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
Feb 17, 2024 • 19min
Day 48: Creation in Order (2024)
Exploring the beauty and interdependence of creation, highlighting human responsibility to care for the natural world. Emphasizing the goodness and perfection of every creature as reflections of God. Delving into the role of humans as stewards, not owners, of the Earth and the interconnectedness of all beings. Reflecting on the divine gifts of intellect and will given to humans by God.
Feb 16, 2024 • 18min
Day 47: The Angels (2024)
The podcast discusses the role of angels in Christianity, addressing their creation through and for Jesus and their presence throughout salvation history. It explores how angels participate in the liturgy and their care for and protection of human life. The episode also emphasizes the intercessory power of angels and saints, highlighting their role as messengers of God's tenderness.
Feb 15, 2024 • 18min
Day 46: Heaven and Earth (2024)
The podcast explores the topics of heaven and earth, the existence and nature of angels, and the unique connection between humans and angels. It delves into the spiritual and invisible aspects of the world and highlights the role of angels as messengers of God. The episode encourages reflection on the presence of guardian angels and the ability of humans to glorify God.
Feb 14, 2024 • 14min
Day 45: Summary of Creation (2024)
In this “In Brief” section of the Catechism, we review that only God has the power to create, that is, to call into existence something from nothing. God made man and the entire universe as a manifestation of his love, and he keeps the world and all of us in existence by his will. Fr. Mike discusses one of the greatest mysteries of our faith: God bringing good out of evil. He says we won’t fully understand this mystery until we are united with God in heaven. In a broken world, we are called to trust in the goodness of God. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 315-324.
This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
7 snips
Feb 13, 2024 • 18min
Day 44: The Scandal of Evil (2024)
Explore the profound question of why evil exists in a world created by a good God. Fr. Mike discusses the relationship between freedom and moral evil, emphasizing that God permits evil to respect our choices. He highlights that while God doesn’t eliminate suffering, He redeems it, using examples like Joseph and Christ's passion to illustrate how good can emerge from grave evils. Trust in God’s providence is reinforced by the wisdom of saints, reminding us of the love and purpose inherent in life’s struggles.
8 snips
Feb 12, 2024 • 20min
Day 43: Creation Is Good (2024)
Discover the beauty of creation as Fr. Mike explores how God crafts an ordered and good world. Learn about God's dual nature of transcendence and presence, emphasizing that He continually sustains all creation. Fr. Mike discusses our role as secondary causes, highlighting our dignity in contributing to Divine Providence. Trust in God’s guidance through life's uncertainties is emphasized, showing how our suffering can have purpose. Lastly, the connection between creation's order and scientific discovery is revealed—with faith illuminating reason.
7 snips
Feb 11, 2024 • 18min
Day 42: The Work of Creation (2024)
Explore the profound questions of existence and destiny as Fr. Mike dives into why God created. Discover how the work of creation reflects the love and glory of the Holy Trinity. Learn the significance of Scripture in revealing the Word's role in creation, and how creation isn't just a past event but an ongoing act of divine love. Be inspired by insights from early church fathers and the understanding of creation ex nihilo, showcasing God's incredible power to bring spiritual life and hope.
7 snips
Feb 10, 2024 • 17min
Day 41: Origins and Ends (2024)
Fr. Mike dives into various theories of God’s existence, exploring pantheism, dualism, and more. He explains how human reason can hint at a creator, yet it's revelation that truly unravels the mysteries of creation. Notably, he emphasizes that God created the world for a relationship with humanity. The discussion encourages deeper reflection and prayer, inviting listeners to connect more personally with the divine. With insights from the Catechism, this exploration of creation fosters a rich understanding of faith.
4 snips
Feb 9, 2024 • 18min
Day 40: God Is the Creator (2024)
Fr. Mike dives into the concept of God as Creator, exploring profound questions about our origins and ultimate purpose. He discusses the relationship between faith and science, emphasizing that understanding the Creator enhances both. The idea of a purposeful universe is examined, critiquing materialistic views and highlighting the deeper meaning behind existence. Fr. Mike links our creation to God's saving plan through Christ, reminding us that we are made for divine love and union with God.
7 snips
Feb 8, 2024 • 20min
Day 39: The Father Almighty (2024)
Fr. Mike delves into the nature of God's almighty power, emphasizing its universality and loving essence. He discusses how God's power aligns with his inherent goodness and justice, rather than being arbitrary. The conversation includes insights on the mystery of evil and suffering, highlighting God’s loving response through mercy and redemption. Fr. Mike encourages listeners to trust in God's omnipotence and prepares them for the exploration of creation in future discussions.
