The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Episodes
The BEST and WORST Christmas Songs (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike shares his favorite — and least favorite — Christmas songs 🎄 Find out which ones he loves enough to sing all year, which he calls mani...
You’re Going to Die—What to Do in the Meantime (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You may have heard the phrase, "Memento Mori" when it comes to reflecting on death, but how should Christians really view death? Fr. Mike Schmitz exp...
The Reason God Hasn’t Answered Your Prayer Yet (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you trust God's timing? Fr. Mike Schmitz reminds us that God is never late (and never early). We can trust whole heartedly that His timing is alwa...
God’s Not Asking You to Be Successful (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"God does not ask us to be successful, He asks us to be faithful." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on this quote along with...
Maybe I Should Have Said Something…
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you miss an opportunity to share the faith, what's the next step? Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on the question, "When should I say something?" We'll...
Addressing the FAKE Videos of Me (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There have been numerous fake videos of Fr. Mike circulating online: clips of him supposedly asking for money for Lourdes, delivering sermons he never...
Sin, Emotions and Virtue Explained (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can your feelings be sinful? Fr. Mike Schmitz reminds us that "sin and virtue do not reside in the emotions, they reside in the will." Our emotions, w...
Do NOT Receive Communion Until You’ve Seen This (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person should exa...
How Being a Christian Will Affect Your Life (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we discover the lives of the saints, it seems they endured quite a bit of suffering before receiving their eternal reward. It begs the question, is...
How to Get Better Friends
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You may have close friends in your life, but do you have virtuous friendships? Fr. Mike Schmitz shares three kinds of friendship and explains that whi...
The Liturgy of the Hours Explained (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Big news! Ascension was selected by the USCCB to publish the long-awaited Second Edition of the Liturgy of the Hours! You may have heard of the Liturg...
Fr. Mike Schmitz Reacts to The Chosen
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike Schmitz is back, reacting to powerful scenes from The Chosen. Find out which moments brought him to tears, which ones he wrestled with, and h...
Should Catholics Practice This Buddhist Principle? (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
📖 Listen to Fr. Mike’s full recording of "The Imitation of Christ" with commentary, available now on the Ascension App! Or check out: https://as...
Fr. Mike on the Charlie Kirk Shooting & The Real Cause of Violence
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you've been rocked by all of the death, violence, and destruction in the news these past few weeks, you are not alone. Fr. Mike offers guidance dur...
How Do People Become Saints? (Fr. Mike Explains the Canonization Process)
06 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How does someone become a saint? What steps and criteria does the Catholic Church follow in the canonization process? Fr. Mike unpacks the journey to ...
Introducing Fr. Mike’s New Podcast: “Called”
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40) Fr. Mike shares the exciting news of h...
Fr. Mike Reacts to His First Video Ever
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 10 years since Fr. Mike first appeared on Ascension Presents! From day one, his wisdom, humor, and joy have in...
How to Be Okay with Silence
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Does silence ever feel uncomfortable? Do you fill the quiet with TV, music, or endless scrolling? Fr. Mike explains why silence isn’t something to f...
Fr. Mike Reacts to Confession Scenes from Movies and TV Shows
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever watched a confession scene and wondered how accurate it really is? Join Fr. Mike as he reacts to popular confession scenes in movies and...
The Best Thing Fr. Mike Learned From His Parents
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Looking for a powerful book recommendation? Look no further. Fr. Mike’s new book Unshakeable is all about living a life of virtue in the midst of ch...
Is It Normal to Feel Lonely? Fr. Mike on Loneliness
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you feel lost in your loneliness? Fr. Mike reminds us that throughout Scripture, loneliness shows up again and again, even Jesus himself experience...
Fr. Mike’s Tips for Praying as a Busy Person
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 e...
Fr. Mike Says You Should Judge People (Kind Of)
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“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 ...
Why Is There No Marriage in Heaven?
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Where Do I Start with the Bible?
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
What to Do with My Loneliness (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
If You Feel Lost Right Now (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 tra...
Why We Keep Forgetting What We Believe as Catholics (Foundations of Faith Preview)
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Fr. Mike's Thoughts on Babies Crying
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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—...
How the Holy Spirit Guides the Election of the Pope
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 decis...
We’ve Got a New Pope! What’s Next?
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 u...
How I Handle Haters
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 cri...
Novena for the Papal Conclave: Day 9
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 the...
Novena for the Papal Conclave: Day 8
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 the...
Novena for the Papal Conclave: Day 7
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 the...
Novena for the Papal Conclave: Day 6
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 the...
Novena for the Papal Conclave: Day 5
03 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 the...
Novena for the Papal Conclave: Day 4
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 the...
Fr. Mike Schmitz Reviews "Conclave" Movie
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Novena for the Papal Conclave: Day 3
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 the...
Novena for the Papal Conclave: Day 2
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 the...
Novena for the Papal Conclave: Day 1
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 the...
What the Death of Pope Francis Teaches Us
26 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the wake of Pope Francis’s passing, Fr. Mike Schmitz shares a powerful reflection on loss, legacy, and the enduring mission of the Church. He re...
