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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God reveals himself to man and gives us the capacity to know and love him beyond our own natural abilities. From the very beginning, even after the first sin of Adam and Eve, God made himself known to human beings and gave us a promise of redemption. Fr. Mike explains how God’s covenant with Noah offers hope for salvation and unity that are only made possible in Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 50-58. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Inst...
Today’s reading is a summation of what we have learned so far. Man is made for God, and we are born with a capacity for knowing God. Using our senses, listening to our consciences, and employing our gift of reason, we can know with certainty that God exists. Fr. Mike explains how we live freely only in communion with our Creator, even if we are limited in our capacity of comprehension. Knowing this compels us to share our faith in God with those who do not yet believe. Today’s readings are Catec...
What can we know about God? The Catechism tells us three important things: 1) We can know God with our human reason, but 2) that knowledge will always be limited, and 3) we rely on God to reveal himself to us. Fr. Mike warns us that learning who God is requires self-surrender and abnegation, for the human heart struggles to recognize the infinite gap between Creator and created. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 36-43. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by...
The Catechism begins to explore what it means “to believe” by examining our innate desire for God and all the ways we can come to know him. Fr. Mike grounds us in a refrain he promises to repeat throughout the year—God loves you. Not in an abstract way, but in a concrete, unique way. God knows you, and he wants you to know him. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 26-35. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommit...
Part 1 of the Catechism—the first pillar—is the longest part of the four parts of the Catechism, and arguably the most foundational. Fr. Mike sits down with Jeff Cavins to discuss the big picture behind this important pillar and prepare us for the journey ahead. 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 ...
The Catechism reveals to us its intended readership, structure, and some practical directions for use. Fr. Mike and the Roman Catechism remind us that—above all—”the works of perfect Christian virtue spring from love and have no other objective than to arrive at love.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 11-25. 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, ...
Welcome to Day 1 of The Catechism in a Year! Today, we begin our journey with Fr. Mike through the Catechism from the very beginning: the Prologue. The Catechism tackles some big questions right out of the gate. Why did God make us? How can we know him? How do we help others understand him as well? Fr. Mike invites us to discover God’s plan for us and accept the challenge he has placed before us. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1-10. This episode has been found to be in conformity with...
In this episode, Bishop Andrew Cozzens shares his personal faith journey, from an early call to priesthood to his current role overseeing catechesis for the USCCB and leading the National Eucharistic Revival. He and Fr. Mike Schmitz delve into the profound beauty and transformative power of the Catechism, emphasizing its role in prayer and relationship with God. The discussion also tackles the critical question of trusting Church authority, explaining its divine origin and infallibility, even when confronted with the historical and present-day failings of its human members.
On Day 365, Father Mike Schmitz wraps up the Catechism in a Year by reviewing the seven petitions of the Lord's Prayer. He powerfully highlights that the Catechism journey is not merely about gaining information but about profound heart transformation and conversion. The episode's core message is God's astounding, personal love for each individual, affirming that every part of our human experience, faith, worship, and prayer matters to Him. It concludes with our heartfelt "Amen," a 'so be it' in response to His incredible love.
This bonus episode features Jeff Cavins and Fr. Mike Schmitz exploring the profound connection between Scripture and Tradition and introducing the Catechism in a Year. They discuss the Catechism's origin, its structure around four pillars—what we believe, how we worship, how we live, and how we pray—and encourage listeners to approach it as an invitation to intimacy with God rather than just an encyclopedia. Practical advice is shared for those embarking on this transformative journey.
Fr. Mike delves into the profound meaning of the Lord's Prayer, specifically the petitions "lead us not into temptation" and "deliver us from evil." He distinguishes between trials and temptations, emphasizing God's desire to free us from evil and the personal nature of Satan. The episode concludes by exploring the final doxology, highlighting our call to trust God and praise His sovereignty in battling all forms of evil.
This episode explores the challenging petition, "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." It delves into the difficulty of truly forgiving others, stressing the need for God's grace and honest self-confession. Father Mike distinguishes forgiveness from reconciliation, defining it as releasing a debt, and encourages transforming personal hurt into intercessory prayer, testifying that love is stronger than sin.
Father Mike delves into the profound petition "Give us this day our daily bread," emphasizing how it reflects a child's trust in a loving Father for every need. The discussion expands beyond physical sustenance to include spiritual nourishment, the responsibility to care for the hungry, and the importance of proclaiming God's word. The episode culminates in the revelation that "daily bread" specifically refers to the Eucharist, the Body of Christ, inviting listeners to a deeper appreciation and desire for this "medicine of immortality."
This episode delves into two petitions from the Lord's Prayer: 'Thy Kingdom Come' and 'Thy Will Be Done.' Father Mike explains the multifaceted meaning of God's kingdom, highlighting its presence in the Eucharist and our mission to work for its realization. The discussion also covers the challenge of surrendering our will to God's, emphasizing that while we are radically incapable on our own, grace allows us to align our choices with the Father's perfect plan, leading to discernment and endurance in faith.
Father Mike delves into the first petition of the Lord's Prayer, "Hallowed be thy name," clarifying it means to recognize and treat God as holy, rather than making Him holy. Drawing from Catechism paragraphs 2807-2815, he discusses how God reveals His name through His actions and Christ, and how our daily lives and prayers are inseparable from hallowing His name among the nations. The episode emphasizes our continuous need for sanctification despite our brokenness, and the call to reflect God's name through our words and deeds.
