No Spiritual Director? No Problem!

Fr. Mike Schmitz points to several resources for those who want spiritual direction but can’t find a spiritual director. He recommends the study program, Oremus: A Guide to Catholic Prayer, by Fr. Mark Toups, and books by Fr. Thomas DuBay, S.M. and St. Francis de Sales, among others. By following the guidance of these priests, you will gain wisdom and insight that will accelerate your spiritual growth and draw you deeper into relationship with God.
This video appeared first on ascensionpresents.com.
Oremus: A Guide to Catholic Prayer can be found at bit.ly/1YdBZm5.
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[@kriziajerilee]

Ok here you go people, here's Fr. Mike's list: 1. Oremus-Fr. Mark Toups 2. Time for God-Fr. Jacque Philippe 3. Deep Conversion, Deep Prayer- Fr. Thomas Dubay 4. The Discernment of Spirits- Fr. Timothy Gallagher 5. Introduction to the Devout Life-St. Francis de Sales 6. THE BIBLE

[@jans1675]

Thank you!!!!

[@ringoscaramanga6476]

This is just superb, I've been looking for "spiritual guide incense wholesale" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Banulian Lonameron Breakthrough - (just google it ) ? Ive heard some awesome things about it and my brother in law got amazing results with it.

[@Eye_of_a_Texan]

But we don't like to read remember? lol. thanks for the tl;dl

[@edithacosta9632]

Thanks 😉.

[@ashlings390]

Thank you 🙏🏻😊

[@miamaguire6404]

Fr. Mike you r basically my spiritual director because if I ever have a question I look up on your channel to see if you have something similar to it 😄(or I ask my dad)

[@colour2690]

This was great, I've been looking for "spiritual dictionary" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Banulian Lonameron Breakthrough - (do a search on google ) ? Ive heard some interesting things about it and my partner got cool results with it.

[@maryjoduszak7130]

Fr. Mike, I was an Oblate Sister of St Francis deSales many years ago, and have a great devotion to St Francis deSales. Though I eventually decided the religious life was not my vocation before taking final vows, I have continued to follow the Salesian way in my spiritual life these past 30 years. I do agree with you about the Introduction to a Devout Life. It is a simple way to lead a deep life. I make my Direction of Intention prior to each daily action. God bless you father. We sorely need more priests like yourself.

[@CatholicWoodworker]

Introduction to a devout life: St. Francis DeSales, must read especially if you have been unable to find a spiritual director.

[@dl9891]

+Conrad Designs I read it out yesterday! :) Seriously! :D

[@lizm8975]

Fr. Mike you are totally awesome! I am sure the saints are smiling in heaven every time you release another video!

[@av7163]

😄💛

[@ikechukwungwu8697]

He'll make a great saint someday by God's grace and the world will ask for his intercession.

[@juliantisugiman3331]

My Saint spiritual director are: St. Theresia of Lisieux and St. Theresa Avila. Read their books, love the way they pray, really suits me. And they little way of St. Theresia, is my way to holiness. Amen.

[@NewNoise1]

Mine is st Judas tadeo. Hes helped me alot

[@DragynLady]

I LIKE TO READ DAMMIT! Thanks for guilty me off the internet and back to my beloved books :)

[@rigobertogarcia1016]

Robyn Ellis my friend remember not to let our words run wild. Damnation is quite serious and saying dammit is unfit for a Catholic or anyone really.

[@nick-gq3np]

Of course you're not because you're watching this. That is so true. Videos like yours are so easy that one cannot help but binge watch them.

[@teeniehi8472]

Thats what I do, bing watch Fr. Mike's videos. I pretty much hardly watch TV any more.

[@teslafagetan699]

Yup i keep telling myself before bed “ok this is the last one....” then another comes on “ok just one more” haha 😆

[@fabianpatrizio2865]

Father Mike, you're awesome :)

[@StraightShootinSonofaGun]

He better than awesome, he's awesome sauce!!!!❤

[@acandela1294]

"I know you don't like reading" proceeds to show us 5 books xD (btw I love reading so aok with that)

[@victorbrandalise8597]

+Andrew Candela lol

[@anilorak13ska]

I love to read. I only watch videos when my daughter has daddy and me time and I can access the laptop ;)

[@gailgawlik1696]

Hey, I LOVE to read! That's why I'm a librarian. :) But I love videos, also.

