The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

"If no one gets hurt is it still a sin?" "It was just an accident." How can we know if our actions are a sin or just a mistake? Can we be committing sin without knowing it? Today Fr. Mike details the three elements that must be present for an act to be a sin and he helps us grapple with our own sinfulness and God's desire for mercy and reconciliation.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

How much prayer is too much prayer? Our relationship with God is the most important relationship we will ever have. But what about when our devotions clash with our responsibilities to our loved ones? Or attendance to other obligations? Today, Fr. Mike tells us what it means to "pray without ceasing"... and what it doesn't mean.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

The call to holiness can feel like an overwhelming challenge. In fact it can seem downright impossible. But in spite of our brokenness, sinfulness and littleness God keeps calling us to "walk on the water" with Him. Today Fr. Mike contrasts our "mercenary heart" – which so easily is swayed to pursue the pleasures of the world which draws our gaze away from Jesus – with the "Merciful Heart of Jesus" that seeks to draw us to Himself. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

The question of evil, suffering and brokenness in our world can be a hard one to grapple with. Sometimes, when we're in a place of darkness, the question can arise, "Would it be better if I had never been born?" Today, Fr. Mike tackles these incredibly tough questions and offers some insights into why God created you, and why it is good that you exist.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

It’s an age old question; “Why do I have to confess my sins to a priest?” Today Fr. Mike encourages and challenges us to see the Sacrament of Reconciliation not as a burden but as a gift from God. Your Heavenly Father wants to reconcile with you and offer you the grace of forgiveness and he does this through the humanity of the ordained priesthood. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Jesus is a miracle worker. He worked incredible “signs and wonders” during his 33 years on earth, and he continues to stun us with modern miracles to this day. He has healed people physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. But if he has shown us that he can do this… why hasn’t he healed everyone? If you’ve asked God “why haven’t you healed me,” Fr. Mike has a video for you today. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Today, Fr. Mike drops some truth bombs. God does not merely tolerate you. He loves you with a ferocious and passionate love and he desires that you know and experience that love today.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

In an increasingly digital age, we do more and more things virtually. And while we can use technology to help us listen to the Bible in a Year or connect with likeminded Catholics, why is it we must receive the sacraments in person? Today, Fr. Mike reminds us that we are a body and that the Lord uses our physical humanity to do the work of healing and restoration like we receive in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Today, Fr. Mike tells us about the story of the patron saint of confessors, St. John Nepomucene, who gave up his life because he refused to break something called the "seal of confession", which is a sacred duty of a priest to never reveal what is said in the confessional. God himself established the priesthood as the mediators of reconciliation in the Gospel (John 2-:21-22). The Church takes this sacred responsibility so seriously, that any priest who breaks the seal of confession is automatically excommunicated.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Find out how the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist from Duluth pray during Holy Week, and maybe discover something you can use in your prayer life as we walk with Jesus from his entry into Jerusalem, to Calvary and the Resurrection. The unique prayer commitment Fr. Mike suggests in this episode follows Jesus through all of his experiences—from suffering to celebration—in this the holiest week of the year.Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast