Fr. Mike Schmitz Launches ‘Waiting Well’: A New Advent Series Focused on Spiritual Waiting

Fr. Mike Schmitz Unveils ‘Waiting Well’: A Fresh Take on Advent

Every year, millions of Christians around the world turn their attention toward Advent—a season marked by anticipation, reflection, and a longing for the arrival of Christ. In 2025, Fr. Mike Schmitz, the widely respected Catholic priest and media personality, is inviting believers to experience Advent with fresh eyes through his newly launched series, Waiting Well.

Starting November 30, Fr. Mike will present 26 daily, five-minute video reflections, guiding viewers through the spiritual landscape of waiting. It’s a topic that resonates deeply in modern life. As Fr. Mike notes in his series trailer, “The stats show that we spend up to several years of our lives waiting. Waiting in line, at red lights, waiting while friends and family get ready—We’re just constantly waiting. And instead of embracing those times of waiting, what do we do? We worry, we get anxious, and perhaps most of all, we check out and get lost scrolling on our phones.” (Patheos)

Reframing Waiting: From Frustration to Spiritual Opportunity

For many, waiting is a source of irritation—a dead zone to be filled with distractions. Fr. Mike, however, sees it as a sacred space. “There is a spiritual importance to waiting that we often miss,” he shares. “In fact, waiting is so important that God gives us entire seasons of waiting—Lent and Advent—as a way to help shape us and to help us realize where in our lives we are still waiting to let Jesus in. But in order to be truly open to God in this way, we have to learn to embrace times of waiting.”

This perspective is at the heart of Waiting Well. Each episode unpacks the Daily Mass reading of the day, weaving together scripture, excerpts from the Catechism, and reflection questions. The aim is simple: to help viewers slow down, reflect, and prepare for Christmas in a way that is meaningful and transformative.

Accessible Content for a Global Audience

The series is designed for accessibility and depth. Fr. Mike’s weekly homily videos will be available for free on YouTube, ensuring a wide audience can participate. For those seeking a daily journey, the Ascension App offers his full suite of reflections, with options for a seven-day free trial or a 90-day trial for just $4.99. Ascension’s commitment to broad access is clear; their goal is to make this “life-changing content” available to as many people as possible.

Alongside the digital series, Waiting Well includes a print journal, crafted for individual reflection or small group study. Each day features:

• A Word and Scripture Verse: Setting the tone for meditation.
• A Reflection: Short, powerful insights into the day’s scripture.
• A Prompt: Space to write personal thoughts and what God may be speaking to the individual that day.

Parishes and small groups can purchase the journal in bulk at a discount, encouraging communal participation and shared growth. Individuals can also buy the journal for personal use, making it easy for anyone to join in, regardless of setting.

The Faces Behind the Series: Fr. Mike Schmitz and Ascension

Father Mike Schmitz is no stranger to digital evangelization. As the host of the #1 religion podcast, The Bible in a Year, he has guided millions through scripture with an approachable teaching style and genuine passion for helping people encounter Jesus. Serving as chaplain at the University of Minnesota Duluth for over fifteen years, Fr. Mike has become a trusted voice, blending deep faith with practical wisdom.

Ascension, the media company behind the series, has spent nearly two decades shaping Catholic digital content. From bestselling resources to top-ranked podcasts, Ascension’s mission is clear: inspire and equip Catholics to live their faith with confidence and joy, meeting people wherever they are on their spiritual journey. Their partnership with Fr. Mike Schmitz has produced numerous high-impact projects, making Catholic teaching accessible and engaging for a global audience.

Advent in a Fast-Paced World: Why ‘Waiting Well’ Matters

In a world that rewards speed and instant gratification, the act of waiting can feel like an inconvenience. Yet, as Waiting Well suggests, it is precisely in these moments of pause that spiritual transformation can occur. Advent isn’t just about counting down to Christmas; it’s about cultivating an attitude of expectancy, openness, and surrender.

Fr. Mike’s approach is both practical and profound. By focusing on the daily experience of waiting, he encourages viewers to ask: Where in my life am I still waiting to let Jesus in? How can I use this time, not as a void to be filled, but as an opportunity to grow closer to God?

For many, this shift in perspective could be the key to a more meaningful Advent. Instead of letting days slip by in a flurry of activity, Waiting Well invites participants to pause, reflect, and prepare their hearts for the miracle of Christmas.

Those interested in joining the journey can find resources, download the free prayer plan, and learn more about the series at Ascension Press. The print journal, available at Ascension Press, offers another avenue for deepening the experience, whether alone or in community.

In the relentless pace of contemporary life, Fr. Mike Schmitz’s ‘Waiting Well’ series offers a timely invitation: to see waiting not as wasted time, but as a spiritual discipline. Drawing on scripture, tradition, and personal reflection, the series reframes Advent as a transformative journey—one where stillness and anticipation prepare us to encounter the heart of Christmas.