The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Facing the Consequences of Your Actions Nov 09, 2023

Show notes

Free will is an incredible gift from God that we often underestimate. We truly get to make a choice in every decision that we come across—even the smallest decisions. But guess what we DON'T get to choose?

The consequences.

Today, Fr. Mike reminds us that every action has a consequence built into it. So, if you want a certain result, make a choice. If you choose sin, you get sin. If you choose God, you get God. The choice... is yours.

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Are Your Sins the Same Story Again and Again? Rewrite the Script. Nov 02, 2023

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Do you commit the same sins over and over again? Does it feel like a bad movie that you’re stuck watching, with the same sad script playing over and over again?

Rewrite it. Rewrite the script.

Today, Fr. Mike gives us some novel ideas for steering hard out of the “grooves” of sin we've worn deep into the bedrock of our daily lives.

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Superheroes vs. Saints Oct 26, 2023

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Some people pour through comic books like they're devotional works, following the lives of superheroes like some study the lives of the saints.

In this redux from the archives, Fr. Mike interviews sacred artist Neilson Carlin about the crossover between comics books and sacred art, and how the desire to emulate superheroes is truly fulfilled when we follow the saints to Christ.

Be sure to check out Neilson's fine artwork (pun intended) at https://www.neilsoncarlin.com/

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Your Pastor Needs Help. Here's Where You Come In. Oct 19, 2023

Show notes

Today, Ascension is pulling one out of the vault, and Fr. Mike tells you why your parish priest needs you (and how you can help).

The value of a new parishioner introducing him or herself to the parish and just asking the priest, “How can I help?” is priceless.

When entering a new community, we may have all of these ideas about what we can do to help, but to listen and simply tell the leaders that you are available shows humility and understanding.

Fr. Mike knows firsthand about all of the different types of parishioners who are on fire for the Faith, and want to do something for their parish. The ones who end up helping the most are those who in essence say, “I am your servant. Tell me what I can do for you.”

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Prayer is a Battle: Strategies for Victory Oct 12, 2023

Show notes

When we read the lives of the saints it can appear like prayer comes so easily to them; almost as if they were soaking in a hot tub of grace. But then when we go to pray we are confronted with the harsh reality that "Prayer is HARD." It can feel much more like struggling to swim laps in an Olympic sized pool.

Today, Fr. Mike shares some wisdom from the fourth Pillar of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Our Life in Prayer.

– "Prayer is both a gift of grace and a determined response on our part. It always presupposes effort. The great figures of prayer of the Old Covenant before Christ, as well as the Mother of God, the saints, and he himself, all teach us this: prayer is a battle. Against whom? Against ourselves and against the wiles of the tempter who does all he can to turn man away from prayer, away from union with God. We pray as we live, because we live as we pray. If we do not want to act habitually according to the Spirit of Christ, neither can we pray habitually in his name. The "spiritual battle" of the Christian's new life is inseparable from the battle of prayer." CCC 2725

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When You’re Distracted in Prayer Oct 05, 2023

Show notes

When you're first growing in prayer and developing your relationship with Jesus, it is worth the effort to fight distractions in prayer. The more you can focus on our Lord, the more fruit you can see from prayer, and the deeper a bond you can experience with Jesus.

But, let's be real—distraction is inevitable. It's human. And our brains are hardwired, in some ways, to move on to "the next thing".

The Saints knew this, and there is an "advanced solution" to distraction in prayer—use it in prayer. Today, Fr. Mike tells us how.

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How to Be Excellent (NOT a Perfectionist) Sep 28, 2023

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They say that perfection is the enemy of the good. But what is true goodness in a pursuit? What does excellence actually look like and consist of?

Today, Fr. Mike urges us to practice two qualities that lie at the heart of excellence: promptness and preparedness.

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How Do I Know If I've Actually Encountered Jesus? Sep 21, 2023

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How do you know you've had an encounter with God? Sometimes it's hard to tell, especially if you were raised in the Faith.

Today, Fr. Mike shares his own conversion story, and encourages us to think of a time or a season where you decided to devote your life to God, because Jesus was there in that time, even if you didn't realize it.

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The Christian Response to Grief Sep 14, 2023

Show notes

Grief is a human emotion and and affects each of us at one time or another.

The Catholic Church in all her wisdom offers us this beautiful prayer in the rite of Christian burial:

"Indeed for your faithful, Lord, life is changed not ended, and, when this earthly dwelling turns to dust, an eternal dwelling is made ready for them in heaven.”

Continuing on the theme of death and grief, today, Fr. Mike offers a word of hope and encouragement to anyone who is grieving. Our grief as Christians should look different. We are called to grieve not like the rest.

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Facing the Death of Those You Love Sep 07, 2023

Show notes

Everyone you know and love is going to die someday. You will too, but... the thought of losing everyone else can sometimes be all the more frightening. This is a natural response to the ugly, "unnatural" reality of death, and those feelings of fear are not "wrong" to feel.

But, today, Fr. Mike implores you to take heart. There is yet one person who will never leave you.

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