The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

How often does it feel like certainty about the will of God is elusive in the midst of discernment? Drawing from the wisdom of Mother Angelica, Father Mike reflects on what it truly means to walk by faith and trust that God's will is often best seen in the rearview mirror.

Ascension's Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition has arrived! Preorder your copy today! https://ascensionpress.com/LOTH

Order your copy of, "Is God Bigger Than a Dragon?" today! https://ascensionpress.com/products/i...

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Not all of the families in the tribe of Levi were called to offer the sacrifice as priests, but all had important roles to play in the worship of God. Likewise, no matter how unseen or small your God-given task may seem, faithfully fulfilling it is essential for the body of Christ to worship and serve together. What is the task God has entrusted to you today?

Ascension's Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition has arrived! Preorder your copy today! https://ascensionpress.com/LOTH

Order your copy of, "Is God Bigger Than a Dragon?" today! https://ascensionpress.com/products/i...

After helping millions of people encounter Scripture through the chart-toppingThe Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) podcast, Ascension is bringing that same transformative journey to families through a new daily video podcast: The Bible in a Year: Family Edition (with Fr. Josh Johnson), launching January 1, 2027. Learn More about the Bible in a Year Family Edition: https://ascensionpress.com/biyfamily

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Feeling like you are just going through the motions in your relationship with God?

Father Mike unpacks ways you can still approach God during periods of spiritual dryness with some practical steps to take with you into prayer.

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Have you ever considered how even good things, like podcasts or audiobooks, can distract us from being fully present? In this video, Father Mike explores how constant input can keep us from experiencing God's first language: silence. Learn how break free from the noise, recognize your own thoughts and ideas, and better hear the voice of God. Ascension's Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition has arrived! Preorder your copy today! https://ascensionpress.com/LOTH

Order your copy of, "Is God Bigger Than a Dragon?" today! https://ascensionpress.com/products/i...

After helping millions of people encounter Scripture through the chart-toppingThe Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) podcast, Ascension is bringing that same transformative journey to families through a new daily video podcast: The Bible in a Year: Family Edition (with Fr. Josh Johnson), launching January 1, 2027. Learn More about the Bible in a Year Family Edition: https://ascensionpress.com/biyfamily

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Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries with Fr. Mike Schmitz!

The Sorrowful Mysteries

00:00 The Holy Rosary
2:02 The Agony in the Garden
4:44 The Scourging at the Pillar
7:25 The Crowing with Thorns
10:11 The Carrying of the Cross
12:55 The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus

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Fr. Mike Schmitz shares the words of Jesus that have changed his life:

“Could you not watch with me one hour?”

These words have deeply shaped Fr. Mike’s life as well as the life of Blessed Fulton Sheen, who made a daily holy hour.

Whether it’s a full hour or just five quiet minutes, spending time with Jesus in the Eucharist can transform your life.

Discover the power of simply being with Jesus and see how Eucharistic prayer has changed the lives of Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fulton Sheen.

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In our fast-paced, modern world, it can be difficult to slow down, make time to read, and truly commit to learning.

If you’re looking for a good book to dive into though, Fr. Mike Schmitz shares some of his top book recommendations and explains why these books are worth taking the time to explore.

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On Thursday September 24, 2026, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen will be beatified!

Fr. Mike Schmitz shares how Fulton Sheen has changed his life through the books he wrote, stories he told and the heroic virtue he exemplified. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, pray for us 🙏

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"If only I had wings like a dove that I might fly away and find rest... But I will call upon God, and the LORD will save me." Psalm 55:7, 17

Do you find yourself in the same spot as David? Whether it's just a season or you've been feeling it for a while, Fr Mike Schmitz reminds us to attend to the honest desires of our heart.

We are not called to run away from responsibility, but if you're feeling burnt out or discouraged where you're at, it's time for a good conversation with the Lord, trusting that He will take care of you.

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One of the scariest questions we can ask ourselves is, "What's God's will for my life?"

Fr. Mike Schmitz reminds us that God will never call us to a vocation that we don't want. Even though God has a plan for your life, He is good and will not force you to say yes to something you don't want.

If you're angry or scared about the vocation you feel God is calling you to, don't ignore it, talk with Him about it.

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Fr. Mike Schmitz reviews The Odyssey and Spider-Man!

Find out what Father liked, what he didn’t, and what he thinks could have made The Odyssey even better!

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There are four cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude. Yet how often do we think about these, let alone practice them?

Fr. Mike Schmitz shares why fortitude is his favorite virtue, how great saints like Maximillian Kolbe exercised fortitude in his daily life and how we can practice it in our everyday lives. If you want to dive deeper into virtue, Fr. Mike's book, Unshakeable, is the perfect place to start!

Order your copy of Fr. Mike's book, Unshakeable, today! https://ascensionpress.com/products/unshakeable-building-a-life-of-virtue-in-a-world-of-chaos

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In our fast-paced world, it's easy to forget our dignity and worth. However, Fr. Mike Schmitz reminds us that every person is worth more than the entire universe. Yet at every Mass, we still pray, "Lord, I am not worthy."

How can both be true?

Fr. Mike unpacks this beautiful paradox of the Catholic faith. Our worth is immeasurable, but in the Eucharist, even the smallest fragment of the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ, is the greatest reality on earth. When we say, "Lord, I am not worthy," we're not denying our dignity. We're humbly acknowledging God's infinite holiness and our need for His mercy.

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"Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

Luke 12:51-53

Fr. Mike Schmitz shares how applicable these Bible verses are to us today. While addressing the controversy around his interview with Kim Zember, Fr. Mike also highlights the dangers of creating our own "version of Jesus" and how when we do that, division becomes easier and easier.

In what ways have you been tempted to create a version of Jesus that fits your own preferences?

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Why can't Catholics scatter ashes? Why does the Church ask us to bury the dead?

Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the Catholic understanding of honoring the dead, explains why scattering ashes isn't permitted, and reveals what these practices teach us about the dignity of the human person and the promise of eternal life.

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Become a saint by saying "yes" to God, starting with the Mass.

Fr. Mike Schmitz explains why the Eucharist is God's greatest gift and why the saints made it the center of their lives. If we want to become holy, we can't ignore the place where Jesus gives Himself completely to us.

Don't settle for what's easy, discover why faithful participation in the Mass is essential on the path to sainthood.

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What does Jesus mean when he tells us to “bear fruit”?

Fr. Mike Schmitz explains that bearing fruit isn’t simply about being productive or avoiding laziness, it’s about who we are becoming and allowing God to transform our lives.

How can you bear fruit today?

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What does "Give us this day our daily bread" really mean?

Fr. Mike Schmitz explores why Jesus teaches us to ask for "daily bread" and how this simple prayer invites us to trust God one day at a time.

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Are men and women really that different? And if so, what do those differences reveal about how we relate to one another?

Fr. Mike Schmitz explores how the differences between men and women are not reasons for division, but reminders of our need for one another. Rather than pitting the sexes against each other, our unique strengths and perspectives can help us pursue truth, navigate difficult decisions, and flourish together.

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What's the difference between criticism and correction, and does it really matter?

Fr. Mike Schmitz explains how to offer correction in a way that is both loving and effective. Instead of assuming motives, resorting to name-calling, or making personal attacks, he encourages us to focus on the facts. And when we're unsure of someone's intentions, choose trust over suspicion.

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