The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

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.