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
8 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 20min
Day 232: Man Is Made in the Image of God (2025)
Discover the deep concept of human dignity rooted in being created in God's image. Fr. Mike discusses how this dignity is preserved through virtue and charity, highlighting the moral responsibilities we have to one another. The intricacies of original sin and its impact on human identity are unveiled, emphasizing our journey through good and evil. The transformative power of Christ's love is a key theme, illustrating how divine grace supports us in our pursuit of virtue and eternal life.
8 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 19min
Day 231: Our Calling (2025)
Dive into the transformative power of grace and the significance of being children of God. Discover how Christian virtues shape our identities and conduct. Explore the journey into morality and vocation, as Fr. Mike emphasizes that the core of acceptance often lies in our moral understanding rather than dogma. Embrace the call to reflect the Gospel in everyday life and learn how the Holy Spirit guides this profound transformation.
11 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 59min
Day 230: How We Live (Part 3 Introduction with Dr. Mary Healy)
Dr. Mary Healy, a Professor of Scripture at Sacred Heart Seminary and expert in moral theology, joins the conversation to explore key insights from the Catechism on how we live. They discuss the true nature of moral teachings as gifts for fulfillment, emphasize the need for discernment between God’s gentle voice and self-accusation, and highlight the balance between individual freedom and the common good. Healy encourages embracing Catholic perspectives on social justice and love, underscoring the transformative power of surrendering to God's will.
8 snips
Aug 17, 2025 • 21min
Day 229: Christian Funerals (2025)
Discover the profound significance of Christian funerals as celebrations of hope and eternal life. Fr. Mike delves into the rich liturgical elements that bring communities together to honor the deceased. Explore how the Eucharist and prayers for purification play a crucial role in these rituals. Understand death through the lens of the Paschal mystery and the promise of reunion in Christ. Each farewell is not an end but a step towards the fullness of the Kingdom.
9 snips
Aug 16, 2025 • 23min
Day 228: Blessings, Sacramentals and Popular Piety (2025)
Dive into the fascinating world of sacramentals and blessings that enrich the Catholic faith. Discover how these sacred signs connect to the sacraments and enhance spiritual growth. Explore the significance of exorcisms, both simple and solemn, in establishing a sacred purpose. Hear how popular piety complements the liturgy, rather than replaces it, illustrating the vibrant tapestry of devotion in the Church. An engaging discussion that highlights the depth and diversity of Catholic traditions awaits you.
5 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 13min
Day 227: Summary of the Sacrament of Matrimony (2025)
Explore the transformative power of the Sacrament of Matrimony, where love and commitment intertwine as a sacred covenant. Discover how marriage serves as a beautiful reflection of Christ's union with the Church. Fr. Mike shares insights on the family as the Domestic Church, emphasizing growth in charity and prayer. Dive into the essential role of self-giving in fostering a nurturing and faith-filled household. This discussion highlights marriage as a cornerstone of society, vital for fulfilling God’s divine purpose.
8 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 16min
Day 226: The Supreme Gift of Marriage (2025)
The podcast discusses the profound role of marriage as a sacrament that nurtures family life and openness to procreation. It emphasizes parents as primary educators within the Domestic Church, guiding their children in faith. The episode also offers insight into the experiences of couples facing infertility, showcasing their resilience and love. Additionally, it touches on the inclusive nature of the Church, supporting all families, whether they are thriving or facing challenges. This deep exploration of marriage underscores its significance in the Christian life.
8 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 20min
Day 225: Total Fidelity in Marriage (2025)
Dive into the beautiful yet challenging concept of fidelity in marriage. Discover how the faithfulness between husband and wife symbolizes God's unwavering love for humanity. Explore the complexities of separation and divorce while considering the supportive role of faith communities. Gain insights into the difficult yet vital aspects of maintaining loyalty in matrimony, and understand the deep significance of these commitments in light of church teachings.
9 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 21min
Day 224: The Grace of the Sacrament of Marriage (2025)
The podcast explores the profound grace of the Sacrament of Marriage, emphasizing supernatural love between spouses. Fr. Mike discusses the essential characteristics of the marriage bond and the unique roles each partner plays. Listeners learn about the importance of mutual submission and how conjugal love requires faithfulness and an openness to fertility. Key themes include nurturing support within the family and embodying Christian values through unity and fidelity.
7 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 18min
Day 223: Differences in Religion in Marriage (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the complexities of mixed marriages in the Catholic Church. He explains the differences between unions involving baptized and non-baptized partners. The discussion highlights the challenges these couples face, especially in raising children with differing faiths. Emphasis is placed on the importance of consent, understanding, and mutual respect in navigating their spiritual journey together. Listeners gain insights into fostering harmony despite religious differences, making for a thought-provoking conversation.