What To Do When You Feel Like God’s Not Speaking to You
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you struggle to get much out of prayer? Do you feel like God’s not speaking to you? Today, Fr. Mike Schmitz invites us to deepen our prayer life ...
What Jesus Needs From You This Holy Week
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we journey through Holy Week, let's pause before rushing to Easter. This sacred time invites us to reflect deeply on Jesus' message to His disciple...
Miracles: The Bible vs. Today (What's Changed?)
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do miracles occur more frequently in the Bible or in today's world? Why do some of my prayers for miracles seem unanswered? Today, Fr. Mike Schmitz de...
If You Need to Miss Mass, ALWAYS Do THIS First (Sunday Mass Dispensation Explained)
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Attending Sunday Mass is essential in the Catholic faith, and intentionally missing Mass is a mortal sin, which requires confession before you can rec...
What You Have NOT Been Told About Baptism
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a child of the light or a child of darkness? Today, Fr. Mike reminds us that, though we are all born with original sin, God offers us the tran...
The Brutal Truth About Holiness
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you think of holiness, what comes to mind? Is it a saint who has never stumbled? Does the idea of holiness feel out of reach when you're grapplin...
When Crude Language Becomes Sinful
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you struggle with taking the Lord’s name in vain or with cussing? Are you trying to avoid cussing entirely, but are still saying something crude?...
Train for Martyrdom This Lent
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Should you give things up for Lent, or take new things on? Is it better to pray more, or to give more of your time away? How does almsgiving fit into ...
"Can I Go to the Wedding?" Answered
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you're Catholic, you're probably aware that not every wedding is the same in the eyes of the Church. You may have heard of situations—or been in ...
Did God Abandon You?
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“My God, my God why have you abandoned me?” Psalm 22:1 Are you praying everyday but still suffering? Are you doing all the right things but your h...
The Fear That’s Keeping You from Prayer (And How to Overcome It)
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you afraid to approach God? Jesus says, "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street...
When Loyalty Goes Too Far
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Loyalty is a powerful virtue—but can it become dangerous? Loyalty is seen as a sought-after virtue, even being the foundation of relationships. Howe...
Fr. Mike Schmitz Reviews "Wicked"
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Spoiler: Fr. Mike thinks the music is great. But other than that... there are some major problems here.
The Only Sin God CAN’T Forgive...
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven." Matthew 12:31 What is...
What True Humility Really Looks Like
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does true humility really look like? Some may believe that a humble person must diminish themselves, becoming small or insignificant. But is that...
Christian Stoicism (Can You Be a Stoic Catholic?)
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stoicism has its roots in Ancient Greece and Rome (300 BC) but it's seen a resurgence on social media in recent years. Stoic virtues like prudence, fo...
How to Start Somewhere (Because You Have to Start Somewhere)
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you've tried and tried but you keep falling down and you're tired of starting over... this video is for you. Fr. Mike lays out a plan to start agai...
If You’re Discouraged This Christmas, You Are Not Alone
26 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Just because it's "the most wonderful time of the year" doesn't mean that everything is working out for you. But if tough times have actually given wa...
When Is Our Time to Die?
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Does God take us when he feels like our time here is over?" Fr. Mike tackles this question and examines the motivations behind it to show us why God ...
What People Forget About Our Lady of Guadalupe
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary that came to be known as Our Lady of Guadalupe was a miracle. The Castilian roses that came from Tepeyac Hil...
Why Did God Let Them Die?
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Grief is natural, and sadness at the death of a loved one is to be expected. But what about people who feel anger in their bereavement? Especially ang...
Healing in the Gaze of Jesus (with Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT)
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this 3-part series filmed backstage at the 2024 Good News Conference, Fr. Mike sits down with 3 special guests to discuss prayer, the sacraments, a...
What Catholics Should Know About Superstitions
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that superstitions are a sin? In this video, Fr. Mike dives into the topic of Friday the 13th and other common superstitions, shedding li...
What Do You Wear to Mass?
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Should we wear our best to Mass? Fr. Mike explores the balance between 'coming as you are' and 'putting on your best for the Lord.' He explains that w...
What to Do About Intrusive Thoughts
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Some people brush off intrusive thoughts. But others are haunted by them. If you're having serious issues with intrusive thoughts, first understand th...
The #1 Mistake People Make When Discerning Their Vocation
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know there’s a simple approach to discerning your vocation? Fr. Mike shares the most common mistake he sees people make when determining God...
The Easy Way(s) to Pray the Rosary
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you pray the rosary? If you do, you might find it difficult at times, or experience dryness in prayer. It's important to persevere in this devotion...
Did Jesus Really Warn Against Repetition in Prayer?
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words." Matthew 6:7 (New American Bible, Revised E...
Fr. Mike Interviews David Henrie About Catholic Faith & Newest Project: Monster Summer
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike had the pleasure of interviewing David Henrie about his reversion to Catholicism, his life as a Hollywood celebrity, and how to find your ide...
