The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Understanding the Theology of the Immaculate Conception Dec 09, 2021

Show notes

Happy Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary! But wait... what is the Immaculate Conception? How does that even work? And why does it matter?

Fr. Mike is glad you asked.

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The Secret about Sex and Holiness Dec 02, 2021

Show notes

As St. Thomas Aquinas writes: "As often as a husband and wife enter into the sexual embrace in a state of grace, they are growing in grace and in glory."

Today, Fr. Mike delves into one of the greatest secrets of Catholic morality and the sacrament of Matrimony, namely that when spouses share the marital embrace that they are growing in holiness.

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How To Receive a Gift Well (in 4 Steps) Nov 25, 2021

Show notes

Do you know how to receive a gift? It's not as easy as it sounds. It might sound like gift-giving is the lesson to learn, but receiving can be so much more difficult—and just as important.

Today, Fr. Mike gives us 4 steps to successfully receive the gifts all around us.

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Why Do We Need to Rest from Work on Sundays? Nov 19, 2021

Show notes

You might have heard that Sunday, as the Sabbath, is a "day of rest." But is that just, like, an honorary title? What does that actually mean for Christians? What should be doing—or not doing—on Sundays? Today, Fr. Mike tells us why Christians are asked to rest from work on Sundays.

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The “Little Things” Are Actually Most Things Nov 11, 2021

Show notes

Saint Teresa of Calcutta once said, "We cannot all do great things. But we can do small things with great love." The reality is that most of our lives are made up of seemingly small decisions and yet they do truly matter in how we are to be judged.

Today, Fr. Mike shares how our faithfulness to God in the small daily decisions actually amounts to the sum of our spiritual life and the growth in our holiness.

What does God want this Advent? Simple. He wants you. He wants a personal encounter with you. This year, journey through Advent with "Rejoice! Finding Your Place in the Advent Story," and learn about the places, people, and events that shaped the story of the very first Advent and shape our own lives today: https://tinyurl.com/yz6yy5pz

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Why Is It So Hard to Forgive Yourself? Nov 04, 2021

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As Catholics, we believe in the forgiveness of our sins through the graces of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. But often, even though we are absolved but we can struggle to forgive ourselves for our past faults and failings.

Today, Fr. Mike shares the main reason why we struggle to let go of the past and surrender to God who is our loving Father.

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Do I Have to Go to Mass? Sunday Obligation Explained Oct 28, 2021

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Why do we go to Mass every Sunday? Is it because of what we “get out of it”? Is it the way it makes us feel? Is it out of love for God? Or something even deeper and more profound?

Today, Fr. Mike explains the Church’s teaching on Sunday Mass obligation, and why this is the way that God has asked us to worship him.

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Why Do Jews and Christians Have Different Sabbath Days? Oct 21, 2021

Show notes

Have you ever wondered why we celebrate the Sabbath on Sunday?

Have you asked yourself, what does Jesus mean when he says, “Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them." (Mt 5:17) And why does this new covenant change the Sabbath? "...This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood." (Lk. 22:20)

Today, Fr. Mike delves into the scriptural roots of the Sabbath and why we as Catholics celebrate it on Sunday and not Saturday as the Jewish people still do today.

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Why is Faith a Virtue? Do We Need Faith? Oct 14, 2021

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Have you heard the phrase, "never doubt in the darkness what you knew was true in the light?" Do you find yourself intellectually convinced that our faith makes sense but in times of difficulty, struggle to assent to those truths?

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Why St Thérèse and Her “Little Way” Will Change Your Life Oct 07, 2021

Show notes

How is it that a young French girl who entered the convent at 15 years old and died at only 24 years old would become a Doctor of the Church? How is it that on her deathbed her own sisters thought her life was so unremarkable that they struggled to write her obituary?

Today, Fr. Mike reflects on how the "Little Way" of St. Thérèse of Lisieux contains a secret to holiness for every modern Catholic.

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