

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 6, 2024 • 22min
Day 127: Consecrated Life (2024)
The podcast explores different forms of consecrated life, such as hermits, consecrated virgins, widows, and religious, who commit to poverty, chastity, and obedience. It emphasizes the unique calling to intimacy with Christ and how consecrated life is a gift to the Church. The episode highlights the dedication to evangelical counsels and the spiritual diversity within various religious families, showcasing the deep commitment to God for the kingdom's sake.

May 5, 2024 • 20min
Day 126: Prophetic and Kingly Offices (2024)
Explore the roles of laity in Christ's prophetic and kingly offices, emphasizing evangelization and virtuous leadership. Fr. Mike explains the importance of Christian conscience in all actions and the duty of laypeople to collaborate with church leaders. Discover the vocation and mission of laypeople in sharing and defending the faith, integrating Christian principles into all aspects of life for the betterment of the church community.

May 4, 2024 • 20min
Day 125: Vocation of the Laity (2024)
Explore the unique vocation of the laity in sanctifying the world and spreading the Gospel to places unreachable by clergy. Learn how lay individuals participate in Christ's priestly vocation by offering every part of their lives as a sacrifice to God. Delve into the essential role of lay people in ecclesial communities and their responsibility in spreading the message of salvation worldwide.

May 3, 2024 • 22min
Day 124: Teaching, Sanctifying, and Governing (2024)
Exploring the roles of teaching, sanctifying, and governing within the episcopal college, emphasizing unity and obedience in following Church teachings. Fr. Mike clarifies the charism of infallibility in matters of faith and morals, encouraging docility towards the teachings of the Church.

May 2, 2024 • 17min
Day 123: The Pope (2024)
Exploring the role of the Pope as the Vicar of Christ and the foundation of the Catholic Church. Understanding the authority of the Pope and the importance of unity with bishops. Delving into Peter's appointment as the rock of the Church and his designation by Jesus. Discussing the role of bishops in strengthening the Church and supporting priests and deacons.

May 1, 2024 • 21min
Day 122: Christ’s Faithful (2024)
Discover the three primary roles among Christ’s faithful and their equal yet different support for the Church’s mission. Learn how all share in Christ’s priestly, prophetical, and kingly office. Dive into the mission and characters of ecclesial ministry while exploring the hierarchical structure of the Church and the significance of servant leadership.

Apr 30, 2024 • 18min
Day 121: The Apostolate (2024)
Delving into the essence of apostolate, the podcast explores the mission of spreading Christ's Kingdom globally. Emphasizing the importance of charity and unity with Christ, listeners are reminded of their role in bearing fruit. The episode touches on the universal call to apostolate, the significance of love, and the unity amidst diversity within the Church.

Apr 29, 2024 • 16min
Day 120: The Apostolic Church (2024)
Exploring the apostolic nature of the Catholic Church, Fr. Mike discusses the three ways it is apostolic and how it shapes the Church's structure and Tradition. He encourages prayers for local bishops as successors of the Apostles. The episode delves into the importance of apostolic succession and the enduring role of the apostles in guiding the faithful.

Apr 28, 2024 • 17min
Day 119: The Church’s Missionary Mandate (2024)
Fr. Mike, an expert in the Church's missionary mandate, discusses the importance of living out Christ's great commission. Topics include salvation outside the Church, divine sending of the Church, missionary zeal, martyrdom, and spreading God's love.

Apr 27, 2024 • 23min
Day 118: The Church and Non-Christians (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the relationship between the Catholic Church and non-Christian religions, emphasizing the fullness of truth in Catholicism. He explores the concept of salvation outside the Church and highlights the necessity of the Church for spiritual redemption. The episode delves into unity, universality, and the mission of the Church in reaching all people.


