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 33 of The Catechism in a Year explores paragraphs 238-242, focusing on God's revelation as Father. Fr. Mike explains how Jesus unveils God as eternally Father to His Son, a concept profound and distinct from human fatherhood. The episode addresses the complexities of relating to God as Father when earthly paternal relationships are broken, emphasizing God's transcendent and perfect nature as the ultimate standard. It concludes by delving into the Trinitarian understanding of God, as affirmed by the Nicene Creed.
Fr. Mike dives into paragraphs 232-237 of the Catechism, explaining the Most Holy Trinity as the central mystery of Christian faith. He clarifies the distinction between God's inner life (theology) and His saving works (economy), revealing God's singular identity. The episode emphasizes that the Trinity, though inaccessible to reason alone, is profoundly revealed as God's eternal exchange of love, a truth for which we should be immensely grateful.
Father Mike Schmitz delves into paragraphs 222-231 of the Catechism, discussing the enormous consequences of faith in one God. He outlines five key implications: coming to know God's greatness, living in thanksgiving, acknowledging the unity and dignity of all people, making good use of created things, and trusting God even amidst adversity. The episode emphasizes that God's being as truth and love demands our absolute trust and affects every aspect of our lives.
Day 30 of the Catechism in a Year podcast delves into paragraphs 212-221, unpacking God's divine attributes. Fr. Mike Schmitz explains that God alone is, the fullness of being from whom all creation derives existence. The episode then explores God as truth, whose promises always come true, and God as steadfast, gratuitous love. It culminates in the profound revelation of God's innermost secret: the Holy Trinity, an eternal exchange of love we are called to embody and share.
Father Mike discusses God's profound revelation of His name, 'I Am Who I Am,' to Moses, highlighting its mysterious nature and what it teaches about God's eternal faithfulness and infinite being. The episode explores humanity's awe and reverence in the face of God's holiness, and His boundless mercy even in human unfaithfulness. It culminates in understanding how Jesus Christ explicitly claims this divine name, affirming His co-equal identity with God the Father.
Day 28 delves into the nature of God, starting with the Creed's affirmation of "God the Father." Father Mike clarifies God as a singular divine being with three persons, "one what" and "three whos," a profound yet accessible mystery. The episode explains God's oneness, revealed in scripture and affirmed by the Church, and highlights how God makes Himself known by disclosing His name, becoming intimately knowable despite His infinite, ineffable attributes.
This episode explores the significance of the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds in the Catholic Church, explaining how they function as faithful summaries of belief. Father Mike emphasizes that creeds provide necessary boundaries for understanding God and Christian identity, acting as an "ever-present guardian" and "treasure of our soul," helping believers dive deeper into truth. The discussion clarifies why the Catechism will follow the Apostles' Creed while constantly referencing the Nicene Creed for detail.
Father Mike Schmitz unpacks the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds, defining them as powerful "symbols of faith" that foster communion among believers. He explains how these creeds, particularly the Nicene Creed, developed over centuries to articulate and clarify essential Christian doctrines in response to historical challenges. The episode highlights the creeds' role in providing a concise, shared language for what Christians believe, connecting past and present believers in a unified profession of faith.
Father Mike explores the Catechism's teachings on faith, highlighting it as a personal adherence of the whole self to God who reveals Himself, involving both intellect and will. He emphasizes the critical distinction of believing in God Himself, the author of truth, rather than merely assenting to individual statements. The episode also discusses the Church's role as Mother and teacher, acknowledging that the journey of faith involves wrestling, but we are called to walk it communally and pray daily to be good students.
Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the unity of faith, highlighting that Catholics believe in the realities expressed by doctrine, not merely the formulas themselves. He explains how the Church faithfully guards and transmits these truths through apostolic succession, citing St. Irenaeus. The episode concludes by stressing the Church's vital role as a mother teaching the language of faith and encouraging continuous personal renewal in God's Spirit.
Fr. Mike discusses Catechism paragraphs 163-169, focusing on the dual nature of faith: "I believe" and "We believe." He explains that faith is the beginning of eternal life, offering a taste of heaven even amidst suffering and darkness. The episode highlights that faith, while personal, is not isolated; it's received, nurtured, and passed on within the community of the Church, which acts as our mother and teacher, sustaining us on our spiritual journey.
Day 22 of Catechism in a Year discusses the motives of credibility for belief, showing that God provides proofs like miracles and prophecies. Fr. Mike clarifies that true doubt differs from struggling with faith, emphasizing that faith is certain because God cannot lie, and it seeks understanding without contradicting reason or science. The episode also highlights faith as a free, necessary gift that requires ongoing nourishment and perseverance for salvation.
This episode delves into the profound nature of faith, beginning with the understanding that it is a personal adherence to God and a free assent to His entire revealed truth, encompassing belief in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Father Mike explains that faith is a supernatural gift from God, yet it requires a free human act, demonstrating that this commitment is neither contrary to human freedom nor reason. The discussion challenges listeners to embrace absolute belief in all God says, highlighting the importance of prayer to deepen this essential virtue.
Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the profound meaning of responding to God's Revelation, moving beyond merely "believing in God" to truly "believing God." He outlines faith as a complete submission of intellect and will, not just intellectual assent. The episode then examines Abraham and Mary as exemplary figures, demonstrating how to trust God's guidance for the "next step" even when the entire path isn't clear, emphasizing that saving faith is lived out through obedient action.
Today, we arrive, with Fr. Mike, at the In Brief section for Article III. Together, we revisit eight of the main ideas or “nuggets” from the readings of the past six days. Fr. Mike concludes this section by reminding us of the importance of the unity between and veneration of the 46 books of the Old Testament and the 27 of the New. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 134-141. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Sub...
