Best Ascension Catholic Faith Formation Podcasts (2025)

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Day 329: The Gift of Prayer (2025) 21:41

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2h ago21:41

21:41

St. Thérèse said that “prayer is a surge of the heart.” Do we pray from our pride or from a place of humility? The Catechism tells us that “humility is the foundation of prayer.” In humility we can feel God’s thirst for us, accept his gift of prayer, and pray to him from our heart. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2558-2565. This episode h…

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Impure Thoughts: How Far is Too Far? 21:45

4h ago21:45

21:45

Where’s the line between appreciating someone’s beauty and falling into lust? Dr. Sri breaks open St. John Paul II’s wisdom from Love and Responsibility to help us understand the inner movements of attraction, temptation, and purity. With clarity and compassion, he explains the three stages that lead from innocent attraction into lust—and how resis…

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Day 329: The Ethiopian Eunuch (2025) 21:07

15m ago21:07

21:07

Fr. Mike focuses on the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch and how it demonstrates the importance of having guidance when reading Scripture. Although God's Word is infallible, we can easily misunderstand it without proper interpretation, which is why we have the Magisterium of the Church. Lastly, Fr. Mike also touches on the role of persecuti…

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Day 328: Stephen Is Martyred (2025) 24:46

4h ago24:46

24:46

Fr. Mike reflects on Stephen's heroic martyrdom and points out how those around him refused to hear him and hardened their hearts, something we too can do with the Word of God. In the book of Romans, Fr. Mike also highlights the importance of offering our bodies as a living sacrifice, responding to the call to love and to not be conformed to this w…

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Day 328: How We Pray (Part 4 Intro w/ Sr. Miriam James Heidland) (2025) 57:43

3h ago57:43

57:43

In this fourth and final pillar of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we learn how to take everything we’ve absorbed this year and apply it to our relationship with God through prayer. Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT joins Fr. Mike Schmitz to talk about how to pray, some common obstacles to prayer, and some of the incredible fruits of prayer tha…

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Day 327: Origin of the Diaconate (2025) 22:47

18m ago22:47

22:47

Fr. Mike draws our attention to the cultural division present in the early Church and the origin of the ordination to the diaconate. He also discusses Paul’s frustration with those who didn’t recognize Jesus as the Christ and offers consolation to those who experience this in the hearts and minds of those close to them, as Paul did. Today’s reading…

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Day 327: Poverty of Heart (2025) 14:51

2h ago14:51

14:51

Where should we find consolation? It's essential to remember that our ultimate goal and true source of happiness is God. With this in mind, Fr. Mike emphasizes the need to detach ourselves from worldly possessions and strive to be channels of God's grace. By doing so, when we receive blessings, we can in turn become a blessing to others. Today’s re…

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Day 326: Envy and Jealousy (2025) 21:15

37m ago21:15

21:15

Envy is “the diabolical sin,” says St. Augustine. Christians should better understand this capital sin, its manifestations, and the temptation toward envy of God and neighbor. In this episode, Fr. Mike considers jealousy and envy, noting man's desire to covet and lust. He explains that the tenth commandment develops and completes the ninth. Today’s…

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Day 326: Life in the Spirit (2025) 25:22

3h ago25:22

25:22

Fr. Mike discusses the ministry of the apostles and encourages us to allow God to work in our lives in the same way. He also reminds us that through Baptism, we are set free from our fallen human nature and given the freedom to live according to the spirit. Today’s readings are from Acts 5, Romans 8, and Proverbs 27:7-9. For the complete reading pl…

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Wisdom for Catholic Entrepreneurs (Part 2) 25:53

11h ago25:53

25:53

Don’t let comparison kill your calling. In part two of this series for Catholic entrepreneurs, Jeff shares five more principles for building a ministry, apostolate, or starting a business. From keeping the Gospel at the center to avoiding envy and protecting your family, learn how to thrive as a Catholic entrepreneur. Email us with comments or ques…

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Day 325: Battling for Purity (2025) 22:33

4d ago22:33

22:33

As Fr. Mike suggests, the battle for purity is never more difficult than in our own day. With God’s grace, we can prevail and find freedom from our temptations. Fr. Mike explains that we win this battle through chastity, purity of intention, purity of vision, and prayerful reliance on the Lord. He tells us how to pray for a pure gaze that allows us…

