How to Start Strong and Stay Strong

📖 Get the official Catechism in a Year Reading Plan (AscensionPress.com/CIY) 📖 Get the official Catechism in a Year Reading Plan (AscensionPress.com/CIY)

[@dylmck28]

"Saints aren't made when it's easy, saints are made because a person has shown up again and again and again even when it wasn't new." -Fr. Mike Schmitz

[@AL-ri6bk]

🙌🙌🙌 godlinesses 🙂😊😊😊😊😊🤪

[@AL-ri6bk]

💪💪

[@djmac17]

Hey father mike so my name is Dj McCarthy I go to the youth group at st Agnes and I wanted to know I know your going to the trip to rode island retreat but are you going to the main campus Steubenville too

[@rjo1956]

And, when a person shows up, after continually being beaten down ...

[@ellakleinhenz5974]

"Commitment is doing the thing you said you would do after the feeling that you've said it in passes."

[@jenniferarchambault4444]

WOW. I just told my husband that I want to start going to mass and find out about RCIA. (I was raised outside any faith). He’s been wanting to “find a church” mumbling something about being Methodist even though he was baptized and raised Catholic because being Methodist is “easier”. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Anyway we went to the local Catholic Church to get information and he will indeed have to do a little legwork concerning his TWO previous marriages (both of which were civil only). I know I need to spend a lot of time and put in a lot of hard work to build a strong faith foundation (which I’m actually motivated to do because I believe that the Catholic faith does have the fullness of truth). I don’t want to settle for an immediate “easy” connection to Jesus, I want to build a strong, deep, lasting relationship. This video is totally reflective of my life TODAY. Thank you for the timely pep talk Fr. Mike. 👍

[@m.d.8032]

Hi, I'm finishing RCIA this Easter. My priest gave me a copy of the book Rediscover Catholicism. It has changed my life. I am converting from being a protestant. Best of luck. I too had to take care of annulments.

[@jenniferarchambault4444]

I’m not in any rush. I want to do this right and start with a solid, strong foundation. (RCIA for me wouldn’t start until around Labor Day, and it honestly sounded like it might be a basic catechesis crash course.) I will definitely check out that book you recommended M.D. (I’m planning to do a LOT of independent study until I start RCIA). Thanks Jeremy and M.D. for your kind words and encouragement. 👍

[@wolfhound1452]

Jennifer Archambault Good luck and God bless you on your journey.

[@mariateresa9965]

@@m.d.8032 Pray the Rosary🙏

[@m.d.8032]

@@mariateresa9965 hi, funny you mention that. After watching a different Fr. Mike video, I felt led to start praying the rosary for lent. God bless.

[@domi4396]

It's like I see joy on Father Mike's face and his eyes show a mix of pain and love

[@AL-ri6bk]

In my eyes i think one would say we see crazy o.o. crazy cuz we,re loosing sanity? Cant comprehend, ish?

[@calledbyfaith3]

God is truly speaking through you to me tonight. Thank you Fr Mike. God bless you and everyone at Ascension.

[@maazzaaa1]

Legit just prayed about needing help with staying strong. Next hour - u put out this video. Thank you

[@AL-ri6bk]

🙃😊

[@emilymckellar7443]

I love it when that happens

[@clairemarusin5635]

In my family, whenever anyone has experienced a hardship (no matter how small or big) we always say it was "an opportunity to build character". I absolutely love that as a mindset - that there is nothing that is so horrible that it will utterly tear you down - in fact it is quite the opposite, it builds you up. Provided you have the perseverance to do the work and the humility to go to God to ask for strength.

[@baseballmomof8]

Claire Marusin excellent post and thoughts. Thank you!

[@vespermartini2556]

Father Mike, I was on my way to look up a video (needed some love, lost a very beloved relative yesterday), and there you were, waiting for me to click. Thank you.

[@escanor4531]

Sorry for your loss. Hope you find comfort in God.

[@Ezekiel336-16]

May the Lord shower you and yours in the blessings of His divine grace during your time of loss. May He turn your tears into dancing! In Christ, Andrew

[@isaiah3872]

May his/her soul rest in peace through the mercy of God and may the Lord be with you in your time of grief. I'm sorry for your loss

[@russellife2267]

You are the third person to deliver this message to me today. God Consciousness, thank you for your energy, humor, and the tough topics that you are able to transverse to an attentive audience.

[@ransomcoates546]

Father's emotions are always very transparent. I sense he needs our prayers. I have never understood how he avoids mental and spiritual exhaustion -- and the burden of having so many people think him a saintly man.

[@faithfulprofessional6886]

Yes i can tell from his voice too. As i am only listening to this.

[@baseballmomof8]

Ransom Coates you are so right. The demons attack the good priests with a vengeance we cannot even imagine. Pray much for him.

[@adriannefluet2896]

I'm praying for you father Mike God bless you thank you for all that you do

[@AL-ri6bk]

💪💪💪💙✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️🤪

[@njejlester1603]

If Father Mike wants our prayers, I think he will say so. “Sensing” things doesn’t seem helpful (or necessarily accurate) to me. He’s got a great message and I celebrate his ministry.

[@ItBeTheWayItDoSomeTimes]

I really needed this. I’m new to the faith it has completely changed my life to a degree that shocks everyone but the last few weeks have been difficult and this was exactly what I needed

[@martindiego388]

This reminds me of what our Monsignor would always tell us that "a saint is a sinner who gets back up." Thank for this video Fr. Mike.

[@rastislavdragojlovic7976]

Beautiful words. Greetings from Croatia ;)

[@kc3304]

Thank you for the encouragement. Sister's sudden death yesterday leaving young kids. Devastated yet am still praising and worshipping. God bless!

[@Onlinesully]

Karin Creaser They are lucky to have you

[@aprilrosegaysis6234]

"true love is not the first love, true love is the love that has proven itself". 🙏🙏🙏

[@mikeanthony601]

God bless your Father Mike, everyone here and myself

[@milyvento5537]

Affliction builds endurance... Ty father Mike . I needed this . I’m in a lifetime battle with my loved ones addiction. I’m not giving up on him .

[@albertosg471]

I’ve missed you Father Mike... And what a comeback. Blessings for you and everyone at Ascension ✝️🙏

[@janiejohnson5552]

Amen.God Bless you Father🙏

[@iamkomposed7162]

Thank you Father Mike. I thought I was weak because I was struggling, but I am strong in my endurance. Thank you for reminding me to trust in thd Lord.

[@mattsohl]

Exactly what I needed today.

[@natalierachel4800]

Father, I never replied to any of your videos but this one is exceptional. I know that God is using you to speak to me. It is the right time at the right moment! I have been journaling online for 7 days straight now (one of my lenten promises) and it starting to wear off and I dont feel like doing it anymore. But your video is just mind blowing! Thank you father!

[@hellome2be2]

My name is Andrew and my best friend is Peter. We say we are brothers like in the Gospel. But just like you hinted in the video, we joke that Peter was the first round draft pick. Andrew saw him first but was bypassed! Why is that? Andrews need love too!

[@karenlacy257]

Amen! True love is love that's PROVEN itself! Thank you for the reminder and for your wisdom Father Mike.

[@tubo1639]

Thank you Father Mike for these amazing videos! 🙏🙏 I try to watch one video every morning 4 to 5 times a week to start my day.

[@rjo1956]

Father Michael, Wonderful, strong message to keep going when the newness wears off, and life begins to challenge us. To keep striving with Christ-- in mind, body, and spirit. To persevere, against obstacles, praying Archangel Michael will hear us. When we cry out, when sorrow overcomes our reason, and we question, why? Obstacles can sometimes feel too difficult, to endure, day to day. We light candles. We pray. The endurance... the meditation, on OPENING OUR HEARTS to the only true... LOVE ... God.

[@anilgerard705]

Well said Father Mike... This tends to happen to everyone, we get excited at doing something new in the beginning. But over a period of time when it becomes monotonous, we tend to give it up. This happened to me lot. I now understand how to overcome come this feeling. Have a blessed lent ahead!!

[@Paul-ml4fk]

Thanks Father Mike!

[@margaretabdillacunningham9525]

Thank you so much for the holy clarifications ... perseverance ... truly a mark of holiness. Thank you

[@franciscojuan7339]

I'm currently studying to be an Engineer and I have to say the difficulty and the challenge has made me a better man! i know it will be worth it when I can provide for a family in the near future

[@weden3199]

Francisco Juan, exactly! Keep studying and praying for guidance. Hardships come before success.

