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
18 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 23min
Day 337: Blessing, Adoration, and Petition (2025)
Explore the diverse forms of prayer in the Church, focusing on blessing, adoration, and petition. Fr. Mike highlights prayer as a response to God's gifts, showcasing the beauty of humble adoration. Learn about the hope-filled nature of petitions in the New Testament versus the lamentation of the Old Testament. Discover the integral role of the Holy Spirit in our prayers and how asking for forgiveness is essential for true communion with God. Finally, find out how all our needs can be presented to God in prayer.
8 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 14min
Day 336: Jesus Hears Our Prayer (2025)
Explore the beauty of the Jesus Prayer and how it invites personal connection with God. Fr. Mike reflects on Mary's role in intercession, highlighting her Fiat as a model of trust. He shares powerful examples of Jesus’ response to prayer and the importance of praying with faith. The Magnificat serves as a hymn of gratitude, celebrating God’s promises. Finally, listeners are encouraged to embrace Jesus’ instructions on prayer, emphasizing heartfelt communication and trust in divine intervention.
18 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 19min
Day 335: Jesus Teaches Us to Pray (2025)
Discover how Jesus' teachings on prayer serve as a powerful template for true connection with God. The importance of internal conversion, love for enemies, and praying in secret is beautifully explored. Fr. Mike emphasizes the boldness to approach God as a loving Father and the necessity of vigilance in prayer. The discussion also delves into perseverance, humility, and the assurance of being heard when united with Christ. Each aspect offers practical insights for deepening one’s prayer life.
8 snips
Nov 30, 2025 • 20min
Day 334: How Jesus Prayed (2025)
Discover how Jesus' prayer life shapes our understanding of communication with God. Learn about the significance of his solitude before major events and how he taught his disciples the art of prayer. Reflect on the depth of his cries from the cross and Gethsemane, showcasing profound trust in the Father. Explore the connection between the Psalms and Christ’s prayers, revealing how his suffering leads to salvation. This journey into Jesus’ relationship with prayer inspires and instructs our own spiritual practice.
6 snips
Nov 29, 2025 • 13min
Day 333: The Psalms (2025)
Dive into the power of the Psalms as essential prayers that connect us to God. Learn how they nourish faith while expressing our deepest beliefs, and discover their role in both personal and communal prayer. Fr. Mike highlights Jesus' connection to the Psalms, revealing their ongoing significance in Church life. Explore various forms of Psalms, from hymns to laments, each conveying simplicity and a trustful submission to God. This reflection promises to deepen your understanding and appreciation of these timeless scriptures.
9 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 19min
Day 332: Prayer Converts Our Heart (2025)
Discover the transformative power of prayer as it intertwines with worship, moving beyond mere ritualism. Fr. Mike delves into how encounters with God, like those of the prophets, strengthen our mission and shape our hearts. Hear about Elijah's remarkable acts of mercy and the vital role of the Psalms in community worship. The discussion emphasizes the importance of persistence in prayer, encouraging listeners to let their actions influence their beliefs for true conversion.
14 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 19min
Day 331: The Foundations of Prayer (2025)
Explore the essence of prayer through the lessons of Moses and David. Discover how Moses models honest intercession, showcasing humility and intimacy with God. Delve into how David's Psalms serve as Spirit-inspired prayers, teaching us to trust during suffering. Fr. Mike emphasizes that humility and honesty are vital for authentic prayer. Ultimately, see how Jesus fulfills Davidic prayers, bridging our petitions to divine love. A deep dive into the foundations of how we communicate with the divine awaits!
14 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 22min
Day 330: The Revelation of Prayer (2025)
Explore the essence of prayer as a divine invitation, revealing how humans are called to a deeper relationship with God. Discover the covenantal nature of prayer through salvation history, illustrated by Abraham's unconditional obedience and intercessory heart. Delve into the transformative power of prayer that restores our likeness to God, alongside Jacob's struggle that reflects a persevering battle of faith. Each reflection emphasizes how prayer is both a gift and a fundamental aspect of our spiritual journey.
14 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 22min
Day 329: The Gift of Prayer (2025)
Explore the depths of prayer as a heartfelt surge defined by St. Thérèse. Delve into how humility acts as the foundation for genuine connection with God. Discover the beautiful notion that prayer is God's gift, where our thirst meets His. Understand the heart's role in sincere prayer and its biblical implications. Finally, learn how Christian prayer embodies a covenant and communion with the Father through the Spirit, enriching your spiritual journey.
24 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 58min
Day 328: How We Pray (Part 4 Intro w/ Sr. Miriam James Heidland) (2025)
Sr. Miriam James Heidland, a religious sister and retreat leader, shares her journey from a Catholic upbringing to a life dedicated to prayer. The discussion highlights prayer as a relational experience rather than mere performance. They explore common obstacles, like shame and distractions, while emphasizing the importance of solitude and silence. The power of contemplative prayer for intimacy with God is examined, along with Jesus's teachings on authentic prayer. Sr. Miriam encourages listeners to embrace God’s love and deepen their connection through heartfelt prayer.