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Day 325: Boldness in Faith (2025) 25:12

23h ago25:12

25:12

Fr. Mike highlights the boldness of Peter and John in our reading from Acts as they stand before the council of church leaders and defend the name of Jesus. He also addresses Paul’s writings on God’s grace given to us in our sinfulness and the war between good and evil present within ourselves. Today’s readings are Acts 4, Romans 6-7, and Proverbs …

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What's with all those numbers in the Bible? 33:29

3h ago33:29

33:29

Janet and Bridgett take a look at what all those numbers in the Bible actually symbolize. From the number one to the number one thousand, certain numbers carry different Biblical meanings than you might think. Enjoy this informative but light-hearted episode! BABY STEP: Prepare your heart for Advent Send us a text Thanks for joining us. Have a bles…

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Day 324: The Name of Jesus (2025) 23:59

1h ago23:59

23:59

In Acts 3, Peter used God’s gift of healing to allow God to restore a lame man. Fr. Mike reminds us that God gives us gifts so he can be known in the world and all great miracles are attributed to the name of Jesus. Fr. Mike also tells us why our suffering matters, and how God wastes nothing. Today’s readings are Acts 3, Romans 4-5, and Proverbs 27…

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Day 324: The Ninth Commandment (2025) 18:28

1h ago18:28

18:28

What does covetousness mean? Today, we launch into the ninth commandment, which deals with carnal concupiscence. This commandment addresses the tension between the “flesh” and the “spirit.” Fr. Mike emphasizes that purity of heart and temperance are crucial to overcoming lust of the flesh. The more we obey God, the more our hearts see others as God…

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Day 323: Pentecost (2025) 23:52

2h ago23:52

23:52

Fr. Mike shares the powerful story of the Holy Spirit coming upon the apostles in the upper room. He emphasizes how God calls us to go out into the world with his Spirit and live in community and with devotion to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the Eucharist, and prayer just like the first Christians. Today’s readings are Acts 2, Romans 2-3, an…

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Day 323: Truth, Beauty, and Sacred Art (2025) 15:41

6d ago15:41

15:41

Have you ever been moved by beauty? As we conclude our journey through the eighth commandment, we learn that beautiful art points us to the truth and perfection of God. Lastly, Fr. Mike reminds us that this commandment encourages us to always walk in the light and bear witness to Christ in all we say and do. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraph…

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Who Do You Need to Forgive? 53:14

1h ago53:14

53:14

How can you lift your eyes towards God and soften your heart for your neighbor today? Gomer is back and tells his story of surgery and recovery! Continuing through the Parables, Gomer and Dave explore the importance of avoiding gossip, forgiving generously and loving our neighbor. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] with y…

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Day 322: The Ascension (2025) 19:17

36m ago19:17

19:17

Today, we begin the age of the church, transitioning from the Gospel of Luke to the beginning of the book of Acts. Fr. Mike draws our attention to the Ascension of Jesus and encourages us to respond to Christ’s call to participate in his mission. He invites us to be part of his story and not be ashamed of the Gospel. Today’s readings are Acts 1, Ro…

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Finding the Light in Spiritual Darkness 23:32

7d ago23:32

23:32

What part of your life is feeling dark right now? In this special on-location episode, Dr. Sri takes us up Mount Tabor—the very site of the Transfiguration—to explore how this powerful event speaks directly into the darkest places of our lives. Standing where Peter, James, and John once witnessed Christ’s glory, Dr. Sri reflects on why Jesus reveal…

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Introduction to the Church (with Jeff Cavins) (2025) 40:14

14h ago40:14

40:14

Welcome to The Church period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to discuss the final time period of the Bible Timeline. They discuss the historical context of the early Church, why Rome and the early martyrs are so significant, and how the Holy Spirit takes on a major role. They also explain the differences between Acts, the epistles, and the book of Reve…

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Day 322: Respect for Truth (2025) 15:45

20h ago15:45

15:45

Charity dictates who we reveal the truth to. We learn today that the “right to the communication of truth is not unconditional.” Fr. Mike explains that this means we ought to examine what facts we reveal to others prudently. Fr. Mike highlights the role of mass media in disseminating the truth and the importance of guarding ourselves against gossip…

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Day 321: Jesus' Prayer in the Garden (2025) 26:46

