The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Easy Way(s) to Pray the Rosary Oct 24, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Did Jesus Really Warn Against Repetition in Prayer? Oct 17, 2024

Show notes

"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 insights from Jesus and his Church regarding repetition in prayer that will change the way you look at prayers like the rosary.

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Fr. Mike Interviews David Henrie About Catholic Faith & Newest Project: Monster Summer Oct 10, 2024

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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 identity in Christ no matter your state in life. They also discussed his recent work as director on “Monster Summer”, which follows a group of kids who team up with a retired police detective (played by Mel Gibson) and embark on an adventure to save their island after a mysterious evil force disrupts their summer.

Learn more about the film at https://www.monstersummermovie.com/

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Where Does the Rosary Come From? Oct 03, 2024

Show notes

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? Who selected the mysteries that we meditate on for each decade? ...who even decided to pray a rosary in "decades"?

Fr. Mike breaks down the historical origins of the rosary as well as the logic that the saints who went before us used to organize the rosary as we know it today.

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What Catholics Do (and Don’t) Believe About the Body Sep 26, 2024

Show notes

Did you know Christians have a radical view of the body? While society often swings between two extremes—either dismissing the body as insignificant or idolizing it—Christianity offers a balanced and profound understanding of the unity between body and soul.

Fr. Mike, drawing on St. John Paul II's teachings on the 'cult of the body,' explains that while we are called to care for and love our bodies, they are not our ultimate purpose. He says we can get caught up in focusing on health, beauty, and physical perfection. Our bodies are good, destined for redemption, but they should not be the center of our lives. Understanding this teaching can help us honor our bodies as God intended.

Want more content like this? Fr. Mike Schmitz introduces the Theology of the Body and invites us to his 4-part series diving deeper into these incredible mysteries. Sign up for the whole series for FREE here: https://www.ascensionpress.com/tobtalk/

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Fr. Mike Responds to “I Don’t Get Anything Out of Mass" Sep 19, 2024

Show notes

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’s said it too. But what he’s learned and cannot stop telling everyone is that Mass is not about you or getting anything out of it.
The heart of religion is worship, and the heart of worship is sacrifice.

Mass is not about what you can get, but what you can give to God that is due to him as Lord of the Universe.

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Hopeless? Sep 12, 2024

Show notes

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 reminds you of the true meaning of hope. He explains that we can always rely on God's presence. Choosing hope means choosing to act with courage, even if that victory is as simple as getting out of bed.

Finally, he reminds us that one of the best ways to fight despair is to bring that hopelessness to God in Confession.

You are loved, you are valued, and you are absolutely irreplaceable. Our team at Ascension is thinking of you and praying for you. If you're going through a difficult time or struggling with your mental health, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Talk to someone you trust or seek support from a professional. You can also call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (available 24/7).

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How Can I Know That It's Actually God's Voice? Sep 05, 2024

Show notes

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?

Fr. Mike offers insight into recognizing God's guidance by asking key questions: Does the voice contradict Scripture or the teachings of the Church? Who does the voice sound like, and what are the characteristics of God's voice?

He explains that divine guidance is often confirmed by its fruitfulness—bringing lasting peace, joy, and alignment with God's will. Fr. Mike encourages us to trust God step by step. He says it does not take blind leaps to see how even the most minor acts of faith can produce meaningful fruit over time.

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Coping With Major Losses: 4 Practical Tips from Fr. Mike Aug 29, 2024

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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 people have when dealing with significant loss.

Fr. Mike introduces the "4 Rs: Restore, Replace, Redesign, Relinquish." He explains that while there is no right or wrong approach, understanding these responses can help you determine which one suits your situation best. Familiarizing yourself with the "4 Rs" will guide you through the process of dealing with loss and finding healing.

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Criticism vs Admiration Aug 22, 2024

Show notes

When we encounter excellence, what prompts us to critique rather than admire?

Fr. Mike suggests that this tendency often stems from jealousy and insecurity. He says humans are made to admire all that is praiseworthy. When we witness remarkable talent in athletics, academics, or the arts, we should take the opportunity to commend the hard work and discipline that leads to greatness.

God made us to appreciate excellence and work to cultivate it in our own lives.

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