Father Schmitz coming to Des Moines
February 21, 2025
By Ryan Johnson, Contributing Writer
“Hi, my name is Father Mike Schmitz.”
You may recognize this familiar introduction if you listen to podcasts. Father Mike Schmitz is the host of “The Bible in a Year” and “The Catechism in a Year” podcasts produced by Ascension. Both are wildly popular among Catholics and regularly rank near the top on the chart of religion and spirituality podcasts.
Here’s your opportunity to see Father Schmitz speak in Des Moines. He will give a talk on Wednesday, April 2 at the Community Choice Convention Center at 7 p.m. The event is titled “Encounter the Eucharist: An Evening with Fr. Mike Schmitz.”
Father Mike Schmitz is the director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Duluth. He is also the chaplain for the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. At the Newman Center, Father ministers to students by providing the sacraments and sharing his knowledge of the Catholic faith.
The event is a fundraiser and celebration for Iowa Catholic Radio Network, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Joe Teeling founded Iowa Catholic Radio in 2005 and has been a visionary for its growth.
Just recently, Iowa Catholic Radio added its ninth signal and now has the ability to reach more than 1 million individuals, even stretching into Minnesota and Missouri when the weather cooperates.
“Father Mike Schmitz is so well known and appreciated for his podcasts and the work he’s done for the Hallow app,” said Joe Teeling, chief mission officer at the network. “The evening will include Eucharistic adoration, sacred music and radio theater, plus Father Mike’s talk.”
Tickets on Sale Now
Tickets are on sale now and can be bought on the Iowa Events Center website. General admission tickets are $100. The room will be set with theater seating to allow all attendees to easily see and hear Father Schmitz.
A limited number of exclusive VIP tickets are available for $300 per person. These tickets enable guests to attend a reception starting at 5 p.m. and concluding at 6:30 p.m. Father Schmitz will be present to meet attendees. Refreshments and appetizers will be available, and attendees will have reserved seating in the front of the room.
Events like this and donations from listeners are critical to the continued success of Iowa Catholic Radio. The media company’s programming is listener supporter.
Recent additions to Iowa Catholic Radio Network include stations in Spencer and Mason City. The network offers live programming, sacred music and on-demand radio originals. The daily Mass is available via a production of Iowa Catholic Radio and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in West Des Moines.