The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Attending Sunday Mass is essential in the Catholic faith, and intentionally missing Mass is a mortal sin, which requires confession before you can receive communion again. However, did you know that if you have a serious and legitimate reason for being unable to attend Mass, you can request a dispensation from your priest? Today, Fr. Mike explains that while missing Mass and requesting a dispensat...

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 transformative gift of baptism, bringing us into His Kingdom of light. Let us not delay in surrendering our lives to Christ through the sacrament of baptism. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at www. AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTo...

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 grappling with your own brokenness or the weight of your sins? Today, Fr. Mike reminds us that the journey to holiness isn’t always a straight path. There are both good days and bad. Yet, despite our flaws and failures, God’s grace and mercy remain abundant,...

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? Today, Fr. Mike shares the distinction between the words we use regarding foul language. Because our words reveal our hearts, our words matter greatly.

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 all of this? This Lent, Fr. Mike wants to refocus your efforts by trying a new idea: do something with zero benefit to yourself. This is how to do that and why it works. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at www. AscensionPr...

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 ones yourself—where you're not sure if it's okay for you, as a practicing Catholic, to attend such a wedding. How do you know when it's okay and when it's not okay? Fr. Mike not only gives us a couple of guiding principles but also breaks down most of...

“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 heart is still broken? Fr. Mike shares with us today that God doesn’t promise all our desires, but promises that He will be with us though them all, that He loves us and the He hears every one of our prayers and gives us what we need. Tickets are on sale...

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 corners so that others may see them... But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you." Matthew 6:5-6 Fr. Mike reminds us that God sees us, notices us and...

Loyalty is a powerful virtue—but can it become dangerous? Loyalty is seen as a sought-after virtue, even being the foundation of relationships. However, can loyalty be disordered? Can being loyal to the wrong things cost you your soul? Fr. Mike reveals to us that loyalty, when placed in the wrong order, is dangerous and can even lead to idolatry. What does your loyalty hierarchy look like?

Spoiler: Fr. Mike thinks the music is great. But other than that... there are some major problems here.

"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 the sin "against the Spirit"? What is the sin that God can't forgive? Fr. Mike reveals to us that this sin is... any sin. Today, he explains how that's possible and how we can lean on God's goodness and mercy for salvation.

What does true humility really look like? Some may believe that a humble person must diminish themselves, becoming small or insignificant. But is that truly the essence of humility? Fr. Mike Schmitz offers a deeper perspective on what it means to be truly humble. He explains that humility actually requires both confidence and honesty. When we speak the truth and live authentically in that truth, w...

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, fortitude, and self-control can be very attractive, and Christians might wonder, "is Stoicism compatible with my faith?" The answer is: yes and no. Fr. Mike breaks down the good and true aspects of Stoicism—and he also uncovers where it falls short, an...

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 again and keep going, no matter the struggle, and shares the secret that makes it possible.

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 way to full-blown discouragement for you this Christmas, Fr. Mike has a word for you: "Emmanuel". On behalf of Fr. Mike and everyone here at Ascension, Merry Christmas to you and all of your loved ones. God bless you this Jubilee Year 2025!

"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 made us and why our value doesn't lie in what we do in this life.

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 Hill in winter were a miracle. The divinely illustrated vision of Our Lady on St. Juan Diego's tilma was a miracle—as is the fact that the tilma composed of organic fibers has refused to degrade for 500 years and is still available to see to this day. B...

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 anger at God? Fr. Mike shares a difficult truth for those who wish their loved ones were still with them instead of with Jesus in heaven. Join Fr. Mike in Newark, NJ on December 9, 2024 for an evening of Advent reflection and a question and answer sessi...

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, and how to prepare to meet Jesus "face to face" this coming Advent. Fr. Mike and Sr. Miriam examine our needs for healing from sin, trauma, and a broken past, and uncover the luminous power of God's loving gaze on our hearts, minds, and souls. Want to...

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 light on how they can reveal something about our hearts. Often rooted in fear, superstitions are a sin against the First Commandment, showing our desire to control or predict the future. Fr. Mike also discusses how Catholics can sometimes fall into sup...

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 while the state of our hearts ultimately matters most, it's not the only thing that matters. Dressing respectfully for Mass can be a way to honor God, but it should never cover up a lack of sincerity or distract from the true purpose of the Mass. The...

Some people brush off intrusive thoughts. But others are haunted by them. If you're having serious issues with intrusive thoughts, first understand that this is normal and part of the human experience. That being said, if you need to combat them, you have options. Today, Fr. Mike gives you some solid advice and steps to take towards greater freedom from unwanted and unwelcome thoughts.

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's call. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on one vocation at a time, reminding us that jumping between options can lead to confusion. Instead, Fr. Mike encourages us to simplify the process and let God guide us toward the vocation we’re meant f...

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—but how? Fr. Mike has dealt with the same difficulties in prayer, and these are his top tips for keeping up with the holy rosary.

"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 Edition) Does Jesus warn us against repetitive prayers? Does praying the rosary contradict the way Jesus asked us to pray? Why is the rosary even designed that way? Whether you pray the rosary everyday or have never prayed it before, Fr. Mike has some...