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Throughout Lent, and really throughout the entire Christian life, we keep Christ crucified before our eyes as a reminder of how deeply we are loved. But it also confronts us with a question: Do I want to be associated with that? Fr. Mike Schmitz challenges us, especially during Holy Week but also every day, to answer honestly: Do I want to be associated with Jesus, even if it means suffering? Our hope is that the answer becomes “yes,” day after day. Because no matter the trials or sacrifices, no...
Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Michael Iskander, best known for his role as King David in House of David, for a powerful conversation on faith, vocation, and the journey toward God. They reflect on David as a flawed man after God’s own heart, exploring what it means to live faithfully, trust God’s mercy, and simply do the “next right thing.” Michael also shares his journey to Catholicism, including his experience growing up in Egypt amid persecution and the moments that led him to a deeper rela...
Will only Catholics go to Heaven? Is there any hope for those outside the Catholic Church? Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the doctrine, "Outside the Church there is no salvation," to help us understand God's plan for redemption and His intention to save all, both Catholic and non-Catholic. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Our lives are so full of noise, distractions, constant activity. But we weren’t made to be filled with these things. Fr. Mike Schmitz reminds us that fasting isn’t just about food. It’s about emptying ourselves so God can fill us. Lent isn’t only about saying no, it’s about saying yes to Someone greater. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
So often we focus our Lent on discipline, willpower, and perfection. But the goal isn’t perfection. The goal is union. Fr. Mike Schmitz shares that the most powerful thing he ever did for Lent wasn’t adding more prayers, books, or practices, instead it was choosing silence. See how this simple step can transform your Lent and bring you closer to the Lord than ever before! Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast...
When someone gets chosen instead of you, how should you respond? Fr. Mike Schmitz reminds us that God has a unique plan for each and every one of us. When others are blessed by being chosen, there is often a hidden burden that comes with it. We tend to see the blessing, but we forget the weight that accompanies it. Instead of giving in to jealousy or self-pity, remember this: everyone has their own story. If God didn’t choose you for what you were hoping for, it’s not because you were overlooked...
Falling into the same sin again and again? Don't let the devil fool you, there is hope! Fr. Mike Schmitz warns us of the lies of the devil and encourages us to go immediately to confession when we sin. Don't get discouraged, but have the humility to confess your sins and the hope that Christ can transform you! If in weakness you sin, in freedom, claim the Lord. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast...
What's in our heart that refuses to celebrate when good things happen to someone else? Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on the story of the man healed on the Sabbath. Many focus on the fact that Jesus healed on the Sabbath, though technically allowed, but Fr. Mike invites us to look deeper. The real issue isn’t the law. It’s the heart. More than Jesus performing the miracle, what this story exposes is that sometimes we fail to value the suffering of others, or even the joy of others, because they simpl...
This episode examines the motivations behind Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus, addressing modern reinterpretations versus the biblical account that cites money as his motive. Fr. Mike clarifies that Jesus allowed, but did not command, the betrayal, stressing Judas's free will. The discussion then contrasts Judas's tragic end, marked by unaccepted regret, with Saint Peter's restoration after his denial, ultimately offering hope that no one is beyond God's forgiveness and mercy.
Father Mike Schmitz addresses common questions about infant baptism, providing biblical and historical support for the practice, explaining how parents' faith speaks for their child. He then distinguishes this from adult baptism, which requires a personal declaration of faith and a period of preparation through programs like OCIA. The episode concludes by highlighting the spiritual value of waiting, asserting that God uses this time to deepen faith and readiness for receiving sacraments.
"'Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?' He (Jesus) said to him, 'You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" Matthew 22: 36-39 Fr. Mike Schmitz warns us of the dangers of making our lives too full, even with good things. He reminds us of the beautiful quote from St. John of the Cross, "In the twilight of our l...
Fr. Mike jumps into the mystery of Knives Out, not to solve the murder but to understand the truest mission of the priesthood. In the midst of Hollywood's fascination with Catholicism, they've often had trouble capturing an honest representation of Catholics. However, Fr. Mike explores the success of Rian Johnson's appropriate casting and display of a priest in the midst of impossible odds. Find out what Fr. Mike loved about the film and why he thinks, this time, Hollywood got it right! Support ...
2026 marks the 5th anniversary of Bible in a Year! Over the past five years, the Lord has taken this podcast to extraordinary places -- reaching listeners in more than 150 countries, becoming the #1 podcast in the U.S., and remaining the #1 religious podcast in the world, even five years later. Through Bible in a Year, God has transformed hearts and minds, and we are deeply grateful to every listener who has made this journey possible. As we continue creating new videos, podcasts, books, and art...
