's grace in both sacred paths. Revelations and reflections abound!
Aug 4, 2024 • 18min
Day 217: The Effects of Holy Orders (2024)
Fr. Mike, a dedicated priest known for his focus on the significance of ordination, dives into the sacrament of Holy Orders. He explains how ordination leaves an indelible spiritual mark, making a man a priest for life. The conversation emphasizes that Holy Orders is fundamentally a sacrament of service, shaping priests to better serve the Church. Fr. Mike also highlights the transformative power of this sacrament and the necessity of love and personal conversion in fulfilling a priest's vocation.
Aug 3, 2024 • 25min
Day 216: Who Receives Holy Orders (2024)
Dive deep into the sacrament of Holy Orders, exploring who can receive this sacred ordination. Discover the theological reasons behind the Church's teaching that only baptized men can be ordained, and unpack the distinct roles of spiritual fathers and mothers. The conversation contrasts celibacy norms in the Latin Church with the acceptance of married clergy in Eastern traditions. Engage with discussions on the contributions of men and women in both family and church life, highlighting the importance of service and community over authority.
