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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Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the enduring tradition of the Eucharist, highlighting St. Justin Martyr's First Apology from AD 155 which details the structure of the Mass, remarkably similar to today's. He discusses Jesus' command to "do this in memory of me," the four markers of discipleship from Acts 2:42, and the theological implications of receiving the Eucharist as the true body and blood of Christ, outlining the conditions for reception as an act of love.
Day 182 of the Catechism in a Year examines paragraphs 1333-1340, detailing how the Eucharist, through the signs of bread and wine, fulfills Old Covenant sacrifices and stands as the heart of God's plan of salvation. Fr. Mike discusses the significance of priestly mediation and why the Eucharist, though a stumbling block for some, is a tangible gift of God's boundless love and a foretaste of the heavenly kingdom. This episode aims to deepen understanding of Christ's presence in the Mass.
This episode delves into the profound meaning of the Eucharist by examining its various biblical and traditional names, such as Thanksgiving, the Lord's Supper, and the Breaking of Bread. Father Mike emphasizes the Eucharist's essence as the Holy Sacrifice, where believers participate in Christ's eternal offering to the Father. The discussion highlights how each name illuminates a distinct aspect of this central sacrament, deepening our understanding of God's immense love.
Father Mike Schmitz begins an in-depth journey into the mystery of the Holy Eucharist, discussing its profound significance as the "source and summit" of Christian life. The episode covers how the Eucharist completes Christian initiation and perpetuates Christ's sacrifice, serving as a sacrament of love, unity, and a bond of charity. It emphasizes that unlike other sacraments, the Eucharist is not just a work of Christ but Christ himself, uniting believers to the heavenly liturgy and anticipating eternal life.
Father Mike Schmitz summarizes Catechism paragraphs 1315-1321 on Confirmation, highlighting its role in perfecting baptismal grace and equipping us for mission. He stresses that the gifts received at Confirmation are not just for personal benefit but to bear witness to the faith. The discussion also delves into the crucial importance of a genuine desire and intentionality when receiving the sacrament, rather than merely going through the motions.
Father Mike Schmitz delves into Confirmation, explaining that every baptized person should receive it to complete their Christian initiation. He clarifies the concept of 'age of discretion' versus spiritual maturity, stresses the need for proper preparation including being in a state of grace, and highlights the crucial role of selecting a sponsor who genuinely supports one's faith journey. The episode also details the minister of Confirmation, typically the bishop, connecting the sacrament to apostolic succession and the Church's desire for all to receive Christ's fullness, especially in danger of death.
Father Mike delves into the sacrament of Confirmation, detailing the consecration of sacred chrism and the liturgical rite in both Latin and Eastern traditions. He explores the profound effects, including the deepening of baptismal grace, increased gifts of the Holy Spirit, and a stronger bond with the Church. Emphasizing that Confirmation bestows a special strength, Father Mike challenges listeners to boldly confess Christ, never be ashamed of the cross, and act as official representatives of the Church in their daily lives.
This episode delves into the Sacrament of Confirmation, exploring the historical divergence of its celebration in the Eastern and Western Church traditions, emphasizing either the unity of initiation or the bishop's role. Fr. Mike also unpacks the multifaceted symbolism of anointing oil and the profound meaning of the spiritual seal received in Confirmation. This seal signifies our total belonging to Christ, enrollment in His service, and the promise of divine protection as we share in Jesus' mission.
Father Mike begins a deep dive into the Sacrament of Confirmation, explaining its vital role in completing baptismal grace and binding the faithful more perfectly to the Church. He highlights how Confirmation bestows a special strength of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers, like the Apostles at Pentecost, to boldly spread and defend the faith. The discussion also covers the sacrament's historical roots, from Old Testament prophecy to the use of chrism.
Father Mike highlights Catechism paragraphs 1275-1284 as essential "nuggets" for understanding Baptism. He clarifies its role as the beginning of new life, a strengthening sacrament alongside Confirmation and Eucharist, and a profound gift of God's unmerited grace. The discussion delves into the rich reality of baptismal grace, including forgiveness of sins, adoptive sonship, incorporation into the Church, and sharing in Christ's priesthood, urging listeners to reflect on these transformative gifts.
