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    <fireside:genDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 01:24:40 -0500</fireside:genDate>
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    <title>The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) - Episodes Tagged with “Salvation”</title>
    <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/tags/salvation</link>
    <pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <description>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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    <language>en-us</language>
    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <itunes:subtitle>A day-by-day walk through the transformative beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church. </itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>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.
</itunes:summary>
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    <itunes:keywords>catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>Ascension</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>podcasts@ascensionpress.com</itunes:email>
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  <itunes:category text="Christianity"/>
</itunes:category>
<itunes:category text="Religion &amp; Spirituality">
  <itunes:category text="Spirituality"/>
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<item>
  <title>Day 107: Origin of the Church (2026)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-107-2026</link>
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  <pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/f45fc8f7-1e69-471d-bc56-13057db2d0be.mp3" length="20974792" type="audio/mpeg"/>
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  <itunes:subtitle>The origin of the Church is just one of the ways we can come to know the depth of God’s love for us. From the very beginning, the Church, as a gathering of the people of God, has been a plan born of the Father’s heart. Fr. Mike explains that Jesus Christ instituted the Church, that salvation comes to us through the Holy Spirit in the Church, and that this was God’s plan from the very beginning of time. The Church is not man-made; the Church is God-made, and it is a great gift to us. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 758-766.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>20:28</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>The origin of the Church is just one of the ways we can come to know the depth of God’s love for us. From the very beginning, the Church, as a gathering of the people of God, has been a plan born of the Father’s heart. Fr. Mike explains that Jesus Christ instituted the Church, that salvation comes to us through the Holy Spirit in the Church, and that this was God’s plan from the very beginning of time. The Church is not man-made; the Church is God-made, and it is a great gift to us. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 758-766.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>origin, love, salvation, heart, holy spirit, god’s plan, gift, jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>The origin of the Church is just one of the ways we can come to know the depth of God’s love for us. From the very beginning, the Church, as a gathering of the people of God, has been a plan born of the Father’s heart. Fr. Mike explains that Jesus Christ instituted the Church, that salvation comes to us through the Holy Spirit in the Church, and that this was God’s plan from the very beginning of time. The Church is not man-made; the Church is God-made, and it is a great gift to us. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 758-766.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>The origin of the Church is just one of the ways we can come to know the depth of God’s love for us. From the very beginning, the Church, as a gathering of the people of God, has been a plan born of the Father’s heart. Fr. Mike explains that Jesus Christ instituted the Church, that salvation comes to us through the Holy Spirit in the Church, and that this was God’s plan from the very beginning of time. The Church is not man-made; the Church is God-made, and it is a great gift to us. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 758-766.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 102: The Holy Spirit’s Mission (2026)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-102-2026</link>
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  <pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/75da7839-54a0-462a-8b20-388bc9d80b9c.mp3" length="16254692" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>The working of the Holy Spirit in and through Mary and the Son is a pivotal part of God's plan of salvation. The Catechism today reveals to us how the Holy Spirit prepared Mary to fulfill the Father's plan and manifest the Son to humanity. We also learn how the Holy Spirit and the Son work together in a joint mission. Finally, Fr. Mike highlights how Mary's humility is essential to her role as the "masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time." Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 721-730.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>16:55</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>The working of the Holy Spirit in and through Mary and the Son is a pivotal part of God's plan of salvation. The Catechism today reveals to us how the Holy Spirit prepared Mary to fulfill the Father's plan and manifest the Son to humanity. We also learn how the Holy Spirit and the Son work together in a joint mission. Finally, Fr. Mike highlights how Mary's humility is essential to her role as the "masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time." Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 721-730.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>holy spirit, mary, mission of the holy spirit, working of the holy spirit, blessed virgin mary, the son, salvation, jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>The working of the Holy Spirit in and through Mary and the Son is a pivotal part of God&#39;s plan of salvation. The Catechism today reveals to us how the Holy Spirit prepared Mary to fulfill the Father&#39;s plan and manifest the Son to humanity. We also learn how the Holy Spirit and the Son work together in a joint mission. Finally, Fr. Mike highlights how Mary&#39;s humility is essential to her role as the &quot;masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time.&quot; Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 721-730.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>The working of the Holy Spirit in and through Mary and the Son is a pivotal part of God&#39;s plan of salvation. The Catechism today reveals to us how the Holy Spirit prepared Mary to fulfill the Father&#39;s plan and manifest the Son to humanity. We also learn how the Holy Spirit and the Son work together in a joint mission. Finally, Fr. Mike highlights how Mary&#39;s humility is essential to her role as the &quot;masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time.&quot; Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 721-730.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 87: Christ’s Life as Offering (2026)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-87-2026</link>
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  <pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cb94dab9-92e8-484a-be30-83ee28d5a722.mp3" length="14480686" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Jesus Christ’s entire life was an offering to God the Father, and he freely embraced God’s will and his plan for salvation. We learn that the Eucharist memorializes Jesus’ free offering of himself. In the garden, the night before his Passion and death, Jesus suffered real agony as he contemplated his death, yet he accepted his death as redemptive. Fr. Mike invites us to participate in this redemption by attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 606-612.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>13:52</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Jesus Christ’s entire life was an offering to God the Father, and he freely embraced God’s will and his plan for salvation. We learn that the Eucharist memorializes Jesus’ free offering of himself. In the garden, the night before his Passion and death, Jesus suffered real agony as he contemplated his death, yet he accepted his death as redemptive. Fr. Mike invites us to participate in this redemption by attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 606-612.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>death, sin, salvation, eternal life, free will, humanity, redemption, offering,sacrifice, suffering, forgiveness, atonement, obedience, eucharist, jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Jesus Christ’s entire life was an offering to God the Father, and he freely embraced God’s will and his plan for salvation. We learn that the Eucharist memorializes Jesus’ free offering of himself. In the garden, the night before his Passion and death, Jesus suffered real agony as he contemplated his death, yet he accepted his death as redemptive. Fr. Mike invites us to participate in this redemption by attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 606-612.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Jesus Christ’s entire life was an offering to God the Father, and he freely embraced God’s will and his plan for salvation. We learn that the Eucharist memorializes Jesus’ free offering of himself. In the garden, the night before his Passion and death, Jesus suffered real agony as he contemplated his death, yet he accepted his death as redemptive. Fr. Mike invites us to participate in this redemption by attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 606-612.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 86: God’s Plan of Salvation (2026)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-86-2026</link>
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  <pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/24ef8f73-4a7c-48c4-b940-83af45bcb687.mp3" length="21643297" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>How can we have free will if the Scriptures foretell God’s plan of salvation? This is a great mystery and something we might struggle to understand. Fr. Mike explains what it means to say God’s plan of predestination includes God’s permissive will, each person’s free will, and human beings’ response to the Father’s grace. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 599-605.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>21:22</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>How can we have free will if the Scriptures foretell God’s plan of salvation? This is a great mystery and something we might struggle to understand. Fr. Mike explains what it means to say God’s plan of predestination includes God’s permissive will, each person’s free will, and human beings’ response to the Father’s grace. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 599-605.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Sin, salvation, redemption, saved, forgiveness, mercy, prayer, jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>How can we have free will if the Scriptures foretell God’s plan of salvation? This is a great mystery and something we might struggle to understand. Fr. Mike explains what it means to say God’s plan of predestination includes God’s permissive will, each person’s free will, and human beings’ response to the Father’s grace. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 599-605.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>How can we have free will if the Scriptures foretell God’s plan of salvation? This is a great mystery and something we might struggle to understand. Fr. Mike explains what it means to say God’s plan of predestination includes God’s permissive will, each person’s free will, and human beings’ response to the Father’s grace. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 599-605.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 69: Born of the Virgin Mary (2026)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-69-2026</link>
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  <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/3eb77dca-4c74-43b3-94dc-8aad5fef82e9.mp3" length="18384922" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Fr. Mike helps us to understand Mary’s role in the history of salvation. Through her belief and obedience, Mary becomes the Mother of God, and she cooperates in the redemption of the entire world. God’s glory is manifested when he uses weak and powerless people to show forth his faithfulness. What we believe about Mary is based on what we believe about Christ, and what the Church teaches about Mary illuminates our faith in Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 484-489.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>18:02</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Fr. Mike helps us to understand Mary’s role in the history of salvation. Through her belief and obedience, Mary becomes the Mother of God, and she cooperates in the redemption of the entire world. God’s glory is manifested when he uses weak and powerless people to show forth his faithfulness. What we believe about Mary is based on what we believe about Christ, and what the Church teaches about Mary illuminates our faith in Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 484-489.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>mary, salvation, prefigures, new covenant, human, divine, revelation, fiat, trust, destiny, heaven, will, predestination, women, eve, mother, jesus, catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Fr. Mike helps us to understand Mary’s role in the history of salvation. Through her belief and obedience, Mary becomes the Mother of God, and she cooperates in the redemption of the entire world. God’s glory is manifested when he uses weak and powerless people to show forth his faithfulness. What we believe about Mary is based on what we believe about Christ, and what the Church teaches about Mary illuminates our faith in Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 484-489.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Fr. Mike helps us to understand Mary’s role in the history of salvation. Through her belief and obedience, Mary becomes the Mother of God, and she cooperates in the redemption of the entire world. God’s glory is manifested when he uses weak and powerless people to show forth his faithfulness. What we believe about Mary is based on what we believe about Christ, and what the Church teaches about Mary illuminates our faith in Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 484-489.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 68: The Mystery of the Incarnation (2026)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-68-2026</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">35c87bdb-b3df-4550-b5b0-4c0c35e46686</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/35c87bdb-b3df-4550-b5b0-4c0c35e46686.mp3" length="18062099" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>We learn more about Jesus Christ’s nature as fully God and fully human. Because he was fully human, “like us in all things but sin,” Jesus had a human will that was perfectly aligned with the will of God the Father, a human body that can be seen and venerated, and a human heart with which he loves us. Fr. Mike sums up the teachings in recent readings by reviewing that the Incarnation is the mystery of the union of the divine and human natures in the one person of the Word. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 475-483.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>17:41</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>We learn more about Jesus Christ’s nature as fully God and fully human. Because he was fully human, “like us in all things but sin,” Jesus had a human will that was perfectly aligned with the will of God the Father, a human body that can be seen and venerated, and a human heart with which he loves us. Fr. Mike sums up the teachings in recent readings by reviewing that the Incarnation is the mystery of the union of the divine and human natures in the one person of the Word. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 475-483.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>divine, human, jesus, nature, incarnation, body, will, heart, sacred heart, love, human love, divine love, salvation, word made flesh, mystery, jesus, catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>We learn more about Jesus Christ’s nature as fully God and fully human. Because he was fully human, “like us in all things but sin,” Jesus had a human will that was perfectly aligned with the will of God the Father, a human body that can be seen and venerated, and a human heart with which he loves us. Fr. Mike sums up the teachings in recent readings by reviewing that the Incarnation is the mystery of the union of the divine and human natures in the one person of the Word. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 475-483.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>We learn more about Jesus Christ’s nature as fully God and fully human. Because he was fully human, “like us in all things but sin,” Jesus had a human will that was perfectly aligned with the will of God the Father, a human body that can be seen and venerated, and a human heart with which he loves us. Fr. Mike sums up the teachings in recent readings by reviewing that the Incarnation is the mystery of the union of the divine and human natures in the one person of the Word. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 475-483.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 67: The Humanity and Divinity of Christ (2026)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-67-2026</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">2a4eb535-ee80-4b57-a0a5-dff148fb77c9</guid>
  <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 04:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/2a4eb535-ee80-4b57-a0a5-dff148fb77c9.mp3" length="18398071" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Fr. Mike teaches us more about the divine and human natures of the second person of the Holy Trinity, the Word that became flesh, Jesus Christ. Jesus became like us in all things but sin; as such, he has a human soul, intellect, will, and body without losing any of his divinity. Father Mike tells us that in his human nature, Jesus thought with a human mind, worked with human hands, and loved with a human heart. Christ needed to learn things, and he increased in wisdom and understanding. The full humanity and true divinity of Jesus is a great mystery of our faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 470-474.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>18:04</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Fr. Mike teaches us more about the divine and human natures of the second person of the Holy Trinity, the Word that became flesh, Jesus Christ. Jesus became like us in all things but sin; as such, he has a human soul, intellect, will, and body without losing any of his divinity. Father Mike tells us that in his human nature, Jesus thought with a human mind, worked with human hands, and loved with a human heart. Christ needed to learn things, and he increased in wisdom and understanding. The full humanity and true divinity of Jesus is a great mystery of our faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 470-474.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>son of god, incarnation, salvation, jesus, word made flesh, jesus, catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Fr. Mike teaches us more about the divine and human natures of the second person of the Holy Trinity, the Word that became flesh, Jesus Christ. Jesus became like us in all things but sin; as such, he has a human soul, intellect, will, and body without losing any of his divinity. Father Mike tells us that in his human nature, Jesus thought with a human mind, worked with human hands, and loved with a human heart. Christ needed to learn things, and he increased in wisdom and understanding. The full humanity and true divinity of Jesus is a great mystery of our faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 470-474.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Fr. Mike teaches us more about the divine and human natures of the second person of the Holy Trinity, the Word that became flesh, Jesus Christ. Jesus became like us in all things but sin; as such, he has a human soul, intellect, will, and body without losing any of his divinity. Father Mike tells us that in his human nature, Jesus thought with a human mind, worked with human hands, and loved with a human heart. Christ needed to learn things, and he increased in wisdom and understanding. The full humanity and true divinity of Jesus is a great mystery of our faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 470-474.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 65: Why the Word Became Flesh (2026)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-65-2026</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">641ddc23-ba28-4bce-bb30-6fa295bc1aa8</guid>
  <pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 03:15:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/641ddc23-ba28-4bce-bb30-6fa295bc1aa8.mp3" length="19363419" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>The Word became flesh to reconcile us with God, to manifest God’s love for us, to model holiness, and to make us partakers of the divine nature. We learn that the “Incarnation” refers to the fact that the Son of God assumed human nature in order to accomplish our salvation. Fr. Mike explains that belief in the Incarnation of God is the distinctive sign of Christian faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 456-463.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>19:09</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>The Word became flesh to reconcile us with God, to manifest God’s love for us, to model holiness, and to make us partakers of the divine nature. We learn that the “Incarnation” refers to the fact that the Son of God assumed human nature in order to accomplish our salvation. Fr. Mike explains that belief in the Incarnation of God is the distinctive sign of Christian faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 456-463.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>word, flesh, jesus, son of god, divine nature, incarnation, love, salvation, holiness, jesus, catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>The Word became flesh to reconcile us with God, to manifest God’s love for us, to model holiness, and to make us partakers of the divine nature. We learn that the “Incarnation” refers to the fact that the Son of God assumed human nature in order to accomplish our salvation. Fr. Mike explains that belief in the Incarnation of God is the distinctive sign of Christian faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 456-463.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>The Word became flesh to reconcile us with God, to manifest God’s love for us, to model holiness, and to make us partakers of the divine nature. We learn that the “Incarnation” refers to the fact that the Son of God assumed human nature in order to accomplish our salvation. Fr. Mike explains that belief in the Incarnation of God is the distinctive sign of Christian faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 456-463.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 43: Creation Is Good (2026)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-43-2026</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">e2301b0d-6527-43b0-8bf3-59c91706ccfb</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 03:15:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/e2301b0d-6527-43b0-8bf3-59c91706ccfb.mp3" length="19318391" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>How does God create? We read today about the reality that God creates an ordered and good world. Moreover, he is continually present in his creation, upholding and sustaining it. We also learn that God grants human beings the dignity of being causes, giving us the incredible power to share in his Divine Providence freely. Finally, Fr. Mike reminds us that because we can participate in God’s plan, our suffering is not meaningless. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 299-308. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>20:07</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>How does God create? We read today about the reality that God creates an ordered and good world. Moreover, he is continually present in his creation, upholding and sustaining it. We also learn that God grants human beings the dignity of being causes, giving us the incredible power to share in his Divine Providence freely. Finally, Fr. Mike reminds us that because we can participate in God’s plan, our suffering is not meaningless. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 299-308. 
