The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Books upon books have been written about the problem of suffering. Fr. Mike isn’t about to reinvent the wheel in this video, but the wisdom he shares in it ​echoes​ that of the saints. What did the saints and martyrs know about suffering that enabled them to endure so much of it? Christ didn’t give them some mystical superpower; he simply gave their suffering a purpose.

Fr. Mike talks about the real reasons Christ tells us to fast. It isn’t just about strengthening our will and showing our love for God through some small sacrifice. Ultimately, it’s about freedom. When we give up something for Lent, by the time Lent is over we may find we never needed that thing in the first place and may never feel we need it again.

Fr. Mike offers a refreshing reason for fasting​ on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting shouldn’t be simply something Catholics do to show they are Catholic. It is a way to show God that we give him our hearts and care about what he asks of us.

The more we live in the truth, the harder it will be for others to offend us, because false statements about us won't bother us and true ones won't be hidden from us. In this video, Fr. Mike lays out why, as Catholic Christians, we are called to be both unoffensive and “unoffendable,” and explains how we can do that.

In this video, Fr. Mike explains how prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are the three pillars of a spiritually fruitful Lent. He then challenges us to try new ways to exercise these Lenten practices, sharing several simple strategies for drawing closer to God during this holy season.

Even though mortal sins are more deadly than venial sins, that doesn’t mean venial sins are harmless. Fr. Mike explains the damage venial sins do to us and advises us to not become complacent in our sin, no matter how minor it may seem to us, because all sin negatively impacts our relationship with God.

First Thessalonians 5:17 says to “pray constantly,” but how do we do that? In this video, Fr. Mike Schmitz suggests a three-step approach used by St. Francis de Sales. These steps can be difficult or easy, but the important thing to remember is that simply inviting God into every moment is as good a way to pray as any. If you liked this episode, you may also like Oremus: A Guide to Catholic Prayer (http://bit.ly/2fEBTaB).

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How can we know if God is speaking to us through a dream? Is it acceptable to wear a chapel veil to a Novus Ordo Mass? Fr. Mike responds to these questions from his audience with clarity and enthusiasm, helping us discover the underlying principles behind his answers.

In this episode, Fr. Mike lays out not just what sin is but also what it is not. He also explains the difference between regret and repentance, and how evil is really just the absence of good.

Who doesn’t want to have more constructive conversations in their close relationships? In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz explains how achieving this may be simpler than you think. So many times, we just don’t give the people we love the attention they deserve. Fr. Mike shows us how to fix that and master our love relationships.

It may be difficult to tell a non-practicing Catholic that he or she can’t receive ​C​ommunion, but—as Fr. Mike Schmitz proves in this episode—in the big picture​, ​​you would actually be helping the person. While telling an awe-inspiring story about a seminarian, Fr. Mike lays out what it means to be a practicing Catholic and shows how the requirements can transform ​a person's life.

Fr. Mike Schmitz explains ​that it is best to focus on one thing at a time when discerning a vocation. Not only is it most prudent to discern ​​just one vocation at a time;​ ​it is​​​ also important to take discernment ​one step at​ ​a time.

With all of the communication we do through the Internet and over the phone, why do we still have to go to confession in person? Fr. Mike Schmitz explains the importance of the matter.

The question addressed in this episode runs much deeper than the cartoon classic All Dogs Go to Heaven. Fr. Mike ventures into the theology of the matter, even taking some words of wisdom from St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Paul—who says in Romans 8, that creation will “share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.” But Fr. Mike also redirects our interest in heaven, helping us focus on embracing Someone far greater than our beloved pets.

The mark of an adult really comes down to one word: responsibility. In fact, being responsible just happens to be a sign of sainthood as well, according to Fr. Mike. Let’s take back the word "adult" and make it about holiness.

It might be tough not to feel patriotic after hearing why Fr. Mike Schmitz loves America in this episode. More importantly, though, he talks about the “burden of freedom” and explains why true freedom requires wisdom, virtue, and a thorough understanding of the story of our nation and our world.

Fr. Mike reflects on why God often takes his time when working in our lives. Sometimes God has to go back to the foundation of a problem to answer our prayers. This takes time, but every moment is worth it because it’s time spent with him.

How can God be good, but allow bad things to happen? Fr. Mike Schmitz tackles one of the toughest questions religious believers must answer

We have a tendency to want to fix the people we love. While delighting in all their good traits, we think, “If only they didn’t have this one quirk...” In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz explains that love embraces the entire person just the way he or she is. ​He then gives some practical advice on how to do that.

Fr. Mike teaches us the two questions we need to ask ourselves to figure out whether our procrastination is laziness or 'strategic procrastination'. He also draws the distinction between procrastination and sloth, and gives direction on how to break out of a pattern of sloth.

Sometimes we’re not everything we wish we could be. At times all we can do is act as if we believe, because we’re just not up to truly putting our faith in God​ at that moment​. In this episode, Fr. Mike explains why, in a sense, it’s ​OK to be a ​​“hypocrite” at those times.

By genuflecting before the tabernacle at church, we’re saying at least one of three things with our bodies. Those three things have to do with humility, service, and love. In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz explains how a simple kneel before we enter the pew can express so much.

God never ignores us, but sometimes we simply can’t hear him due to all of the distractions in our life. That’s why Fr. Mike Schmitz feels it’s necessary for people to become more comfortable with silence, because silence is God’s first language, and it is in silence that we will best hear him.

Before we receive Communion, we essentially tell God we are not worthy to receive him. In this episode, Fr. Mike explains why this is not a reflection upon us, but rather on God’s unconditional love.

Fr. Mike explains that Church teachings can develop without essentially changing. Using examples such as the doctrine of the Incarnation and abstaining from meat on Fridays, he shows how the heart of certain teachings always remains the same, even though our explanation or practice of them may evolve.

