

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

Aug 16, 2024 • 21min
Day 229: Christian Funerals (2024)
Discover the profound significance of Christian funerals as sacramental moments that connect believers to the Paschal Mystery. Learn how these rituals bridge the gap to eternal life and provide support for those grieving. Explore the power of communal prayer and the Eucharist in honoring the deceased. Delve into the emotional aspects of mourning and the cultural meanings attached to these rites, all while holding onto the hope of reunion in Christ.

Aug 15, 2024 • 23min
Day 228: Blessings, Sacramentals and Popular Piety (2024)
Explore the fascinating world of sacramentals and blessings that elevate faith in the Catholic tradition. Discover how these sacred signs, including exorcisms, create powerful connections to the spiritual realm. Delve into the enriching role of popular piety practices, like the Rosary, and their relationship with the liturgy. Understand the significance of blessings in daily life and community. Finally, consider how these elements enhance the overall experience of Catholic spirituality and the celebration of Mass.

4 snips
Aug 14, 2024 • 13min
Day 227: Summary of the Sacrament of Matrimony (2024)
Discover the profound meaning of the sacrament of Matrimony, reflecting Christ's love for the Church. Explore the concept of the family as a 'domestic church,' where faith and virtue thrive. Learn about the unity and indissolubility of marriage, highlighting the grace found in the everyday struggles of family life. Delve into the essential union with Christ and how love and openness to life form the bedrock of a thriving society. It's a journey into the divine covenant that shapes our relationships.

Aug 13, 2024 • 16min
Day 226: The Supreme Gift of Marriage (2024)
Marriage is portrayed as a dual-purpose institution, nurturing both love and children. It highlights the importance of family as the Domestic Church, leading in faith amidst cultural challenges. The podcast also delves into the emotional journey of couples facing infertility, emphasizing community support and resilience. It stresses that even without children, love, selflessness, and companionship play crucial roles. Ultimately, it reaffirms that everyone belongs to God's family, fostering a sense of inclusivity within the Church.

Aug 12, 2024 • 20min
Day 225: Total Fidelity in Marriage (2024)
The podcast dives into the profound meaning of fidelity in marriage, portraying it as both a beautiful gift and a significant challenge. It connects the commitment between spouses to God's everlasting covenant with humanity. Fr. Mike discusses the painful realities of separation and divorce, emphasizing the church's role in offering support and love. Personal stories illustrate the journey of couples navigating difficulties, highlighting the vital importance of lifelong promises and reconciliation.

Aug 11, 2024 • 21min
Day 224: The Grace of the Sacrament of Marriage (2024)
Discover the divine power of the Sacrament of Marriage, emphasizing the strength it offers couples to love deeply. Explore the importance of mutual submission and selfless love, shifting away from traditional hierarchies. Learn about the essential qualities of conjugal love, including faithfulness, openness to fertility, and the indissoluble nature of the marital bond. Fr. Mike sheds light on how these principles provide a spiritual foundation for navigating both joys and challenges in married life.

Aug 10, 2024 • 18min
Day 223: Differences in Religion in Marriage (2024)
Fr. Mike, a knowledgeable priest, guides listeners through the complexities of mixed marriages and disparity of cult in Catholic teaching. He discusses how differing religious beliefs can lead to challenges, especially in raising children. Emphasizing the sacredness of marriage, he encourages couples to embrace their faith differences and highlights the significance of prayer and understanding. Fr. Mike offers insights on how the Catholic spouse can foster spiritual growth while navigating these unique dynamics.

Aug 9, 2024 • 23min
Day 222: Matrimonial Consent (2024)
Matrimonial consent is crucial for a valid marriage, requiring a free expression from both partners. External pressures can complicate this essential choice, making it vital to address challenges like unplanned pregnancies. The discussion sheds light on the distinctive elements of marriage, emphasizing the role of sexual union and mutual consent. Additionally, the complexities of annulment are explored, offering clarity for those facing marital struggles. Finally, the podcast highlights the sacramentality of marriage as a public act that serves both the Church and the community.

Aug 8, 2024 • 16min
Day 221: The Celebration of Marriage (2024)
Discover the essence of a Catholic wedding, focusing on its valid, worthy, and fruitful nature. Explore the beautiful connection between virginity and marriage as a higher divine purpose. Delve into the sacramental significance of matrimony, emphasizing mutual consent and the joy of celibacy. Fr. Mike highlights how celibate individuals can lead fulfilling lives while underscoring prayer and the Holy Spirit's role in sustaining couples' love and commitment.

Aug 7, 2024 • 22min
Day 220: Marriage in the New Covenant (2024)
Discover how the meaning of marriage transforms from the Old to the New Covenant. The sacrament of marriage is unveiled as a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church. Explore the journey from polygamy and divorce to the sanctity of Christian marriage. Learn how true love thrives on sacrifice and self-giving amidst life’s challenges. Fr. Mike emphasizes the grace-filled nature of this union and the divine support available to couples, revealing the powerful connection between love and commitment.