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>creation, world, universe, good, order, divine providence, human nature, secondary causes, primary causey, goodness of creation, create, god creates, salvation, freedom, , jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>How does God create? We read today about the reality that God creates an ordered and good world. Moreover, he is continually present in his creation, upholding and sustaining it. We also learn that God grants human beings the dignity of being causes, giving us the incredible power to share in his Divine Providence freely. Finally, Fr. Mike reminds us that because we can participate in God’s plan, our suffering is not meaningless. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 299-308. </p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>How does God create? We read today about the reality that God creates an ordered and good world. Moreover, he is continually present in his creation, upholding and sustaining it. We also learn that God grants human beings the dignity of being causes, giving us the incredible power to share in his Divine Providence freely. Finally, Fr. Mike reminds us that because we can participate in God’s plan, our suffering is not meaningless. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 299-308. </p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 25: Summary of Faith (2026)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-25-2026</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">69dd7deb-4633-43fa-a6a7-5b01712d73a9</guid>
  <pubDate>Sun, 25 Jan 2026 03:15:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/69dd7deb-4633-43fa-a6a7-5b01712d73a9.mp3" length="12250614" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>As Catholics, we can’t pick and choose the areas of Church teaching we want to accept; we must believe the entire truth of the Faith because we believe in God, who has revealed it to us. Fr. Mike teaches us to pray daily to be good students as we learn and grow from our mother, the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 176-184.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>12:07</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>As Catholics, we can’t pick and choose the areas of Church teaching we want to accept; we must believe the entire truth of the Faith because we believe in God, who has revealed it to us. Fr. Mike teaches us to pray daily to be good students as we learn and grow from our mother, the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 176-184.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>belief, believing, gift of faith, learning, tradition, catholic, catholic teaching, revelation, knowing god, belief in god, word of god, salvation, understanding, growing in faith, jesus, catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>As Catholics, we can’t pick and choose the areas of Church teaching we want to accept; we must believe the entire truth of the Faith because we believe in God, who has revealed it to us. Fr. Mike teaches us to pray daily to be good students as we learn and grow from our mother, the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 176-184.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>As Catholics, we can’t pick and choose the areas of Church teaching we want to accept; we must believe the entire truth of the Faith because we believe in God, who has revealed it to us. Fr. Mike teaches us to pray daily to be good students as we learn and grow from our mother, the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 176-184.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 140: Purgatory and Hell (2025)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-140-2025</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">315f99b8-73d1-492d-a242-f16f9b82518b</guid>
  <pubDate>Tue, 20 May 2025 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/315f99b8-73d1-492d-a242-f16f9b82518b.mp3" length="20413433" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Why do purgatory and hell exist? The Catechism teaches us today about the existence and the meaning of purgatory and hell. We learn that purgatory is a transitional state of purification while hell is the state of permanent separation from God. Fr. Mike reminds us that nobody drifts into heaven because “we cannot be united to God unless we freely choose to love him.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1030-1037.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>21:15</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Why do purgatory and hell exist? The Catechism teaches us today about the existence and the meaning of purgatory and hell. We learn that purgatory is a transitional state of purification while hell is the state of permanent separation from God. Fr. Mike reminds us that nobody drifts into heaven because “we cannot be united to God unless we freely choose to love him.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1030-1037.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>purgatory, hell, purification, salvation, sanctification, eternity, death, eternal fire, gehenna, holiness, jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Why do purgatory and hell exist? The Catechism teaches us today about the existence and the meaning of purgatory and hell. We learn that purgatory is a transitional state of purification while hell is the state of permanent separation from God. Fr. Mike reminds us that nobody drifts into heaven because “we cannot be united to God unless we freely choose to love him.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1030-1037.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Why do purgatory and hell exist? The Catechism teaches us today about the existence and the meaning of purgatory and hell. We learn that purgatory is a transitional state of purification while hell is the state of permanent separation from God. Fr. Mike reminds us that nobody drifts into heaven because “we cannot be united to God unless we freely choose to love him.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1030-1037.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 125: Vocation of the Laity (2025)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-125-2025</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">505d4619-6567-4bbb-9239-debc218c6a93</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 05 May 2025 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/505d4619-6567-4bbb-9239-debc218c6a93.mp3" length="20165039" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>The term "laity" refers to all the faithful, except those in Holy Orders and those who belong to a religious state approved by the Church. We learn about the special vocation lay people have to seek the Kingdom of God as they engage in temporal affairs. They live in the world and bring the Gospel to places priests and religious cannot access. Father Mike explains that in this way, the lay faithful not only participate in the Church but are the Church. The laity participate in Christ's priestly vocation by making every part of their lives an offering to God. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 897-903.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>19:36</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>The term "laity" refers to all the faithful, except those in Holy Orders and those who belong to a religious state approved by the Church. We learn about the special vocation lay people have to seek the Kingdom of God as they engage in temporal affairs. They live in the world and bring the Gospel to places priests and religious cannot access. Father Mike explains that in this way, the lay faithful not only participate in the Church but are the Church. The laity participate in Christ's priestly vocation by making every part of their lives an offering to God. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 897-903.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Universal, vocation, laity, lay people, salvation, priests, bishop, jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>The term &quot;laity&quot; refers to all the faithful, except those in Holy Orders and those who belong to a religious state approved by the Church. We learn about the special vocation lay people have to seek the Kingdom of God as they engage in temporal affairs. They live in the world and bring the Gospel to places priests and religious cannot access. Father Mike explains that in this way, the lay faithful not only participate in the Church but are the Church. The laity participate in Christ&#39;s priestly vocation by making every part of their lives an offering to God. Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 897-903.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>The term &quot;laity&quot; refers to all the faithful, except those in Holy Orders and those who belong to a religious state approved by the Church. We learn about the special vocation lay people have to seek the Kingdom of God as they engage in temporal affairs. They live in the world and bring the Gospel to places priests and religious cannot access. Father Mike explains that in this way, the lay faithful not only participate in the Church but are the Church. The laity participate in Christ&#39;s priestly vocation by making every part of their lives an offering to God. Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 897-903.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 118: The Church and Non-Christians (2025)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-118-2025</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">4017d028-1b12-400f-b7ca-cfd5f00ec090</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2025 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/4017d028-1b12-400f-b7ca-cfd5f00ec090.mp3" length="21869180" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Fr. Mike examines the relationship between the Church and non-Christian religions. He discusses that while there is some degree of goodness and truth in every religion, the fullness of truth exists in the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike concludes with a reflection on the statement from the early Church Fathers that “outside the Church there is no salvation.” Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 839-848.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>22:46</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Fr. Mike examines the relationship between the Church and non-Christian religions. He discusses that while there is some degree of goodness and truth in every religion, the fullness of truth exists in the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike concludes with a reflection on the statement from the early Church Fathers that “outside the Church there is no salvation.” Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 839-848.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>The Church, Non-Christians, Muslims, The Jewish People, Salvation, jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Fr. Mike examines the relationship between the Church and non-Christian religions. He discusses that while there is some degree of goodness and truth in every religion, the fullness of truth exists in the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike concludes with a reflection on the statement from the early Church Fathers that “outside the Church there is no salvation.” Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 839-848.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Fr. Mike examines the relationship between the Church and non-Christian religions. He discusses that while there is some degree of goodness and truth in every religion, the fullness of truth exists in the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike concludes with a reflection on the statement from the early Church Fathers that “outside the Church there is no salvation.” Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 839-848.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 107: Origin of the Church (2025)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-107-2025</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">afccf908-8e83-4d0b-bcc1-6fdddf4c5d64</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 17 Apr 2025 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/afccf908-8e83-4d0b-bcc1-6fdddf4c5d64.mp3" length="20974792" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>The origin of the Church is just one of the ways we can come to know the depth of God’s love for us. From the very beginning, the Church, as a gathering of the people of God, has been a plan born of the Father’s heart. Fr. Mike explains that Jesus Christ instituted the Church, that salvation comes to us through the Holy Spirit in the Church, and that this was God’s plan from the very beginning of time. The Church is not man-made; the Church is God-made, and it is a great gift to us. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 758-766.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>20:28</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>The origin of the Church is just one of the ways we can come to know the depth of God’s love for us. From the very beginning, the Church, as a gathering of the people of God, has been a plan born of the Father’s heart. Fr. Mike explains that Jesus Christ instituted the Church, that salvation comes to us through the Holy Spirit in the Church, and that this was God’s plan from the very beginning of time. The Church is not man-made; the Church is God-made, and it is a great gift to us. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 758-766.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>origin, love, salvation, heart, holy spirit, god’s plan, gift, jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>The origin of the Church is just one of the ways we can come to know the depth of God’s love for us. From the very beginning, the Church, as a gathering of the people of God, has been a plan born of the Father’s heart. Fr. Mike explains that Jesus Christ instituted the Church, that salvation comes to us through the Holy Spirit in the Church, and that this was God’s plan from the very beginning of time. The Church is not man-made; the Church is God-made, and it is a great gift to us. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 758-766.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>The origin of the Church is just one of the ways we can come to know the depth of God’s love for us. From the very beginning, the Church, as a gathering of the people of God, has been a plan born of the Father’s heart. Fr. Mike explains that Jesus Christ instituted the Church, that salvation comes to us through the Holy Spirit in the Church, and that this was God’s plan from the very beginning of time. The Church is not man-made; the Church is God-made, and it is a great gift to us. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 758-766.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 102: The Holy Spirit’s Mission (2025)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-102-2025</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">f89769c0-d2ad-48ad-bb1e-80a2045e198f</guid>
  <pubDate>Sat, 12 Apr 2025 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/f89769c0-d2ad-48ad-bb1e-80a2045e198f.mp3" length="16254692" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>The working of the Holy Spirit in and through Mary and the Son is a pivotal part of God's plan of salvation. The Catechism today reveals to us how the Holy Spirit prepared Mary to fulfill the Father's plan and manifest the Son to humanity. We also learn how the Holy Spirit and the Son work together in a joint mission. Finally, Fr. Mike highlights how Mary's humility is essential to her role as the "masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time." Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 721-730.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>16:55</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>The working of the Holy Spirit in and through Mary and the Son is a pivotal part of God's plan of salvation. The Catechism today reveals to us how the Holy Spirit prepared Mary to fulfill the Father's plan and manifest the Son to humanity. We also learn how the Holy Spirit and the Son work together in a joint mission. Finally, Fr. Mike highlights how Mary's humility is essential to her role as the "masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time." Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 721-730.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>holy spirit, mary, mission of the holy spirit, working of the holy spirit, blessed virgin mary, the son, salvation, jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>The working of the Holy Spirit in and through Mary and the Son is a pivotal part of God&#39;s plan of salvation. The Catechism today reveals to us how the Holy Spirit prepared Mary to fulfill the Father&#39;s plan and manifest the Son to humanity. We also learn how the Holy Spirit and the Son work together in a joint mission. Finally, Fr. Mike highlights how Mary&#39;s humility is essential to her role as the &quot;masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time.&quot; Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 721-730.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>The working of the Holy Spirit in and through Mary and the Son is a pivotal part of God&#39;s plan of salvation. The Catechism today reveals to us how the Holy Spirit prepared Mary to fulfill the Father&#39;s plan and manifest the Son to humanity. We also learn how the Holy Spirit and the Son work together in a joint mission. Finally, Fr. Mike highlights how Mary&#39;s humility is essential to her role as the &quot;masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time.&quot; Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 721-730.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 87: Christ’s Life as Offering (2025)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-87-2025</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">cba82d53-0dfb-4112-8b42-7da44a9dfd5c</guid>
