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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The Church offers us a consistent ethic of life from the moment of conception until death. In today’s “Nugget Day,” we review the main takeaways from our readings about the fifth commandment. Fr. Mike reiterates that the Church’s teachings on the value of human life stem from the truth that every human life is sacred; God wills each person for his own sake. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2318-2330. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on ...
The Church urges us to pray and work for peace to avoid the evils and injustices of war. Because we live in a broken world, the Church also offers guidance on approaching war. Fr. Mike breaks down just war theory and the criteria of legitimate defense by military force under principles of moral law. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2307-2317. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USC...
Peace is not simply an absence of war. Fr. Mike breaks down the Catechism’s teachings about peace as the "work of justice and the effect of charity.” We learn that to cultivate true peace, we must do more than avoid anger, hatred, and harm to our neighbor; we must actively work toward becoming agents of peace. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2302-2306. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Cat...
The Catechism looks at matters relating to scientific research, bodily integrity, and the dead with the lens of the dignity of the human person. Fr. Mike helps us navigate the Catechism’s teachings by acknowledging science and technology as a good while emphasizing restrictions and conditions to ensure respect for the dignity of persons. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2292-2301. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under...
Our health is a gift from God, and so we have a responsibility to care for it. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of caring for our health while also explaining that we cannot idolize our health and bodies as an absolute good. If we do idolize health, it can greatly distort the way we view the dignity of those around us. He also unpacks the virtue of temperance, defining it as, “doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2288-2291. This...
We have seen how harming ourselves or others physically is a violation of the fifth commandment, but how can causing harm to another’s virtue or integrity violate this commandment? Fr. Mike unpacks what scandal is and exactly how it is a violation of the fifth commandment. He emphasizes the gravity of scandal when it comes from those who, by nature, teach, and how vital it is for all of us, but especially teachers, to avoid contributing to scandal. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2284-...
"The cross of suicide is a violation of the fifth commandment that, tragically, many of us have been impacted by in our world today. Fr. Mike explains that we are stewards of the life that God has entrusted to us, not owners. Our lives are precious gifts, and we have a responsibility to care for them. He also emphasizes that we should not lose hope for the eternal salvation of those who take their own lives. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2280-2283. Listener discretion advised. This e...
We continue our examination of the fifth commandment, taking a closer look at the sin of euthanasia. Fr. Mike emphasizes that whatever the motive, the action of ending a life in order to eliminate suffering is still a sin. He also emphasizes that palliative care, however, is an important and special form of charity and love. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2276-2279. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommi...
Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the wound of abortion. Fr. Mike emphasizes that all human life deserves protection, especially the unborn, but he also emphasizes the importance of God’s mercy. He explains that those who have procured an abortion are excommunicated, subject to the conditions established by Canon Law. However, the excommunication does not limit the scope of God’s mercy, but rather highlights the gravity of the sin. Fr. Mike concludes by highlighting that if abortion is a part ...
Continuing our examination of the fifth commandment, we look at various ways in which one may sin against this commandment as it relates to homicide. The Catechism addresses three categories of homicide: direct and intentional killing, indirectly killing, and unintentionally killing. Fr. Mike explores this grave topic with resonating examples and explains the varying degrees of moral culpability. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2268-2269. This episode has been found to be in conformity...
Is there ever a time where legitimate defense is justifiable? The Catechism answers this question and how it relates to honoring the dignity of the human person as we dive deeper into the fifth commandment. We learn about defense of ourselves and others, principles of crime and punishment, and capital punishment. Fr. Mike also explains the Church’s current teaching on the death penalty and why it has changed over time. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2263-2267. This episode has been fo...
We begin exploring the fifth commandment: “you shall not kill”. The Catechism reminds us that human life is sacred, and we must not take the life of another innocent human. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus takes this commandment even further as he calls us to avoid anger, hatred, and vengeance in addition to loving our enemies. By forgiving and extending to others the same love and mercy we are willing to extend to ourselves, we are respecting the dignity of that person. Today’s readings are Ca...
We take a look at what the Catechism teaches about the Church in relation to political communities. Every institution has their own vision of what it means to be human, which shapes their policies. Because the Church knows the truth, that every person is made in the image and likeness of God, the Church must weigh in to ensure that the dignity of the human person is at the forefront of political decisions and policies. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2244-2257. This episode has been fo...
As citizens of a nation, we have certain responsibilities in accordance with God’s Law. The Catechism provides parameters for contributing to society, welcoming the foreigner, refusing obedience, and resisting oppression. Fr. Mike helps us better understand our role as co-collaborators in society within the lens of our world today. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2238-2243. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the S...
While family is important, the Catechism states, “The first vocation of the Christian is to follow Jesus.” This means that parents should support Christ's call for their children. Fr. Mike explains that when we deny Jesus or his teachings for the sake of our families, we are making an idol of the family. We also learn the duties of civil authorities. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2232-2237. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Cat...
Being a parent is far more than just having kids. As the Catechism reminds us, the fruitfulness of married love extends to the moral and spiritual education of a couple’s children. Parents are the primary educators of their children, especially in the ways of virtue and prayer. Fr. Mike reminds us that it is also parents' privilege to evangelize their children. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2221-2231. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute...
