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Invest in a thriving and sustainable Catholic Church

The Catholic Initiative is renewing the family of God by investing in and partnering with vibrant, but under-resourced parishes and schools to restore sacred places, amplify ministries, and sustain them for generations.

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A Podcast by The Catholic Initiative

Called with Fr. Mike Schmitz

Stories of ordinary people living extraordinary lives of service — hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz and brought to you by The Catholic Initiative in partnership with Ascension.

About the Podcast
Service as invitation, not obligation

Inspired by scripture verse Matthew 25:40, Called brings listeners into conversation with ordinary men and women living extraordinary lives of service.

"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40
The Host

Fr. Mike Schmitz, a trusted voice in Catholic media

At the center of Called is host Fr. Mike Schmitz, a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Duluth and one of the most recognized voices in Catholic media today. Fr. Schmitz previously hosted The Bible in a Year, the most successful religious podcast ever produced — approaching one billion downloads and earning a #1 ranking on Apple Podcasts.

"When we say God is good, all the time… are you just saying that? Or do you mean it?" Called Podcast guest Darryl Woods, on finding strength while imprisoned nearly 30 years for a crime he didn't commit
390K+
Views & Downloads
Top 3
Apple Podcast's New Shows in 2025
29%
Listeners under 45yo
24
Episodes planned in Season One
Watch & Listen

The episodes

Watch every episode below, or view the full playlist on YouTube. New episodes release throughout Season One.

With Fr. John Riccardo

Called to Heal the Brokenhearted with Fr. John Riccardo

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