The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Faith, pop culture, and headline reflections from Fr. Mike Schmitz.
Older episodes
- 49What Defines You?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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 50Tips for PrayingPrayer 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?Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 51Shifting into a New RelationshipThere 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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 52Prepare to DieWhen 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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 53Outdoor WeddingsFr. 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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 54Praying Through Holy WeekFind 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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 55Fr. Mike's Easter SpecialFor 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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 564 Reasons for AlmsgivingFr. Mike Schmitz encourages us to be charitable this Lent, emphasizing how almsgiving is a foundational part of living the Catholic faith.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 57Will I Ever Find the One?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.”Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 58Praying in a State of Mortal SinContrite 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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 59Aren't All Churches the Same?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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 60Batman V Superman ReviewIn this episode, Fr. Mike critiques Zack Snyder’s Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 61Confirmation Sponsors & Female PriestsIn 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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 62Can I Get a Tattoo?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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 63Will My Pet Be in Heaven?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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 64Venting or GossipSometimes 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.”Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 65Is Shyness Your Excuse?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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 66Adulting Level- ExpertThe 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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 67Do We Deserve God's Love?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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 68Can I Go to Confession Over the Phone?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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 69Dogma, Doctrine, and Meat on FridaysFr. 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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 703 Reasons Catholics GenuflectBy 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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 71Learning to Be AloneBeing 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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
- 72Procrastination Isn't Always LazinessFr. 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.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
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