If you've tried and tried but you keep falling down and you're tired of starting over... this video is for you. Fr. Mike lays out a plan to start again and keep going, no matter the struggle, and shares the secret that makes it possible.
Just because it's "the most wonderful time of the year" doesn't mean that everything is working out for you. But if tough times have actually given way to full-blown discouragement for you this Christmas, Fr. Mike has a word for you: "Emmanuel". On behalf of Fr. Mike and everyone here at Ascension, Merry Christmas to you and all of your loved ones. God bless you this Jubilee Year 2025!
"Does God take us when he feels like our time here is over?" Fr. Mike tackles this question and examines the motivations behind it to show us why God made us and why our value doesn't lie in what we do in this life.
The apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary that came to be known as Our Lady of Guadalupe was a miracle. The Castilian roses that came from Tepeyac Hill in winter were a miracle. The divinely illustrated vision of Our Lady on St. Juan Diego's tilma was a miracle—as is the fact that the tilma composed of organic fibers has refused to degrade for 500 years and is still available to see to this day. But none of those were the greatest miracle that Our Lady brought to the Americas that fateful centur...
Grief is natural, and sadness at the death of a loved one is to be expected. But what about people who feel anger in their bereavement? Especially anger at God? Fr. Mike shares a difficult truth for those who wish their loved ones were still with them instead of with Jesus in heaven. Join Fr. Mike in Newark, NJ on December 9, 2024 for an evening of Advent reflection and a question and answer session. Get tickets at https://www.njpac.org/event/father-mike/.
In this 3-part series filmed backstage at the 2024 Good News Conference, Fr. Mike sits down with 3 special guests to discuss prayer, the sacraments, and how to prepare to meet Jesus "face to face" this coming Advent. Fr. Mike and Sr. Miriam examine our needs for healing from sin, trauma, and a broken past, and uncover the luminous power of God's loving gaze on our hearts, minds, and souls. Want to go deeper this Advent? Join Fr. Mike Schmitz in a journey through the daily readings as he confront...
Did you know that superstitions are a sin? In this video, Fr. Mike dives into the topic of Friday the 13th and other common superstitions, shedding light on how they can reveal something about our hearts. Often rooted in fear, superstitions are a sin against the First Commandment, showing our desire to control or predict the future. Fr. Mike also discusses how Catholics can sometimes fall into superstition through their approach to saints, prayers, and sacramentals—such as treating the scapular ...
Should we wear our best to Mass? Fr. Mike explores the balance between 'coming as you are' and 'putting on your best for the Lord.' He explains that while the state of our hearts ultimately matters most, it's not the only thing that matters. Dressing respectfully for Mass can be a way to honor God, but it should never cover up a lack of sincerity or distract from the true purpose of the Mass. The question to consider is: does my outward appearance reflect the love and reverence in my heart?
Some people brush off intrusive thoughts. But others are haunted by them. If you're having serious issues with intrusive thoughts, first understand that this is normal and part of the human experience. That being said, if you need to combat them, you have options. Today, Fr. Mike gives you some solid advice and steps to take towards greater freedom from unwanted and unwelcome thoughts.
Did you know there’s a simple approach to discerning your vocation? Fr. Mike shares the most common mistake he sees people make when determining God's call. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on one vocation at a time, reminding us that jumping between options can lead to confusion. Instead, Fr. Mike encourages us to simplify the process and let God guide us toward the vocation we’re meant for. When we focus and trust, God’s will becomes clear.
Do you pray the rosary? If you do, you might find it difficult at times, or experience dryness in prayer. It's important to persevere in this devotion—but how? Fr. Mike has dealt with the same difficulties in prayer, and these are his top tips for keeping up with the holy rosary.
"In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words." Matthew 6:7 (New American Bible, Revised Edition) Does Jesus warn us against repetitive prayers? Does praying the rosary contradict the way Jesus asked us to pray? Why is the rosary even designed that way? Whether you pray the rosary everyday or have never prayed it before, Fr. Mike has some insights from Jesus and his Church regarding repetition in prayer that will change the way you look...
Fr. Mike had the pleasure of interviewing David Henrie about his reversion to Catholicism, his life as a Hollywood celebrity, and how to find your identity in Christ no matter your state in life. They also discussed his recent work as director on “Monster Summer”, which follows a group of kids who team up with a retired police detective (played by Mel Gibson) and embark on an adventure to save their island after a mysterious evil force disrupts their summer. Learn more about the film at https://...
Jesus gave us the prayer we often call "the Our Father". But where do the other prayers of the Holy Rosary come from, like the Hail Mary? The Glory Be? Who selected the mysteries that we meditate on for each decade? ...who even decided to pray a rosary in "decades"? Fr. Mike breaks down the historical origins of the rosary as well as the logic that the saints who went before us used to organize the rosary as we know it today.
Did you know Christians have a radical view of the body? While society often swings between two extremes—either dismissing the body as insignificant or idolizing it—Christianity offers a balanced and profound understanding of the unity between body and soul. Fr. Mike, drawing on St. John Paul II's teachings on the 'cult of the body,' explains that while we are called to care for and love our bodies, they are not our ultimate purpose. He says we can get caught up in focusing on health, beauty, an...
You’ve definitely either said—or met someone who’s said—“I go to Mass, but I just don’t get anything out of it.” Fr. Mike gets you. He’s said it too. But what he’s learned and cannot stop telling everyone is that Mass is not about you or getting anything out of it. The heart of religion is worship, and the heart of worship is sacrifice. Mass is not about what you can get, but what you can give to God that is due to him as Lord of the Universe.
