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 153 of Catechism in a Year discusses paragraphs 1127-1129, highlighting three profound truths about sacraments. They are efficacious, meaning they actively confer grace and cause what they signify, rather than being mere symbols. Their power stems from Christ's work, operating independently of the minister's personal holiness, though the recipient's disposition affects the fruits. Ultimately, the Church affirms that these sacraments are necessary for salvation, as taught by Jesus himself.
This episode delves into the profound connection between evangelization and the sacraments, emphasizing that Christ's command to make disciples includes baptizing them. It explains how sacraments not only presuppose faith but also nourish, strengthen, and express it, using examples like confession and Mass. Father Mike also explores the ancient saying "lex orandi, lex credendi," highlighting why sacramental rites cannot be arbitrarily modified and their role in glorifying God.
This episode delves into paragraphs 1113-1121 of the Catechism, introducing the seven sacraments as instituted by Christ and flowing from his saving actions and Paschal Mystery. Father Mike explains how the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, gradually understood and dispenses these sacraments, which are both "by the Church and for her." The discussion also clarifies the relationship between the baptismal priesthood (shared by all the baptized) and the ministerial priesthood (ordained), emphasizing the latter's service to the former and its role in ensuring Christ's presence.
Fr. Mike Schmitz explains the Epiclesis, the moment in the Eucharist where the Holy Spirit transforms the offerings. He clarifies that the Mass actualizes Christ's once-for-all sacrifice, rather than repeating it, making the saving events present to us. The episode also explores how this participation in the Eucharist calls believers, through their baptismal priesthood, to offer their own lives as a continuous, living sacrifice, mirroring Christ's self-offering.
Father Mike explains that the Holy Spirit acts as the Church's living memory, cooperating with the Church to manifest Christ's work of salvation in the liturgy, particularly through the proclaimed Word of God. He emphasizes that the Spirit enables spiritual understanding and prompts believers to respond to God's Word with active faith, consent, and a commitment to live out its teachings. This process of "anemnesis" makes Christ's saving actions present here and now.
This episode examines the sacramental economy, focusing on the Holy Spirit's work in the liturgy. Father Mike explains that the Holy Spirit makes actual what Jesus made possible through his Paschal Mystery, enabling us to live in the life of the risen Christ. He also delves into how Christian liturgy springs from and fulfills Jewish liturgy, exploring the typological connections and emphasizing the necessary cooperation of faith for receiving sacramental graces and the Church's universal, transcendent nature.
This episode delves into Christ's continuous work within the liturgy, primarily through the sacraments, which are defined as perceptible signs that effectively convey the grace they signify. Father Mike emphasizes the unique nature of the Paschal Mystery—Christ's life, death, and resurrection—as a historical event that transcends all time and is made present in every liturgy. The discussion also highlights four specific ways Christ is present in liturgical celebrations, including through the minister, the Eucharist, the Word, and the gathered assembly, ultimately connecting the earthly liturgy to its heavenly counterpart.
Father Mike delves into the sacramental economy, highlighting how Christ continues to act through the Church's sacraments in the age of the Church. He explores God the Father as the ultimate source of all blessings throughout salvation history and clarifies the dual dimension of Christian liturgy: our adoration and thanksgiving to God, and our offering of His own Son back to Him while begging for the Holy Spirit for the world. The episode also touches on the diverse liturgical rites within the Catholic Church.
Father Mike begins a new section of the Catechism, exploring the "why" and "what" of liturgy, a public work where the faithful participate in God's saving action through Christ's Paschal Mystery. He emphasizes liturgy as a sacred, life-giving action, the source of prayer and a privileged place for catechesis, urging listeners toward conscious and active participation rather than passive observation.
