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.
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Day 93 of The Catechism in a Year delves into the meaning and saving significance of Jesus' resurrection (paragraphs 651-658). Father Mike emphasizes how the resurrection confirms Christ's divine authority, fulfills prophecies, and, through the Paschal Mystery, liberates us from sin while offering a new life of justification and adoption. The episode also highlights the resurrection as the source of our own future glorified bodies, transforming our relationship with God.
This episode delves into Catechism paragraphs 645-650, examining the unique condition of Christ's risen humanity. Father Mike explains how Jesus' resurrection was not a mere resuscitation but a glorious transformation, endowing his body with new properties beyond space and time. The discussion also covers the resurrection as a transcendent event witnessed only by disciples, and its profound nature as a collective work of the Holy Trinity, perfectly uniting Christ's humanity into divine life.
Father Mike Schmitz delves into the Catechism's teaching on Christ's bodily resurrection, asserting it as a true, historical event and the crowning truth of faith. He explores biblical accounts, including the empty tomb and appearances to over 500 witnesses, while refuting interpretations that reduce the resurrection to a metaphor or product of the disciples' credulity. The episode culminates in a powerful reflection on the apostles' willingness to suffer and die for their testimony, underscoring the resurrection's undeniable reality.
This episode explores the theological meaning behind Jesus' descent into hell, as stated in the Creed. Fr. Mike clarifies that Christ, as Savior, entered the realm of the dead to free the righteous souls who lived before Him, not to save the damned or destroy hell itself. This act represents the complete fulfillment of the Gospel message, extending God's redemptive work to all people throughout history.
Father Mike delves into Day 89 of the Catechism, focusing on paragraphs 624-630 concerning Jesus' burial. He explains that Christ truly died, experiencing the separation of body and soul, yet his divine nature ensured his body did not corrupt. The discussion also covers the theological significance of Holy Saturday and connects Jesus' death and resurrection to the sacrament of baptism, where Christians die to sin and rise to new life.
Father Mike delves into Christ's death as the unparalleled Paschal sacrifice and New Covenant offering that reconciles humanity with God. He emphasizes that Jesus's 'love to the end' gives infinite value to this sacrifice, which believers are called to participate in, especially through the Mass. The episode concludes by stressing the transformative power of God's profound personal love for each individual, offering hope and redemption.
This episode delves into Catechism paragraphs 606-612, revealing Jesus Christ's entire life as an offering born of deep love and obedience to God the Father. It highlights Christ as the Paschal Lamb whose free self-sacrifice saves humanity, not merely his suffering. The discussion covers the Last Supper's institution of the Eucharist as a memorial of this offering, and Jesus' profound agony in Gethsemane as he accepted his redemptive death. Listeners are invited to participate in this redemption through Mass and the Eucharist.
Father Mike explains how Jesus' violent death was part of God's plan, not chance, yet did not negate human free will, and fulfills ancient prophecies like Isaiah's suffering servant. He clarifies "God made him to be sin" as Jesus' profound solidarity and sin offering, not actual sin, emphasizing God's benevolent, universal redeeming love. The episode concludes by affirming that Christ died for all humanity, bridging the gap between God and every person.
Father Mike delves into Catechism paragraphs 595-598, clarifying that the Jewish people are not collectively responsible for Jesus' crucifixion. Instead, the Church teaches that all sinners contribute to Christ's Passion, and Christians bear significant responsibility through their ongoing sins. He illustrates this with a poignant anecdote from Yad Vashem and the story of Joseph, showing how God can transform the greatest evil into ultimate salvation, urging listeners to embrace personal responsibility and trust in Jesus.
Fr. Mike discusses why Jesus' invitation to faith was a profound stumbling block for many Jews, who struggled to accept his claims of divinity and ability to forgive sins. He references C.S. Lewis's "liar, lunatic, or Lord" trilemma and highlights how Jesus' miracles, like healing the paralytic, demonstrated his divine authority. The episode further explores the Sanhedrin's tragic misunderstanding, stemming from ignorance and hardness of heart, and encourages listeners to recognize and overcome similar spiritual barriers.
