Thank you Fr. Mike for all your great explanations of the Catechism. Finally, listening to your teachings and reading along, I am better able to connect-the-dots for everything I learned in the past. So looking forward to each and every day of your podcast.

Love is sacrifice. I was drawn in to what I will call my 'first real relationship with Jesus' through His Agony, His Suffering, His Passion and how He was abandoned. What really hit home for me was CIY's explanation of the Holy Trinity. Specifically how God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit exist outside of time, before time and for all time; and when one acts they all act. Therefore Jesus had full knowledge and participated in the 'Divine Plan' of His Passion and Cross (before taking on human form and being constrained by space and time). Which means Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Our Savior, when He humbled Himself and took on human form knew everyone of my sins, pains, humiliations, prayers, failings, sufferings, etc when He suffered His Agony, His Passion, His Crowning in Thorns, His carrying of The Cross, His Nailing to The Cross and His Last Cry Out to His Father; Our Father. This was not only a Sacrifice of Redemption and Love for all mankind but it was specifically for me and because of me. When He said, 'Father forgive them, they know not what they do'; I used to think this was directed towards the Roman soldiers but no, it was also specifically and personally for me. As Catholics, we get to participate in and offer The Cross, The Sacrifice and The Redemption every time we go to Mass; Jesus' prayer to His Father, through The Holy Eucharistic. CIY has been instrumental in getting me in 'right relationship' with the Catholic Church and has given me such joy and peace and understanding of Jesus' Sacrifice for us and The Holy Trinity and the Mass. I hope others are drawn to this podcast so they too can be drawn closer to God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit and the Catholic Church and all of its sacraments; especially the Mass and The Eucharist. Thank you to Fr Schmitz and everyone who supports and makes CIY possible!

It was powerful to hear that even is our brokenness God has never abandoned us. We chose to reject him but he doesn’t reject us. That was so wonderful.

I attended Catechism for almost 12 years and didn’t have an understanding of the Catechism. Even if you aren’t Catholic, I think you will have a deeper understanding of God and His plan for humanity by listening to this. Thank you Father Mike, and I am praying for you. Thank you for praying for me and all of the listeners. ♥️

Fr. Mike Schmitz does a great job presenting the Catechism clearly and succinctly. His relaxed, easy style makes going through the Catechism a joy.

Directly references the passages being read. Clearly explains their meaning. Easy to listen to. Host has great energy and truly seems to be having fun. Never tries to hide uncomfortable truths. My only criticism is that sometimes he doesn’t dig in far enough to what certain things mean for how you are allowed live. God bless Father Mike!

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I completed CIY in 2024 after listening to BIY in 2023, and what a joy it has been to dig deeply into Scripture and our faith. I have learned SO much. Thank you, Fr Mike, and thank you Ascension Press! I am now 34 days into Rosary in a Year — another gift! Then I think I’ll start it all over again.

I am interested in learning more about the Bible

And still there are new things to know! The first time was like pure excitement. Now, with more mature eyes.

I subscribe to many Ascension press podcast. And this is one of my favorite. I actually look forward to listening to this podcast daily. Thank you,

Excellent way to learn about Christ

What an absolute blessing to have the teachings of the Catholic Church unpacked by Fr. Mike! I feel like I’ve gone from a “cradle Catholic” who struggled with the “why” behind some of the Catholic Church’s more “difficult” or “controversial” teachings, to someone who has now been more properly catechized - someone who understands the “why” even when it’s tough. Now I’m someone who understands that Christ left us his Church, His kingdom on Earth, that would prevail over Hades and stand until the end of time. The Catechism of the Catholic Church lays out what God has revealed to humanity, what Jesus taught and promised us, so plainly and beautifully. I can see why Jesus left us a Church that would be guided and protected forever by the Holy Spirit. He came as God’s most perfect unblemished lamb as the ultimate sacrifice to pay for the sins of mankind, and while on this Earth, Christ instituted tangible means (Church, and sacraments) by which we receive grace and are so deeply blessed! Man oh man, what a gift!! God bless you Fr. Mike and Ascension team for all the Lord has done through you. ¡Viva Cristo Rey!!

