The Catholic Mass Explained

“Catholics go to Mass every single Sunday and, yet, how many of us actually know what’s going on?” ~Fr. Mike Schmitz

If you've ever been distracted or confused at Sunday Mass, this video is for you. Over the course of an entire staged Mass, Fr. Mike breaks down what is going on at each moment. He shares not only what is happening, but why it's happening and what you, as a Catholic in the pew, should be doing, thinking, and praying about.

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The Pocket Guide to the Mass

Even for the most devout Catholics, attending Mass can sometimes feel routine. Many find themselves going through the motions, feeling bored, or distracted by thoughts and responsibilities.

Yet the Mass is the greatest act of worship in all creation. It is the closest we come to heaven on earth. What if you could enter more fully into what is truly happening?

In the Pocket Guide to the Mass, Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dr. Edward Sri invite you to see the Liturgy not as a familiar ritual, but as a profound encounter with Christ. This accessible guide helps you understand and participate in the Mass with renewed clarity, devotion, and awe.

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COMING SOON

The Mass in a Month Podcast

For those who loved The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz), The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz), and The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR) podcasts, The Mass in a Month (with Dr. Edward Sri) is your new must-listen in 2026.

Starting May 1, Dr. Sri shares insights on the Mass every day of the month—from how to prepare for Sunday Mass, to the meaning of the Eucharist, with explanations of every part of the liturgy along the way

Sign up below to receive the FREE Mass in a Month Scripture Prayer Guide and then join Dr. Sri on May 1 for Day 1 of the podcast, exclusively for free in the Ascension app.

Where can I listen to the Mass in a Month Podcast?

The Mass in a Month podcast can be listened to for free in the Ascension app on your tablet or mobile device, or on your computer at app.ascensionpress.com/podcasts.

Do I have to pay to use the Ascension app?

The Ascension app is free to download and has many features available completely for free, including the full texts of the Bible & Catechism, daily Mass readings, recordings of the Rosary, and many podcasts, including the Mass in a Month podcast.

There is an optional paid subscription available for those who want to dive deeper into bonus materials on the Bible, Church Teaching, and the Catholic lifestyle in the app, for $59.99/year or $8.99/month.

Does Ascension have more resources on the Mass?

Yes, Ascension has many videos on the Mass available on the Ascension Presents YouTube channel, as well as several books that dive deeper on the Mass, including:

Was Fr. Mike's Teaching Mass a real Mass?

No, many of the words and actions were the same as in a real Mass, but it wasn't itself a real Mass and the hosts were not consecrated.