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
Apr 4, 2026 • 17min
Day 94: Christ’s Ascension into Heaven (2026)
A focused look at Christ’s ascension and what it means for humanity’s access to God. Discussion covers the glorified body after the resurrection and the irreversible union of human and divine. Exploration of how the ascension completes salvation, sends the Spirit, and inaugurates Christ’s eternal priesthood seated at the Father’s right hand. Includes a guided prayer of thanksgiving.
Apr 3, 2026 • 16min
Day 93: The Meaning of the Resurrection (2026)
A lively look at the resurrection as both a historical event and a transcendent, bodily reality. Discussion covers how the resurrection proves Christ's authority and unlocks new life by defeating death and sin. Exploration of Christ as firstfruits and what that promise means for our future bodily resurrection and present adoption as God’s children.
8 snips
Apr 2, 2026 • 18min
Day 92: The Man of Heaven (2026)
Discussion of how Christ’s rising differs from other raisings and what makes it a transcendent, glorified event. Exploration of Jesus’ resurrected body through touch, shared meals, and lasting wounds. Reflection on the Trinity’s joint role in resurrection and how humanity is drawn into divine life.
6 snips
Apr 1, 2026 • 18min
Day 91: Christ Rose from the Dead (2026)
A focused look at Christ's bodily resurrection as a literal, historical event. Discussion of the empty tomb and eyewitness appearances, including accounts of Mary Magdalene, Peter, the Twelve, and Paul's 500 witnesses. Reflection on initial doubt, conversion, and the apostles' costly testimony that underlines the resurrection's reality.
Mar 31, 2026 • 15min
Day 90: Christ Descended into Hell (2026)
A lively exploration of what the Creed means by “he descended into hell.” Clear explanations of how Jesus experienced death and entered the realm of the dead. A look at ancient tradition about rescuing the righteous who awaited the Redeemer. Reflections on how this descent completes the message of salvation across all times.
8 snips
Mar 30, 2026 • 14min
Day 89: Jesus Christ Was Buried (2026)
A focused look at Christ’s true human death and how his divinity prevented bodily corruption. Reflections on Holy Saturday as God’s Sabbath rest. Exploration of resurrection as reunion of body and soul. Symbolism of baptism as burial and rising to new life.
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.