  <pubDate>Fri, 28 Mar 2025 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cba82d53-0dfb-4112-8b42-7da44a9dfd5c.mp3" length="14480686" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Jesus Christ’s entire life was an offering to God the Father, and he freely embraced God’s will and his plan for salvation. We learn that the Eucharist memorializes Jesus’ free offering of himself. In the garden, the night before his Passion and death, Jesus suffered real agony as he contemplated his death, yet he accepted his death as redemptive. Fr. Mike invites us to participate in this redemption by attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 606-612.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>13:52</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Jesus Christ’s entire life was an offering to God the Father, and he freely embraced God’s will and his plan for salvation. We learn that the Eucharist memorializes Jesus’ free offering of himself. In the garden, the night before his Passion and death, Jesus suffered real agony as he contemplated his death, yet he accepted his death as redemptive. Fr. Mike invites us to participate in this redemption by attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 606-612.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>death, sin, salvation, eternal life, free will, humanity, redemption, offering,sacrifice, suffering, forgiveness, atonement, obedience, eucharist, jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Jesus Christ’s entire life was an offering to God the Father, and he freely embraced God’s will and his plan for salvation. We learn that the Eucharist memorializes Jesus’ free offering of himself. In the garden, the night before his Passion and death, Jesus suffered real agony as he contemplated his death, yet he accepted his death as redemptive. Fr. Mike invites us to participate in this redemption by attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 606-612.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Jesus Christ’s entire life was an offering to God the Father, and he freely embraced God’s will and his plan for salvation. We learn that the Eucharist memorializes Jesus’ free offering of himself. In the garden, the night before his Passion and death, Jesus suffered real agony as he contemplated his death, yet he accepted his death as redemptive. Fr. Mike invites us to participate in this redemption by attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 606-612.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 86: God’s Plan of Salvation (2025)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-86-2025</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">66073ffb-bb63-4f8b-bfd6-96bde7a78639</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 27 Mar 2025 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/66073ffb-bb63-4f8b-bfd6-96bde7a78639.mp3" length="21643297" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>How can we have free will if the Scriptures foretell God’s plan of salvation? This is a great mystery and something we might struggle to understand. Fr. Mike explains what it means to say God’s plan of predestination includes God’s permissive will, each person’s free will, and human beings’ response to the Father’s grace. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 599-605.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>21:22</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>How can we have free will if the Scriptures foretell God’s plan of salvation? This is a great mystery and something we might struggle to understand. Fr. Mike explains what it means to say God’s plan of predestination includes God’s permissive will, each person’s free will, and human beings’ response to the Father’s grace. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 599-605.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Sin, salvation, redemption, saved, forgiveness, mercy, prayer, jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>How can we have free will if the Scriptures foretell God’s plan of salvation? This is a great mystery and something we might struggle to understand. Fr. Mike explains what it means to say God’s plan of predestination includes God’s permissive will, each person’s free will, and human beings’ response to the Father’s grace. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 599-605.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>How can we have free will if the Scriptures foretell God’s plan of salvation? This is a great mystery and something we might struggle to understand. Fr. Mike explains what it means to say God’s plan of predestination includes God’s permissive will, each person’s free will, and human beings’ response to the Father’s grace. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 599-605.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 69: Born of the Virgin Mary (2025)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-69-2025</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">74c1ba63-cf0d-4a34-923c-e2e4ed1fe56c</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/74c1ba63-cf0d-4a34-923c-e2e4ed1fe56c.mp3" length="18384922" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Fr. Mike helps us to understand Mary’s role in the history of salvation. Through her belief and obedience, Mary becomes the Mother of God, and she cooperates in the redemption of the entire world. God’s glory is manifested when he uses weak and powerless people to show forth his faithfulness. What we believe about Mary is based on what we believe about Christ, and what the Church teaches about Mary illuminates our faith in Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 484-489.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>18:02</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Fr. Mike helps us to understand Mary’s role in the history of salvation. Through her belief and obedience, Mary becomes the Mother of God, and she cooperates in the redemption of the entire world. God’s glory is manifested when he uses weak and powerless people to show forth his faithfulness. What we believe about Mary is based on what we believe about Christ, and what the Church teaches about Mary illuminates our faith in Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 484-489.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>mary, salvation, prefigures, new covenant, human, divine, revelation, fiat, trust, destiny, heaven, will, predestination, women, eve, mother, jesus, catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Fr. Mike helps us to understand Mary’s role in the history of salvation. Through her belief and obedience, Mary becomes the Mother of God, and she cooperates in the redemption of the entire world. God’s glory is manifested when he uses weak and powerless people to show forth his faithfulness. What we believe about Mary is based on what we believe about Christ, and what the Church teaches about Mary illuminates our faith in Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 484-489.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Fr. Mike helps us to understand Mary’s role in the history of salvation. Through her belief and obedience, Mary becomes the Mother of God, and she cooperates in the redemption of the entire world. God’s glory is manifested when he uses weak and powerless people to show forth his faithfulness. What we believe about Mary is based on what we believe about Christ, and what the Church teaches about Mary illuminates our faith in Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 484-489.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 68: The Mystery of the Incarnation (2025)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-68-2025</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">c0f037b5-68d7-4394-ba41-6d80c65aedb8</guid>
  <pubDate>Sun, 09 Mar 2025 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/c0f037b5-68d7-4394-ba41-6d80c65aedb8.mp3" length="18062099" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>We learn more about Jesus Christ’s nature as fully God and fully human. Because he was fully human, “like us in all things but sin,” Jesus had a human will that was perfectly aligned with the will of God the Father, a human body that can be seen and venerated, and a human heart with which he loves us. Fr. Mike sums up the teachings in recent readings by reviewing that the Incarnation is the mystery of the union of the divine and human natures in the one person of the Word. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 475-483.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>17:41</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>We learn more about Jesus Christ’s nature as fully God and fully human. Because he was fully human, “like us in all things but sin,” Jesus had a human will that was perfectly aligned with the will of God the Father, a human body that can be seen and venerated, and a human heart with which he loves us. Fr. Mike sums up the teachings in recent readings by reviewing that the Incarnation is the mystery of the union of the divine and human natures in the one person of the Word. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 475-483.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>divine, human, jesus, nature, incarnation, body, will, heart, sacred heart, love, human love, divine love, salvation, word made flesh, mystery, jesus, catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>We learn more about Jesus Christ’s nature as fully God and fully human. Because he was fully human, “like us in all things but sin,” Jesus had a human will that was perfectly aligned with the will of God the Father, a human body that can be seen and venerated, and a human heart with which he loves us. Fr. Mike sums up the teachings in recent readings by reviewing that the Incarnation is the mystery of the union of the divine and human natures in the one person of the Word. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 475-483.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>We learn more about Jesus Christ’s nature as fully God and fully human. Because he was fully human, “like us in all things but sin,” Jesus had a human will that was perfectly aligned with the will of God the Father, a human body that can be seen and venerated, and a human heart with which he loves us. Fr. Mike sums up the teachings in recent readings by reviewing that the Incarnation is the mystery of the union of the divine and human natures in the one person of the Word. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 475-483.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 67: The Humanity and Divinity of Christ (2025)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-67-2025</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">fe13fbb4-422b-48d5-94e5-757721d71db9</guid>
  <pubDate>Sat, 08 Mar 2025 03:15:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/fe13fbb4-422b-48d5-94e5-757721d71db9.mp3" length="18398071" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Fr. Mike teaches us more about the divine and human natures of the second person of the Holy Trinity, the Word that became flesh, Jesus Christ. Jesus became like us in all things but sin; as such, he has a human soul, intellect, will, and body without losing any of his divinity. Father Mike tells us that in his human nature, Jesus thought with a human mind, worked with human hands, and loved with a human heart. Christ needed to learn things, and he increased in wisdom and understanding. The full humanity and true divinity of Jesus is a great mystery of our faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 470-474.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>18:04</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Fr. Mike teaches us more about the divine and human natures of the second person of the Holy Trinity, the Word that became flesh, Jesus Christ. Jesus became like us in all things but sin; as such, he has a human soul, intellect, will, and body without losing any of his divinity. Father Mike tells us that in his human nature, Jesus thought with a human mind, worked with human hands, and loved with a human heart. Christ needed to learn things, and he increased in wisdom and understanding. The full humanity and true divinity of Jesus is a great mystery of our faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 470-474.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>son of god, incarnation, salvation, jesus, word made flesh, jesus, catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Fr. Mike teaches us more about the divine and human natures of the second person of the Holy Trinity, the Word that became flesh, Jesus Christ. Jesus became like us in all things but sin; as such, he has a human soul, intellect, will, and body without losing any of his divinity. Father Mike tells us that in his human nature, Jesus thought with a human mind, worked with human hands, and loved with a human heart. Christ needed to learn things, and he increased in wisdom and understanding. The full humanity and true divinity of Jesus is a great mystery of our faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 470-474.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Fr. Mike teaches us more about the divine and human natures of the second person of the Holy Trinity, the Word that became flesh, Jesus Christ. Jesus became like us in all things but sin; as such, he has a human soul, intellect, will, and body without losing any of his divinity. Father Mike tells us that in his human nature, Jesus thought with a human mind, worked with human hands, and loved with a human heart. Christ needed to learn things, and he increased in wisdom and understanding. The full humanity and true divinity of Jesus is a great mystery of our faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 470-474.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 65: Why the Word Became Flesh (2025)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-65-2025</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">072d385c-11fc-4bfa-83bc-091378a041a8</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 06 Mar 2025 03:15:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/072d385c-11fc-4bfa-83bc-091378a041a8.mp3" length="19363419" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>The Word became flesh to reconcile us with God, to manifest God’s love for us, to model holiness, and to make us partakers of the divine nature. We learn that the “Incarnation” refers to the fact that the Son of God assumed human nature in order to accomplish our salvation. Fr. Mike explains that belief in the Incarnation of God is the distinctive sign of Christian faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 456-463.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>19:09</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>The Word became flesh to reconcile us with God, to manifest God’s love for us, to model holiness, and to make us partakers of the divine nature. We learn that the “Incarnation” refers to the fact that the Son of God assumed human nature in order to accomplish our salvation. Fr. Mike explains that belief in the Incarnation of God is the distinctive sign of Christian faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 456-463.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>word, flesh, jesus, son of god, divine nature, incarnation, love, salvation, holiness, jesus, catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>The Word became flesh to reconcile us with God, to manifest God’s love for us, to model holiness, and to make us partakers of the divine nature. We learn that the “Incarnation” refers to the fact that the Son of God assumed human nature in order to accomplish our salvation. Fr. Mike explains that belief in the Incarnation of God is the distinctive sign of Christian faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 456-463.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>The Word became flesh to reconcile us with God, to manifest God’s love for us, to model holiness, and to make us partakers of the divine nature. We learn that the “Incarnation” refers to the fact that the Son of God assumed human nature in order to accomplish our salvation. Fr. Mike explains that belief in the Incarnation of God is the distinctive sign of Christian faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 456-463.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 43: Creation Is Good (2025)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-43-2025</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">c62d42eb-bb11-4dbc-9ac3-45ecde6771d1</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 12 Feb 2025 03:15:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/c62d42eb-bb11-4dbc-9ac3-45ecde6771d1.mp3" length="19318391" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>How does God create? We read today about the reality that God creates an ordered and good world. Moreover, he is continually present in his creation, upholding and sustaining it. We also learn that God grants human beings the dignity of being causes, giving us the incredible power to share in his Divine Providence freely. Finally, Fr. Mike reminds us that because we can participate in God’s plan, our suffering is not meaningless. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 299-308. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>20:07</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>How does God create? We read today about the reality that God creates an ordered and good world. Moreover, he is continually present in his creation, upholding and sustaining it. We also learn that God grants human beings the dignity of being causes, giving us the incredible power to share in his Divine Providence freely. Finally, Fr. Mike reminds us that because we can participate in God’s plan, our suffering is not meaningless. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 299-308. 
