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Catholic Inspiration

Fr. Andrew Ricci offers inspirational homilies and talks to help people grow in faith. These reflections are part of his meditations at Three Great Things where we grow as disciples of the Lord through Study, Prayer, and Service.
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Now displaying: 2015
Aug 23, 2015

Life is difficult.  In the midst of our struggle to make good choices and carry out challenging tasks, we call upon God for the help we need.  As we encounter Jesus Christ in Holy Communion to be strengthened for the burdens of life, we pray for Wisdom to choose wisely and Courage to carry it out.

August 23, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Aug 16, 2015

Family dinners - be they big or small - touch our hearts in a number of ways:

  • Nourish our bodies with wholesome, plentiful food
  • Unite us together, setting aside our differences for a moment of peace
  • Empower our lives, for service in the world

The same is true when we come to the Lord's table at every Mass.  We are nourished with Christ's Body & Blood.  We are united as the People of God - as brothers and sisters, neighbors and friends.  We are empowered to go forth, touching the hearts of those we meet with the grace and peace of Jesus Christ.

May our reception of Holy Communion feed our souls, foster unity, and empower us to live our lives for the Lord!

August 16, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Aug 9, 2015

Every breath we take is sustained by the will of God.  Our dependence upon the Almighty can help us in two key ways:

  1. Recognize our challenges, and ask the Lord for the help we need.
  2. Count our blessings, turning to Christ with grateful hearts.

In our need we draw strength from the Bread of Life - who gives us what we need to face each day!

August 9, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Aug 2, 2015

Have you ever "wanted" something - thinking that if you only had this one thing you would be...happy, fulfilled, and free of care?  There are many good (and some not so good) things that we can want, but none of them will completely satisfy us.  We are left restless, longing for something at the center of our our hearts.  We know that nothing in this world will satisfy us for a simple reason:

Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life."

The Lord knows us, loves us, died and rose for us, and longs for us to be united in his Sacred Heart.  Christ comes to us - sharing his Body and Blood - that we might never hunger and thirst again.   When we draw near to the altar, may our "Amen" resound with a desire to unite our hearts to Jesus Christ - the one who knows our wants, but responds to our needs.

August 1, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Aug 1, 2015

Thanks to all who have checked out my website and listened to Catholic Inspiration!  I am grateful for the opportunity I have as a parish priest and touched by the responses I have received over the last couple of years.  God bless you!

September 27, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

 

Jul 26, 2015

Our daily need for nourishment reminds us of our basic dependence on wholesome food.  What's more, we recognize that we depend upon the Lord for spiritual grace as well.  As we ponder the multiplication miracle in today's Gospel, I suggest that we draw near to the Lord with Gratitude and Petition - responding in love to the one who knows our needs and longs to provide the sustenance we require.

July 26, 2015 - St. Anthony Church - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts, go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Jul 19, 2015

There are moments in life when we need a little help.  We encounter situations and circumstances that are more than we can handle.  As Jesus looked upon the crowds in the Gospel today he saw their needs and took pity on them.  His response reminds us of two important considerations today:

  • What needs do we have today?  What are we asking for from the Lord?
  • Who needs help in our lives today?  How can we offer help to another?

Christ not only helped others, but he empowered the Apostles to do the same.  May we acknowledge our need for the Lord and respond to the needs of those who God sets before us.

July 19, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Jul 12, 2015

Both Amos and the Apostles are chosen by God and empowered to do amazing things.  The tasks set before them are difficult and challenging - obstacles that will test them.  The Letter to Ephesians reminds us, however, that God chooses us as well!  Here are three points to help us face the struggles of life:

  • Attitude
  • Effort
  • Stay close to Jesus Christ

May the words of the Scriptures and the examples of the saints inspire us to engage the obstacles of life with God's grace!

July 12, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Jul 5, 2015

Sometimes there are obstacles that are keeping us from saying what needs to be said...or hearing what needs to be heard.  What's more, before we can face the challenges of speaking or listening we might be better served by naming these obstacles in our lives.  Once we can give it a name, we can bring it before the Lord for the help and strength we need to pull these obstacles out of the way.

July 5, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Jun 28, 2015

Jesus defines much of his ministry with clear examples of healing others, and the Gospel today gives us an insight about how we draw near the Lord.  We have all had experiences where we long for healing.  We have seen loved ones suffer, and many of us know first hand the presence of pain in our lives.  May the example of Jairus and the unnamed woman inspire us to seek the healing grace of Christ!

June 28, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Jun 21, 2015

We get to live in this beautiful part of the country!  From the wonder of creation we can get some insights into the power and love of God.  May these insights inspire us:

  • to recognize the Lord's presence in our lives
  • to respond with grateful hearts to our blessings

With open eyes and willing hearts...may our love for the Creator be inspired by the creation we enjoy!

June 21, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Jun 14, 2015

Nature teaches us that little seeds lead to big things.  Life is a process of growth and change, and from the Gospel reading we can consider two points:

  • Do we choose to grow every day?
  • Do we face challenges with God's help?

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a seed - it starts small but keeps growing!  May we do the same, as individuals and united together, to grow in faith, hope, and love.

