
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

5 snips
Oct 24, 2023 • 21min
Day 297: The Cross of Suicide
This podcast explores the seriousness of suicide and offers compassion and hope for those affected. It discusses the moral and spiritual implications of suicide, offers advice on helping those tempted, and highlights the impact on families. The Catholic Church's stance on suicide and burial is also discussed, with an emphasis on seeking help and offering support.

5 snips
Oct 23, 2023 • 22min
Day 296: The Sin of Euthanasia
The podcast discusses the gravity of euthanasia and the Catholic Church's stance on it, including the importance of treating sick individuals with respect. It explores the Catholic Church's perspective on euthanasia and the significance of palliative care. The clash between quality of life ethic and sanctity of life ethic is also examined.

Oct 22, 2023 • 17min
Day 295: The Wound of Abortion
The podcast discusses the church's stance on abortion, emphasizing the importance of protecting human life. It explores the gravity of the sin, the penalty of excommunication, and the significance of empathy towards individuals considering abortion. The episode highlights the need for healing and forgiveness, inviting those affected by abortion to seek mercy and love through confession and prayer.

Oct 21, 2023 • 12min
Day 294: Homicide
This podcast explores the different forms of homicide and their implications, including intentional, indirect, and unintentional killing. It highlights the gravity of these actions and addresses moral culpability. The speaker discusses the prohibition of murder and the ethical implications of killing innocent human beings. Various forms of homicide are examined, emphasizing the importance of understanding moral culpability.

Oct 20, 2023 • 17min
Day 293: Legitimate Defense
Exploring the concept of legitimate defense and its relation to the fifth commandment. The podcast discusses defense of oneself and others, principles of crime and punishment, and the Church's views on capital punishment. It emphasizes the importance of having a Christian perspective and bigger hearts than the world's view.

4 snips
Oct 19, 2023 • 15min
Day 292: Respect for Human Life
Explore the fifth commandment: 'you shall not kill' and the significance of human life. Jesus extends the commandment to include avoiding anger, hatred, and vengeance, and loving our enemies. Forgiveness and extending love and mercy to others is key in respecting the dignity of every person.

4 snips
Oct 18, 2023 • 17min
Day 291: The Political Community and the Church
This podcast explores the relationship between the Church and political communities, emphasizing the Church's role in passing moral judgments and offering a vision of the human person. It discusses society's rejection of the Church's vision and the importance of objective criteria of good and evil. The podcast also explores the Church's responsibility in political decisions and the need for truth, as well as the role of Christians in society when addressing political and societal issues.

6 snips
Oct 17, 2023 • 21min
Day 290: The Duties of Citizens
This episode discusses the responsibilities of citizens according to the Catechism, including contributing to society, welcoming strangers, refusing obedience, and resisting oppression. It explores the tension between welcoming foreigners and protecting citizens, as well as the concept of civil disobedience. Additionally, it touches on the duties of citizens in relation to just war and the interaction between the political community and the church.

Oct 16, 2023 • 17min
Day 289: Family, Society, and the Kingdom
Explore the balance between loyalty to family and loyalty to God's kingdom, and the duties of civil authorities. Prioritize religious responsibilities over family obligations. Discover the significance of discipleship and servant leadership. Emphasize the worth of the individual and the concept of the common good.

5 snips
Oct 15, 2023 • 29min
Day 288: The Duties of Parents
Explore the responsibilities of parents in raising their children in the faith, including moral and spiritual education. Emphasizes the importance of creating a home focused on virtues and instilling religious beliefs and practices. Discusses the significance of choosing a school that aligns with one's convictions.