
The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
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.
Latest episodes

4 snips
Dec 12, 2023 • 17min
Day 346: Meditation and Vocal Prayer
Explore the significance of vocal prayer and meditation in deepening our union with Christ. Discover the role of tradition in guiding these expressions of prayer. Learn how to pray the scriptures and apply them to our lives. Delve into the power of meditation and vocal prayer in gaining insights and taking proactive steps in our spiritual journey.

4 snips
Dec 11, 2023 • 15min
Day 345: Animated by Prayer
Exploring the significance of prayer and finding suitable locations for prayer, including churches, personal prayer corners, monasteries, and pilgrimages. Emphasizing the importance of constant prayer and praying at specific times. Introducing the three major expressions of prayer: vocal, meditative, and contemplative.

Dec 10, 2023 • 18min
Day 344: Guides for Prayer
Exploring the concept of guides for prayer, including saints and religious leaders. The role of Christian families in teaching and persevering in prayer. A summer camp program for ninth graders to learn different prayer techniques. The importance of having a spiritual director and seeking guidance from multiple sources on prayer.

Dec 9, 2023 • 15min
Day 343: Praying Through Mary
Explore the significance of praying through Mary and her role as a mother in our prayer lives. Learn about the Hail Mary prayer and other prayers to Mary throughout history. Understand Mary's role in uniting believers through prayer. Discover the power of the Hail Mary prayer and how it unites us with Mary's perfect prayer.

Dec 8, 2023 • 19min
Day 342: Trinitarian Prayer
Exploring the concept of trinitarian prayer, emphasizing the importance of establishing a relationship with each member of the Holy Trinity. Highlighting the power of invoking the name of Jesus in Christian prayer. Discussing different forms of prayer and cautioning against those that do not involve Christ. Emphasizing the significance of praying to the Holy Spirit and the ability to pray through and directly to the Holy Spirit.

4 snips
Dec 7, 2023 • 14min
Day 341: The Theological Virtues
Exploring the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love as sources of prayer, the podcast highlights the importance of living in the present moment and finding God in every moment.

5 snips
Dec 6, 2023 • 15min
Day 340: Scripture and the Liturgy
Prayer is essential for our relationship with the Lord. Learn how to pray and have the will to pray. The Holy Spirit guides us in prayer and teaches us how to speak with God. The Word of God and the Liturgy of the Church are two sources of prayer. The liturgy plays a vital role in communicating the mystery of salvation. The spiritual impact of the liturgy continues even after it is over.

Dec 5, 2023 • 13min
Day 339: Prayer of Praise
This podcast explores the Prayer of Praise and its importance in recognizing and glorifying God. It discusses how praise is a way to join the Holy Spirit with our spirits, and how the Eucharist is a powerful expression of praise. It also delves into the concept of sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, and reflects on the power of prayer and pure praise.

Dec 4, 2023 • 13min
Day 338: Intercession and Thanksgiving
This podcast explores the topics of intercession and thanksgiving in prayer, emphasizing their significance in our relationship with God. It discusses participation in Jesus' role as the intercessor, the importance of expressing a heart attuned to God's mercy, and the role of gratitude in prayer, even in times of suffering and grief.

10 snips
Dec 3, 2023 • 23min
Day 337: Blessing, Adoration, and Petition
The podcast explores the different forms of prayer in the Church, including blessing, adoration, and petition. It discusses the role of the Holy Spirit and the importance of hope in prayers. The episode also delves into the different aspects of prayer, such as asking for forgiveness and seeking the kingdom of God. Finally, it emphasizes the power of petitioning God and encourages listeners to bring their needs and desires to Him.