Called (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When thousands of parishes are closing and fewer people identify with any faith, how can the Church not only survive—but thrive? In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks with Kevin Doyle, president of the Catholic Initiative, about a bold new approach to sustaining vibrant parishes and schools for generations to come. From restoring Detroit’s historic St. Anne’s Basilica to supporting under-resourced communities, the Catholic Initiative is reimagining what it means to invest in the future of the Church. Discover how one man’s generosity sparked a movement of faith, service, and renewal—and how we’re all called to build something that lasts. 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.

What does it look like to turn a paycheck into purpose? In this episode of Called, Fr.Mike Schmitz sits down with Chris Green, President of Humanitarian Hotels, to explore how the hospitality industry can become a mission field. With over 35 years of experience, Chris shares how true leadership is about seeing people, creating meaningful culture, and using every gift for something greater. Discover how entire hotels are giving 100% of their profits to charity, why authentic service transforms both staff and guests, and how you, too, can step fully into the person God made you to be. 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.

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Fr. John Riccardo, executive director of ACTS XXIX, to talk about how we can accompany and support those who are brokenhearted. Drawing on Psalm 23, they reflect on God’s promise to be close to the brokenhearted and the downtrodden. Fr. John shares insights from his decades of ministry, offering practical wisdom and encouragement for anyone seeking to bring Christ’s compassion into places of pain, grief, and loneliness. 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 (with Father Mike Schmitz) brings you powerful stories of ordinary people living extraordinary lives of service. Hosted by Father Mike Schmitz and brought to you by The Catholic Initiative in partnership with Ascension, each episode features conversations with individuals who have answered God’s call to serve others—from highly successful entrepreneurs to industry executives and community leaders. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your own journey or looking for practical ways to live your faith, Called will challenge you to see service not as obligation, but as invitation. 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.