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>creation, world, universe, good, order, divine providence, human nature, secondary causes, primary causey, goodness of creation, create, god creates, salvation, freedom, , jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>How does God create? We read today about the reality that God creates an ordered and good world. Moreover, he is continually present in his creation, upholding and sustaining it. We also learn that God grants human beings the dignity of being causes, giving us the incredible power to share in his Divine Providence freely. Finally, Fr. Mike reminds us that because we can participate in God’s plan, our suffering is not meaningless. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 299-308. </p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>How does God create? We read today about the reality that God creates an ordered and good world. Moreover, he is continually present in his creation, upholding and sustaining it. We also learn that God grants human beings the dignity of being causes, giving us the incredible power to share in his Divine Providence freely. Finally, Fr. Mike reminds us that because we can participate in God’s plan, our suffering is not meaningless. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 299-308. </p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 25: Summary of Faith (2025)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-25-2025</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">6b7a3dbd-fb39-415e-b1b5-f94d867739df</guid>
  <pubDate>Sat, 25 Jan 2025 03:15:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/6b7a3dbd-fb39-415e-b1b5-f94d867739df.mp3" length="12250614" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>As Catholics, we can’t pick and choose the areas of Church teaching we want to accept; we must believe the entire truth of the Faith because we believe in God, who has revealed it to us. Fr. Mike teaches us to pray daily to be good students as we learn and grow from our mother, the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 176-184.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>12:07</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>As Catholics, we can’t pick and choose the areas of Church teaching we want to accept; we must believe the entire truth of the Faith because we believe in God, who has revealed it to us. Fr. Mike teaches us to pray daily to be good students as we learn and grow from our mother, the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 176-184.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>belief, believing, gift of faith, learning, tradition, catholic, catholic teaching, revelation, knowing god, belief in god, word of god, salvation, understanding, growing in faith, jesus, catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>As Catholics, we can’t pick and choose the areas of Church teaching we want to accept; we must believe the entire truth of the Faith because we believe in God, who has revealed it to us. Fr. Mike teaches us to pray daily to be good students as we learn and grow from our mother, the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 176-184.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>As Catholics, we can’t pick and choose the areas of Church teaching we want to accept; we must believe the entire truth of the Faith because we believe in God, who has revealed it to us. Fr. Mike teaches us to pray daily to be good students as we learn and grow from our mother, the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 176-184.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 8: God Forms His People (2025)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-8-2025</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">f70af491-19d4-4002-b452-1a8cf3ad4702</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jan 2025 03:15:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/f70af491-19d4-4002-b452-1a8cf3ad4702.mp3" length="16422174" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>God chose Abraham and made him the “father of a multitude of nations.” Then God formed Israel as his people, freeing them from slavery in Egypt. Fr. Mike explains why God reveals himself in stages, and through the prophets who are honored as saints, he continues to form his people in the hope of salvation. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 59-64.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>16:35</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>God chose Abraham and made him the “father of a multitude of nations.” Then God formed Israel as his people, freeing them from slavery in Egypt. Fr. Mike explains why God reveals himself in stages, and through the prophets who are honored as saints, he continues to form his people in the hope of salvation. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 59-64.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords> Salvation, hope, christian joy, jesus, israel,chosen people, abraham, prophets, redemption, saints, holy men, holy women, hope in the lord,jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>God chose Abraham and made him the “father of a multitude of nations.” Then God formed Israel as his people, freeing them from slavery in Egypt. Fr. Mike explains why God reveals himself in stages, and through the prophets who are honored as saints, he continues to form his people in the hope of salvation. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 59-64.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>God chose Abraham and made him the “father of a multitude of nations.” Then God formed Israel as his people, freeing them from slavery in Egypt. Fr. Mike explains why God reveals himself in stages, and through the prophets who are honored as saints, he continues to form his people in the hope of salvation. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 59-64.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 266: The Gift of Grace (2024)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/ciy-day266-2024</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">a590d4dc-b2f4-47bd-9c97-74fa531d383d</guid>
  <pubDate>Sun, 22 Sep 2024 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/a590d4dc-b2f4-47bd-9c97-74fa531d383d.mp3" length="17031378" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>In this summary of the Catechism’s teaching on holiness, justification, and merit, we briefly consider the work of God’s grace and mercy. His grace moves us from sin and toward him, making us his sons and daughters and bringing us into the very life of the Trinity. This gift of grace invites us to respond to his promptings and invitations freely. Finally, God offers “all the graces needed to attain eternal life.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2017-2029. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>17:10</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>In this summary of the Catechism’s teaching on holiness, justification, and merit, we briefly consider the work of God’s grace and mercy. His grace moves us from sin and toward him, making us his sons and daughters and bringing us into the very life of the Trinity. This gift of grace invites us to respond to his promptings and invitations freely. Finally, God offers “all the graces needed to attain eternal life.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2017-2029. 
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Freedom, Grace, Salvation, Heaven, Conversion, Love, Perfection jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this summary of the Catechism’s teaching on holiness, justification, and merit, we briefly consider the work of God’s grace and mercy. His grace moves us from sin and toward him, making us his sons and daughters and bringing us into the very life of the Trinity. This gift of grace invites us to respond to his promptings and invitations freely. Finally, God offers “all the graces needed to attain eternal life.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2017-2029. </p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this summary of the Catechism’s teaching on holiness, justification, and merit, we briefly consider the work of God’s grace and mercy. His grace moves us from sin and toward him, making us his sons and daughters and bringing us into the very life of the Trinity. This gift of grace invites us to respond to his promptings and invitations freely. Finally, God offers “all the graces needed to attain eternal life.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2017-2029. </p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 263: Responding to Grace (2024)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/ciy-day263-2024</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">de8341e9-e29e-47b0-84d9-d26429b1f358</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 19 Sep 2024 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/de8341e9-e29e-47b0-84d9-d26429b1f358.mp3" length="16866848" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>God’s free initiative demands man’s free response. We continue our discussion of grace today by examining how grace and our free will interact in our lives. Fr. Mike also explains the purpose of sacramental graces and how the expression of these graces looks different across the Body of Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2002-2005. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>17:34</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>God’s free initiative demands man’s free response. We continue our discussion of grace today by examining how grace and our free will interact in our lives. Fr. Mike also explains the purpose of sacramental graces and how the expression of these graces looks different across the Body of Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2002-2005. 
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>grace, supernatural grace, free will, responding to gods will, justification, salvation, sacramental graces,  jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>God’s free initiative demands man’s free response. We continue our discussion of grace today by examining how grace and our free will interact in our lives. Fr. Mike also explains the purpose of sacramental graces and how the expression of these graces looks different across the Body of Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2002-2005. </p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>God’s free initiative demands man’s free response. We continue our discussion of grace today by examining how grace and our free will interact in our lives. Fr. Mike also explains the purpose of sacramental graces and how the expression of these graces looks different across the Body of Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2002-2005. </p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 261: Justification (2024)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/ciy-day261-2024</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">9be2e018-fd5b-4ec4-b2f5-03521e1b0d76</guid>
  <pubDate>Tue, 17 Sep 2024 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/9be2e018-fd5b-4ec4-b2f5-03521e1b0d76.mp3" length="18252956" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>What does it mean to be justified? The Catechism teaches us today about the grace of the Holy Spirit and its power to justify us. Fr. Mike explains how justification detaches us from sin and purifies our hearts. We learn that justification brings about a marvelous inward transformation that bears witness to God's great mercy. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1987-1995.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>19:00</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>What does it mean to be justified? The Catechism teaches us today about the grace of the Holy Spirit and its power to justify us. Fr. Mike explains how justification detaches us from sin and purifies our hearts. We learn that justification brings about a marvelous inward transformation that bears witness to God's great mercy. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1987-1995.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>justification, justified, grace, sin, righteousness, righteous, salvation, sanctification, sanctify, holy spirit,  jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>What does it mean to be justified? The Catechism teaches us today about the grace of the Holy Spirit and its power to justify us. Fr. Mike explains how justification detaches us from sin and purifies our hearts. We learn that justification brings about a marvelous inward transformation that bears witness to God&#39;s great mercy. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1987-1995.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>What does it mean to be justified? The Catechism teaches us today about the grace of the Holy Spirit and its power to justify us. Fr. Mike explains how justification detaches us from sin and purifies our hearts. We learn that justification brings about a marvelous inward transformation that bears witness to God&#39;s great mercy. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1987-1995.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 235: Human Freedom in Salvation (2024)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/ciy-day235-2024</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">c9e2f715-cc30-4151-92c0-d23cff35ac6e</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 22 Aug 2024 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/c9e2f715-cc30-4151-92c0-d23cff35ac6e.mp3" length="16678867" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the reality of our human freedom in the economy of salvation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the right to freedom does not imply a right to say or do anything. Rather, it is the power to choose the “right.” He also emphasizes that the moral law actually allows us to live with freedom and joy, and that when we violate the moral law, we violate our own freedom. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1739-1748.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>16:57</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the reality of our human freedom in the economy of salvation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the right to freedom does not imply a right to say or do anything. Rather, it is the power to choose the “right.” He also emphasizes that the moral law actually allows us to live with freedom and joy, and that when we violate the moral law, we violate our own freedom. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1739-1748.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Morality, Human Acts, Morality of Human Acts, Freedom, Sin, Liberation, Salvation, Grace, Moral Law jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the reality of our human freedom in the economy of salvation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the right to freedom does not imply a right to say or do anything. Rather, it is the power to choose the “right.” He also emphasizes that the moral law actually allows us to live with freedom and joy, and that when we violate the moral law, we violate our own freedom. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1739-1748.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the reality of our human freedom in the economy of salvation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the right to freedom does not imply a right to say or do anything. Rather, it is the power to choose the “right.” He also emphasizes that the moral law actually allows us to live with freedom and joy, and that when we violate the moral law, we violate our own freedom. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1739-1748.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 175: Introduction to Confirmation (2024)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/ciy-day175-2024</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">cd7a8b88-61c6-4d59-953a-dd03fa8b7c4d</guid>
  <pubDate>Sun, 23 Jun 2024 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cd7a8b88-61c6-4d59-953a-dd03fa8b7c4d.mp3" length="12329551" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>We begin our examination of the sacrament of Confirmation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the reception of Confirmation is necessary for the completion and strengthening of baptismal grace. He also highlights the vital importance of the reception of Confirmation because it gives us the power to be a witness to God’s grace on earth, just as the Apostles received that same power at Pentecost. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1285-1289.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>12:25</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>We begin our examination of the sacrament of Confirmation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the reception of Confirmation is necessary for the completion and strengthening of baptismal grace. He also highlights the vital importance of the reception of Confirmation because it gives us the power to be a witness to God’s grace on earth, just as the Apostles received that same power at Pentecost. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1285-1289.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>We begin our examination of the sacrament of Confirmation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the reception of Confirmation is necessary for the completion and strengthening of baptismal grace. He also highlights the vital importance of the reception of Confirmation because it gives us the power to be a witness to God’s grace on earth, just as the Apostles received that same power at Pentecost. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1285-1289.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>We begin our examination of the sacrament of Confirmation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the reception of Confirmation is necessary for the completion and strengthening of baptismal grace. He also highlights the vital importance of the reception of Confirmation because it gives us the power to be a witness to God’s grace on earth, just as the Apostles received that same power at Pentecost. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1285-1289.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 140: Purgatory and Hell (2024)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/ciy-day140-2024</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">39348bd0-4bf3-4e43-ad3b-53b2f96f2f2a</guid>
  <pubDate>Sun, 19 May 2024 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/39348bd0-4bf3-4e43-ad3b-53b2f96f2f2a.mp3" length="20413433" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Why do purgatory and hell exist? The Catechism teaches us today about the existence and the meaning of purgatory and hell. We learn that purgatory is a transitional state of purification while hell is the state of permanent separation from God. Fr. Mike reminds us that nobody drifts into heaven because “we cannot be united to God unless we freely choose to love him.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1030-1037.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>21:15</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Why do purgatory and hell exist? The Catechism teaches us today about the existence and the meaning of purgatory and hell. We learn that purgatory is a transitional state of purification while hell is the state of permanent separation from God. Fr. Mike reminds us that nobody drifts into heaven because “we cannot be united to God unless we freely choose to love him.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1030-1037.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>purgatory, hell, purification, salvation, sanctification, eternity, death, eternal fire, gehenna, holiness,  jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Why do purgatory and hell exist? The Catechism teaches us today about the existence and the meaning of purgatory and hell. We learn that purgatory is a transitional state of purification while hell is the state of permanent separation from God. Fr. Mike reminds us that nobody drifts into heaven because “we cannot be united to God unless we freely choose to love him.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1030-1037.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Why do purgatory and hell exist? The Catechism teaches us today about the existence and the meaning of purgatory and hell. We learn that purgatory is a transitional state of purification while hell is the state of permanent separation from God. Fr. Mike reminds us that nobody drifts into heaven because “we cannot be united to God unless we freely choose to love him.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1030-1037.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 125: Vocation of the Laity (2024)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/ciy-day125-2024</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">ef772f63-40b5-4c29-8bdf-51bf9dd58378</guid>
