The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Faith, pop culture, and headline reflections from Fr. Mike Schmitz.
Episodes
July 24, 2025 • 7 mins
Do you feel lost in your loneliness?
Fr. Mike reminds us that throughout Scripture, loneliness shows up again and again, even Jesus himself experienced deep moments of isolation. If you’re feeling alone, know that you’re not the only one. In your loneliness, you can unite your heart to Christ’s, who truly understands what you're going through.
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July 17, 2025 • 6 mins
How do I fit in prayer with my busy schedule?
Fr. Mike shares some practical advice for fitting in prayer when you feel you don't have time. He also explains the importance of having a plan by sharing these three questions: Where am I going to pray?When am I going to pray? How am I going to pray?
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July 10, 2025 • 6 mins
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged" (Matthew 7:1). What did Jesus really mean by that? Does this mean Christians should never call out sin or hold others accountable?
Fr. Mike Schmitz breaks down this often-misunderstood teaching of Jesus. He explains that while we’re called not to condemn others' hearts or souls, we are called to discern right from wrong. The key? Start with humility. Fr. Mike urges us to examine ourselves f...
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July 3, 2025 • 5 mins
For some, this may be the saddest part about Heaven, but it shouldn't be! Fr. Mike dives into the deeper meaning behind this teaching and explains why it's actually good news. He reminds us that Heaven isn’t a loss of love, but the fulfillment of it. In Heaven, you won’t love your spouse less… you’ll love them more than ever before.
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June 19, 2025 • 6 mins
Feeling intimidated by the Bible? You’re not alone — but that shouldn’t keep you from opening it.
Fr. Mike Schmitz explains why that feeling is normal and even good. He shares how to approach Scripture with humility and curiosity, and offers tools like The Bible in a Year podcast and the Great Adventure Bible Timeline to help you get started. Don’t wait until you feel ready, begin today!
Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz...
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June 12, 2025 • 4 mins
Loneliness is real and loneliness is really difficult. How do I handle feeling alone and what does my loneliness mean?
Fr. Mike speaks into the deep and painful experience of loneliness, especially in the Christian life. He reminds us that loneliness is not a sign of failure or weakness, but a reflection of our God-given longing for love and communion. While God is always near, Fr. Mike encourages us to be honest about our pain and...
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June 5, 2025 • 6 mins
Feeling unsure about the road ahead? Do you catch yourself comparing your journey to everyone else’s?
Fr. Mike has a message to anyone in a life transition who may feel lost or uncertain about what’s next. He reminds us that the whole point of the story is not what happens in the story; it’s who you become in the process. You’re not falling behind. You’re finding your way.
Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tou...
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May 29, 2025 • 7 mins
Why do we recite the Creed every Sunday?
Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dr. Edward Sri break down the purpose of the Creed in the Mass and uncover the fact that it isn't just about what we believe in, but who we believe in.
This video is a brief excerpt from Foundations of Faith: A Journey Through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the ultimate way for your parish or small group to encounter the wisdom of the Catechism and deepen your und...
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May 22, 2025 • 6 mins
Why do babies cry? Have you ever considered that their cries might have something to teach us?
Fr. Mike explains that a baby's cry is an act of faith—they cry because they trust someone will hear, someone will care, and someone will come. In the same way, when we cry out to God in our moments of pain or loneliness, that too is an act of faith. And like a loving Father, He sees us, He cares, and He comes.
Tickets are on sale now for...
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May 15, 2025 • 6 mins
How does the Holy Spirit guide the Church when a new pope is chosen?
Fr. Mike explains the unique relationship between divine guidance and human decision-making in the papal election. Though the process can be slow, complicated, and even filled with disagreement, the Holy Spirit is still powerfully at work—just as He is in our everyday lives.
To learn more about Pope Leo XIV, pre-order your copy of, "When the White Smoke Clears": h...
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May 13, 2025 • 8 mins
Habemus Papam! We have a Pope — Pope Leo XIV!
On this joyous occasion, Fr. Mike encourages us to welcome Pope Leo XIV with open hearts. He reminds us that before forming opinions or drawing comparisons to past popes, we should first offer him the respect, trust, and prayers he deserves as our Holy Father.
To learn more about Pope Leo XIV, pre-order your copy of, "When the White Smoke Clears": https://ascensionpress.com/products/whe...
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May 8, 2025 • 7 mins
Do you struggle to handle criticism well? Do you get defensive even when you know there’s room to grow?
Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses how to handle criticism, exploring three primary approaches: denial, acceptance, and gratitude. He emphasizes the importance of discerning what part of the criticism is true, acknowledging those truths, and discarding the falsehoods to avoid unnecessary self-condemnation.
Tickets are on sale now for Fr....
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May 7, 2025 • 1 min
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we’ll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision.
🙏 Pray with us for free on the Ascension App! https://link.ascension-app.com/Conclave
Romans 12:4-5: “For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same functi...
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May 6, 2025 • 1 min
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we’ll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision.
🙏 Pray with us right here on YouTube, or for free on the Ascension App! https://link.ascension-app.com/Conclave
Jeremiah 3:15: “And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will fee...
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May 5, 2025 • 1 min
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we’ll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision.
Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
O God, we pray in union wi...
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May 4, 2025 • 1 min
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we’ll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision.
Romans 12:12: “Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
O God, we pray in union with the whole Church for the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Cardinals....
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May 3, 2025 • 1 min
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we’ll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision.
Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.”
O God, we pray in union with the whole Church for the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Cardinals. Holy Spirit, we ask you to guide the Car...
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May 2, 2025 • 1 min
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we’ll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision.
Matthew 28:16-20: “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of t...
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May 1, 2025 • 7 mins
It looked good. The acting was great. The plot was interesting. But what was at the heart of the hit movie Conclave? And what can we learn ahead of this real-life conclave?
Fr. Mike Schmitz gives us his take on the movie and dissects the problematic assumptions behind Conclave—and encourages us in our own faith journeys.
Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMike...
May 19 ...
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May 1, 2025 • 1 min
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we’ll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision.
🙏 Pray with us right here on YouTube, or for free on the Ascension App! https://link.ascension-app.com/Conclave
Matthew 16:15-18: “He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Pete...
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