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.
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Father Mike reviews the 'nuggets' of the Fifth Commandment (Catechism paragraphs 2318-2330), stressing that every human life is sacred from conception. He uses a compelling anecdote of a scientist to illustrate the inherent dignity of all human beings, regardless of developmental stage. The discussion highlights the consistent life ethic that prohibits murder, abortion, and euthanasia, while also clarifying legitimate self-defense and the call to love over vengeance, setting the stage for the Sixth Commandment.
Father Mike Schmitz explores the Catechism's teachings on war, emphasizing the Church's fervent plea for peace even while recognizing a government's right to legitimate self-defense under strict conditions. He details the four criteria for a just war, discusses the honorable duty of soldiers, and condemns war crimes such as genocide and indiscriminate destruction. The episode also touches on the moral concerns surrounding the arms race and the vital role of conscientious objectors in serving the community.
Father Mike Schmitz discusses Catechism paragraphs 2302-2306, explaining that true peace is the work of justice and the effect of charity, not merely the absence of conflict. He differentiates between the emotion of anger and a deliberate desire for revenge or hatred, which wounds the soul. The episode emphasizes our call to be peacemakers, actively working towards justice, forgiveness, and love, reflecting the heart of Jesus in a broken world.
This episode examines paragraphs 2292-2301 of the Catechism, focusing on how human dignity informs our approach to science, technology, and end-of-life care. Fr. Mike discusses the ethical boundaries for scientific research and experimentation, the moral condemnation of acts like torture and mutilation, and the respectful treatment of the dying and deceased, including the Church's nuanced view on cremation. He highlights the importance of distinguishing Church doctrine from historical actions.
Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the Catechism's teaching on respect for health, highlighting it as a precious gift from God that demands reasonable care but is not an absolute good. He warns against the "cult of the body" and its potential to distort human relationships, emphasizing the importance of the virtue of temperance in avoiding all forms of excess, including abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, medicine, reckless driving, and drug use. The episode also addresses the severe moral implications of non-therapeutic drug use and trafficking.
This episode explores the profound gravity of scandal, defining it as any attitude or behavior that leads another to do evil, potentially causing spiritual death. Father Mike delves into the Catechism's teaching, highlighting the particular responsibility of those in teaching roles—including parents, priests, and all Christians—and how even societal laws and institutions can provoke scandal. The discussion culminates in a call for self-reflection and a prayer for repentance and God's transformative grace.
This episode explores the Catechism's stance on suicide, highlighting that life is a sacred trust from God. Fr. Mike explains why suicide is a grave sin, contradicting self-love and breaking societal bonds, and offers practical advice for helping those with suicidal thoughts. Crucially, the episode emphasizes that psychological disturbances can diminish responsibility, and the Church holds firm hope for the eternal salvation of those who take their own lives, encouraging prayer and support for all affected.
Father Mike Schmitz delves into the sin of euthanasia, explaining that intentionally ending a life to eliminate suffering constitutes murder, gravely contrary to human dignity, regardless of motive. He differentiates this from the morally legitimate decision to discontinue burdensome or disproportionate medical procedures, which is about accepting the inevitability of death rather than willing it. The episode champions palliative care as a special form of charity and love, reinforcing the Church's unwavering commitment to the sanctity of life over a quality-of-life ethic.
This episode delves into the Catholic Church's teaching on abortion, affirming the absolute protection of human life from conception and detailing its moral evil. Fr. Mike explains the canonical penalty of excommunication as a reflection of the sin's gravity, not a limitation of God's mercy, which extends to all wounded by abortion. He offers profound empathy for those in distress and strongly encourages seeking healing and forgiveness through confession, highlighting the transformative power of divine love.
This episode delves into the Catechism's teachings on homicide, covering direct, indirect, and unintentional killing. Father Mike clarifies the varying degrees of moral culpability, addressing specific grave crimes like infanticide and highlighting the sinfulness of eugenics and societal injustices leading to death. He emphasizes God's mercy for all who have fallen into these areas.
