Episodes

  • Where Do I Start with the Bible?

    Where Do I Start with the Bible?
    Jun 19 2025
    Feeling intimidated by the Bible? You’re not alone — but that shouldn’t keep you from opening it. Fr. Mike Schmitz explains why that feeling is normal and even good. He shares how to approach Scripture with humility and curiosity, and offers tools like The Bible in a Year podcast and the Great Adventure Bible Timeline to help you get started. Don’t wait until you feel ready, begin today! Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour July 9 - Vail, CO October 20 - Detroit, MI October 21 - Sugar Land, TX October 22 - Cedar Park, TX October 23 - Fort Worth, TX Join Fr. Mike live for an unforgettable event as he unpacks the parables of Jesus. This is your chance to experience his powerful message in person! 🙏
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    6 mins
  • What to Do with My Loneliness (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)

    What to Do with My Loneliness (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)
    Jun 12 2025
    Loneliness is real and loneliness is really difficult. How do I handle feeling alone and what does my loneliness mean? Fr. Mike speaks into the deep and painful experience of loneliness, especially in the Christian life. He reminds us that loneliness is not a sign of failure or weakness, but a reflection of our God-given longing for love and communion. While God is always near, Fr. Mike encourages us to be honest about our pain and to invite Jesus into that place — because even in our loneliness, we are never truly alone. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour July 9 - Vail, CO October 20 - Detroit, MI October 21 - Sugar Land, TX October 22 - Cedar Park, TX October 23 - Fort Worth, TX
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    5 mins
  • If You Feel Lost Right Now (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

    If You Feel Lost Right Now (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
    Jun 5 2025
    Feeling unsure about the road ahead? Do you catch yourself comparing your journey to everyone else’s? Fr. Mike has a message to anyone in a life transition who may feel lost or uncertain about what’s next. He reminds us that the whole point of the story is not what happens in the story; it’s who you become in the process. You’re not falling behind. You’re finding your way. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour October 20 - Detroit, MI October 21 - Sugar Land, TX October 22 - Cedar Park, TX October 23 - Fort Worth, TX
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    7 mins
  • Why We Keep Forgetting What We Believe as Catholics (Foundations of Faith Preview)

    Why We Keep Forgetting What We Believe as Catholics (Foundations of Faith Preview)
    May 29 2025
    Why do we recite the Creed every Sunday? Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dr. Edward Sri break down the purpose of the Creed in the Mass and uncover the fact that it isn't just about what we believe in, but who we believe in. This video is a brief excerpt from Foundations of Faith: A Journey Through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the ultimate way for your parish or small group to encounter the wisdom of the Catechism and deepen your understanding of the Catholic Faith (http://ascensionpress.com/catechismstudy) This dynamic, video-based program is filmed across 40 locations in 11 countries on 4 continents—taking you to the the places where our faith was explained and clarified by Church councils, the Church doctors, and the saints. This study is a spiritual pilgrimage that will transform the way you understand Catholic teachings and live the Catholic Faith. Led by renowned educators such as Dr. Edward Sri, Jeff Cavins, Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Fr. Mike Schmitz, and others, this comprehensive study walks you through the Catechism from beginning to end, unpacking its rich insights and showing you how to apply them to your daily life. Over 20 powerful sessions, you’ll explore the core beliefs of the Catholic Faith, discover the historic ecumenical councils, unfold the biblical context of the Catechism, and deepen your understanding of God’s plan for your life.
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    8 mins
  • Fr. Mike's Thoughts on Babies Crying

    Fr. Mike's Thoughts on Babies Crying
    May 22 2025
    Why do babies cry? Have you ever considered that their cries might have something to teach us? Fr. Mike explains that a baby's cry is an act of faith—they cry because they trust someone will hear, someone will care, and someone will come. In the same way, when we cry out to God in our moments of pain or loneliness, that too is an act of faith. And like a loving Father, He sees us, He cares, and He comes. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour October 20 - Detroit, MI October 21 - Sugar Land, TX October 22 - Cedar Park, TX October 23 - Fort Worth, TX
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    6 mins
  • How the Holy Spirit Guides the Election of the Pope

    How the Holy Spirit Guides the Election of the Pope
    May 15 2025
    How does the Holy Spirit guide the Church when a new pope is chosen? Fr. Mike explains the unique relationship between divine guidance and human decision-making in the papal election. Though the process can be slow, complicated, and even filled with disagreement, the Holy Spirit is still powerfully at work—just as He is in our everyday lives. To learn more about Pope Leo XIV, pre-order your copy of, "When the White Smoke Clears": https://ascensionpress.com/products/when-the-white-smoke-clears-a-guide-to-the-early-days-of-pope-leo-xiv?kx=03d8RdkdWYsj7Js0fI-L2sXIJR08xnuhKbFd2znlNmDo1V-4EAF588SwY55rxnO.TcpZhH
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    7 mins
  • We’ve Got a New Pope! What’s Next?

    We’ve Got a New Pope! What’s Next?
    May 13 2025
    Habemus Papam! We have a Pope — Pope Leo XIV! On this joyous occasion, Fr. Mike encourages us to welcome Pope Leo XIV with open hearts. He reminds us that before forming opinions or drawing comparisons to past popes, we should first offer him the respect, trust, and prayers he deserves as our Holy Father. To learn more about Pope Leo XIV, pre-order your copy of, "When the White Smoke Clears": https://ascensionpress.com/products/when-the-white-smoke-clears-a-guide-to-the-early-days-of-pope-leo-xiv?kx=03d8RdkdWYsj7Js0fI-L2sXIJR08xnuhKbFd2znlNmDo1V-4EAF588SwY55rxnO.TcpZhH Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour! May 19 - Washington, D.C. May 20 - Philadelphia, PA May 21 - Cincinnati, OH [SOLD OUT] May 22 - Nashville, TN
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    8 mins
  • How I Handle Haters

    How I Handle Haters
    May 8 2025
    Do you struggle to handle criticism well? Do you get defensive even when you know there’s room to grow? Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses how to handle criticism, exploring three primary approaches: denial, acceptance, and gratitude. He emphasizes the importance of discerning what part of the criticism is true, acknowledging those truths, and discarding the falsehoods to avoid unnecessary self-condemnation. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour! May 19 - Washington, D.C. May 20 - Philadelphia, PA May 21 - Cincinnati, OH [SOLD OUT] May 22 - Nashville, TN
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    7 mins