Best Ascension Catholic Faith Formation Podcasts (2024)

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Day 252: Queen of Heaven (2024) 25:33

4m ago25:33

25:33

Fr. Mike points out Israel's continual disbelief in the prophet Jeremiah, and also explains who the queen of heaven refers to. We also conclude the book of Judith with Judith's song of praise. Today’s readings are Jeremiah 43-44, Judith 15-16, and Proverbs 17:17-20.. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note:…

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Day 252: The Common Good (2024) 18:16

2h ago18:16

18:16

The Catechism sets up a pair of definitions for us that, at first glance, appear circular, but upon close examination, reveal profound interdependence: “The good of each individual is necessarily related to the common good, which in turn can be defined only in reference to the human person.” Fr. Mike uses a fascinating thought experiment to illustr…

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Day 251: Authorities in Society (2024) 19:15

3h ago19:15

19:15

The Catechism shows us that, in order for any good in society to last and flourish, legitimate authority must be instituted and respected by all. Furthermore, it is our duty as those under authority to obey those invested with authority. Fr. Mike acknowledges that most of us resist authority, but he bolsters the Catechism’s claim that legitimate au…

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Day 251: Judith and Holofernes (2024) 27:18

18m ago27:18

27:18

In our reading of Jeremiah today, Fr. Mike highlights Ishmael’s insurrection against Gedaliah and Jeremiah’s response. We also read about the defeat of Holofernes and the praise of Judith for her courage and virtue. Today’s readings are Jeremiah 41-42, Judith 12-14, and Proverbs 17:13-16. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibl…

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Thoughts While Mowing the Lawn 21:31

9h ago21:31

21:31

Do you like mowing the lawn? Jeff Cavins does! In this episode, Jeff Cavins not only describes the joy he finds in mowing his lawn, but also offers some great ideas of things to think about while mowing the lawn or doing any other “humdrum” household task. Jeff claims that even the most regular tasks can be an opportunity for prayer and meditation.…

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Day 250: Final Wave of Exile (2024) 27:25

1h ago27:25

27:25

Fr. Mike expands on our reading today from Proverbs about the need to guard our speech toward one another. In Jeremiah, we see the final wave of destruction of Jerusalem and the events that followed. Today’s readings are Jeremiah 39-40, Judith 10-11, and Proverbs 17:9-12. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please …

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Day 250: Conversion in Society (2024) 22:19

39m ago22:19

22:19

Before we can see outward changes for the good in society, there must be inward conversion in the hearts of its members, so says the Catechism. Fr. Mike highlights the fact that societies are made up of people with both body and soul—and the soul is often overlooked. Because we are broken, there is a “permanent need” for our conversion, and any soc…

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What Is a Charism and Do I Have Any? 25:24

5h ago25:24

25:24

To start off a brand new season of Ask Fr. Josh, Fr. Josh Johnson addresses the topic of charisms. Whether or not you have heard about charisms beforet, you may not have a clear understanding of what they are. Or perhaps, you know what they are, but you are not sure how to discover your own charisms. Fr. Josh explains what charisms are, their purpo…

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Summer with the Saints: Let Me, Let You 42:10

14h ago42:10

42:10

Bridgett is once again joined by guest Jeanine Breault (St Ignatius episode), who challenges us to say to God, "Let me, let you." Listen in to learn how to apply some of St Ignatius' teachings to your life and aid your discernment. Resources: Books The Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide for Spiritual Living The Examen Prayer: Ignatian Wisdom…

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Day 249: Prayer of Judith (2024) 29:27

4h ago29:27

29:27

Fr. Mike highlights the wisdom and faith of Judith, heroine of the Old Testament, and shows us how her prayer in not just a prayer of intercession, but also one of praise. The readings are Jeremiah 37-38, Judith 8-9, and Proverbs 17:5-8. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult them…

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Day 249: The Person in Society (2024) 20:53

23m ago20:53

20:53

Man is made for communion. God created man in his triune image, making us naturally social and communal beings. We learn that various societies weave us together: the family, the state, our professions, and recreational activities, among others. Fr. Mike explains how the Church promotes the principle of subsidiarity to protect the goodness of the v…

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Strengthen Your Devotion to Mary Through the Rosary (with Mark Hartfiel) 47:39

2h ago47:39

47:39

Are you ready to strengthen your devotion to Mary through the Rosary? Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle are joined by Mark Hartfiel to discuss the Mysteries of the Rosary Series from Paradisus Dei. They share about the creation of the series and its content. They also discuss the power of Marian devotion. Snippet from the Show Our Lady goes before…

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Day 248: Cut to the Heart (2024) 28:56

12m ago28:56

28:56

Fr. Mike points out how, like King Jehoiakim, we too can dismiss God's teachings instead of letting them cut into our hearts. The readings are Jeremiah 35-36, Judith 6-7, and Proverbs 17:1-4. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - par…

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Day 248: The Spread of Sin (2024) 20:00

2h ago20:00

20:00

We close the section on human dignity and goodness by learning how sin engenders vice. Our readings today discuss the proliferation of sin and how capital sins, in particular, lead to vices that can become rooted in a person or society. Fr. Mike reminds us that while sin is a personal act, it is also possible for us to cooperate in and encourage th…

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Day 247: True Repentance (2024) 26:37

7m ago26:37

26:37

Fr. Mike points out the difference between the insincere repentance of King Zedekiah and the people in Jerusalem, and the true repentance of the people in the Book of Judith. The readings are Jeremiah 33-34, Judith 3-5, and Proverbs 16:29-33. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult…

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Day 247: The Weight of Sin (2024) 21:47

12m ago21:47

21:47

We can consider the variety of sins in light of their gravity or seriousness. In doing so, we see that some sins weaken charity while others destroy it. The first we call venial sins, the second mortal. Our very freedom makes possible this rejection of God. Yet, God’s mercy has no limits. God can and will forgive every sin of which we repent. Fr. M…

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Reconciliation Unexpected: The Cross (Kerygma Part 3) 26:57

3d ago26:57

26:57

There is a big difference between knowing about God and actually knowing God. As Dr. Edward Sri continues his series on the Kerygma, he breaks open reconciliation with God. Each of us struggles with sin. In some way or another, sin has had a hold over us. Dr. Sri explains how Jesus freed us and reconciles us to himself. Snippet from the Show The de…

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Day 246: Rejoice in Doing Good (2024) 27:01

12m ago27:01

27:01

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. Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)By Ascension

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Day 246: Mercy and the Mystery of Sin (2024) 24:37

4d ago24:37

24:37

Jesus reveals God’s offer of loving mercy to sinners. To accept this gift, we must identify and admit our failings. Recognizing our sins enables us to further cooperate in our redemption. Sin can be understood and categorized in several ways, but every sin wounds our nature and damages our relationships with God and neighbor. Today’s readings are C…

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Day 245: The Faithfulness of Daniel (2024) 21:41

38m ago21:41

21:41

Fr. Mike takes us through the last chapter of Daniel and explains how Daniel models for us on how to live in exile and still be faithful to the Lord. We also see in Jeremiah the Lord promise a new covenant that will ultimately be fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Today’s readings are Jeremiah 31, Daniel 14, and Proverbs 16:21-24. For the complete reading …

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Day 245: Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit (2024) 19:19

2h ago19:19

19:19

As we end our exploration of the virtues, we learn about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts perfect our virtues and increase our ability to respond to God’s guidance and inspiration. The fruits of the Holy Spirit perfect us, are signs of a life lived in the Spirit, and are “the first fruits of eternal glory,” as the Catechism tells us. Our c…

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Day 244: Susanna's Righteousness (2024) 26:35

31m ago26:35

26:35

Fr. Mike reflects on the story of Susanna's righteousness in the book of Daniel. While celebrating Susanna's virtue, Daniel's wisdom, and God's faithfulness, Fr. Mike also warns us that, like the corrupt elders in the story, we too can allow our hearts to become perverted by the things we fix our eyes on. The readings are Jeremiah 30, Daniel 12-13,…