This episode delves into paragraphs 2263-2267 of the Catechism, clarifying when legitimate defense is justifiable and how it aligns with human dignity. Fr. Mike discusses the principle of double effect in self-defense, the grave duty to protect others, and the medicinal purpose of punishment. A key focus is the Church's evolving teaching on capital punishment, explaining why it is now considered inadmissible due to advancements in detention and renewed understanding of human dignity.
Father Mike begins exploring the Fifth Commandment, "You shall not kill," highlighting that human life is sacred from its beginning and belongs solely to God. He clarifies that the commandment specifically prohibits the murder of innocent human beings, a universally valid law contrary to dignity and the Creator's holiness. The episode then delves into Jesus' radical expansion of this command in the Sermon on the Mount, calling us to avoid anger, hatred, and vengeance, and to love our enemies by willing their good and desiring mercy. This profound challenge, Father Mike notes, is only achievable through God's grace.
This episode explores the Catechism's teachings on the Church's relationship with political communities, emphasizing that every institution's policies are shaped by its vision of humanity. It highlights the Church's unique, comprehensive understanding of human dignity, rooted in being made in God's image, and its right to make moral judgments in political matters. The discussion warns against societies that reject this divine vision, which can lead to utilitarianism, preference-based policies, and ultimately, totalitarian power.
This episode explores Catechism paragraphs 2238-2243, outlining the duties of citizens. Fr. Mike explains our responsibilities regarding submission to legitimate authority, contributing to society through taxes and informed voting, and the nuanced call to welcome foreigners while acknowledging national security. The discussion also covers the critical distinction between serving God and state, detailing when conscientious objection and even armed resistance become morally legitimate under specific conditions.
This episode explores the Fourth Commandment, highlighting that family ties, though vital, are not absolute and must be subservient to God's call. Father Mike addresses the temptation to make family an idol, using examples like vocations and moral challenges to illustrate prioritizing discipleship. The discussion also covers the duties of civil authorities, underscoring their role as servants and the fundamental principle that human dignity supersedes societal demands.
Father Mike discusses the extensive duties of parents, emphasizing that conjugal love's fruitfulness extends beyond procreation to children's moral and spiritual formation. He highlights parents' irreplaceable role as primary educators, creating a home rooted in virtue and witnessing to faith, even through acknowledging their own failings. The episode also covers the vital responsibility of evangelizing children, engaging with parish life, and guiding them in choosing schools and future vocations without undue pressure.
Father Mike explores the Catechism's teachings on the Fourth Commandment, focusing on children's duties to their parents, both as minors and adults. He emphasizes lifelong gratitude and respect, even amidst imperfect family dynamics, and the importance of material and moral support for aging parents. The episode concludes with a heartfelt call to action, urging listeners to actively show love and care to their parents and siblings.
Father Mike discusses how the family serves as the foundational element of society, initiating individuals into social life and acting as the bedrock of freedom, security, and fraternity. The episode details the civil authorities' responsibility to support and defend the family, adhering to the principle of subsidiarity. It also emphasizes that familial relationships illuminate societal connections, reminding us to see every neighbor not as an anonymous individual but as a "someone" deserving of respect and attention.
Father Mike Schmitz explores paragraphs 2201-2206 of the Catechism, defining the family as a man and woman united in marriage with children, established by God prior to any public authority. He clarifies that while this is the norm, even "imperfect" families (like single-parent or childless households) are still domestic churches, called to faith, hope, and love. The episode concludes by highlighting friendship and family, marked by prayer and sacrifice, as the primary means for the Church to evangelize and grow in the modern world.
