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
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.
12 snips
Mar 5, 2026 • 17min
Day 64: The Lord (2026)
A look at why the title Lord traces back to Yahweh and how Kyrios reveals Jesus’ divine name. Discussion of Thomas’ confession and Jesus’ power over nature, illness, demons, death, and sin. Examination of what calling Jesus Lord means for prayer, freedom, and Christian identity. Brief reviews of Jesus’ key titles and how the Spirit enables the confession of his lordship.
14 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 16min
Day 63: The Only Son of God (2026)
A reflection on the unique title “only Son of God” and how it differs from Old Testament uses of “son of God.” Discussion of Peter’s confession and Gospel moments where the Father testifies to Jesus’ sonship. Readings from the Catechism and a prayer inviting deeper grasp of Jesus’ divine identity and its meaning for Christian confession and life.
14 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 18min
Day 62: The Christ (2026)
Explores why Jesus is called the Christ and the meaning of “anointed one.” Covers his three-fold role as king, priest, and prophet and how believers share in that ministry. Examines messianic expectations from Israel’s history and how Jesus’ kingship is revealed through suffering. Ends with prayerful reflection on the paradox of the suffering king.
14 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 16min
Day 61: The Name of Jesus (2026)
A reflective look at the significance and reverence due to the name of Jesus. They unpack the name Yeshua and its meaning, trace Old Testament foreshadowing and the resurrection’s role in glorifying that name. Listeners are invited into prayer practices centered on saying Jesus’ name with reverence and to recognize its spiritual power and protection.
12 snips
Mar 1, 2026 • 21min
Day 60: God Sends His Only Son (2026)
A reflection on God sending his only Son and the overflowing grace that follows. Discussion of Christianity as a historical faith and the verifiable claims about Jesus. Exploration of catechesis: its purpose, centrality of Christ, and qualities needed to teach the faith. A call to know, live, and joyfully proclaim Jesus so others may come to belief.
16 snips
Feb 28, 2026 • 15min
Day 59: Summary of The Fall (2026)
A compact recap of the Father and original sin, highlighting human goodness alongside our brokenness and concupiscence. Discussion of fallen angels, Adam’s loss of original holiness, and how sin spreads. Reflection on hope through Christ’s greater gifts and the world being set free by God’s love.
16 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 22min
Day 58: Man’s Spiritual Battle (2026)
A look at the human struggle with sin and how freedom coexists with spiritual danger. Discussion of original sin, the Devil's influence, and how wounded human nature shapes culture and institutions. Reflection on why God permits evil and the hope offered by Genesis 3:15 for ultimate restoration.
