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Episode OverviewDavid and Adam welcome Father Mike Schmitz to discuss the transformative power of prayer. With humor and candor, they explore the difference between merely saying prayers and truly praying, addressing how to cultivate a prayer life that aligns with God's will. Drawing from Saint John Chrysostom and Fr. Thomas Dubay, the conversation emphasizes the universal need for prayer, especially for laypeople navigating the challenges of daily life, and offers practical insights for moving from rote recitation to a deeper, relational encounter with God.Key Discussion PointsPrayer for All Vocations: Fr. Mike Schmitz challenges the assumption that monks have a deeper prayer life, citing Saint John Chrysostom's teaching that laypeople need prayer and scripture more than monks due to the “arrows and spears” of daily life—annoying bosses, irritating spouses, and bothersome kids. This resonates as a call for everyone to prioritize prayer, regardless of their state in life.From Saying to Praying: The hosts and Fr. Mike discuss the transition from reciting set prayers to engaging in mental prayer (e.g., Ignatian prayer, Lectio Divina). Fr. Mike shares a personal story of a silent retreat where a memorized psalm provided words when his own failed, highlighting the value of rote prayers as a foundation for deeper communion.Distractions in Prayer: The conversation addresses the common struggle of distractions, distinguishing between intentional distractions (e.g., checking a phone during prayer) and natural ones that God may use to purify prayer. Adam emphasizes the beauty of “wasting time” with God in contemplative presence, akin to an old couple silently enjoying each other's company, versus being distracted by external devices.Why Prayer Matters: Prayer is an act of faith, rooted in the belief that time spent with God transforms us into the person He calls us to be. Fr. Mike compares prayer's motivation to health practices like intermittent fasting: if you're convinced it makes a difference, you'll commit. Prayer changes us to love like Jesus, even when we feel inadequate.Overcoming Apathy and Ignorance: Referencing a humorous anecdote about a coach and player discussing “ignorance and apathy,” Fr. Mike stresses that convincing someone to pray requires sparking a desire to become more like Christ. Without an encounter with Jesus (the kerygma), prayer may seem irrelevant to those who don't yet care to grow in holiness.Practical Advice for Laymen: Fr. Thomas Dubay's blunt wisdom—“If you're content being a mediocre dad or mom, don't pray”—underscores that prayer is essential for excellence in any vocation. Fr. Mike encourages introducing children to mental prayer early, as seen in his summer camp where sixth graders learn Lectio Divina and Ignatian prayer.Featured GiftCatholic Woodworker Rosary: Fr. Mike receives an heirloom-quality rosary from The Catholic Woodworker, featuring handcrafted wood beads built to last. The hosts highlight its durability, even with young children handling it, and promote the official Catholic Man Show rosary.Spiritual TakeawayPrayer is not just a checkbox but an act of faith that transforms us into the image of Christ. Whether through memorized prayers that anchor us when words fail or mental prayer that fosters intimate communion, the key is presence with God. Laypeople, facing daily trials, need prayer as much as—if not more than—monks. By committing to prayer, even amidst distractions, we grow in love and align with God's will for our lives.Call to ActionGet a
Feeling intimidated by the Bible? You're not alone — but that shouldn't keep you from opening it. Fr. Mike Schmitz explains why that feeling is normal and even good. He shares how to approach Scripture with humility and curiosity, and offers tools like The Bible in a Year podcast and the Great Adventure Bible Timeline to help you get started. Don't wait until you feel ready, begin today! Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour July 9 - Vail, CO October 20 - Detroit, MI 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!
Tornado Watches, Snakes, and the Holy SpiritTornado Watch Context: Hosts record during a tornado watch in Tulsa, Oklahoma, joking about their indifference to watches (less severe than warnings) and the confusing terminology.David humorously claims to become a "seasoned meteorologist" each spring, sensing storms "in his bones" and using terms like "hook echo".Brief tangent on Ralph Nader, who ran for president (circa 2000, Bush vs. Gore) and claimed never to have eaten McDonald's, deemed unbelievable at the time due to McDonald's ubiquity and lack of stigma.Main DiscussionMinihan Household AdventuresPossum Incident: While Adam was away, his wife Haylee killed a possum in their chicken coop with a .44 Magnum (jokingly exaggerated), impressing Adam via text.Snake in the House: Upon returning from a trip, Adam's family found a large snake (not a rat snake, possibly a king snake) in their home.A child's blood-curdling scream alerted Haylee; Adam initially deferred to her but helped after learning of the snake.Snake was fast, striking, and required corralling kids into a closet for safety; Adam trapped it using a box and cardboard, later regretting not feeding it to their seven roosters.Diocesan Rat Snake Story: Adam recalls handling a 5+ foot rat snake at the Diocese of Tulsa early in his job, earning awe from coworkers and a social media post.Nashville Recording MishapsForgotten Suit Pants: At a black-tie event in Nashville with Fr. Mike Schmitz, Matt Walsh, Michael Knowles, and Harrison Butker, David forgot his patterned suit pants, non-replaceable due to the unique design.Father-in-law Dan O'Brien and Jim Spencer overnighted them via UPS, arriving 45 minutes before recording.Equipment Failure: Their recording case's main power supply cord was severed in transit, requiring significant pivoting.David predicted the need to “pivot” before the trip, likening their adaptability to NBA players; the weekend involved constant problem-solving but was ultimately fun.Catholic Radio Station LaunchMcAlester Station: David and Adam helped launch 90.9 FM in McAlester, Oklahoma, a full-power Catholic radio station built on a shoestring budget.Located on parish grounds (no studio costs, using existing internet/power), it reaches McAlester's community, including three correctional facilities (e.g., “Big Mac” maximum security prison).Launched on the Feast of the Ascension (moved to Sunday in Tulsa's mission diocese), aligning with the Great Commission to evangelize.Aims to evangelize incarcerated individuals without the red tape of prison ministry; David gave a speech post-Mass, nearly upstaged by Adam's readiness to intervene.Prayer request for the station's success.Eucharistic Procession in TulsaNational Eucharistic Procession Stop: Tulsa hosted a stop in the nationwide procession, attended by 500–800 people (David's estimate).Counter-evangelists (not protesters) with megaphones followed the procession, slandering the Church; persistent but civil, they lacked goodwill due to rudeness.Police (not necessarily Catholic) found them annoying; hosts advise listeners to prepare for similar disruptions at other stops.Defense of Faith Question: David ponders if modern Christians are too pacifist compared to Crusade-era defense of faith, citing G.K. Chesterton's The Ball and the Cross (an atheist's slander of Mary prompts a Catholic to challenge him to a duel).Asks Adam if the pendulum has swung too far from defending honor; discussion deferred to post-break.Break 1:...
Mike Schmitz returns to the Road to Macstock Conference and Expo to discuss his session, “Think Different: Using AI as Your Creative Copilot.” He explains how he uses AI not to automate the end product, but to enhance the early stages of the creative process—particularly brainstorming and idea generation. By reframing “hallucinations” as sparks of inspiration, Mike shares how large language models help overcome creative bottlenecks, reduce friction, and support consistency without sacrificing originality. He also highlights specific tools that allow independent creators to scale their reach more effectively and thoughtfully. This edition of MacVoices is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Get access to the MacVoices Slack and MacVoices After Dark by joining in at Patreon.com/macvoices. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:07 Road to Mac Stock with Mike Schmitz01:48 AI as Your Creative Copilot03:48 Exploring AI's Creative Potential09:52 Leveraging AI for Content Creation13:59 Tools Revolutionizing Creativity19:52 Removing Friction in Creation21:04 Using AI to Ship More21:54 MacStock Conference Details22:44 Where to Find Mike Schmitz Links: stock Conference and Expo Save $50 with the Mike's discount code: practicalpkm Save $50 with Chuck's discount code: macvoices50 Guests: Mike Schmitz is a nerd and an independent creator who talks about the intersection of faith, productivity, and tech He's a YouTuber, screencaster (ScreenCastsOnline), writer (The Sweet Setup), and co-hosts the Focused, Bookworm, and Intentional Family podcasts.His newest effort is PracticalPKM, where he teaches his personal approach to getting more done. Follow him on Twitter as _MikeSchmitz. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon http://patreon.com/macvoices Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect: Web: http://macvoices.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner http://www.twitter.com/macvoices Mastodon: https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner MacVoices Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/ MacVoices Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe: Audio in iTunes Video in iTunes Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss
Mike Schmitz returns to the Road to Macstock Conference and Expo to discuss his session, “Think Different: Using AI as Your Creative Copilot.” He explains how he uses AI not to automate the end product, but to enhance the early stages of the creative process—particularly brainstorming and idea generation. By reframing “hallucinations” as sparks of inspiration, Mike shares how large language models help overcome creative bottlenecks, reduce friction, and support consistency without sacrificing originality. He also highlights specific tools that allow independent creators to scale their reach more effectively and thoughtfully. http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV25171.mp3 This edition of MacVoices is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Get access to the MacVoices Slack and MacVoices After Dark by joining in at Patreon.com/macvoices. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:07 Road to Mac Stock with Mike Schmitz 01:48 AI as Your Creative Copilot 03:48 Exploring AI's Creative Potential 09:52 Leveraging AI for Content Creation 13:59 Tools Revolutionizing Creativity 19:52 Removing Friction in Creation 21:04 Using AI to Ship More 21:54 MacStock Conference Details 22:44 Where to Find Mike Schmitz Links: stock Conference and Expo Save $50 with the Mike's discount code: practicalpkm Save $50 with Chuck's discount code: macvoices50 Guests: Mike Schmitz is a nerd and an independent creator who talks about the intersection of faith, productivity, and tech He's a YouTuber, screencaster (ScreenCastsOnline), writer (The Sweet Setup), and co-hosts the Focused, Bookworm, and Intentional Family podcasts.His newest effort is PracticalPKM, where he teaches his personal approach to getting more done. Follow him on Twitter as _MikeSchmitz. Support: Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon http://patreon.com/macvoices Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect: Web: http://macvoices.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner http://www.twitter.com/macvoices Mastodon: https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner MacVoices Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/ MacVoices Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe: Audio in iTunes Video in iTunes Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher: Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss
Loneliness is real and loneliness is really difficult. How do I handle feeling alone and what does my loneliness mean? Fr. Mike speaks into the deep and painful experience of loneliness, especially in the Christian life. He reminds us that loneliness is not a sign of failure or weakness, but a reflection of our God-given longing for love and communion. While God is always near, Fr. Mike encourages us to be honest about our pain and to invite Jesus into that place — because even in our loneliness, we are never truly alone. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour July 9 - Vail, CO October 20 - Detroit, MI October 21 - Sugar Land, TX October 22 - Cedar Park, TX October 23 - Fort Worth, TX
Feeling unsure about the road ahead? Do you catch yourself comparing your journey to everyone else's? Fr. Mike has a message to anyone in a life transition who may feel lost or uncertain about what's next. He reminds us that the whole point of the story is not what happens in the story; it's who you become in the process. You're not falling behind. You're finding your way. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour October 20 - Detroit, MI October 21 - Sugar Land, TX October 22 - Cedar Park, TX October 23 - Fort Worth, TX
In this personal episode of The SavvyCast, Jamie opens up about her and her husband Zane's spiritual journeys. After decades of shared faith in the Church of Christ and later at an evangelical nondenominational church, Zane made the decision to convert to Catholicism. Jamie shares her honest thoughts, how they've navigated this change in their marriage, and the resources that have helped her better understand Catholicism as a lifelong Protestant. This episode offers insight for anyone navigating faith differences within a marriage or close relationship. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Jamie shares how she and Zane were both raised in the Church of Christ before moving to Church of the Highlands 20 years ago. The gradual journey that led Zane to convert to Catholicism after years of personal study and theological research. What has helped Jamie and Zane navigate their faith differences in their marriage. How meaningful and insightful conversations with Catholic friends helped Jamie feel understood. Jamie's experience connecting with Zane's parish priest, who was also raised Protestant. How building relationships in Zane's parish has helped her not establish the classic “Protestant vs. the Catholic Church” mindset. What she's doing to learn, grow, and better understand Catholic beliefs, even while remaining Protestant. RESOURCES & LINKS: Catechism in a Year Podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz on Apple Podcasts RATE & REVIEW: If you found this episode helpful, would you take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and a short review on your favorite podcast platform? Your feedback helps The SavvyCast grow and continue serving women with content that empowers us all to be our savviest selves! ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... Jamie & Zane: Impactful Quotes We Love & Live By Tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube How Words Can Kill Intimacy with Zane Tarence Tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
Why do we recite the Creed every Sunday? Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dr. Edward Sri break down the purpose of the Creed in the Mass and uncover the fact that it isn't just about what we believe in, but who we believe in. This video is a brief excerpt from Foundations of Faith: A Journey Through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the ultimate way for your parish or small group to encounter the wisdom of the Catechism and deepen your understanding of the Catholic Faith (http://ascensionpress.com/catechismstudy) This dynamic, video-based program is filmed across 40 locations in 11 countries on 4 continents—taking you to the the places where our faith was explained and clarified by Church councils, the Church doctors, and the saints. This study is a spiritual pilgrimage that will transform the way you understand Catholic teachings and live the Catholic Faith. Led by renowned educators such as Dr. Edward Sri, Jeff Cavins, Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Fr. Mike Schmitz, and others, this comprehensive study walks you through the Catechism from beginning to end, unpacking its rich insights and showing you how to apply them to your daily life. Over 20 powerful sessions, you'll explore the core beliefs of the Catholic Faith, discover the historic ecumenical councils, unfold the biblical context of the Catechism, and deepen your understanding of God's plan for your life.
Coming to you live from the Courage Under Fire conference in Nashville with this special edition of the LOOPcast, featuring guests appearances from Fr. Mike Schmitz, Matt Walsh, Harrison Butker, and Michael Knowles.This show is sponsored, in part, by Holy Heroes!Go to https://www.holyheroes.com/men and order NOW to receive the expanded 2nd edition with both FREE Prayer cards!EMAIL US: loopcast@catholicvote.orgSUPPORT LOOPCAST: www.loopcast.orgAll opinions expressed on LOOPcast by the participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CatholicVote.
Why do babies cry? Have you ever considered that their cries might have something to teach us? Fr. Mike explains that a baby's cry is an act of faith—they cry because they trust someone will hear, someone will care, and someone will come. In the same way, when we cry out to God in our moments of pain or loneliness, that too is an act of faith. And like a loving Father, He sees us, He cares, and He comes. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour October 20 - Detroit, MI October 21 - Sugar Land, TX October 22 - Cedar Park, TX October 23 - Fort Worth, TX
Tune in for a special rebroadcast of my interview on the Zen Commuter podcast with the wonderfully insightful Thom Walters. Thom, whose voice brings the comfort of Henry Cavill and the wisdom of Fr. Mike Schmitz, and I dive into meditation practices, self-care, and deepening mindfulness. It's a conversation that feels like catching up with an old friend. Don't miss this delightful episode, and be sure to explore more of Thom's work at [Zen Commuter](https://www.zencommuter.com). Join us and find your daily calm!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/find-your-daily-calm/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Fr. Mike Schmitz's $100 “Parables Tour” raises serious questions about the commercialization of ministry. Why is the Church charging for what Jesus gave freely? In this episode, I examine what this model says about the gospel, money, and the priorities of the modern Church.
Fr. Mike Schmitz's $100 "Parables Tour" raises serious questions about the commercialization of ministry. Why is the Church charging for what Jesus gave freely? In this episode, I examine what this model says about the gospel, money, and the priorities of the modern Church.
