I am not a cradle Catholic, but a pre-teen convert, later confirmed at 14...surely someone in CCD told me (or maybe not!), but for the life of me I didn't realize the CCC existed until I was 35. My mom pushed me toward this podcast (my first EVER) and I was hooked...hooked on knowledge, hooked on Fr. Schmitz's preaching, and hooked on Christ. My entire world changed; I reorganized every element of my life...from taking my entire family to weekly mass, catechizing my 4 children, praying for my Baptist husband to convert (a work in progress - please pray for him!), and returning to confession after 23 years! This podcast is a Godsend - I'm on fire for Jesus...there's no way to put a star-rating on that.

Wow this podcast is wondrous! Fr. Mike brings the teachings of the Catholic faith alive with his enthusiasm, wit, and humor. I’m learning so much that I think a halo is encircling my head or something. I listen to one a day and it always puts a smile on face in my otherwise, dull life.

I didn’t start listening to this at the beginning of the year, BUT I just jumped in and added the episodes to my subscriptions and am enjoying the knowledge that’s building on each other. I’ll be sure to stay subscribed so that I can hear the beginning of the catechism at the beginning next year. I’m sure I’ll learn or grasp something new each listen. Join us!

I have listened to this daily since it has begun. I feel out of sorts if I miss Catechism in a Year and Bible in a Year daily. I am always learning more and more about our Catholic faith. It challenges me daily to live by these teachings. I don’t always accomplish it, that is why I come back every day. Thank you Fr. Mike. I have never met Fr. Mike but I feel like he is one of my best friends. That is how much this podcast means to me.

Father Mike and the Ascension team have provided another incredible resource for millions around the globe. I recommend you download the Ascension app as another resource!

After listening to the Bible in a year I started to look deeper into the catholic faith, which lead me to listening to this podcast which opened my heart and eyes, I kept asking God where the true church was, where should I be and time and time he lead me to the catholic faith I’m proud to say I enrolled into the RCIA program at my local parish and I attend mass now and even got my husband to attend with me. I thank father Mike for the work he does, he explains things in a way that’s easy to understand and the light build turns on so thank you for that. I pray this helps so many as much as it has helped me may God bless you and all the good works you are doing .

The Ascension App is an absolute tool to studying along. Take it to the next level by reading the daily podcasts. Soak up the content. The Ascension App makes searching and memorizing the Catechism fun and interactive. Build da faith.

I’ve listened to The Bible in a Year and now the Catechism in a Year. Fr. Schmitz delivers the truths of the faith in a clear and compelling way. He is easy to listen to and his insights are always spot on. I avoided reading the bible and the Catechism due to time and the fear I wouldn’t understand the deeper lessons they contain without a commentary from a knowledgeable teacher. Most bible studies require too much of a time commitment. The Bible and Catechism are a perfect way to easily digest both. Highly recommend!

Fr. Schmitz thank you for all you do for the community. It has been a great learning experience with some harsh moments. To be clear I am broken and a sinner. The transformation of heart is not easy. I am not here to shot the messenger as Your teaching is from the book and your examples may have to be approved as well. As we reviewed Homosexuality and the molestation of children there was no connection to the church’s current struggle with those two major issues. Broken does not give clarity to those topics within the church. I’m sure that trust is a big deal with the church, yet it has been violated. It may be appropriate to share learning points and actions taken by the church in these areas given you may have access to the information. To be clear I think the program is a blessing from God and I’m continuing on with you. It just seems odd that we hit 2 topics that direct instruction to us, but doesn’t include what the church is also experiencing and doing. Hopefully this will be taken in the spirit of love, understanding and a learning opportunity.

Please Father please slow down!!!

Episode #310 is when I stop being catholic. For those of who can conceive in normal way are apparently all immoral. I am done.

I’m listening to the offenses against chastity episode and I would have a lot more respect for Father if he had even spent a sentence addressing representatives of the Catholic Church’s sexual exploitation of children.

Great content, and I dont know if Father Smits normally has a manic halting affect to his speech or if the audio has been sped up, but I have to listen at .75x to avoid severe auditory fatigue.

This podcast along with The Bible in a Year set my heart on fire for my love for God. It has change my life forever. Thank you for continuing to open my eyes more to God beauty and love through his Church and the Bible.

When teaching my fifth grade PREP class, I find so many of your lessons, examples, and wisdom helpful in trying to find contemporary ways to deliver God’s word. I quote you all the time. Thank you!

Don’t apologize for reviewing and revealing each paragraph in your words after reading God’s words. It really helps me to hear it again and hear your interpretation. God bless you and I am praying for you.

This podcast is incredible. So many things make sense now!

I try to listen to this every morning while I’m getting cleaned up. It’s a good way to start my day and be reminded about teachings and the reasons behind them. It’s accessible, it’s nonjudgmental, and it’s worth it.

I have gotten so much from these segments. Concerns I had about the rules of the Catholic Church have been answered making my faith stronger

Fr Mike brings my Catholic faith to life. This is how I start every day

The CCC is a truly stunning, phenomenal work undertaken in the 80s and completed in the 90s - to organize and set out Christian doctrine - certainly for the Catholuc Church - but truly, amazingly, for all Christians and seekers of God - and of Faith. Its divided into 4 very logical sections - and Fr Mike is very faithful about respecting, and pointing out non-judgementally (the surprisingly few points) where faith doctrines diverge. Of course he explains WHY the Catholic church believes “thus” at those moments - and in listening to that, one can form one’s own position. Still, there has been an intellectual discussion based in history and doctrine rather than legend - and thus ALL learn by better understanding! Its amazing how many Catholics have never studied or even read the CCC - so no matter who or where you are in terms of faith - you’ll be in safe and supportive and fascinating company! This is a great study of what Christians believe and why! For those who reject Faith - hear this! You may well also find this intellectually fascinating! Come learn what Christians really believe! You may still reject faith in the end (no-one will be trying to sell or persuade you otherwise) - but you’ll grow in your own depth of understanding of the universe and in your own morality and character! And you can do so privately. Its just fascinating!

