The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Faith, pop culture, and headline reflections from Fr. Mike Schmitz.
Episodes
April 17, 2025 • 5 mins
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 transfor...
Mark as Played
April 10, 2025 • 7 mins
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 ...
Mark as Played
April 3, 2025 • 7 mins
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 occ...
Mark as Played
March 27, 2025 • 6 mins
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...
Mark as Played
March 20, 2025 • 6 mins
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...
Mark as Played
March 13, 2025 • 6 mins
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.
Mark as Played
March 6, 2025 • 8 mins
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 - Washing...
Mark as Played
February 27, 2025 • 9 mins
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 yours...
Mark as Played
February 20, 2025 • 9 mins
“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 Parable...
Mark as Played
February 13, 2025 • 7 mins
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 ...
Mark as Played
February 6, 2025 • 8 mins
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?
Mark as Played
January 30, 2025 • 6 mins
Spoiler: Fr. Mike thinks the music is great. But other than that... there are some major problems here.
Mark as Played
January 23, 2025 • 5 mins
"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.
Mark as Played
January 16, 2025 • 7 mins
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...
Mark as Played
January 9, 2025 • 9 mins
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 ...
Mark as Played
January 2, 2025 • 6 mins
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.
Mark as Played
December 26, 2024 • 8 mins
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!
Mark as Played
December 19, 2024 • 8 mins
"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.
Mark as Played
December 12, 2024 • 8 mins
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 ...
Mark as Played
December 5, 2024 • 8 mins
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.njpa...
Mark as Played
Popular Podcasts
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Daniel Jeremiah of Move the Sticks and Gregg Rosenthal of NFL Daily join forces to break down every team's needs this offseason.
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.