[@laurac5451]

I love reading and I'm tired of people who don't love reading reducing books to pamphlets.

[@juliannaheiby]

Maybe we like reading, but we just like listening to you, Father!

[@littlesister1906]

I had just complained to my parents yesterday that I was having trouble with figuring out how to find a spiritual director, and then I stumbled upon your video. Wasn't even looking for it--just came up as a recommended video on KZbin! Best part? I LOVE to read, so this list is going to be awesome!

[@Unoriginal42069]

Always compelling! I appreciate you're genuine care and commitment to guiding us. Reading the bible before breakfast and before bed is great, sometimes reading the lives of Saints who have much in common with us is also VERY exciting and encouraging. So many Saints, once you read and learn about how they lived, how God worked in their life or how they overcomed challenges with God's grace. It can be deeply resonating and very personal. Thanks Fr. Mike for all that you do

[@rachelroeber7159]

You talk so fast, I love it. It gets me excited XD

[@jamie7880]

Rachel Roeber haa

[@chip123451000]

this guy glows with spirit

[@sugarpuff7511]

Actually I'm watching this video because you have such a beautiful spirit that I find contagious. Keep doing what you're doing. You give me a lot of hope :)

[@phoggee]

exactly!

[@cw4608]

Fr Mike you are clear and concise and say it 30% faster than most humans! :)

[@alexanderaleman9251]

Hi Fr. Mike I love your videos! Can you make videos for Catholic teens/ young adults?

[@jenlovesjesus]

I really like that you spoke about this issue. Good spiritual directors are hard to find, and we shouldn't have to stress out about this.

[@powerliftingcentaur]

This man makes me laugh! That is such a great gift. I avail myself of spiritual direction when I make a yearly retreat with the Franciscans, and find it meaningful. The retreats feature many hours of unstructured time (perfect for those who read or write or wander prayerfully. My nephew tells me of his Jesuit retreats, and I flash him my hippie loving smile in return. Those are not (so much) for me.

[@criscavi19]

The Catechism of Catholic Church can also be used as an extraordinary and very complete spiritual guide!

[@JesusIsLove2512]

Praise the Lord Jesus Christ 🙏 Mother Mary Pray For Us 🙏Abba Father Bless us and we Adore You 🙏

[@johnkussmann4268]

so grateful..Thanks Fr. Mike...your videos are inspiring!

[@mayannalota]

Thank you Fr Mike!

[@IgorGPS]

l love you, brother! An excellent and simple explanation of Faith, Hope and Love.

[@ikechukwungwu8697]

The joy from watching this is great

[@MariaHeaven]

Thank you father mike

[@rolandprovence986]

Thank you Fr Mike for your great energy and clarity....very helpful....PTL...

[@avemariadelacruz619]

Literally Intro to the Devout Life is, like, 1.5 - 3 pages per chapter, so it really is super readable and easy enough to understand.

[@supsister1]

Thank you God, thank you fr. Mike for giving us a way to become closer to God in a modern way, in a modern era. I love this channel

[@rudysonestanislao1169]

Thank you Father Mike

[@phine999]

I agree, Father Mike. I've been listening to Fr. Timothy Gallagher's podcast on spiritual discernment and it's wonderful. Thanks for pointing us in that direction.

[@Donna-cc1kt]

“A little bit of a dirt in Spiritual directors.” So true. I had one for 40 years. He’s passed on. He saved my life, formed me, and blest me. But for anyone, being open to the Holy Spirit is the key. Read!

[@legzandherpiano]

When God answers your prayers by guiding several videos your way. Thank you, momma Mary and thank you Fr. Mike!

