The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

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?

“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. M...

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.

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 a...

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...

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...

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 o...

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...

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 o...

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": http...

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-condemnati...

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...

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 shepher...

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...

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...

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 Sp...

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 natio...

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....

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 wh...

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. John 16:13: "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own but will only repeat what he has he...

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. John 17:21: "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world, but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not...

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 reminds us that while every soul is uniquely irreplaceable, the roles we hold can be entrusted to others because our identity is rooted not in what we do, but in who we are. May this truth bring you great hope as we look ahead to the future of the Church,...

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 by asking two essential questions: “What am I looking for?” and “What am I listening for?” Drawing from the rich tradition of Ignatian spirituality, he guides us in using our imagination and five senses to cultivate a more intimate and personal encount...

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 disciples and to us: "Stay with me." Today, Fr. Mike Schmitz emphasizes the power of simply being present with Jesus. He reminds us that during this solemn week, Jesus isn't asking for our perfection or strength — He desires our presence. By staying with Him...

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 delves into the mystery of miracles, explaining how they are recognized and validated in the Catholic Church, and exploring why God sometimes grants miracles and other times does not. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at www....