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Ascension

Faith, pop culture, and headline reflections from Fr. Mike Schmitz.

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

In our fast-paced, modern world, it can be difficult to slow down, make time to read, and truly commit to learning.

If you’re looking for a good book to dive into though, Fr. Mike Schmitz shares some of his top book recommendations and explains why these books are worth taking the time to explore.

5 Books I Think Everyone Should Read

On Thursday September 24, 2026, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen will be beatified!

Fr. Mike Schmitz shares how Fulton Sheen has changed his life through the books he wrote, stories he told and the heroic virtue he exemplified. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, pray for us 🙏

Fulton Sheen Changed My Life

"If only I had wings like a dove that I might fly away and find rest... But I will call upon God, and the LORD will save me." Psalm 55:7, 17

Do you find yourself in the same spot as David? Whether it's just a season or you've been feeling it for a while, Fr Mike Schmitz reminds us to attend to the honest desires of our heart. 

We are not called to run away from responsibility, but if you're feeling burnt out or discouraged where you're at, it's time for a good conversation with the Lord, trusting that He will take care of you.

Overwhelmed by Your Responsibilities?

One of the scariest questions we can ask ourselves is, "What's God's will for my life?"

Fr. Mike Schmitz reminds us that God will never call us to a vocation that we don't want. Even though God has a plan for your life, He is good and will not force you to say yes to something you don't want. 

If you're angry or scared about the vocation you feel God is calling you to, don't ignore it, talk with Him about it.

Is God Calling You to a Vocation You Don’t Want?

Fr. Mike Schmitz reviews The Odyssey and Spider-Man!

Find out what Father liked, what he didn’t, and what he thinks could have made The Odyssey even better!

Fr. Mike Schmitz Reviews The Odyssey AND Spider-Man

There are four cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude. Yet how often do we think about these, let alone practice them?

Fr. Mike Schmitz shares why fortitude is his favorite virtue, how great saints like Maximillian Kolbe exercised fortitude in his daily life and how we can practice it in our everyday lives. If you want to dive deeper into virtue, Fr. Mike's book, Unshakeable, is the perfect place to start!

Order your copy of Fr. Mike's book, Unshakeable, today! https://ascensionpress.com/products/unshakeable-building-a-life-of-virtue-in-a-world-of-chaos

The Most Underrated Virtue…

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to forget our dignity and worth. However, Fr. Mike Schmitz reminds us that every person is worth more than the entire universe. Yet at every Mass, we still pray, "Lord, I am not worthy." 

How can both be true?

Fr. Mike unpacks this beautiful paradox of the Catholic faith. Our worth is immeasurable, but in the Eucharist, even the smallest fragment of the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ, is the greatest reality on earth. When we say, "Lord, I am not worthy," we're not denying our dignity. We're humbly acknowledging God's infinite holiness and our need for His mercy.

“I’ve Been Thinking About This Everyday”

"Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

Luke 12:51-53

Fr. Mike Schmitz shares how applicable these Bible verses are to us today. While addressing the controversy around his interview with Kim Zember, Fr. Mike also highlights the dangers of creating our own "version of Jesus" and how when we do that, division becomes easier and easier. 

In what ways have you been tempted to create a version of Jesus that fits your own preferences?

Responding to my Conversation with Kim Zember on Same Sex Attraction

Why can't Catholics scatter ashes? Why does the Church ask us to bury the dead?

Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the Catholic understanding of honoring the dead, explains why scattering ashes isn't permitted, and reveals what these practices teach us about the dignity of the human person and the promise of eternal life.

Why We Bury the Dead

Become a saint by saying "yes" to God, starting with the Mass.

Fr. Mike Schmitz explains why the Eucharist is God's greatest gift and why the saints made it the center of their lives. If we want to become holy, we can't ignore the place where Jesus gives Himself completely to us.

Don't settle for what's easy, discover why faithful participation in the Mass is essential on the path to sainthood.

The Biggest Opportunity Most Catholics Ignore (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)

During Holy Week, as we contemplate the last hours of Jesus’ life, we get an intimate look at how Jesus prays to his Father.

Starting with our Lord’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, we hear Jesus talking to God the Father about the upcoming moments of his life. He continues to pray through his Passion all the way until his last breath—a model that we as sons and daughters of God can follow as well. But what does Jesus show us about what it means to truly pray “Abba, Father”?

Ascension is proud to partner with authentically Catholic institutions and organizations committed to spreading the Gospel. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode, Ave Maria University.

Pray Like Jesus Prayed This Holy Week

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