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
8 snips
Mar 15, 2026 • 18min
Day 74: The Christmas Mystery (2026)
Reflections on Christ as a living mystery, from ancient preparation to the humble glory of his birth. Conversations about Advent’s threefold coming and John the Baptist’s role in readying hearts. A focus on becoming childlike, letting Christ increase while we decrease, and the idea of Christ being formed within us.
9 snips
Mar 14, 2026 • 22min
Day 73: Christ’s Life Is Mystery (2026)
Short reflections on why parts of Jesus’ life remain mysterious and how mystery is meant to be entered into, not solved. A look at three shared features of Christ’s mysteries: revelation, redemption, and recapitulation. Practical ideas for how believers participate in and are transformed by those mysteries through imitation, union, and grace.
5 snips
Mar 13, 2026 • 14min
Day 72: Mary’s Motherhood (2026)
A concise look at reasons for Mary’s perpetual virginity and what that sign reveals about the incarnation. Discussion of how virgin conception points to God’s initiative and the new creation in Christ. Reflections on Mary as a model of faith and of the church who bears spiritual children.
8 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 16min
Day 71: Mary’s Virginity (2026)
A focused dive into Mary’s roles: her title as Mother of God, the virginal conception of Jesus, and the doctrine of her perpetual virginity. The discussion tackles scriptural silence, word usage like 'brothers,' and how Mary’s motherhood extends spiritually to believers. Brief reflections tie mystery and divine silence to the life of Christ.
6 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 13min
Day 70: The Immaculate Conception (2026)
A clear definition of the Immaculate Conception and why it refers to Mary’s conception, not Jesus'. A discussion of Mary’s preservation from original sin as a singular grace flowing from Christ. Reflections on Mary’s fiat, her role as New Eve, and how God grants specific graces for each person’s vocation.
12 snips
Mar 10, 2026 • 18min
Day 69: Born of the Virgin Mary (2026)
A focused dive into Mary’s role in salvation, tracing how her faith and consent shape the Incarnation. Clarifies the Holy Spirit’s part in Jesus’ conception and why Mary is called Mother of God. Compares Mary with Old Testament figures and new Eve imagery. Concludes with a prayerful call to imitate her humble yes and welcome her into spiritual life.
10 snips
Mar 9, 2026 • 18min
Day 68: The Mystery of the Incarnation (2026)
Explores the mystery of the Incarnation and how divine and human natures unite in one person. Talks about Jesus having a true human body and heart that loves each person. Covers why sacred images and veneration are legitimate and rooted in tradition. Reflects on Paul’s encounter with Christ’s personal love and how that love reaches believers.
12 snips
Mar 8, 2026 • 18min
Day 67: The Humanity and Divinity of Christ (2026)
A deep look at how the second Person of the Trinity assumed human nature without losing divinity. Discussion of Christ’s human soul, intellect, will, and body and how he acted, thought, and loved as a true human. Refutation of heresies denying his full humanity and exploration of his limited human knowledge and voluntary self-emptying.
18 snips
Mar 7, 2026 • 25min
Day 66: True God and True Man (2026)
A clear look at what it means that Jesus is fully God and fully human. Short histories of heresies that denied his divinity or humanity. Explains why Mary is called Mother of God and how councils like Nicaea and Chalcedon defended orthodox belief. Shows why both natures matter for salvation and how early controversies shaped Christian teaching.
17 snips
Mar 6, 2026 • 19min
Day 65: Why the Word Became Flesh (2026)
A clear tour of four Church reasons for the Incarnation. Discussion of salvation and reconciliation with God. Exploration of how the Incarnation reveals God’s love. Reflection on Jesus as the model of holiness and on sharing in the divine nature. Encouragement to pray and internalize the mystery.