  <pubDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/ef772f63-40b5-4c29-8bdf-51bf9dd58378.mp3" length="20165039" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>The term "laity" refers to all the faithful, except those in Holy Orders and those who belong to a religious state approved by the Church. We learn about the special vocation lay people have to seek the Kingdom of God as they engage in temporal affairs. They live in the world and bring the Gospel to places priests and religious cannot access. Father Mike explains that in this way, the lay faithful not only participate in the Church but are the Church. The laity participate in Christ's priestly vocation by making every part of their lives an offering to God. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 897-903.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>19:36</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>The term "laity" refers to all the faithful, except those in Holy Orders and those who belong to a religious state approved by the Church. We learn about the special vocation lay people have to seek the Kingdom of God as they engage in temporal affairs. They live in the world and bring the Gospel to places priests and religious cannot access. Father Mike explains that in this way, the lay faithful not only participate in the Church but are the Church. The laity participate in Christ's priestly vocation by making every part of their lives an offering to God. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 897-903.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Universal, vocation, laity, lay people, salvation, priests, bishop jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>The term &quot;laity&quot; refers to all the faithful, except those in Holy Orders and those who belong to a religious state approved by the Church. We learn about the special vocation lay people have to seek the Kingdom of God as they engage in temporal affairs. They live in the world and bring the Gospel to places priests and religious cannot access. Father Mike explains that in this way, the lay faithful not only participate in the Church but are the Church. The laity participate in Christ&#39;s priestly vocation by making every part of their lives an offering to God. Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 897-903.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>The term &quot;laity&quot; refers to all the faithful, except those in Holy Orders and those who belong to a religious state approved by the Church. We learn about the special vocation lay people have to seek the Kingdom of God as they engage in temporal affairs. They live in the world and bring the Gospel to places priests and religious cannot access. Father Mike explains that in this way, the lay faithful not only participate in the Church but are the Church. The laity participate in Christ&#39;s priestly vocation by making every part of their lives an offering to God. Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 897-903.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 118: The Church and Non-Christians (2024)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/ciy-day118-2024</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">9afa6640-d272-43d4-8dca-e469efbeb739</guid>
  <pubDate>Sat, 27 Apr 2024 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/9afa6640-d272-43d4-8dca-e469efbeb739.mp3" length="21869180" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Fr. Mike examines the relationship between the Church and non-Christian religions. He discusses that while there is some degree of goodness and truth in every religion, the fullness of truth exists in the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike concludes with a reflection on the statement from the early Church Fathers that “outside the Church there is no salvation.” Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 839-848.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>22:46</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Fr. Mike examines the relationship between the Church and non-Christian religions. He discusses that while there is some degree of goodness and truth in every religion, the fullness of truth exists in the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike concludes with a reflection on the statement from the early Church Fathers that “outside the Church there is no salvation.” Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 839-848.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>The Church, Non-Christians, Muslims, The Jewish People, Salvation jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Fr. Mike examines the relationship between the Church and non-Christian religions. He discusses that while there is some degree of goodness and truth in every religion, the fullness of truth exists in the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike concludes with a reflection on the statement from the early Church Fathers that “outside the Church there is no salvation.” Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 839-848.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Fr. Mike examines the relationship between the Church and non-Christian religions. He discusses that while there is some degree of goodness and truth in every religion, the fullness of truth exists in the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike concludes with a reflection on the statement from the early Church Fathers that “outside the Church there is no salvation.” Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 839-848.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 107: Origin of the Church (2024)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/ciy-day107-2024</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">db5b263f-d18f-4649-b2d2-364050bd938b</guid>
  <pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2024 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/db5b263f-d18f-4649-b2d2-364050bd938b.mp3" length="20974792" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>The origin of the Church is just one of the ways we can come to know the depth of God’s love for us. From the very beginning, the Church, as a gathering of the people of God, has been a plan born of the Father’s heart. Fr. Mike explains that Jesus Christ instituted the Church, that salvation comes to us through the Holy Spirit in the Church, and that this was God’s plan from the very beginning of time. The Church is not man-made; the Church is God-made, and it is a great gift to us. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 758-766.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>20:28</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>The origin of the Church is just one of the ways we can come to know the depth of God’s love for us. From the very beginning, the Church, as a gathering of the people of God, has been a plan born of the Father’s heart. Fr. Mike explains that Jesus Christ instituted the Church, that salvation comes to us through the Holy Spirit in the Church, and that this was God’s plan from the very beginning of time. The Church is not man-made; the Church is God-made, and it is a great gift to us. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 758-766.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>origin, love, salvation, heart, holy spirit, god’s plan, gift jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>The origin of the Church is just one of the ways we can come to know the depth of God’s love for us. From the very beginning, the Church, as a gathering of the people of God, has been a plan born of the Father’s heart. Fr. Mike explains that Jesus Christ instituted the Church, that salvation comes to us through the Holy Spirit in the Church, and that this was God’s plan from the very beginning of time. The Church is not man-made; the Church is God-made, and it is a great gift to us. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 758-766.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>The origin of the Church is just one of the ways we can come to know the depth of God’s love for us. From the very beginning, the Church, as a gathering of the people of God, has been a plan born of the Father’s heart. Fr. Mike explains that Jesus Christ instituted the Church, that salvation comes to us through the Holy Spirit in the Church, and that this was God’s plan from the very beginning of time. The Church is not man-made; the Church is God-made, and it is a great gift to us. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 758-766.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 102: The Holy Spirit’s Mission </title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/ciy-day102-2024</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">25868b6a-caee-42cf-9b0c-963d3c221ce2</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2024 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/25868b6a-caee-42cf-9b0c-963d3c221ce2.mp3" length="16254692" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>The working of the Holy Spirit in and through Mary and the Son is a pivotal part of God's plan of salvation. The Catechism today reveals to us how the Holy Spirit prepared Mary to fulfill the Father's plan and manifest the Son to humanity. We also learn how the Holy Spirit and the Son work together in a joint mission. Finally, Fr. Mike highlights how Mary's humility is essential to her role as the "masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time." Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 721-730.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>16:55</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>The working of the Holy Spirit in and through Mary and the Son is a pivotal part of God's plan of salvation. The Catechism today reveals to us how the Holy Spirit prepared Mary to fulfill the Father's plan and manifest the Son to humanity. We also learn how the Holy Spirit and the Son work together in a joint mission. Finally, Fr. Mike highlights how Mary's humility is essential to her role as the "masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time." Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 721-730.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>holy spirit, mary, mission of the holy spirit, working of the holy spirit, blessed virgin mary, the son, salvation,  jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>The working of the Holy Spirit in and through Mary and the Son is a pivotal part of God&#39;s plan of salvation. The Catechism today reveals to us how the Holy Spirit prepared Mary to fulfill the Father&#39;s plan and manifest the Son to humanity. We also learn how the Holy Spirit and the Son work together in a joint mission. Finally, Fr. Mike highlights how Mary&#39;s humility is essential to her role as the &quot;masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time.&quot; Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 721-730.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>The working of the Holy Spirit in and through Mary and the Son is a pivotal part of God&#39;s plan of salvation. The Catechism today reveals to us how the Holy Spirit prepared Mary to fulfill the Father&#39;s plan and manifest the Son to humanity. We also learn how the Holy Spirit and the Son work together in a joint mission. Finally, Fr. Mike highlights how Mary&#39;s humility is essential to her role as the &quot;masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time.&quot; Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 721-730.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 87: Christ’s Life as Offering (2024)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/ciy-day87-2024</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">f59ba875-a03a-4b7a-8c9f-6b45c85638b5</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2024 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/f59ba875-a03a-4b7a-8c9f-6b45c85638b5.mp3" length="14480686" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Jesus Christ’s entire life was an offering to God the Father, and he freely embraced God’s will and his plan for salvation. We learn that the Eucharist memorializes Jesus’ free offering of himself. In the garden, the night before his Passion and death, Jesus suffered real agony as he contemplated his death, yet he accepted his death as redemptive. Fr. Mike invites us to participate in this redemption by attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 606-612.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>13:52</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Jesus Christ’s entire life was an offering to God the Father, and he freely embraced God’s will and his plan for salvation. We learn that the Eucharist memorializes Jesus’ free offering of himself. In the garden, the night before his Passion and death, Jesus suffered real agony as he contemplated his death, yet he accepted his death as redemptive. Fr. Mike invites us to participate in this redemption by attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 606-612.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>death, sin, salvation, eternal life, free will, humanity, redemption, offering,sacrifice, suffering, forgiveness, atonement, obedience, eucharist jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Jesus Christ’s entire life was an offering to God the Father, and he freely embraced God’s will and his plan for salvation. We learn that the Eucharist memorializes Jesus’ free offering of himself. In the garden, the night before his Passion and death, Jesus suffered real agony as he contemplated his death, yet he accepted his death as redemptive. Fr. Mike invites us to participate in this redemption by attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 606-612.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Jesus Christ’s entire life was an offering to God the Father, and he freely embraced God’s will and his plan for salvation. We learn that the Eucharist memorializes Jesus’ free offering of himself. In the garden, the night before his Passion and death, Jesus suffered real agony as he contemplated his death, yet he accepted his death as redemptive. Fr. Mike invites us to participate in this redemption by attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 606-612.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 86: God’s Plan of Salvation (2024)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/ciy-day86-2024</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">33673c0f-fd9b-472d-9d05-00d97e24f625</guid>
  <pubDate>Tue, 26 Mar 2024 03:15:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/33673c0f-fd9b-472d-9d05-00d97e24f625.mp3" length="21643297" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>How can we have free will if the Scriptures foretell God’s plan of salvation? This is a great mystery and something we might struggle to understand. Fr. Mike explains what it means to say God’s plan of predestination includes God’s permissive will, each person’s free will, and human beings’ response to the Father’s grace. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 599-605.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>21:22</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>How can we have free will if the Scriptures foretell God’s plan of salvation? This is a great mystery and something we might struggle to understand. Fr. Mike explains what it means to say God’s plan of predestination includes God’s permissive will, each person’s free will, and human beings’ response to the Father’s grace. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 599-605.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Sin, salvation, redemption, saved, forgiveness, mercy, prayer jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>How can we have free will if the Scriptures foretell God’s plan of salvation? This is a great mystery and something we might struggle to understand. Fr. Mike explains what it means to say God’s plan of predestination includes God’s permissive will, each person’s free will, and human beings’ response to the Father’s grace. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 599-605.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>How can we have free will if the Scriptures foretell God’s plan of salvation? This is a great mystery and something we might struggle to understand. Fr. Mike explains what it means to say God’s plan of predestination includes God’s permissive will, each person’s free will, and human beings’ response to the Father’s grace. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 599-605.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 69: Born of the Virgin Mary (2024)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/ciy-day69-2024</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">247ee5f5-7463-471d-9abc-a22f4f66569e</guid>
  <pubDate>Sat, 09 Mar 2024 03:15:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/247ee5f5-7463-471d-9abc-a22f4f66569e.mp3" length="18384922" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Fr. Mike helps us to understand Mary’s role in the history of salvation. Through her belief and obedience, Mary becomes the Mother of God, and she cooperates in the redemption of the entire world. God’s glory is manifested when he uses weak and powerless people to show forth his faithfulness. What we believe about Mary is based on what we believe about Christ, and what the Church teaches about Mary illuminates our faith in Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 484-489.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>18:02</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Fr. Mike helps us to understand Mary’s role in the history of salvation. Through her belief and obedience, Mary becomes the Mother of God, and she cooperates in the redemption of the entire world. God’s glory is manifested when he uses weak and powerless people to show forth his faithfulness. What we believe about Mary is based on what we believe about Christ, and what the Church teaches about Mary illuminates our faith in Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 484-489.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>mary, salvation, prefigures, new covenant, human, divine, revelation, fiat, trust, destiny, heaven, will, predestination, women, eve, mother jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Fr. Mike helps us to understand Mary’s role in the history of salvation. Through her belief and obedience, Mary becomes the Mother of God, and she cooperates in the redemption of the entire world. God’s glory is manifested when he uses weak and powerless people to show forth his faithfulness. What we believe about Mary is based on what we believe about Christ, and what the Church teaches about Mary illuminates our faith in Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 484-489.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Fr. Mike helps us to understand Mary’s role in the history of salvation. Through her belief and obedience, Mary becomes the Mother of God, and she cooperates in the redemption of the entire world. God’s glory is manifested when he uses weak and powerless people to show forth his faithfulness. What we believe about Mary is based on what we believe about Christ, and what the Church teaches about Mary illuminates our faith in Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 484-489.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 68: The Mystery of the Incarnation (2024)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/ciy-day68-2024</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">4a6423f2-e76a-4e6b-9fe6-f2dddf016519</guid>
