Called (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Called to Defend Religious Liberty (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Mark Rienzi)

In this episode of Called, Father Mike Schmitz sits down with Mark Rienzi, the President and CEO of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. Mark has led an extraordinary, unbroken string of landmark victories at the US Supreme Court—defending everyone from the Little Sisters of the Poor and Hobby Lobby to everyday parents and ministries. But his journey didn't start with massive victories. It started with a 13-year string of losses. Join Father Mike and Mark as they dive deep into what it truly means to defend the fundamental freedom to live according to one’s faith, how to overcome the fear of being powerless in a contentious culture, and how ordinary people are called to stand up for the truth with courage, excellence, and hope. To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777. If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.

Called to Be Hospitable (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and John Hale)

What does true hospitality look like? It’s more than hosting a dinner party or planning a great trip—it’s creating space for others to encounter love, joy, beauty, and ultimately, God. In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with John Hale to talk about the deeper meaning of hospitality, how pilgrimage can transform hearts, and why a “theology of abundance” changes the way we live and love. Whether you’re welcoming thousands or simply showing up for the person in front of you, this conversation will challenge you to live with greater joy, generosity, and magnanimity of heart. To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777. If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.

Called to Walk with Families in Need w/ Kristy Schena and Fr. Mike Schmitz

What does it mean to answer God’s call—especially when it leads you somewhere unexpected? In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Kristi Schena, founder of Kids On The Go, to share a powerful story of faith in action. What began as a simple response to a gap in care for children with special needs grew into a life-changing ministry serving thousands of families. Kristi opens up about the moment she saw the need, the challenges of building a nonprofit from the ground up, and how her own family’s struggles deepened her mission. Through uncertainty, loss, and unexpected blessings, her story reveals how God works through ordinary people to do extraordinary things. If you’ve ever felt a tug on your heart to make a difference—but didn’t know where to start—this conversation will inspire you to listen, trust, and take the next step. To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777. If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.

Called to Use God’s Gifts of Innovation Faithfully w/ John F. Crowley & Fr. Mike Schmitz

What do you do when suffering hits your family—and there’s no cure? In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with John Crowley, a father whose life changed overnight when two of his children were diagnosed with a rare, fatal disease. Faced with the impossible, John didn’t walk away—he stepped in. From grief and fear to faith and determination, this powerful conversation explores what it means to trust God in crisis, to “see a need and fill it,” and to use your gifts in service of others. John’s journey into the world of biotech innovation is a witness to courage, perseverance, and the call to love in action. You can learn more about the Called podcast at: https://ascensionpress.com/pages/called. To learn more The Catholic Initiative, please visit https://thecatholicinitiative.org/. To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777. If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.

Called to Be Courageous w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dr. Carolyn Woo

What does it mean to trust God when the decision feels risky? In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Dr. Carolyn Woo to talk about courage, discernment, and leaving security to follow God’s call. Carolyn shares how she walked away from tenure and a successful academic career to say yes to a mission that would eventually lead her to serve the global Church through Catholic Relief Services. Together they discuss fear, trust, and the question many of us eventually face: What is enough? If you’ve ever struggled with a big life decision or wondered how to know what God is asking of you, this conversation is for you. To receive updates on the podcast text CALLED to 33777. If you have a question or a story of someone living out their calling to serve others, email info@thecatholicinitiative.org.