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
Mar 29, 2026 • 18min
Day 88: Christ’s Definitive Sacrifice
A deep dive into Christ’s unique and definitive sacrifice and how it completes and surpasses Old Testament offerings. Discussion of the Paschal Sacrifice, the New Covenant, and why only Christ could accomplish universal redemption. Exploration of how believers are invited to share in that sacrifice through love, obedience, and the Mass as the ongoing, unbloody offering.
6 snips
Mar 28, 2026 • 14min
Day 87: Christ’s Life as Offering (2026)
A reflection on how Jesus freely offered his whole life to the Father and how that offering shapes the meaning of the Eucharist. Imagery of the Lamb and suffering servant connects sacrifice to redemption. The Last Supper and Gethsemane frame voluntary love entering real anguish. A brief guided prayer invites personal participation in Christ’s offering.
9 snips
Mar 27, 2026 • 21min
Day 86: God’s Plan of Salvation (2026)
A discussion about how Christ's violent death fits within God's plan of salvation and biblical prophecy. Examination of responsibility for the passion and how Scripture, especially Isaiah, points to fulfillment. A look at how human free will coexists with divine foreknowledge and predestination. Reflections on Christ's solidarity with sinners and the universal scope of God's redeeming love.
Mar 26, 2026 • 19min
Day 85: The Trial of Christ (2026)
A reflection on the trial and crucifixion that explores how human sin—even divisions and political maneuvering—played a role in Christ’s Passion. It stresses that blame is not collective and confronts misconceptions about Jewish responsibility. The reading also highlights how ongoing personal sin can crucify Christ anew and how God can bring good from humanity’s worst acts.
7 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 15min
Day 84: The Claim of Savior (2026)
A theological look at why Jesus' claim to be God and savior scandalized religious leaders. Conversations about his eating with sinners, forgiving sins, and how miracles backed his authority. Reflections on hardness of heart, the challenge of faith, and prayers for openness and conversion.
5 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 13min
Day 83: Jesus and the Temple (2026)
A look at Jesus’ deep reverence for the Jerusalem Temple and what it meant for Jewish worship and civic life. A discussion of Jesus’ prediction about the Temple’s destruction and its historical fulfillment. Exploration of how temple worship gave way to Eucharistic worship and the idea of God dwelling among us in the Eucharist.
4 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 15min
Day 82: Jesus and the Law (2026)
Discussion of Jesus' relationship with the Old Testament Law and how he interprets and fulfills it. Exploration of Jesus' Jewish identity and his role as the definitive lawgiver. Comparison of temple, kingdom, and moral laws and which remain binding after Christ. Consideration of moral law's lasting authority and its call to interior transformation.
7 snips
Mar 22, 2026 • 17min
Day 81: Christ’s Paschal Mystery (2026)
A concise tour of the Paschal Mystery exploring Christ’s passion, death, burial, and resurrection. Discussion on reading Scripture and history to grasp redemption. Examination of Jesus’ relationship with Israel and reasons some Jewish leaders rejected him. Reflection on Jesus as a Jewish rabbi who honored the Law while claiming unique authority.
7 snips
Mar 21, 2026 • 16min
Day 80: Summary of the Mysteries of Christ’s Life (2026)
Short reflections on the mysteries of Christ’s life, focusing on his obedience, hidden years, and public ministry. Scenes from the manger and Nazareth highlight humility, family, and work. The journey to Jerusalem and the inauguration of the kingdom are examined. Encourages meditating on the Gospels and praying the Rosary.
7 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 18min
Day 79: Jesus’ Transfiguration and Messianic Acts (2026)
A focused look at the Transfiguration and Jesus’ messianic entry into Jerusalem. It contrasts baptism and Transfiguration as bookends to his mission. Listeners hear the paradox of revealed glory alongside voluntary suffering. Themes of humble triumph, the meaning of Hosanna, and a call to imitate Christ’s humility and hope are highlighted.
