

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Ascension
Faith, pop culture, and headline reflections from Fr. Mike Schmitz.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 12, 2024 • 9min
Hopeless?
Fr. Mike, a spiritual leader dedicated to offering guidance and support, shares his insights on confronting despair. He emphasizes that hope is not mere optimism but an active choice, grounding it in faith through prayer and confession. He encourages listeners to recognize their worth and the value of seeking professional help alongside spiritual support. Fr. Mike reassures that bringing feelings of hopelessness to God can spark significant victories, reminding us we are loved, valued, and irreplaceable.

Sep 5, 2024 • 10min
How Can I Know That It's Actually God's Voice?
How can you distinguish God's voice from your own thoughts or external influences? Key questions can help in recognizing divine guidance: Does it align with Scripture? What are its characteristics? Fr. Mike explains that true guidance often leads to lasting peace and joy. Trusting God incrementally transforms even small acts of faith into meaningful outcomes. By addressing the challenges of discernment, he encourages deepening one's relationship with the divine through intentional actions.

6 snips
Aug 29, 2024 • 9min
Coping With Major Losses: 4 Practical Tips from Fr. Mike
Fr. Mike, a compassionate guide on navigating grief, shares invaluable insights on coping with major losses. He introduces the '4 Rs: Restore, Replace, Redesign, Relinquish,' breaking down how each response can aid healing. Listeners learn that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to grief, encouraging them to choose what resonates with their situation. With thoughtful reflections, Fr. Mike illuminates the emotional complexities of loss and personal adaptation, offering a roadmap to finding peace in difficult times.

Aug 22, 2024 • 7min
Criticism vs Admiration
Why do we often critique excellence instead of admiring it? Jealousy and insecurity can cloud our appreciation for talent in sports, academia, and the arts. Rather than focusing on the negative, we should celebrate hard work and the discipline behind greatness. Embracing a culture of admiration can inspire personal growth and encourage us to cultivate excellence in our own lives.

Aug 15, 2024 • 8min
St. Michael’s Lent Starts Today. Are You In?
Explore the transformative journey of St. Michael’s Lent, a 45-day spiritual practice rooted in deep prayer and reflection. Understand how this commitment fosters personal growth and strengthens community ties. Fr. Mike addresses common misconceptions about spiritual disciplines, encouraging everyone to embrace these practices for a richer, more virtuous life. Whether participating directly or supporting others through prayer, discover the profound impact of this journey on faith and daily living.

4 snips
Aug 9, 2024 • 8min
Fr. Mike Reacts to Olympics "Last Supper"
Fr. Mike, a bold priest known for his fresh perspectives on Catholic issues, tackles the uproar surrounding a controversial parody of the Last Supper during the Olympics. He discusses the wave of condemnation from Christian media and leaders, sharing his hope for a constructive reaction to such blasphemy. Fr. Mike emphasizes the need for spiritual reflection amidst cultural disrespect, encouraging listeners to find meaningful ways to respond and strengthen their faith in challenging times.

4 snips
Aug 1, 2024 • 9min
If You're Tired of Needing God
Life’s challenges can lead to discouragement, often stemming from unrealistic self-expectations. This feeling is tied to pride, as we sometimes believe we should be handling struggles on our own. Fr. Mike delves into how accepting our weaknesses can be a path to spiritual growth. He shares insightful tips on embracing God's grace and finding strength in reliance on Him, rather than striving for self-sufficiency.

Jul 25, 2024 • 8min
Attn: Moms and Dads: You Don't Need to be Perfect to Get Your Kids to Heaven
Fr. Mike Schmitz offers encouragement to parents, emphasizing that perfection is not necessary to lead your children to heaven. Love, presence, and doing your best are what truly matter in parenting.

6 snips
Jul 18, 2024 • 9min
Can't I Go Straight to Jesus? Do I Need the Catholic Church? [Fr. Mike Weighs In]
Fr. Mike, a Catholic priest, delves into the role of the Catholic Church as a mediator between individuals and Jesus, emphasizing the importance of the Church in connecting believers to God through various means such as intercessory prayer and confession.

Jul 11, 2024 • 6min
How to Understand the Entire Bible Story... in 10 Minutes
Fr. Mike Schmitz and Ascension team up to give a 10-minute summary of the Bible story, exploring the challenge of condensing creation, sin, redemption, and salvation into a shareable narrative. They reference the Great Adventure Bible timeline and urge listeners to watch a captivating video capturing the essence of God's story.


