Ascension Newsroom

[Exton, PA, January 5, 2024—]

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

• #1 on Apple Podcasts in All Categories at launch (13 days: 12/30/22 – 1/11/23)
• More than 83 Million downloads in first year (podcast + YouTube + apps)
• 244,000 average daily downloads in 2023
• 189,000 Facebook group members (link)
• 4.9 / 5 Stars on Apple Podcasts with 9,000 ratings

End-of-Year Testimonies from the “Catechism in a Year” Facebook Group Members

• “Two of the best things I have ever done in my life: BIY and CIY.“
• “…I started it in March 2023 after feeling a pull to ask more questions about the Catholic Church while still in ministry at a non denominational charismatic school. I binged episodes, 5 a day plan, until I caught up. I started RCIA in the fall and was welcomed into the parish this December.“
• “If it weren’t for The Catechism in a Year, my husband and I may never have had our convalidation this past Saturday. Thank you Father Mike for giving me a deeper understanding of our faith!”
• “Thank you to the Ascension team & especially to Father Mike for leading this, for his passion in our faith and for leading us all to be better Catholics; well done and mission accomplished!”
• “I just finished Day 365. I cried through the whole thing. It is so beautiful it is hard to put into words. For any of you behind, keep pressing play if nothing else to hear Fr Mike’s final words on day 365. I know I will listen to this many times!!! We are so blessed to have been part of this journey together, so blessed for Ascension Press and Fr Mike! Nunc Coepi!”
• “Thank you Fr.Mike & all at Ascension. Have just finished The Catechism in a Year-so great. When we started I never imagined that I’d manage to stick with it but here we are! Out into the world we go-transformed & ready to do the will of our Father. Thank you again.”
• “Thank you, Ascension Press, the team who helped put this together, and Fr. Mike. For another 365 days, my morning wake-up calls have been filled with prayer, more importantly, transformation.“
• “What a great year with Fr. Mike. While we learned SO much, as he frequently says, I hope I’m transformed into following and loving HIM more. May God transform all of us to be his Disciples.”
• “I finished the Catechism in a Year today. It was a transformative experience. I felt my heart and soul transform – it’s still a work in progress. I have a greater appreciation and love for the Mass and the Sacraments… my love for the mass and sacraments have grown. Prayers that I used to take for granted such as “The Apostles Creed” and “Our Father” now have new meaning for me. My goal for 2024 is to continue where the Catechism left off – to improve my prayer life. And to do that I’m going to do the Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike. For those who are starting tomorrow, you’re going Revised 12/31/23 to be on an amazing journey – God’s going to reveal so many good things to you about His Love for you and His Church.“
• “For 365 days, I’ve showed up and pressed play. I’ve prayed for you, I’ve prayed for me, but most especially I prayed for Father Mike Schmitz. There were days I felt so loved by God and days when I was ashamed he even could. Thank you to all of the Ascension team for everything! Fr. Mike has guided us through what is an incredibly hard read. I don’t think I could’ve done this any other way. I’m looking forward to worshiping God in a deeper way and sharing my love of Him with others. Whether you are on day 365 now or day 10, just keeping pressing play. You will never see and know our faith better in a better way. God bless you all and may His love guide you throughout the New Year and beyond!”
• “What a beautiful way to end 2023, just the way it started with CiY. It has enriched my life. As challenging as some sections may have been, I am grateful for this podcast, Fr Mike and all of you. I too will continue to pray for you all beyond day 365. Thank you for your encouragement and prayers. May God bless you and yours because you MATTER!!!”
• “Just finished Day 365 of CIY’s inaugural year. I can’t wait to get back to Day 1 tomorrow, New Year’s Day, for year #2!! Thank you, Father Mike Schmitz, the pillar contributors and all of Ascension for this invaluable gift!”
• “CIY came to a close today and it’s bittersweet. I enjoyed every day and was one of the best commitments I’ve made. Maybe the only New Year’s resolutions I’ve ever kept! For me, it was truly a God-wink blessing, and just what I needed after my husband’s death. Starting tomorrow I’ll be pressing play in BIY. Can’t wait. Pray for me. I’m praying for you!”
• “As I pressed play on my 365th day, I was very humbled by this experience. Honestly I never thought I would read the Catechism. I am so grateful for everyone that helped form this great CIY opportunity. Father Mike you are such a good and holy man!! I have been transformed and have already began my spiritual goals for 2024. The top of my list to spend more time in adoration, and prayer!! I will continue to pray for everyone in this group and Father Mike!! May God bless each and everyone of you!!!”
• “Happy beyond words. Emotional with gratitude. Thank you Lord, thank you Ascension, Jeff Cavit, the group taking this course, and most of all, thank you Father Mike Schmidt. I am praying for all of you. Please pray for me. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.”