Advent

Waiting Well: Advent with Fr. Mike Schmitz

This Advent, Learn How to Encounter the Lord in Times of Waiting

Advent can often feel like a countdown to Christmas and a hustle of preparation for the holidays, when in fact the liturgical season is all about waiting—not for a short-lived celebration, but for a person.

Much of life is spent waiting, and it can be hard. Waiting can feel like time wasted when we don’t engage it with intention, drifting instead into worry, numbness, or grasping.

How we wait shapes who we become. The call of the Christian is to trust that every moment matters, and that God is working here and now even through periods of waiting.

Waiting well means that we are active participants in this moment, despite the uncertainties ahead. This Advent, waiting can be engaged preparation, a beautiful opportunity to let Jesus into every part of our lives.

Jesus waits patiently at the door of our hearts. This Advent, join Fr. Mike Schmitz as he shows you how to invite Christ into your life so you can share in his lasting peace.

Waiting Well: Advent with Fr. Mike Schmitz is a daily prayer journal designed to help you slow down for 10 or 15 minutes a day during the Advent season. With Fr. Mike’s guidance, you’ll prepare your heart to meet Christ in the manger.

When we embrace the process as the path, we begin to see God’s goodness unfold in beautiful ways in our lives, and we recognize that his presence in the present moment is where he wants to meet us, preparing us for what comes next and inviting us to encounter him now.

Presented by: Fr. Mike Schmitz

Written by: Fr. Mike Schmitz

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Fr. Mike Schmitz

At a Glance

Est. Time to Complete: 1 Month
Available Languages: English
Presenters: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Authors: Fr. Mike Schmitz

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I watch Fr. Mike's Advent program?

Waiting Well: Advent with Fr. Mike Schmitz is only available in the Ascension App. You can download the Ascension App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your smartphone or tablet.

Tap this link on your smartphone or tablet to download or open the app: https://link.ascension-app.com/WaitingWell.

Do I have to subscribe to the app to watch the program?

Yes,Waiting Well is only available to subscribers or trial members on the Ascension App.

Does the Ascension App offer a free trial?

Yes, the Ascension App has special Advent trial offers available, including a 7-day free trial or a 90-day full-access trial for just $4.99.

If you cancel 24 hours before the end of the trial you will not be charged.

Please note that if you'd like to cancel, Apple and Google require you to cancel the trials yourself—Ascension cannot cancel the trial for you.

What is the format of the program?

Waiting Well is a daily video program beginning November 30, 2025 and ending on December 25, 2025.

How often will new episodes be released?

Starting November 30, new episodes will be released daily for the duration of Advent.

Is there anything I should do before Advent to prepare?

We suggest that you:

Download the free prayer plan.
Install the Ascension App on your smartphone or tablet.
Join the waitlist to get updates about Advent with Fr. Mike.
Order the Waiting Well Journal by November 22 to have it for the start of Advent!