Called (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Called to Love Through Action w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder of Mary’s Meals, to talk about what it really looks like to live out the Gospel. From a small village in Scotland to feeding over 3 million children every school day, Magnus shares the unlikely, grace-filled story of how a simple “yes” to God became a global mission of love. Together, Fr. Mike and Magnus reflect on Scripture, especially “faith without works is dead” (James 2:17), and explore what it means to take small, faithful steps—even when you feel unqualified, afraid, or unsure of the outcome. This conversation is a powerful reminder that God doesn’t ask us to do everything—He asks us to be faithful with what’s right in front of us. If you’ve ever wondered whether your small acts of love really matter, this episode will challenge and encourage 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.

Called to Form the Young w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fr. Josh Johnson

What if evangelization started with showing up? In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Fr. Josh Johnson to talk about reaching young people on the margins and building parishes that go beyond the pews. Fr. Josh shares his powerful conversion story, the importance of invitation, and how Vagabond Missions meets teens where they are—on the streets, in neighborhoods, and in real life. This conversation challenges us to rethink discipleship, responsibility, and what it really means to follow Jesus today. 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 Care for the Vulnerable

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz is joined by Catholic author and speaker Elizabeth Santorum Marcolini to share powerful stories of faith and radical trust in God. Elizabeth reflects on her sister Bella and her daughter Zelie—two lives that reveal the beauty, dignity, and purpose of every human person. Together, they explore Catholic social teaching, the meaning of mercy, and why love always requires sacrifice. This conversation offers hope to parents facing difficult diagnoses, encouragement to families caring for loved ones with special needs, and a reminder that Jesus does not call us to sufficiency—but to surrender. As Jesus teaches in Matthew 25, when we love the most vulnerable, we love Him. 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 Accompany Mothers w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and the Sisters of Life

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Sr. Gianna Maria and Sister Zelie Maria Louis of the Sisters of Life—a community of religious sisters whose mission is to protect and enhance the sacredness of every human life. One of their missions is to serve women who are vulnerable to abortion and give them the support and resources they need to choose life for themselves and their children. Together, they share powerful stories of hope, trust, and God’s unwavering tenderness. From “tea party” first meetings, to miraculous moments like the “gummy bear grace”, to the long-term accompaniment that continues far beyond a baby’s birth, the sisters reveal what it truly means to walk with women in love. They also open up about: How each discovered their vocation—including one sister’s unforgettable rap testimony. The deep spiritual motherhood at the heart of every religious vocation. What genuine healing looks like for women wounded by abortion. How ordinary Catholics—men and women—can speak hope into someone’s life. What it looks like when parishes become true communities of accompaniment. 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 the Poor w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Kerry Robinson

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Kerry Robinson, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, for a powerful conversation about what it truly means to “walk with the poor.” Kerry shares her remarkable lifelong journey of service — shaped by her family’s legacy of Catholic philanthropy, her early encounters with heroic witnesses of faith, and her vocational call to bring hope where it’s needed most. From her unexpected path into fundraising at Yale, to her leadership with Catholic Charities USA, Kerry reveals how answering God’s call often begins with simply refusing to look away from human suffering. Together, she and Fr. Mike explore: ✨ What “vocational living” means and why it changes everything ✨ How Catholic Charities serves millions with dignity, mercy, and the heart of the Gospel ✨ The power of accompaniment and why presence matters as much as service ✨ How ordinary Catholics can begin helping the poor right where they are ✨ Why collaboration between clergy and laity is essential for the Church’s mission ✨ The deeper joy found in giving your life away in love 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.