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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

Thank you Fr. Mike for explaining our Catholic Faith so well. Born and raised Catholic and with your wonderful explanations the missing pieces are finally helping me to understand my faith so much better.

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

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.