Have you ever faced a major loss, whether it's a relationship, your status, or even your health?

In this video, we explore the 4 typical responses people have when dealing with significant loss.

Fr. Mike introduces the "4 Rs: Restore, Replace, Redesign, Relinquish." He explains that while there is no right or wrong approach, understanding these responses can help you determine which one suits your situation best. Familiarizing yourself with the "4 Rs" will guide you through the process of dealing with loss and finding healing.

When we encounter excellence, what prompts us to critique rather than admire?

Fr. Mike suggests that this tendency often stems from jealousy and insecurity. He says humans are made to admire all that is praiseworthy. When we witness remarkable talent in athletics, academics, or the arts, we should take the opportunity to commend the hard work and discipline that leads to greatness.

God made us to appreciate excellence and work to cultivate it in our own lives.

We've got a "Marriage Pop-Quiz" for you! Would you ditch your spouse to catch a flight?

Imagine you're traveling with your spouse. They go to the bathroom while you wait for your flight to board. But they don't come back. And you're going to miss your flight. Should you board it and ditch your spouse? What would you do in this situation?

According to Fr. Mike, there is only one correct answer to this question. And the answer might surprise you.

Today, Fr. Mike shares a funny story about an older married couple's problem when traveling together and his shock and surprise at the variety of responses he received when asking other married couples what they would do in this situation.

(Today's video/podcast is an excerpt from, "The 99, A New System for Evangelization." To learn more about this amazing resource, visit: https://bit.ly/3E39THU)

Every Christian is called to go into the world and make disciples. But how do we actually do this?

Today, Fr. Mike tells us that before we can live out the mission of the Church, one thing is needed: a personal relationship with Jesus and his Church. Without this relationship, our missionary efforts simply become another well-meaning chore or good deed. Our relationship with Christ gives our works meaning and purpose. It is vital, then, that our missionary identity be rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus and his Church.

(Today's video/podcast is an excerpt from "Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God." To learn more about this amazing resource visit: https://tinyurl.com/2hms5dbe )

What happens when we get baptized? What exactly is the transformative power of the Holy Spirit? One of the best ways to understand this sacrament’s effect is through analogies of superheroes.

Today, Fr. Mike explains the power of baptism by first recognizing what it is not. Because we are fallen creatures, we can’t be Superman, who has all of his powers within him–we need help from the outside. In other words, we need grace. Grace changes us and alters us internally so that when baptized, we aren’t simply putting on a covering but instead fully healing from our original wounds.

Only one superhero, Fr. Mike believes, encompasses the true power of baptism. This hero was good and was made great, just as the Holy Spirit takes us, good sons and daughters of Christ, and makes us great sons and daughters of Christ.

We all want to be saints, but the struggle against sin and selfishness can feel overwhelming. There may be days where we might feel satisfied simply making it to purgatory rather than entering the pearly gates. But is this lukewarm path the only way to make it to heaven?

Today Fr. Mike delves into the reality that in this life, we are given every opportunity to prepare our souls for God’s presence. Embracing the sufferings of this moment purifies us the way the refining fire of purgatory would. In this way, we can prepare ourselves in this temporary world to live alongside our Lord in the everlasting world.

(Today's video/podcast is an excerpt from "The 99, A New System for Evangelization." To learn more about this amazing resource visit: https://tinyurl.com/2fwtspve )

One of the most difficult groups to bring the Gospel to right now is young adults. Fr. Mike proposes that it's not a lack of time or interest preventing them from receiving the Good News—it's their perception of Christianity.

How can anyone evangelize in a culture so opposed to Jesus? We need to meet a hurting world where it is at and bring it the only medicine that will heal it.

We'll be doing things a little bit differently on Wednesdays for the next few weeks while Fr. Mike and Ascension work on the Catechism in a Year podcast. If you'd like to learn more about the podcast (and help support our work!) check out http://ascensionpress.com/ciy

(Today's video/podcast is an excerpt from "Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God." To learn more about this amazing resource visit: https://tinyurl.com/2gscjojo )

Is Jesus who He says He is? How do we know he's not a liar or a lunatic?

Today, Fr. Mike shares a story from his own life about a time when he was taking a class on world religions and their belief systems and how a quote from C.S. Lewis changed everything for him about how he came to understand who Jesus truly is.

