

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

Dec 23, 2023 • 13min
Day 357: God, “Our” Father
The podcast explores the significance of addressing God as 'our Father' in prayer, discussing the unity of the Trinity and the profound meaning behind this relationship. It also examines the deeper meaning of 'our' in the Lord's prayer and emphasizes the importance of including everyone in our prayers.

Dec 22, 2023 • 37min
BONUS: Why Scripture and Tradition? (with Jeff Cavins) (2024)
Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to discuss the connection between Scripture and Tradition, and the importance of the Catechism. They explore the need for both Scripture and Tradition in understanding God's revelation. They also discuss the pillars of the Catechism and the benefits of consuming audio content. They share personal journeys towards Catholicism and recommend keeping a journal for insights gained from their teachings. They express gratitude for the progress made in understanding the Catechism and anticipation for upcoming episodes.

4 snips
Dec 22, 2023 • 22min
Day 356: We Dare to Say
In this episode, the hosts explore the meaning of addressing God as our Father in the Our Father prayer and the importance of humility. They discuss the significance of calling God our Father in prayer and the impact of personal and cultural experiences with father figures on our relationship with God. Additionally, they emphasize the need to understand the true nature of God and develop a desire to emulate Him in order to truly know Him as our Father.

Dec 21, 2023 • 9min
Day 355: Summary of the Lord’s Prayer
The podcast discusses the significance of the Lord's Prayer and emphasizes the importance of understanding God as our good Father. It explores the origins and role of the prayer in Christianity and highlights the transformative power of inner conversion. The chapter also delves into the eschatological nature of the Our Father and the need for patience in awaiting the Lord's return.

4 snips
Dec 20, 2023 • 15min
Day 354: The Prayer of the Church
Learn about the Lord's Prayer and its importance in personal and communal prayer within the Church. Discover the significance of the Lord's Prayer in liturgical prayer, the Eucharistic Liturgy, and the life of the Church. Explore the transformative power of this prayer and how it enables us to become more like Christ.

Dec 19, 2023 • 16min
Day 353: The Lord’s Prayer “Our Father”
Exploring the origins and significance of the Lord's Prayer as the summary of the gospel and guide for a righteous life, focusing on understanding God as our Father and prioritizing our desires. Delving into the historical development and transformative power of the prayer in reshaping our perspective and living a Christian life.

5 snips
Dec 18, 2023 • 14min
Day 352: Summary of The Battle of Prayer
The podcast discusses the battle of prayer and the prayer of Jesus. It emphasizes the active engagement and inseparable connection between prayer and living according to the spirit of Christ. The importance of perseverance, humility, trust, and honesty in prayer is highlighted, using Jesus' prayer in the garden as a model. Trusting in God and surrendering to His will are also explored.

Dec 17, 2023 • 15min
Day 351: The Prayer of the Hour of Jesus
Analyzing the prayer of the Hour of Jesus, the hosts discuss its significance in encompassing creation, salvation, and Jesus' death and resurrection. They explore themes of unity, fulfillment, and freedom in Jesus' prayer and highlight his desire for the Father's glory and eternal life. Jesus' prayer for unity among believers and addressing division within the Church is also reflected upon.

4 snips
Dec 16, 2023 • 16min
Day 350: Persevering in Prayer
The podcast discusses the effectiveness and importance of prayer in the Christian life, emphasizing the role of prayer in learning the heart of the Father, growing closer to Him, and becoming more like Him. It explores the idea that God includes us in His work and wants us to participate and cooperate with Him. The episode highlights the constant possibility, vital necessity, and inseparability of prayer from the Christian life.

13 snips
Dec 15, 2023 • 21min
Day 349: Temptation, Trust, and Prayer
This episode explores the temptations that arise in prayer, such as a lack of faith and acedia. It emphasizes the importance of trust and perseverance in prayer. The concept of trust in prayer is further discussed, including the temptation to complain. The episode also delves into the various images of God that influence our prayer and the significance of praying with a spirit of freedom. Lastly, it explores the concept of praying with a divided heart and emphasizes the importance of trust and surrender in our relationship with God.


