

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

Jul 14, 2024 • 18min
Day 196: Conversion of the Baptized (2024)
Exploring the essential process of interior conversion, emphasizing the need for active repentance and a deep commitment to aligning one's life with God's purpose. The discussion highlights the ongoing journey of conversion within the church, focusing on purification, penance, and renewal. Delving into the theme of continuous conversion and repentance, the podcast emphasizes the transformative power of seeking forgiveness and trusting in God's mercy for a journey towards resembling Jesus.

Jul 13, 2024 • 21min
Day 195: Penance and Reconciliation (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, highlighting its importance in receiving God's forgiveness and being reconciled to the Church. The episode explores the process of confession, forgiveness, and continuous call to holiness by God.

Jul 12, 2024 • 16min
Day 194: Summary of the Sacrament of the Eucharist (2024)
Father Mike Schmitz delves into the essential truths of Holy Communion in the Catechism, emphasizing God's desire to feed us and unite us with Him. The episode covers the significance of the Eucharist, Jesus' real presence, spiritual feeding in the Biblical narrative, and the sacrament's importance in worship and sacrifice.

Jul 11, 2024 • 15min
Day 193: Communion Forever in Heaven (2024)
Explore the profound nature of the Eucharist as a pledge of future glory, emphasizing its real presence of Jesus. Delve into the significance of the Church's celebration of the Eucharist as a sign of hope in anticipation of Christ's return. Uncover the miracles of Lanciano and Buenos Aires revealing the presence of human heart flesh in the Eucharistic species.

Jul 10, 2024 • 18min
Day 192: Unity in the Eucharist (2024)
Exploring unity in the Eucharist, the podcast discusses the pain of disunity, the Church's teachings on non-Catholic Christians receiving the Eucharist, and the significance of unity in the Church. Fr. Mike addresses the common question of why non-Catholics cannot partake in the sacrament if they believe in the true presence of Jesus. The episode emphasizes the call to unity among Christians and the transformative power of the Eucharist in fostering unity and serving the poor.

Jul 9, 2024 • 18min
Day 191: The Eucharist Changes Us (2024)
Discover how the Eucharist changes us by nourishing the soul and separating us from sin. Fr. Mike explains the importance of being open to change and not wearing a 'raincoat' during Holy Communion. Explore the transformative power and spiritual growth that comes from receiving the Eucharist.

Jul 8, 2024 • 20min
Day 190: Receiving Holy Communion (2024)
Exploring the prerequisites and gravity of receiving Holy Communion, ensuring understanding of the obligation to go to confession. Emphasizing the importance of proper preparation, self-examination, fasting, and respectful conduct before partaking in the Eucharist.

Jul 7, 2024 • 18min
Day 189: Worship of the Eucharist (2024)
Exploring the worship of the Eucharist, the podcast delves into the importance of Adoration and reverence towards Christ's true presence. It discusses the significance of communion and the controversy of idolatry accusations. The episode emphasizes the transformative effects of spending time in front of the Eucharist for believers.

Jul 6, 2024 • 19min
Day 188: Christ’s Presence in the Eucharist (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses Christ's true presence in the Eucharist, explaining transubstantiation where bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ during the Consecration. The episode explores Church Fathers' affirmations and theological perspectives on this transformation.

Jul 5, 2024 • 18min
Day 187: The Church’s Sacrificial Unity (2024)
Exploring the Church's sacrificial unity through the Eucharist, emphasizing the connection between the visible and invisible Church. Unpacking the significance of apostolic succession in the offering of the Eucharistic sacrifice. Discussing the importance of praying for the deceased and the power of Mass in aiding their soul's purification.


