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
"Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40) Fr. Mike shares the exciting news of his new podcast, "Called"! Join us each week as Fr. Mike sits down with a new guest discussing how we're all called to live a more virtuous, generous and Christ-centered life. To learn more, check out: https://thecatholicinitiative.org/podcast/ Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast...
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 10 years since Fr. Mike first appeared on Ascension Presents! From day one, his wisdom, humor, and joy have inspired countless people on their faith journey. Whether you’ve been here since the very beginning or just discovered our channel, come join us as Fr. Mike takes a trip down memory lane, reacting to his very first Ascension Presents video! Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast...
Does silence ever feel uncomfortable? Do you fill the quiet with TV, music, or endless scrolling? Fr. Mike explains why silence isn’t something to fear but something we desperately need, both in our daily lives and especially in prayer. While learning, entertainment, and even guided prayers can be good, true growth happens when we create space for silence and allow ourselves to hear the voice of God. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast...
Have you ever watched a confession scene and wondered how accurate it really is? Join Fr. Mike as he reacts to popular confession scenes in movies and tv shows! Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Looking for a powerful book recommendation? Look no further. Fr. Mike’s new book Unshakeable is all about living a life of virtue in the midst of chaos. Fr. Mike shares why he dedicated the book to his parents, the best advice they ever gave him, and the four simple words that can change everything: “Trust in the Lord.” Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Father Mike Schmitz explores the universal human experience of loneliness, explaining it as a consequence of the Fall rather than simply being alone. He highlights that even Jesus and biblical figures like St. Paul profoundly experienced isolation, reassuring listeners that their pain is normal and shared. The episode encourages listeners to unite their hearts with Christ's in their loneliness and consider proactive steps to foster connection with others.
In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz tackles the common challenge of fitting prayer into a busy schedule. He advises listeners to honestly assess their priorities, emphasizing that we always make time for what we truly value. Fr. Mike then outlines a practical three-part plan: defining when, where, and how you will pray, encouraging listeners to focus on their current season of life rather than past ideals. He concludes by introducing the "ceiling and floor" method, a simple strategy to ensure consistent spiritual connection even on the busiest days.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged" (Matthew 7:1). What did Jesus really mean by that? Does this mean Christians should never call out sin or hold others accountable? Fr. Mike Schmitz breaks down this often-misunderstood teaching of Jesus. He explains that while we’re called not to condemn others' hearts or souls, we are called to discern right from wrong. The key? Start with humility. Fr. Mike urges us to examine ourselves first, approach others with curiosity instead of condemnation, and...
For some, this may be the saddest part about Heaven, but it shouldn't be! Fr. Mike dives into the deeper meaning behind this teaching and explains why it's actually good news. He reminds us that Heaven isn’t a loss of love, but the fulfillment of it. In Heaven, you won’t love your spouse less… you’ll love them more than ever before. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Feeling intimidated by the Bible? You’re not alone — but that shouldn’t keep you from opening it. Fr. Mike Schmitz explains why that feeling is normal and even good. He shares how to approach Scripture with humility and curiosity, and offers tools like The Bible in a Year podcast and the Great Adventure Bible Timeline to help you get started. Don’t wait until you feel ready, begin today! Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour Jul...
Loneliness is real and loneliness is really difficult. How do I handle feeling alone and what does my loneliness mean? Fr. Mike speaks into the deep and painful experience of loneliness, especially in the Christian life. He reminds us that loneliness is not a sign of failure or weakness, but a reflection of our God-given longing for love and communion. While God is always near, Fr. Mike encourages us to be honest about our pain and to invite Jesus into that place — because even in our loneliness...
Feeling lost or uncertain after a major life transition? Father Mike Schmitz uses the metaphor of "bushwhacking" to explain how life after structured paths (like school) requires finding your own way. He addresses the fallacy of comparing your journey to others and emphasizes that life's true point is not ticking boxes or achieving milestones, but who you become in the process.
Why do we recite the Creed every Sunday? Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dr. Edward Sri break down the purpose of the Creed in the Mass and uncover the fact that it isn't just about what we believe in, but who we believe in. This video is a brief excerpt from Foundations of Faith: A Journey Through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the ultimate way for your parish or small group to encounter the wisdom of the Catechism and deepen your understanding of the Catholic Faith ( http://ascensionpress.com/cate...
Why do babies cry? Have you ever considered that their cries might have something to teach us? Fr. Mike explains that a baby's cry is an act of faith—they cry because they trust someone will hear, someone will care, and someone will come. In the same way, when we cry out to God in our moments of pain or loneliness, that too is an act of faith. And like a loving Father, He sees us, He cares, and He comes. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.c...
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-...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
