Fr. Mike Schmitz
Explore Fr. Mike's podcasts, videos, and books.
Fr. Mike's Podcasts
Advent Conversations: Waiting Well
Videos with Fr. Mike and various guests discussing his upcoming advent series, Waiting Well, suffering, and more.
The Bible in a Year
with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Catechism in a Year
with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Called (With Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Called (with Father Mike Schmitz) brings you powerful stories of ordinary people living extraordinary lives of service. Hosted by Father Mike Schmitz and brought to you by The Catholic Initiative in partnership with Ascension, each episode features conversations with individuals who have answered God’s call to serve others—from highly successful entrepreneurs to industry executives and community leaders. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your own journey or looking for practical ways to live your faith, Called will challenge you to see service not as obligation, but as invitation.
Fr. Mike's Homilies
See allFr. Mike's Homilies: Finding Meaning
So much of life is doing our duty. Doing what we are supposed to do. And yet, there are times when this means that we only “go through the motions.” There is a chance for us to do more, however…we can choose to grow. So often, we can spend our lives simply going through the motions, doing our duty, and nothing more. This is a recipe for discouragement. This study plan, "Growing Through the Motions: Passion or Duty?" addresses this difficulty. When we realize that God has a worthy goal for us all of our tasks take on incredible significance.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: Overcoming Obstacles and Temptations
Parabellum is a Latin word that means, "Prepare for War." When we are faced with the challenges and obstacles of following Christ, it is easy to become overwhelmed. But we do not have to solve all of the potential issues. We are simply called to face this problem and take the next step. Observe. Orient. Decide. Act. This four-step decision making model was developed by and used for the U.S. Military. It was designed to help soldiers react to unexpected events on the battlefield, or during the course of a mission. In terms of the spiritual life, we know that the devil constantly throws obstacles and temptations in the way of us growing a personal relationship with Jesus. The O.O.D.A. model can be adapted to our approach to the spiritual life to help us observe when we are being attacked spiritually, orient ourselves toward the good, and then decide to choose Jesus and act in accord with his will for our lives. In each day of this study plan, Fr. Mike will share a different aspect of how we can "prepare for war" against the devil, relying on God's strength at every turn so we can be assured of victory! The reflection questions at the bottom of the page each day will help you grow in your ability to identify temptation and surrender your heart to Jesus, the only one who can defend you.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: The Virtue of Humility
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less. The Book of Sirach makes the claim that the humble person is loved more than a giver of gifts. This study, "Eulogy Virtues," addresses this. But what does it mean to be humble? Does it mean what most of us automatically think of? Or does it mean something deeper...something freer? True humility gives a person the ability to pay attention. "
Fr. Mike's Homilies: How to Trust God
Fr. Mike Schmitz's "Insecure" homily series delves into the profound reality of living in a world where security and certainty are often illusions. Fr. Mike explores how moments of insecurity reveal our deep need for God’s mercy, peace, and strength. By addressing how insecurity can purify, strengthen, and root us more firmly in Christ, he invites us to trust in God’s presence even when our worldly anchors are shaken.
Fr. Mike's Homilies: Accepting God's Will
This reading plan focuses on Fr. Mike's "Main Character" Homily Series to help you overcome perfectionism, learn to rejoice always, and accept God's will for your life. When working through this plan: Listen: Begin each day by listening to Fr. Mike's Homily. Read: Prayerfully read the accompanying Bible verses to gain Scriptural insight. Consider: Ask yourself how the chosen passages relate to Fr. Mike's homily. If you are familiar with the passages, does pairing them with the homily help you see them in a new light? Reflect: Use the reflection questions to contemplate how you can grow in your relationship with God and discover practical ways to integrate him as the "main character".
Fr. Mike's Homilies: Confronting Fear
"Nothing to Fear" explores the powerful grip of fear and how it holds us back from living fully in God's purpose. Throughout the next four weeks, we’ll dive into common fears that affect us all, starting with the fear of rejection. This series aims to shed light on these fears, name them, and confront them through the lens of faith, courage, and God’s unwavering love. In this series, we'll learn how to transform our perspective, moving from paralysis and compromise to bold action and trust in God's plan for our lives.