
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

10 snips
Nov 22, 2023 • 21min
Day 326: Envy and Jealousy
The podcast discusses the sin of envy and its manifestations, exploring the tenth commandment and the dangers of covetous desires. It reflects on the conflict between wanting and doing, highlighting the disorder of the human heart and the importance of banishing envy. The episode also explores the concepts of envy and jealousy, and emphasizes the destructive nature of envy. It encourages battling against envy through humility and good will towards others.

13 snips
Nov 21, 2023 • 22min
Day 325: Battling for Purity
In this podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the battle for purity and how to overcome temptations through chastity, pure intention, and prayer. He focuses on the importance of purity of vision and the battle against impure thoughts, as well as resisting objectification and cultivating freedom. The hosts also explore the significance of modesty and resisting temptation, and highlight the call to love others and the freedom that comes from practicing purity of heart.

Nov 20, 2023 • 19min
Day 324: The Ninth Commandment
Discussion on the 9th commandment, concupiscence, and the purification of the heart through temperance. The hosts emphasize the importance of recognizing brokenness and practicing self-control. They explore the connection between purity of heart, body, and faith, and the power of Jesus Christ's sacrifice. The chapter also highlights the importance of belief, obedience to God, and seeing divine beauty in ourselves and others.

Nov 19, 2023 • 17min
Day 323: Truth, Beauty, and Sacred Art
The hosts discuss the importance of financial support and delve into truth, beauty, and sacred art. They explore how God reveals himself through the beauty and order of the cosmos. They also discuss the power of art and music in communication and emotion. They highlight how beauty can reveal the truth of God and the responsibility of bishops in promoting truthful sacred art. They conclude by emphasizing the significance of truth and the need to live in the truth of Jesus Christ.

5 snips
Nov 18, 2023 • 17min
Day 322: Respect for Truth
The podcast discusses the importance of prudently revealing the truth and the role of mass media. It emphasizes guarding against gossip and highlights readings on maintaining truthfulness. The hosts also explore the responsibilities and pitfalls of social communication, the inviolability of confession, and the need for discernment when consuming personal information.

16 snips
Nov 17, 2023 • 29min
Day 321: Offenses Against Truth
This podcast explores the concept of truth and its importance in the lives of Christians. It discusses various offenses against truth, such as lying and calumny, and emphasizes the duty of reparation. The podcast also delves into the moral dilemma of lying to protect innocent lives and raises questions about the duty of Christians to live in radical honesty.

11 snips
Nov 16, 2023 • 22min
Day 320: The Truth
The podcast explores the importance of truth in the eighth commandment and emphasizes living and bearing witness to the truth. It discusses the significance of truth in our lives as believers, distinguishes between subjective and objective truth, and highlights the need for Christians to reflect God's truth in the world. Additionally, the podcast explores the concept of martyrdom and its connection to living as witnesses to the truth of Jesus.

5 snips
Nov 15, 2023 • 15min
Day 319: Summary of the Seventh Commandment
Father Mike Schmitz discusses the seventh commandment and emphasizes justice, charity, and human dignity. He explores the church's role in economic and social matters, including the importance of recognizing and assisting those in need. The podcast also touches on the significance of labor, the value of all forms of work, and responding to the Lord in the disguise of the poor.

4 snips
Nov 14, 2023 • 22min
Day 318: Love for the Poor
Explore the importance of love for the poor in shaping our lives, prioritizing justice, and practicing solidarity. Learn how the church is dedicated to helping the impoverished, performing acts of mercy, and advocating for their liberation. Discover the significance of establishing a church that caters to the spiritual needs of youth while caring for the less fortunate.

4 snips
Nov 13, 2023 • 15min
Day 317: International Justice and Solidarity
Examining the principles of justice on an international and economic level, discussing the gap between nations and the need for solidarity. Emphasizing the moral responsibility of developed countries to support less advanced nations. Exploring the role of wealthier nations in providing aid and promoting reforms in international institutions.