Day 19 covers an "in brief" summary of sacred scripture, highlighting its divine and human authorship, its inerrancy, and the essential unity between the Old and New Testaments. Father Mike also stresses the importance of proper interpretation (exegesis) and the veneration of God's Word, akin to revering the body of Christ in the Eucharist, as a lamp and light for our path.
This episode delves into Catechism paragraphs 128-133, highlighting the profound unity between the Old and New Testaments, particularly through typological fulfillment. Father Mike explains how the Old Testament prefigures events and figures in the New, while retaining its own intrinsic value. The episode also stresses the critical importance of sacred scripture in the life of the Church, debunking myths about access and emphasizing that ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ.
Fr. Mike explores the formation of the canon of Scripture. He emphasizes the importance of contemplating and venerating all 73 books of both the New and Old Testaments given to us through Sacred Tradition. Together, with Fr. Mike, we further examine the definition of the canon of Scripture throughout history, spanning from the late 4th to the mid-15th century. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 120-127. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on...
This episode delves into the two essential senses of Scripture: the literal and the spiritual. Father Mike unpacks the spiritual sense's three subdivisions—allegorical, moral, and anagogical—providing scriptural examples to illustrate how these interpretations deepen our understanding of God's Word. The discussion emphasizes how these senses apply to Christ, our actions, and eternal significance, concluding with the Church's authority in interpreting Scripture.
Father Mike discusses the Catholic Church's approach to interpreting Sacred Scripture, detailing three fundamental criteria. These include considering the entire Bible's content and unity, understanding scripture within the Church's living tradition, and adhering to the analogy of faith. These principles ensure accurate interpretation and prevent miscontextualization, allowing believers to confidently dive deeper into God's revealed word.
This episode delves into the profound reverence the Catholic Church holds for Sacred Scripture, equating its veneration to that of the Lord's body. Fr. Mike explains how God condescends to speak to humanity through inspired human authors, ensuring the texts transmit salvific truth, not merely scientific facts. He clarifies that Christianity is a religion of the living, incarnate Word, Jesus Christ, and that engaging with Scripture is a dynamic encounter that nourishes and strengthens believers.
Fr. Mike summarizes Catechism paragraphs 96-100, emphasizing that divine revelation is preserved in both Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture, forming a single deposit of faith. He elaborates on how the Church perpetuates and transmits this truth through its doctrine, life, and worship, exemplified by the principle of "Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi." The episode concludes by highlighting the Magisterium's unique authority, guided by the Holy Spirit, to authentically interpret the Word of God for all generations.
This episode delves into the nature and importance of Catholic dogmas, explaining them not as restrictions but as lights along the path of faith that safeguard true freedom. Drawing on the Catechism, Father Mike highlights how receiving these definitive truths, coupled with the supernatural sense of faith and continuous growth in understanding, ultimately contributes to the accurate knowledge of God and the salvation of souls, all guided by love.
Fr. Mike delves into Catechism paragraphs 80-87, explaining that divine revelation flows from one source and is transmitted through both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, which must be equally revered. He distinguishes between unchanging Apostolic Tradition and adaptable ecclesial traditions, like changes to the Rosary. The episode concludes by highlighting the Magisterium as the Church's living, infallible interpreter of God's Word, acting as its servant, and calling for the faithful to receive its teachings with docility.
Fr. Mike explains the transmission of divine revelation through apostolic tradition, emphasizing its two-fold nature: orally and in writing. He highlights how the apostles appointed bishops as successors to preserve their teaching authority, a continuous line culminating in the Church today. The episode underscores that God's Word, active through the Holy Spirit, leads believers to the full truth for their transformation, calling all to participate in handing on the faith.
Fr. Mike discusses God's progressive self-revelation, culminating in Jesus Christ as the ultimate Word, signifying no further public revelation. The episode explains that Christian faith gradually grasps the full significance of this complete revelation over centuries through Church discernment. It also clarifies the nature of private revelations, which do not add to the deposit of faith but can aid personal piety, provided they align with established teachings.
Day 8 of the Catechism explores paragraphs 59-64, detailing how God reveals Himself in stages, beginning with Abraham and forming Israel through covenants and prophets. The discussion emphasizes God's 'divine pedagogy,' a slow, bit-by-bit process allowing humanity the freedom to choose love and trust over mere belief. The episode highlights the hope of salvation for all nations through a new covenant, honoring Old Testament figures and holy women who bore this hope, culminating in the fulfillment found in Christ.
Father Mike Schmitz discusses how God reveals Himself to man, not just through creation, but through a free decision to share His loving goodness. He explains the "divine pedagogy," God's gradual teaching from Adam and Eve, who received a promise of redemption after sin, to the universal covenant with Noah. This revelation enables humanity to know and love God beyond natural abilities, highlighting God's continuous outreach and the mission to proclaim His truth.
Day 6 reviews Catechism paragraphs 44-49, emphasizing that humans are religious beings designed for communion with God, finding true happiness only in Him. Father Mike explains how natural reason and creation provide certainty of God's existence, dispelling myths about faith and science contradiction. The episode also discusses the challenge and possibility of speaking accurately about God, despite the limits of human language, urging believers to share this truth.
Father Mike Schmitz discusses Catechism paragraphs 36-43, focusing on how human reason allows us to know God, yet this knowledge is limited by our nature and requires self-surrender. The episode also delves into the challenges of speaking about God, highlighting that while our language uses analogies from creation, it always falls short of His incomprehensible mystery. Ultimately, we rely on God's revelation to truly understand Him.
