

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

May 25, 2024 • 17min
Day 146: The Father’s Work in the Liturgy (2024)
Exploring the sacramental economy and the blessings we receive from the Father. Delving into the transformative Pascal mystery and believers' participation in God's work. Understanding the diversity of liturgical rites within the Catholic Church. Reflecting on offering the Eucharist to God and the ongoing role of Christ in the liturgy.

6 snips
May 24, 2024 • 17min
Day 145: Introduction to the Liturgy (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the importance of the liturgy in encountering God's grace. The podcast explores the significance of liturgy in expressing the mystery of Christ and engaging in transformative acts of redemption. Listeners are urged to actively participate in liturgical activities for sanctification and reconciliation.

May 23, 2024 • 46min
Day 144: How We Worship (Part 2 Introduction with Bishop Andrew Cozzens) (2024)
Bishop Andrew Cozzens discusses the significance of worship and sacraments in the Catholic faith, emphasizing encounters with Jesus through confession and Eucharist. They explore the transformative power of liturgy and sacraments, highlighting the communal aspect of rituals and how they lead believers to a deeper relationship with God.

May 22, 2024 • 16min
Day 143: Amen (2024)
Explore themes like the meaning of 'Amen,' post-death judgment, and the significance of entrusting oneself to Jesus Christ. Reflect on facing God's judgment, death, grace, and final perseverance. Discover the deep commitment and reflection in saying 'Amen' in prayers and the Eucharist, emphasizing belief, faithfulness, and trust in God.

May 21, 2024 • 16min
Day 142: The New Heaven and the New Earth (2024)
The podcast explores the joyous hope of the new heaven and the new earth after the Last Judgment. It discusses the redemption and renewal of all creation, the end of suffering and death, and the promise of a glorious future. Fr. Mike encourages us to hold onto this hope as we navigate life on this side of heaven.

May 20, 2024 • 17min
Day 141: The Last Judgment (2024)
Exploring the Last Judgment, its cosmic significance, and personal implications. Emphasizing God's justice and hope amidst our actions. Reflecting on the eternal consequences of our deeds and the need for conversion. Balancing love and fear in our relationship with the Lord for a transformative encounter.

May 19, 2024 • 21min
Day 140: Purgatory and Hell (2024)
Explore the concepts of purgatory and hell, understanding purgatory as a transitional purification state and hell as permanent separation from God. Emphasize the importance of freely choosing to love God to unite with Him. Delve into the historical evolution of the purgatory concept in Christianity and the necessity of purifying the heart to genuinely love God and avoid hell.

May 18, 2024 • 18min
Day 139: I Believe in Life Everlasting (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the concept of life everlasting and individual judgment at death. He emphasizes the importance of actively choosing heaven and the rewards of being in eternal communion with God. The episode explores Christian beliefs on immediate eternal retribution, the significance of last rites, and the believer's role in Jesus' functions.

May 17, 2024 • 15min
Day 138: Summary of the Resurrection of the Body (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the Christian view of death and the importance of preparing for the afterlife. He emphasizes the hope found in resurrection and the need to live in alignment with God's will. The episode explores grief, hope, and the urgency of daily living in faith.

May 16, 2024 • 17min
Day 137: Dying in Christ Jesus (2024)
Fr. Mike explores the mystery of death in Christ, emphasizing complete submission to God's will. The episode delves into the spiritual significance of death, the urgency of life, and the longing for God. It reflects on the positive transformation of death through Christ's sacrifice.


