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Struggling to understand the Bible?

Fr. Mike Schmitz shares how the Great Adventure Bible Timeline helped him finally connect the story of salvation. Now fully refreshed, with on-location filming and expert insights, this powerful series brings Scripture to life like never before.

Whether you&#39;re new or experienced, see the big picture of God’s plan and your place in it!

Understand the Bible like never before: ascensionpress.com/bibletimeline 
Check out the free preview of the Bible Timeline: <a href="https://ascensionpress.com/pages/bible-timeline-free-preview-refresh" rel="nofollow">https://ascensionpress.com/pages/bible-timeline-free-preview-refresh</a><a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

This Teaching Will Change Your Life

As the second installation of his three-part series, Fr. John offers an introduction and overview of the second canticle of Dante's Divine Comedy - The Purgatorio. He is joined by guest host Fr. CJ Mast, a fellow companion and long time friend. If you are looking for more on Dante, check out Fr. John's nine-part lecture series at Our Lady of Lourdes: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@LourdesDenver/streams" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/@LourdesDenver/streams</a>.

Dante's Purgatorio

This week Fr. Jacob and Fr. John talk about the hinge pin of the liturgical year, Holy Week, the Triduum and the Easter Octave. Launching from the Easter season they discuss the liturgical year at large and how it all flow from and to the greatest of solemnities Easter!

Keep the Party Going

Fr. Mike continues to explore the joint mission of the Word and Spirit in the Old and New Testaments. Together, we unpack how the Holy Spirit has been moving the prophets, particularly the prophet Isaiah. We learn how the characteristics of the Messiah are revealed, above all, in the “Servant Songs.” We also examine the Holy Spirit’s role in John the Baptist recognizing Christ as Messiah, even from within the womb. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 711-720.

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy

Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Day 101: Expecting the Messiah (2026)

As the Church gets ready to celebrate Easter, Jeff calls us to remember those who are absent—family members, friends, and neighbors who are not present at Mass and may be far from the faith. Jeff invites us to reach out to them and emphasizes that the Resurrection is not only something to celebrate—it’s a mission to live.

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Who Missed Easter?

Episode 293 - Older Son (Spiritual Sense) Have you ever been hurt by someone and struggled with what forgiveness is supposed to look like? In this episode, the friars revisit the older son in the Prodigal Son story, but now through a deeper, spiritual lens. Not just what he did, but what he felt. The loss, the frustration, the sense of being overlooked, and the real difficulty of being invited into forgiveness before you're ready. They explore the complexity of the human heart, how joy and pain can exist at the same time, how past wounds resurface in present moments, and how God meets us not with pressure, but with presence. This conversation is an honest look at what it means to carry hurt, to wrestle with forgiveness, and to let the Father meet you in the middle of it. Join us as we enter the older son's story and discover a God who doesn't rush healing, but walks with us through it. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at <a href= "https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco">https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco</a>. Thank you! Join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Rome and Assisi: <a href= "https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi"> https://www.ctscentral.net/travel-tours/an-immersive-franciscan-retreat-to-rome-and-assisi</a> Get your own copy of the Prodigal Son prints <a href= "https://spiritjuice.shop/collections/poco-a-poco/products/print-coming-home"> https://spiritjuice.shop/collections/poco-a-poco/products/print-coming-home</a> <a href= "https://visualgrace.org/coming-home-product-page">https://visualgrace.org/coming-home-product-page</a> 🛒 You can also grab your Poco a Poco Merchandise at <a href= "https://www.pocomerch.com/">https://www.pocomerch.com/</a>

Older Son (Spiritual Sense)

Fr. Mike points out the secrecy in Judas&#39; life, and highlights Jesus&#39; words of conviction to the disciples before his death on the cross. He also explains how important it is to bring Jesus into our temptation, and to not hide our hearts from him like Judas did. Today&#39;s readings are John 13-15 and Proverbs 6:6-11.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 103: Judas' Secrecy (2026)

As we continue reading from 1 Samuel, Fr. Mike points out how God gave the people a king like they wanted, even though it was not part of his plan. This reveals to us that even when we choose things that God does not want for us, he is still with us. The readings are 1 Samuel 11-12 and Psalm 55.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 107: Samuel's Speech (2026)

Happy Easter! In this joyful season, as we celebrate the beauty of our faith, we’re also reminded of our human brokenness, and how at times, that brokenness can reflect poorly on the Church.

Fr. Mike Schmitz encourages us not to get discouraged nor walk away, whether we’re new to the Church or have been Catholic our whole lives, but instead to refocus on what makes our faith truly unique, Jesus Christ, fully present in the Eucharist: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast</a>

My Message For All Catholics (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Homily from Divine Mercy Sunday. It’s not about your first or last confession. It’s about your next one. The Christian life doesn’t end with a first confession, baptism, or Easter moment, it continues through the next step. What keeps love alive is not looking back, but continually returning to Christ through confession, mercy, and grace. Each “next” encounter with Jesus strengthens faith and guards against a cold heart.<dl style="margin : 0; padding-top:0;"><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Mass Readings from April 12, 2026:</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Acts 2:42-47</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;">1 Peter 1:3-9</dt> John 20:19-31

04/12/26 The Next...: The Next Confession

In our final reading from the Gospel of John, we hear about the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Fr. Mike points out the connection between the Paschal lamb and Jesus, and also the connection between the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. Today&#39;s readings are John 19-21 and Proverbs 6:16-22.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>

Day 105: It Is Finished (2026)

Homily from the Third Sunday of Easter. The Enemy wants to steal your heart. The Lord wants to give you His. It is possible to know the truth; the truth about the Resurrection, the truth about Christianity, the truth about Jesus...and still struggle. It is possible to know and wrestle to have the courage it requires to continue on. Courage is necessary. Heart is necessary...especially in the battle of discouragement.<dl style="margin : 0; padding-top:0;"><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Mass Readings from April 19, 2026:</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Acts 2:14, 22-33</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;"> Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11</dt><dt style="font-weight:normal;">1 Peter 1:17-21</dt> Luke 24:13-35

04/19/26 The Next...: The Next Mass

Join Dan and Stephanie Burke as they speak with Fr. Wayne Sattler again on mental prayer and the difficulties you may experience, and how God works in prayer and your life! Resources: <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://spiritualdirection.com/bookstudy">Remain in Me and I in You Book Study</a> - online formation</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://shop.spiritualdirection.com/product/remain-in-me-and-i-in-you/"> Remain in Me and I in You</a> - Fr. Wayne Sattler</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://shop.spiritualdirection.com/product/and-you-will-find-rest/"> And You Will Find Rest</a> - Fr. Wayne Sattler</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://spiritualdirection.com/spiritual-warfare-and-discernment-of-spirits-signup-2?utm_source=dir&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=swados&utm_content=demonic_backlash"> Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits</a> - video series</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://shop.spiritualdirection.com/product/discernment-of-spirits-for-beginners/"> Discernment of Spirits for Beginners</a> - Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett & Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://spiritualdirection.com/into-the-deep-sign-up?utm_source=sd.com&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=into_the_deep&utm_content=dir"> Into the Deep</a> - video series</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://sophiainstitute.com/product/finding-peace-in-the-storm/">Finding Peace in the Storm</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://stpaulmemphis.com/product/into-the-deep/">Into the Deep</a> – Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits</a> - Dan Burke</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-contemplative-rosary"> The Contemplative Rosary</a> - Dan Burke and Connie Rossini</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://spiritualdirection.com/shop">A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness</a> - Susan Brinkmann OCDS</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://avila-institute.org/events/">Avila-Institute.org/events</a> - website</li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://avila-institute.org/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation</a></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">EWTN Religious Catalogue</a> – online</li> </ul>

How God Works in Prayer

Fr. Mike highlights Saul&#39;s brokenness and vanity as he makes an unlawful sacrifice and a rash oath in order to save Israel in the midst of war. Today&#39;s readings are 1 Samuel 13-14, and Psalm 58.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.<a rel="payment" href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/support-ascension">Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)</a>