We'll be doing things a little bit differently for the next few weeks while Fr. Mike and Ascension work on the Catechism in a Year podcast. If you'd like to learn more about the podcast (and help support our work!) check out http://ascensionpress.com/ciy

Can I be cremated? Is it okay to donate my body to science? What about the relics of Saints, they aren't buried in the ground?

Last week, Fr. Mike began our discussion on death and burial, especially when it comes to the Catholic Church's teaching on "scattering your ashes." Today, he answers some of the most common questions from the comments of that video and delves deeper into why we should listen to our Mother, the Church, when she is instructing and guiding us in these matters.

What is a human being? What happens when we die? Why do we visit cemeteries? And why do Catholics bury the dead instead of scattering their ashes?
Today, Fr. Mike connects the dignity of the human person to the dignity of the body in death—and beyond.

You may have heard that Jesus is present in the Eucharist, but have you really heard those words? You may have been in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, but have you really seen him in the Eucharist?

Today, Fr. Mike challenges us to take Jesus at His word (John 6:6) and to grow in our faith in His real presence, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the Eucharist!

Change is always hard. Transitions in life are difficult. Goodbyes are never easy. Endings are rarely joyful. But today, Fr. Mike suggests that beginnings are even more crucial. He encourages us to take 3 steps whenever we start over, and to let each one of ourselves “be a beginner.”

Be patient with yourself.

Don’t freak out.

And be willing to ask for help.

Fr. Mike has way more to say about trusting God, and a great place to start is his book Untroubled by the Unknown: Trusting God in Every Moment (https://tinyurl.com/25xulter). We hope it's a blessing to you!

It's easy to fall into a routine and lose sight of the little miracles all around us. Unfortunately, it is even easy to fall into a routine and lose sight of the greatest miracle of all, happening right in front of us.

Today, Fr. Mike discusses the greatest gift God has ever given man: himself. Christ offered his body at the Last Supper, he sacrificed it on the Cross, and he continues to give himself to us at each and every Mass. Fr. Mike explains the shocking reality of what it means to eat Jesus' body and drink Jesus' blood. This flesh, the Incarnate Word of God, redeemed the world. His body and blood are what save our fallen human nature and they are what give us life. This miracle, occurring each time we go to Mass, gives us an opportunity to partake in redemption, unite with our Savior, and live a sacramental life.

Momma always said, "Son, you don't like something? Well, offer it up!"

Today, Fr. Mike explores the traditional understanding of offering up your pain, embracing your suffering, and making sacrifices in the spiritual life.

Do you take yourself too seriously? Are you unwilling to acknowledge your faults and weaknesses to others- or even to yourself?

Today Fr. Mike shares with us some lessons in humility and being willing to laugh at yourself.

Learn more about Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fr. Josh Johnson's Pocket Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation: https://tinyurl.com/yhwfakge

As Americans we are known for our celebration of liberty and our focus on "our rights." We even have a landmark statue which embodies this value we hold so dearly. But what if our pursuit of liberty alone isn't enough?

Today Fr. Mike challenges us to take responsibility as citizens of this great nation to pursue a growth in virtue, character and religious faith on which our freedom as a democracy hinges upon.

In response to countless requests, Ascension is launching The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) on January 1, 2023! https://tinyurl.com/29o6p2o4

With this podcast, Catholics will:

• Read the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 days
• Understand the essentials of the Catholic Faith and why they matter
• See how Church teaching is rooted in Sacred Scripture
• Absorb over 2,000 years of Sacred Tradition
• Encounter God’s plan of sheer goodness
• Transform their relationship with the Church that Christ founded.

If you have ever wanted to understand what it means to be Catholic and allow those truths to shape your life—this podcast is for you! We can’t wait to start this incredible journey with you.

This podcast is free and always will be. It is only because of the generosity of our listeners that we have been able to consider tackling such a monumental project. But, we have limited resources. With funding from generous supporters like you, we can do even more than simply create the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/25skzc83

Above all, please pray for Father Mike, the Ascension team, and every single person who will ever listen to this podcast. Thank you, and God bless you.

Jesus tells in the Gospels, "Love your neighbor as yourself." But what if you struggle to love yourself? How can we pour ourselves out for others if we are not first filled up?

Today, Fr. Mike challenges us properly order our love for others, namely wiling the good of the other by first willing our own good and setting clear boundaries so that we can love more fully.