Father Mike Schmitz delves into Jesus' deep respect for the Jerusalem Temple, a central institution in Jewish life, and unpacks the implications of his prophecy regarding its destruction. The episode highlights how Jesus fulfilled the temple's role through his own body and, at the Last Supper, instituted the Eucharist as the new and eternal covenant, transforming worship from localized sacrifice to a global offering of thanksgiving that continues today.
This episode explores Jesus' profound relationship with the Old Testament Law, emphasizing that he did not come to abolish it but to fulfill it completely. Fr. Mike details how Jesus, as the divine author, offers the definitive interpretation of the Law, perfecting and expanding its meaning, especially regarding dietary and moral principles. The discussion further clarifies the different categories of Old Covenant laws—Temple, Kingdom, and Moral—explaining which remain in effect and why others have been fulfilled in Christ and the Church.
This episode delves into Christ's Paschal Mystery—his passion, death, and resurrection—as the central message of the Good News, fulfilling all of Scripture. Fr. Mike then examines Jesus' deep connection to his Jewish identity and the historical complexities of his relationship with Israel, exploring reasons for rejection by some authorities and perceived conflicts with core Jewish institutions. The discussion concludes with a profound call to gratitude for the Jewish people's role in salvation history and heartfelt prayers for their enlightenment to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
On "Nugget Day," Father Mike summarizes the mysteries of Christ's life from Catechism paragraphs 561-570, emphasizing Jesus' continual teaching through his actions and even his silences. He encourages listeners to conform to Christ by meditating on the Gospels and praying the Rosary, reflecting on humility, daily holiness, and Jesus' voluntary obedience for our salvation. The episode underscores that salvation means being saved from being unchristlike, urging gratitude for Jesus' ultimate sacrifice.
This episode delves into Christ's Transfiguration, a foretaste of the Kingdom that reveals his divine glory and the voluntary nature of his impending death on the cross. Father Mike draws parallels between Jesus' baptism and transfiguration, linking them to our own journey of regeneration and resurrection through suffering. The episode also examines Jesus' messianic entry into Jerusalem, where he conquers through humility rather than force, calling us to walk a similar path of love and self-sacrifice.
This episode explores how Jesus' miracles, or "signs of the Kingdom," demonstrated his identity as the Messiah and Son of God, not merely for curiosity but to invite belief and free humanity from the slavery of sin. Fr. Mike also delves into Jesus' conferral of the "keys of the kingdom" to St. Peter, establishing his unique authority within the college of apostles, a role continued by the Pope today, for governing the Church and absolving sins.
This episode delves into Jesus' mission of establishing the Kingdom of God, clarifying its identity as the Church on Earth as prophesied in the Old Testament. Fr. Mike highlights the universal call to the kingdom, especially for the poor and sinners, and Jesus' profound identification with them. He challenges listeners, stressing that entry into the kingdom demands more than just words; it requires radical choice, active love, and concrete deeds.
Father Mike Schmitz unpacks the mysteries of Jesus' Baptism and temptation, revealing how Christ's baptism signifies his acceptance of his mission as God's suffering servant and his anticipation of his redemptive death. The episode further explores Jesus' temptations in the desert, where he, unlike Adam, remains perfectly obedient to the Father, conquering the devil. Through our own obedience, we are called to participate in this divine victory.
This episode delves into the mysteries of Jesus' infancy, including his circumcision, the Epiphany, his presentation in the temple, and the flight into Egypt, highlighting salvation's origin and universal reach. Fr. Mike then examines Jesus' hidden life in Nazareth, emphasizing his ordinary life, manual labor, and profound obedience to both his earthly and heavenly Father. The discussion culminates with insights from Pope Paul VI on silence, family, and work, and the understanding that Jesus was always consecrated to his divine mission, offering guidance for our own lives.
Father Mike Schmitz delves into paragraphs 522-526 of the Catechism, revealing how God prepared humanity for centuries for Christ's coming, from Old Testament prophecies to pagan yearnings. He highlights John the Baptist's immediate role and the threefold purpose of Advent. The episode concludes by exploring the Christmas mystery's core message: heaven's glory manifested in humility and the ultimate fulfillment found when Christ is formed within us.