Being alone isn’t supposed to be scary. In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz shows us how solitude can be an invitation and doesn't have to lead to loneliness. God himself has revealed to us how he is a relationship of love between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Made in his image, we are also made for relationship—with God and with one another. When we feel alone, it is because we were made to give ourselves to others as God gives himself to us.

Being alone isn’t supposed to be scary. In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz shows us how solitude can be an invitation and doesn't have to lead to loneliness. God himself has revealed to us how he is a relationship of love between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Made in his image, we are also made for relationship—with God and with one another. When we feel alone, it is because we were made to give ourselves to others as God gives himself to us.

Sometimes we forget how much of an impact our words can make. In this episode, Fr. Mike reminds us that our words have the power to build up or destroy relationships and even whole communities. He points out some helpful distinctions between venting and gossiping and gives some guidelines for avoiding what he calls “the everyday betrayal.”

Fr. Mike helps us break down the barriers that may keep us from evangelizing. He points out that the best way to spread the gospel is just by being yourself, and leading people to Christ in your own way. Sometimes the greatest witness is a quiet one.

Fr. Mike Schmitz gives us some things to consider before getting a tattoo. If we do choose to place permanent marks on our bodies, Fr. Mike advises us to make sure the marks portray values we’ll always identify with and live up to, because tattoos do inevitably say something about who we are.

Are you expecting to find that special someone someday, and are you hoping you’ll live happily ever after? Be honest. We’ve all had that hope at some point. In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz addresses the difficulty of big decisions—like figuring out who to marry—and suggests changing our expectations when it comes to meeting “The One.”

In this episode, Fr. Mike critiques Zack Snyder’s Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Find out how the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist from Duluth pray during Holy Week, and maybe discover something you can use in your prayer life as we walk with Jesus from his entry into Jerusalem, to Calvary and the Resurrection. The unique prayer commitment Fr. Mike suggests in this episode follows Jesus through all of his experiences—from suffering to celebration—in this the holiest week of the year.

Fr. Mike Schmitz encourages us to be charitable this Lent, emphasizing how almsgiving is a foundational part of living the Catholic faith.

Contrite prayer can be an act of courage, because Lord knows there’s no harder time to pray than after we know we’ve sinned. In a way, we’re afraid to approach God. Yet, just as the only way to overcome our fears is by facing them, the only way to overcome our sin is by going to God after we sin. In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz explains how God wants a relationship with us and “will cleanse us from every wrongdoing” to build that relationship.

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz answers questions about the Catholic Faith from his listeners. In his first answer, he offers a few practical ways to be a truly helpful confirmation sponsor. Then, he reaches back to the time of Moses to explain the roots of the male priesthood.

When we’re caught up in life, it’s easy to forget that it’s going to end someday. So, will you be prepared? Fr. Mike suggests that we use Lent as a preparation for death, embracing it as a time to let go of earthly concerns and desires so that we can die to ourselves. If we do this, Christ will certainly lead us to resurrection.

There’s an ancient symbol that uses a ship or boat to represent the Catholic Church. In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz takes that analogy a step further, using it to explain how everything Christians love about their church, whichever one it may be, originally came from the flagship or mothership of Christianity.

Fr. Mike Schmitz explains why a Christian marriage has to be inside a church. With the marriage vows we aren’t just committing ourselves to our spouse. We are also saying in a very specific way that we will follow Christ. Marriage is inherently connected to Christianity, and it’s not just about us. It’s also about the church community to which we belong.

For this first week of Easter, Fr. Mike wants us to know how important we are to Jesus. When Jesus rose from the dead, the first people he encountered were Mary Magdalene and his disciples—the ones who believed in him. This Easter, because we believe in him, he comes to us first as well, and he tells us to go spread the Good News to the rest of the world.

There will be conflict and arguments in relationships; it’s inevitable. But, we don’t have to let those situations cause irreparable damage. In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz explains how conflict can help a couple move forward together. The key is to reassure each other that you’re both on the same team, and that you both have the same goal in mind—even though you may sometimes disagree when it comes to how to get there.

Prayer isn’t just another good thing to do; it’s absolutely necessary if we want to know God’s will in our lives and draw closer to him. The trouble is finding the time and willpower to pray. In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz suggests being a bit more intentional in our prayer lives, asking these four simple questions: When should I pray, where should I pray, what should I pray, and why should I pray?

Whether it’s our reputation as the smartest person in the class or office or a signature beard that makes us look like Chuck Norris, we all have something distinct that helps define us. In the end​,​ though, when everything else fades away, there’s only one part of our identity that matters. Find out what part that is in this video, in which Fr. Mike uses his beard to make a razor-sharp point. Yes ... his beard.

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In this video, Fr. Mike advises us to dwell in the present and bring into this moment what we learned from the past. He points out that, while it isn't healthy to live in the past, there is also a danger in leaving it behind completely.

Fr. Mike’s popular Ascension Presents video series in audio form.

The Church in its great wisdom has designed the liturgical calendar with the human spirit in mind. In this video, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the reasons for the seasons in the Church's calendar, with particular attention to the seasons of Advent and Christmas.

Did you know that Mary actually knew her child would save the world? In fact, she was saved around forty-seven years before Jesus died. Fr. Mike Schmitz simplifies the complex theology behind the Immaculate Conception in this video. Using a clever analogy or two, he demonstrates how Scripture alludes to the fact that Mary was immaculately conceived, and he explains why this solemnity is so important to the Church.

Sometimes when God tells us to wait he wants us to actively receive his grace for that moment. This is especially true during Advent. In this video, Fr. Mike Schmitz encourages us to prepare our souls for the arrival of Christ as we wait for Christmas Day.