The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Latest Episodes:

What is Purgatory? Sep 15, 2022

Show notes

We all want to be saints, but the struggle against sin and selfishness can feel overwhelming. There may be days where we might feel satisfied simply making it to purgatory rather than entering the pearly gates. But is this lukewarm path the only way to make it to heaven?

Today Fr. Mike delves into the reality that in this life, we are given every opportunity to prepare our souls for God’s presence. Embracing the sufferings of this moment purifies us the way the refining fire of purgatory would. In this way, we can prepare ourselves in this temporary world to live alongside our Lord in the everlasting world.

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"Judgmental, Bigoted, Homophobic, Elitist, and Hypocritical" (The World’s Perception of Christians) Sep 08, 2022

Show notes

(Today's video/podcast is an excerpt from "The 99, A New System for Evangelization." To learn more about this amazing resource visit: https://tinyurl.com/2fwtspve )

One of the most difficult groups to bring the Gospel to right now is young adults. Fr. Mike proposes that it's not a lack of time or interest preventing them from receiving the Good News—it's their perception of Christianity.

How can anyone evangelize in a culture so opposed to Jesus? We need to meet a hurting world where it is at and bring it the only medicine that will heal it.

We'll be doing things a little bit differently on Wednesdays for the next few weeks while Fr. Mike and Ascension work on the Catechism in a Year podcast. If you'd like to learn more about the podcast (and help support our work!) check out http://ascensionpress.com/ciy

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This One Thing Makes Christianity Different From Every Other Religion Sep 01, 2022

Show notes

(Today's video/podcast is an excerpt from "Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God." To learn more about this amazing resource visit: https://tinyurl.com/2gscjojo )

Is Jesus who He says He is? How do we know he's not a liar or a lunatic?

Today, Fr. Mike shares a story from his own life about a time when he was taking a class on world religions and their belief systems and how a quote from C.S. Lewis changed everything for him about how he came to understand who Jesus truly is.

We'll be doing things a little bit differently for the next few weeks while Fr. Mike and Ascension work on the Catechism in a Year podcast. If you'd like to learn more about the podcast (and help support our work!) check out http://ascensionpress.com/ciy

Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Your Questions About Cremation and Burial: Answered Aug 25, 2022

Show notes

Can I be cremated? Is it okay to donate my body to science? What about the relics of Saints, they aren't buried in the ground?

Last week, Fr. Mike began our discussion on death and burial, especially when it comes to the Catholic Church's teaching on "scattering your ashes." Today, he answers some of the most common questions from the comments of that video and delves deeper into why we should listen to our Mother, the Church, when she is instructing and guiding us in these matters.

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Why Can’t Catholics Scatter Their Ashes? Aug 18, 2022

Show notes

What is a human being? What happens when we die? Why do we visit cemeteries? And why do Catholics bury the dead instead of scattering their ashes?
Today, Fr. Mike connects the dignity of the human person to the dignity of the body in death—and beyond.

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The Disciples Doubted the Eucharist. Do You? Aug 11, 2022

Show notes

You may have heard that Jesus is present in the Eucharist, but have you really heard those words? You may have been in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, but have you really seen him in the Eucharist?

Today, Fr. Mike challenges us to take Jesus at His word (John 6:6) and to grow in our faith in His real presence, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the Eucharist!

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Saying Goodbye, Starting Over, and Transitioning Aug 04, 2022

Show notes

Change is always hard. Transitions in life are difficult. Goodbyes are never easy. Endings are rarely joyful. But today, Fr. Mike suggests that beginnings are even more crucial. He encourages us to take 3 steps whenever we start over, and to let each one of ourselves “be a beginner.”

Be patient with yourself.

Don’t freak out.

And be willing to ask for help.

Fr. Mike has way more to say about trusting God, and a great place to start is his book Untroubled by the Unknown: Trusting God in Every Moment (https://tinyurl.com/25xulter). We hope it's a blessing to you!

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The Shocking Reality of the Eucharist Jul 28, 2022

Show notes

It's easy to fall into a routine and lose sight of the little miracles all around us. Unfortunately, it is even easy to fall into a routine and lose sight of the greatest miracle of all, happening right in front of us.

Today, Fr. Mike discusses the greatest gift God has ever given man: himself. Christ offered his body at the Last Supper, he sacrificed it on the Cross, and he continues to give himself to us at each and every Mass. Fr. Mike explains the shocking reality of what it means to eat Jesus' body and drink Jesus' blood. This flesh, the Incarnate Word of God, redeemed the world. His body and blood are what save our fallen human nature and they are what give us life. This miracle, occurring each time we go to Mass, gives us an opportunity to partake in redemption, unite with our Savior, and live a sacramental life.

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Why It's Important to Laugh at Yourself Jul 21, 2022

Show notes

Do you take yourself too seriously? Are you unwilling to acknowledge your faults and weaknesses to others- or even to yourself?

Today Fr. Mike shares with us some lessons in humility and being willing to laugh at yourself.

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The Miracle of Confession Jul 14, 2022

Show notes

Learn more about Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fr. Josh Johnson's Pocket Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation: https://tinyurl.com/yhwfakge

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