Father Mike delves into Catechism paragraphs 512-521, explaining that Jesus' whole life is a mystery to be explored, not solved. He outlines three characteristics common to Christ's mysteries: revelation of the Father, redemption active throughout his entire life, and recapitulation of human history. The episode concludes by discussing how believers are called to participate in these mysteries, living in Christ as their model.
Fr. Mike delves into the Catechism's five profound reasons for Mary's perpetual virginity, explaining its significance for both Christ and His redemptive mission, and for us as spiritual children. He highlights Mary's role in God's absolute initiative in the Incarnation, Jesus as the new Adam, and Mary as the most perfect realization of the Church. The episode underscores how Mary's faith and undivided gift of herself serve as a powerful symbol.
This episode explores three essential doctrines concerning Mary, the Mother of God: her divine motherhood, the virginal conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit, and her perpetual virginity. Fr. Mike explains these teachings, referencing the Catechism and early Church figures like St. Ignatius and St. Jerome, while addressing common objections such as biblical references to Jesus' brothers and sisters. The discussion concludes with reflection on Mary's spiritual motherhood for all believers.
Day 70 of the Catechism in a Year explores Mary's Immaculate Conception (paragraphs 490-494), clarifying that she was preserved from original sin from the moment of her conception by God's singular grace and the merits of Christ. Father Mike details her role as the "New Eve," whose humble "yes" to God's will untied the knot of Eve's disobedience. The episode also addresses why God preserved Mary but not everyone, explaining that God gives each person the specific grace needed to fulfill their unique vocation.
This episode delves into Mary's profound significance in salvation history, highlighting her predestination and free 'yes' to God's plan. Fr. Mike explains how the Holy Spirit divinely fecundated Mary, making her the Mother of God, and draws parallels between Mary as the 'New Eve' and Eve's original sin. The discussion underscores that Catholic beliefs about Mary, such as her Divine Motherhood, ultimately serve to illuminate and deepen our faith in Christ's full divinity and humanity.
Father Mike Schmitz explains how Jesus, fully God and fully human, possessed a human will perfectly aligned with God the Father's and a true human body that can be portrayed and venerated in art. The episode highlights the Sacred Heart of Jesus as the chief symbol of his personal, unconditional love for all humanity. Listeners are invited to reflect on this profound mystery and allow God to love them.
This episode explores the deep mystery of Jesus Christ's human and divine natures, emphasizing that His humanity was assumed, not absorbed, retaining a true human soul, intellect, and will. Father Mike explains how Jesus grew in wisdom and learned from experience, yet in union with the divine, possessed full knowledge of God's eternal plans. Ultimately, this understanding reveals God's profound love in Christ's voluntary emptying of himself to redeem all of humanity.
Father Mike Schmitz delves into the foundational Catholic teaching that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, a single divine person possessing both divine and human natures. The episode examines various historical heresies, such as Gnosticism, Arianism, Nestorianism, and Monophysitism, which challenged this core belief. Through discussions of ecumenical councils like Nicaea, Ephesus, and Chalcedon, he explains how the Church defended and clarified the mystery of the Incarnation and why these truths are essential for understanding redemption. Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for Christ's identity and Mary's title as Mother of God.
This episode delves into the profound mystery of the Incarnation, exploring the four essential reasons why God became man. Father Mike emphasizes that Jesus became flesh to save us by reconciling us with God, to reveal God's immense love, to serve as our ultimate model of holiness, and to allow humanity to partake in the divine nature. The discussion highlights that belief in the Incarnation is the distinctive sign of Christian faith, transforming our understanding of God's relationship with humanity.
This episode delves into Jesus' final title, "The Lord," examining its scriptural roots from the ineffable name Yahweh to the Greek Kyrios. Fr. Mike explains how this title expresses profound respect, recognizes Jesus' full divinity as God from God, and implies that our ultimate allegiance belongs solely to Him, not earthly powers. The discussion highlights Jesus' demonstrated sovereignty over nature, illness, and sin, concluding with a reflection on what it means to declare Jesus as Lord over one's entire life, past, present, and future, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
