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PODCAST

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

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

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All Episodes

21:50

Day 296: The Sin of Euthanasia (2025)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ·

2025/10/23

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 Subcommittee

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16:37

Day 295: The Wound of Abortion (2025)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ·

2025/10/22

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 of

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12:11

Day 294: Homicide (2025)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ·

2025/10/21

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

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17:09

Day 293: Legitimate Defense (2025)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ·

2025/10/20

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 found

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15:01

Day 292: Respect for Human Life (2025)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ·

2025/10/19

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

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17:23

Day 291: The Political Community and the Church (2025)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ·

2025/10/18

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 found

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20:48

Day 290: The Duties of Citizens (2025)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ·

2025/10/17

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

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16:42

Day 289: Family, Society, and the Kingdom (2025)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ·

2025/10/16

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

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28:45

Day 288: The Duties of Parents (2025)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ·

2025/10/15

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 on

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20:52

Day 287: The Gratitude of Children (2025)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ·

2025/10/14

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

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18:11

Day 286: The Family and Society (2025)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ·

2025/10/13

The family is the foundational element of society. Fr. Mike explains how families initiate us into societal life and act as the foundation of freedom and community. Because of its indispensable importance, we learn that civil authorities are responsible for supporting and honoring the family. Familial relationships also enlighten those found in society; we see our neighbor not as an anonymous individual but as “someone.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2207-2213. This episode has been

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17:18

Day 285: The Nature of the Family (2025)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ·

2025/10/12

In learning the core and fundamental definition of the family, we read today that a family is formed by a “man and a woman united in marriage, together with their children.” The Christian family is a communion of faith, hope, and love and an image of the Trinity. Fr. Mike shares how important he believes friendship and family are in spreading the Good News of the Gospel. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2201-2206. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the

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22:27

Day 284: The Fourth Commandment (2025)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ·

2025/10/11

The fourth commandment addresses the most universal human relationship: our relationship with our parents. Why does God command us to honor our father and our mother? Fr. Mike explains why this commandment sets the foundation for all the other commandments. He shares the 3 levels of respect and what it looks like to honor our parents despite their brokenness and imperfections. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2196-2200. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by

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22:48

Day 283: The Day of Rest (2025)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ·

2025/10/10

We all tend to make an idol of work. The Catechism teaches us that Sunday is a day of grace and rest from work. Fr. Mike explains what holy leisure looks like, emphasizing the importance of spending time with family, serving the poor, and taking time to meditate and pray. Resting on the Sabbath reminds us that our freedom and identity are found in the Lord. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2184-2195.This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the

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22:51

Day 282: The Sunday Obligation (2025)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ·

2025/10/09

Why are Catholics obligated to attend Mass every Sunday? The Catechism teaches us today about the centrality of the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist in the life of the Church. Fr. Mike emphasizes that Sunday Mass is at the heart of our worship because it is the participation in the representation of the Paschal Mystery. He invites us to honor the Sunday obligation out of love for Jesus. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2177-2183.This episode has been found to be in conformity with the

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20:54

Day 281: Keep Holy the Lord’s Day (2025)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ·

2025/10/08

We begin exploring the third commandment and learn about rest and worship concerning the Lord’s Day. The Catechism points out that God models what he wants for us as he also rested on the seventh day. Fr. Mike explains the importance of prioritizing rest for ourselves because we are free and no longer enslaved people. The Catechism describes how we are to keep the Lord’s Day holy with “outward, visible, public, and regular worship ‘as a sign of his universal beneficence to all.’” Today’s readings

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16:48

Day 280: The Christian Name (2025)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ·

2025/10/07

What does it mean to bear the Christian name? The Catechism reminds us that in Baptism, we are given our Christian name, which is sacred. Our name represents the dignity of each of us and depicts how God loves us each uniquely. Fr. Mike explains that each time we make the Sign of the Cross, we call upon the Lord to bear witness to what we are about to do. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2156-2167. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the

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16:10

Day 279: False Oaths (2025)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ·

2025/10/06

Together, with Fr. Mike, we continue our examination of the second commandment. Fr. Mike emphasizes that an oath engages the Lord’s name, and the Lord is the Lord of truth. We, therefore, have a duty as Christians to respect God’s name in matters of truth. He also emphasizes that everything we say is either in conformity to truth or in opposition to truth. Today’s readings are paragraphs 2150-2155. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism,

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18:57

Day 278: The Second Commandment (2025)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ·

2025/10/05

We begin our examination of the second commandment, to not take the Lord’s name in vain. Fr. Mike emphasizes that God has revealed his sacred name to us, and it is our duty to treat that name with reverence. He also emphasizes just how easy it is for us to take the Lord’s name in vain in our day and age, and how vitally important it is for us to treat his holy name with respect. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2142-2149.This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by

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15:45

Day 277: Agnosticism and Graven Images (2025)

The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ·

2025/10/04

As we reach the conclusion of the section on the first commandment, we end by taking a closer look at agnosticism and graven images. Fr. Mike unpacks the different forms that agnosticism can take. He also examines the veneration of images and their relation to the first commandment. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2127-2141. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete

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