How does the Holy Spirit guide the Church when a new pope is chosen? Fr. Mike explains the unique relationship between divine guidance and human decision-making in the papal election. Though the process can be slow, complicated, and even filled with disagreement, the Holy Spirit is still powerfully at work—just as He is in our everyday lives. To learn more about Pope Leo XIV, pre-order your copy of, "When the White Smoke Clears": https://ascensionpress.com/products/when-the-white-smoke-clears-a-...
May 15, 2025•7 min
Habemus Papam! We have a Pope — Pope Leo XIV! On this joyous occasion, Fr. Mike encourages us to welcome Pope Leo XIV with open hearts. He reminds us that before forming opinions or drawing comparisons to past popes, we should first offer him the respect, trust, and prayers he deserves as our Holy Father. To learn more about Pope Leo XIV, pre-order your copy of, "When the White Smoke Clears": https://ascensionpress.com/products/when-the-white-smoke-clears-a-guide-to-the-early-days-of-pope-leo-xi...
May 13, 2025•8 min
Do you struggle to handle criticism well? Do you get defensive even when you know there’s room to grow? Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses how to handle criticism, exploring three primary approaches: denial, acceptance, and gratitude. He emphasizes the importance of discerning what part of the criticism is true, acknowledging those truths, and discarding the falsehoods to avoid unnecessary self-condemnation. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/F...
May 08, 2025•7 min
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we’ll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision. 🙏 Pray with us for free on the Ascension App! https://link.ascension-app.com/Conclave Romans 12:4-5: “For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually ...
May 07, 2025•1 min
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we’ll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision. 🙏 Pray with us right here on YouTube, or for free on the Ascension App! https://link.ascension-app.com/Conclave Jeremiah 3:15: “And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding” O God, we pray in union w...
May 06, 2025•1 min
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we’ll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision. Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." O God, we pray in union with the whole Church for the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the C...
May 05, 2025•1 min
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we’ll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision. Romans 12:12: “Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” O God, we pray in union with the whole Church for the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Cardinals. Holy Spirit, we ask you to guide the Cardinals through the conclave...
May 04, 2025•1 min
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we’ll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision. Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.” O God, we pray in union with the whole Church for the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Cardinals. Holy Spirit, we ask you to guide the Cardinals through the conclave and grant them wisdom, courage, hope, a...
May 03, 2025•1 min
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we’ll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision. Matthew 28:16-20: “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to...
May 02, 2025•2 min
It looked good. The acting was great. The plot was interesting. But what was at the heart of the hit movie Conclave? And what can we learn ahead of this real-life conclave? Fr. Mike Schmitz gives us his take on the movie and dissects the problematic assumptions behind Conclave—and encourages us in our own faith journeys. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMike... May 19 - Washington, D.C. May 20 - Philadelphia, PA May 21 - Cincinnati,...
May 02, 2025•8 min
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we’ll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision. 🙏 Pray with us right here on YouTube, or for free on the Ascension App! https://link.ascension-app.com/Conclave Matthew 16:15-18: “He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ And J...
May 02, 2025•2 min
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we’ll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision. John 16:13: "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own but will only repeat what he has heard. He will receive what is from me and announce it to you." O God, we pray in union with the whole...
Apr 30, 2025•1 min
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we’ll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision. John 17:21: "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world, but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of it. Sanctify them by your truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sen...
Apr 30, 2025•2 min
In the wake of Pope Francis’s passing, Fr. Mike Schmitz shares a powerful reflection on loss, legacy, and the enduring mission of the Church. He reminds us that while every soul is uniquely irreplaceable, the roles we hold can be entrusted to others because our identity is rooted not in what we do, but in who we are. May this truth bring you great hope as we look ahead to the future of the Church, and reflect on our own lives. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https...
Apr 26, 2025•8 min
Do you struggle to get much out of prayer? Do you feel like God’s not speaking to you? Today, Fr. Mike Schmitz invites us to deepen our prayer life by asking two essential questions: “What am I looking for?” and “What am I listening for?” Drawing from the rich tradition of Ignatian spirituality, he guides us in using our imagination and five senses to cultivate a more intimate and personal encounter with God. Whether you're new to prayer or seeking a more profound connection, this practical app...
Apr 25, 2025•8 min
As we journey through Holy Week, let's pause before rushing to Easter. This sacred time invites us to reflect deeply on Jesus' message to His disciples and to us: "Stay with me." Today, Fr. Mike Schmitz emphasizes the power of simply being present with Jesus. He reminds us that during this solemn week, Jesus isn't asking for our perfection or strength — He desires our presence. By staying with Him, we open ourselves to the transformative grace of Holy Week. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike S...
