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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This episode delves into Catechism paragraphs 976-987, explaining how Jesus granted the Church the authority to forgive sins via the Holy Spirit, primarily through Baptism and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Father Mike highlights the profound truth that God's mercy is limitless, assuring listeners that no sin is too serious and no one is beyond hope of forgiveness, provided their repentance is honest. He encourages reliance on God's grace despite concupiscence and praises the Church's divine gift of reconciliation.
Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the Church's devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, drawing from Catechism paragraphs 971-975. He explains that honoring Mary is intrinsic to Christian worship, fulfilling her prophecy, and clarifies the essential difference between veneration of Mary (hyperdulia) and adoration of God (latria). Using an analogy, he illustrates how knowing and loving Mary deeply fosters a greater love for Jesus, seeing Mary as the eschatological icon and mother who perfectly embodies what the Church is called to be.
Father Mike Schmitz delves into paragraphs 963-970 of the Catechism, explaining Mary's unique and inseparable role as Mother of Christ and Mother of the Church. He clarifies that Mary's motherhood extends to all believers in the order of grace, emphasizing her as a model of faith and charity. The episode also discusses Mary's titles like advocate and mediatrix, highlighting that her mediation serves as a sharing in Christ's singular redemptive work, ultimately guiding us closer to God.
Day 131 of Catechism in a Year discusses the communion of the Church across three states: triumphant in heaven, suffering in purgatory, and militant on earth. Father Mike explains how saints in heaven intercede for the living and how our prayers benefit souls in purgatory, making their intercession more effective. He emphasizes that all believers form one family in God, united by love and prayer.
Father Mike delves into the Catechism's teaching on the Communion of Saints, explaining its two meanings: communion in holy things (Sancta) and among holy persons (Sancti). He highlights how sacraments, especially the Eucharist, unite believers in faith, charisms, and charity, forming one body where individual actions profoundly affect everyone. The episode emphasizes that "no one is an island" and our communion extends even to those in heaven and purgatory, fostering a deep sense of belonging and shared responsibility.
In this 'Nugget Day' episode, Father Mike reviews Catechism paragraphs 934-945, distinguishing between clerics, laity, and those professing evangelical counsels. He explains the divine institution and purpose of the Church, highlighting the roles of the Pope, bishops, and laity in Christ's mission to proclaim faith. The episode concludes by calling all the baptized to a deeper, intimate consecration and surrender of their lives to God's service and to the good of the entire Church.
Father Mike Schmitz explains different paths to holiness within the Church, such as religious life, secular institutes, and societies of apostolic life, as detailed in Catechism paragraphs 925-933. He differentiates these by their public vows, community living, and engagement with the world, while emphasizing that every baptized person shares a foundational call to consecration and a mission to live out their surrender to God. The episode underlines how these unique vocations enrich the Church and manifest Christ's love to the world.
Father Mike delves into the various forms of consecrated life, from hermits dedicated to solitude and prayer, to consecrated virgins and widows committed to perpetual chastity. He explains how these individuals, by professing the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience, live out a unique call to intimate consecration to God. Their lives serve as a powerful witness and sign of God's love and the heavenly life to come for the entire Church and world.
Father Mike explains how the lay faithful are called to share in Christ's prophetic mission through evangelization and life testimony, and in his kingly office by ruling themselves, conquering sin, and influencing society. The episode emphasizes the importance of a Christian conscience guiding all actions, unifying duties in both the Church and the world, as no human activity is outside God's dominion.
Father Mike Schmitz defines the laity as all faithful not in Holy Orders or a religious state, highlighting their unique and vital mission to sanctify the world. He explains how lay Christians are called to permeate social, political, and economic realities with Christian doctrine, serving as the "front line of Church life" where priests and religious cannot reach. The episode delves into how every aspect of a layperson's life—work, family, and even hardships—can become a spiritual sacrifice, making every moment an act of worship.
