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
10 snips
Nov 23, 2025 • 15min
Day 327: Poverty of Heart (2025)
Fr. Mike dives into the theme of poverty of heart, emphasizing God as our ultimate source of happiness. He discusses the importance of detachment from worldly possessions while encouraging listeners to become vessels of God's grace. Through a captivating analogy of the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea, he illustrates the flow of blessings versus hoarding. The conversation also touches on the challenges of avarice and the need for mortification to deepen our relationship with God, all wrapped in heartfelt prayers.
8 snips
Nov 22, 2025 • 21min
Day 326: Envy and Jealousy (2025)
Envy, described as the 'diabolical sin,' takes center stage as Fr. Mike explores its dangers and manifestations. He highlights the Tenth Commandment's role in addressing covetous desires and how it complements the Ninth. The podcast discusses the destructive nature of envy, calling it a source of hatred and detraction. Practical guidance is offered on overcoming such feelings through humility and rejoicing in the success of others. Fr. Mike also distinguishes between jealousy and envy, providing relatable examples to clarify their moral implications.
7 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 23min
Day 325: Battling for Purity (2025)
Fr. Mike tackles the challenging battle for purity in modern life. He emphasizes the importance of chastity and pure intentions, urging listeners to see others as God does. The discussion touches on the role of modesty in protecting personal dignity and the need for media responsibility. He shares insights on disciplining feelings and thoughts while leaning on prayer for strength. With anecdotes and practical advice, the conversation aims to inspire freedom from temptation and promotes a deeper connection to faith.
12 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 18min
Day 324: The Ninth Commandment (2025)
Dive into the ninth commandment, where covetousness and the battle between flesh and spirit take center stage. Fr. Mike highlights the importance of purity of heart and temperance in overcoming earthly desires. Explore the three kinds of concupiscence and how they intertwine. Illustrative anecdotes, like the candy and window story, reveal the root of our desires. With discussions on confession and obedience, discover the path to heart purification through faith and gradual freedom.
21 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 16min
Day 323: Truth, Beauty, and Sacred Art (2025)
Explore the awe-inspiring connection between truth and beauty, revealed through sacred art. Discover how creation serves as a reflection of God's perfection and how art, as a true human expression, can evoke deep spiritual joy. Fr. Mike emphasizes the role of faith in regulating sacred art to ensure it glorifies the divine mystery. He highlights the importance of truthfulness in life and the power of witnessing Christ through our actions and words, even in the age of social media.
18 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 16min
Day 322: Respect for Truth (2025)
Fr. Mike discusses how charity governs our decision to share the truth, emphasizing that it’s not unconditional. He examines the role of mass media in promoting truth while warning against gossip and undue invasion of privacy. The importance of confidentiality, particularly in the sacramental seal, is highlighted. He also addresses the ethical responsibilities of journalists and the impact of disinformation on society. Today's insights encourage thoughtful engagement with information and respect for the private lives of others.
20 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 29min
Day 321: Offenses Against Truth (2025)
Explore the complexities of truth and falsehood, from the grave consequences of perjury to the subtleties of slander and detraction. Fr. Mike discusses how to navigate the nuances of honesty, emphasizing humility and the importance of repairing harm done by lies. The podcast dives into the moral dilemmas of lying in extreme situations, urging listeners to balance honesty with compassion. Reflect on real-life stories of reparation and the social implications of deceit, all while seeking deeper understanding of truth's profound significance.
16 snips
Nov 16, 2025 • 22min
Day 320: The Truth (2025)
Delve into the Eighth Commandment and explore the profound importance of living in truth. Fr. Mike discusses the obligation to adhere to truth once known and how it shapes our actions. He highlights the role of God and Jesus as the ultimate sources of truth while reflecting on the virtues of truthfulness and justice. The concept of martyrdom as the highest witness to faith is also unpacked, emphasizing the call for Christians to testify through both words and deeds. This thought-provoking journey encourages listeners to live authentically.
9 snips
Nov 15, 2025 • 15min
Day 319: Summary of the Seventh Commandment (2025)
Father Mike Schmitz dives into the essence of the seventh commandment, emphasizing the dignity of private property and the Church's responsibility in social justice. He challenges listeners to recognize Jesus in the poor and confront their moral choices. The discussion highlights the value of human labor, connecting work to creation and redemption. With poignant parables like Lazarus, he illustrates God's call for compassion towards those in need and encourages an active response to economic injustices.
8 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 22min
Day 318: Love for the Poor (2025)
Fr. Mike explores the Church's deep-rooted love for the poor, emphasizing they are the true treasures of the Church. He discusses how caring for the poor is a matter of justice rather than just charity. The podcast delves into Scriptural motives, the significance of both corporal and spiritual works of mercy, and the necessity of recognizing Christ in the poor. Fr. Mike highlights the importance of prioritizing almsgiving over material adornments, all while reflecting on historical teachings from the Old Testament and notable saints.