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Day 244: The Virtue of Charity (2024) 21:43

1h ago21:43

21:43

The greatest of all the theological virtues is charity. Fr. Mike explains that charity, or love, is to love God above all things for his own sake and to love our neighbor as ourselves. This includes loving our enemies and also obeying God's commandments, two actions that are not always easy. Most importantly, today's readings remind us that true ch…

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Jesus, The Master Communicator (Part 2) 33:24

6h ago33:24

33:24

Is it challenging for you to start up a conversation with someone? It can take a lot of courage and practice to communicate with a person, especially for the first time. How did Jesus do this? What were some of his common practices when approaching someone for the first time? Jeff Cavins continues his two part series on communicating like Jesus and…

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Day 243: The Virtue of Hope (2024) 14:24

26m ago14:24

14:24

A desire for the Kingdom of heaven and eternal life is at the heart of the virtue of hope. Fr. Mike breaks down the definition of the theological virtue of hope and explains how it protects us from discouragement and selfishness. By placing our trust in Christ’s promises, we are free to love the people around us and endure all circumstances because…

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Day 243: The Lord's Plans (2024) 33:08

7d ago33:08

33:08

Fr. Mike highlights verse 11 from Jeremiah 29: "I know the plans I have for you...plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Since we know God is a good Father, we too can count on this promise and know that God has a plan for each of us. The reading are Jeremiah 28-29, Daniel 10-11, and Proverbs 16:13-16. For the complet…

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Struggling with Infertility 13:33

2h ago13:33

13:33

Hello Father Josh I enjoy your podcast very much and it has help me in picking up the bible and attending adoration I am forever grateful. My husband and I recently started our fertility journey because we have been unsuccessful for two years. I find myself discourage, sadness and alone sometimes because this process is not easy however, I do under…

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Summer with the Saints - St. Alberto Hurtado, SJ 25:16

2h ago25:16

25:16

Bridgett is joined by Catalina Ortega, Ascension's Social Justice Minister. Catalina shares her connection to St Alberto Hurtado, a Jesuit and the Patron Saint of Chile, and his importance in Chilean Catholic culture. Resources: Videos St. Alberto Hurtado, SJ Articles St. Alberto Hurtado, SJ (Ignatian Spirituality) Society of Jesus Celebrates Feast…

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Day 242: The Virtue of Faith (2024) 18:26

8d ago18:26

18:26

The origin, motive, and object of the theological virtues are God himself. Today, we dive into the theological virtues, beginning with the virtue of Faith. Fr. Mike unpacks the meaning and purpose of the virtue of Faith and emphasizes that Faith is deeply rooted in trust in God. Lastly, Fr. Mike reminds us that Faith should be lived out along with …

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Day 242: The Role of King Nebuchadnezzar (2024) 28:11

1h ago28:11

28:11

Fr. Mike explains why God asks his people to surrender to King Nebuchadnezzar even though it seems contradicting. We learn that God can use evil circumstances to win the hearts of his people back. In Daniel, as we read about the vision of the ram and the goat, Fr. Mike reminds us that prophecy is always shrouded in mystery. Today we read Jeremiah 2…

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Mike and Dave Answer Your Questions 37:48

29m ago37:48

37:48

It’s that time again! Michael Gormley and Dave VanVickle take the time in this episode to answer some of your questions! These questions range in topic from Heaven and Hell to the occult to Međugorje. Snippet from the Show We forget that for Saint Paul, the end game of Christianity is the resurrection of the dead, the resurrection of our bodies. We…

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Day 241: The Cardinal Virtues (2024) 22:02

8d ago22:02

22:02

A virtuous person is someone who consistently chooses the good. Fr. Mike unpacks the four human or cardinal virtues that are essential in helping us become more like Jesus: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. We learn that these four virtues make possible “ease, self-mastery, and joy in leading a morally good life.” Today’s Catechism read…

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