Perhaps few would have imagined that a podcast featuring reflections on daily readings from the Bible would be one of the year’s most popular Apple Podcasts.
But that’s just want happened with Ascension’s Bible in a Year podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz, whose readings, commentary and prayers are presented in daily episodes. Scripture scholar and Bible Timeline Learning System creator Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike, as he is known by his many fans, as a featured guest of the podcast, which consists of daily episodes averaging 23 minutes long.
A runaway success
Immediately after its launch at the start of 2021, the podcast catapulted to the #1 position among all Apple Podcasts — knocking out podcasts from NPR, Dateline and Crime Junkie — and remained there from January 2 to January 18. Since then, Ascension shared, there have been over 142 million downloads of the podcast, with 464,000 listening daily.
A virtual Bible in a Year community
After one year, listeners will have read the entire Catholic Bible. Because of the podcast, a community of Catholic bible readers has come together over the internet. Over 75,000 Catholics have joined Ascension’s Catholic Bible Studies Facebook group where they share thoughts and inspiration from the Bible in a Year podcast.
Like a 24-hour-a-day virtual Bible study group, the Facebook page, hosts discussion of scripture, and posts from members sharing how much the podcast has changed their lives:
Giving people a biblical worldview
Fr. Mike is gratified at the success of the podcast, and has seen the fruits of his labors in the many testimonials he has heard.
“Through distraction and distress, our culture has lost a hopeful, historical biblical
worldview – but by the grace of God this podcast has helped thousands rediscover it,” said Fr. Mike.
“We’re humbled by testimonials from people of all walks of life who’ve started to apply a biblical worldview to their lives – gaining clarity on God’s will, overcoming addictions, returning to the sacraments or are converting to Catholicism, renewing marriages and relationships -- and many more incredible stories,” he said.
Fr. Mike goes to New York’s Times Square
While listeners can begin the podcast at any time, the turn of the year offers an opportunity to listen along with others who are starting the 365-day program on January 1.
What better place to find new listeners who might be hungry for the word of God, than New York City’s Times Square. Ascension announced at a press conference last week, that they have rented a billboard in Times Square’s busiest season, from December 19 through January 9. Amid the flashing lights and neon, Fr. Mike will promote the podcast to New Year’s eve revelers and passersby.
Ascension also announced the launch of a new Spanish-language podcast, La Biblia en un año Podcast. The program, which begins on January 1, 2022, will feature original commentary and a new, native-Spanish speaking host.
In addition, a virtual “Bible in a Year Retreat” is planned for February 18-20, to help Catholics in their faith journey. Registration, which will be limited, will begin in December.
