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
47 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 15min
Day 28: The Nature of God (2026)
A clear look at who God is, starting with God the Father and why the Creed opens with him. A plain explanation of one divine being in three persons and how that shapes faith. Discussion of God revealing his name and making relationship possible. Reflection on the mystery of the Trinity alongside its accessibility.
24 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 11min
Day 27: The Gift of the Creed (2026)
A clear look at why creeds arose and how they shaped Christian belief. Short contrasts between the Apostles' and Nicene formulations and their roles in Church life. Reflections on St. Ambrose calling the creed a spiritual guardian and treasure. Discussion of Nicaea’s language that affirmed Christ’s full divinity and how the creed frames boundaries for belief.
29 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 19min
Day 26: Communion of Believers (2026)
A clear look at the Apostles' and Nicene creeds and why the later creed expanded on the earlier one. Exploration of creeds as concise symbols of faith that unite believers and trace baptismal roots. Discussion of the threefold Trinity structure, the tradition of creed articles, and how creeds evolved to address doctrinal challenges.
35 snips
Jan 25, 2026 • 12min
Day 25: Summary of Faith (2026)
A lively walk through faith as both a personal trust in God and a communal bond formed by the Church. Discussion of prayer for the gift and virtue of faith and why believing the Revealer matters more than just accepting teachings. Reflections on faith as a foretaste of fuller knowledge and encouragement to be a diligent student of the Church.
28 snips
Jan 24, 2026 • 16min
Day 24: Unity of Faith (2026)
A reflection on how faith is more than formulas and points to real spiritual realities. A look at the Church as guardian of truth and the unity of belief across nations. Tracing apostolic succession and the historical continuity that links early teachers to today. Remarks on councils, struggles, and the ongoing renewal of the deposit of faith.
28 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 16min
Day 23: We Believe (2026)
Fr. Mike explores the communal aspect of faith, highlighting its role in our spiritual journey. He emphasizes that faith is not just personal, but flourishes within a community. Listeners are reminded that walking by faith can bring a taste of eternal life, even amidst suffering. Fr. Mike encourages reliance on biblical figures like Abraham and Mary during challenging times. He also discusses the importance of passing on faith to future generations and the Church's vital role as our mother and guide.
30 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 17min
Day 22: Wrestling with Faith (2026)
Explore the intriguing motives of credibility that bolster belief in God, including miracles and prophecies. Fr. Mike Schmitz highlights how faith offers greater certainty than human knowledge and emphasizes that wrestling with faith is a natural experience. Discover how faith and science harmonize as truths from the same God. He urges that faith must be freely chosen for true belief. Lastly, learn about the necessity of faith for salvation and the importance of nurturing it through Scripture.
27 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 14min
Day 21: Believing God (2026)
Fr. Mike delves into the essence of faith as a personal connection to God, highlighting it as both a divine gift and a human act. He explains that true belief in God goes hand in hand with believing everything He says. The role of the Holy Spirit in recognizing Jesus as our Lord is discussed, emphasizing how faith involves freedom and reason. Listeners are encouraged to fully entrust themselves to God, challenging them to deepen their faith and trust.
22 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 15min
Day 20: Stepping in Faith (2026)
Explore how God's Revelation invites a personal response of faith. Discover the significance of obedience as exemplified by Abraham and Mary, two models of unwavering trust. Delve into the idea that faith isn't just intellectual belief but a transformative commitment shaping our actions. Learn how God provides just enough guidance for the next step, encouraging us to step boldly in faith. Join Fr. Mike for insight on living a life of faithful response despite uncertainty.
28 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 11min
Day 19: Summary of Sacred Scripture (2026)
Join Fr. Mike as he highlights the interconnectedness of the 73 books of Scripture, centered around Christ. He explores the intriguing relationship between divine and human authorship in the Bible, emphasizing its inerrancy and the importance of proper interpretation. Fr. Mike underscores the unity and veneration of both the Old and New Testaments, likening Scripture to the reverence shown to the Eucharist. Dive into these profound insights and prayerful reflections that encourage a deeper engagement with the faith.