This episode delves into Catechism paragraphs 888-896, outlining the three essential offices entrusted to the Episcopal College and the Pope: teaching, sanctifying, and governing. Father Mike clarifies the charism of infallibility, detailing its application in papal pronouncements and ecumenical councils regarding faith and morals, alongside the requirement of religious assent for ordinary magisterial teachings. The discussion emphasizes that these offices must be exercised in the spirit of Christ's service, guiding the faithful to approach the Church's wisdom with docility and an open heart.
This episode explores the pivotal role of the Pope and the Episcopal College in the Catholic Church, tracing the papacy's origins to Jesus' designation of Peter as the "rock" and shepherd. It delves into the significance of Jesus giving Peter the keys to the kingdom, connecting this to the Old Testament office of the prime minister. The discussion also covers Peter's restoration after his denial and the ongoing authority of his successors, emphasizing the Pope's universal power and the bishops' unity with him.
Father Mike explains the distinct yet equally dignified roles of the hierarchy, laity, and consecrated life within Christ's faithful. The discussion delves into how all baptized Christians share in Christ's priestly, prophetic, and kingly offices, contributing to the Church's unified mission through diverse ministries. The episode also details the essential characteristics of ecclesial ministry, emphasizing its foundation in service, collegiality, and a personal call from Christ, empowering ministers to act in His name.
This episode delves into the Church's apostolic nature, explaining that all members are 'sent out' on a mission to spread the Kingdom of Christ. Father Mike emphasizes that the fruitfulness of this apostolate, for both ordained and lay people, stems from a vital union with Christ and is animated by charity, especially drawn from the Eucharist. The discussion also touches upon the four marks of the Church and how elements of truth and sanctification can be found beyond visible Catholic confines, inviting all to embrace God's full inheritance.
This episode explores the fourth mark of the Catholic Church: its "apostolic" nature. Fr. Mike details how the Church is built on the foundation of the apostles, preserves their teaching, and is guided by their successors, the bishops. He clarifies the concept of apostolic succession, distinguishing the Catholic Church from other denominations, and emphasizes that listening to bishops is listening to Christ. The episode concludes with a call to pray for our local bishops, who continue to shepherd the faithful.
Father Mike Schmitz discusses the Church's missionary mandate, rooted in God's eternal love and Christ's Great Commission. He explains that while salvation is always through Jesus, the Church is called to actively evangelize with patience and respect. The episode highlights that the mission's path involves poverty, service, and self-sacrifice, and encourages believers to embrace this call despite potential defeats, driven by profound love for others.
This episode examines the Catholic Church's complex relationship with non-Christian religions, including Judaism and Islam, acknowledging the goodness and truth found within them. Father Mike clarifies that while other faiths contain elements of truth, the fullness of salvation subsists in the Catholic Church through Christ. He also delves into the often-misunderstood statement, "outside the Church there is no salvation," explaining its nuanced meaning for both those who know and those who do not know Christ and His Church, and reiterates the Church's mission to evangelize.
Fr. Mike delves into the Church's catholicity, clarifying that it means universal in two primary senses: Christ's full presence providing the complete means of salvation, and her mission to all humanity. He discusses the nature of particular churches, their essential communion with the Church of Rome, and the varying ways individuals belong, from full incorporation to imperfect communion with other baptized Christians. The episode emphasizes that no one is excluded from God's embrace and the Church's invitation.
Father Mike Schmitz explores the Church's characteristic of being "holy," emphasizing that its holiness is an unfailing gift from God, despite its members being sinners. He highlights that all Church activities aim for the sanctification of humanity and the glorification of God. Drawing on St. Therese of Lisieux, he explains that love is the soul of holiness, encompassing all vocations, and ultimately, we will be judged on love alone.
Fr. Mike delves into paragraphs 817-822 of the Catechism, discussing the historical divisions within Christ's Church and the recognition of "separated brethren" who genuinely follow Christ. He emphasizes that while elements of truth and grace exist outside the Catholic Church, these ultimately derive from its fullness. The episode passionately calls all Christians to pray and work for unity, highlighting that its restoration transcends human efforts and will be a divine miracle. He concludes with a personal invitation for reconciliation and a step towards full communion.