Father Mike delves into the Fourth Commandment, highlighting its role as the first of the Decalogue's second half, governing human relationships. He explains how this commandment applies universally, even given the reality of dysfunctional families. The discussion also covers the three levels of respect – inherent dignity, respect for office/role, and earned character – and the reciprocal duties between those in authority and their subordinates. Ultimately, observing this commandment brings peace and prosperity, though discerning how to truly honor in complex situations requires wisdom.
Father Mike Schmitz discusses the Catechism's teaching on Sunday as a day of rest, highlighting its countercultural nature in a work-obsessed society. He explains how Sunday should be dedicated to worship, family, acts of mercy, and relaxation, while also addressing legitimate work excuses and the call for a collective effort to enable everyone's rest. The episode concludes with practical advice on cultivating a rhythm of holy leisure.
This episode delves into the Catechism's teaching on the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist, highlighting its role as the heart of the Church's life and the foundation of all Christian practice. Fr. Mike discusses the obligation to attend Mass, exceptions for serious reasons, and the process of seeking dispensation from a pastor, emphasizing the spiritual importance of communal worship and fidelity to Christ.
This episode delves into the Third Commandment, 'Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy,' connecting it to God's creation rest and Israel's liberation from slavery. Fr. Mike explains that prioritizing rest is essential for our humanity and a protest against the idolatry of work and money. The discussion then shifts to Sunday as the Christian Lord's Day, fulfilling the Sabbath through Christ's resurrection and calling for outward, public worship.
Father Mike discusses the Catechism's teachings on the Christian name, emphasizing how baptism confers God's name upon us, shaping our identity and demanding we live in a way that glorifies Him. The episode explores the significance of choosing Christian names, the power of the Sign of the Cross in daily life, and the importance of avoiding blasphemy. Listeners will gain insight into the profound meaning of invoking God's name in prayer and contemplating God's infinitely unique love for each individual, symbolized by a new name in Revelation.
Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the gravity of false oaths, explaining that taking God's name in vain means invoking Him to witness a lie, which constitutes perjury. He clarifies Jesus' teaching on oaths, how the Church tradition permits legitimate oaths under strict conditions, and the moral obligation to refuse oaths required by unjust authorities. The episode underscores our duty to always align our speech with God, who is truth.
This episode delves into the Second Commandment, explaining why God's revealed name is sacred and how its misuse has become commonplace. Father Mike emphasizes the deep personal trust God extends by revealing His name, drawing on Catechism teachings and a powerful quote from Cardinal Newman. The discussion also covers the gravity of blasphemy and the need for reverence, even during honest struggles in prayer.
Father Mike delves into agnosticism, examining its various forms from genuine intellectual uncertainty to indifferentism, and its close ties to practical atheism. The episode then addresses the First Commandment's prohibition of graven images, reconciling Old Testament commands with the Christian veneration of icons. He explains how the Incarnation allows for images as aids to foster affection for God and the saints, distinguishing this from adoration.
Father Mike Schmitz delves into sins against the first commandment, specifically irreligion, which includes tempting God, sacrilege, and simony. He unpacks the nuances of each, from questioning God in desperation to the gravity of profaning sacred things, and clarifies the concept of offerings versus payment for sacraments. The episode then examines different forms of atheism, highlighting its impact and challenging believers to consider how their own witness might unintentionally contribute to its prevalence, urging for a transformation of heart.
This episode delves into the First Commandment, examining how common practices like superstition, idolatry, divination, and magic deviate from true worship. Father Mike explains that superstition can even infiltrate Catholic practices by attributing magical importance to external acts, while idolatry involves divinizing anything other than God. He also warns against divination and magic, emphasizing they are not merely empty but dangerous and evil, contradicting the honor owed solely to God.
This episode explores the Catholic understanding of religion's social duty, emphasizing the obligation to seek truth and respectfully share the Christian spirit in all aspects of public life. It also delves into the critical concept of religious freedom, clarifying that while individuals have rights to follow their conscience, this freedom operates within reasonable limits defined by natural law and the common good, ensuring respect for all religious communities even in states with a recognized religion.
