What keeps young people rooted in the Catholic faith today? In this powerful episode of A Reason for Hope, Fr. Mike Schmitz joins Mario Costabile to share his journey from a teenage encounter with God in confession to discovering his priestly vocation and serving as chaplain at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Fr. Mike opens up about his daily prayer life, the importance of choosing local mission, and what actually helps students grow in faith. He breaks down the biggest spiritual questions college students ask today, including the modern shift from “Is God real?” to the deeper ache of “Is God good?”

We also explore how to accompany loved ones who have left the Church, why confession changes lives, and the mission behind Bulldog Catholic’s thriving campus ministry, which is forming disciples, expanding sacramental life, and building a new spiritual home for the next generation.

If you’ve ever wrestled with discernment, wondered how to pray with honesty, or felt heartbreak watching someone you love drift from the faith, this conversation will leave you encouraged to trust God’s goodness and keep going.

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⏰Timecode⏰

00:00 Introduction

02:38 Start of Interview

03:37 Father Mike's Journey to Priesthood

09:56 Reflections on Public Life and Ministry

15:18 Staying Grounded in Faith Despite Fame

21:43 How Fr. Mike Prays

26:12 Showing Charity in a Divided World

29:00 Evolving Youth Ministry: 20 Years of Change

34:41 Understanding the Bible: Wrestling with Difficult Passages

40:24 The Most Common Question Father Mike Gets

45:00 The New Youth Center Project

50:55 End Interview