The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

This podcast delves into the difference between intellectual belief and genuine faith in God. It challenges the notion of believing in God but not believing in prayer, emphasizing the importance of trust and obedience. The podcast explores the true purpose of prayer, debunking the misconception that it is solely for personal desires. It also highlights the value of asking God for what we need, comparing it to being a parent or leader and emphasizing God's desire to give good gifts.

Each day of our lives we make countless decisions. Many of them have small consequences, good or bad. But what about the BIG decisions we make, like what career to be in, who to marry, or what vocation to follow? Today Fr. Mike delves into the four principles surrounding our vocational discernment and what to do if we feel like we've made the "wrong decision" in that area of our lives.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

When you make a Lenten commitment, you're probably not thinking of all of the special circumstances and unforeseen events that are going to make that commitment... inconvenient. A daily rosary might not be difficult... until that family vacation. Cold showers aren't so bad... until that cold snap. Charitable giving feels great... until finances are tight. Today, Fr. Mike invites us to let Lent interrupt us. Lent is inconvenient because Love is inconvenient. If we give more this Lent, we'll get more than we ever have before. Production note: Father's audio had some technical difficulties this week, so please bear with us. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

What are alms? Why must we give them? Am I supposed to go broke for Jesus? Fr. Mike Schmitz encourages us to be charitable this Lent, emphasizing how almsgiving is a foundational part of living the Faith. In being joyful givers, we imitate Christ, who became poor for our sake, and we show our gratitude for God’s grace. These are just a few of the reasons Fr. Mike offers in this video as to why we should exercise almsgiving according to our means.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

The podcast explores the difference between a contract and a covenant mentality in marriage. It emphasizes the deeper significance of marriage as a lifelong commitment based on the exchange of persons instead of goods or services. The episode also delves into the concept of marriage as a covenant of unconditional love, providing individuals with the opportunity to love one another without conditions.

When we’re baptized, we become adopted sons or daughters of God. We become “children of God”. So… does that mean we aren’t children of God before that? And if we aren’t… what are we? Today, Fr. Mike explains to us how baptism makes us “partners in the divine nature”, so that we can truly call God our Father.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Why does the Catholic Church baptize babies rather than wait until they are older and capable of choosing this sacrament for themselves? Salvation requires faith, and it can be challenging to understand how an infant accepts the truths of the Catholic Faith at the moment of Baptism. Today Fr. Mike uses an example from Mark’s Gospel to help us understand how the profession of faith by our parents at the moment of our Baptism prepares us to receive the gift of salvation later in our lives.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Need more advice on prayer? Fr. Mike has you covered.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Stories matter. We tell them to help us understand the world around us. But what if the stories we tell don't mirror our Catholic morals? What if the lessons that they teach don't agree with our values? Should we keep telling those stories? Today Fr. Mike wrecks your childhood version of the Little Mermaid and spoils the ending of the real story. Spoiler: It doesn't have a happy ending. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

"If not everyone is going to heaven, then I don't want to be there." Is this sentiment honorable? Or misguided? Fr. Mike addresses the mystery of heaven and hell and gets to the core of what it means to be with God... or without him.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast