PODCAST

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Ascension

Faith, pop culture, and headline reflections from Fr. Mike Schmitz.

religion & spirituality christianity

All Episodes

8:38

What People Forget About Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast ·

2024/12/12

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 century

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8:18

Why Did God Let Them Die?

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast ·

2024/12/05

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/.

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48:37

Healing in the Gaze of Jesus (with Sr. Miriam James...

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast ·

2024/11/28

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 confronts

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9:38

What Catholics Should Know About Superstitions

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast ·

2024/11/21

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

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7:46

What Do You Wear to Mass?

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast ·

2024/11/14

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?

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9:45

What to Do About Intrusive Thoughts

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast ·

2024/11/07

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.

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7:39

The #1 Mistake People Make When Discerning Their...

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast ·

2024/10/31

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.

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5:19

The Easy Way(s) to Pray the Rosary

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast ·

2024/10/24

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.

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6:35

Did Jesus Really Warn Against Repitition in Prayer?

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast ·

2024/10/17

"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 at

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28:45

Fr. Mike Interviews David Henrie About Catholic Faith...

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast ·

2024/10/10

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

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10:18

Where Does the Rosary Come From?

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast ·

2024/10/03

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.

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8:18

What Catholics Do (and Don’t) Believe About the Body

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast ·

2024/09/26

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, and

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6:51

Fr. Mike Responds to “I Don’t Get Anything Out of Mass

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast ·

2024/09/19

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.

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9:03

Hopeless?

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast ·

2024/09/12

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 you

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9:30

How Can I Know That It's Actually God's Voice?

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast ·

2024/09/05

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 God's

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8:55

Coping With Major Losses: 4 Practical Tips from Fr. Mike

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast ·

2024/08/29

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 dealing

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7:03

Criticism vs Admiration

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast ·

2024/08/22

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.

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7:35

St. Michael’s Lent Starts Today. Are You In?

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast ·

2024/08/15

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 how

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7:39

Fr. Mike Reacts to Olympics "Last Supper"

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast ·

2024/08/09

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

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9:18

If You're Tired of Needing God

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast ·

2024/08/01

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

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The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

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