9m ago26:46

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Fr. Mike highlights how Jesus didn't pray in order get something from God, he prayed in order to be close to God. He also points to Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane as a perfect example of how we should pray with honesty and trust. Lastly, Fr. Mike provides insights on the significance of the walk to Emmaus and Jesus' last words on the cro…

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Day 321: Offenses Against Truth (2025) 29:26

1d ago29:26

29:26

What does it mean to live out the truth? This theme carries over as we continue our evaluation of the eighth commandment. We learn the Catechism’s teachings on ways we violate truth, degrees of gravity based on circumstances, and the duty of reparation. Fr. Mike discusses each offense and offers resonating examples to reflect on. Today’s readings a…

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Day 320: Peter's Denial Foretold (2025) 24:13

1h ago24:13

24:13

As we draw near to the end of the Gospel of Luke, Fr. Mike briefly expands on the story of the poor widow’s offering, emphasizing that the Lord cares more about the size of our hearts than about the size of our gifts. Fr. Mike also underscores Jesus’ moving words to Peter when he foretells Peter’s denial. Jesus’ words remind us that no matter how f…

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Day 320: The Truth (2025) 21:40

1h ago21:40

21:40

We begin our dive into the eighth commandment: “You shall not bear false witness.” The Catechism defines truth, identifies the importance of truth, and reflects on martyrdom. Fr. Mike unpacks all of this information and reminds us that our duty as Christians is to live in the truth and bear witness to the truth in what we say and how we act. Today’…

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Day 319: Come, Follow Me (2025) 24:24

36m ago24:24

24:24

Fr, Mike compares the story of the rich young man to the story of Zacchaeus, highlighting the difference in their willingness to follow Christ with their whole hearts. Looking at the stories of these young men, Fr. Mike invites us to reflect on our willingness to follow Christ with all that we are and all that we have. Today we read Luke 17-19 and …

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Day 319: Summary of the Seventh Commandment (2025) 14:42

9d ago14:42

14:42

We have reached the In Brief section, or nugget day, on the seventh commandment. Father Mike reiterates that the right to private property comes from our dignity as humans, and the Church has a duty to weigh in on economic or social matters where that dignity is threatened. He challenges us to ask ourselves, do we see Jesus in “the distressing disg…

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Day 318: The Narrow Gate, the Lost Sheep, and the Prodigal Son (2025) 33:46

25m ago33:46

33:46

Fr. Mike confronts the hard truth Jesus preaches in today's readings: Many people will ultimately choose hell over heaven. While this can be deeply distressing, Fr. Mike reminds us to focus on Jesus's directive to each one of us: "[You] Strive to enter through the narrow gate." In the second part of today's commentary, Fr. Mike reflects on two of J…

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Day 318: Love for the Poor (2025) 21:39

1h ago21:39

21:39

The Church’s charity for the poor is a “part of her constant tradition.” Fr. Mike unpacks how the poor are the “true treasure of the Church.” He emphasizes that when we give to the poor what they need, we satisfy the requirements of justice. He also reiterates the importance of mercy and showing mercy to others. Today’s readings are Catechism parag…

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Wisdom For Catholic Entrepreneurs (Part 1) 28:46

4h ago28:46

28:46

Are you a Catholic entrepreneur seeking to make a difference in the world? In this first part of a two-part series, Jeff shares practical and spiritual guidance to help Catholic entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls, grow in holiness, and live out their unique mission. Email us with comments or questions at [email protected]. Text …

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The Other Side of the Beatitudes: THE WOES! 32:55

3h ago32:55

32:55

Janet and Bridgett finish their discussion on the Beatitudes by talking about the 'Woes' mentioned in Luke and Matthew's Gospels. The Beatitudes have shown us that we are called to do more than live by the letter of the law. We are called into a relationship with the Lord. Jesus wanted to tell us that there are certain 'woes' for us to avoid when l…

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Day 317: Persistence in Prayer (2025) 26:49

10d ago26:49

26:49

Fr. Mike reflects on the goodness and providence of God the Father, emphasizing how Jesus calls us to be shamelessly persistent in prayer. Fr. Mike also explains two difficult passages found in today's readings: what Jesus means when he tells the story of an unclean spirit who is cast out only to return, and what Jesus means when he says he comes n…