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.
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Father Mike unpacks Catechism paragraphs 1406-1419, highlighting the Eucharist as the 'sacrament of sacraments' and the heart of the Church's life, where Christ is truly present. He connects this divine provision to God's ancient desire to nourish humanity, from Adam and Eve to the Passover Lamb, culminating in Jesus' sacrifice at Mass. The episode emphasizes the profound implications for worship, the role of priests, and the call to engage with God's transforming presence.
This episode wraps up the Catechism's section on the Eucharist, emphasizing Holy Communion as a pledge of future glory and an anticipation of heaven. Father Mike reflects on how the Eucharist transforms us, fosters charity, and prepares our hearts to truly long for God's presence. He shares a personal insight into Christ's veiled presence in the Eucharist, comparing it to Jesus hiding his divinity on earth, allowing us to approach Him without fear. Ultimately, through Eucharistic miracles showing Christ's literal heart, we're reminded that we receive God's very heart, inviting us to give ours in return and begin heaven now.
Father Mike delves into how the Eucharist unites the faithful to Christ and to each other, emphasizing its power to commit us to the poor. The discussion then tackles the sensitive topic of Christian disunity, explaining why Eucharistic intercommunion is not possible with many ecclesial communities due to differing beliefs about the sacrament, distinguishing this from Eastern Orthodox churches. The episode highlights Jesus' prayer for unity, the pain of division, and encourages prayer and truthful understanding as paths toward genuine, rather than superficial, Christian unity.
This episode delves into the profound fruits of Holy Communion, examining how it intimately unites us with Christ Jesus and fosters spiritual growth. Father Mike highlights the Eucharist's power to cleanse us from venial sins and fortify us against future mortal sins, stressing that it's medicine for the sick, not a reward for the perfect. The discussion underscores the vital importance of approaching the sacrament with an open heart, ready to be transformed by God's grace, while also clarifying the distinct role of the Sacrament of Reconciliation for mortal sins.
This episode explores the essential preparations for receiving Holy Communion, highlighting Saint Paul's warning against unworthy reception and the absolute necessity of going to confession for grave sins. Father Mike elaborates on the spiritual gravity of profaning the Eucharist and provides practical guidance on the Eucharistic fast and appropriate demeanor. The episode concludes with a powerful invitation to embrace reconciliation and the Church's encouragement for frequent, yet truly worthy, participation in the Lord's banquet.
This episode delves into the profound mystery of Christ's true presence in the Eucharist, explaining why Catholics worship it through genuflection and adoration, both within and outside of Mass. Father Mike addresses criticisms of "idolatry" by asserting that belief rests on Christ's own words, not just sensory perception, and highlights the transformative power and vital importance of Eucharistic adoration for the Church and the world.
Father Mike delves into Catechism paragraphs 1373-1377, explaining how Christ is uniquely and substantially present in the Eucharist. He discusses the Church's historical teaching, clarifies transubstantiation as the change of substance, and highlights that Christ is whole in every part. The episode concludes with an invitation to deepen one's relationship with Jesus through Eucharistic adoration.
This episode delves into the Eucharist as a sacrificial memorial where the whole Church—visible, in heaven, and in purgatory—is united with Christ. Fr. Mike explains the necessity of apostolic succession, referencing St. Ignatius of Antioch, for a legitimate Eucharist. He also highlights the Mass's power in assisting the faithful departed, using examples like St. Monica's dying wish, underscoring purgatory as a gift for purification.
Father Mike delves into the Eucharist as the 'sacrificial memorial' of Christ, explaining how the entire passion is one singular sacrifice made truly present in the Mass through 'anamnesis.' He emphasizes that the Eucharist is both a noun (the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus) and a verb (the action of sacrifice), inviting the Church and all believers to unite their lives, sufferings, and prayers with Christ's offering. This participation glorifies God and sanctifies the world, transforming daily experiences into a profound act of worship.
This episode delves into paragraphs 1356-1361 of the Catechism, examining the Eucharist as a sacramental sacrifice, thanksgiving, memorial, and Christ's presence. Fr. Mike uses Old Testament examples, like Cain and Abel and Moses leading the Israelites, to highlight that true worship involves offering what God desires and that freedom is ultimately for worshipping God. He stresses the profound significance of freely choosing to participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, asserting that our individual presence truly matters to God.
Day 184 delves into the profound movements of the Mass, explaining its structure from gathering to communion. Fr. Mike highlights Christ's invisible presence as the principal agent and High Priest, alongside the active participation of the laity through their baptismal priesthood. The episode further emphasizes the altar as the heart of worship and sacrifice, ultimately connecting the Eucharist to God's inclusive yet exclusive love, extending a powerful invitation for all to seek full unity with the Catholic Church.
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.