Father Mike Schmitz discusses Catechism paragraphs 1267-1274, emphasizing that Baptism incorporates believers into the Church, the "People of God of the New Covenant," and bestows a share in the common priesthood. He highlights the duties and rights of the baptized, including professing faith and participating in missionary activity, and clarifies that a sacramental bond exists among all properly baptized Christians, regardless of full communion. The episode concludes by explaining the indelible spiritual mark of Baptism, which permanently seals one's belonging to Christ, urging listeners to actively live out their faith.
Father Mike delves into paragraphs 1262-1266 of the Catechism, detailing how Baptism cleanses all sins and makes us a new creature. He emphasizes the transformative gift of becoming God's adopted children, distinct from merely being beloved creatures, using the Pinocchio analogy. The episode also touches on temporal consequences of sin and the ongoing call to resist temptation through grace.
This episode delves into Catechism paragraphs 1253-1261, focusing on baptism as the sacrament of faith, its necessity for salvation, and who can administer it. Father Mike discusses pathways to salvation beyond formal baptism, such as baptism of blood or desire, and addresses questions about those ignorant of the Gospel. He concludes with a compassionate reflection on the hopeful destiny of children who die without baptism, entrusting them to God's infinite mercy.
Fr. Mike delves into Catechism paragraphs 1246-1252, explaining that baptism is for all unbaptized persons. He details the catechumenate process for adults, which forms them in the whole Christian life, and clarifies the necessity and ancient tradition of infant baptism as a manifestation of God's gratuitous grace. The episode highlights God's universal desire for all to be saved and calls for continuous Christian formation.
This episode delves into the mystagogy of Baptism, systematically explaining the meaning and significance of each element of the baptismal rite, from the Sign of the Cross to the anointing and the essential Trinitarian formula. Father Mike Schmitz offers personal reflections on how baptism is not an end, but the beginning of a lifelong journey to walk as a child of God, emphasizing its practical daily application.
This episode explores how the Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated, tracing the journey of Christian initiation from the Apostles' time to today's practices, including the catechumenate and essential elements like proclamation, conversion, and the Eucharist. Fr. Mike emphasizes the crucial role of post-baptismal formation, especially for those baptized as infants, to foster the full flowering of grace. He also touches on the restoration of adult initiation rites and variations between Eastern and Roman Catholic traditions, concluding with a personal reflection on living out baptismal grace.
This episode delves into the sacrament of Baptism, focusing on its fulfillment in Christ Jesus. Father Mike explains how Christ's voluntary baptism in the Jordan brought humanity into the holy waters, transforming its meaning and power. The discussion highlights baptism's efficacy as more than a symbol, emphasizing its ability to wash away sins, make us God's children, and provide the Holy Spirit, inviting listeners to renew their personal commitment to this foundational grace.
Father Mike Schmitz begins a new section on the seven sacraments, focusing on the first sacrament of Christian initiation: Baptism. He unpacks its profound meaning as the gateway to spiritual life, freeing us from sin and incorporating us into Christ's family. The episode delves into Baptism's descriptive names and explores how water, a symbol of both life and death, prefigures this sacrament in significant Old Testament events like Noah's Ark, the Flood, and the Red Sea liberation.
This episode explores how the Catholic Church incorporates diverse cultures into its liturgy, asserting that it redeems and fulfills cultures rather than abolishing them. Father Mike explains the distinction between cultural elements that can be "baptized" into Christian practice and those ancestral customs that are fundamentally incompatible with the Catholic faith, emphasizing the necessity of fidelity to apostolic tradition. The discussion concludes by highlighting the liturgy's inherent ability to generate and shape cultures, urging listeners to let their worship and lives transform the modern world.
Father Mike Schmitz delves into the various liturgical traditions present in the Catholic Church, such as the Latin, Byzantine, and Maronite rites. He explains that while the mystery of Christ celebrated in the liturgy is one, its forms are diverse due to the Church's mission spreading across different geographical and cultural areas. This diversity enriches the Church, demonstrating profound unity within its many expressions.