  <pubDate>Fri, 08 Mar 2024 03:15:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/4a6423f2-e76a-4e6b-9fe6-f2dddf016519.mp3" length="18062099" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>We learn more about Jesus Christ’s nature as fully God and fully human. Because he was fully human, “like us in all things but sin,” Jesus had a human will that was perfectly aligned with the will of God the Father, a human body that can be seen and venerated, and a human heart with which he loves us. Fr. Mike sums up the teachings in recent readings by reviewing that the Incarnation is the mystery of the union of the divine and human natures in the one person of the Word. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 475-483.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>17:41</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>We learn more about Jesus Christ’s nature as fully God and fully human. Because he was fully human, “like us in all things but sin,” Jesus had a human will that was perfectly aligned with the will of God the Father, a human body that can be seen and venerated, and a human heart with which he loves us. Fr. Mike sums up the teachings in recent readings by reviewing that the Incarnation is the mystery of the union of the divine and human natures in the one person of the Word. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 475-483.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>divine, human, jesus, nature, incarnation, body, will, heart, sacred heart, love, human love, divine love, salvation, word made flesh, mystery jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>We learn more about Jesus Christ’s nature as fully God and fully human. Because he was fully human, “like us in all things but sin,” Jesus had a human will that was perfectly aligned with the will of God the Father, a human body that can be seen and venerated, and a human heart with which he loves us. Fr. Mike sums up the teachings in recent readings by reviewing that the Incarnation is the mystery of the union of the divine and human natures in the one person of the Word. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 475-483.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>We learn more about Jesus Christ’s nature as fully God and fully human. Because he was fully human, “like us in all things but sin,” Jesus had a human will that was perfectly aligned with the will of God the Father, a human body that can be seen and venerated, and a human heart with which he loves us. Fr. Mike sums up the teachings in recent readings by reviewing that the Incarnation is the mystery of the union of the divine and human natures in the one person of the Word. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 475-483.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 67: The Humanity and Divinity of Christ (2024)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/ciy-day67-2024</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">a289f186-954a-4c96-b439-243e0576659e</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 07 Mar 2024 03:15:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/a289f186-954a-4c96-b439-243e0576659e.mp3" length="18398071" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Fr. Mike teaches us more about the divine and human natures of the second person of the Holy Trinity, the Word that became flesh, Jesus Christ. Jesus became like us in all things but sin; as such, he has a human soul, intellect, will, and body without losing any of his divinity. Father Mike tells us that in his human nature, Jesus thought with a human mind, worked with human hands, and loved with a human heart. Christ needed to learn things, and he increased in wisdom and understanding. The full humanity and true divinity of Jesus is a great mystery of our faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 470-474.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>18:04</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Fr. Mike teaches us more about the divine and human natures of the second person of the Holy Trinity, the Word that became flesh, Jesus Christ. Jesus became like us in all things but sin; as such, he has a human soul, intellect, will, and body without losing any of his divinity. Father Mike tells us that in his human nature, Jesus thought with a human mind, worked with human hands, and loved with a human heart. Christ needed to learn things, and he increased in wisdom and understanding. The full humanity and true divinity of Jesus is a great mystery of our faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 470-474.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>son of god, incarnation, salvation, jesus, word made flesh, jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Fr. Mike teaches us more about the divine and human natures of the second person of the Holy Trinity, the Word that became flesh, Jesus Christ. Jesus became like us in all things but sin; as such, he has a human soul, intellect, will, and body without losing any of his divinity. Father Mike tells us that in his human nature, Jesus thought with a human mind, worked with human hands, and loved with a human heart. Christ needed to learn things, and he increased in wisdom and understanding. The full humanity and true divinity of Jesus is a great mystery of our faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 470-474.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Fr. Mike teaches us more about the divine and human natures of the second person of the Holy Trinity, the Word that became flesh, Jesus Christ. Jesus became like us in all things but sin; as such, he has a human soul, intellect, will, and body without losing any of his divinity. Father Mike tells us that in his human nature, Jesus thought with a human mind, worked with human hands, and loved with a human heart. Christ needed to learn things, and he increased in wisdom and understanding. The full humanity and true divinity of Jesus is a great mystery of our faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 470-474.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 65: Why the Word Became Flesh (2024)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/ciy-day65-2024</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">efb0812b-1900-46f6-b862-cb2153f04258</guid>
  <pubDate>Tue, 05 Mar 2024 03:15:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/efb0812b-1900-46f6-b862-cb2153f04258.mp3" length="19363419" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>The Word became flesh to reconcile us with God, to manifest God’s love for us, to model holiness, and to make us partakers of the divine nature. We learn that the “Incarnation” refers to the fact that the Son of God assumed human nature in order to accomplish our salvation. Fr. Mike explains that belief in the Incarnation of God is the distinctive sign of Christian faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 456-463.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>19:09</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>The Word became flesh to reconcile us with God, to manifest God’s love for us, to model holiness, and to make us partakers of the divine nature. We learn that the “Incarnation” refers to the fact that the Son of God assumed human nature in order to accomplish our salvation. Fr. Mike explains that belief in the Incarnation of God is the distinctive sign of Christian faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 456-463.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>word, flesh, jesus, son of god, divine nature, incarnation, love, salvation, holiness,  jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>The Word became flesh to reconcile us with God, to manifest God’s love for us, to model holiness, and to make us partakers of the divine nature. We learn that the “Incarnation” refers to the fact that the Son of God assumed human nature in order to accomplish our salvation. Fr. Mike explains that belief in the Incarnation of God is the distinctive sign of Christian faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 456-463.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>The Word became flesh to reconcile us with God, to manifest God’s love for us, to model holiness, and to make us partakers of the divine nature. We learn that the “Incarnation” refers to the fact that the Son of God assumed human nature in order to accomplish our salvation. Fr. Mike explains that belief in the Incarnation of God is the distinctive sign of Christian faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 456-463.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 43: Creation Is Good (2024)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/ciy-day43-2024</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">3a46060a-e7e4-402d-8800-401e0201efc5</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 12 Feb 2024 03:15:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/3a46060a-e7e4-402d-8800-401e0201efc5.mp3" length="19318391" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>How does God create? We read today about the reality that God creates an ordered and good world. Moreover, he is continually present in his creation, upholding and sustaining it. We also learn that God grants human beings the dignity of being causes, giving us the incredible power to share in his Divine Providence freely. Finally, Fr. Mike reminds us that because we can participate in God’s plan, our suffering is not meaningless. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 299-308. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>20:07</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>How does God create? We read today about the reality that God creates an ordered and good world. Moreover, he is continually present in his creation, upholding and sustaining it. We also learn that God grants human beings the dignity of being causes, giving us the incredible power to share in his Divine Providence freely. Finally, Fr. Mike reminds us that because we can participate in God’s plan, our suffering is not meaningless. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 299-308. 
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>creation, world, universe, good, order, divine providence, human nature, secondary causes, primary causey, goodness of creation, create, god creates, salvation, freedom,  jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>How does God create? We read today about the reality that God creates an ordered and good world. Moreover, he is continually present in his creation, upholding and sustaining it. We also learn that God grants human beings the dignity of being causes, giving us the incredible power to share in his Divine Providence freely. Finally, Fr. Mike reminds us that because we can participate in God’s plan, our suffering is not meaningless. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 299-308. </p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>How does God create? We read today about the reality that God creates an ordered and good world. Moreover, he is continually present in his creation, upholding and sustaining it. We also learn that God grants human beings the dignity of being causes, giving us the incredible power to share in his Divine Providence freely. Finally, Fr. Mike reminds us that because we can participate in God’s plan, our suffering is not meaningless. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 299-308. </p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 25: Summary of Faith (2024)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/ciy-day25-2024</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">e221a82b-46c4-4f19-8f61-dc83a58c94e5</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jan 2024 03:15:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/e221a82b-46c4-4f19-8f61-dc83a58c94e5.mp3" length="12250614" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>As Catholics, we can’t pick and choose the areas of Church teaching we want to accept; we must believe the entire truth of the Faith because we believe in God, who has revealed it to us. Fr. Mike teaches us to pray daily to be good students as we learn and grow from our mother, the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 176-184.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>12:07</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>As Catholics, we can’t pick and choose the areas of Church teaching we want to accept; we must believe the entire truth of the Faith because we believe in God, who has revealed it to us. Fr. Mike teaches us to pray daily to be good students as we learn and grow from our mother, the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 176-184.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>belief, believing, gift of faith, learning, tradition, catholic, catholic teaching, revelation, knowing god, belief in god, word of god, salvation, understanding, growing in faithjesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>As Catholics, we can’t pick and choose the areas of Church teaching we want to accept; we must believe the entire truth of the Faith because we believe in God, who has revealed it to us. Fr. Mike teaches us to pray daily to be good students as we learn and grow from our mother, the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 176-184.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>As Catholics, we can’t pick and choose the areas of Church teaching we want to accept; we must believe the entire truth of the Faith because we believe in God, who has revealed it to us. Fr. Mike teaches us to pray daily to be good students as we learn and grow from our mother, the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 176-184.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 8: God Forms His People (2024)</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/ciy-day8-2024</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">8c4fc3b0-19d5-457f-a0d2-0af7e508057a</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jan 2024 03:15:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/8c4fc3b0-19d5-457f-a0d2-0af7e508057a.mp3" length="16422174" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>God chose Abraham and made him the “father of a multitude of nations.” Then God formed Israel as his people, freeing them from slavery in Egypt. Fr. Mike explains why God reveals himself in stages, and through the prophets who are honored as saints, he continues to form his people in the hope of salvation. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 59-64.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>16:35</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>God chose Abraham and made him the “father of a multitude of nations.” Then God formed Israel as his people, freeing them from slavery in Egypt. Fr. Mike explains why God reveals himself in stages, and through the prophets who are honored as saints, he continues to form his people in the hope of salvation. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 59-64.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Salvation, hope, christian joy, jesus, israel,chosen people, abraham, prophets, redemption, saints, holy men, holy women, hope in the lordjesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>God chose Abraham and made him the “father of a multitude of nations.” Then God formed Israel as his people, freeing them from slavery in Egypt. Fr. Mike explains why God reveals himself in stages, and through the prophets who are honored as saints, he continues to form his people in the hope of salvation. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 59-64.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>God chose Abraham and made him the “father of a multitude of nations.” Then God formed Israel as his people, freeing them from slavery in Egypt. Fr. Mike explains why God reveals himself in stages, and through the prophets who are honored as saints, he continues to form his people in the hope of salvation. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 59-64.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 266: The Gift of Grace</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-266-2023</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">a94d3ecb-407f-4b6b-b775-fccac1cfd40a</guid>
  <pubDate>Sat, 23 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/a94d3ecb-407f-4b6b-b775-fccac1cfd40a.mp3" length="17031378" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>In this summary of the Catechism’s teaching on holiness, justification, and merit, we briefly consider the work of God’s grace and mercy. His grace moves us from sin and toward him, making us his sons and daughters and bringing us into the very life of the Trinity. This gift of grace invites us to respond to his promptings and invitations freely. Finally, God offers “all the graces needed to attain eternal life.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2017-2029.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>17:10</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>In this summary of the Catechism’s teaching on holiness, justification, and merit, we briefly consider the work of God’s grace and mercy. His grace moves us from sin and toward him, making us his sons and daughters and bringing us into the very life of the Trinity. This gift of grace invites us to respond to his promptings and invitations freely. Finally, God offers “all the graces needed to attain eternal life.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2017-2029.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this summary of the Catechism’s teaching on holiness, justification, and merit, we briefly consider the work of God’s grace and mercy. His grace moves us from sin and toward him, making us his sons and daughters and bringing us into the very life of the Trinity. This gift of grace invites us to respond to his promptings and invitations freely. Finally, God offers “all the graces needed to attain eternal life.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2017-2029.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this summary of the Catechism’s teaching on holiness, justification, and merit, we briefly consider the work of God’s grace and mercy. His grace moves us from sin and toward him, making us his sons and daughters and bringing us into the very life of the Trinity. This gift of grace invites us to respond to his promptings and invitations freely. Finally, God offers “all the graces needed to attain eternal life.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2017-2029.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 263: Responding to Grace</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day263-2023</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">97c3c8f9-c989-47c1-99a9-130917691eb7</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 20 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/97c3c8f9-c989-47c1-99a9-130917691eb7.mp3" length="16866848" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>God’s free initiative demands man’s free response. We continue our discussion of grace today by examining how grace and our free will interact in our lives. Fr. Mike also explains the purpose of sacramental graces and how the expression of these graces looks different across the Body of Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2002-2005. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>17:34</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>God’s free initiative demands man’s free response. We continue our discussion of grace today by examining how grace and our free will interact in our lives. Fr. Mike also explains the purpose of sacramental graces and how the expression of these graces looks different across the Body of Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2002-2005. 
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>grace, supernatural grace, free will, responding to gods will, justification, salvation, sacramental graces, jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>God’s free initiative demands man’s free response. We continue our discussion of grace today by examining how grace and our free will interact in our lives. Fr. Mike also explains the purpose of sacramental graces and how the expression of these graces looks different across the Body of Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2002-2005. </p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>God’s free initiative demands man’s free response. We continue our discussion of grace today by examining how grace and our free will interact in our lives. Fr. Mike also explains the purpose of sacramental graces and how the expression of these graces looks different across the Body of Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2002-2005. </p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 261: Justification</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day261-2023</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">9b07cbc9-d91a-4843-830e-822571f8b747</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 18 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/9b07cbc9-d91a-4843-830e-822571f8b747.mp3" length="18252956" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>What does it mean to be justified? The Catechism teaches us today about the grace of the Holy Spirit and its power to justify us. Fr. Mike explains how justification detaches us from sin and purifies our hearts. We learn that justification brings about a marvelous inward transformation that bears witness to God's great mercy. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1987-1995.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>19:00</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>What does it mean to be justified? The Catechism teaches us today about the grace of the Holy Spirit and its power to justify us. Fr. Mike explains how justification detaches us from sin and purifies our hearts. We learn that justification brings about a marvelous inward transformation that bears witness to God's great mercy. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1987-1995.