This episode delves into the first of the four marks of the Church: "one." Father Mike explains that the Church's unity stems from its divine source, founder, and soul – the Holy Trinity, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. He highlights the visible bonds of unity, including the profession of faith, common celebration of sacraments, and apostolic succession, while acknowledging diversity and the threat of sin. The discussion also references the First Vatican Council's insights on the Church's miraculous endurance as a sign of its divine mission.
Father Mike explains how the Holy Spirit functions as the soul of the Church, uniting its diverse members and empowering every saving action. He delves into the numerous ways the Spirit builds up the Body of Christ, including through sacraments, virtues, and particularly charisms. The episode emphasizes that these spiritual gifts are for the renewal and building up of the Church, requiring gratitude, discernment, and submission to church authority.
Father Mike delves into Catechism paragraphs 792-796, explaining how Christ is the Church's preeminent Head, providing for its growth and uniting members in His Passover. The discussion highlights the mystical concept of "the whole Christ" and the unwavering faith of saints like Joan of Arc. The episode powerfully concludes by portraying the Church as Christ's beloved Bride, emphasizing God's infinite and faithful love for humanity.
Day 111 of The Catechism in a Year explores paragraphs 787-791, focusing on the Church as the Body of Christ. Fr. Mike emphasizes our deep, personal communion with Jesus, intensified by the Holy Spirit, and how sacraments like Baptism and Eucharist incorporate us into this unified yet diverse body. The episode concludes by stressing the interconnectedness of all members, explaining that individual sins wound the entire body, while personal virtues strengthen it, underscoring our shared responsibility.
Father Mike discusses Catechism paragraphs 781-786, highlighting God's plan to unite people into a holy community rather than saving individuals in isolation. He details the characteristics of this 'People of God,' including membership through baptism, the new law of love, and a mission to be salt and light. The episode deeply examines how all the baptized participate in Christ's priestly, prophetic, and royal anointing, underscoring that true reign involves loving service, especially to the poor and suffering.
This episode delves into Catechism paragraphs 772-780, explaining how the Church is the mystery of humanity's union with God and the universal sacrament of salvation. Fr. Mike highlights that loving the Church means loving what Jesus loves, His bride, and explores how the sacraments are instruments of Christ's grace, uniting all people. The discussion also touches on the Marian and Petrine dimensions and the Church's historical role in unity.
Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into Catechism paragraphs 767-771, explaining that while Jesus established the Church, the Holy Spirit continually sanctifies it, empowering its missionary work through varied gifts. The episode further explores the Church's journey through earthly trials towards heavenly perfection and unpacks the paradox of its dual nature as both visible and spiritual, human and divine, a complex reality present in the world yet destined for glory.
Fr. Mike Schmitz explains that the Church is not a man-made institution but a divine plan born from the Father's heart, foreshadowed since creation. He details how the Church was prepared through Abraham and Israel in the Old Covenant, eventually leading to a new, eternal covenant. The episode highlights Jesus Christ's role in instituting the visible Church and kingdom, culminating in its birth from his total self-giving on the cross, symbolized by baptism and the Eucharist.
This episode delves into various biblical symbols representing the Church, such as a sheepfold, cultivated field, and the spotless Bride of Christ, explaining their origins in the Old Testament and fulfillment in Jesus. Father Mike addresses potential defensiveness or hostility towards the Church, urging listeners to align their hearts with God's perfect love for His often-imperfect earthly institution. He emphasizes the need for constant reform within the Church and a prayerful openness to its teachings.
Father Mike explores Catechism paragraphs 748-752, explaining that the Church's mission is inseparable from Christ and the Holy Spirit, who is the source of all holiness. He clarifies the four marks of the Church (one, holy, catholic, apostolic) and delves into the etymology of "church" from Greek and Latin. The episode concludes by defining the three inseparable meanings of the term "church": the liturgical assembly, the local community, and the universal community of believers, reflecting on the human and divine aspects of the Church.