So informative and the way Father Mike explains and expresses his love for the church is inspiring.

The Rosary in a Year, Bible in a Year, and Catechism in a Year podcasts have truly been life-changing for me. Although I haven’t completed all of them yet, they’ve already helped me appreciate my faith more deeply and grow in my love for God. I’ve always been raised Catholic, knowing to pray and read the Bible, but these podcasts have opened my eyes to so much more. I’ve learned so much about the richness of our Catholic tradition and how to live out my faith more fully. I really hope that everyone, regardless of their background—whether from a different religion or even if they’re atheist—gives these podcasts a chance. You might be surprised at the depth and beauty of the Catholic faith. Even if you don’t fully believe, listening can give you a sense of what it means to truly live as a Catholic. It’s been an eye-opening experience for me, and I think anyone who tries it could benefit in some way.

After Bible in a year this was a perfect transition! I have learned so much about my faith as a Catholic! Thank you Father Mike Schmitz!

This is an amazing learning experience. As a young teen I missed so much of this! As an adult, I am falling in love with my rich faith again.

I have been through the CIAY once and will do it again. When I first looked at a book of the Catechism of the Catholic Church I felt overwhelmed, Father Mike makes it easy to understand. I recommend it for anyone who is interested in the Faith. So awesome and on target. I challenge those who think Catholics are not Christian to listen to Fr. Mike.

This podcast taught me more about Catholicism than I ever could have imagined!

I am starting the third year. Was confirmed around 20 years old without formal catechism, so in my 60’s I am learning the Living Word and getting a better understanding. Also compliments The Bible in a Year and now Rosary in a Year podcasts. ✝️

If you’re going to listen to a podcast, let it be this one! You wont regret it.

A great companion with the Bible in a year podcast! A+ so great to go through it again!

I am a Catholic convert and this is my third year through Catechism in a Year. I have learned so much that has added to my faith and understanding. Thank you!

Starting again with Fr Mike this will be my 3 year

Learning so much about the Church that I never knew before (my fault). Thank you!

Back in 2023 I started this journey but unfortunately I didn’t finish. I told myself that in 2024 is my year that I will finish the Catechism and the Bible in the year. By day 150ish I found myself not pressing play. It was a battle to press play but I was able to catch up and finished all 365 days. Please keep pressing play. What a wonderful year.

Father, Thank you.

I was raised in a devout Catholic family, went to Catholic school and went through the motions of being Catholic when I started my own family. My background provided me the HOW and the WHAT to do to practice my faith. I was not even aware that l was missing the WHY. BIY and CIY have helped me fall in love with my faith! The pillar on prayer - mind blowing!! Thank you Father Mike for your time and effort towards this project!!

I am on my second way through this Catechism in a year, and it has been a treat! I wasn’t raised Catholic, but I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to this catechism. The first week is a little tough, but after that it’s smooth sailing! Father Mike and Ascension press, thank you so much for giving this treasure of the catechism and the Bible in a year to the world. The way you explain the catechism makes it so much more relatable and easier to understand. I know they’ll be countless people in Heaven, because of your sacrifices you’ve made to put out such excellent material. If you haven’t listened to this yet. Consider making this a New Year’s resolution. I would highly encourage it whether your Catholic or not. There is nuggets that you will take from this that will increase your faith.

I drifted away from the Catholic Church because I had so many questions about the faith. I went to bible based churches for years. Fr. Mike explains the Catholic catechism is an easy to understand way. I’ve been following for several months and look forward to listening next year.

I am one of the old folks that was brought up memorizing the Baltimore Catechism. I could barely pronounce the words, much less know the meaning of them. I read “The Catechism of the Catholic Church” on my own. When Ascension offered this podcast, I signed up right away. This is my second go round. Fr. Mike’s commentary is wonderful. I appreciate being a Catholic so much more.

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