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 reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>justification, justified, grace, sin, righteousness, righteous, salvation, sanctification, sanctify, holy spirit, jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>What does it mean to be justified? The Catechism teaches us today about the grace of the Holy Spirit and its power to justify us. Fr. Mike explains how justification detaches us from sin and purifies our hearts. We learn that justification brings about a marvelous inward transformation that bears witness to God&#39;s great mercy. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1987-1995.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>What does it mean to be justified? The Catechism teaches us today about the grace of the Holy Spirit and its power to justify us. Fr. Mike explains how justification detaches us from sin and purifies our hearts. We learn that justification brings about a marvelous inward transformation that bears witness to God&#39;s great mercy. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1987-1995.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 235: Human Freedom in Salvation</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-235-2023</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">f310a7fc-537d-4b4a-97ca-9b4ad6f4be6a</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 23 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/f310a7fc-537d-4b4a-97ca-9b4ad6f4be6a.mp3" length="16678867" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the reality of our human freedom in the economy of salvation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the right to freedom does not imply a right to say or do anything. Rather, it is the power to choose the “right.” He also emphasizes that the moral law actually allows us to live with freedom and joy, and that when we violate the moral law, we violate our own freedom. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1739-1748.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>16:57</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the reality of our human freedom in the economy of salvation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the right to freedom does not imply a right to say or do anything. Rather, it is the power to choose the “right.” He also emphasizes that the moral law actually allows us to live with freedom and joy, and that when we violate the moral law, we violate our own freedom. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1739-1748.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the reality of our human freedom in the economy of salvation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the right to freedom does not imply a right to say or do anything. Rather, it is the power to choose the “right.” He also emphasizes that the moral law actually allows us to live with freedom and joy, and that when we violate the moral law, we violate our own freedom. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1739-1748.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Together, with Fr. Mike, we examine the reality of our human freedom in the economy of salvation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the right to freedom does not imply a right to say or do anything. Rather, it is the power to choose the “right.” He also emphasizes that the moral law actually allows us to live with freedom and joy, and that when we violate the moral law, we violate our own freedom. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1739-1748.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 175: Introduction to Confirmation</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-175-2023</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">84fc0ff4-0731-4239-b944-319c500092e5</guid>
  <pubDate>Sat, 24 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/84fc0ff4-0731-4239-b944-319c500092e5.mp3" length="12329551" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>We begin our examination of the sacrament of Confirmation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the reception of Confirmation is necessary for the completion and strengthening of baptismal grace. He also highlights the vital importance of the reception of Confirmation because it gives us the power to be a witness to God’s grace on earth, just as the Apostles received that same power at Pentecost. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1285-1289.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>12:25</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>We begin our examination of the sacrament of Confirmation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the reception of Confirmation is necessary for the completion and strengthening of baptismal grace. He also highlights the vital importance of the reception of Confirmation because it gives us the power to be a witness to God’s grace on earth, just as the Apostles received that same power at Pentecost. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1285-1289.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>We begin our examination of the sacrament of Confirmation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the reception of Confirmation is necessary for the completion and strengthening of baptismal grace. He also highlights the vital importance of the reception of Confirmation because it gives us the power to be a witness to God’s grace on earth, just as the Apostles received that same power at Pentecost. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1285-1289.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>We begin our examination of the sacrament of Confirmation. Fr. Mike emphasizes that the reception of Confirmation is necessary for the completion and strengthening of baptismal grace. He also highlights the vital importance of the reception of Confirmation because it gives us the power to be a witness to God’s grace on earth, just as the Apostles received that same power at Pentecost. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1285-1289.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 140: Purgatory and Hell</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-140-23</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">8f757519-311c-404b-bf85-4bd9ae0b150b</guid>
  <pubDate>Sat, 20 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/8f757519-311c-404b-bf85-4bd9ae0b150b.mp3" length="20413433" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Why do purgatory and hell exist? The Catechism teaches us today about the existence and the meaning of purgatory and hell. We learn that purgatory is a transitional state of purification while hell is the state of permanent separation from God. Fr. Mike reminds us that nobody drifts into heaven because “we cannot be united to God unless we freely choose to love him.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1030-1037.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>21:15</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Why do purgatory and hell exist? The Catechism teaches us today about the existence and the meaning of purgatory and hell. We learn that purgatory is a transitional state of purification while hell is the state of permanent separation from God. Fr. Mike reminds us that nobody drifts into heaven because “we cannot be united to God unless we freely choose to love him.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1030-1037.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>purgatory, hell, purification, salvation, sanctification, eternity, death, eternal fire, gehenna, holiness, jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Why do purgatory and hell exist? The Catechism teaches us today about the existence and the meaning of purgatory and hell. We learn that purgatory is a transitional state of purification while hell is the state of permanent separation from God. Fr. Mike reminds us that nobody drifts into heaven because “we cannot be united to God unless we freely choose to love him.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1030-1037.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Why do purgatory and hell exist? The Catechism teaches us today about the existence and the meaning of purgatory and hell. We learn that purgatory is a transitional state of purification while hell is the state of permanent separation from God. Fr. Mike reminds us that nobody drifts into heaven because “we cannot be united to God unless we freely choose to love him.” Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1030-1037.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 125: Vocation of the Laity</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-125-2023</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">8310179a-297b-4181-b47e-7daa8b30f26e</guid>
  <pubDate>Fri, 05 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/8310179a-297b-4181-b47e-7daa8b30f26e.mp3" length="20165039" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>The term "laity" refers to all the faithful, except those in Holy Orders and those who belong to a religious state approved by the Church. We learn about the special vocation lay people have to seek the Kingdom of God as they engage in temporal affairs. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>19:36</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>The term "laity" refers to all the faithful, except those in Holy Orders and those who belong to a religious state approved by the Church. We learn about the special vocation lay people have to seek the Kingdom of God as they engage in temporal affairs. They live in the world and bring the Gospel to places priests and religious cannot access. Father Mike explains that in this way, the lay faithful not only participate in the Church but are the Church. The laity participate in Christ's priestly vocation by making every part of their lives an offering to God. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 897-903.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Universal, vocation, laity, lay people, salvation, priests, bishop, jesus, catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>The term &quot;laity&quot; refers to all the faithful, except those in Holy Orders and those who belong to a religious state approved by the Church. We learn about the special vocation lay people have to seek the Kingdom of God as they engage in temporal affairs. They live in the world and bring the Gospel to places priests and religious cannot access. Father Mike explains that in this way, the lay faithful not only participate in the Church but are the Church. The laity participate in Christ&#39;s priestly vocation by making every part of their lives an offering to God. Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 897-903.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>The term &quot;laity&quot; refers to all the faithful, except those in Holy Orders and those who belong to a religious state approved by the Church. We learn about the special vocation lay people have to seek the Kingdom of God as they engage in temporal affairs. They live in the world and bring the Gospel to places priests and religious cannot access. Father Mike explains that in this way, the lay faithful not only participate in the Church but are the Church. The laity participate in Christ&#39;s priestly vocation by making every part of their lives an offering to God. Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 897-903.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 118: The Church and Non-Christians</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-118-2023</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">841db03d-3af9-40f8-b672-048582e7f595</guid>
  <pubDate>Fri, 28 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/841db03d-3af9-40f8-b672-048582e7f595.mp3" length="21869180" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Fr. Mike examines the relationship between the Church and non-Christian religions. He discusses that while there is some degree of goodness and truth in every religion, the fullness of truth exists in the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike concludes with a reflection on the statement from the early Church Fathers that “outside the Church there is no salvation.” Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 839-848.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>22:46</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Fr. Mike examines the relationship between the Church and non-Christian religions. He discusses that while there is some degree of goodness and truth in every religion, the fullness of truth exists in the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike concludes with a reflection on the statement from the early Church Fathers that “outside the Church there is no salvation.” Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 839-848.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Fr. Mike examines the relationship between the Church and non-Christian religions. He discusses that while there is some degree of goodness and truth in every religion, the fullness of truth exists in the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike concludes with a reflection on the statement from the early Church Fathers that “outside the Church there is no salvation.” Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 839-848.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Fr. Mike examines the relationship between the Church and non-Christian religions. He discusses that while there is some degree of goodness and truth in every religion, the fullness of truth exists in the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike concludes with a reflection on the statement from the early Church Fathers that “outside the Church there is no salvation.” Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 839-848.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 107: Origin of the Church</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-107-2023</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">adc2d193-e42c-467b-96b5-f3e9e378804d</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 17 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/adc2d193-e42c-467b-96b5-f3e9e378804d.mp3" length="20974792" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>The origin of the Church is just one of the ways we can come to know the depth of God’s love for us. From the very beginning, the Church, as a gathering of the people of God, has been a plan born of the Father’s heart. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>20:28</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>The origin of the Church is just one of the ways we can come to know the depth of God’s love for us. From the very beginning, the Church, as a gathering of the people of God, has been a plan born of the Father’s heart. Fr. Mike explains that Jesus Christ instituted the Church, that salvation comes to us through the Holy Spirit in the Church, and that this was God’s plan from the very beginning of time. The Church is not man-made; the Church is God-made, and it is a great gift to us. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 758-766.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>origin, love, salvation, heart, holy spirit, god’s plan, gift, jesus, catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>The origin of the Church is just one of the ways we can come to know the depth of God’s love for us. From the very beginning, the Church, as a gathering of the people of God, has been a plan born of the Father’s heart. Fr. Mike explains that Jesus Christ instituted the Church, that salvation comes to us through the Holy Spirit in the Church, and that this was God’s plan from the very beginning of time. The Church is not man-made; the Church is God-made, and it is a great gift to us. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 758-766.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>The origin of the Church is just one of the ways we can come to know the depth of God’s love for us. From the very beginning, the Church, as a gathering of the people of God, has been a plan born of the Father’s heart. Fr. Mike explains that Jesus Christ instituted the Church, that salvation comes to us through the Holy Spirit in the Church, and that this was God’s plan from the very beginning of time. The Church is not man-made; the Church is God-made, and it is a great gift to us. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 758-766.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 102: The Holy Spirit’s Mission </title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/ciy-day-102</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">c98285cd-690d-44b0-abf7-b57ab8df544e</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 12 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/c98285cd-690d-44b0-abf7-b57ab8df544e.mp3" length="16254692" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>The working of the Holy Spirit in and through Mary and the Son is a pivotal part of God's plan of salvation. The Catechism today reveals to us how the Holy Spirit prepared Mary to fulfill the Father's plan and manifest the Son to humanity. We also learn how the Holy Spirit and the Son work together in a joint mission. Finally, Fr. Mike highlights how Mary's humility is essential to her role as the "masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time." Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 721-730.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>16:55</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>The working of the Holy Spirit in and through Mary and the Son is a pivotal part of God's plan of salvation. The Catechism today reveals to us how the Holy Spirit prepared Mary to fulfill the Father's plan and manifest the Son to humanity. We also learn how the Holy Spirit and the Son work together in a joint mission. Finally, Fr. Mike highlights how Mary's humility is essential to her role as the "masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time." Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 721-730.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>holy spirit, mary, mission of the holy spirit, working of the holy spirit, blessed virgin mary, the son, salvation, jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>The working of the Holy Spirit in and through Mary and the Son is a pivotal part of God&#39;s plan of salvation. The Catechism today reveals to us how the Holy Spirit prepared Mary to fulfill the Father&#39;s plan and manifest the Son to humanity. We also learn how the Holy Spirit and the Son work together in a joint mission. Finally, Fr. Mike highlights how Mary&#39;s humility is essential to her role as the &quot;masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time.&quot; Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 721-730.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>The working of the Holy Spirit in and through Mary and the Son is a pivotal part of God&#39;s plan of salvation. The Catechism today reveals to us how the Holy Spirit prepared Mary to fulfill the Father&#39;s plan and manifest the Son to humanity. We also learn how the Holy Spirit and the Son work together in a joint mission. Finally, Fr. Mike highlights how Mary&#39;s humility is essential to her role as the &quot;masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time.&quot; Today&#39;s readings are Catechism paragraphs 721-730.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 87: Christ’s Life as Offering</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-87-2023</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">d7fcae07-65ec-4468-90e6-c2500494d15d</guid>