Habemus Papam! We have a Pope — Pope Leo XIV! On this joyous occasion, Fr. Mike encourages us to welcome Pope Leo XIV with open hearts. He reminds us that before forming opinions or drawing comparisons to past popes, we should first offer him the respect, trust, and prayers he deserves as our Holy Father. To learn more about Pope Leo XIV, pre-order your copy of, "When the White Smoke Clears": https://ascensionpress.com/products/when-the-white-smoke-clears-a-guide-to-the-early-days-of-pope-leo-xiv?kx=03d8RdkdWYsj7Js0fI-L2sXIJR08xnuhKbFd2znlNmDo1V-4EAF588SwY55rxnO.TcpZhH Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour! May 19 - Washington, D.C. May 20 - Philadelphia, PA May 21 - Cincinnati, OH [SOLD OUT] May 22 - Nashville, TN
Do you struggle to handle criticism well? Do you get defensive even when you know there's room to grow? Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses how to handle criticism, exploring three primary approaches: denial, acceptance, and gratitude. He emphasizes the importance of discerning what part of the criticism is true, acknowledging those truths, and discarding the falsehoods to avoid unnecessary self-condemnation. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour! May 19 - Washington, D.C. May 20 - Philadelphia, PA May 21 - Cincinnati, OH [SOLD OUT] May 22 - Nashville, TN
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we'll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision.
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we'll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision.
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we'll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision. Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." O God, we pray in union with the whole Church for the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Cardinals. Holy Spirit, we ask you to guide the Cardinals through the conclave and grant them wisdom, courage, hope, and charity. We pray that the Cardinals may listen attentively to you, and ask you to grant them the faith to discern your holy will. Heavenly Father, we beseech you, protect and guide your Church during this conclave. Grant us, in your great love, a Pope who guides your Church to grow in faithfulness towards you. May he be a shepherd of profound faith and hope, leading your Church ever closer to you. We pray, in Jesus' name, together with the intercession of Mary and all the Saints. “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.”
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we'll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision.
It looked good. The acting was great. The plot was interesting. But what was at the heart of the hit movie Conclave? And what can we learn ahead of this real-life conclave? Fr. Mike Schmitz gives us his take on the movie and dissects the problematic assumptions behind Conclave—and encourages us in our own faith journeys. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMike... May 19 - Washington, D.C. May 20 - Philadelphia, PA May 21 - Cincinnati, OH [SOLD OUT] May 22 - Nashville, TN 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!
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we'll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision. John 17:21: "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world, but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of it. Sanctify them by your truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. For their sake I sanctify myself, that they too may be sanctified by the truth." O God, we pray in union with the whole Church for the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Cardinals. Holy Spirit, we ask you to guide the Cardinals through the conclave and grant them wisdom, courage, hope, and charity. We pray that the Cardinals may listen attentively to you, and ask you to grant them the faith to discern your holy will. Heavenly Father, we beseech you, protect and guide your Church during this conclave. Grant us, in your great love, a Pope who guides your Church to grow in faithfulness towards you. May he be a shepherd of profound faith and hope, leading your Church ever closer to you. We pray, in Jesus' name, together with the intercession of Mary and all the Saints. “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.”
Join Fr. Mike Schmitz for the next 9 days as we pray a novena leading up to the Papal Conclave. Each day, we'll lift up the Cardinal electors as they prepare to discern the next pope, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide this historic decision. John 16:13: "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own but will only repeat what he has heard. He will receive what is from me and announce it to you." O God, we pray in union with the whole Church for the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Cardinals. Holy Spirit, we ask you to guide the Cardinals through the conclave and grant them wisdom, courage, hope, and charity. We pray that the Cardinals may listen attentively to you, and ask you to grant them the faith to discern your holy will. Heavenly Father, we beseech you, protect and guide your Church during this conclave. Grant us, in your great love, a Pope who guides your Church to grow in faithfulness towards you. May he be a shepherd of profound faith and hope, leading your Church ever closer to you. We pray, in Jesus' name, together with the intercession of Mary and all the Saints. “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.”
In the wake of Pope Francis's passing, Fr. Mike Schmitz shares a powerful reflection on loss, legacy, and the enduring mission of the Church. He reminds us that while every soul is uniquely irreplaceable, the roles we hold can be entrusted to others because our identity is rooted not in what we do, but in who we are. May this truth bring you great hope as we look ahead to the future of the Church, and reflect on our own lives. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMike...! May 19 - Washington, D.C. May 20 - Philadelphia, PA May 21 - Cincinnati, OH [SOLD OUT] May 22 - Nashville, TN 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!
Do you struggle to get much out of prayer? Do you feel like God's not speaking to you? Today, Fr. Mike Schmitz invites us to deepen our prayer life by asking two essential questions: “What am I looking for?” and “What am I listening for?” Drawing from the rich tradition of Ignatian spirituality, he guides us in using our imagination and five senses to cultivate a more intimate and personal encounter with God. Whether you're new to prayer or seeking a more profound connection, this practical approach can transform your spiritual practice. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour! May 19 - Washington, D.C. May 20 - Philadelphia, PA May 21 - Cincinnati, OH [SOLD OUT] May 22 - Nashville, TN 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!
