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
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.
24 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 18min
Day 47: The Angels (2026)
A lively dive into angels in salvation history, from guardian figures at Eden to their role around Christ. Discussion of angels as spiritual messengers and servants of God. Exploration of liturgy linking human praise with angelic worship. Reflection on angels' protective care and their role in lifting prayers to God.
21 snips
Feb 15, 2026 • 18min
Day 46: Heaven and Earth (2026)
A lively look at creation as both visible and invisible realms. Discussion of angels as purely spiritual, immortal beings with intellect and will. Contrast between human nature as both spiritual and corporeal and angelic nature. Reflection on angels’ roles, including guardian angels, and how humans and angels share the purpose of glorifying God.
21 snips
Feb 14, 2026 • 14min
Day 45: Summary of Creation (2026)
A concise walkthrough of creation, explaining God as the sole creator and the purpose of the universe. Discussion of God’s ongoing presence sustaining all things and the Trinity’s role in creation. Reflection on suffering, why evil is permitted, and the call to trust divine providence. A brief wrap-up highlighting creation’s aim to share truth, goodness, and beauty.
17 snips
Feb 13, 2026 • 18min
Day 44: The Scandal of Evil (2026)
A thoughtful dive into why evil exists and how it fits with a good Creator. Discussion of freedom, moral evil, and how a journeying world allows growth. Biblical and historical examples show how grave harms can be transformed. Reflections on limited human understanding and trusting providence amid suffering.
32 snips
Feb 12, 2026 • 20min
Day 43: Creation Is Good (2026)
A reflection on how God creates an ordered, good world and stays present in every creature. A look at divine providence and how God acts as primary cause while allowing real secondary causes. A discussion of human dignity as co-causes who can cooperate with God through action, prayer, and even suffering.
25 snips
Feb 11, 2026 • 18min
Day 42: The Work of Creation (2026)
A discussion about why God created and what that reveals about our existence. Exploration of Genesis’ three core claims about creation and its dependence on God. A look at the Trinity working together in creation and creation’s purpose to reveal God’s glory. Reflections on human purpose as sonship and on creation as an ongoing, life-giving act.
23 snips
Feb 10, 2026 • 17min
Day 41: Origins and Ends (2026)
A survey of different origin theories like pantheism, dualism, deism, and materialism. A discussion of how human reason can perceive a creator from creation’s order. An explanation of why Revelation is needed to answer deeper questions about God. A look at Genesis 1–3 as the primary account of creation, human vocation, and the hope of salvation.
16 snips
Feb 9, 2026 • 18min
Day 40: God Is the Creator (2026)
A lively exploration of God as Creator, addressing origins, destiny, and purpose. Science and faith are placed side by side to highlight wonder without collapsing meaning. The conversation tackles the problem of evil and what it means if the universe is mere accident. Themes include creation’s role in liturgy, baptism, and the call to union with God.
24 snips
Feb 8, 2026 • 20min
Day 39: The Father Almighty (2026)
A lively exploration of God as Almighty, unpacking omnipotence and what it means for creation. A look at why divine power is ordered by wisdom and justice. Reflection on God as loving Father who adopts and shows mercy. A thoughtful treatment of suffering that points to mystery, humility, and faith.
