Just because it's "the most wonderful time of the year" doesn't mean that everything is working out for you. But if tough times have actually given way to full-blown discouragement for you this Christmas, Fr. Mike has a word for you: "Emmanuel".

On behalf of Fr. Mike and everyone here at Ascension, Merry Christmas to you and all of your loved ones. God bless you this Jubilee Year 2025!

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"Does God take us when he feels like our time here is over?" Fr. Mike tackles this question and examines the motivations behind it to show us why God made us and why our value doesn't lie in what we do in this life.

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The apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary that came to be known as Our Lady of Guadalupe was a miracle. The Castilian roses that came from Tepeyac Hill in winter were a miracle. The divinely illustrated vision of Our Lady on St. Juan Diego's tilma was a miracle—as is the fact that the tilma composed of organic fibers has refused to degrade for 500 years and is still available to see to this day.

But none of those were the greatest miracle that Our Lady brought to the Americas that fateful century. Fr. Mike points out the incredible miracle that many people gloss over—but the one that makes an eternal difference.

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Grief is natural, and sadness at the death of a loved one is to be expected. But what about people who feel anger in their bereavement? Especially anger at God?

Fr. Mike shares a difficult truth for those who wish their loved ones were still with them instead of with Jesus in heaven.

Join Fr. Mike in Newark, NJ on December 9, 2024 for an evening of Advent reflection and a question and answer session. Get tickets at https://www.njpac.org/event/father-mike/.

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In this 3-part series filmed backstage at the 2024 Good News Conference, Fr. Mike sits down with 3 special guests to discuss prayer, the sacraments, and how to prepare to meet Jesus "face to face" this coming Advent.

Fr. Mike and Sr. Miriam examine our needs for healing from sin, trauma, and a broken past, and uncover the luminous power of God's loving gaze on our hearts, minds, and souls.

Want to go deeper this Advent? Join Fr. Mike Schmitz in a journey through the daily readings as he confronts our doubts and reveals God's love with Ascension-app-exclusive daily video reflections and scripture passages: https://link.ascension-app.com/caouRw13GNb

Too often, we live life by "default". We forget that we are on a journey to an eternal destination of joy that we were made for. We are burdened by fears and questions: what if I am not worthy? What if I am not enough?

Live Advent differently this year. Prepare to meet God, face to face. Only available on the Ascension App.

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Did you know that superstitions are a sin? In this video, Fr. Mike dives into the topic of Friday the 13th and other common superstitions, shedding light on how they can reveal something about our hearts. Often rooted in fear, superstitions are a sin against the First Commandment, showing our desire to control or predict the future.

Fr. Mike also discusses how Catholics can sometimes fall into superstition through their approach to saints, prayers, and sacramentals—such as treating the scapular like a good luck charm. He emphasizes that our trust should be placed in God and his goodness above all else.

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Should we wear our best to Mass?

Fr. Mike explores the balance between 'coming as you are' and 'putting on your best for the Lord.' He explains that while the state of our hearts ultimately matters most, it's not the only thing that matters. Dressing respectfully for Mass can be a way to honor God, but it should never cover up a lack of sincerity or distract from the true purpose of the Mass.

The question to consider is: does my outward appearance reflect the love and reverence in my heart?

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Some people brush off intrusive thoughts. But others are haunted by them.

If you're having serious issues with intrusive thoughts, first understand that this is normal and part of the human experience. That being said, if you need to combat them, you have options. Today, Fr. Mike gives you some solid advice and steps to take towards greater freedom from unwanted and unwelcome thoughts.

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Did you know there’s a simple approach to discerning your vocation? Fr. Mike shares the most common mistake he sees people make when determining God's call.

He emphasizes the importance of focusing on one vocation at a time, reminding us that jumping between options can lead to confusion.

Instead, Fr. Mike encourages us to simplify the process and let God guide us toward the vocation we’re meant for. When we focus and trust, God’s will becomes clear.

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Do you pray the rosary? If you do, you might find it difficult at times, or experience dryness in prayer. It's important to persevere in this devotion—but how?

Fr. Mike has dealt with the same difficulties in prayer, and these are his top tips for keeping up with the holy rosary.

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"In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words." Matthew 6:7 (New American Bible, Revised Edition)

Does Jesus warn us against repetitive prayers? Does praying the rosary contradict the way Jesus asked us to pray? Why is the rosary even designed that way?

Whether you pray the rosary everyday or have never prayed it before, Fr. Mike has some insights from Jesus and his Church regarding repetition in prayer that will change the way you look at prayers like the rosary.

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