Episode notes
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. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
by Ascension · English · Devotional & Spiritual
Faith, pop culture, and headline reflections from Fr. Mike Schmitz.
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13 Aug 2026 · 10 min
The Most Underrated Virtue…
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 Support The…
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6 Aug 2026 · 6 min
“I’ve Been Thinking About This Everyday”
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…
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30 Jul 2026 · 7 min
Responding to my Conversation with Kim Zember on Same Sex Attraction
"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…
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16 Jul 2026 · 7 min
The Biggest Opportunity Most Catholics Ignore (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)
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. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
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9 Jul 2026 · 7 min
What Matters More Than Success
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? Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
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2 Jul 2026 · 9 min
Train Your Heart to Trust
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. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
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8 Oct 2026 · 7 min
The Key to a Good Life
Have you ever considered how even good things, like podcasts or audiobooks, can distract us from being fully present? In this video, Father Mike explores how constant input can keep us from experiencing God's first language: silence. Learn how break free from the noise, recognize your own thoughts and ideas, and better hear the voice of God. Ascension's Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition has arrived! Preorder your copy today! https://ascensionpress.com/LOTH Order your copy of, "Is God Bigger Than a Dragon?" today! https://ascensionpress.com/products/i... After helping millions of people…
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1 Oct 2026 · 18 min
The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries with Fr. Mike Schmitz! The Sorrowful Mysteries 00:00 The Holy Rosary 2:02 The Agony in the Garden 4:44 The Scourging at the Pillar 7:25 The Crowing with Thorns 10:11 The Carrying of the Cross 12:55 The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
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24 Sep 2026 · 14 min
The Power of Adoration
Fr. Mike Schmitz shares the words of Jesus that have changed his life: “Could you not watch with me one hour?” These words have deeply shaped Fr. Mike’s life as well as the life of Blessed Fulton Sheen, who made a daily holy hour. Whether it’s a full hour or just five quiet minutes, spending time with Jesus in the Eucharist can transform your life. Discover the power of simply being with Jesus and see how Eucharistic prayer has changed the lives of Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fulton Sheen. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
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17 Sep 2026 · 9 min
5 Books I Think Everyone Should Read
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. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
