

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

Mar 10, 2024 • 13min
Day 70: The Immaculate Conception (2024)
Exploring the Immaculate Conception of Mary and why she was preserved from original sin, contrasting with Adam and Eve's fall. Fr. Mike surprises with his answer to why God didn't preserve everyone. The significance of Mary's role in redemption and her obedience compared to Eve. Delving into why the Immaculate Conception was necessary for Mary as the new Eve. Embracing God's call and grace in fulfilling unique vocations, drawing parallels with Mary's mission.

Mar 9, 2024 • 18min
Day 69: Born of the Virgin Mary (2024)
Explore Mary's pivotal role in salvation history, from being the Mother of God to cooperating in the redemption of the world. Understand the interconnectedness between beliefs about Mary and Christ, emphasizing her predestination and free choice to say 'yes' to God. Delve into the parallels between Mary and Eve in redemption, highlighting her immaculate conception and critical role in bringing freedom. Discover how doctrines about Mary ultimately direct attention to Jesus and her vital role in the salvation narrative.

Mar 8, 2024 • 18min
Day 68: The Mystery of the Incarnation (2024)
Discover the mystery of the Incarnation, where Jesus is fully God and fully human. Learn about his human will aligned with God, his visible body, and loving heart. Explore themes of salvation, divine love, and the unity of human and divine nature in Jesus.

Mar 7, 2024 • 18min
Day 67: The Humanity and Divinity of Christ (2024)
In this podcast, Fr. Mike discusses the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ, highlighting how Jesus truly became like us in all things but sin. He explains that Jesus possessed a human soul, intellect, will, and body while retaining his divinity. The episode explores the mystery of Christ's true humanity and divinity, emphasizing his unique unity within the Trinity. Fr. Mike also reflects on God's foreknowledge of suffering and love for humanity displayed through Jesus' sacrifice.

Mar 6, 2024 • 25min
Day 66: True God and True Man (2024)
Exploring the truth that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, the podcast discusses heresies that denied his humanity, affirmed Mary as the Mother of God, and emphasized his dual nature. The importance of Jesus being both God and man is highlighted, along with the significance of his unique identity for redemption.

Mar 5, 2024 • 19min
Day 65: Why the Word Became Flesh (2024)
Exploring the reasons behind the Incarnation, understanding God's love, serving as a model of holiness, and becoming partakers of the divine nature. Belief in the Incarnation as a distinctive sign of Christian faith. Reflections on becoming a new creation through baptism and sharing in divine nature, emphasizing God's love and community significance.

Mar 4, 2024 • 17min
Day 64: The Lord (2024)
Exploration of Jesus' title as 'The Lord' and its significance in honoring Him as God; delves into the origin of the name in Scripture and its implications for personal relationship with God. Discusses surrendering to Jesus as the ultimate Lord, acknowledging His divine sovereignty over all aspects of life. Emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus as the Son of God and embracing Him as the ultimate authority for true Christian faith.

Mar 3, 2024 • 16min
Day 63: The Only Son of God (2024)
As we continue to learn about the name of Jesus and the titles given to him, we encounter in today’s readings the unique title that belongs to Jesus as the only “Son of God.” Fr. Mike clarifies how this title is different from the term “son of God” found in the Old Testament and explains the meaning of Jesus’ Divine Sonship. Lastly, Fr. Mike encourages us to profess with our lips and our lives this beautiful reality that Jesus is truly the only begotten Son of God. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 441-445.
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.

Mar 2, 2024 • 18min
Day 62: The Christ (2024)
Exploring the meaning behind the title 'Christ' and Jesus' three-fold ministry as Messiah. Understanding the significance of Jesus as king, priest, and prophet, and how we can participate in his ministry. Delving into the deep connection between Jesus, Israel's history, and the Old Testament. Unveiling the profound theological concept of Jesus as the anointed one and the unity of the Trinity in his messianic identity. Reflecting on the paradoxical nature of Jesus as the Christ and the role of suffering in his redemptive mission.

Mar 1, 2024 • 16min
Day 61: The Name of Jesus (2024)
Exploring the profound significance of the name 'Jesus' in Christian faith, its dual nature as fully God and man. Discussing the reverence and misuse of His name, emphasizing divine power and salvation. Highlighting the importance of invoking 'Jesus' in prayer and spiritual battles, leading to salvation and deepening spiritual connection.


