

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

Jan 1, 2024 • 17min
Day 1: To Know and Love God (2024)
In this podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz takes us through the beginning of the Catechism, discussing topics such as why God made us, how we can know him, and how we can help others understand him. The importance of knowing and loving God is emphasized, along with the mission of the Apostles to spread the teachings of Jesus. The chapter also explores the four pillars of Catechism and the significance of living out the sacraments and God's plan for humanity.

5 snips
Dec 31, 2023 • 16min
Day 365: So Be It
On the final day of the Catechism journey, the seven petitions of the Lord's prayer are reviewed. The purpose of our time with the Catechism is emphasized: recognizing that every part of our human experience matters to God because of His love for us. The importance of worship, living in God's love, and drawing near to Him in prayer is discussed. The significance of entrusting everything to God in prayer and having childlike trust is emphasized. The transformative nature of prayer and its impact on our beliefs, worship, and lives is explored.

7 snips
Dec 30, 2023 • 24min
Day 364: Deliver Us from Evil
Fr. Mike explores the meaning of the petitions in the Lord's Prayer regarding temptation and evil. He emphasizes the importance of discernment and asks for strength in resisting temptation. The final petition of the Lord's prayer refers to Satan, and by praying it, we ask God to fight for us and bring peace in times of distress.

Dec 29, 2023 • 33min
BONUS: How Do We Trust in Church Authority? (with Bishop Cozzens) (2024)
Bishop Andrew Cozzens joins Fr. Mike Schmitz to discuss the trust in church authority, the value of the catechism in their faith journey, the importance of obedience, and the transformative power of studying God.

6 snips
Dec 29, 2023 • 26min
Day 363: Forgive Us Our Trespasses
The podcast discusses the challenging call of forgiveness, emphasizing that forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same. It explores the importance of recognizing our own sins and wretchedness, highlighting the power of forgiveness and bringing our hurts to God for healing.

4 snips
Dec 28, 2023 • 21min
Day 362: Our Daily Bread
Fr. Mike discusses the meaning of 'daily bread' in the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing trust in God. He explores the importance of having a compassionate heart and caring for others. The chapter also highlights the significance of the Eucharist as our daily bread and invites non-Catholics to consider embracing it.

7 snips
Dec 27, 2023 • 23min
Day 361: The Kingdom and Will of God
The podcast discusses praying for God's Kingdom and Will, emphasizing the importance of carrying out God's plan and mission. It explores the concept of the Kingdom of God, the battle between flesh and spirit, and surrendering our will to God. The chapter concludes with the significance of aligning our hearts with God's will and discerning His will with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Dec 26, 2023 • 18min
Day 360: Hallowing God’s Name
Learn about hallowing God's name and how it is glorified, loved, and known. Understand the significance of sanctifying God's name through baptism, prayer, and holy living. Explore the importance of recognizing and treating God's name as holy. Discover the connection between God's name and his work, and the unique nature of the name of Jesus. Be inspired to continue walking in the Lord and reflecting the knowledge of God's name in our actions and prayers.

Dec 25, 2023 • 13min
Day 359: The Seven Petitions
Explore the seven petitions of the Lord's Prayer and their significance, focusing on love for the Father. Discover the importance of praying for God's will and the battle against sin. Reflect on the meaning of the seven petitions and the power of the Father's plan of salvation.

Dec 24, 2023 • 15min
Day 358: Who Art in Heaven
In this episode, Father Mike Schmitz explores the phrase 'Who Art in Heaven' from the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing God's presence all around us and the possibility of returning to the Father through conversion. The podcast also discusses the meaning of 'our Father who art in heaven', the symbol of heaven in the Lord's Prayer, and the concept of dwelling with God forever.


