
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
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.

Nov 12, 2023 • 19min
Day 316: Labor and Social Justice
Explore the relationship between work and human dignity, the importance of economic activity and growth, and the value of all types of work. Discover the significance of negotiation, the role of the state in guaranteeing economic conditions, and the responsibility of business enterprises. Learn about the moral obligations of just wages and the impact of work on families and poverty.

11 snips
Nov 11, 2023 • 21min
Day 315: The Church’s Social Doctrine
Fr. Mike discusses our responsibility towards animals and the Church's Social Doctrine in a postmodern world. He examines capitalism, socialism, and communism. He emphasizes the importance of a balanced relationship with animals and the rejection of profit-driven systems. Fr. Mike also explores the need for reasonable regulation and the role of the church in guiding society.

11 snips
Nov 10, 2023 • 22min
Day 314: Goods of Others
In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the universal destination of goods and the right to private property. He discusses the virtues of temperance, justice, and solidarity, emphasizing the importance of respecting the goods of others. The episode explores the seventh commandment, acts of theft, reparative justice, and the role of virtuous individuals in maintaining a just society. It also touches on the moral acceptability of games of chance, gambling addiction, and unfair wages.

14 snips
Nov 9, 2023 • 21min
Day 313: Ownership of Goods
Exploring the Catholic perspective on the seventh commandment, discussing the right to private property and the concept of the universal destination of goods. Highlighting the importance of balancing individual ownership with the common good. Exploring ownership of goods and the seventh commandment. Highlighting the ideas of private property, justice, charity, and the responsibility to care for earthly goods. Discussing the balance between the right to private property and the common stewardship of mankind. Exploring the tension between private property and the common good. Emphasizing the need to see possessions as a means to benefit others. Discussing ways in which individuals can view their possessions and resources as resources to be shared for the benefit of others.

11 snips
Nov 8, 2023 • 20min
Day 312: Polygamy, Incest, and Free Union
Fr. Mike, Catholic priest, discusses the grave sins of polygamy, incest, sexual abuse, and free union, emphasizing that God gives hope to those experiencing wounds or guilt. Topics discussed include the contradiction of polygamy to the moral law and God's plan, the condemnation of incestuous relationships, the challenges faced by those wanting to become Catholic but required to repudiate multiple spouses, the negative effects of divorce and cohabitation, and the importance of commitment and love in marriage.

7 snips
Nov 7, 2023 • 23min
Day 311: Adultery and Divorce
This podcast discusses the sins of adultery and divorce within the context of marriage, emphasizing the impact on family, children, and society. The importance of recognizing the intrinsic value of individuals and the consequences of breaking promises are explored. The podcast also highlights the unbreakable covenant of marriage and encourages listeners to fight against adultery and divorce while finding hope in God's grace.

4 snips
Nov 6, 2023 • 20min
Day 310: The Gift of a Child
Fr. Mike discusses the gift of a child, the importance of large families, the immorality of surrogacy and artificial insemination, and the challenges faced by couples struggling with infertility. He emphasizes the need to protect the dignity and rights of children and find spiritual fruitfulness in uniting with the Lord's cross.

13 snips
Nov 5, 2023 • 27min
Day 309: Faithful and Fruitful Marriage
This podcast discusses the innate language of marital love and the marital act of sexual intimacy. It explores the concepts of faithfulness, fertility, and the sacrament of matrimony, emphasizing the importance of praying for the Holy Spirit in relationships. The role of spouses in transmitting life and responsible parenthood is also discussed, along with the significance of fidelity in marriage and its reflection of commitment. The podcast explores the topic of marriage, contraception, and the goal of procreation, addressing concerns about having children and suggesting natural family planning as an alternative.

13 snips
Nov 4, 2023 • 33min
Day 308: Same-Sex Attraction
Fr. Mike discusses the Church's teachings on sexuality, emphasizing God's intended purpose for sex. He explores the concepts of chastity, homosexuality, and same-sex attraction. The episode also delves into the nature and purpose of the sexual act, the Catholic Church's perspective on sexuality and homosexuality, and the importance of surrendering life's challenges to Jesus for spiritual growth.