  <pubDate>Tue, 28 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/d7fcae07-65ec-4468-90e6-c2500494d15d.mp3" length="14480686" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Jesus Christ’s entire life was an offering to God the Father, and he freely embraced God’s will and his plan for salvation. We learn that the Eucharist memorializes Jesus’ free offering of himself.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>13:52</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Jesus Christ’s entire life was an offering to God the Father, and he freely embraced God’s will and his plan for salvation. We learn that the Eucharist memorializes Jesus’ free offering of himself. In the garden, the night before his Passion and death, Jesus suffered real agony as he contemplated his death, yet he accepted his death as redemptive. Fr. Mike invites us to participate in this redemption by attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist. Today’s reading is Catechism paragraphs 606-612.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>death, sin, salvation, eternal life, free will, humanity, redemption, offering, sacrifice, suffering, forgiveness, atonement, obedience, eucharist.jesus, catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Jesus Christ’s entire life was an offering to God the Father, and he freely embraced God’s will and his plan for salvation. We learn that the Eucharist memorializes Jesus’ free offering of himself. In the garden, the night before his Passion and death, Jesus suffered real agony as he contemplated his death, yet he accepted his death as redemptive. Fr. Mike invites us to participate in this redemption by attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist. Today’s reading is Catechism paragraphs 606-612.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Jesus Christ’s entire life was an offering to God the Father, and he freely embraced God’s will and his plan for salvation. We learn that the Eucharist memorializes Jesus’ free offering of himself. In the garden, the night before his Passion and death, Jesus suffered real agony as he contemplated his death, yet he accepted his death as redemptive. Fr. Mike invites us to participate in this redemption by attending Mass and receiving the Eucharist. Today’s reading is Catechism paragraphs 606-612.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 86: God’s Plan of Salvation</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-86-2023</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">81e69d52-3df3-4a4a-bfe3-3ddf11daa461</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 27 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/81e69d52-3df3-4a4a-bfe3-3ddf11daa461.mp3" length="21644768" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>We learn that Jesus  suffered a violent death in accordance with the definite plan of God. Fr. Mike explains what it means to say God’s plan of predestination includes each person’s free will and response to the Father’s grace. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>21:22</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>How can we have free will if the Scriptures foretell God’s plan of salvation? This is a great mystery and something we might struggle to understand. Fr. Mike explains what it means to say God’s plan of predestination includes God’s permissive will, each person’s free will, and human beings’ response to the Father’s grace. Today’s reading is Catechism paragraphs 599-605.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Sin, salvation, redemption, saved, forgiveness, mercy, prayer, jesus, catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>How can we have free will if the Scriptures foretell God’s plan of salvation? This is a great mystery and something we might struggle to understand. Fr. Mike explains what it means to say God’s plan of predestination includes God’s permissive will, each person’s free will, and human beings’ response to the Father’s grace. Today’s reading is Catechism paragraphs 599-605.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>How can we have free will if the Scriptures foretell God’s plan of salvation? This is a great mystery and something we might struggle to understand. Fr. Mike explains what it means to say God’s plan of predestination includes God’s permissive will, each person’s free will, and human beings’ response to the Father’s grace. Today’s reading is Catechism paragraphs 599-605.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 69: Born of the Virgin Mary</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-69-2023</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">1fc04921-fea5-4333-9eeb-e78e4f48354d</guid>
  <pubDate>Fri, 10 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/1fc04921-fea5-4333-9eeb-e78e4f48354d.mp3" length="18384922" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>In this episode, Father Mike helps us to understand Mary’s role in the history of salvation. Through her belief and obedience, Mary becomes the Mother of God, and she cooperates in the redemption of the entire world. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>18:02</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Father Mike helps us to understand Mary’s role in the history of salvation. Through her belief and obedience, Mary becomes the Mother of God, and she cooperates in the redemption of the entire world. God’s glory is manifested when he uses weak and powerless people to show forth his faithfulness. What we believe about Mary is based on what we believe about Christ, and what the Church teaches about Mary illuminates our faith in Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 484-489.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>mary, salvation, prefigures, new covenant, human, divine, revelation, fiat, trust, destiny, heaven, will, predestination, women, eve, mother, jesus, catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Father Mike helps us to understand Mary’s role in the history of salvation. Through her belief and obedience, Mary becomes the Mother of God, and she cooperates in the redemption of the entire world. God’s glory is manifested when he uses weak and powerless people to show forth his faithfulness. What we believe about Mary is based on what we believe about Christ, and what the Church teaches about Mary illuminates our faith in Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 484-489.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Father Mike helps us to understand Mary’s role in the history of salvation. Through her belief and obedience, Mary becomes the Mother of God, and she cooperates in the redemption of the entire world. God’s glory is manifested when he uses weak and powerless people to show forth his faithfulness. What we believe about Mary is based on what we believe about Christ, and what the Church teaches about Mary illuminates our faith in Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 484-489.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 68: The Mystery of the Incarnation</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-68-2023</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">6348736a-6f1c-4e8c-b5d4-d4cda4c0f72c</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 09 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/6348736a-6f1c-4e8c-b5d4-d4cda4c0f72c.mp3" length="18062099" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>In this reading, we learn more about Jesus Christ’s nature as fully God and fully human. Because he was fully human, “like us in all things but sin,” Jesus had a human will that was perfectly aligned with the will of God the Father, a human body that can be seen and venerated, and a human heart with which he loves us.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>17:41</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>We learn more about Jesus Christ’s nature as fully God and fully human. Because he was fully human, “like us in all things but sin,” Jesus had a human will that was perfectly aligned with the will of God the Father, a human body that can be seen and venerated, and a human heart with which he loves us. Father Mike sums up the teachings in recent readings by reviewing that the Incarnation is the mystery of the union of the divine and human natures in the one person of the Word. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 475-483.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>divine, human, jesus, nature, incarnation, body, will, heart, sacred heart, love, human love, divine love, salvation, word made flesh, mystery, catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>We learn more about Jesus Christ’s nature as fully God and fully human. Because he was fully human, “like us in all things but sin,” Jesus had a human will that was perfectly aligned with the will of God the Father, a human body that can be seen and venerated, and a human heart with which he loves us. Father Mike sums up the teachings in recent readings by reviewing that the Incarnation is the mystery of the union of the divine and human natures in the one person of the Word. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 475-483.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>We learn more about Jesus Christ’s nature as fully God and fully human. Because he was fully human, “like us in all things but sin,” Jesus had a human will that was perfectly aligned with the will of God the Father, a human body that can be seen and venerated, and a human heart with which he loves us. Father Mike sums up the teachings in recent readings by reviewing that the Incarnation is the mystery of the union of the divine and human natures in the one person of the Word. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 475-483.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 67: The Humanity and Divinity of Christ</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-67-2023</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">ee628a75-1b1d-49fe-b63c-5f39ed254e3d</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 08 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/ee628a75-1b1d-49fe-b63c-5f39ed254e3d.mp3" length="18398071" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>In this session, Father Mike teaches us more about the divine and human natures of the second person of the Holy Trinity, the Word that became flesh, Jesus Christ. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>18:04</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Father Mike teaches us more about the divine and human natures of the second person of the Holy Trinity, the Word that became flesh, Jesus Christ. Jesus became like us in all things but sin; as such, he has a human soul, intellect, will, and body without losing any of his divinity. Fr. Mike tells us that in his human nature, Jesus thought with a human mind, worked with human hands, and loved with a human heart. Christ needed to learn things, and he increased in wisdom and understanding. The full humanity and true divinity of Jesus is a great mystery of our faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 470-474.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>son of god, incarnation, salvation, jesus, word made flesh, catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Father Mike teaches us more about the divine and human natures of the second person of the Holy Trinity, the Word that became flesh, Jesus Christ. Jesus became like us in all things but sin; as such, he has a human soul, intellect, will, and body without losing any of his divinity. Fr. Mike tells us that in his human nature, Jesus thought with a human mind, worked with human hands, and loved with a human heart. Christ needed to learn things, and he increased in wisdom and understanding. The full humanity and true divinity of Jesus is a great mystery of our faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 470-474.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Father Mike teaches us more about the divine and human natures of the second person of the Holy Trinity, the Word that became flesh, Jesus Christ. Jesus became like us in all things but sin; as such, he has a human soul, intellect, will, and body without losing any of his divinity. Fr. Mike tells us that in his human nature, Jesus thought with a human mind, worked with human hands, and loved with a human heart. Christ needed to learn things, and he increased in wisdom and understanding. The full humanity and true divinity of Jesus is a great mystery of our faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 470-474.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 65: Why the Word Became Flesh</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-65-2023</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">b39b02c3-d6a4-41ea-9fa1-2202f1dc714e</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 06 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/b39b02c3-d6a4-41ea-9fa1-2202f1dc714e.mp3" length="19363419" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>In this section of the Catechism, we learn that the Word became flesh to reconcile us with God, to manifest God’s love for us, to model holiness, and to make us partakers of the divine nature. </itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>19:09</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>We learn that the Word became flesh to reconcile us with God, to manifest God’s love for us, to model holiness, and to make us partakers of the divine nature. We learn that the “Incarnation” refers to the fact that the Son of God assumed human nature in order to accomplish our salvation. Fr. Mike explains that belief in the Incarnation of God is the distinctive sign of Christian faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 456-463.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>word, flesh, jesus, son of god, divine nature, incarnation, love, salvation, holiness, catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>We learn that the Word became flesh to reconcile us with God, to manifest God’s love for us, to model holiness, and to make us partakers of the divine nature. We learn that the “Incarnation” refers to the fact that the Son of God assumed human nature in order to accomplish our salvation. Fr. Mike explains that belief in the Incarnation of God is the distinctive sign of Christian faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 456-463.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>We learn that the Word became flesh to reconcile us with God, to manifest God’s love for us, to model holiness, and to make us partakers of the divine nature. We learn that the “Incarnation” refers to the fact that the Son of God assumed human nature in order to accomplish our salvation. Fr. Mike explains that belief in the Incarnation of God is the distinctive sign of Christian faith. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 456-463.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 25: Summary of Faith</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-25-2023</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">9e7ef42e-ccd5-4323-b670-e0cda19223d2</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/9e7ef42e-ccd5-4323-b670-e0cda19223d2.mp3" length="12250614" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>As Catholics, we can’t pick and choose the areas of Church teaching we want to accept; we must believe the entire truth of the Faith because we believe in God, who has revealed it to us.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>12:07</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>Today we learn that we must not believe in anyone but God. As Catholics, we can’t pick and choose the areas of Church teaching we want to accept; we must believe the entire truth of the Faith because we believe in God, who has revealed it to us. Fr. Mike teaches us to pray daily to be good students as we learn and grow from our mother, the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 176-184.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>, growing in faith,jesus,catechism, catechism of tthe catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>Today we learn that we must not believe in anyone but God. As Catholics, we can’t pick and choose the areas of Church teaching we want to accept; we must believe the entire truth of the Faith because we believe in God, who has revealed it to us. Fr. Mike teaches us to pray daily to be good students as we learn and grow from our mother, the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 176-184.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </content:encoded>
  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>Today we learn that we must not believe in anyone but God. As Catholics, we can’t pick and choose the areas of Church teaching we want to accept; we must believe the entire truth of the Faith because we believe in God, who has revealed it to us. Fr. Mike teaches us to pray daily to be good students as we learn and grow from our mother, the Church. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 176-184.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
  </itunes:summary>
</item>
<item>
  <title>Day 8: God Forms His People</title>
  <link>https://catechisminayear.fireside.fm/day-8-2023</link>
  <guid isPermaLink="false">d2ff0ed9-103c-4d0b-a170-7c1af3f70626</guid>
  <pubDate>Sun, 08 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Ascension</author>
  <enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/d2ff0ed9-103c-4d0b-a170-7c1af3f70626.mp3" length="16422174" type="audio/mpeg"/>
  <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
  <itunes:author>Ascension</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>God chose Abraham and made him the “father of a multitude of nations.” Then God formed Israel as his people, freeing them from slavery in Egypt. Fr. Mike explains why God reveals himself in stages, and through the prophets who are honored as saints, he continues to form his people in the hope of salvation. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 59-64.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>16:35</itunes:duration>
  <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
  <itunes:image href="https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/c/cdfbae20-3944-4880-bb6c-5860a901b00a/cover.jpg?v=1"/>
  <description>God chose Abraham and made him the “father of a multitude of nations.” Then God formed Israel as his people, freeing them from slavery in Egypt. Fr. Mike explains why God reveals himself in stages, and through the prophets who are honored as saints, he continues to form his people in the hope of salvation. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 59-64.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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. 
</description>
  <itunes:keywords>Salvation, hope, christian joy, jesus, israel,chosen people, abraham, prophets, redemption, saints, holy men, holy women, hope in the lord,jesus,catechism, catechism of the catholic church, catechism in a year, fr mike, fr mike schmitz, father mike schmitz, father mike, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, catholic faith, catholic teachings, catholic doctrine, foundations of faith, ascension, tradition, scripture, bible, </itunes:keywords>
  <content:encoded>
    <![CDATA[<p>God chose Abraham and made him the “father of a multitude of nations.” Then God formed Israel as his people, freeing them from slavery in Egypt. Fr. Mike explains why God reveals himself in stages, and through the prophets who are honored as saints, he continues to form his people in the hope of salvation. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 59-64.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
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    <![CDATA[<p>God chose Abraham and made him the “father of a multitude of nations.” Then God formed Israel as his people, freeing them from slavery in Egypt. Fr. Mike explains why God reveals himself in stages, and through the prophets who are honored as saints, he continues to form his people in the hope of salvation. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 59-64.</p>

<p>For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy</p>

<p>Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.</p>

<p>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.</p>]]>
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