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Ascension

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

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

As we discover the lives of the saints, it seems they endured quite a bit of suffering before receiving their eternal reward. It begs the question, is it worth it?
Fr. Mike reminds us that in this life, we will have suffering. The question is not, can you avoid suffering by avoiding Jesus? The question is, can your suffering be transformed by embracing Jesus?

How Being a Christian Will Affect Your Life (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)

You may have close friends in your life, but do you have virtuous friendships?
Fr. Mike Schmitz shares three kinds of friendship and explains that while it's important to have good friends, you need to have this special kind of friendship with at least one person in your life: virtuous friendship. 
Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour
October 20 - Detroit, MI [SOLD OUT]
October 21 - Sugar Land, TX
October 22 - Cedar Park, TX
October 23 - Fort Worth, TX
Join Fr. Mike live for an unforgettable event as he unpacks the parables of Jesus. This is your chance to experience his powerful message in person!

How to Get Better Friends

Big news! Ascension was selected by the USCCB to publish the long-awaited Second Edition of the Liturgy of the Hours!
You may have heard of the Liturgy of the Hours, but not quite like this. Fr. Mike Schmitz shares why this ancient prayer holds such a special place in his heart and how praying it can transform your relationship with God.
For updates and preorder opportunities, sign up at https://www.AscensionPress.com/LOTH

The Liturgy of the Hours Explained (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Fr. Mike Schmitz is back, reacting to powerful scenes from The Chosen. Find out which moments brought him to tears, which ones he wrestled with, and hear his honest perspective on how the series portrays the life of Christ.

Fr. Mike Schmitz Reacts to The Chosen

📖 Listen to Fr. Mike’s full recording of "The Imitation of Christ" with commentary, available now on the Ascension App! 
Or check out: https://ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics
Fr. Mike Schmitz introduces Thomas à Kempis’ classic, The Imitation of Christ and unpacks its central theme of detachment. He explains how Christian detachment differs from Buddhist detachment. 
Christian detachment is not indifference or rejection of the world, but rightly ordering our hearts. True detachment means recognizing every gift as belonging to God and being free to use them generously and in love.

Should Catholics Practice This Buddhist Principle? (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)

If you've been rocked by all of the death, violence, and destruction in the news these past few weeks, you are not alone. Fr. Mike offers guidance during this difficult time, and reflects on Charlie Kirk's words: "When people stop talking, that's when you get violence."
Fr. Mike filmed this video on September 12th, 2025 — two days after Charlie Kirk's assassination.

Fr. Mike on the Charlie Kirk Shooting & The Real Cause of Violence

How does someone become a saint? What steps and criteria does the Catholic Church follow in the canonization process?
Fr. Mike unpacks the journey to sainthood and reminds us that holiness begins with one simple thing, saying “yes” to God.

How Do People Become Saints? (Fr. Mike Explains the Canonization Process)

"Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)
Fr. Mike shares the exciting news of his new podcast, "Called"! Join us each week as Fr. Mike sits down with a new guest discussing how we're all called to live a more virtuous, generous and Christ-centered life. 
To learn more, check out: https://thecatholicinitiative.org/podcast/

Introducing Fr. Mike’s New Podcast: “Called”

It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 10 years since Fr. Mike first appeared on Ascension Presents! From day one, his wisdom, humor, and joy have inspired countless people on their faith journey. Whether you’ve been here since the very beginning or just discovered our channel, come join us as Fr. Mike takes a trip down memory lane, reacting to his very first Ascension Presents video!

Fr. Mike Reacts to His First Video Ever

Does silence ever feel uncomfortable? Do you fill the quiet with TV, music, or endless scrolling?
Fr. Mike explains why silence isn’t something to fear but something we desperately need, both in our daily lives and especially in prayer. While learning, entertainment, and even guided prayers can be good, true growth happens when we create space for silence and allow ourselves to hear the voice of God.

How to Be Okay with Silence

Everyone bears burdens and faces unseen challenges. Leading a life filled with love is often the simplest path to personal growth. 
In this discussion, Fr. Mike delves into extending grace to strangers. A small gesture of kindness, such as offering a smile or lending a helping hand, can cultivate a community of grace and love. He reminds us that everyone navigates life's complexities differently. Fr. Mike emphasizes that acts of kindness and compassion pave the way for increased empathy and understanding, even towards those we have yet to encounter.

A Simple Key to Extending Grace

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