Where Does the Rosary Come From?
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jesus gave us the prayer we often call "the Our Father". But where do the other prayers of the Holy Rosary come from, like the Hail Mary? The Glory Be...
What Catholics Do (and Don’t) Believe About the Body
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know Christians have a radical view of the body? While society often swings between two extremes—either dismissing the body as insignificant...
Fr. Mike Responds to “I Don’t Get Anything Out of Mass"
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You’ve definitely either said—or met someone who’s said—“I go to Mass, but I just don’t get anything out of it.” Fr. Mike gets you. He’...
Hopeless?
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fr. Mike offers insights on how to combat despair. If you feel like you've tried everything, see no way out, or think nothing matters, Fr. Mike remind...
How Can I Know That It's Actually God's Voice?
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you discern if the voice you're hearing is genuinely God's? How can you be sure it isn't just your own thoughts or even something deceptive? ...
Coping With Major Losses: 4 Practical Tips from Fr. Mike
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever faced a major loss, whether it's a relationship, your status, or even your health? In this video, we explore the 4 typical responses peo...
Criticism vs Admiration
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When we encounter excellence, what prompts us to critique rather than admire? Fr. Mike suggests that this tendency often stems from jealousy and inse...
St. Michael’s Lent Starts Today. Are You In?
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you feel the call to engage more deeply in the spiritual battle raging around you? Do you want to deepen your prayer life? This might be precisely ...
Fr. Mike Reacts to Olympics "Last Supper"
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Perhaps you've heard about the blasphemous debacle that occurred during the Olympics opening ceremonies, when a scandalous parody of the Last Supper w...
If You're Tired of Needing God
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes life brings us down. Difficult situations cause us to become discouraged. This is natural (and inevitable). But here's another kind of disco...
Attn: Moms and Dads: You Don't Need to be Perfect to Get Your Kids to Heaven
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Calling all Moms and Dads! You might feel discouraged or frustrated as you parent and seek to keep your kids close to Christ. Today, Fr. Mike wants t...
Can't I Go Straight to Jesus? Do I Need the Catholic Church? [Fr. Mike Weighs In]
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Maybe you've heard the phrase before, "the middleman is a lie." Or maybe you've found yourself wondering why we have an institutional church as Cathol...
How to Understand the Entire Bible Story... in 10 Minutes
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Bible is the Word of God. It is a foundation of our faith. And it tells the story of the human race—a story that you're a part of. But... what e...
When Someone You Love Walks Away From God / Leaves the Church
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you have a family member, friend, or loved one who is far from God, you're not alone. You're in good company—not the least of which is God the Fa...
Do Catholics Believe in "Signs from the Dead"?
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Does a passing blue jay remind you of a deceased loved one? Does a specific number or color call their loss to your memory? Could they be speaking to ...
The Secret to Staying Happily Married
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We've got a "Marriage Pop-Quiz" for you! Would you ditch your spouse to catch a flight? Imagine you're traveling with your spouse. They go to the bath...
How to Offer It Up
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Momma always said, "Son, you don't like something? Well, offer it up!" Today, Fr. Mike explores the traditional understanding of offering up your pai...
"I Go to Mass, but it Feels Like Nothing Changes"
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The sacraments that Christ gave his church are powerful. They are life changing. But... they are not magic. Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrecti...
I Love Being Catholic. Here's Why.
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you're truly open-minded, you can find some truth in most religions. You can find plenty of goodness and beauty as well. But where is the whole tru...
Do You Go to Hell If You’ve Never Heard of Jesus?
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When considering the people of the Old Testament before Jesus's coming, we might ask ourselves: "Are those without the knowledge of Jesus destined for...
A Theology of Your Body
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Pope John Paul II said that what modern man needs—and is missing—is an "adequate anthropology", or, a full understanding of what it looks like to ...
The 5 Powerful Effects of the Sacrament of Confirmation
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you been confirmed? Have you received the Sacrament of Confirmation yet? Does this mean you're a "grown-up" Catholic now—that you've graduated?...
Politics vs. Principles
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is there any hope for unity in the United States of America? Fr. Mike gives a resounding "yes". But not over politics or policies—but the principles...
A Message to Cradle Catholics
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A question to anyone who is thinking about rejecting Jesus (or has accepted him for that matter): have you even met him? Do you know who you are rejec...
Can I Sin in My Dreams?
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had dark, disturbing dreams? If you did, did you feel guilty when you woke up? Did you have some vague sense of shame that such dreams c...
4 Keys to Good Prayer
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Does good prayer feel out of reach for you? Do distractions plague you unceasingly? Are you wondering if you're supposed to be getting more out of pra...
Saying Yes to a Life You Did Not Plan
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Who is orchestrating your life? If it's God—and not you—what will you say to him? Fr. Mike suggests trying "yes." Whether life circumstances bring...
Stay. Watch. Pray. (Fr. Mike's Holy Week Special)
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have FOMO? Are you always worried about what you might miss out on? Today, Fr. Mike explores why this fear of missing out could be a gift in t...