[@michaelgrant169]

Recommended viewing > a video > (Co ops mondragon Thom Hartman interviews Richard Wolff) PHD. It's a good workplace system invented by a Catholic priest. Thought it was worth mentioning. 10 minutes 3 seconds.

[@michaelgrant169]

The buzzword regarding health is inflammation. Centenarians have a lower level of inflamation.

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

My experience with Father Toup’s has been super... miss him... he reminds me of my lil’ bro Bobba-a-link...

[@Snow-sy3yi]

Absolutely LOVE your energy and excitement when you talk about God. Thank you for the uplifting videos aka from the ones that aren't fans of reading lol

[@artorefalnera3055]

Fr. Thank you 😇

[@DonaldKolenda]

All your videos are great, Fr. Mike, but this one was very helpful for me right now. Very timely. I appreciate all your videos and your ministry. Thank you so much! You're in my prayers. God bless you and your priesthood.

[@michaelgrant169]

Recommended viewing > a video > (Co ops mondragon Thom Hartman interviews Richard Wolff) PHD. It's a good workplace system invented by a Catholic priest. 10 minutes 3 seconds.Thought it was worth mentioning

[@jase8252]

Thank You dearly Father Mike! I Love You! I'm so grateful to have found you 😉 Thank you for the resources! X Father Stephen Valenta has been my spiritual director recently, for those interested in this subject.

[@prespa9]

Thank You.

[@frcgfd107]

You have a really good video there and I love the way you described the communion of saints. I don't think I ever thought of them quite that way. :)

[@pieinthesky9646]

I do read too. Thank you for your awesome emergy

[@barbaracimini1447]

YOU’RE my spiritual director! 😄

[@filipinainphilly5453]

Defensive. I LOVE READING❤️ Reading Ratzinger and I need a break so I come seek thee😍 Thank you for you Theo-nergy! Did I just coin a word?!! God Bless Fr. Mike

[@silvermystic2001]

I really like these videos. They are so laid back and comical at times. I always thought priests were up tight and strict and rawr type personality. It's so much more inviting, so thanks! I'm studying Catholicism and I guess the Deacon I talk to on a biweekly basis would be a spiritual director? Not sure, but he's really helpful in answering my bzillion questions, lol. I thank God for that, I would really know where else to begin to be honest. I do think most Catholics have their beliefs within the church but some of them are based on opinions (which confuses me like you wouldn't believe. Wondering if its the church or them or mixed...). But anyways, I love your videos, keep up the great work! :D

[@bheadh]

Great witness! Thanks for your "laid back" inquiry. The Catechism of the Catholic Church has nearly all the answers to your questions. It's expensive, though, around $50.

[@BonumVerumPulchrum]

@@bheadh You may read it for free at vatican .va As all the vatican documents! 😀

[@BonumVerumPulchrum]

Yes! Opinions are a huge problem nowadays. Always stick to the Church Magisterium to be sure what the Church believes.

[@beverlyhanlon8101]

I need your podcasts because they have good catholic responses. God Bless

[@polarijussara]

Fantastic thank you so much for all this valuable information God bless you for your dedication❤❤❤

[@krdiaz8026]

My spiritual director is my guardian angel.

[@joest.eggbenedictus1896]

Introduction to the Devout Life is really great!

[@michaelhudecek2778]

Thank you Father!

[@michaelgrant169]

Recommended viewing > a video > (Co ops mondragon Thom Hartman interviews Richard Wolff) PHD. It's a good workplace system invented by a Catholic priest > Spain. 10 minutes 3 seconds. Thought it was worth mentioning

[@cultureshock72]

I recently contacted a religious community about visiting them and the superior said I would need to be working with a spiritual director first.

[@Newtricks455]

Thank You

[@bcfriardoyle7697]

I LOVE TO READ Father. I also love to hear you speak/ preach. We can also go old school and find Bishop Sheen online, no one preached like he did! 😃 And currently, watch Bishop Baron from L.A. he is captivating! I never thought of them as spiritual directors, but of course! Thank you for more good news! ✝️

[@mehjs2]

great thank you just what i needed :)

[@christophergoodman2831]

The rule of St Benedict is fantastic!

[@danamay1718]

It was called CCD class. Ok, but I Enjoy listening to you guys too.

[@barbarawalsh2875]

Will Father Mike, in my case you wrong I love to read along when you are talking. The Bible in a year I started with the book and was so in awe of its greatness that I read it Nate months you read it eight months to me, but I found a little long and it’s a reading of colors for things that I thought needed to be remembered. So then I thought well you’re through it but you went too fast so you’re gonna do it again and this time you’re gonna do one day and listen to everything he has to say and everything that’s in the book and your notes. I also had an idea that I should do the catechism in a year too. It didn’t have the book. So I literally write down everything that you say leaving lines for when you go back to explain it. I love books. They are probably my favorite thing, I love reading and I love listening. I have a little problem. I have no peripheral vision so I can’t drive anymore. I have adult degeneration in my right eye, so I’m going to lose the sight in it. If I’m lucky I’ll keep the site in my left eye. Which, for my whole life was always the one that was the worst and now it’s what I’m hanging into by a sliver. I start my morning and end my day with Jonathan but a lot of the middle of the day is you. I have other things wrong with me unfortunately so I spend a lot of time by myself and with my books and KZbin and Hallow and ascension. Was the best $70 I’ve ever spent in my life and I’ve spent a lot of money in my life and not only was it the best thing I ever purchased it is the most meaningful thing that I have ever purchased because it will become my lifesaver and probably a year. So keep talking keep educating keep answering the questions that sound kind of goofy I need to know the answers to those things, and I don’t always know how to ask, our young priest after massive I’ve got a question for him. He knows if I’m gonna come back right over two minutes. OK it’s time for ask father Brian. And sometimes my questions seem amazingly simple and sometimes they’re complex but he always has a good answer and there‘Father Brad he’s been around a lot longer and sometimes I know that I need his guidance and I am happy to say that both of them are always there for me. I don’t undergo invasive test or a biopsy or anything else without them either giving me the rights for the sick or saying a prayer over me, I love them. One of them is my younger brother and one of them is my almost as old as me brother. But keep talking keep making videos. Find other books to read if I could ask you even though I think you read too fast anyway to put it in gear because I don’t know how long I’m gonna be able to read and I want to be able to read as much as I can, so if you’ve got a couple thoughts for when you finish the catechism I know you’re kind of busy building a church in the Newman center and I promise I need to get you some building. It won’t be a whole heck of a lot but every little bit helps. On the days when I am really super in pain and I can’t go to church, they know I’m with you and that’s OK. Please keep reading. Keep finding good books. Keep giving good advice. Keep being you. Because I’m almost old enough to be your mother but what you have to say is very important and it counts and I look for it every day. God bless you.

[@christinab6576]

This video made me laugh and made me happy! You're great Fr. Mike! Ya know it must be a thing because at my home parish we have Fr. Mike and I like him so much too! Keep up the good work!

[@ChicagoIL50]

if a person proceeds with the help of an experienced director, that director will ensure that a person moves at the pace God intends. Always best to pray to Our Lady. She has brought me 2 in my life 📿🙏

[@Soothe2SleepStoriesStewardess]

Great resources and one that I’m reading now, “Lui et Moi”, by Bossie.

[@moitrig.9530]

Thank you so muchhhh 😍😍

[@ruthguidry5211]

Great info!

[@NicOle-hu2km]

So good

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

Found me one today... he rocks!

[@kathyallam926]

This is a good video. Love how you just fling the books..lolol

[@patwarburtonr7488]

May we find peace in the knowledge that God is in controlj, no matter the circumstances we face. Let us share this message with of hope with others inspiring them to place their trust in Jesus Christ annd experiences the stability and assurance that comes from knowing that He is sovereign over all. 🙏 🙏

[@patvar1]

I laughed so hard when you said you know I don’t like to read because I’m watching this video. Lol. I’m working on it!

[@josemariamartincarvalhovon8853]

I would also Recommend "Soul of the apostolate" and "This Tremendous Lover".

[@frcgfd107]

This Tremendous Lover is a great book! I have to go and hunt down my copy and read it again! :)

[@ciarafinley16]

has anyone noticed that his face is literally beaming or is that just me? o_o

[@mariesamba1052]

I do...and just makes me smile while watching,.....Christian joy radiates in him...

[@lalaithan]

and it's contagious!

[@louisehine1]

It’s not just you; he’s just pure, positivity. Clearly made by God to be a priest.

[@lizs606]

he's bathed in the resplendence of the Holy Spirit!

[@michaelomega5783]

You are the best

[@miashay2524]

This is so helpful, Father Mike. You are such a practical Dad ! Anyone around Boston MA area can come talk to our wonderful priests/ Spiritual Directors/Retreat Masters of Oblates of Virgin Mar. Look them up. God Bless!!

[@DemocracyOfficerWood]

HEY THERE NOW! I like reading too!

[@noemicarmel4784]

😮😆🤣 "I know you don't like reading," he said. That's funny. Sometimes, I read books. Other times, I listen to audios, especially when I'm driving. At home, I read the Holy Bible and I totally, find it fascinating. It tells me the truth and find it timeless. The other books seem appealing during these 'work-from-home' times.

[@kerwinfernandes9583]

Thank You Fr! God Bless u! :)

[@michaelgrant169]

Recommended viewing > (Co ops mondragon Thom Hartman interviews Richard Wolff) PHD. It's a good workplace system invented by a Catholic priest > Spain. 10 minutes 3 seconds. Thought it was worth mentioning.

[@michaelgrant169]

The buzzword regarding health is inflammation. Centenarians have a lower level of inflamation.

[@MQZ190]

Helô Mike Mike one hug .. friend...

[@JohnTwoFive]

My Daily Bread by Fr. Anthony J. Paone is excellent, too.

[@Abc-qs8ir]

Any books on Ignatian Discernment are very helpful also ☺️☺️☺️, St Therese of Avila trusted the Ignatian discernment method that priests used when listening to her, ☺️

[@laddybug3]

I like to read. In fact, I am reading, Called to Communion Understanding the Church today, but Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger. I just wanted to learn more about spiritual direction when I can't get a Spiritual Director.

[@pattiraithel5412]

Your a pretty smart guy about me not liking to read that much, but do love to read my Catholic bible. I have never had a spiritual director and think they are pretty hard to find. So, yes will have to get one of those books you suggested.

[@samantha.brauch.]

Another book that is good is searching for and maintaining peace (father Jacques Philippe)

[@lilyofthevalley4740]

I like reading. I just struggle to do it when I'm eating lunch. :-)

[@Drea538]

Fr. Mike I love to read I just love to watch your videos too! 😂 Also I watch/listen to videos while cooking and things like that. :)

[@michaelgrant169]

Recommended viewing > a video > (Co ops mondragon Thom Hartman interviews Richard Wolff) PHD. It's a good workplace system invented by a Catholic priest > Spain. 10 minutes 3 seconds. Thought it was worth mentioning.

[@michaelgrant169]

The buzzword regarding health is inflammation. Centenarians have a lower level of inflamation.

[@jennanorman6717]

Maybe there could be a follow up and finding a spiritual mentor and the importance of community auth people in similar vocations (married, single/serving, priesthood/ect). Can you make a list of these and put them in the video description?

[@highground3609]

2:16 you didn’t have to call me out like that father 😂

[@rosamariaruvalcaba5252]

Fr. Mike, Love your videos. They are very inspiring and helpful. There is a very good book by Fr. Ignacio Larranaga "Sensing Yor Hidden Presence." It contains most of the material for Fr. Ignacios Prayer and Life Workshops a complete guide to prayer and inner healing.

[@541raymond]

your videos are awesome!

