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
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.
8 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 20min
Day 78: Signs of the Kingdom (2026)
A lively look at the signs Jesus performed and what they reveal about the kingdom of God. Short reflections on how miracles can inspire faith or provoke offense. A clear focus on Jesus entrusting authority to Peter and the meaning of the power of the keys. Brief prayers and readings from the Catechism frame the themes.
9 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 17min
Day 77: The Kingdom of God (2026)
A look at Jesus’ mission to build God’s kingdom on earth and who belongs there. Scenes include his roles as king, priest, and prophet, and his victory over temptation. The talk highlights solidarity with the poor, mercy toward sinners, and the call to radical commitment. Listeners are urged to live their baptism through concrete deeds and care for the least among us.
7 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 19min
Day 76: Jesus’ Baptism and Temptation (2026)
A dive into Jesus’ baptism as the public start of his mission and a sign of being numbered with sinners. A look at his 40-day fast and the three temptations in the desert. Exploration of how Jesus succeeds where Adam and Israel failed by obediently facing the Devil. Short guided prayer and readings from the Catechism frame the reflections.
7 snips
Mar 16, 2026 • 24min
Day 75: Jesus’ Infancy and Hidden Life (2026)
A reflection on Jesus’ infancy rituals like baptism, circumcision and the Epiphany and what they signal about salvation. A look at the flight into Egypt and the contrast of darkness and light. A focus on Jesus’ hidden life in Nazareth: work, obedience to his earthly parents, silence, and the temple moment that hints at his mission.
