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
6 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 25min
Day 300: Science, Bodily Integrity, and the Dead (2025)
Explore the vital relationship between science and human dignity. Fr. Mike highlights the moral boundaries necessary for scientific research. He emphasizes that science should enhance lives rather than define meaning. The discussion touches on the ethics of organ donation, the wrongness of terrorism, and how to care for the dying. There's also reflection on the past mistakes of the Church regarding torture and abuse. The episode encourages a thoughtful and prayerful approach to science, rooted in respect for every person.
8 snips
Oct 26, 2025 • 14min
Day 299: Respect for Health (2025)
Health is viewed as a divine gift; thus, caring for it is a shared responsibility. Fr. Mike discusses the dangers of elevating health to an idol, which can skew our perception of human dignity. He introduces temperance as the principle of moderation in our choices, particularly regarding food and substances. The conversation also touches on serious topics like the impact of drug misuse and societal behaviors that compromise health and safety. This insightful discussion challenges listeners to reflect on their approach to well-being.
6 snips
Oct 25, 2025 • 21min
Day 298: Respect for Others (2025)
This episode dives into the concept of scandal and its impact on virtue and integrity. Fr. Mike explains how leading others into sin is a grave offense, particularly when it comes from teachers or influencers. He shares personal experiences that illustrate the responsibility of those in positions of power. The discussion extends to how societal norms and institutional rules can normalize sin. Listeners are called to reflect on their actions and pray for those who have been led astray, emphasizing the importance of accountability.
9 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 21min
Day 297: The Cross of Suicide (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the sensitive topic of suicide, emphasizing that life is a divine gift we are meant to steward, not own. He discusses the church's teachings on the responsibilities we hold for ourselves and others, highlights the importance of mental health care, and shares poignant testimonies of last-minute repentance. Throughout, he delivers a powerful message of hope for those struggling or grieving, reminding listeners that even in darkness, God's mercy is profound and always attainable.
14 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 22min
Day 296: The Sin of Euthanasia (2025)
The discussion delves into the morality of euthanasia, emphasizing that ending a life, even with compassionate motives, is fundamentally wrong. It contrasts the sanctity of life with the flawed quality-of-life ethic, warning against cultural normalization of euthanasia as a consequence of societal attitudes toward abortion. The importance of palliative care as a loving alternative is highlighted, along with the necessity for patients or their families, not bureaucrats, to make care decisions. Ultimately, the emphasis is on valuing every life, regardless of circumstances.
12 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 17min
Day 295: The Wound of Abortion (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the sensitive topic of abortion, emphasizing the sanctity of life from conception and the gravity of this issue. He discusses the Church's stance on excommunication for those who procure abortions while underscoring God's boundless mercy. Historical insights reveal early Christian rejection of abortion, shedding light on moral responsibilities in society. The importance of pastoral care and empathy for those affected is highlighted, along with an invitation to seek forgiveness and healing through confession.
12 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 12min
Day 294: Homicide (2025)
Dive into the gravity of homicide as various forms of killing are dissected. Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the moral weight of intentional murder and highlights the complexities of accidental deaths. He also addresses the particularly grave nature of family murders and critiques justifications for eugenics. The conversation extends to indirect actions leading to death, including societal negligence. Economic practices that perpetuate hunger are labeled as indirect homicide, urging listeners to reflect on their moral responsibilities.
6 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 17min
Day 293: Legitimate Defense (2025)
Is self-defense ever justifiable? This discussion dives into the Church's teaching on legitimate defense and the dignity of human life. Fr. Mike explores the double effect principle, emphasizing self-preservation over harming the aggressor. He explains how self-love supports the right to life and outlines circumstances where defending others becomes a moral obligation. The podcast also tackles the evolution of the death penalty, examining its historical acceptance and the Church's current stance against it, highlighting modern views on justice and human dignity.
6 snips
Oct 19, 2025 • 15min
Day 292: Respect for Human Life (2025)
Dive into the sacred nature of human life as the fifth commandment unfolds: 'you shall not kill.' Discover why this commandment roots in human dignity and God's creative power. Fr. Mike highlights how Jesus deepens its meaning by addressing anger and vengeance in the Sermon on the Mount. The discussion extends to the challenge of truly loving our enemies, using C.S. Lewis's insights on wishing them well. Learn about the importance of forgiveness and the grace needed to embody Christ's mercy in our lives.
12 snips
Oct 18, 2025 • 17min
Day 291: The Political Community and the Church (2025)
Dive into a thought-provoking exploration of how political communities reflect varying visions of humanity. The teaching on human dignity highlights the Church's essential role in advocating for moral truths in politics. Unpack the significance of the Fourth Commandment in shaping family and civic responsibilities. Learn when citizens must stand against unjust laws, and discover the dire consequences of societies that reject the gospel, risking totalitarianism. This engaging discussion invites reflection on faith's impact on governance.
