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
21 snips
Feb 7, 2026 • 15min
Day 38: Summary of the Trinity (2026)
A concise walk through the mystery of the Trinity, explaining key terms like substance and person. A look at how the three divine persons work together and distinct missions. A selected creed excerpt and a short guided prayer to deepen understanding. A focus on Baptism as our invitation to share in the Trinity's life and a reflection on God's glory and personal care.
24 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 15min
Day 37: The Divine Economy (2026)
A clear look at the divine economy and how God reveals and communicates his life in time and space. A short exploration of how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit act together while remaining distinct persons. Reflections on communion with each divine Person and the ultimate goal of unity with the Trinity. Ends with a moving prayer inviting God to make our hearts his dwelling.
26 snips
Feb 5, 2026 • 18min
Day 36: The Nature of the Trinity (2026)
A clear dive into the doctrine of the Trinity, exploring God’s unity alongside three distinct divine persons. The conversation explains why precise theological terms matter and rejects simplistic mistakes about single-person models. Listeners hear how the persons relate to one another and encounter classical reflections on co-nature and mystery.
24 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 16min
Day 35: Formation of Trinitarian Dogma (2026)
A lively look at how Trinitarian doctrine was formulated, including why early councils clarified belief and how Church fathers defended it. Listeners hear why Scripture and baptismal formulas reveal Trinitarian life. The talk explains technical terms like substance, person, hypostasis and relation. It closes by reflecting on the mystery of the Trinity with Augustine’s seaside story.
27 snips
Feb 3, 2026 • 20min
Day 34: Unity in the Holy Spirit (2026)
A lively look at the Holy Spirit as a divine person who reveals the Father and Son. A survey of councils that defined the Spirit’s divinity and the historical filioque debate between East and West. Traces theological developments and offers reasons for hope in reconciliation. Ends with a call to prayer for unity in the Spirit.
17 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 14min
Day 33: God as Father (2026)
A theological look at how Scripture and tradition portray God as Father. Conversations probe how earthly fathers shape our image of the divine and where that image falls short. Exploration of Jesus’ revelation of eternal fatherhood and the Word’s relationship to the Father. Brief overview of Nicene-Trinitarian language and pastoral hope for healing and prayerful trust.
18 snips
Feb 1, 2026 • 15min
Day 32: The Most Holy Trinity (2026)
A focused meditation on the Trinity and what baptism means when it invokes one name in three persons. Clear explanations of theology versus economy and how God’s actions reveal His inner life. Scriptural hints of Trinitarian reality and a guided prayer to prepare listeners for the text.
30 snips
Jan 31, 2026 • 13min
Day 31: The Meaning of Faith (2026)
Explores what believing in one God implies for life: reverence for God’s greatness, a posture of thanksgiving, and the dignity shared by all people. Considers how to use creation to grow closer to God and practices detachment. Encourages trusting God in every circumstance and orienting life toward God as first origin and ultimate goal.
28 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 18min
Day 30: God Is Who Is (2026)
Explores God's eternal nature as existence itself, and what 'I am who I am' means. Discusses divine truth, faithfulness, and why God's promises hold. Looks at how sin began with doubt of God's word. Reflects on God's gratuitous love for Israel and rich biblical images of love. Presents the Trinity as the inner life of God and an invitation to share in divine love.
30 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 16min
Day 29: Knowing the Name of God (2026)
A look at God’s Divine Name in Scripture and what its mystery reveals. Discussion of the paradox of a name that both reveals and exceeds understanding. Reflections on human unworthiness and the reverent avoidance of pronouncing Yahweh. Exploration of God’s steadfast mercy and how Jesus embodies the divine I AM.
