

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 4, 2024 • 17min
Day 156: How the Liturgy Is Celebrated (2024)
We continue to examine the celebration of the liturgy and sacraments. In the context of how the liturgy is celebrated, Fr. Mike explains that we are both body and spirit, and so signs and symbols are the way in which we communicate with and understand the world around us. God communicates spiritual realities in the same way. The signs and symbols which are utilized in the liturgy not only point to spiritual realities, but also make them present. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1145-1152.
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 3, 2024 • 18min
Day 155: Who Celebrates the Liturgy (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the participation of Christ and the saints in liturgy, emphasizing sacramental involvement in heavenly reality. The Church enables us to join the eternal liturgy through baptismal priesthood. Active participation and unity with ordained ministers are crucial in celebrating liturgy.

Jun 2, 2024 • 13min
Day 154: Sacraments of Eternal Life (2024)
Exploring the sacraments as a bridge to eternal life, highlighting their significance in salvation and connection to the divine realm. Delving into the power of sacraments in enhancing faith, expressing grace, and strengthening the Church community. Emphasizing the symbolism of sacraments in symbolizing Christ's sacrifice and connecting believers to Him through baptismal priesthood and active participation in the liturgy.

Jun 1, 2024 • 14min
Day 153: Sacraments Save (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the saving power of sacraments, emphasizing their efficacy and necessity for salvation. Sacraments are not just symbols but cause what they signify, as Jesus is at work in each one. The transformative nature of sacraments is explored, highlighting their ability to unite believers with divine grace and bring about spiritual realities. Despite operating independently of personal holiness, the recipient's disposition influences the fruits of the sacrament.

May 31, 2024 • 17min
Day 152: Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi (2024)
The podcast delves into the connection between evangelization and sacraments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of sacramental rites. It explores the significance of prayer in shaping faith beliefs and the symbolism of sacramental rituals like white robes. The episode highlights the essential role of liturgy in expressing and nurturing the faith community.

May 30, 2024 • 15min
Day 151: The Seven Sacraments (2024)
Exploring the significance of the seven sacraments in the Church, highlighting their connection to Christ and the mystery of communion. Emphasizing the role of ministerial priests in administering sacraments and serving the baptismal priesthood. Delving into the indelible sacramental character and the evolution of church doctrine on sacraments.

May 29, 2024 • 13min
Day 150: The Epiclesis (2024)
Exploring the significance of epiclesis in the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the role of the Holy Spirit in transforming bread and wine, and the re-presentation of Christ's eternal sacrifice. The episode delves into Catechism paragraphs 1104-1112 and highlights the active presence of Christ's saving work through the power of the Holy Spirit.

May 28, 2024 • 14min
Day 149: The Holy Spirit Recalls Christ’s Mystery (2024)
The podcast discusses how the Holy Spirit recalls Christ's mystery, inspires the Word of God, and helps us understand God's Word. It emphasizes the importance of consent and commitment in our response to God. The episode explores the significance of anamnesis, the role of the Holy Spirit in the liturgy, and the connection between past events and present community.

May 27, 2024 • 19min
Day 148: The Holy Spirit’s Work in the Liturgy (2024)
The podcast delves into the Holy Spirit's role in the liturgy, emphasizing how the Spirit makes Jesus' work a reality in our lives. It highlights the connection between Jewish and Christian liturgy, revealing the rich symbolism and traditions shared between the two faiths. The episode explores how the Holy Spirit transforms hearts and fosters unity within the Catholic Church.

May 26, 2024 • 17min
Day 147: Christ’s Work in the Liturgy (2024)
Exploring Christ's ongoing presence in the liturgy, the sacraments as sacred signs of grace, and the Paschal mystery transcending time. Emphasizing the deep connection between earthly and heavenly liturgies and the significance of participating in Mass with Jesus and the saints.


