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
Jun 24, 2024 • 17min
Day 176: Traditions and Signs of Confirmation (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the differences between Eastern and Western traditions in Confirmation. He also explores the symbolism of oil and anointing in the sacrament, highlighting the spiritual significance and historical development of these practices.
Jun 23, 2024 • 12min
Day 175: Introduction to Confirmation (2024)
The discussion centers on the sacrament of Confirmation, highlighting its significance as a culmination of baptismal grace. Fr. Mike explains how Confirmation empowers individuals to embody and witness God's grace, reminiscent of the Apostles' experience at Pentecost. The biblical roots and historical context of this sacrament reveal its importance across Christian traditions. The podcast encourages embracing Confirmation as a vital step in one’s faith journey, emphasizing the call to share and defend beliefs in the contemporary world.
Jun 22, 2024 • 13min
Day 174: Summary of the Sacrament of Baptism (2024)
The podcast delves into the essence of Baptism as a grace and gift from God, devoid of human merit. It serves as a concise guide for explaining Baptism, emphasizing its transformative power, forgiveness of sins, and incorporation into the Church and priesthood of Christ.
Jun 21, 2024 • 16min
Day 173: Brothers and Sisters in Baptism (2024)
Discover how Baptism unites believers as part of the 'People of God of the New Covenant' according to the Catechism. Learn about the responsibilities that come with this unity and the foundation it provides for communion among all Christians. Explore the significance of Baptism in fostering a communal connection and the privileges associated with this sacrament.
Jun 20, 2024 • 15min
Day 172: What Does Baptism Do? (2024)
Baptism has profound effects upon the baptized: “purification from sins and new birth in the Holy Spirit.” The Catechism shows us that the graces of Baptism are so deep that—for the newly baptized—“nothing remains that would impede their entry into the Kingdom of God.” Fr. Mike relates to us the hard teaching that we are born mere beloved creatures of God—but through Baptism, we become adopted sons and daughters of God. Today’s readings are paragraphs 1262-1266.
This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Jun 19, 2024 • 20min
Day 171: The Necessity of Baptism (2024)
Exploring the importance of Baptism in the Christian faith, discussing the necessity for eternal life. Addressing 'what about' questions regarding Baptism, especially for those who never hear the Gospel. Delving into the fate of those who die without the opportunity for Baptism. Emphasizing the intertwining of faith and Baptism for spiritual growth and salvation.
Jun 18, 2024 • 14min
Day 170: Who Can Be Baptized? (2024)
The podcast delves into the purpose of Baptism for both adults and infants, emphasizing that it is for everyone. It explains that every unbaptized person is eligible for Baptism, as God wills it for all. The episode covers Catechism paragraphs 1246-1252 and explores the inclusive nature of God's grace through infant baptism in the early Church.
Jun 17, 2024 • 14min
Day 169: The Mystagogy of Baptism (2024)
Delving into the mystagogy of Baptism, the podcast explores the symbolism of the baptismal rite, from the Sign of the Cross to the anointing with sacred chrism. Fr. Mike reflects on how Baptism marks the start of our sacramental journey as children of God. The episode emphasizes the deep spiritual significance of tracing the cross on a child's forehead and delves into the emotional and theological aspects of the sacrament.
Jun 16, 2024 • 14min
Day 168: The Celebration of Baptism (2024)
We continue our examination of the Sacrament of Baptism, specifically how we celebrate the sacrament and the different elements that must always be present in Baptism. Fr. Mike emphasizes that while infant Baptism has become the “form in which this sacrament is usually celebrated,” post-baptismal formation and instruction is necessary in order for the full flowering of the graces received in the Sacrament of Baptism. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1229-1233.
This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Jun 15, 2024 • 13min
Day 167: The Baptism of Christ (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses how Christ's baptism fulfills Old Covenant prefigurations and makes the waters of Baptism holy. The episode explores the transformative power of baptism, emphasizing the importance of faith and renewal in Jesus Christ.
