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
Oct 16, 2025 • 17min
Day 289: Family, Society, and the Kingdom (2025)
Exploring the balance between family and faith, it's highlighted that following Jesus should take precedence over familial ties. Parents are encouraged to respect their adult children's vocational choices, even if it means supporting a call to the priesthood. The discussion also delves into the role of civil authorities, emphasizing that power should serve justice and the common good. Fr. Mike stresses the importance of protecting human dignity against any authority that contradicts natural law.
11 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 29min
Day 288: The Duties of Parents (2025)
Parenthood is a profound journey beyond just having children. Parents are seen as primary educators, responsible for nurturing virtues and prayers at home. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of humility, confession, and self-mastery as core values in family life. He stresses early catechesis and church involvement to cultivate a living faith. The discussion also highlights parental rights in education choices and the necessary balance of supporting adult children’s autonomy while guiding them.
8 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 21min
Day 287: The Gratitude of Children (2025)
Gratitude is highlighted as essential in the parent-child relationship, fostering respect and support. Fr. Mike emphasizes that even as adults, we have ongoing duties to care for our parents, illustrated through simple gestures like a phone call. He warns how modern busyness can hinder our ability to show love and care. The discussion encourages a deeper understanding of familial duties and invites listeners to take immediate action in reaching out to their family members, reinforcing the importance of connection and support.
9 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 18min
Day 286: The Family and Society (2025)
Discover how the family serves as the cornerstone of society, shaping our understanding of freedom and community. Fr. Mike highlights the role of civil authorities in supporting familial structures. Delve into the responsibilities families have to nurture love and care within their circles. Learn about the importance of viewing neighbors as individuals interconnected through familial bonds. This insightful discussion emphasizes dignity for all, urging listeners to embrace mutual responsibility and share a prayer for families everywhere.
7 snips
Oct 12, 2025 • 17min
Day 285: The Nature of the Family (2025)
Explore the essence of family as defined by the Catechism, centered on the union of a man and woman with their children. Discover how this definition transcends cultural debates and emphasizes the family's fundamental role in society. Fr. Mike highlights the significance of friendship within families in spreading the Good News. He also delves into the family's dignity, its role as a 'domestic church,' and how daily prayer and sacrifices embody Christian living. Ultimately, he posits that it is through familial bonds that the Gospel truly flourishes.
9 snips
Oct 11, 2025 • 22min
Day 284: The Fourth Commandment (2025)
Explore the profound significance of the fourth commandment and its foundational role in our relationships. Fr. Mike dives into the importance of honoring parents, even when they fall short, and outlines three levels of respect we can offer. Discover how this commandment extends beyond family to other figures of authority, emphasizing the mutual responsibilities we share. With practical wisdom, he discusses the balance of honoring imperfect parents through prudence. It's a thought-provoking look at how respect shapes our lives.
7 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 23min
Day 283: The Day of Rest (2025)
Fr. Mike delves into the significance of the Sabbath, emphasizing rest as a divine gift. He highlights the importance of family time, service to the less fortunate, and personal reflection on Sundays. Fr. Mike discusses balancing work with leisure and advocates for intentionality in worship and mercy. He warns against the idolization of constant activity, encouraging listeners to embrace a more restful and reflective lifestyle. Practical tips include redesigning Sunday to cultivate joy and community, helping to reignite the true spirit of the Lord's Day.
9 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 23min
Day 282: The Sunday Obligation (2025)
Discover the importance of attending Sunday Mass as Fr. Mike delves into its role in the Church and Christian life. He explains how Sunday replaces the Sabbath, emphasizing its connection to the Paschal Mystery. Listeners learn about the seriousness of missing Mass and the conditions for valid excuses. Fr. Mike shares practical tips for honoring the Lord's Day, even when attendance isn't possible, and highlights the powerful testimonies of families committed to their faith. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of worship and community!
8 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 21min
Day 281: Keep Holy the Lord’s Day (2025)
Discover the significance of the third commandment as it emphasizes the importance of rest and worship on the Lord's Day. Fr. Mike highlights God's rest as a model for our own, linking Sabbath observance to freedom from slavery. Explore how Sunday has evolved as the Christian Lord’s Day, celebrating new creation and eternal rest. The discussion also calls for regular public worship, urging a commitment to weekly Mass attendance, fostering a community of faith that supports not just ourselves but others in need.
7 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 17min
Day 280: The Christian Name (2025)
What does it truly mean to bear a Christian name? The sacredness of baptismal names is explored, highlighting their role in our dignity and personal identity in Christ. Fr. Mike discusses the importance of the Sign of the Cross as a public declaration of faith and protection against temptation. The tradition of choosing a Christian name and the significance of patron saints are examined. Ultimately, listeners discover how their names reflect God's unique love and call to live as children of the Father.