Gratitude is the proper response of children toward their parents. Out of this gratitude comes respect. When we are children at home, this respect includes “true docility and obedience.” Fr. Mike emphasizes respect for parents doesn’t expire when we leave home as adults. Grown children are responsible for caring for and supporting their parents in their old age. As Fr. Mike stresses, this can be the simple but often overlooked phone call to mom or dad. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2...
Father Mike discusses how the family serves as the foundational element of society, initiating individuals into social life and acting as the bedrock of freedom, security, and fraternity. The episode details the civil authorities' responsibility to support and defend the family, adhering to the principle of subsidiarity. It also emphasizes that familial relationships illuminate societal connections, reminding us to see every neighbor not as an anonymous individual but as a "someone" deserving of respect and attention.
Father Mike Schmitz explores paragraphs 2201-2206 of the Catechism, defining the family as a man and woman united in marriage with children, established by God prior to any public authority. He clarifies that while this is the norm, even "imperfect" families (like single-parent or childless households) are still domestic churches, called to faith, hope, and love. The episode concludes by highlighting friendship and family, marked by prayer and sacrifice, as the primary means for the Church to evangelize and grow in the modern world.
Father Mike delves into the Fourth Commandment, highlighting its role as the first of the Decalogue's second half, governing human relationships. He explains how this commandment applies universally, even given the reality of dysfunctional families. The discussion also covers the three levels of respect – inherent dignity, respect for office/role, and earned character – and the reciprocal duties between those in authority and their subordinates. Ultimately, observing this commandment brings peace and prosperity, though discerning how to truly honor in complex situations requires wisdom.
Father Mike Schmitz discusses the Catechism's teaching on Sunday as a day of rest, highlighting its countercultural nature in a work-obsessed society. He explains how Sunday should be dedicated to worship, family, acts of mercy, and relaxation, while also addressing legitimate work excuses and the call for a collective effort to enable everyone's rest. The episode concludes with practical advice on cultivating a rhythm of holy leisure.
This episode delves into the Catechism's teaching on the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist, highlighting its role as the heart of the Church's life and the foundation of all Christian practice. Fr. Mike discusses the obligation to attend Mass, exceptions for serious reasons, and the process of seeking dispensation from a pastor, emphasizing the spiritual importance of communal worship and fidelity to Christ.
This episode delves into the Third Commandment, 'Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy,' connecting it to God's creation rest and Israel's liberation from slavery. Fr. Mike explains that prioritizing rest is essential for our humanity and a protest against the idolatry of work and money. The discussion then shifts to Sunday as the Christian Lord's Day, fulfilling the Sabbath through Christ's resurrection and calling for outward, public worship.
Father Mike discusses the Catechism's teachings on the Christian name, emphasizing how baptism confers God's name upon us, shaping our identity and demanding we live in a way that glorifies Him. The episode explores the significance of choosing Christian names, the power of the Sign of the Cross in daily life, and the importance of avoiding blasphemy. Listeners will gain insight into the profound meaning of invoking God's name in prayer and contemplating God's infinitely unique love for each individual, symbolized by a new name in Revelation.
Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the gravity of false oaths, explaining that taking God's name in vain means invoking Him to witness a lie, which constitutes perjury. He clarifies Jesus' teaching on oaths, how the Church tradition permits legitimate oaths under strict conditions, and the moral obligation to refuse oaths required by unjust authorities. The episode underscores our duty to always align our speech with God, who is truth.
This episode delves into the Second Commandment, explaining why God's revealed name is sacred and how its misuse has become commonplace. Father Mike emphasizes the deep personal trust God extends by revealing His name, drawing on Catechism teachings and a powerful quote from Cardinal Newman. The discussion also covers the gravity of blasphemy and the need for reverence, even during honest struggles in prayer.
Father Mike delves into agnosticism, examining its various forms from genuine intellectual uncertainty to indifferentism, and its close ties to practical atheism. The episode then addresses the First Commandment's prohibition of graven images, reconciling Old Testament commands with the Christian veneration of icons. He explains how the Incarnation allows for images as aids to foster affection for God and the saints, distinguishing this from adoration.
Father Mike Schmitz delves into sins against the first commandment, specifically irreligion, which includes tempting God, sacrilege, and simony. He unpacks the nuances of each, from questioning God in desperation to the gravity of profaning sacred things, and clarifies the concept of offerings versus payment for sacraments. The episode then examines different forms of atheism, highlighting its impact and challenging believers to consider how their own witness might unintentionally contribute to its prevalence, urging for a transformation of heart.
This episode delves into the First Commandment, examining how common practices like superstition, idolatry, divination, and magic deviate from true worship. Father Mike explains that superstition can even infiltrate Catholic practices by attributing magical importance to external acts, while idolatry involves divinizing anything other than God. He also warns against divination and magic, emphasizing they are not merely empty but dangerous and evil, contradicting the honor owed solely to God.
This episode explores the Catholic understanding of religion's social duty, emphasizing the obligation to seek truth and respectfully share the Christian spirit in all aspects of public life. It also delves into the critical concept of religious freedom, clarifying that while individuals have rights to follow their conscience, this freedom operates within reasonable limits defined by natural law and the common good, ensuring respect for all religious communities even in states with a recognized religion.
