Bishop Robert Barron and Fr. Mike Schmitz Unveil the Power of the Sacraments

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 Bishop Barron discuss the shocking reality of the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, the beautiful discomfort that confession can bring, and how the sacraments bring us face to face with Jesus and prepare us to spend eternity with him.
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: link.ascension...
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.
Thank you to Corporate Travel Services for making it possible to film this video at the 2024 Good News Conference. Sign up at goodnewsconfer... for the 2025 Good News Conference to see Fr. Mike and Bishop Barron in-person!
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[@jack_skeean]

I was an atheist until I was 21, and entered the Catholic Church mostly due to the work of these two priests. Now I'm a seminarian, and I pray I will be able to bless other people the way Bp. Barron and Fr. Mike have blessed me.

[@Skye1219-n2b]

You are so Blessed! Praise God

[@NapoliESchioETorino]

Thank you!!!!!!! You are a blessing to Jesus' church. I will pray for you to be filled with His grace and to persevere until your ordination and beyond. ❤ My uncle is a 70 yr old priest, and I know the sacrifices of being a priest. May Mama Mary keep you close to her. ❤️‍🔥

[@Bork98]

I'm a cradle Catholic, but lived in sin most of my life. Went to Sunday mass, but didn't pray and hated confession. 2 years ago, I felt called to regular confession and ended up at the beautiful Basilica of St Jospephat in Milwaukee that has daily mass and confession in the morning before work. The Fransiscan priest at confession said to ask God for the grace to avoid sin. That moment freed me from 35 years of habitual sin and after that my eyes were opened and I knew Jesus was present in the Eucharist. That moment changed and saved my life. I love confession now and I want to spend as much time with Jesus as I can: prayer, daily mass, rosary, spiritual reading, adoration. And I got to see both of these amazing men at the National Eucharistic Congress.

[@diannehatfull1875]

Same! So grateful for God's grace and persistence. 🙏❤

[@Catholiccarlsons]

Hey I’m from Milwaukee to man! That Basilica is so beautiful, god bless brother!

[@empackmanmueller1725]

Your story is just like me.

[@PMteach1]

If you have Cursillo in your area, consider living a Cursillo weekend. It will build on what you are doinng

[@marmar5025]

Same, before I would not mind missing mass on Sundays but after confessions and going to Holy hour I even ask at work to be off Sundays❤

[@gordontempest2575]

These are two of my heros. Both have brought so much into my life and I'm sure to many others. I pray daily for rebirth of the church and the priesthood. Here is proof that God answers our prayers. May God send both of you and all the religious the graces needed to lead the true church during these painful years.

[@LSMoakhi-xq4kn]

Please pray for Catholic communities in Islamic countries. I'm currently studying in a north African country. Our priest is also a priest to another parish that's about 4 hours away. We thank God for him, and other religious, for his fervour to serve the Lord, celebrate mass and see to the spiritual needs of Christians in both communities. We've been expecting another priest for a while now, but it's a struggle to get a visa as a priest in a country that's over 95% Muslim. Please keep, our parish, as well as those who might not have priests, in your prayers.

[@marymobley]

I was drawn to Catholicism 2 weeks ago! I have been on an unquenchable journey to digest every resource that is available online and in my community! Praise God!!!

[@elisabettagarcia2620]

Welcome! I recommend the Bible in a Year podcast with Father Mike.

[@HELLO115-j2q]

Praise God indeed! I’ll keep you in my prayers, that you have a smooth journey home :)! God bless

[@kelkabot]

Welcome to the grand adventure!

[@marymobley]

@@elisabettagarcia2620 Already on it! Got the books, podcast, new Catholic Bible, and the Hallow app. God is leading me to everything!!! 🙏✝️

[@marymobley]

@@kelkabot I’m so pumped! I’ve never felt such peace and confidence. God bless you! 🙏✝️

[@kepha5065]

I'm from Ethiopia. I've come to know the catholic church by following great sermons from Bishop Robert Barron,Father Mike Schmitz etc....May God bless such great great spiritual warriors❤❤❤

[@andrealittle2836]

Catholic Church is the True church. I converted this year. God and the Holy Spirt brought me to it. May the Holy Spirit guide you too.

[@nadinedennison724]

Are you freaking kidding me ? I wake up to a video with two of my favourite priests together. Today is a good day!

[@jaykebeckwith7573]

I love these two men. They have saved me. They are the ones who brought me to the Faith. I owe them a debt of gratitude which shall never be paid.

[@lynae-p9e]

Praise God for both of them❤️

[@sherrypbarker8785]

Two of my Catholic heroes together in a sit down conversation. What a treat!! You two shed so much light in this world. Thank you so very much for all of your hard work and perservence. You continue to make the world a better place.

[@marmar5025]

So beautifull seen so many converting to catholicism. Glory be to God❤ praying for us to hear him calling all his flock in Jesus name❤

[@tinacoleman2263]

I want to thank you both for this podcast. We need you now more than ever. As a cradle Catholic that went from pre to post Vatican 2, there are so many who do not truly know their faith. People need to be catéchised properly. And we need strong leaders to do that, and to catéchisé the beautiful souls who are seeking. As a catechist, I’m trying to utilise everything I possibly can to teach those who are cradle and those who are converts. We need to fix this. I’m glad you introduce yourselves bc I think there are people who don’t know who you are. Praying for your vocations. PAX CHRISTI

[@laurenb9479]

Pausing at the beginning to share something that helped me so much...years ago I realized how stagnant and sporadic my prayer life had become. I started doing two things -- I went back to saying bedtime prayers every night and also made a point to thank God for things randomly throughout my day (for example, when I admired the sunset, I would very purposefully thank God for His beautiful painting). Getting back to bedtime prayers habit helped me bring back daily prayers in general. Those thank yous through out the day helped me get more conversational with God and also to nourish a positive aspect to our relationship instead of only turning to Him when things go wrong. I've come a long way since then, but that's where my journey back to Him started.

[@SarcolKent]

Bishop Barron and Fr. Mike are precious gifts of God to His Church. Thank you for this beautiful video. 26:29 "God if you want me to be a priest, I'll hear their confession anytime they'll ask." After hearing this from Fr. Mike, I paused watching and heartily prayed and offered my life to Jesus. Asking Him, if He wills it -- it would be a joy to become a priest and becomes a means of His grace to His people. I told Jesus, "Here I am, send me!" I was crying while lifting my hands in the air as an act of surrender. Ended my prayer by asking Mama Mary's powerful intercession. Currently, I am a full-time missionary for a youth Catholic movement called Christ's Youth in Action. I don't what the Lord has in store for me to the years to come but my prayer is "Thy will be done."

[@CloverJay2022]

Now I lay me down to sleep I pray, thee lord, my soul to keep If I should die before I wake I pray thee lord, my soul to take If I should live for other days, I pray thee lord, to guide my ways In Jesus name I pray, Amen 🙏

[@blueanina1975]

thanks for saving me time! God bless! 🫶

[@chillvibes9022]

This is one of the best things I’ve ever seen. Thank you SO much Bishop Barron and Father Mike. I learned so much from you. What a gift. I wish I could sit and listen all my days.

[@ewtnsantarosa]

So grateful for these two wonderful priests! God bless them and protect them!

[@putnamlandlord5286]

Love the intellect of Bishop /Barron.

[@HectorCamacho-t9b]

Bishop Barron and Father Mike Schmitz, GRACIAS For Doin WUT y'all DO Honestly. DIOS Los BENDIGA, GOD BLESS YOU Both and I hope TO Meet you ONE day. ☝️💯💯👍🫡✌️

[@NargleRoboloid]

My children's prayers : now I lay me down to sleep , followed by the Lord's prayer, followed by God bless members of our family we felt needed prayer etc. ... That pattern was my prayer life through my senior year of high school ! 🎉❤

[@chrisb4457]

Commenting because it helps the algorithm. This was fantastic. It's great to hear two priests converse in such a relaxed manor, sharing stories, and talking about their interactions.

[@Griff_Files]

Two of my favorite spiritual leaders in one video!

[@deanryanmartin]

yep

[@blueanina1975]

same! 🙏

[@euengelion]

I pray that these 2 men be canonized. Thank you for this beautiful session, Fathers :)

[@RPisa2416]

Fr Mike and Ascension Presents are dropping GOLD for us nearing Advent! Thank you! Excellent work Bishop Robert Barron ❤ 🙏🏼

[@KathleenMansfield-f7r]

Father Mike at age 79 this conversation between you and Bishop Barron was right on point for me. Confession is crippling for me… I literally and figuratively limp into the confession room and sail out after absolution… but it never ceases to be hard to do. If anyone is wondering what possible sins could an old lady of 79 have… just wait til you get there. God bless you Father Mike. I for one want to be ready when Jesus calls me home. Pray for me please.

[@itinerantpatriot1196]

I changed up my nightly prayer routine. I used to intersperse my own thoughts and such with the traditional set of prayers I would say every night. Now I start with a dialogue between God and myself. Then I say the traditional prayers (Our Father, Glory Be, Hail Mary etc.). I really like it because it gives me a chance to reflect and focus. I call it "Our Time." Outside of being better ordered, I find it helps me sleep better at night. But that's me. I need to do a better job with morning prayers. Still a work in progress after all this time.

[@GMurph2336]

This is beautiful. Thank you, gentlemen.

[@Justmscee]

Goosebumps! So EXCITING to see these 2 AMAZING Blessings, Together, in this one video! My heart is full of Joy! Who else is excited? God, thank you! ❤️

[@juanolivero3290]

These two men have been the most influential to me in my adult life.

[@wms72]

I started going to weekly confession after being away from the Church for 12 years. After finishing my Penance in front of the Blessed Sacrament, I prayed for someone who was (unknown to me) deceased, and was granted a vision of him. I haven't told many people about this, because I thought ordinary people didn't have visions. But many people online have told about their visions of deceased relatives and friends,so I think it's more common than I once believed. It was a wonderful experience I don't think I would have had if I hadn't gone to Confession.

[@Skye1219-n2b]

I pray the rosary daily with my eyes closed and picture Jesus and our Holy Mother in my mind, with each decade according to that particular decade. It’s wonderful how God speaks back to me and the feeling I get walking the rosary as a “journey” with Jesus and Mother Mary. God Bless

[@mapinoita279]

The priests at my church are overwhelmingly busy. I asked a priest if someone could hear my confession after Mass one day. (I wasn’t demanding he himself do it.) His answer was a harried, “Now?!” There are no times posted for confessions at my church. Now I feel bad asking. It seems clear that such a request is just adding to their burden. The other priest rushes out the side door immediately after Mass and disappears. 😢

[@joanmoso7047]

MY TWO FAVOURITE PEOPLE.

[@EricRussell97]

What a blessing this conversation is, two incredible men of God who’ve helped me on my journey. Glory to Jesus Christ! Couple weeks into RCIA 🙏

[@susanfreemyer6852]

Awesomeness!

[@colsugarbottom3627]

“Mary, lend me your heart that I may receive your Son with your dispositions” is a prayer I like to pray before Communion

[@mandyc.g.6651]

Thank you it felt as if I was seating there with you two. Have a blessed Advent.

[@nhung-huynguyen7839]

Bless you, Priests, you are very special to God. You’re an instrument of God, in personal Christy to forgive sins ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 May you always live with God, merge your life in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ to absorb your heart into His Heart, so Jesus’s Heart becomes your heart, the heart is wounded and crowned with the thorns, so you will have the divine love and mercy of God in you.

[@NaveenRoyPuthenpurakkal]

The Best Combo Ever

[@cara0129]

Indeed!

[@b8akaratn19]

We have ranked choice voting here in Maine... I wrote these 2 in for Pres & VP 🎉

[@RyeGableBooks]

I recently had my first confession in over 50 years after living a very prideful and immoral life. Due to some construction in the church, the priest and I had confession in the church breaktoom. Face to face and sharing a plethora of mortal sins. I felt so blessed afterward.

[@normasiordia423]

A total gift!! what a blessing..😊💕❤️🙏

[@cig136]

This is good. God Bless You Both for getting together and sharing this video with your sheep 🙏❤️🙏 Very humbling ❤

[@aaronlanda8077]

This was a gift from God. Thank you both for what you do!

[@anr765]

Two great Fathers, gifts to humanity. God bless you ❤

[@erikamartinez9604]

My 2 favorite Catholic Influencers 🙏🏻♥️✝️ both telling me about Jesus every day

[@livingcatholic1986]

Wonderful! Great to see two heavy hitters coming together to school us mere mortals, "Please sir I want more" As a youth in Jamaica a Priest introduced me to the Liturgy of the hours. Around that time I was contemplating conversion to Catholicism. Praise God a few years later in the US I completed my conversion and am now Catholic, the Liturgy of the hours remains with me still.

[@God_my_Savior]

Thank you Father Mike and Bishop Barron! God bless you always, i pray my rosary for Priests and Bishops like yourselves all the time ❤️🛐✝️

[@mercymercy331]

The two most favorite priests whom I dearly love! May keep you shining!

[@ridge825]

Both of their faces are radiating witth positivity and the Holy Spirit. May the Lord Jesus Christ bless them both for their contributions in expanding his everlasating kingdom.

[@NeutronJon-Rev]

Amazing. God Bless

[@willisgoodger1875]

Thank you Father Mike and Bishop Barron. Thank you Jesus. ❤

[@JeannineG80]

How do I know that God is really listening to me. How can I feel and know Jesus like you do Fr Mike? How do I have a relationship with the Lord. I see it in you. I want that. Thank you.

[@byrnedegrandpre8884]

Thanks Bishop B & Father M. Very important to me.

[@shareenchoudhury-leighton1748]

💙 What a wonderful discussion. Thank you both for bringing us closer to God💙

[@Reginacaoile]

Praise be Jesus Christ Thanks be to God and thank you fathers

[@blueanina1975]

what an awesome dialogue! i found bishop barron online through fr. mike schmitz and with their online ministries, i was called back home to the catholic church after more than 10 years away. i will forever be grateful and i pray for and with these two friends of Jesus daily. so good and beautiful. thank you! 🙏

[@ScarlettGarsea]

Thank you both for a beautiful insight to preparation of the upcoming Advent. Only by His mercy I will be saved Jesus I trust I you.

[@annarosefedish8802]

I LOVE listening to you both & wish I could go to confession with you. God bless you both.

[@nicozazueta9908]

You are all in good hands. I promise. I checked. Rejoice. Smile. You all deserve it. I love you.

[@lefreakful]

I absolutely love you two. You've taught me so so much and my journey still has a long way to go, but thanks to you, you're making it a lot easier and brings me a lot closer to God. Thank you!!!!

[@JM-uf6ki]

I found hearing the priest perspective during the sacrament of confession really interesting!

[@amanda641986]

These two men brought me back to my faith. Thank you so much 🙏🏼

[@amosadunakibe2712]

You can't imagine the joy seeing these two in one screen 😍

[@lguevara586]

Amen & God bless you also, Fr Mike! 🙏 Bishop Barron, always insightful, thank you. ✝️

[@barbarawalsh2875]

The first child that I ever babysat for passed away about 60 days ago. He was in California that’s where he was based but they had a celebration for us here in Joliet because he truly was a very very special man and very much loved and in talking with his sister, she said something that I will carry with me from now on. He was asked if he was afraid to die and he answered I am not afraid to die. I just don’t want to say goodbye and it just brought me to tears. And I hope when I reach that point in my life, I have a similar belief. thank you both so much for taking the time to do this. I am looking forward to Father Mike’s Advent series.

[@cynthiasalvaggio5498]

Thank you for talking about death. It’s something I think about a lot especially after having children. I really appreciate you talking frankly about it.

[@rosemaryrozario]

Thank you for sharing this conversation with us. The sacraments truly set us apart as Catholics and give us so many opportunities to connect with God on a more intimate level. ❤

[@mercytara3356]

My two favourite people ❤

[@planensimple313]

The greatest crossover event in the MCU right here.

[@monicapopovici4660]

Very very helpful!!! Many thanks to both of you and Glory to God for creating you, the internet and youtube 😊

[@colleendonithan6616]

God Bless you both. We love you so much and thank God for you everyday.❤😊

[@ginacc1999]

God Bless all our good and holy priests.

[@sharongoldman810]

Thank you fr 🙏

[@NellOLeary]

So brilliant!

[@Avacynangelofhope]

I read somewhere that Minnesotans are deep thinkers because of the long winters. 🥶 I really want to visit there. Anyway, thanks for sharing your insight and experience.

[@bhm8204]

great insight. thank you Fr. Mike and Bishop Barron. i went to Confession two weeks ago. one thing led to another and i mentioned that given my state in life, i pray 2 hours a day. i love to pray and i love to pray the Scriptural long version of the Rosary. for my penance, he told me to pray with God for 5 minutes, 5 times a day. i am really struggling with doing it. i talk to God throughout the day, but to do it intentionally 5 times a day, i find myself at a loss for words. i don't know what to say. i'm disappointed with myself for having a hard time with it.

[@limegrassy]

Fangirl for our priests 🙏

[@BlackHermit]

My two favorites! ❤

[@angie21nana]

I love this. Thank you for this collab!

[@georgeperson5822]

Each Priest has received Paraclete of Jesus! Your soul is Jesus!

[@laurienkezia9118]

My sins and weaknesses do not disqualify me ❤from

[@DawnLapka-c8i]

Liturgy of the hours: I miss praying vespers with my friends and the priests who helped lead us. Our Church took the time to offer us Vespers with Adoration. We had exposition with a homily, sometimes as well. Even though some things were not going well in the diocese I recently left, there were so, so, so many good things, as well, such as re-devoting ourselves to prayer and re-addressing the purpose of our lives. Thank you, Father Mike and Bishop Barron. God bless you both. Hoping for a good Advent and Christmas for you.

[@Littlemermaid17]

Looks amazing well done 🎉

[@RAYMCMULLEN-t6r]

As usual you both put up a video or a discussion I needed to hear, when I needed to hear it.

[@TJ1920]

advent 2024 is just around the corner

[@philomenabyrne6186]

I love listening to both of you talking about Our Lord ,thank you and God bless you both 🙏❤️ ❤

[@nilshubinette4932]

"I want to be a vehicle of both God's judgement and God's mercy." We so need to hear that, especially here in Germany. It's about mercy, but not only that, the aspect of judgement is also important. Perhaps even after reading a random page in the NT, you'd not think judgement is to be disposed with.

[@jameskeating4719]

Woooo hey BATMAN N ROBIN OF THE CLOTH WOOOO ❤U GUYS 😊

[@deanryanmartin]

This conversation is priceless. I learn a lot.

[@dianeangel7171]

I understood the pressure in eucharistie after i warched bishop Baron video ❤❤ Thank you

[@allen6900]

Saintly combo

[@KnightGeneral]

Whoa, THE COLLAB OF THE YEAR!!!

[@tessajowett6973]

The two greats, in my opinion ❤

[@daviddleon9127]

Hello 👋😊 ❤💕 🇬🇹 🇬🇹

[@juliebriggs643]

I have never understood how I could dread going to confession, having to tell the Lord, even though I knew He already knew my sins, all my sins and express my regrets, sorrow and shame when once I receive absolution I feel such indescribable joy at His forgiveness. But then when I have to return to confession feeling the same dread. How come I don't just look forward to the joy?

[@TJ1920]

discipline pray for strength examination of conscience prior to confession Father Son Holy Spirit Incomprehensible to the human mind through faith I believe Faith is believing what you can’t see hear or touch fear of the unknown vs Faith

[@debbiegraham5585]

Amen

[@YippyPippyPH]

❤❤❤

[@lovelast4evergemma508]

Thank you both 💗

[@lanreenilo788]

Not only insightful but socially adept! This phrase, "for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason," is from the Bible, specifically Romans 13:4

[@unchainedcash1]

I realize how much I have missed Bishop Barron, he was so much help to me in the past.....but because of negative news on him, I had quit listening to him😢

[@alexandercecil-eg5js]

You should interview Jonathan Roumie