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 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.
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.
