The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

When life throws challenge after challenge at us, it is easy to just give in and think we are helpless. In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz offers an uplifting message for those tough times. No matter how dire the circumstances, with God’s grace, there is always something we can do.

The mere thought of ghosts can give us goose bumps sometimes, but there are still moments when we think ghost stories are just made up to scare us. Maybe it’s time for some real talk about things that go bump in the night and other stirrings we suspect may be specters. Can souls continue to communicate with the living after they die? In this episode, Fr. Mike gives a powerful reason for why he bel...

They may just be ashes, but Fr. Mike points out that what they represent goes far beyond mere dust of the earth. With a simple cross on the forehead, we are recognizing that we are far from perfect, but that God loves and redeems us—not despite our brokenness, but in the midst of it. If you want to start off your Lent with a reminder of Ash Wednesday’s deeper meaning, listen to Fr. Mike’s heartfel...

Fr. Mike Schmitz tackles several tough questions from his listeners, like “Who became the new light-bearer after Lucifer fell?” and “How do we make Sunday a time of rest amidst our busy schedules?” If you ever wondered about these things, Fr. Mike may have the answers you’ve been looking for.

When we inconvenience someone, we may feel like we are in their debt. If so, Fr. Mike Schmitz encourages us to apologize to that person, but further, to offer our gratitude in response to his or her forgiveness. We should especially respond this way when we offend our merciful God, who wants to forgive us our debt and help us move forward with grace.

Maybe you used to read the Bible for inspiration, for its great stories, or for answers to the big questions in life. But now, it sits on your nightstand gathering dust. Perhaps you gave up reading it because it seemed irrelevant to your everyday life or because it became too hard to follow. If so, Fr. Mike Schmitz offers several reasons for you to pick up your Bible again, see it with new eyes, a...

When we think of indulgences, many of us think of an outdated and unfair Church practice that alienated many Catholics and sparked the Reformation centuries ago. In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz sets things straight, explaining how indulgences are an offering of God’s grace—a way to remove the temporal consequences of sin.

Fr. Mike Schmitz offers a relieving truth about God's paradoxical love for us, how he loves us: not in spite of our weaknesses, but because of them.

Everyone has influence over someone. If we are striving to be great saints, then the people we influence will observe how we live and model themselves after us. Fr. Mike Schmitz encourages us to take St. Paul’s advice and imitate Christ, and in the process, we will inspire others to live holy lives.

If you have ever wondered how to make a good confession, Fr. Mike Schmitz offers four powerful ways we can examine our consciences so that our experience of reconciliation moves us towards that holiness to which we are called.

What if today's attempts to be productive deprive us of the sleep we need to function tomorrow? Fr. Mike Schmitz gives us several good reasons to stop our work at the end of the day, relax, and prioritize getting a good night's sleep.

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz offers different perspectives on the story of Squanto, showing how blessings can be found in dismal situations. By realizing this truth in our own lives, we may learn to find God in the most unlikely places.

Fr. Mike Schmitz offers resources for those who want spiritual direction but can’t find a spiritual director. He recommends the study program Oremus: A Guide to Catholic Prayer, by Fr. Mark Toups, as well as several books. You can gain wisdom and insight that will accelerate your spiritual growth and draw you deeper into relationship with God.

Have you ever thought you might like a spiritual director, but you don't actually know where to begin? As always, Fr. Mike comes through for you. He offers practical steps so you can find and connect with a spiritual director. You can, as Fr. Mike puts it, become "holified!”

What does a triathlon have to do with the Communion of Saints? Fr. Mike Schmitz draws parallels between his experience of completing a triathlon and the believer’s experience of journeying to heaven.

When Christ comes again, will it be a great surprise, or will it be more like an unwelcome Halloween scare? Father Mike Schmitz recommends getting to know Jesus well now, so that when he comes “like a thief in the night,” we will be ready.

Fr. Mike Schmitz explains why Christians are called to follow some laws of the Old Testament and not others. Passing on the advice of Pope Benedict XVI, he distinguishes between universal laws, like the Ten Commandments and “case by case” laws, like those to be followed only in the kingdom of Israel and the temple.

What is the true sign of sainthood? Fr. Mike Schmitz explains why it’s not the stigmata or the ability to miraculously heal people. Saints like Padre Pio actually walked a path that is very much within reach for us all. Find out how that is so in this episode.

Father Mike Schmitz tells us what you can do when you’re overwhelmed. Sharing the advice of engineers, artists, and St. Paul himself, Father Mike helps us plan a course of action one step at a time.

Ascension Presents’ Father Mike Schmitz breaks down the strong emotions behind the Ashley Madison scandal, laying out the real dilemma deep in the hearts of those who are tempted to be unfaithful in a committed relationship.

Father Mike Schmitz explains why God focuses on justice in the Old Testament and then shows his mercy in the New Testament. To some readers of the Bible it may seem like God changed, but the truth of the matter is much more profound.

Father Mike Schmitz directs us to the story of Israel’s desert wanderings in the Old Testament and the Annunciation to Mary in the Gospels, describing how even the tribes of Israel and Mary had to be content with the uncertainty of God’s will at times. Father Mike also teaches how we can discern God’s will even in the silence.

Why Captain America is a true Christian superhero.

Father Mike Schmitz discusses the personal renewal that can come from accepting the hardships, tragedies and difficult situations that hit us throughout life.