[@michaelgrant169]

Recommended viewing > a video > (Co ops mondragon Thom Hartman interviews Richard Wolff) PHD. It's a good workplace system invented by a Catholic priest. 10 minutes 3 seconds. Thought it was worth mentioning

[@michaelgrant169]

The buzzword regarding health is inflammation. Centenarians have a lower level of inflamation

[@TheArgos12]

Father please continue with discussions of spiritual guidance for the laity. This is a very underdeveloped part of catholic life and I would like to hear much more about it. There is a derth of spiritual directors and the laity seeks guidance in the journey to holiness. Please help! What are the basic spiritual means of Holiness? how to we keep on the path to holiness? what are the resources to become holy?

[@rafaelacubillos8620]

Father Mike, would you please make a video recommending us specific books written by Saints?

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

You can ask with no response... God provides...

[@edi777]

Fr. Mike is Right with his advice! Read Catholic suggested writers- St. Teresa of Avila herself mentioned better to Not have a Spiritual DIrector at all since she saw many suffer from a poorly taught priest. God watchover & protect Fr. Mike Schmitz and God's Flock always!

[@MontChevalier]

Of course, I've tried getting a spiritual director, but failed every time. It was such a pain, I didn't bother.

[@teresabaker-carl9668]

If some DO like to read there is a book by St. Thomas More, "The Sadness Of Christ"; a beautiful book. And also books by Peter Kreeft and C.S. Lewis.

[@joking391]

Minnesota needs way more than one spiritual director

[@jen9774]

late to the party, as usual, but one of the books I love, and read long before I converted, was Brother Lawrence's The Practice Of The Presence Of God. I bought it 38 years ago but only converted 7 years ago! Simple enough for this non-intellectual reader but hugely influential in my spiritual life.

[@michaelgrant169]

Recommended viewing > (Co ops mondragon Thom Hartman interviews Richard Wolff) PHD. It's a good workplace system invented by a Catholic priest > Spain. 10 minutes 3 seconds. Thought it was worth mentioning

[@michaelgrant169]

The buzzword regarding health is inflammation. Centenarians have a lower level of inflamation

[@Angel4Prayer]

Learn how to pray: Oremus by Father Mark Toups (Louisianna, Ascension Presents); Time for God by Father Jaques Phillipe; two books The Fire Within & Deep Conversion, Deep Prayer by Father Thomas Dubay; The Discernment of Spirits by Father Timothy Gallagher; Introduction to the Devout Life by St Francis De Sales - all good for Spiritual Direction if you can't find a Spiritual Director

[@angelfoodcake1979]

On your recommendation I started reading 'An Introduction to the Devout Life' by Saint Francis de Sales, and within the first few chapters he stresses the importance of finding a spiritual director, as you call it. lol.

[@lindajnichols1628]

I usually suggest my people start with a book called St. George and the Dragon by Fr. Edward Hayes. A book of modern day parables that give many people an Ah-Ha moment and good for starting discussions. I also use it in our RCIA classes.

[@michaelgrant169]

Recommended viewing > a video > (Co ops mondragon Thom Hartman interviews Richard Wolff) PHD. It's a good workplace system invented by a Catholic priest. Thought it was worth mentioning. 10 minutes 3 seconds.

[@yutuzz]

Fr. Schmitz and Bishop Barron are my Spiritual Directors. ;)

[@theguardian6464]

Well! Staying close to the sacraments might be hard if you live 200 km away from the nearest church or chapel.

[@frcgfd107]

Do the best you can, you can always pray the rosary, you get the Blessed Mother involved and you never know what can happen! :)

[@popglitters11]

TheGuardian you can do spiritual holy mass if you can't be at one 😊. The priest who where kidnapped by isis for a year and a half did that. KZbin have holy mass recorded as well I think? Do the most of what you can 😇

[@theguardian6464]

Of course you can, but it doesn't replace mass. I can use many options, cause I'm already Catholic, but how does one become one in a place described above is another question.

[@lalaithan]

@@theguardian6464 Something I've learned the past year: when you don't know, pray until you do.

[@yf777a]

God help us. I still wish I had a Spiritual mentor intimately familiar and zealous for The Gospel of Life and all that entails.