What if evangelization started with showing up?

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz sits down with Fr. Josh Johnson to talk about reaching young people on the margins and building parishes that go beyond the pews. Fr. Josh shares his powerful conversion story, the importance of invitation, and how Vagabond Missions meets teens where they are—on the streets, in neighborhoods, and in real life.

This conversation challenges us to rethink discipleship, responsibility, and what it really means to follow Jesus today.

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 Sr. Gianna Maria and Sister Zelie Maria Louis of the Sisters of Life—a community of religious sisters whose mission is to protect and enhance the sacredness of every human life. One of their missions is to serve women who are vulnerable to abortion and give them the support and resources they need to choose life for themselves and their children.

Together, they share powerful stories of hope, trust, and God’s unwavering tenderness. From “tea party” first meetings, to miraculous moments like the “gummy bear grace”, to the long-term accompaniment that continues far beyond a baby’s birth, the sisters reveal what it truly means to walk with women in love.

They also open up about:

• How each discovered their vocation—including one sister’s unforgettable rap testimony.
• The deep spiritual motherhood at the heart of every religious vocation.
• What genuine healing looks like for women wounded by abortion.
• How ordinary Catholics—men and women—can speak hope into someone’s life.
• What it looks like when parishes become true communities of accompaniment.

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.

In this episode of Called, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks with Dave Arnold—former CEO turned global ministry leader—about how God transformed his life and led him into the heart of Rwanda’s post-genocide healing. Dave shares how the PEACE Plan united government, business, and the church to rebuild a nation and how simple, local acts of love sparked reconciliation for millions.

Together they explore what real unity looks like, how forgiveness becomes possible after deep wounds, and how each of us can begin answering God’s call right where we are.

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.

Wrongly convicted at 18, Darryl Woods Sr. spent nearly 30 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. But instead of giving in to bitterness, he found freedom through faith—transforming prison walls into a mission field of hope and redemption.

In this episode of the Called podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz, Darryl shares his incredible journey from Detroit’s streets to the chair of the Detroit Police Commission. His story is a powerful reminder that God can bring purpose out of the darkest places.

Listen to hear how forgiveness, perseverance, and faith turned tragedy into transformation.

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.