This show has been a life changer for my faith. Thank God for Fr. Mike and the rest of the folks at Ascension. God bless you all.

This show is something I make a point to listen to everyday before I do anything else. This show and Bible in a Year have changed the way I see the world . I’ve never understood the word of God like I do now. Catholic upbringing , but even today when I hear Father Mike read the Bible , sometimes I tune out or don’t understand the way it’s written . However I always stay tuned until he explains the passage to us. This is truly the secret of his teachings, Father Mike is doing the Lord’s work, saying yes to God all day.

I appreciate the emphasis on Church teachings that have daily consequences in my life.

Thank you, Father Mike! I have thoroughly enjoying listening to this podcast and your clear and enthusiastic explanations. You are a joy! I have learned so much and feel it has helped strengthen my faith in our Lord. God bless you, Father Mike! I will continue to pray for you daily!

I’ve gone up and down while listening to the words of the Catechism but ultimately, it is about Fr Mike’s teaching it and I can’t imagine going through the entire Catechism with anyone else. He is brilliant and relatable. He doesn’t dumb it down or shy away. And you take it and sit with it. Well worth the time.

To understand the depth and breathe of the Catholic faith, understanding the Catechism is essential in the most profound way. Pedagogical technique here is excellent. It seems simplistic. Rather, it is effective. I look forward to listening to this podcast for many years to come and being enriched by it. Highly recommended in conjunction with the Bible in a Year podcast.

Cradle, practicing Catholic here, this immersion should be on every Christian’s radar.

I have tried studying the Catechism on my own to no avail. Thanks to Fr. Mike’s enthusiasm and explanation of the Catechism, I look forward to each episode and sometimes double up because this program encourages me to know my faith well and not delay in obtaining this knowledge.

You’ll probably never see this but the prayer you led on day 360 made me cry. Thank you.

I am learning so much!

Thank you for putting together this podcast. I did the whole podcast in 2023 and I am doing it again along with the Bible in a year. I learn so much every day. I love that you “can’t wait to see me tomorrow”. I look forward to those words every day.

Father Mike is amazing!

Let us never lose or change any part of the Eucharist! I truly believe it to be the center of the division of the other churches and our greatest shield and strength! Reading the catechism in a year will make a little St. Paul out of you. We had all the answers, yet I have been so foolish. Pray for us

Like BIAY, this podcast continues the rich tradition of delving deeper into the faith. I began listening the first year it arrived on the scene, and now, I’m continuing it. I have read the Catechism before, but this offers insight that one may lack if reading alone. I have enjoyed learning more about the Catholic Church, and I highly recommend this for non-Catholics as well because it will allow one to understand further the richness of the faith and the differences between different faith traditions. As a convert, this has helped me grow in my understanding of the Church and enriches my personal faith journey.

I learned so much , I love that can go back and listen again if needed. I wish you would come up with children ‘s version or family version for each

Thank you Father Mike and thank you for everyone in the community. Currently visiting Barcelona. Going to the Sagrada Familia. I ask God to continue protecting and guiding us all. Much love. God Bless.

I want to thank you to everyone involved developing CIY and BIY. I’m on my 5th year for biy and 2nd for CIY. I’m praying for all involved and especially for Fr Mike. God Blessing to all!

Fr. Mike, thank you bringing us the catechism and being our virtual spiritual advisor through your teachings about our beautiful faith. May God always be with you and protect you.

I do pray for you Father Mike. I pray that Our Father protect you from evil— the evil of a fallen heart and from the Evil One, who hates the Bride of Jesus. God has blessed you and you are a blessing to so many. “Please Lord put your fortress over him!”

At age 20 I left the Catholic church to follow Jesus.. I know it sounds crazy but it’s the truth! I found Jesus apart from the Catholic church, and 45 years later I realize He was there all along! The tools of Catechism podcast and even Bible podcast are making the teachings of Jesus and of the Catholic church accessible and understandable. Thank you!

Excellent content and production value. Thank you for serving our Catholic Church in such a powerful way!

Two were received into the church Easter Vigil last night (2024).The couple each individually started listening to Bible in a Year. When they discovered their spouse was listening to the pod cast, they decided as a couple to look seriously at conversion to the Catholic faith. I am now enjoying my 4th year Cindy Riedner

This show is a 10/10 it has helped me so much when I listen it helps me enter in on another level.

I am a Catholic kid and feel I have been slacking on paying attention to the Lord so I followed this podcast and it helps me a lot to pay more attention to the Lord.

Learning from a humble expert is the best. I am a cradle Catholic always seeking deeper knowledge, more soul enriching and to be closer to Jesus. This is great as well as Bible in a year. The commentary on both of these are great. Thank you for giving your time Fr. Mike 💙you’re a friend and teacher to all of us.

The Catechism is truly a blessing. The review helps strengthen my faith. Thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to put this beautiful podcast together.

Just do it! It’s great!

As a newly confirmed, Catholic in 2020 I cannot begin to tell you how much this podcast means to me! Father Mike’s, enthusiasm and humor brings the catechism to life and I am so grateful. Thank you. Helena, Lisle, Monrovia, California

This is fantastastic…. This is an amazing podcast to teach in depth what we already believe. Thank you for all you do.