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Ascension

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

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

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

Have you ever watched a confession scene and wondered how accurate it really is? Join Fr. Mike as he reacts to popular confession scenes in movies and tv shows!

Fr. Mike Reacts to Confession Scenes from Movies and TV Shows

Looking for a powerful book recommendation? Look no further. Fr. Mike’s new book Unshakeable is all about living a life of virtue in the midst of chaos.
Fr. Mike shares why he dedicated the book to his parents, the best advice they ever gave him, and the four simple words that can change everything: “Trust in the Lord.”

The Best Thing Fr. Mike Learned From His Parents

Do you feel lost in your loneliness?
Fr. Mike reminds us that throughout Scripture, loneliness shows up again and again, even Jesus himself experienced deep moments of isolation. If you’re feeling alone, know that you’re not the only one. In your loneliness, you can unite your heart to Christ’s, who truly understands what you're going through.

Is It Normal to Feel Lonely? Fr. Mike on Loneliness

Why do we "have" to love God? It seems very self-centered of God to demand our love. But is it? 
Today, Fr. Mike opens up the first sentence of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and helps us to understand more fully why God, who was never lonely in Heaven, chose to freely create us to be in relationship with Him.

If God Doesn't Need Us, Why Are We Here?

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