Podcast
The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Hosted by Ascension · EN
Faith, pop culture, and headline reflections from Fr. Mike Schmitz.
151episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
What Do You Wear to Mass?
Nov 14, 202400:07:46Summary readyShould we wear our best to Mass? Fr. Mike explores the balance between 'coming as you are' and 'putting on your best for the Lord.' He explains that while the state of our hearts ultimately matters most, it's not the only thing that matters. Dressing respectfully for Mass can be a way to honor God, but it should never cover up a lack of sincerity or distract from the true purpose of the Mass. The question to consider is: does my outward appearance reflect the love and reverence in my heart?Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
SummaryWhat to Do About Intrusive Thoughts
Nov 7, 202400:09:45Summary readySome people brush off intrusive thoughts. But others are haunted by them. If you're having serious issues with intrusive thoughts, first understand that this is normal and part of the human experience. That being said, if you need to combat them, you have options. Today, Fr. Mike gives you some solid advice and steps to take towards greater freedom from unwanted and unwelcome thoughts.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
SummaryDid Jesus Really Warn Against Repetition in Prayer?
Oct 17, 2024Tap to summarize"In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words." Matthew 6:7 (New American Bible, Revised Edition) Does Jesus warn us against repetitive prayers? Does praying the rosary contradict the way Jesus asked us to pray? Why is the rosary even designed that way? Whether you pray the rosary everyday or have never prayed it before, Fr. Mike has some insights from Jesus and his Church regarding repetition in prayer that will change the way you look at prayers like the rosary.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Transcribe →Where Does the Rosary Come From?
Oct 3, 2024Tap to summarizeJesus gave us the prayer we often call "the Our Father". But where do the other prayers of the Holy Rosary come from, like the Hail Mary? The Glory Be? Who selected the mysteries that we meditate on for each decade? ...who even decided to pray a rosary in "decades"? Fr. Mike breaks down the historical origins of the rosary as well as the logic that the saints who went before us used to organize the rosary as we know it today.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Transcribe →If You're Tired of Needing God
Aug 1, 2024Tap to summarizeSometimes 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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Transcribe →A Theology of Your Body
May 16, 2024Tap to summarizePope John Paul II said that what modern man needs—and is missing—is an "adequate anthropology", or, a full understanding of what it looks like to be human. Over the course of his pontificate, he gave it his best shot using the entirety of scripture, 2,000 years of church teaching, and the latest scientific understandings of the human person. Today, we call it the Theology of the Body. And it will change the way you look at yourself and your purpose in life. Fr. Mike Schmitz gives us an introduction to the Theology of the Body and invites us to his 4-part series diving deeper into these incredible mysteries. Sign up for the whole series for FREE here: https://www.ascensionpress.com/tobtalk/Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Transcribe →Fr. Mike Schmitz Reviews "Cabrini" Movie
Mar 7, 2024Tap to summarizeDo you know the true story of America's first canonized saint? "Cabrini," a movie from Angel Studios, tells the incredible true story of Mother Cabrini, the first American citizen to become a saint. It is a historical biopic showcasing her selfless service to the Italian immigrant population in the United States. Mother Cabrini's unwavering dedication to the dignity and respect of those in need reminds us to always look out for the ones still seeking a place at the table. Today, Fr. Mike shares his honest review of the film, "Cabrini." The movie is in theaters this weekend. He encourages you to allow the story of this remarkable saint to touch your heart and inspire you to make a difference in the world. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Transcribe →Are Your Sins the Same Story Again and Again? Rewrite the Script.
Nov 2, 2023Tap to summarizeDo 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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Transcribe →Prayer is a Battle: Strategies for Victory
Oct 12, 2023Tap to summarizeWhen 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 2725Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Transcribe →How to Be Excellent (NOT a Perfectionist)
Sep 28, 2023Tap to summarizeThey 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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
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