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
Jun 7, 2024 • 15min
Day 159: When the Liturgy Is Celebrated (2024)
Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the question of when the liturgy is celebrated. The Catechism states that there is a word that marks Christian prayer, and that word is “today.” Fr. Mike emphasizes that our liturgy and worship happens “today,” not in the past and not in the future, but right now in this present moment. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1163-1167.
This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Jun 6, 2024 • 12min
Day 158: Holy Images in the Liturgy (2024)
We continue our examination of the different elements of the liturgy, specifically holy images in the liturgy. Fr. Mike highlights that because the Word was made visible in the flesh, Christians now can use images of Christ to pray. Liturgical art is a symbol that points to a greater reality than itself. It is meant to lift our hearts and minds to the Lord in a way that words cannot. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1159-1162.
This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Jun 5, 2024 • 16min
Day 157: God’s Word and Sacred Music (2024)
Fr. Mike examines the words, actions, music, and singing involved in how we celebrate the Liturgy. He discusses how, at many Masses, there are signs that accompany the Word of God to emphasize the importance of the Word being proclaimed. He further explains that sacred music is a combination of music and words drawn chiefly from Sacred Scripture. When we sing during the Liturgy, we are making art out of God’s Word, itself, and that art forms a necessary part of the Liturgy. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1153-1158.
This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Jun 4, 2024 • 17min
Day 156: How the Liturgy Is Celebrated (2024)
We continue to examine the celebration of the liturgy and sacraments. In the context of how the liturgy is celebrated, Fr. Mike explains that we are both body and spirit, and so signs and symbols are the way in which we communicate with and understand the world around us. God communicates spiritual realities in the same way. The signs and symbols which are utilized in the liturgy not only point to spiritual realities, but also make them present. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1145-1152.
This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Jun 3, 2024 • 18min
Day 155: Who Celebrates the Liturgy (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the participation of Christ and the saints in liturgy, emphasizing sacramental involvement in heavenly reality. The Church enables us to join the eternal liturgy through baptismal priesthood. Active participation and unity with ordained ministers are crucial in celebrating liturgy.
Jun 2, 2024 • 13min
Day 154: Sacraments of Eternal Life (2024)
Exploring the sacraments as a bridge to eternal life, highlighting their significance in salvation and connection to the divine realm. Delving into the power of sacraments in enhancing faith, expressing grace, and strengthening the Church community. Emphasizing the symbolism of sacraments in symbolizing Christ's sacrifice and connecting believers to Him through baptismal priesthood and active participation in the liturgy.
Jun 1, 2024 • 14min
Day 153: Sacraments Save (2024)
Fr. Mike discusses the saving power of sacraments, emphasizing their efficacy and necessity for salvation. Sacraments are not just symbols but cause what they signify, as Jesus is at work in each one. The transformative nature of sacraments is explored, highlighting their ability to unite believers with divine grace and bring about spiritual realities. Despite operating independently of personal holiness, the recipient's disposition influences the fruits of the sacrament.
May 31, 2024 • 17min
Day 152: Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi (2024)
The podcast delves into the connection between evangelization and sacraments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of sacramental rites. It explores the significance of prayer in shaping faith beliefs and the symbolism of sacramental rituals like white robes. The episode highlights the essential role of liturgy in expressing and nurturing the faith community.
May 30, 2024 • 15min
Day 151: The Seven Sacraments (2024)
Exploring the significance of the seven sacraments in the Church, highlighting their connection to Christ and the mystery of communion. Emphasizing the role of ministerial priests in administering sacraments and serving the baptismal priesthood. Delving into the indelible sacramental character and the evolution of church doctrine on sacraments.
May 29, 2024 • 13min
Day 150: The Epiclesis (2024)
Exploring the significance of epiclesis in the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the role of the Holy Spirit in transforming bread and wine, and the re-presentation of Christ's eternal sacrifice. The episode delves into Catechism paragraphs 1104-1112 and highlights the active presence of Christ's saving work through the power of the Holy Spirit.
