The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Latest Episodes:

What If God Doesn’t Exist? Jan 18, 2024

Show notes

What if there were no God? What does that idea look like if you follow it to its logical conclusion? It ain't pretty.

Today, Fr. Mike shows us that meaning, dignity, and purpose come from the one who created everything. And the good news is that he made you on purpose, for a reason. And you matter.

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Have You Forgotten What God Has Done For You? Jan 11, 2024

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God commands his beloved people all throughout scripture: "Remember." And this command continues to resound for us today.

Remember the good that God has done for you. Remember the times he has delivered you. Remember when you thought you had nothing left but he gave you strength.

Today, Fr. Mike beseeches us to remember in the darkness what God has revealed in the light, and to never forget what he's done for us.

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The Raw Reality of Your Favorite Bible Heroes Jan 04, 2024

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Some of your favorite Bible characters were... terrible sometimes.

Abraham lied and said Sarah wasn't his wife. Jacob tricked his father into giving him the birthright instead of his brother. And there are plenty of stories that aren't even appropriate enough to make it into a YouTube description.

But what is the Bible? A collection of inspiring fables? Or the real story of humanity and God?

For Fr. Mike, this is good news (and it should be for you too). Our favorite saints were just like us. And we can yes to God in all of our brokenness just like they did.

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“God, What’s Your Plan for My Life?” Dec 28, 2023

Show notes

The angel Gabriel came to Mary and told her all about how she’d conceive and bear God’s son Jesus, and when she asked how this could be, he elaborated. Wouldn’t that be nice? Wouldn’t it be nice to have an angel show up and tell us what God’s plan for our life is?

But... that’s not how it went. The angel actually told her very little. And after Mary’s “fiat” (“Let it be done unto me according to thy word”), what happens? “The angel departed.” That’s it.

See, God probably won’t tell you what his plan is for your life. Not all at once. And Fr. Mike is here today to tell you why it’s actually better that way, and how we can follow Mary’s example of trust.

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How to Celebrate Christmas When Life Is Hard Dec 21, 2023

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Have you ever heard the song "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"? Have you listened to the lyrics carefully? It's not exactly the blissful naiveté of "Deck the Halls". It's much more real and raw than that.

Today, Fr. Mike is here to remind us that although "hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good-will to men," the truth is that "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; the wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good-will to men."

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You CAN Quit Porn. Here’s How. Dec 14, 2023

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This is not the first video on Ascension Presents about how to overcome an addiction to pornography, but it might be one of the simplest and most actionable.

Since 2000, Covenant Eyes has been a leader in the online accountability space. They are the #1 app for helping people find freedom from pornography. Their accountability software monitors images on device screens and sends a report to a trusted friend (ally) who holds you accountable for both your online and offline choices.

Today, Fr. Mike asks you to make this the next step towards freedom for you or someone you love: covenanteyes.sjv.io/rQBEmv

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When God Doesn’t Answer Your Prayers Dec 07, 2023

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If it feels like God isn't answering your prayers, that can be disheartening. But it can also be devastating.

Today, Fr. Mike offers the good word that your God is your loving Father who wants to give you good things. But he also offers the reminder that God is not a genie over which we have control.

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How Guardian Angels Actually Work Nov 30, 2023

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Are angels real? Why did God make them? What do guardian angels do? Do I have one? Does it have a name? Can I name it?

...All these questions and more answered today by Fr. Mike Schmitz.

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Sneaky Ways to Be Prideful (and How to Stop) Nov 23, 2023

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"I don't... think... I'm prideful...?"

Great! If you examine your actions and intentions and you don't detect any obvious pride, that's a wonderful thing. But as each one of us grows deeper in relationship with Jesus, he will reveal ever more nuanced ways that pride can sneak its way into our lives, giving us opportunities to reveal those places to Jesus and letting him perfect us.

Today, Fr. Mike uncovers some of those sneaky areas of our life where pride can burrow itself and cause major problems.

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Why You’ll Never Be Strong Enough Nov 16, 2023

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If you've ever planned to become so holy that you don't need God's help anymore, then this video is for you.

Self-reliance is a virtue lauded by modern society in the west. But not only does Jesus warn against it, self-reliance... just... doesn't even work.

Today, Fr. Mike proposes an alternative that will change your life. Spoiler: it involves relying on someone else...

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