Called (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) - Ascension

Latest Episodes:

Called to Rise from the Rubble w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Tracy Kijewski-Correa Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

When disaster strikes, where do we find hope—and how does God call us to respond?In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with civil engineer Tracy Kijewski-Correa, Director of the Pulte Institute for Global Development at the University of Notre Dame. Tracy shares her journey from building some of the world's tallest skyscrapers to studying structural disasters and helping vulnerable communities rebuild after catastrophic events.
From the streets of Haiti to disaster zones across the globe, Tracy explains how local wisdom, authentic accompaniment, and listening for God's voice can transform devastation into agency and resilience. Tune in to discover how ordinary skills can be used in extraordinary ways when we step back, quiet the noise, and ask God: "What is my next right step?"

To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777.

If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.

Called to Lift the Next Generation w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and JoAnn Chávez Jul 31, 2026

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What does it mean to reach the top of the corporate ladder—and then realize God has an even bigger mission for you?

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with JoAnn Chávez: former C-Suite executive, founder of the Michigan Hispanic Collaborative, sixth-generation Mexican-American, and proud Notre Dame law graduate. Raised in southwest Detroit, JoAnn shares her powerful story of growing up in the shadow of St. Anne’s Basilica, overcoming family addiction and loss, and choosing to turn personal hardship into a lifelong calling to serve the next generation.

To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777.

If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.

Called to Defend Religious Liberty (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Mark Rienzi) Jun 16, 2026

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In this episode of Called, Father Mike Schmitz sits down with Mark Rienzi, the President and CEO of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. Mark has led an extraordinary, unbroken string of landmark victories at the US Supreme Court—defending everyone from the Little Sisters of the Poor and Hobby Lobby to everyday parents and ministries. But his journey didn't start with massive victories. It started with a 13-year string of losses.
Join Father Mike and Mark as they dive deep into what it truly means to defend the fundamental freedom to live according to one’s faith, how to overcome the fear of being powerless in a contentious culture, and how ordinary people are called to stand up for the truth with courage, excellence, and hope.

To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777.

If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.

Called to Be Hospitable (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and John Hale) May 08, 2026

Show notes

What does true hospitality look like? It’s more than hosting a dinner party or planning a great trip—it’s creating space for others to encounter love, joy, beauty, and ultimately, God.

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with John Hale to talk about the deeper meaning of hospitality, how pilgrimage can transform hearts, and why a “theology of abundance” changes the way we live and love.

Whether you’re welcoming thousands or simply showing up for the person in front of you, this conversation will challenge you to live with greater joy, generosity, and magnanimity of heart.

To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777.

If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.

Called to Walk with Families in Need w/ Kristy Schena and Fr. Mike Schmitz Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

What does it mean to answer God’s call—especially when it leads you somewhere unexpected?

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Kristi Schena, founder of Kids On The Go, to share a powerful story of faith in action. What began as a simple response to a gap in care for children with special needs grew into a life-changing ministry serving thousands of families.

Kristi opens up about the moment she saw the need, the challenges of building a nonprofit from the ground up, and how her own family’s struggles deepened her mission. Through uncertainty, loss, and unexpected blessings, her story reveals how God works through ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

If you’ve ever felt a tug on your heart to make a difference—but didn’t know where to start—this conversation will inspire you to listen, trust, and take the next step.

To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777.

If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.

Called to Use God’s Gifts of Innovation Faithfully w/ John F. Crowley & Fr. Mike Schmitz Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

What do you do when suffering hits your family—and there’s no cure?

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with John Crowley, a father whose life changed overnight when two of his children were diagnosed with a rare, fatal disease. Faced with the impossible, John didn’t walk away—he stepped in.

From grief and fear to faith and determination, this powerful conversation explores what it means to trust God in crisis, to “see a need and fill it,” and to use your gifts in service of others. John’s journey into the world of biotech innovation is a witness to courage, perseverance, and the call to love in action.

You can learn more about the Called podcast at: https://ascensionpress.com/pages/called.
To learn more The Catholic Initiative, please visit https://thecatholicinitiative.org/.

To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777.

If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.

Called to Be Courageous w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dr. Carolyn Woo Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

What does it mean to trust God when the decision feels risky?

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Dr. Carolyn Woo to talk about courage, discernment, and leaving security to follow God’s call. Carolyn shares how she walked away from tenure and a successful academic career to say yes to a mission that would eventually lead her to serve the global Church through Catholic Relief Services.

Together they discuss fear, trust, and the question many of us eventually face: What is enough?

If you’ve ever struggled with a big life decision or wondered how to know what God is asking of you, this conversation is for you.

To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777.

If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.

Called to Rebuild w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Harry Lennix Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

How can beauty rebuild a broken community?

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with acclaimed actor Harry Lennix to explore faith, storytelling, and the power of the arts to transform culture.

From growing up Catholic on Chicago’s South Side to discerning the priesthood, to performing on Broadway and in film, Harry shares how his vocation has always been rooted in service. Inspired by Pope John Paul II’s Letter to Artists, he explains why creativity images the Creator—and why investing in beauty is essential, especially in under-resourced neighborhoods.

They discuss:
🔸How art reveals truth
🔸Why culture shapes communities
🔸Mercy, justice, and the human heart
🔸The vision behind the Lillian Marcie Center for the Performing Arts

To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777.

If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.

Called to Love Through Action w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder of Mary’s Meals, to talk about what it really looks like to live out the Gospel. From a small village in Scotland to feeding over 3 million children every school day, Magnus shares the unlikely, grace-filled story of how a simple “yes” to God became a global mission of love.

Together, Fr. Mike and Magnus reflect on Scripture, especially “faith without works is dead” (James 2:17), and explore what it means to take small, faithful steps—even when you feel unqualified, afraid, or unsure of the outcome. This conversation is a powerful reminder that God doesn’t ask us to do everything—He asks us to be faithful with what’s right in front of us.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your small acts of love really matter, this episode will challenge and encourage you.

To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777.

If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.

Called to Form the Young w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fr. Josh Johnson Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

What if evangelization started with showing up?

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Fr. Josh Johnson to talk about reaching young people on the margins and building parishes that go beyond the pews. Fr. Josh shares his powerful conversion story, the importance of invitation, and how Vagabond Missions meets teens where they are—on the streets, in neighborhoods, and in real life.

This conversation challenges us to rethink discipleship, responsibility, and what it really means to follow Jesus today.

To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777.

If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.