The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Latest Episodes:

St. Michael’s Lent Starts Today. Are You In? Aug 15, 2024

Show notes

Do you feel the call to engage more deeply in the spiritual battle raging around you? Do you want to deepen your prayer life? This might be precisely what you need.

St. Michael’s Lent is a 45-day journey of prayer and reflection inspired by St. Francis of Assisi that runs from August 15 through September 29. Men participating in this transformative practice experience a deepened faith in Jesus and serious growth in virtue.

Today, Fr. Mike explains the essence of St. Michael’s Lent, emphasizing how it helps men prepare for future challenges, experience personal growth, and impact their communities. He debunks the myth that these practices are extreme or unreasonable and highlights their role in balancing personal development and service to others.

Whether you join St. Michael’s Lent or support those who do through prayer, Fr. Mike encourages everyone to consider how these practices can enrich their lives.

Fr. Mike Schmitz invites men to embark on this spiritual journey. Discover more about Exodus 90, which shares similar principles, at https://www.Exodus90.com.

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Fr. Mike Reacts to Olympics "Last Supper" Aug 09, 2024

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Perhaps you've heard about the blasphemous debacle that occurred during the Olympics opening ceremonies, when a scandalous parody of the Last Supper was broadcast around the world. Christian media voices across the internet (and Catholic leaders around the world) have responded with the condemnation that the "performance" deserves.

But Fr. Mike has what he hopes is a bit of a fresh take on the situation, as well as something that you and I can do today in direct response to this—and all other—blasphemy.

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If You're Tired of Needing God Aug 01, 2024

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Sometimes life brings us down. Difficult situations cause us to become discouraged. This is natural (and inevitable). But here's another kind of discouragement that comes from a sense of "I should be better than this", or, "I thought I was better than that".

Believe it or not, the root of that discouragement is pride—a desire to be strong without God's help.

Today, Fr. Mike breaks down this phenomenon, helps us to recognize it, and gives us some tips to let go and draw our strength from God alone.

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Attn: Moms and Dads: You Don't Need to be Perfect to Get Your Kids to Heaven Jul 25, 2024

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Calling all Moms and Dads! You might feel discouraged or frustrated as you parent and seek to keep your kids close to Christ.

Today, Fr. Mike wants to share a word of encouragement with you! "Moms (and Dads), you're doing a great job!"

You don't need to be perfect to get your kids to heaven. You must keep showing up and loving, and let God do the rest!

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Can't I Go Straight to Jesus? Do I Need the Catholic Church? [Fr. Mike Weighs In] Jul 18, 2024

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Maybe you've heard the phrase before, "the middleman is a lie." Or maybe you've found yourself wondering why we have an institutional church as Catholics when the Scriptures state clearly that there is only one mediator between God and man, namely Jesus Christ.

Today, Fr. Mike tackles this question and offers some guidance for those who may be tempted to get frustrated with the human and sometimes sinful element of the Catholic Church in its hierarchy and its members. Hint: It's another one of those "both/and" Catholic situations.

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How to Understand the Entire Bible Story... in 10 Minutes Jul 11, 2024

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The Bible is the Word of God. It is a foundation of our faith. And it tells the story of the human race—a story that you're a part of. But... what exactly is that story? What's the narrative? If you only had 10 minutes to share it... what would you say?

Ascension and Fr. Mike Schmitz—creators of the Bible in a Year podcast—teamed up to produce a beautiful, clear, shareable summary of the story of salvation: The Bible in 10 Minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm3b4Q98Vx8. If you've never had the whole narrative summarized for you (or if you could use a refresher), this video will change your perspective on humanity's relationship with God.

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When Someone You Love Walks Away From God / Leaves the Church Jul 04, 2024

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If you have a family member, friend, or loved one who is far from God, you're not alone. You're in good company—not the least of which is God the Father himself, who works so hard to unite us with himself. If someone you love has stopped going to Church, or isn't practicing the faith anymore, or hasn't yet said "yes" to Jesus to begin with, what is the best way to love them?

Today, Fr. Mike has 4 simple things you can do to keep loving them on their faith journey, through all of the ups and downs. They're not easy to do, but they're always right.

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Do Catholics Believe in "Signs from the Dead"? Jun 27, 2024

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Does a passing blue jay remind you of a deceased loved one? Does a specific number or color call their loss to your memory? Could they be speaking to you through these signs?

Today, Fr. Mike opens up about navigating the loss of his own mother and finding hope and peace in the midst of that grief. The bottom line is, your loved ones can't cause these "signs" to happen—only God can work in nature in that way. But these unexpected occurrences can be a reminder to pray for your loved ones and to recall the gift of their lives.

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The Secret to Staying Happily Married Jun 20, 2024

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We've got a "Marriage Pop-Quiz" for you! Would you ditch your spouse to catch a flight?

Imagine you're traveling with your spouse. They go to the bathroom while you wait for your flight to board. But they don't come back. And you're going to miss your flight. Should you board it and ditch your spouse? What would you do in this situation?

According to Fr. Mike, there is only one correct answer to this question. And the answer might surprise you.

Today, Fr. Mike shares a funny story about an older married couple's problem when traveling together and his shock and surprise at the variety of responses he received when asking other married couples what they would do in this situation.

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How to Offer It Up Jun 13, 2024

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Momma always said, "Son, you don't like something? Well, offer it up!"

Today, Fr. Mike explores the traditional understanding of offering up your pain, embracing your suffering, and making sacrifices in the spiritual life.

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