Mastery ·

Catholic Priest: Fr. Mike Schmitz

Father Mike Schmitz: Leader of Engaged Faith & Digital Evangelization

Fr. Mike Schmitz is a dynamic Catholic priest, speaker, and bestselling author whose digital ministry has reached global audiences. From his campus chaplaincy in Minnesota to hosting world-class podcasts and YouTube series, his mission bridges Scripture, sacraments, and modern life with authentic warmth. I started listening to Fr. Mike the first I was unable to attend Mass due to surgery. I right away became hook and I've followed him ever since. Check out Bible in a year and Catechism in a year podcasts.

Field Detail
Full Name Father Michael Thomas Schmitz
Born December 14, 1974, Oakland, Minnesota, United States
Alma Mater University of St. Thomas (B.A.); Saint Paul Seminary (M.Div.)
Notable Roles Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Diocese of Duluth; Chaplain at University of Minnesota Duluth
Notable Publications The Bible in a Year (Podcast); Made for Love (book); Catechism in a Year (Podcast)
Awards & Fellowships Apple Podcasts #1 for Bible in a Year (2021); various Catholic media recognitions
Philanthropy Active in evangelization, youth outreach, and pro-life causes

 

 

Fr. Mike Schmitz on the Catechism — A Guided Summary

PART I: The Profession of Faith (What We Believe)

Topic Summary
The Creed Not just a list—it's the story of God and humanity.
Trinity God is one divine nature in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Love is who He is.
Creation Everything was made good, with purpose. Human beings are created in God’s image with intellect, will, and soul.
Original Sin A rupture in trust—but God never abandoned us. He planned our redemption through Christ.
Jesus Christ The center of salvation. Fully God and fully man. Born of Mary, suffered, died, and rose to save us.
The Church Founded by Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit. Not man-made, but divinely instituted.
Mary and the Saints Mary is the Mother of God and our model. The saints are family in heaven, not spiritual celebrities.

PART II: The Celebration of the Christian Mystery (How We Worship)

Sacrament Fr. Mike’s Key Teaching
Baptism The beginning of new life; we are marked as God's own.
Eucharist “The source and summit.” It’s not a symbol—it is Jesus.
Confirmation Seals us with the Holy Spirit to live boldly as disciples.
Confession Healing for the soul. “God wants you back. Every time.”
Marriage A sacrament of love and sacrifice, not just emotion.
Holy Orders A call to spiritual fatherhood—service and leadership.
Anointing of the Sick A real, powerful sacrament—not just for the dying.

PART III: Life in Christ (How We Live)

Teaching Fr. Mike’s Insight
The Beatitudes Not feel-good slogans—they’re the heart of the Gospel life.
Moral Life Rooted in freedom, virtue, and responsibility.
Sin Not a mistake, but a rupture in relationship. But mercy is always available.
Conscience Must be formed and informed. Listen to God, not just your gut.
Social Teaching We are made for community, justice, and the common good.
Sexual Ethics Based on dignity, not restriction. Love always requires truth.
Commandments Not a cage—a compass for freedom and joy.

PART IV: Christian Prayer (How We Connect)

Type of Prayer Fr. Mike’s Highlights
Vocal Speak to God with your heart and your words.
Meditation Reflect on Scripture, the life of Christ, and God’s presence.
Contemplation Rest in God. Listen. Be still.
The Our Father The perfect prayer—“the summary of the whole Gospel.”
Prayer Life A relationship. Show up even when it’s dry or hard. “God doesn’t need perfect words. He wants your heart.”

Fr. Mike’s Powerful Themes

  • You are not alone. The Church is a family. Saints, sacraments, Scripture—you're surrounded by grace.

  • God desires your heart. You are loved, chosen, and called to greatness—not comfort.

  • The Catechism is a love story. Not just rules, but a map for becoming fully alive in Christ.

Want to Follow Along?

 

 

Bible in a Year – Fr. Mike’s Structure and Themes

The Framework: The Bible Timeline 

He follows 14 narrative books to tell the story of salvation chronologically. The rest of Scripture is woven in during the right historical context.

Period Narrative Book Theme
1. Early World Genesis 1–11 Creation, fall, flood, covenant
2. Patriarchs Genesis 12–50 Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph
3. Egypt & Exodus Exodus Slavery → freedom through Moses
4. Desert Wanderings Numbers Learning to trust in the wilderness
5. Conquest & Judges Joshua, Judges Promised land, chaos without kings
6. Royal Kingdom 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 Kings Saul, David, Solomon—power and pride
7. Divided Kingdom 1 Kings, 2 Kings Israel splits—idolatry, prophets
8. Exile 2 Kings Jerusalem falls, people scattered
9. Return Ezra, Nehemiah Hope rebuilds—temple and hearts
10. Maccabean Revolt 1 Maccabees Courage under persecution
11. Messianic Fulfillment Luke Jesus: God in the flesh
12. The Church Acts of the Apostles The Spirit’s fire spreads the Gospel

Daily Format (15–25 mins)

  1. Scripture reading (2–3 passages)

  2. Prayer

  3. Fr. Mike’s reflection
    He explains context, theology, and how to live the Word.

Fr. Mike’s Most Powerful Teachings

Theme His Wisdom
God is pursuing you Even when Israel rebelled, God remained faithful. He’s doing the same for you.
Covenant > Contract God’s love is not transactional. It’s familial, eternal, sacred.
Suffering has purpose From Joseph’s pit to Jesus’ cross—pain births redemption.
The Church is the New Israel Everything in the Old points forward to Christ and His bride, the Church.
Every word matters Even genealogies hold meaning—they carry the memory of love through generations.
Jesus fulfills the whole story The entire Bible is a love story with Jesus at the center. Everything leads to Him.

 

Key Takeaways

  • The Bible isn’t a rulebook—it’s a rescue mission.

  • Scripture is alive and speaks differently to your heart in every season.

  • You don't need to be a scholar—you just need to show up.

“God wants to speak to you. Just let Him.” — Fr. Mike

Where to Start:

  • 🎧 Bible in a Year Podcast

  • 📘 Use the Great Adventure Bible (color-coded timeline)

  • 📄 Download the 365-Day Reading Plan

  • ✍🏽 Keep a Bible journal for reflections, promises, and hard questions

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