Fr. Mike talks about the real reasons Christ tells us to fast. It isn’t just about strengthening our will and showing our love for God through some small sacrifice. Ultimately, it’s about freedom. When we give up something for Lent, by the time Lent is over we may find we never needed that thing in the first place and may never feel we need it again. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Fr. Mike offers a refreshing reason for fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting shouldn’t be simply something Catholics do to show they are Catholic. It is a way to show God that we give him our hearts and care about what he asks of us. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
The more we live in the truth, the harder it will be for others to offend us, because false statements about us won't bother us and true ones won't be hidden from us. In this video, Fr. Mike lays out why, as Catholic Christians, we are called to be both unoffensive and “unoffendable,” and explains how we can do that. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
In this video, Fr. Mike explains how prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are the three pillars of a spiritually fruitful Lent. He then challenges us to try new ways to exercise these Lenten practices, sharing several simple strategies for drawing closer to God during this holy season. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Even though mortal sins are more deadly than venial sins, that doesn’t mean venial sins are harmless. Fr. Mike explains the damage venial sins do to us and advises us to not become complacent in our sin, no matter how minor it may seem to us, because all sin negatively impacts our relationship with God. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
First Thessalonians 5:17 says to “pray constantly,” but how do we do that? In this video, Fr. Mike Schmitz suggests a three-step approach used by St. Francis de Sales. These steps can be difficult or easy, but the important thing to remember is that simply inviting God into every moment is as good a way to pray as any. If you liked this episode, you may also like Oremus: A Guide to Catholic Prayer ( http://bit.ly/2fEBTaB ). Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast...
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In this episode, Fr. Mike lays out not just what sin is but also what it is not. He also explains the difference between regret and repentance, and how evil is really just the absence of good. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
How can we know if God is speaking to us through a dream? Is it acceptable to wear a chapel veil to a Novus Ordo Mass? Fr. Mike responds to these questions from his audience with clarity and enthusiasm, helping us discover the underlying principles behind his answers. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Who doesn’t want to have more constructive conversations in their close relationships? In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz explains how achieving this may be simpler than you think. So many times, we just don’t give the people we love the attention they deserve. Fr. Mike shows us how to fix that and master our love relationships. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
It may be difficult to tell a non-practicing Catholic that he or she can’t receive Communion, but—as Fr. Mike Schmitz proves in this episode—in the big picture, you would actually be helping the person. While telling an awe-inspiring story about a seminarian, Fr. Mike lays out what it means to be a practicing Catholic and shows how the requirements can transform a person's life. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast...
Fr. Mike helps us break down the barriers that may keep us from evangelizing. He points out that the best way to spread the gospel is just by being yourself, and leading people to Christ in your own way. Sometimes the greatest witness is a quiet one. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Fr. Mike Schmitz gives us some things to consider before getting a tattoo. If we do choose to place permanent marks on our bodies, Fr. Mike advises us to make sure the marks portray values we’ll always identify with and live up to, because tattoos do inevitably say something about who we are. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
The mark of an adult really comes down to one word: responsibility. In fact, being responsible just happens to be a sign of sainthood as well, according to Fr. Mike. Let’s take back the word "adult" and make it about holiness. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Fr. Mike explains that Church teachings can develop without essentially changing. Using examples such as the doctrine of the Incarnation and abstaining from meat on Fridays, he shows how the heart of certain teachings always remains the same, even though our explanation or practice of them may evolve. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Sometimes we forget how much of an impact our words can make. In this episode, Fr. Mike reminds us that our words have the power to build up or destroy relationships and even whole communities. He points out some helpful distinctions between venting and gossiping and gives some guidelines for avoiding what he calls “the everyday betrayal.” Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Before we receive Communion, we essentially tell God we are not worthy to receive him. In this episode, Fr. Mike explains why this is not a reflection upon us, but rather on God’s unconditional love. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Fr. Mike reflects on why God often takes his time when working in our lives. Sometimes God has to go back to the foundation of a problem to answer our prayers. This takes time, but every moment is worth it because it’s time spent with him. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Fr. Mike teaches us the two questions we need to ask ourselves to figure out whether our procrastination is laziness or 'strategic procrastination'. He also draws the distinction between procrastination and sloth, and gives direction on how to break out of a pattern of sloth. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
God never ignores us, but sometimes we simply can’t hear him due to all of the distractions in our life. That’s why Fr. Mike Schmitz feels it’s necessary for people to become more comfortable with silence, because silence is God’s first language, and it is in silence that we will best hear him. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Sometimes we’re not everything we wish we could be. At times all we can do is act as if we believe, because we’re just not up to truly putting our faith in God at that moment. In this episode, Fr. Mike explains why, in a sense, it’s OK to be a “hypocrite” at those times. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
How can God be good, but allow bad things to happen? Fr. Mike Schmitz tackles one of the toughest questions religious believers must answer Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
By genuflecting before the tabernacle at church, we’re saying at least one of three things with our bodies. Those three things have to do with humility, service, and love. In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz explains how a simple kneel before we enter the pew can express so much. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
We have a tendency to want to fix the people we love. While delighting in all their good traits, we think, “If only they didn’t have this one quirk...” In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz explains that love embraces the entire person just the way he or she is. He then gives some practical advice on how to do that. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
It might be tough not to feel patriotic after hearing why Fr. Mike Schmitz loves America in this episode. More importantly, though, he talks about the “burden of freedom” and explains why true freedom requires wisdom, virtue, and a thorough understanding of the story of our nation and our world. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Fr. Mike Schmitz explains that it is best to focus on one thing at a time when discerning a vocation. Not only is it most prudent to discern just one vocation at a time; it is also important to take discernment one step at a time. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Being alone isn’t supposed to be scary. In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz shows us how solitude can be an invitation and doesn't have to lead to loneliness. God himself has revealed to us how he is a relationship of love between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Made in his image, we are also made for relationship—with God and with one another. When we feel alone, it is because we were made to give ourselves to others as God gives himself to us. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast...
Being alone isn’t supposed to be scary. In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz shows us how solitude can be an invitation and doesn't have to lead to loneliness. God himself has revealed to us how he is a relationship of love between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Made in his image, we are also made for relationship—with God and with one another. When we feel alone, it is because we were made to give ourselves to others as God gives himself to us. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast...
With all of the communication we do through the Internet and over the phone, why do we still have to go to confession in person? Fr. Mike Schmitz explains the importance of the matter. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
The question addressed in this episode runs much deeper than the cartoon classic All Dogs Go to Heaven. Fr. Mike ventures into the theology of the matter, even taking some words of wisdom from St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Paul—who says in Romans 8, that creation will “share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.” But Fr. Mike also redirects our interest in heaven, helping us focus on embracing Someone far greater than our beloved pets. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast...
