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.

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 🙏

"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.

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.

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!

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

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.

"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?

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.

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.

What does Jesus mean when he tells us to “bear fruit”? Fr. Mike Schmitz explains that bearing fruit isn’t simply about being productive or avoiding laziness, it’s about who we are becoming and allowing God to transform our lives. How can you bear fruit today?

What does "Give us this day our daily bread" really mean? Fr. Mike Schmitz explores why Jesus teaches us to ask for "daily bread" and how this simple prayer invites us to trust God one day at a time.

Are men and women really that different? And if so, what do those differences reveal about how we relate to one another? Fr. Mike Schmitz explores how the differences between men and women are not reasons for division, but reminders of our need for one another. Rather than pitting the sexes against each other, our unique strengths and perspectives can help us pursue truth, navigate difficult decisions, and flourish together.

What's the difference between criticism and correction, and does it really matter? Fr. Mike Schmitz explains how to offer correction in a way that is both loving and effective. Instead of assuming motives, resorting to name-calling, or making personal attacks, he encourages us to focus on the facts. And when we're unsure of someone's intentions, choose trust over suspicion.

Are headlines, podcasts, and politics consuming your attention? Fr. Mike Schmitz encourages us to step away from the constant noise of news, politics, and our phones and turn instead to Scripture. In the Bible, we encounter the wisdom, truth, and peace that no news cycle can provide.

What do you say to someone when they're at their last moment of life? Fr. Mike Schmitz shares what he would tell someone who's dying and it might be different than what you think.

Fr. Mike wants everyone to be Catholic, but why? Isn't Catholicism just a list of rules? Fr. Mike Schmitz explains why the Catholic faith is about far more than simply “following rules.” Instead, it’s about encountering the goodness of God and experiencing the beauty of life with Him through the Catholic faith.

"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." Matthew 18:6 Fr. Mike Schmitz reminds us that our actions carry weight. He cautions us to remember that someone is always watching, and that we represent something greater than ourselves. Are our actions and behaviors leading others closer to God or closer to sin?

If you're a Christian and you follow Theo Von at all, you've probably heard about his reaction to an audience member calling in and getting vulnerable about his struggles. Theo Von responds by opening up about his ongoing spiritual journey and his struggles in vice and prayer. But Fr. Mike didn't choose to highlight this moment just because of Theo Von and his journey. Theo Von's vulnerability, honesty, and frankness reveal a lot about the fickleness of the human heart—and the incredible nature of God's mercy. Today, Fr. Mike wants you to meditate on the revelations Theo Von has had, and how they might reflect some of your own journey towards a closer union with God.

We can fall into two traps when it comes to the body: believing the body is nothing, or believing the body is everything. Both are distortions of the truth. Fr. Mike Schmitz reminds us that we are both body and soul. Your body is part of who you are, and your soul is part of who you are, so caring for both matter. At the same time, St. Pope John Paul II warned against the “cult of the body”, the idea that our value is determined by appearance, fitness, or physical perfection. Your worth is not defined by your body, but caring for your body can be an act of gratitude toward the One who gave it to you. How can you care for your body today?