[@Onlinesully]

Francisco Juan Good for you dear person

[@CJMHalbur]

Facing some heavy challenges in ministry right now. Thank you, Fr. Mike and Holy Spirit, for the timely word of encouragement.

[@pixydncer1]

Thank you for this timely video. Today is my birthday and I really needed this encouragement. 🕊🙏🏼♥️

[@GMAAndy333]

Happy birthday! God bless! 🌻

[@jinijoyson9294]

Happy b'day..,Bridgette🎉..God bless u🙏😇

[@paolarocha5992]

You don't know how much I needed to hear this, Father. God bless!

[@lukecumby454]

Thank You, Fr. Mike! I really needed this video right now.

[@rfm231]

Thank you Father, thank you

[@oh4daluv]

GOD BLESS YOU FATHER HOPE TO LISTEN AND SEE YOU IN CORK, IRELAND IN MAY BUT IF I CANT BECAUSE OF THE CORONA VIRUS IM GOING TO WATCH ON KZbin AND BE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR TEACHING HERE. THE WORLD CAN KNOCK US OUT AND DOWN BUT GOD GIVES US THE GRACE TO GET BACK UP AGAIN AND KEEP FOLLOWING JESUS, WE KEEP OUR EYES ON HIM, JESUS KEEPS US IN HIS LOVE AND MERCY.

[@debbieoconnell9308]

The end was great truth to live by. I will share it. Thank you.

[@sarahsart4563]

Always what I need to hear when I need it!

[@vickysavvy2148]

I’m not feeling good at all and I’ve been in bed all day but listening to your great teaching of our almighty Lord gives me back some peace.. thank you 🙏🏻 God bless you Father

[@albyantony1853]

This, oh this is what I needed to hear today. Thank you Father!

[@vgraham580]

Thank you Fr. Mike

[@dunnebug]

Thank you Father Mike.

[@AngelaAngel-ee8wn]

Thank You Father

[@UnaZoomer]

Thank you for all the amazing Videos! Much love.

[@passionatedreamer7311]

Thank you father Mike

[@aidaruilova140]

So encouraging! Keep choosing Him, every day.❤️🙏🏼

[@lanaschott8928]

Thank you Fr. Mike ... whenever I feel myself slipping away I come to you for a reminder of what is important! 🙏

[@barbscreativecornerc1210]

Thank you soooo much! I have been struggling with something and you put it into prospective.

[@researchbilingualism2481]

Thank you! Just the right time for me to listen to this 😊

[@johnwaluskiewicz5940]

Thank you for this video Fr. Mike! I needed this kind of encouragement this week.

[@Luci924t]

I definitely needed this video today

[@CARS63]

💗 Thank you Father Mike 💓😊🙏

[@pauloliu8209]

Thank you. Much needed.

[@EricWinstonOfficial]

Thank you Fr.Mike, it’s wonderful and a real reminder amidst our excitements.

[@stageluvr91]

The past few weeks for me has been a practice in just going through the motions to get through my day while trying so hard to find a renewed spirit. Been praying so hard for direction. And then this popped up. I needed this.

[@sygnalifeandleadershipcoach]

Thank you I needed thst - May God continue to bless abd strengthen you always

[@eu7kw678]

This has helped me in my time of need now. Thank you Fr Mike.

[@robertdowler8105]

Thanks Father.& Good day.

[@reubenrodrigues7962]

Thanks for the father Mike always appreciate what you say, always a blessing.

[@drunorthodox]

Father mike your words inspire me when I first found this channel I felt lost and I was a mess but after hearing your videos I have felt a will to come out of my depressive shell

[@bitachocho]

THANK YOU FR MIKE!! LOVE YOUR VIDEOS

[@Ezekiel336-16]

Thank you Lord for sending this video through father Mike. I needed it as you know and I thank you both! In Christ's Love, Andrew

[@Shaun1977]

Hi Father Mike Always Good to see You And hear You talk Great Words 🔑 Love From United kingdom 🙏❤🔥🕊

[@powerliftingcentaur]

That was wonderful, Father Mike. I was edified. Thank you. I also thought of my second career. Truly, I had no idea what was coming.

