
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

Apr 6, 2025 • 21min
Day 96: The Church’s Ultimate Trial (2025)
Dive into the Church's ultimate trial as it anticipates the challenges before Christ's return. Explore the deceptions posed by the Antichrist and the dramatic threats to faith. Discover how personal decision-making plays a crucial role on this spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of confession and grace. Fr. Mike highlights the church's resilience amidst persecution and the need for vigilance against false hopes. Ultimately, faith must remain steadfast as believers wait for divine victory and judgment.

Apr 5, 2025 • 23min
Day 95: Christ’s Reign on Earth (2025)
Delve into the duality of Christ's reign on earth and in heaven, exploring the Church as both a kingdom and a community. The podcast highlights the tension between Christ's presence and the anticipation of his return. It discusses the coexistence of holiness and brokenness in faith, using 'The Lord of the Rings' as a metaphor for spiritual vigilance. Additionally, it underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel and emphasizes the hope for salvation shared by all believers.

Apr 4, 2025 • 17min
Day 94: Christ’s Ascension into Heaven (2025)
Discover the profound significance of Christ's Ascension into heaven, which connects humanity directly to the divine. Fr. Mike explains how this event marks Jesus' permanent union with God, fulfilling His saving mission. The discussion delves into the transformative effects of the Ascension, highlighting Christ as our eternal priest who intercedes for us. This podcast illuminates how the Ascension enhances our worship and deepens our connection to God's life and happiness, culminating beautifully in the Holy Mass.

4 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 16min
Day 93: The Meaning of the Resurrection (2025)
Delve into the profound significance of Jesus' resurrection and how it confirms His divine identity as the Son of God. Explore the transformative power of the Paschal Mystery, highlighting liberation from sin and the promise of new life. Reflect on how these teachings invite believers to deepen their faith and experience a personal connection with God. Embrace gratitude for the supportive community that enhances the journey of faith, making each revelation more impactful.

Apr 2, 2025 • 18min
Day 92: The Man of Heaven (2025)
Explore the transformative nature of Christ's resurrection, highlighting its unique glory compared to other biblical resurrections. Fr. Mike discusses how this event is a profound work of the Holy Trinity, emphasizing divine intervention. Listeners are invited to appreciate the depth of these teachings while reflecting on the implications for their faith. The message blends gratitude for support with a journey into vital Catechism readings, making for a meaningful spiritual exploration.

Apr 1, 2025 • 18min
Day 91: Christ Rose from the Dead (2025)
Explore the pivotal role of Jesus’ bodily resurrection as the cornerstone of Christian faith. Fr. Mike emphasizes its historical reality, dismissing any notions of it being a mere legend. The transformation of the apostles from doubt to unwavering faith is highlighted, showcasing how their personal experiences with the risen Christ shaped their testimonies. Witness accounts and the significance of the empty tomb are discussed, illustrating the profound impact of this event on the foundation of Christianity.

4 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 15min
Day 90: Christ Descended into Hell (2025)
Curious about the phrase, "He descended into hell" from the Creed? This discussion reveals its profound significance in fulfilling the Gospel message of salvation. Fr. Mike explains how Jesus' descent was not just for those on earth during his lifetime but for all righteous souls throughout history. Explore the stark contrasts between the experiences of the righteous and the damned in the afterlife. It's a journey that deepens the understanding of identity within God's family and invites reflection on faith and salvation.

Mar 30, 2025 • 14min
Day 89: Jesus Christ Was Buried (2025)
Explore the profound mystery of Christ's death as an act of love for all humanity. Reflect on the significance of His burial and how it shapes the narrative of salvation. Experience the hope found in the journey from death to resurrection. Delve into the transformative power of baptism, representing both Jesus's burial and renewal. Gain insights into Holy Saturday and the dual nature of Christ, enriching the understanding of salvation and redemption for believers.

Mar 29, 2025 • 18min
Day 88: Christ’s Definitive Sacrifice
Discover the significance of Christ's unique and definitive sacrifice, which transforms humanity's connection with God. Dive into the connection between His trial, crucifixion, and the Eucharist, emphasizing obedience and salvation. Fr. Mike explains how believers are invited to participate in this sacrificial love by embracing their own crosses. Enjoy insights on how accepting suffering out of love unites us with Christ in an ongoing journey of redemption.

6 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 14min
Day 87: Christ’s Life as Offering (2025)
Explore the profound theme of Christ’s life as an offering, emphasizing His love and obedience amidst suffering. Delve into the significance of the Eucharist as a memorial of His sacrifice, encouraging personal reflection on embracing trust and love. Experience the transformative power of Jesus’ acceptance of suffering and the call to participate in this redemptive act through Mass. Join the journey of understanding how His agony leads to salvation and invites us to live out our faith.