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.
Last refreshed: ⓘ
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Fr. Mike unpacks the Episcopacy, the first degree of Holy Orders, detailing how bishops participate in the fullness of Christ's priesthood through apostolic succession and receive special spiritual gifts. The discussion highlights their essential triple mission to sanctify, teach, and govern, drawing connections to the Old Covenant priesthood. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the profound spiritual responsibility bishops bear for every soul in their diocese and concludes with a powerful call to prayer for them and all Church leaders.
Father Mike unpacks Catechism paragraphs 1546-1553, distinguishing between the common priesthood of all baptized believers and the ministerial priesthood of bishops and priests. He highlights how ministerial priests act "in persona Christi capitis" (in the person of Christ, the Head), serving as instruments through which Christ builds and leads his Church. The discussion emphasizes that this sacred power is given for service, not domination, and acknowledges the profound impact of priests, both as immense gifts and, due to human weakness, sources of great pain, while affirming the sacraments' efficacy regardless of ministerial sin.
This episode explores paragraphs 1539-1545 of the Catechism, discussing how the Old Covenant priesthood, particularly the Levitical order, pointed towards the ultimate and unique priesthood of Jesus Christ. Fr. Mike emphasizes that Jesus is the one true High Priest, whose singular sacrifice on the cross is made present in the Eucharist. The episode also distinguishes between the ministerial priesthood (ordained clergy) and the universal "kingdom priesthood" of all baptized individuals, encouraging listeners to actively participate in Christ's priesthood through daily life and Mass.
Father Mike introduces the Sacraments at the Service of Communion, Holy Orders and Matrimony, highlighting their purpose for the salvation of others and the building up of the Church. He reads from Catechism paragraphs 1533-1538, defining Holy Orders as the sacrament of apostolic ministry and explaining the concept of "order" and ordination as a special consecration. The episode emphasizes that ordination confers a unique sacred power from Christ, enabling priests, bishops, and deacons to perform acts like absolution and consecration.
This episode delves into the Catechism's concise summary of the Anointing of the Sick, explaining its purpose, recipients, and profound graces for those facing grave illness or old age. Father Mike then expands on the vital practice of preparing for death, outlining three Church-sanctioned methods: daily examination of conscience, weekly Fridays of penance, and seasonal observances like Lent and Advent. These practices, alongside the sacrament, equip believers for their journey to eternal life.
Fr. Mike Schmitz explains the transformative effects of the Anointing of the Sick, detailing how it offers strength, peace, courage, and forgiveness of sins, uniting the recipient more closely to Christ's Passion. The episode also highlights Viaticum, the Eucharist received before death, and the powerful Apostolic Pardon, a plenary indulgence for the dying, which removes all temporal consequences of sin.
This episode demystifies the Anointing of the Sick, clarifying that it's a sacrament for any faithful person suffering from grave illness or old age, not exclusively for those at the point of death. Father Mike explains when and how the sacrament can be repeated, who administers it, and its liturgical celebration. He strongly encourages believers not to delay in calling a priest, highlighting the profound spiritual graces and preparation for encountering the Lord that this sacrament offers, emphasizing God's mercy in all sacraments.
In this episode, Father Mike delves into the Church's understanding of sickness and healing, drawing from Catechism paragraphs 1506-1513. He explains the institution and practice of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, highlighting its historical evolution and current rite. The discussion extends to the transformative nature of redemptive suffering, as seen in St. Paul's experience and C.S. Lewis's insights, revealing how illness can be a path to deeper faith and union with Christ.
Fr. Mike introduces the Anointing of the Sick, formerly Extreme Unction, as a sacrament of healing for both body and soul. He discusses how illness confronts humanity with its limitations, potentially leading to despair or a deeper search for God and spiritual growth. The episode culminates in understanding Jesus as the ultimate physician who redeems suffering, transforming it into a means for maturity and the world's salvation when united with His own Passion.
In this "nugget day," Father Mike Schmitz provides a concise summary of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, referencing Catechism paragraphs 1485-1498. He explains the divine institution of confession to a priest and contrasts prideful resistance with grateful acceptance of God's mercy. The episode stresses that "no evil is graver than sin" and outlines the six spiritual effects of the sacrament, including reconciliation with God and increased spiritual strength for the Christian battle.
Father Mike Schmitz delves into Catechism paragraphs 1474-1484, explaining the Communion of Saints and how the holiness of one benefits others. He clarifies the Church's authority in granting indulgences for the remission of temporal punishments and addresses historical misunderstandings like the "selling of indulgences." The episode also provides a detailed overview of the various liturgical forms of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of individual confession while discussing the rare circumstances for general absolution.
This episode explores the profound spiritual effects of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, emphasizing how it restores us to God's grace, intimate friendship, and reconciles us with the Church. Fr. Mike details how sin has both eternal and temporal consequences, leading into a discussion on indulgences as a means to remit temporal punishment and heal unhealthy attachments. He also outlines the four conditions for gaining an indulgence and the Church's authority in this practice.
This episode explores the vital role of priests as ministers of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, clarifying that Jesus forgives sins through their ministry. Fr. Mike details the responsibilities of confessors, who must be servants of God's mercy—available, truthful, and sensitive—and explains the purpose of excommunication and its limits. He also underscores the absolute secrecy of the sacramental seal and calls for prayers for all priests to embody Christ's merciful heart in confession, offering healing to those wounded by past experiences.
Father Mike details the crucial elements of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, including contrition, the essential disclosure of sins, and the role of satisfaction. He explains that confession gives God access to our wounds for healing, distinguishes between mortal and venial sins, and clarifies how penance, like physical therapy, helps restore spiritual health rather than simply punishing. The episode emphasizes that true healing and forgiveness come through Christ's grace.
Fr. Mike Schmitz continues the discussion on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, exploring its historical evolution from early public penance to the modern practice of private confession. He details the unchanging fundamental structure of the sacrament, emphasizing the penitent's acts and God's action through the Church, and highlights the priest's essential role. The episode concludes with a deep dive into contrition, differentiating between perfect and imperfect forms and clarifying their implications for receiving Holy Communion.
This episode delves into the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, emphasizing that sin is fundamentally an offense against God that also ruptures communion with the Church. Father Mike explains that while only God can forgive sins, Jesus entrusted this power to his apostles and their successors. The discussion highlights the inseparability of reconciliation with God and the Church, underscoring the Church's vital role in restoring one's relationship with both.
Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through Catechism paragraphs 1434-1439, detailing various forms of penance such as prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, which foster conversion in relation to oneself, God, and others. He stresses the significance of "taking up one's cross each day" by accepting life's challenges with Christ, and highlights the Eucharist, sacred scripture, and penitential seasons as crucial aids. The episode concludes by reflecting on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, underscoring the Father's immense and unconditional mercy.
This episode delves into the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, focusing on interior conversion as a continuous, lifelong process for the baptized. Fr. Mike explains that true conversion goes beyond outward actions, requiring a profound transformation of the heart and an active hatred for sin. He stresses the need for hope in God's mercy and trust in His grace to overcome discouragement, urging listeners to renounce sins and strive daily to be like Christ.
Father Mike begins the chapter on the Sacraments of Healing, emphasizing the necessity of Penance and Reconciliation due to human frailty and concupiscence even after baptism. He explores the various names for this sacrament and clarifies the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, highlighting God's constant call to holiness and the Church's role in His healing ministry.
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.