Fr. Mike offers insights on how to combat despair. If you feel like you've tried everything, see no way out, or think nothing matters, Fr. Mike reminds you of the true meaning of hope. He explains that we can always rely on God's presence. Choosing hope means choosing to act with courage, even if that victory is as simple as getting out of bed. Finally, he reminds us that one of the best ways to fight despair is to bring that hopelessness to God in Confession. You are loved, you are valued, and ...
How can you discern if the voice you're hearing is genuinely God's? How can you be sure it isn't just your own thoughts or even something deceptive? Fr. Mike offers insight into recognizing God's guidance by asking key questions: Does the voice contradict Scripture or the teachings of the Church? Who does the voice sound like, and what are the characteristics of God's voice? He explains that divine guidance is often confirmed by its fruitfulness—bringing lasting peace, joy, and alignment with Go...
Have you ever faced a major loss, whether it's a relationship, your status, or even your health? In this video, we explore the 4 typical responses people have when dealing with significant loss. Fr. Mike introduces the "4 Rs: Restore, Replace, Redesign, Relinquish." He explains that while there is no right or wrong approach, understanding these responses can help you determine which one suits your situation best. Familiarizing yourself with the "4 Rs" will guide you through the process of dealin...
When we encounter excellence, what prompts us to critique rather than admire? Fr. Mike suggests that this tendency often stems from jealousy and insecurity. He says humans are made to admire all that is praiseworthy. When we witness remarkable talent in athletics, academics, or the arts, we should take the opportunity to commend the hard work and discipline that leads to greatness. God made us to appreciate excellence and work to cultivate it in our own lives.
Do you feel the call to engage more deeply in the spiritual battle raging around you? Do you want to deepen your prayer life? This might be precisely what you need. St. Michael’s Lent is a 45-day journey of prayer and reflection inspired by St. Francis of Assisi that runs from August 15 through September 29. Men participating in this transformative practice experience a deepened faith in Jesus and serious growth in virtue. Today, Fr. Mike explains the essence of St. Michael’s Lent, emphasizing h...
Perhaps you've heard about the blasphemous debacle that occurred during the Olympics opening ceremonies, when a scandalous parody of the Last Supper was broadcast around the world. Christian media voices across the internet (and Catholic leaders around the world) have responded with the condemnation that the "performance" deserves. But Fr. Mike has what he hopes is a bit of a fresh take on the situation, as well as something that you and I can do today in direct response to this—and all other—bl...
Sometimes life brings us down. Difficult situations cause us to become discouraged. This is natural (and inevitable). But here's another kind of discouragement that comes from a sense of "I should be better than this", or, "I thought I was better than that". Believe it or not, the root of that discouragement is pride—a desire to be strong without God's help. Today, Fr. Mike breaks down this phenomenon, helps us to recognize it, and gives us some tips to let go and draw our strength from God alon...
Calling all Moms and Dads! You might feel discouraged or frustrated as you parent and seek to keep your kids close to Christ. Today, Fr. Mike wants to share a word of encouragement with you! "Moms (and Dads), you're doing a great job!" You don't need to be perfect to get your kids to heaven. You must keep showing up and loving, and let God do the rest!
Maybe you've heard the phrase before, "the middleman is a lie." Or maybe you've found yourself wondering why we have an institutional church as Catholics when the Scriptures state clearly that there is only one mediator between God and man, namely Jesus Christ. Today, Fr. Mike tackles this question and offers some guidance for those who may be tempted to get frustrated with the human and sometimes sinful element of the Catholic Church in its hierarchy and its members. Hint: It's another one of t...
The Bible is the Word of God. It is a foundation of our faith. And it tells the story of the human race—a story that you're a part of. But... what exactly is that story? What's the narrative? If you only had 10 minutes to share it... what would you say? Ascension and Fr. Mike Schmitz—creators of the Bible in a Year podcast—teamed up to produce a beautiful, clear, shareable summary of the story of salvation: The Bible in 10 Minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm3b4Q98Vx8. If you've never had ...
If you have a family member, friend, or loved one who is far from God, you're not alone. You're in good company—not the least of which is God the Father himself, who works so hard to unite us with himself. If someone you love has stopped going to Church, or isn't practicing the faith anymore, or hasn't yet said "yes" to Jesus to begin with, what is the best way to love them? Today, Fr. Mike has 4 simple things you can do to keep loving them on their faith journey, through all of the ups and down...
Does a passing blue jay remind you of a deceased loved one? Does a specific number or color call their loss to your memory? Could they be speaking to you through these signs? Today, Fr. Mike opens up about navigating the loss of his own mother and finding hope and peace in the midst of that grief. The bottom line is, your loved ones can't cause these "signs" to happen—only God can work in nature in that way. But these unexpected occurrences can be a reminder to pray for your loved ones and to re...
We've got a "Marriage Pop-Quiz" for you! Would you ditch your spouse to catch a flight? Imagine you're traveling with your spouse. They go to the bathroom while you wait for your flight to board. But they don't come back. And you're going to miss your flight. Should you board it and ditch your spouse? What would you do in this situation? According to Fr. Mike, there is only one correct answer to this question. And the answer might surprise you. Today, Fr. Mike shares a funny story about an older...
Momma always said, "Son, you don't like something? Well, offer it up!" Today, Fr. Mike explores the traditional understanding of offering up your pain, embracing your suffering, and making sacrifices in the spiritual life.