[@stewartbyrne9002]

Thank you for sharing. I am forever greatful. I sometimes struggle with every day life, but watching your videos and listing to UCB radio station has brought me back to god. I now tend a local wih my 5 year old daughter who loves it as much as I do.

[@GrassBayRanch]

Thank you. I needed to hear this today.

[@KarenVMiguel]

This is wonderful. Wow. Being at a point in my life where I have both situations where I have newness-buzz and others that require lots of endurance and conscious application of perseverance and fortitude, I now have a new appreciation for how the endurance ones serve my journey to sanctification. Thank you!😊

[@Paula-pv7ep]

2 Tim 2 .God is awesome Thank you Father Mike

[@sean_dub01]

I’m not religious and I’m not a follower of any religions, but I really like to listen to some of your videos and find you to be a good speaker, you seem very friendly and you’re very interesting to listen to :) Maybe one day I’ll come around to the idea of a religion, but yeah I just wanted to say thank you for your insightful and helpful videos!

[@snoopy1965]

God love and blessings thanks for the utubes please keep me in your prayers

[@WordsPictures997]

This is powerful! Something I need to meditate on further. Thank you Fr. Mike. Thank you Ascension presents.

[@elycash]

This came at the perfect time! Almost comically perfect timing - I needed this video so much - thank you God and Father Mike x

[@waleska1963]

Thank you Father. It seemed like you were talking to me. This is all new to me and it’s funny because it is so exciting to me and I pray it will continue to feel this way always. God bless you.

[@lindabauer3594]

Thank you for this Fr. Mike. I was confirmed into the Church 2 years ago, still in the excitement phase, but glimmers of flagging fervor have suggested themselves. So far, I've been able to tamp them down. I will watch this when they appear, and know this will raise me up.

[@leamarie6039]

Bless you Fr Mike. I hope the burdens in your wide shoulders are bearable, Jesus is with your side. Please keep going❤

[@kerwinfernandes9583]

Great video Fr. Thank u and God bless you 😌🙏

[@anthonymanuelvijay4170]

Great message! Awesome! Just what i needed! Everyone needs this... cause now a days people often thinks that pain, and sufferings are not good .....and Mass and small devotions like Rosary and Personal prayers are dull! ..... The Measage that touched me is ....True love is not the first love...it is proven in perseverance and endurance! thk you Fr. Mike God bless you!

[@acthebee175]

Thank you Fr mike!!!!! 💖💖💖💖

[@LisaGemini]

Great thoughts, Father Mike. True love withstands the tests of life, which God gives us to make us saint-like. Thank you for giving me something deep to think about! God bless you.

[@georgenaps5255]

Always awesome Father Mike...

[@LoveLove-bh8rm]

God Bless you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@jeanneamato8278]

Thank you 🙏

[@millier9658]

I needed it. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@beverlyhanlon8101]

Stay strong!

[@recadinawebi4078]

So wise!

[@milyvento5537]

We have fallen countless times.. we keep praying to Jesus to save us 🙏🏻💜✝️

[@dinasanchezharo1819]

So good..thanks

[@simonwilson4087]

just fabulous

[@michellecairns2396]

God Bless You

[@AM-ni3sz]

Thank you

[@michellecairns2396]

Awsome. Thank you Fr.

[@yogawsylvia1616]

Love this msg

[@Klissaura]

wauw God braught me here thank you for this video

[@egyptiandeity1862]

I Love you FR... From Arkansas.. ST.Barts...

[@juliettedewailly7150]

Merci

[@mariofsantana3952]

I liked the Part when Simon Peter was strong and full of energy chopping the slave Marcus ear; Then when he encounters the buffeting winds or the bigest - denying that he knew his Lord; Then you said that he came to his base foundation at the sea of Galile and told the Lord he loves him. You go on to say that St paul talks about the beatings he received and how he also levels out persevering in faithfulness. This thread you describe of picking up the cross everyday or when one falls and gets up again. I will be honest with you. It struck me to seek meditation on this theme. Does it strike you to expand that for us. You think. Thank you Fr Mike!

[@michaeldelossantos8560]

Thank you Father Mike, for you carry thy light when darkness emerges. Xoxo from Houston Texas

[@marissaceja1035]

A dream of mine is to meet Father Mike!! He is such a Holy priest!!

[@katkat2340]

Right to the heart of the matter💖✝️🙏🏽😇

[@paulbany6603]

Amen!