Podcast Summary: Introducing Fr. Mike’s New Podcast “Called”

Podcast: The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Episode Air Date: September 4, 2025
Episode Title: Introducing Fr. Mike’s New Podcast: “Called”
Purpose: An announcement and exploration of Fr. Mike’s new podcast “Called,” focused on living out faith through the corporal works of mercy.

Episode Overview

In this brief but heartfelt episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz introduces his new podcast, “Called,” produced in partnership with the Catholic Initiative and Ascension. He grounds the purpose of the show in one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings—the parable of the sheep and goats (Matthew 25)—and explains how the podcast aims to help listeners concretely live out their faith by responding to God’s call to mercy, service, and love.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25)

• Opening Reflection (00:00-03:00):
  Fr. Mike sets the scene with Jesus’ parable about the final judgment:

  “Here is Jesus. He's giving us the answer to the test, right? … He’s highlighting what you did for the least of my brethren.” (Fr. Mike, 01:40)
  He stresses that the Christian life is judged not only by belief, but especially by acts of mercy toward the marginalized.

2. Challenge: Translating Mercy Into Action

• Personal Example (03:01-05:00):
  Fr. Mike recounts the story of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, who famously gave away his own shoes to a homeless man:

  “In my hometown of Brainerd, Minnesota... everyone I know has shoes. How can I be like Pier Giorgio?” (Fr. Mike, 04:38)
  He reflects on the modern-day challenge: how do we, in our context, perform acts of mercy?

3. Introducing “Called” and Its Vision

• What is “Called”? (05:01-07:30):
  The new podcast is a collaboration with the Catholic Initiative, an organization devoted to living out the corporal works of mercy:

  “The whole purpose behind it is... on this podcast ‘Called,’ I'm not the one talking, I'm the one listening.” (Fr. Mike, 06:41)

• Content of Upcoming Episodes:
  • Fr. Mike will interview a diverse set of guests who actively embody the works of mercy: prophets in everyday life, those aiding the young, visiting prisoners, serving the homeless, and more.
  • The focus is on practical, relatable examples to demystify and inspire action.

4. Practical Faith: Learning from Real Stories

• Making Faith Tangible (07:31-09:10):
  The stories featured on “Called” will empower listeners:

  “It takes out some of the mystery and actually… gives you and me the strength and the vision and the direction...” (Fr. Mike, 08:02)
  For example, even a businessman running hotels can be a model of hospitality as a work of mercy.

5. The Deeper Call: Discipleship and Love

• The Christian Test (09:11-10:45):
  Fr. Mike connects the podcast to each listener’s life, stressing that living out works of mercy is fundamental:

  “At the twilight of our lives... we will be judged on love alone.” (Fr. Mike quoting St. John of the Cross, 09:36)
  The podcast isn’t just to spotlight heroes, but to motivate everyone to respond to love’s call.

6. Final Invitation

• Personal Commitment (10:46-end):
  Fr. Mike concludes with his own desire not just to be a “fan of Jesus,” but an active follower:

  “I want to be more than a fan. I want to be a follower. I don’t just want to be someone who says, ‘I believe in Jesus.’ I want to be a disciple.” (Fr. Mike, 10:51)
  The new show promises to “give flesh” to the idea of faith in action.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Jesus’ teaching:

  “He’s giving us the answer to the test at the end of our lives.” (Fr. Mike, 01:45)

• Personal struggle:

  “Golly Lord, I don’t know where to start.” (Fr. Mike, 03:03)

• About the new podcast:

  “I’m not the one talking. I’m the one listening.” (Fr. Mike, 06:41)

• On living out faith:

  “They are the hands and feet of Jesus.” (Fr. Mike, 08:21)

• Inspiration:

  “At the twilight of our lives… we will be judged on love alone.” (Fr. Mike, quoting St. John of the Cross, 09:36)

• Desire for discipleship:

  “I want to be more than a fan. I want to be a follower.” (Fr. Mike, 10:51)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Parable of the Sheep and Goats reflection: 00:00 – 03:00
• Story of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: 03:01 – 05:00
• Purpose and format of “Called”: 05:01 – 08:00
• Examples of modern mercy: 08:01 – 09:10
• Judged on love, not just faith: 09:11 – 10:45
• Personal invitation and conclusion: 10:46 – end

Summary

This episode serves as an earnest launchpad for Fr. Mike’s new podcast, “Called,” which will feature real-life stories of Christians embodying mercy in concrete, contemporary ways. Grounded in scripture and Catholic tradition, Fr. Mike frames the show as a resource and inspiration for listeners wanting to transform their faith into action, ultimately encouraging each person to respond to Jesus’ call to love and serve the least among us. “Called” will shine a spotlight on practical holiness, making the path of Christian discipleship more tangible for all.