Fr. Mike Schmitz examines the seven petitions of the Lord's Prayer, from Catechism paragraphs 2803-2806. He highlights the distinct focus of each set: the first three emphasize love and praise for God, the subsequent two address our daily needs and forgiveness, and the final two concern the battle against temptation and evil. The episode underscores how this prayer reorients our hearts to God's will and universal salvation.
In this episode, Fr. Mike unpacks Catechism paragraphs 2794-2802, focusing on the phrase 'Who Art in Heaven.' He clarifies that this refers to God's majesty and imminent presence, not a distant location, and how He is intimately close to the humble. The discussion highlights that while sin exiled us from our heavenly homeland, conversion of heart through Christ's sacrifice allows us to return to the Father and experience a foretaste of heaven now, ultimately through Jesus, 'the Way, the Truth, and the Life.'
In this episode, Father Mike unpacks the significance of "Our" in "Our Father," explaining it represents a new, non-possessive relationship with God and highlights our identity as His people. He delves into how praying to the Father does not divide the Trinity but glorifies the entire Godhead. The discussion extends to the communal aspect of this prayer, urging listeners to overcome individualism and extend their prayers to everyone, reflecting God's boundless love and care for all creation.
Father Mike delves into the Catechism, explaining the "filial boldness" we gain through adoption by God, allowing us to call Him Father. He highlights the importance of cleansing our hearts of false paternal images and understanding God as revealed by His Son. The episode encourages continual conversion, a desire to become like God, and approaching Him with a humble and trusting heart, contrasting this with the "babbling" of pagans who seek attention from indifferent deities.
This episode, a 'nugget day' for the Lord's Prayer, delves into its significance as the summary of the entire gospel and the most perfect prayer. Father Mike highlights the essential understanding of God as a good Father, not a tyrant, and stresses the paramount importance of trust in our prayer life. The discussion also explores the eschatological nature of the Our Father, focusing on patiently awaiting the Lord's promised return.
Father Mike delves into the profound meaning of the Lord's Prayer, explaining how Jesus gave us not just words, but also the Holy Spirit to truly pray like Christ. The episode highlights its essential role in the Church, from early communities praying it daily to its significance in baptism as a new birth and its powerful placement in the Eucharistic liturgy, summing up petitions and anticipating the heavenly banquet. It emphasizes that this prayer, rooted in Christ's salvation, is a prayer of hope for the end times.
This episode delves into the Lord's Prayer, examining its origin from Jesus' disciples and its profound significance as 'the summary of the whole Gospel,' encompassing all Christian belief. Fr. Mike clarifies the historical addition of the doxology, explaining liturgical differences between traditions. He emphasizes that truly understanding God as 'Our Father' reorders our desires, making it the most perfect prayer and shaping the very rightness of our lives.
Father Mike reviews the Catechism's section on the battle of prayer, explaining that prayer is an active effort requiring engagement with grace, much like swimming. He stresses the importance of humility, trust, and perseverance, reminding listeners that God meets us in our weakness. The episode concludes by presenting Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane as the perfect model for approaching God with filial trust, honesty, and complete surrender.
In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores Catechism paragraphs 2746-2751, focusing on Jesus' High Priestly Prayer in John 17. He explains how this profound prayer embraces the entire economy of creation and salvation, recapitulating all things in Christ, and serves as an invitation for us to pray as adopted sons and daughters. The discussion highlights Jesus' fervent petition for the unity of all Christians and connects His priestly prayer to the foundational petitions of the Lord's Prayer, offering insights into the mystery of prayer itself.
In this episode, Father Mike Schmitz delves into Catechism paragraphs 2738-2745, discussing how prayer is efficacious and why God desires our petitions even though He knows our needs. He explains that God extends us the dignity of participation, allowing us to grow closer to Him and become more like Him through prayer. The episode highlights three core truths: prayer is always possible, a vital necessity, and inseparable from Christian life, urging perseverance and trust.
Father Mike discusses the battle of prayer, addressing core questions about its efficacy and major temptations, including a hidden lack of faith (practical atheism) and acedia (spiritual sloth). He highlights the need for filial trust in God, who, as our Father, knows what we need and yearns jealously over us. The episode encourages perseverance, reminding listeners that God desires to do something greater as we cling to Him in prayer, even if petitions aren't immediately answered.
This episode delves into the nature of prayer, emphasizing it as both a gift of grace and a determined effort, framing it as a spiritual battle against oneself and temptation. It debunks common misconceptions, such as viewing prayer as merely psychological or unproductive, and discusses how worldly mentalities and perceived failures can hinder one's prayer life. Ultimately, it encourages cultivating humility, trust, and perseverance to overcome obstacles like distraction and dryness, recognizing God's active presence in the process.
Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into contemplative prayer, defining it as a close sharing between friends and a gift for which we are inherently made. He discusses its characteristics as a gaze of faith fixed on Jesus, an attentiveness to God's Word, and a profound silence where God speaks. The episode emphasizes the commitment to make time for this prayer, highlighting that trials and dryness are normal, and encourages embracing solitude to foster a transformative union with God.
Father Mike explains the Catechism's teachings on vocal and meditative prayer, emphasizing how these expressions engage both body and spirit. He provides insights into prayer's personal nature, Jesus's example, and methods for meditation, encouraging listeners to confront readings with their own lives for deeper spiritual growth.
Day 345 focuses on ideal environments for prayer, from churches to personal corners and pilgrimages. Father Mike delves into "The Life of Prayer," highlighting that while prayer should animate us constantly, we tend to forget God. He stresses the crucial teaching that one cannot pray always without setting aside specific, conscious times for prayer, laying the groundwork for exploring vocal, meditative, and contemplative prayer expressions.
