As we discover the lives of the saints, it seems they endured quite a bit of suffering before receiving their eternal reward. It begs the question, is it worth it?
Fr. Mike reminds us that in this life, we will have suffering. The question is not, can you avoid suffering by avoiding Jesus? The question is, can your suffering be transformed by embracing Jesus?
You may have close friends in your life, but do you have virtuous friendships?
Fr. Mike Schmitz shares three kinds of friendship and explains that while it's important to have good friends, you need to have this special kind of friendship with at least one person in your life: virtuous friendship.
Tickets are on sale now for Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables Tour at https://www.AscensionPress.com/FrMikeTour
October 20 - Detroit, MI [SOLD OUT]
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!
Big news! Ascension was selected by the USCCB to publish the long-awaited Second Edition of the Liturgy of the Hours!
You may have heard of the Liturgy of the Hours, but not quite like this. Fr. Mike Schmitz shares why this ancient prayer holds such a special place in his heart and how praying it can transform your relationship with God.
For updates and preorder opportunities, sign up at https://www.AscensionPress.com/LOTH
Fr. Mike Schmitz is back, reacting to powerful scenes from The Chosen. Find out which moments brought him to tears, which ones he wrestled with, and hear his honest perspective on how the series portrays the life of Christ.
📖 Listen to Fr. Mike’s full recording of "The Imitation of Christ" with commentary, available now on the Ascension App!
Or check out: https://ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics
Fr. Mike Schmitz introduces Thomas à Kempis’ classic, The Imitation of Christ and unpacks its central theme of detachment. He explains how Christian detachment differs from Buddhist detachment.
Christian detachment is not indifference or rejection of the world, but rightly ordering our hearts. True detachment means recognizing every gift as belonging to God and being free to use them generously and in love.
If you've been rocked by all of the death, violence, and destruction in the news these past few weeks, you are not alone. Fr. Mike offers guidance during this difficult time, and reflects on Charlie Kirk's words: "When people stop talking, that's when you get violence."
Fr. Mike filmed this video on September 12th, 2025 — two days after Charlie Kirk's assassination.
How does someone become a saint? What steps and criteria does the Catholic Church follow in the canonization process?
Fr. Mike unpacks the journey to sainthood and reminds us that holiness begins with one simple thing, saying “yes” to God.
"Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)
Fr. Mike shares the exciting news of his new podcast, "Called"! Join us each week as Fr. Mike sits down with a new guest discussing how we're all called to live a more virtuous, generous and Christ-centered life.
To learn more, check out: https://thecatholicinitiative.org/podcast/
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 10 years since Fr. Mike first appeared on Ascension Presents! From day one, his wisdom, humor, and joy have inspired countless people on their faith journey. Whether you’ve been here since the very beginning or just discovered our channel, come join us as Fr. Mike takes a trip down memory lane, reacting to his very first Ascension Presents video!
Does silence ever feel uncomfortable? Do you fill the quiet with TV, music, or endless scrolling?
Fr. Mike explains why silence isn’t something to fear but something we desperately need, both in our daily lives and especially in prayer. While learning, entertainment, and even guided prayers can be good, true growth happens when we create space for silence and allow ourselves to hear the voice of God.
Have you ever watched a confession scene and wondered how accurate it really is? Join Fr. Mike as he reacts to popular confession scenes in movies and tv shows!
Looking for a powerful book recommendation? Look no further. Fr. Mike’s new book Unshakeable is all about living a life of virtue in the midst of chaos.
Fr. Mike shares why he dedicated the book to his parents, the best advice they ever gave him, and the four simple words that can change everything: “Trust in the Lord.”
Do you feel lost in your loneliness?
Fr. Mike reminds us that throughout Scripture, loneliness shows up again and again, even Jesus himself experienced deep moments of isolation. If you’re feeling alone, know that you’re not the only one. In your loneliness, you can unite your heart to Christ’s, who truly understands what you're going through.
How do I fit in prayer with my busy schedule?
Fr. Mike shares some practical advice for fitting in prayer when you feel you don't have time. He also explains the importance of having a plan by sharing these three questions: Where am I going to pray?When am I going to pray? How am I going to pray?
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged" (Matthew 7:1). What did Jesus really mean by that? Does this mean Christians should never call out sin or hold others accountable?
Fr. Mike Schmitz breaks down this often-misunderstood teaching of Jesus. He explains that while we’re called not to condemn others' hearts or souls, we are called to discern right from wrong. The key? Start with humility. Fr. Mike urges us to examine ourselves first, approach others with curiosity instead of condemnation, and always lead with compassion.
For some, this may be the saddest part about Heaven, but it shouldn't be! Fr. Mike dives into the deeper meaning behind this teaching and explains why it's actually good news. He reminds us that Heaven isn’t a loss of love, but the fulfillment of it. In Heaven, you won’t love your spouse less… you’ll love them more than ever before.
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! 🙏
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
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.