A new "Catholic Classics" season with Fr. Mike Schmitz is coming this fall! In the meantime, Ascension has released a new book in the Catholic Classics series titled "Saints of the First Monasteries." Fr. Boniface Hicks, a contributor to the book, joins Fr. Gregory Pine to explore the key patristic texts featured in the book and the lives of early saints, including St. Anthony, St. Benedict, and St. Basil. They highlight the significance of monastic traditions and the profound spiritual lessons these saints imparted that remain relevant for living a holy life today. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "SOUL" to 33-777.
As we journey through Holy Week, let's pause before rushing to Easter. This sacred time invites us to reflect deeply on Jesus' message to His disciples and to us: "Stay with me." Today, Fr. Mike Schmitz emphasizes the power of simply being present with Jesus. He reminds us that during this solemn week, Jesus isn't asking for our perfection or strength — He desires our presence. By staying with Him, we open ourselves to the transformative grace of Holy Week. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour! May 19 - Washington, D.C. May 20 - Philadelphia, PA May 21 - Cincinnati, OH [SOLD OUT] May 22 - Nashville, TN 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!
Do miracles occur more frequently in the Bible or in today's world? Why do some of my prayers for miracles seem unanswered? Today, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the mystery of miracles, explaining how they are recognized and validated in the Catholic Church, and exploring why God sometimes grants miracles and other times does not. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour! May 19 - Washington, D.C. May 20 - Philadelphia, PA May 21 - Cincinnati, OH [SOLD OUT] May 22 - Nashville, TN 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!
Attending Sunday Mass is essential in the Catholic faith, and intentionally missing Mass is a mortal sin, which requires confession before you can receive communion again. However, did you know that if you have a serious and legitimate reason for being unable to attend Mass, you can request a dispensation from your priest? Today, Fr. Mike explains that while missing Mass and requesting a dispensation should not become a regular occurrence, it is possible under certain valid circumstances. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour! May 19 - Washington, D.C. May 20 - Philadelphia, PA May 21 - Cincinnati, OH [SOLD OUT] May 22 - Nashville, TN 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!
This episode was recorded on February 13th, 2025. Bobby Angel, an author, speaker, and personal mentor refined by the CatholicPsych Institute, devoted nearly a decade to teaching theology and philosophy and serving as a high school minister. Alongside his wife, Jackie, they frequently share insights on Christian marriage and discernment through podcasts and YouTube media. Bobby has penned the book Gaming and the Heroic Life, and jointly authored Pray, Decide, and Don't Worry with his wife and Fr. Mike Schmitz. The couple, blessed with five children, resides in Dallas, Texas. Find more from Bobby: Jackie and Bobby: https://jackieandbobby.com/ Sophia Institute: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-postmodern-predicament/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeXS0cAkuTPppn2xuQVubENOZl1Nxh_Ia&si=6xBPKQGvDIQTqh67 Catholic Psych: https://catholicpsych.com/bobby Connect with me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tammy.m.peterson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TammyPetersonPodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tammypetersonpodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tammy1Peterson Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/TammyPetersonPodcast
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is so much more than a reference book. In this special edition of All Things Catholic Fr. Mike Schmitz joins Dr. Sri at the SEEK 25 conference to discuss the significance of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. They discuss how the Catechism serves as a vital resource for understanding the Church's teachings and deepening one's prayer life. Discover practical ways to engage with this incredible treasure of the Faith so you can grow closer to Christ! Snippet from the Show "The Catechism is not just a reference book; it's a guide for life. _ _ For full shownotes, visit Ascensionpress.com/Allthingscatholic, or text ALLTHINGSCATHOLIC to 33-777 for weekly shownotes sent to your inbox.
My good friend Tori Flattery is the host of the "Sacrifice of Praise" podcast, and had me on last week to talk about Iowa Catholic Radio, the history of the Man Up show, and the event with Fr. Mike Schmitz in Des Moines this Wednesday. Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows: - Be Not Afraid with Fr. PJ McManus - Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson - Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen - Man Up! with Joe Stopulus - The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner - The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith - The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr - Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle
Are you a child of the light or a child of darkness? Today, Fr. Mike reminds us that, though we are all born with original sin, God offers us the transformative gift of baptism, bringing us into His Kingdom of light. Let us not delay in surrendering our lives to Christ through the sacrament of baptism. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour! May 19 - Washington, D.C. May 20 - Philadelphia, PA May 21 - Cincinnati, OH [SOLD OUT] May 22 - Nashville, TN 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!
This week we are recapping a special event we were invited to! With a few other Trail Blazers fans, we got to meet and talk to Assistant GMs Andrae Patterson and Mike Schmitz. Both were a delight of course! We're not reporting, we're just vibin' about what we heard, how we interpreted it, and what stuck with us. Topics include team building, player improvement, and leadership. We also ate Ranch Pizza in the club level and we might never go back to our regular seats. Plus! We answer listener questions about leadership, surprise s and the coach1:00 Audra was a courtside kid! 7:00 Deni Avdija is huge9:00 Adding "Oops I Did it Again" to the playlist11:00 “Chalk Talk” event with Andrae Patterson and Mike Schmitz16:20 Overall impressions of the event21:00 Team building thoughts22:00 Players they talked the most about24:30 Value and opportunity31:40 Not expecting big changes in the off season40:00 Young veterans43:00 Leadership (and question from @BasketballJones)45:00 What player has surprised us the most (From @Hecubus72)52:00 Rose spots a ref56:10 Question from @BrandonMullen regarding coaching1:05:00 Phoenix is run like its run by an eight year old1:07:00 Tara's take: its no fair that Club level are the only ones who get access to Ranch Pizza1:10:00 Rose's take is a personal health update. Join us on Discord! It's a place where we can share our love for the Blazers, talk about games, and get to know other Blazer fans. Kind of like Twitter but it's not. There are different channels with different topics and you can join in where you want, and ignore the stuff you don't want to see. Give it a try! You can also find us on BlueSky @wehaveatake, @tcbbiggs @roselharding
When you think of holiness, what comes to mind? Is it a saint who has never stumbled? Does the idea of holiness feel out of reach when you're grappling with your own brokenness or the weight of your sins? Today, Fr. Mike reminds us that the journey to holiness isn't always a straight path. There are both good days and bad. Yet, despite our flaws and failures, God's grace and mercy remain abundant, offering hope and renewal. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour! May 19 - Washington, D.C. May 20 - Philadelphia, PA May 21 - Cincinnati, OH [SOLD OUT] May 22 - Nashville, TN 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!
Should you give things up for Lent, or take new things on? Is it better to pray more, or to give more of your time away? How does almsgiving fit into all of this? This Lent, Fr. Mike wants to refocus your efforts by trying a new idea: do something with zero benefit to yourself. This is how to do that and why it works. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour! May 19 - Washington, D.C. May 20 - Philadelphia, PA May 21 - Cincinnati, OH May 22 - Nashville, TN 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!
To support Seeking Excellence and the growing Crankfield family, join us on Locals at https://seekingexcellence.locals.com/landing/videoAccording to Fr. Mike Schmitz, there is a primary temptation for men and a primary temptation for women that go hand in hand to destroy happiness in marriage. In this episode, we break down those temptations and talk through the virtues that help counter these vices. We also share practical examples of how we try to fight against these temptations in our marriage. Chapters02:54 Understanding Gender Roles and Virtues08:34 Masculine and Feminine Virtues Explained11:18 The Importance of Protection, Provision, and Leadership17:08 The Greatest Temptations for Men and Women23:33 The Fall in Eden and Its Implications on Gender Roles31:26 Love and Respect in Relationships42:05 The Journey of Growth and Understanding
In this episode, we talk about spiritual mentorship and being formed in Jesus. We reflect on the spiritual mentors who have journeyed with us and share stories about the lessons that have shaped who we are today. We also talk about why comparison crushes our ability to receive, our calling to make disciples of all nations, and how the daily witness of our lives is an answer to this call. Heather's One Thing - Fix You (Live from the O2 Arena) by Jacob Collier and Chris Martin Sister Miriam's One Thing - Dr. Christin McIntyre on the Restore the Glory Podcast and her lectures on Thomistic Psychology (Part 1) (Part 2) Michelle's One Thing - Dr. Mary Lou and Chris O'Grady and letting us use their beach home Announcement: Join us for our Lenten Study beginning March 5th, 2025 as we journey through “Jesus and the Jubilee: The Biblical Roots of the Year of God's Favor“ by Dr. John Bergsma. We look forward to sitting at the feet of a leading scholar as we unpack what the Lord has in store for us in the year of Jubilee. Order your copy at the St. Paul Center with promo code “ABIDE15” for 15% off. There are also bulk discounts available. The St. Paul Center just restocked their inventory so they have plenty of books for you to order! Journal Questions: Who has mentored me throughout my life? Who have I mentored throughout my life? How have I failed to acknowledge the humanity of my mentors? What intentional “yeses” can I give to mentoring or being mentored in this season? Discussion Questions: What were the practical ways that you were able to receive mentorship in your life? What parts of the Face of God did my mentors reveal to me despite their own brokenness? How have your peers mentored you in different seasons? Who can you help discover & release their gifts to the world? Quote to Ponder: “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he listens to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” (Pope Paul VI, On Evangelization in the Modern World) Scripture for Lectio: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:14-15) Sponsor - Hallow: This episode is sponsored by Hallow, the #1 prayer app in the world with over 10,000 prayers, meditations, and music to help you find peace and grow closer to God. Hallow's annual Pray40 challenge for Lent is a powerful way to dive deeper into the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. This year's Pray40 is called The Way and focuses on the writings of St. Josemaría Escrivá and the story of Servant of God Takashi Nagai. You can join Sr. Miriam as well as other Christian voices like Jonathan Roumie, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Mark Wahlberg, actor Chris Pratt, and more for this 40-day journey to the cross. As we meditate on the lives of those who follow Christ, we'll see that despite the noise and distraction of today, Jesus died on the cross so that we might know His love and, ultimately, eternal life. We need only to follow His Way. Get 3 months free of Hallow at hallow.com/abide Timestamps: 00:00 - Hallow 01:23 - Intro 02:15 - Welcome 03:26 - The Loss of a Mentor 05:20 - Receiving and Giving 06:40 - Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote 07:16 - Michelle's Mentors 11:26 - Sister's Mentors 15:02 - Heather's Mentors 18:04 - Sitting at Each Other's Feet 18:50 - St. Pope John Paul II 19:47 - The Next Generation 22:06 - Spiritual and Biological Grandparents 25:04 - We are Called to Disciple 26:36 - Where You are Standing is Holy Ground 28:13 - Giving Our Yes to Jesus 30:56 - Speaking Blessings 32:10 - One Things
“My God, my God why have you abandoned me?” Psalm 22:1 Are you praying everyday but still suffering? Are you doing all the right things but your heart is still broken? Fr. Mike shares with us today that God doesn't promise all our desires, but promises that He will be with us though them all, that He loves us and the He hears every one of our prayers and gives us what we need. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour! March 1 - North Charleston, SC May 19 - Washington, D.C. May 20 - Philadelphia, PA May 21 - Cincinnati, OH May 22 - Nashville, TN 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!