Apr 17, 2025•5 min
Do miracles occur more frequently in the Bible or in today's world? Why do some of my prayers for miracles seem unanswered? Today, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the mystery of miracles, explaining how they are recognized and validated in the Catholic Church, and exploring why God sometimes grants miracles and other times does not. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour! May 19 - Washington, D.C. May 20 - Philadelphia, PA May 21 - Cincinna...
Apr 10, 2025•8 min
Attending Sunday Mass is essential in the Catholic faith, and intentionally missing Mass is a mortal sin, which requires confession before you can receive communion again. However, did you know that if you have a serious and legitimate reason for being unable to attend Mass, you can request a dispensation from your priest? Today, Fr. Mike explains that while missing Mass and requesting a dispensation should not become a regular occurrence, it is possible under certain valid circumstances. Ticket...
Apr 03, 2025•8 min
Are you a child of the light or a child of darkness? Today, Fr. Mike reminds us that, though we are all born with original sin, God offers us the transformative gift of baptism, bringing us into His Kingdom of light. Let us not delay in surrendering our lives to Christ through the sacrament of baptism. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour! May 19 - Washington, D.C. May 20 - Philadelphia, PA May 21 - Cincinnati, OH [SOLD OUT] May 22 - N...
Mar 27, 2025•6 min
When you think of holiness, what comes to mind? Is it a saint who has never stumbled? Does the idea of holiness feel out of reach when you're grappling with your own brokenness or the weight of your sins? Today, Fr. Mike reminds us that the journey to holiness isn’t always a straight path. There are both good days and bad. Yet, despite our flaws and failures, God’s grace and mercy remain abundant, offering hope and renewal. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at www.Asce...
Mar 20, 2025•7 min
Do you struggle with taking the Lord’s name in vain or with cussing? Are you trying to avoid cussing entirely, but are still saying something crude? Today, Fr. Mike shares the distinction between the words we use regarding foul language. Because our words reveal our hearts, our words matter greatly.
Mar 13, 2025•6 min
Should you give things up for Lent, or take new things on? Is it better to pray more, or to give more of your time away? How does almsgiving fit into all of this? This Lent, Fr. Mike wants to refocus your efforts by trying a new idea: do something with zero benefit to yourself. This is how to do that and why it works. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour! May 19 - Washington, D.C. May 20 - Philadelphia, PA May 21 - Cincinnati, OH May 2...
Mar 06, 2025•8 min
If you're Catholic, you're probably aware that not every wedding is the same in the eyes of the Church. You may have heard of situations—or been in ones yourself—where you're not sure if it's okay for you, as a practicing Catholic, to attend such a wedding. How do you know when it's okay and when it's not okay? Fr. Mike not only gives us a couple of guiding principles but also breaks down most of the situations you might find yourself in and tells us what Jesus and his Church asks of us.
Feb 27, 2025•9 min
“My God, my God why have you abandoned me?” Psalm 22:1 Are you praying everyday but still suffering? Are you doing all the right things but your heart is still broken? Fr. Mike shares with us today that God doesn’t promise all our desires, but promises that He will be with us though them all, that He loves us and the He hears every one of our prayers and gives us what we need. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour! March 1 - North Charl...
Feb 20, 2025•9 min
Are you afraid to approach God? Jesus says, "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them... But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you." Matthew 6:5-6 Fr. Mike reminds us that God sees us, notices us and cares for us. Don't be afraid to approach the throne of grace. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike...
Feb 13, 2025•7 min
Loyalty is a powerful virtue—but can it become dangerous? Loyalty is seen as a sought-after virtue, even being the foundation of relationships. However, can loyalty be disordered? Can being loyal to the wrong things cost you your soul? Fr. Mike reveals to us that loyalty, when placed in the wrong order, is dangerous and can even lead to idolatry. What does your loyalty hierarchy look like?
Feb 06, 2025•8 min
Spoiler: Fr. Mike thinks the music is great. But other than that... there are some major problems here.
Jan 30, 2025•6 min
"Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven." Matthew 12:31 What is the sin "against the Spirit"? What is the sin that God can't forgive? Fr. Mike reveals to us that this sin is... any sin. Today, he explains how that's possible and how we can lean on God's goodness and mercy for salvation.
Jan 23, 2025•6 min
What does true humility really look like? Some may believe that a humble person must diminish themselves, becoming small or insignificant. But is that truly the essence of humility? Fr. Mike Schmitz offers a deeper perspective on what it means to be truly humble. He explains that humility actually requires both confidence and honesty. When we speak the truth and live authentically in that truth, we embody the heart of true humility.
Jan 16, 2025•8 min
Stoicism has its roots in Ancient Greece and Rome (300 BC) but it's seen a resurgence on social media in recent years. Stoic virtues like prudence, fortitude, and self-control can be very attractive, and Christians might wonder, "is Stoicism compatible with my faith?" The answer is: yes and no. Fr. Mike breaks down the good and true aspects of Stoicism—and he also uncovers where it falls short, and only Christianity can bridge the gap.
Jan 09, 2025•9 min
