Expectations vs. Reality

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 a ... Show More

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 ... Show More

When was the last time you were disappointed? In our world, it's easy to put our hope in things that fail us. In contrast to the disillusionment of the world, John Mark talks about the Advent hope of Jesus's birth and second coming, showing us how putting our hope in that ... Show More

Fr. Josh answers questions about holding hands when we say the Our Father during Mass, what to do about a dry spiritual life, and whether it’s possible to reconcile a love of rap and a religious vocation. Snippet from the Show “Holding hands is not a required posture during Mass. ... Show More

We need to redefine success and what it takes to get there. so many people's impatience prevents them from truly reaching their potential. In today's podcast episode, I'm sharing a chat from Telfaz Fireside in Saudi Arabia. We talk about how the careers we choose are ... Show More

Fr. Mike talks about the horrible things that can happen when we turn away from God and stop asking him "what's the next step?" In today's readings we see David humbled and humiliated, Absalom revealing how devastating sin is, and the evil that comes from war. Today's ... Show More

Will you stay in the same place forever? Will you continue to find comfort in staying stagnant, receiving no growth? Will you continue in the cycle that you’ve been in for years? Will you stay comfortable in sadness? Will you keep letting situations and emotions control you forev ... Show More

Prepare for Cringes and Groans: The Bad Jokes Brigade Returns! Get ready for another side-splitting (or is it side-groaning?) episode of The Mics Are Open. This week, the gang's back with a fresh batch of terrible jokes that will have you questioning your sanity – and wonderi ... Show More

🌟 Join us for a heartwarming and reflective episode as we dive into the depths of our journey as a couple. In this candid conversation, we explore the progress we've made, the challenges we've overcome, and the dreams we've built together. SUPPORT THE SHOW direct.me/ ... Show More

Fr. Mike breaks down the purpose of the various offerings during the dedication of the tabernacle. We are also reminded that the people of Israel are God's chosen people because they have a key mission. Today's readings are Numbers 7, Deuteronomy 7, and Psalm 92 For the c ... Show More

Congratulations, you've completed the Early World period! As we journey into the Patriarchs period, Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to set the scene. They discuss the themes of Genesis 12-50, how it differs from the first 11 chapters of Genesis, and how it slowly reveals God's ... Show More