Are you afraid to approach God? Jesus says, "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them... But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you." Matthew 6:5-6 Fr. Mike reminds us that God sees us, notices us and cares for us. Don't be afraid to approach the throne of grace. Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour!
In this episode, we welcome Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR to talk about his podcast Rosary in a Year. He shares the inspiration behind his podcast and the importance of meditating on and understanding the mysteries of our faith. We also reflect on prayer being something received not produced, how the Rosary specifically answers the cry of our hearts to learn how to pray, and how Mary intercedes for us within this prayer. Our desire is that Fr. Mark-Mary's podcast will be an aid as you take the next step deeper in your prayer life. Heather's One Thing - Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe Heather's Other One Thing - Sharing the Gospel with Our Lives: A Relational Approach to Catholic Youth Ministry by Bob Rice Sister Miriam's One Thing - Creamy Chicken Rice Soup Recipe Michelle's One Thing - The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal Fr. Mark-Mary's One Thing - Christ in the City Missionaries Other Resources Mentioned: Rosary in a Year Podcast on Spotify, Apple, Ascension's Website (or app) Announcement: Join us for our Lenten Study beginning March 5th, 2025 as we journey through “Jesus and the Jubilee: The Biblical Roots of the Year of God's Favor“ by Dr. John Bergsma. We look forward to sitting at the feet of a leading scholar as we unpack what the Lord has in store for us in the year of Jubilee. Order your copy at the St. Paul Center with promo code “ABIDE15” for 15% off. Amazon has very limited copies, so we recommend you order from St. Paul Center to ensure you receive your copy before Lent begins! Journal Questions: What has my relationship been with the Rosary? Do I often perceive the Rosary to be a formulaic task or a channel of grace? How have I experienced a strengthening of my “concentration muscle” in the past? Do I see prayer as something I produce, or something I receive? Discussion Questions: How were you formed in how to pray the Rosary? What obstacles do you experience when praying the Rosary? What do you desire for your relationship with Our Blessed Mother? How can I enter more fully into the Rosary during this Jubilee Year of Hope? Quote to Ponder: "Mary was the first person to take the 'way' to enter the Kingdom of God that Christ opened, a way which is accessible to the humble, to all who trust in the word of God and endeavor to put it into practice." (Pope Benedict XVI) Scripture for Lectio: “Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” (John 19:27) Sponsor - Ascension: Join Fr. Mark-Mary Ames and Ascension Press for a new installment of the “In a Year” series with the new Rosary in a Year podcast, which debuted in January as the #1 podcast in the U.S.! The podcast's host, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, takes listeners on a step-by-step journey that will change how they approach the Rosary—and prayer in general—no matter where they are in their spiritual life. By starting small and adding on over time, listeners will find themselves falling more in love with this powerful Marian devotion, becoming a source of grace for the whole world. In six different phases throughout the year, the podcast builds up from just an “Our Father", three “Hail Mary's”, and a “Glory Be” at the beginning, to joyfully praying the entire Rosary together by the end. Along the way, listeners will learn the basics of prayer, discover the Biblical roots of the Rosary, and learn to meditate on each mystery like never before with help from Sacred Scripture, the writings of the saints, and Sacred Art. You can listen to the podcast and download the Rosary in a Year Prayer guide by visiting our website here. Whether you're already listening every day or this is your first time hearing about the podcast, it's never too late to start and there is no better place to listen to Rosary in a Year than in the Ascension app. You'll get exclusive content and special features you won't find anywhere else, like full transcripts of each episode, the full text of the prayers and litanies Fr. Mark-Mary shares in the podcast, references to Sacred Scripture and the Catechism, images of sacred art, and much more that help you dive even deeper into each reflection on the Rosary. You can also pray all four mysteries of the Rosary with recordings from Fr. Mark-Mary, Fr. Mike Schmitz, and Jeff Cavins, all for free in the Ascension app. Download the Ascension App on your smartphone or tablet from wherever you get your apps, or by visiting https://link.ascension-app.com/Abide15 Additionally, you can get 15% off the following Rosary in a Year resources by clicking the links and using the promo code ABIDE15 at checkout: Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide (preorder) How to Pray a Better Rosary Rosary in a Year 5 Decade Gemstone Rosary (preorder) Timestamps: 00:00 - Ascension 01:33 - Intro 02:26 - Welcome 03:20 - Fr. Mark-Mary 09:30 - Guiding Quote and Scripture Verse 09:59 - Inspiration for Rosary in a Year 13:16 - A Podcast for Formation in Prayer 15:00 - Mary and the Rosary 18:12 - Organization of the Podcast 22:18 - Prayer is Something Received 25:08 - Father's Hope for the Podcast 27:37 - One Things
