

Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Ascension
Every week, Catholic priest Fr. Mike Schmitz delivers powerful homilies based on the Sunday Mass Scripture readings, inviting you to live more fully as the person God created you to be. Engaging and motivating, these 20-30 minute homilies will help ground your faith, fortify your heart, and transform your life. Fr. Mike Schmitz preaches from Duluth Minnesota, where he serves as the Newman chaplain for University Minnesota Duluth’s Bulldog Catholic campus ministry.
Episodes
Mentioned books

22 snips
Oct 4, 2025 • 22min
10/05/25 Inheritance
Fr. Mike delves into the notion of inheritance, revealing that you already possess everything needed to be a saint. He shares intriguing stories of unexpected inheritances and challenges the belief that more resources solve problems. Exploring the apostles' desire for greater faith, he emphasizes using the faith you already have. With a nod to humor, he highlights that problems are opportunities for growth. Ultimately, he inspires listeners to embrace their spiritual gifts and cherish their inheritance in Christ.

23 snips
Sep 27, 2025 • 23min
9/28/25 The god of Our Generation
This discussion dives into how excessive comfort can hinder our lives and lead to complacency. Fr. Mike introduces the concept of misogi, highlighting intentional discomfort for personal growth. He references modern insights on how convenience diminishes resilience and health, while also exploring the pitfalls of prioritizing comfort over love and service to others. By examining biblical texts and personal stories, he encourages listeners to embrace life's challenges and seek a deeper connection with God, rather than succumbing to the allure of ease.

9 snips
Sep 20, 2025 • 28min
9/21/25 Mini-Mediators
Discover the profound message of being 'mini-mediators' in today's world. The discussion dives into how Jesus serves as the ultimate Mediator and our call to share His salvation with others. Hear about practical evangelization rooted in everyday encounters, including stories involving famous personalities. The importance of prayer and witnessing your faith in daily life is highlighted, encouraging listeners to actively engage in spreading the Gospel. Wrap up with a powerful call to be faithful stewards, helping others come to know Christ.

10 snips
Sep 13, 2025 • 23min
9/14/25 Words Fail
Explore how the Cross, once a symbol of shame, transforms into a beacon of hope and redemption. Delve into the powerful connection between suffering and divine love, illustrating how symbols convey deeper meanings than words. Discover the journey from guilt to trust through faith, and reflect on the personal implications of Jesus’ sacrifice. The narrative shows how what is broken can become profoundly beautiful, emphasized by the importance of symbols in conveying messages of healing.

15 snips
Sep 6, 2025 • 25min
9/7/25 Two Questions
Discover the true cost of discipleship as genuine commitment is examined against superficial belief. Engage with powerful insights on how love and faith must translate into action, not just acknowledgment. Embrace the emotions tied to life’s uncertain opportunities, exploring excitement, fear, and introspection. Challenge your own level of dedication to Jesus, delving into what it truly means to follow Him wholeheartedly.

12 snips
Aug 30, 2025 • 22min
8/31/25 Freedom and Joy
Exploring the depths of humility, the discussion reveals it as the true acknowledgment of ourselves, not false self-deprecation. Personal anecdotes illustrate the joy of genuine self-awareness and the importance of including marginalized voices in our gatherings. The conversation highlights how skilled individuals demonstrate that talent doesn’t define one’s worth. Emphasizing the lightness of embracing our true selves leads to deeper connections with God and compassion for others, culminating in a celebration of freedom and joy.

32 snips
Aug 23, 2025 • 19min
8/24/25 Begin. Or begin again.
Explore the journey of self-discovery and personal growth through the lens of discipline and faith. Discover how setting aspirations and reflecting on admirable traits can shape your path. Embrace new beginnings, especially as students return to campus, and consider the importance of conscious decision-making in your spiritual journey. The narrow gate reminds us that the pursuit of salvation is an ongoing effort, where beginning or recommitting to the path of discipleship can lead to true freedom and fulfillment.

12 snips
Aug 16, 2025 • 21min
8/17/25 Ordinary People
Dive into the complexities of human nature where ordinary people can become heroes or villains. Explore how choices shape our lives, influenced by faith and beliefs. Reflect on the moral dilemmas faced by everyday individuals, drawing from historical examples. Understand the importance of compassion when navigating divisions, especially within families. This insightful discussion encourages personal reflection on the potential for good or evil in each of us, inspiring a journey towards transformation and redemption.

26 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 12min
8/15/25 All In
The podcast delves into the profound significance of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, highlighting her complete devotion to God. It celebrates the dignity of women's roles in faith and encourages listeners to reflect on their own responses to divine call. The discussion emphasizes that there was no backup plan for God's promise, making Mary's journey a powerful testament to surrender and transformation. Overall, it's a thought-provoking exploration of faith and commitment.

11 snips
Aug 9, 2025 • 20min
08/10/25 More Faith
Explore the relationship between obedience and faith, emphasizing that true belief requires active commitment. Listen to a moving story about Gianna Breda, a pediatrician who prioritized her child's life during a perilous pregnancy. Dive into the proactive nature of faith through the example of St. Gianna Beretta Mola, reflecting on how true faith manifests in action. Engage in the challenge of aligning actions with God's will, highlighting the necessity of an earnest heart in nurturing a personal relationship with the divine.