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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Father Mike Schmitz discusses the profound meaning of Jesus as the "Only Son of God," contrasting it with the term "son of God" in the Old Testament. He explains how Peter's confession and Paul's proclamation revealed Jesus' transcendent divine sonship, distinct from mere adoptive sonship. The episode emphasizes that the full meaning of this title is realized through Jesus' Paschal Mystery, affirmed by the Father at his baptism and transfiguration, revealing his eternal preexistence and glorified humanity.
Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the significance of Jesus' title, 'The Christ,' explaining its derivation from the Hebrew 'Messiah' meaning 'anointed one.' He details how Jesus perfectly accomplished the divine mission signified by this title, fulfilling the roles of priest, prophet, and king. The episode highlights the Trinitarian aspect of Jesus' anointing and clarifies how his true, redemptive kingship was unveiled not through political power, but through his role as the suffering servant on the cross, a ministry followers are called to share.
This episode delves into the name of Jesus, revealing its meaning as "God saves" and its status as the name above all names, uniquely bringing salvation. It emphasizes the name's power, which evil spirits fear and through which miracles are performed, making it central to all Christian prayer. Father Mike also addresses the prevalent issue of Christians taking Jesus' name in vain, urging listeners to recognize its sacredness and use it reverently as a prayer. The episode concludes with an invitation to make the Jesus Prayer a constant practice.
This episode delves into Catechism paragraphs 422-429, emphasizing that God, out of sheer goodness, sent His only Son after the Fall, offering grace upon grace. It highlights the historical grounding of Jesus' life and the central role of Christ in catechesis. Father Mike stresses that anyone called to teach Christ must first cultivate an intimate relationship with Him, acting as His spokesman to lead others to faith. The episode also outlines future discussions on Jesus' titles and mysteries.
Day 59 is a "nugget day," summarizing Catechism paragraphs 413-421 on Original Sin. Father Mike discusses that God did not create death, but it entered the world through the devil's envy and man's abuse of freedom. He explains how original sin wounded human nature and introduced concupiscence, but ultimately highlights the profound hope found in Christ's victory, which has brought even greater blessings than sin took away. The episode concludes by looking forward to the next section on "I believe in the Son."
Father Mike delves into the Catholic understanding of original sin, highlighting that human nature is "good but broken" and inclined to evil, leading to a constant spiritual battle against internal weaknesses and "the sin of the world." He explains that ignoring this wounded nature can lead to serious errors in various aspects of life. The episode also explores how God never abandoned humanity after the Fall, offering the Proto Evangelium and the New Adam and Eve as promises of redemption. Finally, it addresses the mystery of why God permits evil, concluding that it allows for a greater good and requires our trust in His plan.
Fr. Mike Schmitz examines the far-reaching consequences of Adam and Eve's original sin, clarifying that it's a contracted state, not a personal fault, affecting all human nature. He discusses how while humanity remains fundamentally good, it is wounded by ignorance, suffering, death, and an inclination to sin (concupiscence). The episode also addresses historical interpretations and emphasizes the ongoing spiritual battle that calls for God's indispensable grace.
Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses man's first sin, rooted in a lack of trust in God and the preference of self over the Creator. He explains that true freedom is doing what one ought, not merely what one wants. The episode details the tragic consequences of this original disobedience, including broken harmony, suffering, and death, yet concludes with the hopeful message of God's persistent grace and non-abandonment.
This episode delves into the mysterious fall of the angels, explaining how these spiritual beings, created good by God, freely chose to rebel through pride or envy. Fr. Mike emphasizes the irrevocable nature of their decision and clarifies that God's infinite mercy does not force repentance. The discussion also covers Satan's limited power as a creature and reflects on why divine providence allows diabolical activity, ultimately concluding that God works for good in all circumstances.
Father Mike delves into the Catechism's teachings on the Fall of Man, addressing the fundamental question of evil's origin and clarifying that sin is not merely a flaw but a profound rejection of God. He explains how the mystery of lawlessness is understood only in the light of Christ's love and grace, making original sin a crucial truth for appreciating salvation and the depth of God's redemptive plan.
Father Mike unpacks the Catechism's teaching on "Man in Paradise," detailing humanity's initial state of original holiness and justice, characterized by friendship with God and freedom from suffering. He explains how sin fractured this harmony, introducing death and internal conflict. Crucially, the episode highlights that Christ's redemption not only restores but elevates our original callings—leisure, love, and labor—transforming them into avenues for collaboration and worship with God.
Father Mike unpacks Catechism paragraphs 369-373, discussing how men and women are created equal in dignity yet uniquely different and complementary. He highlights the paradox of being complete as individuals but designed for communion, especially evident in the reproductive system's interdependence. The episode also delves into the call to stewardship, urging listeners to love and care for those entrusted to them, reflecting God's own love.
This episode delves into Catechism paragraphs 362-368, highlighting that humans are a single unity of body and soul, with the soul being the form of the body and created immediately by God. Father Mike refutes historical and modern errors that attempt to separate these two inseparable parts of our being, underscoring how God's salvation is profoundly embodied. The episode concludes by affirming that each person is entirely willed by God, made for a supernatural end, and capable of choosing for or against Him through the heart.
Father Mike delves into Catechism paragraphs 355-361, focusing on the dignity of man as created in God's image. He explains that humanity is unique because God willed us for our own sake, not merely as a means to an end, enabling self-knowledge, self-possession, and communion. The episode underscores that all human beings share a common origin and intrinsic dignity, fostering a law of solidarity that refutes any form of discrimination and calls us to love and serve God.
Father Mike Schmitz discusses how all of God's creatures share a solidarity, being created for God's glory and worship. The episode delves into the creation narrative, highlighting the Sabbath as a sacred day for worship, where "nothing should take precedence over the work of God." It further introduces the significance of the "Eighth Day" – Christ's resurrection – which inaugurates a new creation and offers humanity a fuller, deeper relationship with God through worship, inviting us to participate in eternity.
Father Mike Schmitz explores Catechism paragraphs 337-343, discussing God's creation of the visible world in richness, diversity, and order. He emphasizes that all creatures possess inherent goodness and perfection, highlighting their interdependence and the beauty of the universe. The episode delves into humanity's unique position as the summit of creation, made in God's image, and our responsibility to act as wise stewards rather than owners of the natural world.
Father Mike explores Catechism paragraphs 331-336, explaining that angels are spiritual beings entirely devoted to Christ, created through and for him as messengers of his saving plan. The discussion covers angels' historical presence in salvation and their ongoing role in the Church's liturgy and daily life, including their intercessory power and watchful care for humanity. Listeners are encouraged to recognize and unite with this invisible angelic presence.
Father Mike unpacks the Catechism's teachings on "Heaven and Earth," explaining that God created both the visible world and the invisible realm of spiritual creatures, notably angels. He clarifies that angels are immortal, purely spiritual beings of intellect and will, serving as God's messengers. The discussion also highlights the unique nature of human beings, who are composed of both spirit and body, emphasizing that while both angels and humans are created to glorify God, humans do not become angels after death and possess a distinct way of loving and serving God.
Father Mike reviews Catechism paragraphs 315-324, emphasizing that God created the world freely and good, to share His glory and love, and continuously sustains it by His will. He explores the profound mystery of why God permits evil, explaining that while evil itself is never good, God brings greater good from it through Christ's death and resurrection, inviting listeners to trust in God's care in a broken world.
Fr. Mike Schmitz addresses the challenging question of why evil exists in a world created by a good God. He explains that while there's no simple answer, the full Christian faith details God's redemptive plan, including His wisdom in creating a "journeying" world and His capacity to derive good from evil without causing it. The episode emphasizes trusting God's providence, even when His ways are unknown, drawing inspiration from the steadfast faith of the saints.
Fr. Mike delves into Catechism paragraphs 299-308, clarifying that God's creation is ordered, good, and continually upheld by His presence. The discussion highlights God's divine providence and how He grants human beings the dignity to be secondary causes, freely participating in His plan. Listeners learn that all human actions, prayers, and even sufferings have meaning when united to God's will.
Father Mike delves into Catechism paragraphs 290-298, explaining why and how God created. He emphasizes that creation is a common work of the Holy Trinity, stemming from God's wisdom, love, and free will, not necessity, and uniquely, out of nothing. This act reveals God's glory and goodness, inviting us to share in His divine life, and signifies His ongoing power to renew and give us faith.
Fr. Mike examines different explanations for God's existence and the world's origins, such as Pantheism, Dualism, Manichaeism, and Deism, including modern "moralistic therapeutic deism." He explains that while human reason can perceive a Creator, divine revelation is crucial for answering profound questions about creation and God's purpose. The episode emphasizes that God created all things for a covenantal relationship with humanity, a truth profoundly revealed in Genesis chapters 1-3.
Fr. Mike delves into the Catechism's teachings on God as the Creator, highlighting how understanding this truth is fundamental to human and Christian life, addressing the core questions of where we come from and where we are going. He discusses how scientific discoveries can enhance our admiration for the Creator, while also distinguishing faith's "who" and "why" from science's "how" and "what." The episode concludes by exploring the significant implications of rejecting a divine creator, particularly regarding free will, morality, and God's ultimate loving purpose for humanity.
Father Mike delves into what it means for God to be "Almighty," explaining that His power is universal, loving, and mysterious. He clarifies that God's power is not arbitrary but consistent with His reason and goodness, addressing questions about evil and suffering. The episode highlights that God's omnipotence is fully revealed through Christ's voluntary humiliation and resurrection, conquering evil not by squashing it but by redeeming it.
This episode, Day 38, summarizes paragraphs 261-267 of the Catechism, focusing on the Most Holy Trinity. Fr. Mike explains how God reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, inviting us into His divine life. The discussion covers key theological terms, the role of creeds like the Athanasian, and the profound call to share in the Trinity's glory through baptism, both now "in the obscurity of faith" and eternally.
This episode explores the "Divine Economy," explaining how God reveals and communicates himself through the unified, yet distinct, actions of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It emphasizes that all divine works are common to the three persons, while each acts according to their unique property. The ultimate goal is for humanity to enter into the perfect life of the Blessed Trinity, a concept beautifully captured by Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity's prayer for profound union with God.
Father Mike Schmitz continues exploring the Holy Trinity, focusing on its unity, the distinctness of the divine persons, and their essential relationships. The discussion explains that God is one in substance while being three distinct persons, countering misunderstandings of modalism or hierarchy. Drawing from Catechism paragraphs 253-256 and Saint Gregory of Nazianzus, he illuminates this profound mystery of faith, emphasizing that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are entirely God and eternally co-existent.
This episode delves into the historical formation of the Church's dogma concerning the Holy Trinity. Fr. Mike unpacks specific theological terms, such as substance, person (hypostasis), and relation, which the Church developed from philosophical origins to articulate the nature of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit while maintaining their distinctness. He concludes by emphasizing that despite these clarifications, the Trinity remains an infinitely profound mystery that human minds cannot fully grasp, illustrated by the story of St. Augustine.
Fr. Mike delves into Catechism paragraphs 243-248, exploring the Holy Spirit's role in revealing the Father and the Son. He discusses the historical theological differences between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches regarding the Holy Spirit's procession, particularly the 'Filioque' clause. The episode concludes with a hopeful message for future reconciliation and unity between the Eastern and Western Churches.