Why do less than 30% of Catholics believe in the Real Presence? It seems like many have forgotten that Jesus gave his flesh for the life of the world.

Today, Fr. Mike reminds us of the gift of the Eucharist and shares the way it transformed his own life. It is the heart of our faith, our spiritual nourishment, the bread that we live for, and the teaching worth dying for.

Is Judas in Hell? The overwhelming consensus over time is that he must be. But has the Church proclaimed that he definitely is? Surprisingly... no. Why?

Jesus teaches us that, while we can evaluate “a tree by its fruits,” it is left to God alone to make a final judgement upon someone’s heart and determine their destination. Everyone has the grace and the opportunity to say “yes” to God. The sobering flipside to this reality is that hell is real—and it’s not something that only really, really bad people choose. “Wide is the road that leads to destruction.”

Today, Fr. Mike invites us to ponder our final destination, and whether or not we are truly doing God’s will.

Are there things in my life that are incompatible with holiness?

We all wish to be saints—God's people with him forever in heaven. But do we will it? Do we choose it?

Fr. Mike wants you to know that today is the day. This is the moment. There's only one reason you're not a saint yet.

Have you heard the phrase, "Ora et Labora" before? What about the maxim, "Pray as if everything depends on God. And work as if everything depends on you."

Today Fr. Mike breaks down the Benedictine charism of prayer AND work and offers us some food for thought when tempted to fall into fatalism or quietism and remove our will from the equation.

"Love your neighbor as yourself." We all know the drill. Jesus calls us to love even our enemies. But loving people can be so HARD.

Today Fr. Mike offers us some 3 practical tips and a word of challenge to lean into loving those we find difficult to love and care for.

The sacraments that Christ gave his church are powerful. They are life changing. But... they are not magic.

Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection makes salvation possible for all of us. But there is one key ingredient that only you can supply. Fr. Mike encourages you to give that key ingredient to God today.

Are you feeling tired and spiritually exhausted? Do you feel like throwing in the towel on everything?

Today Fr. Mike offers us a way to evaluate our spiritual practices, service, and prayer based on our relationship, identity, and mission (RIM) to know what we can remove and keep from our Catholic spiritual life.

Most of us are familiar with the 5 Love Languages; gift-giving acts of service, physical touch, words of affirmation, and quality time. But which of these is how God gives and receives love?

Today Fr. Mike shares with us how God often loves us not in the way we might expect or prefer but in the way that most draws us into union with him.

What happened? Did Fr. Mike change his mind on tattoos?

Today Fr. Mike reveals his recent tattoo, why he got it, and why he’s not really happy about it.

Today Fr. Mike unpacks the three Transcendentals; Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, and why and how our hearts can be misled by emotion and feelings at times which distorts these fundamental realities.

Today Fr. Mike had the chance to interview Mark Wahlberg about his amazing new movie, "Father Stu," which follows the incredible true story of Fr. Stuart Long, a "boxer-turned-priest who inspired countless people during his journey from self-destruction to redemption."

If you're Catholic, you know the drill: we sin, we break our relationship with God, and then he offers us the incomprehensible mercy to restore that relationship with him. You can see this beautiful grace most Saturday afternoons at parishes around the world in the Sacrament of Reconciliation—or, Confession.

But have you heard of "general absolution"? Is it a way to skip the confession line and get "bulk forgiveness"?

Today, Fr. Mike dispels the confusion around general absolution and redirects us to the true source of reconciliation that Christ has given his Church.

Will Smith slapping Chris Rock. Vladimir Putin and Russia invading Ukraine. COVID ripping through the world. What do these all have in common? The rules get broken.

We all know the rules. The lights turn on. The toilet flushes. We all play nice. But that’s not "how things work". That’s "how things have been working".

Today, Fr. Mike tells you what to do when you get slapped in the face by a broken world.

When we receive criticism from someone it's easy to think that we can either put up our fists and fight it or let it defeat us. But are those really the only two options?

Today, Fr. Mike walks us through the third option when being criticized and how to receive a negative comment well and with charity.

Sometimes they're things we don't want to do... but we have to do them anyway. Sometimes you make it through saying, "I'll learn to like it." But what about if you never do?