In this "Nugget Day" episode, Father Mike summarizes Catechism paragraphs 1187-1199, exploring who celebrates the liturgy, its signs and symbols, the liturgical calendar, and sacred spaces. He deeply reflects on how every liturgical act is a real participation in Christ's unceasing heavenly worship, where time and eternity meet. Father Mike also stresses the importance of the Liturgy of the Hours as a way for the faithful to unite with Christ's universal prayer, imploring the Holy Spirit for the entire world.
Father Mike Schmitz discusses Catechism paragraphs 1179-1186, addressing where the liturgy is celebrated. He explains that while worship isn't tied to one place, Christians construct churches as sacred spaces for divine worship. The episode outlines the purpose and essential elements of these buildings, from the altar and tabernacle to places for baptism and confession, emphasizing their dignity and role in fostering prayer and encounter with God. Father Mike also reflects on religious liberty and the "living stones" of the Church.
Fr. Mike explains the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, a set of five daily prayers designed to consecrate each day to God. He highlights its importance as the prayer of the entire Church, encouraging all the faithful to participate as an extension of the Eucharistic celebration and an exercise of their royal priesthood. Fr. Mike shares his personal journey of how this seemingly dry prayer transformed into a profound gift, offering practical advice and modern tools like apps to help listeners integrate it into their daily lives.
Fr. Mike delves into the structure and significance of the liturgical year, explaining why major solemnities like the Easter Triduum are crucial celebrations of Christ's Paschal Mystery. He discusses the historical efforts for a common Easter date and the importance of the sanctoral cycle, which commemorates the Blessed Mother, saints, and martyrs. Ultimately, the episode highlights how these feasts inspire and strengthen our faith, pointing us toward our personal call to sainthood.
This episode explores when the liturgy is celebrated, stressing that “today” is the crucial word for Christian prayer and worship. It delves into the liturgical seasons, their cyclical nature, and their purpose in reminding us to give thanks and perpetuate remembrance. Father Mike explains why Sunday, the Lord’s Day, is observed instead of the Sabbath, linking it to Christ’s resurrection and the call to live without fear in the present.
Father Mike Schmitz explains that while Old Testament law prohibited images of God, Christ's Incarnation enabled a "new economy of images." Sacred art, including icons of Christ, Mary, and saints, visibly communicates the Gospel and confirms the reality of the Incarnation. These images serve as powerful tools for contemplation, drawing hearts and minds to God through beauty, truth, and goodness, just as words do. He also discusses the historical context of iconoclasm and the impact of art in worship and personal devotion.
This episode delves into how words and actions form a dialogue between God and His children in sacramental celebrations, highlighted by accompanying signs and the Holy Spirit's work. Father Mike also explains the "inestimable value" of sacred music, which combines Scripture-based words with melodies, making it an integral art form that glorifies God and sanctifies the faithful through beauty, participation, and solemnity.
Father Mike explains that as beings of body and spirit, humans communicate and perceive spiritual realities through physical signs and symbols, a method mirrored by God's communication through creation and the Old Covenant. These signs are fulfilled and given new meaning by Christ, becoming the sacramental signs through which the Holy Spirit carries on sanctification, making invisible spiritual realities truly present.
Fr. Mike dives into Catechism paragraphs 1135-1144, revealing that the liturgy is celebrated by the entire Christ, both in heaven and on Earth. He clarifies that participation is not just a human ritual but a direct involvement in the eternal heavenly liturgy. The discussion unpacks the common priesthood of the baptized, urging full, conscious, and active engagement beyond merely fulfilling roles. It also acknowledges the indispensable role of the ministerial priesthood in enabling the sacraments.
Father Mike delves into Catechism paragraphs 1130-1134, explaining the sacraments as efficacious signs that make Christ's Paschal Mystery present and guarantee our eternal inheritance. He emphasizes that visible rites are not mere rituals but powerful actions dispensing divine grace. The episode also highlights the baptismal priesthood, reminding all the baptized of their call to offer sacrifice, and the importance of preparing for sacraments through God's Word and faith.
