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
7 snips
Feb 26, 2026 • 16min
Day 57: Consequences of Adam’s Sin (2026)
Discussion of how Adam and Eve’s sin affected all human nature and introduced death and sin. Explanation of why infants are baptized and how original sin is transmitted. Exploration of concupiscence and how human nature is good yet wounded. Review of historical reactions and the Church’s teaching on our shared need for redemption.
16 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 21min
Day 56: Man’s First Sin (2026)
A close look at humanity’s first sin and how freedom becomes a test of choosing true goods. Discussion of how sin twists trust in God and the desire to be God without God. Exploration of the immediate loss of harmony, the entry of death into human history, and the promise that God does not abandon us.
8 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 19min
Day 55: The Fall of the Angels (2026)
A theological look at how some angels fell and what that means for creation. Short reflections on why their choice is said to be irreversible. Discussion of pride and envy as possible motives for rebellion. Consideration of God’s mercy, human freedom, and why divine providence permits evil.
13 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 19min
Day 54: The Fall of Man (2026)
A reflection on the mystery of evil and why it points us to Christ. A clear take on evil as a privation, not a created thing. A frank definition of sin as humanity turning from God. Discussion of original sin’s consequences and how Christ brings life and grace. A closing prayer asking the Spirit to illuminate our understanding.
9 snips
Feb 22, 2026 • 16min
Day 53: Man in Paradise (2026)
A discussion of humanity's original friendship with God and the harmony of creation. Exploration of original holiness, justice, and the unity of body and soul. Reflection on leisure, love, and labor as intended purposes and work as collaborative worship. A look at mastery of self and interior freedom as part of human vocation.
11 snips
Feb 21, 2026 • 15min
Day 52: Male and Female (2026)
A lively walk through what it means to be male and female in divine design. Short reflections on human unity as body and soul and how equality and complementarity coexist. A look at being whole persons who are made for communion and mutual help. Discussion of biological signs of complementarity and our shared duty to steward creation.
16 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 17min
Day 51: Unity of Soul and Body (2026)
A reflection on the unity of body and soul and why separating them causes confusion and pain. Short readings from the Catechism on how the soul animates the body and forms a single human nature. Clarifications about soul, spirit, and the heart’s moral role. A prayerful call to honor the dignity and immortality of the whole person.
18 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 16min
Day 50: The Dignity of Man (2026)
A discussion of human dignity rooted in being made in God’s image. Short reflections on personhood as someone, not something, and the call to covenant with God. Talks about human unity, solidarity, and why using or ranking people is wrong. Challenges racism and urges loving reciprocity.
22 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 20min
Day 49: We Are Created For Worship (2026)
A reflection on how all creatures are ordered to give glory to God and the solidarity of creation. A walk through Genesis’ six days and the meaning of the Sabbath as rest and worship. Imagery of creation as a cosmic temple and the idea of the eighth day in Christ. Brief looks at angels, prayer, and how creation invites us into worship.
12 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 19min
Day 48: Creation in Order (2026)
A lively take on how creation shows order, beauty, and interdependence. Listens explore the idea that everything owes its existence to God and that the world is meant for care, not abuse. Discussion highlights stewardship, the goodness of every creature, and human dignity as the summit of creation.
