Called (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

What do you do when suffering hits your family—and there’s no cure? In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with John Crowley, a father whose life changed overnight when two of his children were diagnosed with a rare, fatal disease. Faced with the impossible, John didn’t walk away—he stepped in. From grief and fear to faith and determination, this powerful conversation explores what it means to trust God in crisis, to “see a need and fill it,” and to use your gifts in service of others. John’s journey into the world of biotech innovation is a witness to courage, perseverance, and the call to love in action. You can learn more about the Called podcast at: https://ascensionpress.com/pages/called. To learn more The Catholic Initiative, please visit https://thecatholicinitiative.org/. To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777. If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.

Dr. Carolyn Woo, former CEO of Catholic Relief Services and academic leader who left tenure for global humanitarian work. She recounts leaving security to follow a risky calling. Short reflections cover discernment practices, trusting God amid fear, strategic leadership that scaled impact, and the church’s role in development.

How can beauty rebuild a broken community? In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with acclaimed actor Harry Lennix to explore faith, storytelling, and the power of the arts to transform culture. From growing up Catholic on Chicago’s South Side to discerning the priesthood, to performing on Broadway and in film, Harry shares how his vocation has always been rooted in service. Inspired by Pope John Paul II’s Letter to Artists, he explains why creativity images the Creator—and why investing in beauty is essential, especially in under-resourced neighborhoods. They discuss: 🔸How art reveals truth 🔸Why culture shapes communities 🔸Mercy, justice, and the human heart 🔸The vision behind the Lillian Marcie Center for the Performing Arts To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777. If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.

Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder of Mary’s Meals who grew a small relief effort into a global school-feeding movement. He recounts leaving salmon farming, trusting providence through surprising gifts, and the simple, local model of one meal at school. The conversation centers on faithful small steps, stewardship over growth, and practical ways communities can serve the poor.

What if evangelization started with showing up? In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Fr. Josh Johnson to talk about reaching young people on the margins and building parishes that go beyond the pews. Fr. Josh shares his powerful conversion story, the importance of invitation, and how Vagabond Missions meets teens where they are—on the streets, in neighborhoods, and in real life. This conversation challenges us to rethink discipleship, responsibility, and what it really means to follow Jesus today. To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777. If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.

Elizabeth Santorum Marcolini, a Catholic author and speaker, shares her touching journey of caring for vulnerable family members, including her sister Bella and adopted daughter Zelie. She discusses how Bella's special needs reshaped her family's priorities and taught them the true meaning of love and mercy. Elizabeth passionately advocates for the dignity of all lives and explores how suffering invites deeper love. Her practical advice for caregivers emphasizes faith, community support, and the simple yet profound acts of kindness in serving others.

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Sr. Gianna Maria and Sister Zelie Maria Louis of the Sisters of Life—a community of religious sisters whose mission is to protect and enhance the sacredness of every human life. One of their missions is to serve women who are vulnerable to abortion and give them the support and resources they need to choose life for themselves and their children. Together, they share powerful stories of hope, trust, and God’s unwavering tenderness. From “tea party” first meetings, to miraculous moments like the “gummy bear grace”, to the long-term accompaniment that continues far beyond a baby’s birth, the sisters reveal what it truly means to walk with women in love. They also open up about: How each discovered their vocation—including one sister’s unforgettable rap testimony. The deep spiritual motherhood at the heart of every religious vocation. What genuine healing looks like for women wounded by abortion. How ordinary Catholics—men and women—can speak hope into someone’s life. What it looks like when parishes become true communities of accompaniment. To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777. If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Kerry Robinson, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, for a powerful conversation about what it truly means to “walk with the poor.” Kerry shares her remarkable lifelong journey of service — shaped by her family’s legacy of Catholic philanthropy, her early encounters with heroic witnesses of faith, and her vocational call to bring hope where it’s needed most. From her unexpected path into fundraising at Yale, to her leadership with Catholic Charities USA, Kerry reveals how answering God’s call often begins with simply refusing to look away from human suffering. Together, she and Fr. Mike explore: ✨ What “vocational living” means and why it changes everything ✨ How Catholic Charities serves millions with dignity, mercy, and the heart of the Gospel ✨ The power of accompaniment and why presence matters as much as service ✨ How ordinary Catholics can begin helping the poor right where they are ✨ Why collaboration between clergy and laity is essential for the Church’s mission ✨ The deeper joy found in giving your life away in love To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777. If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks with Dave Arnold—former CEO turned global ministry leader—about how God transformed his life and led him into the heart of Rwanda’s post-genocide healing. Dave shares how the PEACE Plan united government, business, and the church to rebuild a nation and how simple, local acts of love sparked reconciliation for millions. Together they explore what real unity looks like, how forgiveness becomes possible after deep wounds, and how each of us can begin answering God’s call right where we are. To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777. If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.

When thousands of parishes are closing and fewer people identify with any faith, how can the Church not only survive—but thrive? In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks with Kevin Doyle, president of the Catholic Initiative, about a bold new approach to sustaining vibrant parishes and schools for generations to come. From restoring Detroit’s historic St. Anne’s Basilica to supporting under-resourced communities, the Catholic Initiative is reimagining what it means to invest in the future of the Church. Discover how one man’s generosity sparked a movement of faith, service, and renewal—and how we’re all called to build something that lasts. You can learn more about the Called podcast at: https://ascensionpress.com/pages/called. To learn more The Catholic Initiative, please visit https://thecatholicinitiative.org/. To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777. If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.