I was listening to Fr. Mike Schmitz talking about the five second rule in regard to food on the floor. But, at the same time I was reading a book about a different five second rule that can literally change your life, in five seconds. ---------- Hi there! Trapper Jack here. You are familiar with the five second rule, right? It's when you drop a piece of food on the floor and proclaim, ‘five second rule,' and it now becomes OK to eat. But there is another five second rule. While talking to Jenny, a God incident occurred, and a reference to a book called the Five Second Rule. Jenny heard something that she needed to hear to change her prayer life and deepen her relationship with God. It's one of those Touched by Heaven moments that's within the Touched by Heaven Podcast. It's always so cool when it happens. And it happens more than once in this episode. Amid all of this is Jenny's story. We see the hand of God in finding her husband. We see the hand of God in Jenny's dreams. We once again see how our angels protect us and help guide us. I love this conversation Because everything we want and pray for is right there at our fingertips … In about five seconds. Enjoy the podcast. ---------- Share Your Story If you have a Touched by Heaven moment that you would like to share with Trapper, please leave us a note at https://touchedbyheaven.net/contact Our listeners look forward to hearing about life-changing encounters and miraculous stories every week. Stay Informed Trapper sends out a weekly email. If you're not receiving it, and would like to stay in touch to get the bonus stories and other interesting content that will further fortify your faith. Join our email family by subscribing on https://trapperjackspeaks.com Become a Patron We pray that our listeners and followers benefit from our podcasts and programs and develop a deeper personal relationship with God. We thank you for your prayers and for supporting our efforts by helping to cover the costs. Become a Patron and getting lots of fun extras. Please go to https://patreon.com/bfl to check out the details. More About Trapper Jack Trapper has CD's of his talks available for you to listen to and share. Order your CD now at our online store https://trapperjackspeaksstore.com NEW - Downloads of Trapper's Talks are now available on Patreon at https://patreon.com/bfl/shop ---------- Visit Our Website: https://TrapperJackSpeaks.com Patreon Donation Link: https://www.patreon.com/bfl Purchase our Products · CD Sales: https://trapperjackspeaksstore.com/ · Talk Downloads: https://www.patreon.com/bfl/shop Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TouchedByHeaven.TrapperJack Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trapperjack/ Join us on X/Twitter: https://x.com/TrapperJack1
What does true humility really look like? Some may believe that a humble person must diminish themselves, becoming small or insignificant. But is that truly the essence of humility? Fr. Mike Schmitz offers a deeper perspective on what it means to be truly humble. He explains that humility actually requires both confidence and honesty. When we speak the truth and live authentically in that truth, we embody the heart of true humility.
Welcome to the official start of the Bible in a Year Podcast! We'll begin reading the Bible in the episode "Day 1: In the Beginning", but before we dig into scripture, Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike Schmitz to lay out the context for the Early World period (Genesis 1-11). They discuss the type of scripture we'll encounter (Hebrew poetry) and how that affects our understanding of the Word. This episode is not part of the 365 day reading plan, but is important to help understand the readings from this period. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Welcome to Day 1 of The Bible in a Year! Today, we start our year-long journey by reading Genesis 1-2 and Psalm 19. Fr. Mike Schmitz breaks down these readings to discover what the story of creation means for God's plan in your life. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
In this special bonus episode, Bishop Andrew Cozzens joins Fr. Mike Schmitz to talk about his role as a bishop of the Catholic Church, his involvement in the Catechism in a Year podcast, and why we can continue to trust in the authority of the Church despite the brokenness of its leaders at times. Bishop Andrew Cozzens is the Bishop of the Diocese of Crookston in northern Minnesota. He currently serves as the chair of the USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis where he has been tasked by the Bishops with leading a three-year National Eucharistic Revival. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike Schmitz is joined by renowned Catholic Bible expert Jeff Cavins to talk about The Great Adventure Bible Timeline, their personal experiences with the Bible, and what it means to live life through the lens of Scripture. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.
In this 3-part series filmed backstage at the 2024 Good News Conference, Fr. Mike sits down with 3 special guests to discuss prayer, the sacraments, and how to prepare to meet Jesus "face to face" this coming Advent. Fr. Mike and Sr. Miriam examine our needs for healing from sin, trauma, and a broken past, and uncover the luminous power of God's loving gaze on our hearts, minds, and souls. Want to go deeper this Advent? Join Fr. Mike Schmitz in a journey through the daily readings as he confronts our doubts and reveals God's love with Ascension-app-exclusive daily video reflections and scripture passages: https://link.ascension-app.com/caouRw13GNb Too often, we live life by "default". We forget that we are on a journey to an eternal destination of joy that we were made for. We are burdened by fears and questions: what if I am not worthy? What if I am not enough? Live Advent differently this year. Prepare to meet God, face to face. Only available on the Ascension App.
In this fourth and final pillar of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we learn how to take everything we've absorbed this year and apply it to our relationship with God through prayer. Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT joins Fr. Mike Schmitz to talk about how to pray, some common obstacles to prayer, and some of the incredible fruits of prayer that await us if we put the next thirty-seven days of guidance into action. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.