Popular Catholic priest Father Mike Schmitz is launching a new podcast project aimed at spotlighting real-life stories of faith in action.

According to CNA, Schmitz’s upcoming podcast, titled “Called,” will explore how individuals across different walks of life respond to God’s call to serve others, inspired by the teachings of Matthew 25:40.

Announced in a video released on September 3, the “Called” podcast marks Schmitz’s next venture following the success of his acclaimed “Bible in a Year” series. This new project is a collaboration between Ascension and The Catholic Initiative, a nonprofit committed to Church renewal and outreach to those most in need.

New podcast aims to bridge faith and daily life

The concept for “Called” stems from the message in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus declares that serving others is equivalent to serving him. In the video announcement, Schmitz recalled this as one of the most confronting teachings in Scripture, urging listeners not just to believe, but to act on their beliefs through service.

The podcast will feature interviews with a wide range of individuals—including educators, parents, entrepreneurs, and community leaders—who have responded to that call in their own ways. The goal is not only to provide inspiration but also to offer concrete examples of responding to others with compassion and faith.

“This podcast isn’t just to highlight and spotlight the heroes among us,” Schmitz said. “What it’s meant to do is inspire us, to give us that new vision of what this could look like in your life and in my life.”

Parable of Matthew 25 at the heart of the message

At the center of the podcast’s message is the parable from Matthew 25, in which Jesus recognizes those who fed, clothed, and cared for others as having served him personally. In his announcement, Schmitz emphasized the lasting impact this teaching has had on his own spiritual life.

“Every time I read through it, every time I hear it proclaimed, every time I even think of it, I think, ‘Well, here is Jesus—he’s giving us the answer to the test when it comes to the end of our lives,’” Schmitz said.

He stressed that this passage does not merely highlight the importance of faith, but makes it clear that actions toward others—especially the vulnerable—are what define true discipleship.

Real examples of service to inspire listeners

Schmitz noted that stories featured in “Called” will help remove the sense of mystery around living out the Gospel. “It takes out some of the mystery and actually gives you and me the strength and the vision and the direction to be able to say, ‘That’s how they live that out. I can totally live that out in my life right now,’” he explained.

One such real-life model he highlighted is Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, known for his generous acts of charity. Frassati was noted for giving away his own possessions, like his shoes, to people in need.

Frassati’s canonization as a saint is set to be held in Rome on September 7, just days after the podcast announcement, offering a timely example of lived faith that aligns closely with the podcast’s message.

Backed by two Catholic organizations

The podcast is being produced by Ascension, the same Catholic multimedia platform behind “Bible in a Year,” and The Catholic Initiative, an organization that seeks to help rebuild the Church's mission through outreach and renewal.

The Catholic Initiative focuses on connecting communities with spiritual and material resources, making it a fitting partner for a show spotlighting acts of mercy and service.

This joint effort brings together storytelling, faith formation, and contemporary examples of discipleship to encourage listeners to integrate these values into their everyday lives.

Release date yet to be announced

While excitement around “Called” builds, no official release date has been shared yet. However, the announcement video and early details suggest a format that will blend personal interviews with theological reflection.

Father Schmitz, widely recognized for his relatable style and clarity in teachings, seems poised to use this platform to expand his reach beyond Bible study into lived Christian action.

“This ‘Called’ podcast is giving flesh to the fact that every one of us is called to be the hands and feet of Jesus,” Schmitz said.