In this introductory episode to Pillar 2, Father Mike Schmitz and Bishop Andrew Cozzens delve into the meaning of worship, liturgy, and sacraments. They discuss the ongoing National Eucharistic Revival, emphasizing personal encounters with Jesus in the sacraments and the transformative power of participating in Christ's one true act of worship. The conversation also explores common obstacles like a scientistic worldview versus a sacramental one, and a linear versus a biblical view of time, underscoring the objective reality and necessity of God's direct encounter through the sacraments in our lives.
Father Mike celebrates the conclusion of Pillar One of the Catechism, focusing on paragraphs 1051-1065. He reviews the Church's teaching on immediate judgment after death, covering the ultimate destinations of heaven, purgatory, and hell. The episode deeply explores the word "Amen," linking its Hebrew roots to belief and faithfulness, and emphasizing its significance as staking one's life on God's truth, culminating in Jesus Christ as the definitive Amen. It also encourages meditating on one's death and praying for the grace of final perseverance.
Father Mike discusses the Christian hope of a new heaven and new earth, explaining how the entire universe and humanity will be renewed and brought into perfect alignment with God at the end of time. He emphasizes that this future isn't boring but a glorious restoration by the same God who created the current beautiful world. The episode also addresses how this hope should inspire us to care for our present earth, while keeping our ultimate focus on the beatific vision and the inalienable promise of eternal life.
Father Mike discusses the Last Judgment as a cosmic event at the end of time, where Christ's triumph over history will bring all things to right and reveal the ultimate meaning of creation. The episode highlights how each person's relationship with God and the full consequences of their actions, good or ill, will be laid bare without pride or shame. It emphasizes God's justice triumphing over all injustices and stresses the call to conversion, reminding listeners of the importance of cultivating a holy fear of the Lord alongside love.
Fr. Mike explains the existence and meaning of purgatory, a transitional state of purification for those who die in God's grace but are imperfectly purified, referencing scripture and historical church teachings. He then delves into hell, defined as a state of eternal separation from God, emphasizing that it is a consequence of freely choosing to turn away from God through mortal sin. The episode underscores the importance of our free will and the urgent call to choose God's love and repentance daily.
Father Mike Schmitz delves into Catechism paragraphs 1020-1029, explaining "life everlasting" and the particular judgment each soul faces at death. He describes the profound significance of the Church's last rites and the comforting prayer of commendation. The episode beautifully portrays heaven as the beatific vision – seeing God face to face – and emphasizes our active choice in attaining this ultimate communion with the Trinity, calling listeners to choose heaven daily.
Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the Catechism's teachings on death, highlighting that for the faithful, life is transformed, not concluded, and stresses the finality of earthly life without reincarnation. He delves into the importance of preparing for our death by living with a quiet conscience and actively choosing God's will. The episode encourages grieving with hope, understanding that Christ's resurrection conquers death, and challenges listeners to be ready to face death today by aligning their lives with God's plan.
This episode examines the Catholic understanding of death, beginning with its origin as a consequence of sin, contrary to God's original plan. Father Mike explains how Christ's free and complete submission to the Father's will on the cross transformed death from an enemy into a hopeful gain for believers. The discussion highlights the positive meaning of Christian death and practical ways to prepare for it, fostering a longing for union with God.
This episode of Catechism in a Year dives into paragraphs 997-1004, addressing common questions about the resurrection of the dead. Fr. Mike unpacks the nature of rising, who will be resurrected, the mysterious process of bodily transformation, and the timing of this event. He highlights how our Baptism and reception of the Eucharist mean we are already participating in Christ's death and resurrection, urging listeners to treat their bodies with dignity and glorify God in all their actions.
Father Mike Schmitz delves into paragraphs 988-996 of the Catechism, explaining the core Christian doctrine of bodily resurrection, a belief essential since the faith's beginnings. He clarifies how the "resurrection of the flesh" means our mortal bodies will come back to life, much like Christ's, and discusses its progressive revelation in scripture. The episode culminates in a reflection on how this belief offers a choice for everlasting glory or shame, urging listeners to live for God today.
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.