Merry Christmas from Fr. Mike Schmitz and all of us here at Ascension! While we celebrate the birth of Christ, the true reason for this season, we also reflect on the many blessings and joys with the ones we love! Come celebrate with us as Fr. Mike reacts to Christmas movies and shares how each movie reveals a deeply Christian message to all of us! Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Fr. Mike shares his favorite — and least favorite — Christmas songs 🎄 Find out which ones he loves enough to sing all year, which he calls manipulative, and which he flat-out labels a pile of trash! Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
You may have heard the phrase, "Memento Mori" when it comes to reflecting on death, but how should Christians really view death? Fr. Mike Schmitz explains three common views we may hold about death: Death is the enemy Death is a natural part of life Death is a new birth (but we're not excited about it) However, Fr. Mike explains that all three fall short; death is actually a lover. Our goal should not be a longing for death, but a longing for the One on the other side. How can you long for Heave...
Do you trust God's timing? Fr. Mike Schmitz reminds us that God is never late (and never early). We can trust whole heartedly that His timing is always perfect! Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
"God does not ask us to be successful, He asks us to be faithful." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on this quote along with the way St. Mother Teresa lived her life. So often we measure our lives by worldly success, however God wants your faithfulness, not your success. Let us always say, "God let me honor you with my effort." Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
When you miss an opportunity to share the faith, what's the next step? Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on the question, "When should I say something?" We'll never have every answer, but if we take everything to the Lord, He will show us the way. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
There have been numerous fake videos of Fr. Mike circulating online: clips of him supposedly asking for money for Lourdes, delivering sermons he never gave, and appearing on accounts that aren’t actually his. These are all scams — and a concerning reminder of how easy it is to be deceived by AI-generated content. Fr. Mike addresses these scams, shares tips for spotting fake content, and offers his perspective on artificial intelligence. If you come across any AI profiles or questionable videos, ...
In this episode, Father Mike clarifies that feelings themselves are neither good nor bad, and we should not judge our moral state based solely on them. He stresses that sin and virtue originate in the will, emphasizing that our choices and subsequent actions, rather than our emotional responses, define our moral character. Listeners are encouraged to use their emotions as indicators to choose and pursue what is good.
Fr. Mike Schmitz explains the gravity of receiving Holy Communion unworthily, highlighting St. Paul's warning in 1 Corinthians 11 that doing so is a mortal sin. He clarifies the three conditions for mortal sin: grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent. The episode then offers crucial guidance: if genuinely unsure about being in a state of mortal sin, one should receive Communion, as true mortal sin requires certainty.
As we discover the lives of the saints, it seems they endured quite a bit of suffering before receiving their eternal reward. It begs the question, is it worth it? Fr. Mike reminds us that in this life, we will have suffering. The question is not, can you avoid suffering by avoiding Jesus? The question is, can your suffering be transformed by embracing Jesus? Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
You may have close friends in your life, but do you have virtuous friendships? Fr. Mike Schmitz shares three kinds of friendship and explains that while it's important to have good friends, you need to have this special kind of friendship with at least one person in your life: virtuous friendship. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour October 20 - Detroit, MI [SOLD OUT] October 21 - Sugar Land, TX October 22 - Cedar Park, TX Oct...
Father Mike Schmitz explores the Liturgy of the Hours, explaining its structure, components like Psalms and Canticles, and its significance as a liturgical prayer, not just a devotion. He emphasizes its role in sanctifying time and uniting personal prayer with the entire Church, sharing how this practice profoundly shaped his own spiritual life despite initial boredom and complexity.
In this episode, Father Mike Schmitz shares his honest reactions to several impactful scenes from "The Chosen" series. He delves into moments like Mary Magdalene's encounter with Jesus, Peter walking on water, the feeding of the five thousand, Little James's journey with his lameness, the call of Matthew, and the healing at the pool of Bethesda. Father Mike reflects on profound lessons about sin, faith, discipleship, God's call to the unexpected, and finding trust and joy amidst suffering. He also discusses how the series helps viewers engage more deeply with scripture.
📖 Listen to Fr. Mike’s full recording of "The Imitation of Christ" with commentary, available now on the Ascension App! Or check out: https://ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics Fr. Mike Schmitz introduces Thomas à Kempis’ classic, The Imitation of Christ and unpacks its central theme of detachment. He explains how Christian detachment differs from Buddhist detachment. Christian detachment is not indifference or rejection of the world, but rightly ordering our hearts. True detachment means reco...
If you've been rocked by all of the death, violence, and destruction in the news these past few weeks, you are not alone. Fr. Mike offers guidance during this difficult time, and reflects on Charlie Kirk's words: "When people stop talking, that's when you get violence." Fr. Mike filmed this video on September 12th, 2025 — two days after Charlie Kirk's assassination. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast...
How does someone become a saint? What steps and criteria does the Catholic Church follow in the canonization process? Fr. Mike unpacks the journey to sainthood and reminds us that holiness begins with one simple thing, saying “yes” to God. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