Today, Fr. Mike gives us a word of encouragement to find joy even in the midst of suffering and to avoid falling into despair or resentment as we walk toward eternity.

Want to know what the #1 goal of Lent is? Believe it or not, we don't have to feel the joy of the season to reach it. Instead, we have to focus on living it!

Today, Fr. Mike challenges us to go beyond performing our works of penance for selfish reasons but instead to model our prayer, fasting. and almsgiving in a way that helps us become more like Jesus.

If you're truly open-minded, you can find some truth in most religions. You can find plenty of goodness and beauty as well. But where is the whole truth of God—the "fullness of truth"?

Fr. Mike makes the case for Catholic Christianity, and why you should settle for nothing less.

Lent has begun and with it our season of penance and fasting. What are you planning on giving up or adding to your spiritual life?

Today, Fr. Mike helps us understand that Lent is less like a crockpot—which you can set and forge—and more like an ongoing, iterative process that requires our continual discernment about how we are drawing closer to Jesus.

God wants to give you more. How will you respond this Lent?
Order the Lenten Companion today: https://tinyurl.com/yb9vsuva

"It’s time to stop watching and start worshiping." - Fr. Mike

Today, Fr. Mike continues part two of his series on worshipping God each Sunday at Mass and why our Sunday obligation is more about our relationship with a loving Father than a rule of Church law alone.

What does God want from us? What does God deserve from us given that he's our creator?

Today, Fr. Mike shows how we can actually turn God into an idol—when we "choose our version of God." This is what happens when we pull God off the shelf when we want him or need him, but put him back on the shelf when we don't. Today, Fr. Mike invites us to ask God what he wants from us.

Why should you consider getting married, if as Jesus states in Matthew 22:30; "at the resurrection, they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like the angels in heaven?"

Today Fr. Mike continues his series dealing with questions related to the vocation of marriage.

Today, Fr. Mike delves into this age old question.

As we know, an essential part of the Sacrament of Marriage is entering into the sexual embrace. And yet, our Catholic faith teaches that Mary and Joseph remained lifelong virgins even after they were married. So, how does this make their marriage different?

Today, Fr. Mike unpacks this common question and helps us further understand the beauty and grace of the Sacrament of Marriage.

For probably the first time in human history, the common perception of children as a gift has been under attack by our culture at large. More and more the world sees kids as an affront to our personal autonomy or the driver of a pending apocalyptic catastrophe.

Today, Fr. Mike weighs in on the "primary goods" of marriage and why we need to re-orient our mindset when it comes to children.

You said an unkind word or reacted rashly. You feel terrible because it was directed at someone you love. When you ask for their forgiveness the wound they feel is too raw and they don't accept your apology. What can you do?

Today, Fr. Mike shares a word of challenge and encouragement on how to exercise the virtue of patience and show mercy as you wait to be forgiven.

Have you ever heard the expression, ‘To err is human; to forgive, divine?’ Surprisingly this well-known phrase does not come from the Bible but a poem by the English poet Alexander Pope.

Today, Fr. Mike shares some great insights into the process of forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration and how God offers all three stages to us in the Sacrament of Confession.

Can you believe it's almost a new year!? Are you reflecting on both the suffering and gifts of the past year and also looking to the future and making resolutions for 2022?

Today, Fr. Mike gives us a word of encouragement and challenge to surrender our past brokenness and sin as well as the future blessings and difficulties to the lordship of Jesus Christ!

When considering the people of the Old Testament before Jesus's coming, we might ask ourselves: "Are those without the knowledge of Jesus destined for eternal damnation?"

And what about those who have never had an opportunity in our day and age to hear the name of Jesus and accept faith? "Where do they go when they die?"

Today, Fr. Mike explores these tough questions, drawing on the sacred scriptures and the church's teachings on salvation.

Have you ever gone to a carnival or fair and had a caricature drawn of yourself? Did it seem to highlight some parts of you but fail to really create a complete picture of who you are?

Today, Fr. Mike explores the nature of Jesus’ true physical appearance, and the spiritual reasons he may appear so diverse in different works of art.

In this throwback talk from the 2015 World Meeting of Families, Fr. Mike introduces us to the Theology of the Body and inspires us with a new vision of what it means to have a human form.

Happy Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary! But wait... what is the Immaculate Conception? How does that even work? And why does it matter?

Fr. Mike is glad you asked.