June 14, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.come

For more podcasts, go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Jun 7, 2015

The miracle of the Mass touches our lives in a number of crucial ways:  We hear the Word of God; we receive the Sacrament of Christ's Body & Blood; we unite as the Lord's disciples and pray together.  Below are three key words that can help us experience this miracle more fully:

  • Preparation
  • Focus
  • Engagement

What happens before, during and after each Mass can transform our hearts and change our lives.  May our communion with Jesus Christ nourish us for service in the world!

June 7, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

May 31, 2015

The mystery of the Holy Trinity - there is one God, revealed in three Persons - communicates that God comes to us in communion.  Indivisibly united, the Trinity teaches us that communion - being united together - is a key element to the practical experience of our lives.

Communion is crucial for all of us: family, friendship, co-workers, neighbors, classmates - even strangers - are all part of the fabric of our lives.  Indeed, we can evaluate ourselves in a very real way by taking measure of our communion with one another.

Where our communion is vibrant, we grow; where it is wounded, we heal; and where it is broken, we come to the altar to receive Jesus Christ in Holy Communion to renew the communion of our hearts.  May this communion within the Trinity transform and unite us with almighty God and one another.

May 30, 2015 - St. William Church - Foxboro, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts, go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

 

May 24, 2015

Like a gentle rain that nourishes and renews the earth, the Holy Spirit comes upon the world to bring life.  The power of the Holy Spirit showers graces into our hearts with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.  This happens in two profound ways:

  • As individuals we are uniquely blessed with our gifts and talents
  • As community we unite and support each other

A simple diagnostic tool:  where do I see unity in my life?  Where unity is present, we can build and grow stronger with the Spirit's power.  Where it is absent, we have the opportunity to call upon the Spirit for healing and transformation.  Either way, come Holy Spirit!

May 23, 2015 - St. William Church - Foxboro, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

 

May 17, 2015

Change and transition are part of human life as seen in graduations, new jobs, relationships, and situations.  Like the Apostles on this feast, we can face our changes by keeping in mind three basic concepts:

  • Observation - looking & listening to our new reality
  • Reflection - by ourselves, with others & God's guidance
  • Application - putting our thoughts into action

As the Apostles embraced their transitions the Holy Spirit empowered them to change the world.  May we continue to open our hearts to the Spirit and face the changes that come before us.

May 16, 2015 - St. William Church - Foxboro, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

May 10, 2015

Just as a passport is essential for travel on earth, so Christ's commandment to love is essential for our travel to Heaven.  Consider these similarities:

  • Shows our Country of Origin
  • Serves as identification
  • Reveals our travel history
  • Necessary to come home

May 10, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

May 3, 2015

Like branches on a grape vine, we are dependent on Jesus for grace and strength.  Yet when we are connected to the Lord we are able to bear fruit that touches hearts and changes lives. 

May 3, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

May 2, 2015

May we stay connected to the Holy Spirit to empower our lives, as we uniquely and personally share the gifts and blessings we have received with one another!

May 1, 2015 - St. Francis Xavier Church - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Apr 26, 2015

How do we face rejection?  How do we confront the obstacles and roadblocks that are part of life?  Two key points surface:

  • Strength
  • Wisdom

May we call upon the Lord for what we need - regardless of our vocation in life - to find our way!

April 26, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

 

Apr 19, 2015

What is the script of my thoughts, words, and actions?  If I were to write down what I think, speak, and do would it point to Christ?  Would it even include Jesus?

We are witnesses for the Lord, and as his disciples we can make changes in our lives - changing the script - so that grace of Christ renews and strengthens our lives.

April 18, 2015 - St. William Church - Foxboro, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Apr 12, 2015

Working together demands effort, cooperation, collaboration, and dedicated people who are committed to each other.  While never easy, the early Church showed the power of unity as they gathered in "one heart and mind" to proclaim the Good News.  Three things can help us live this "blue collar cousin" to Christian love:

  • Our Part - removing obstacles and building bridges in our relationships
  • Their Part - helping and empowering others when they come to us
  • God's Part - the grace of Christ to unite and strengthen us, even when we are weak

April 12, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Apr 11, 2015

How do we make our personal prayer real?  This homily podcast highlights practical tips that bring power and meaning to our personal prayer. 

April 11, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Apr 5, 2015

Their lives were changed; the sorrow cast from the shadow of the Cross is now transformed by resurrection glory...He's alive!  The grace of Jesus Christ inspired the disciples to go out to the world - carrying their crosses - with the power the Lord's triumph.  

Christ brings this transformation to us today; his power continues to work in the world.  May we open our hearts to the resurrection...and be transformed!

April 5, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Apr 3, 2015

The Cross of Christ - ugly, filthy with the blood of countless victims, jagged, and splintered - becomes the sign of the depth and breadth of agony Jesus endured.  As he embraces his suffering, the Cross becomes a bridge whereby he unites with all humanity, meeting us in our most profound moments of weakness and sin, and gives us hope through his triumph over death.

We must understand the Cross in the light of Easter joy:

  • For if we only focus on the Cross then we have no hope; life becomes dark and filled with despair.
  • And if we only focus on Easter joy then we have no respect for the gift of the Lord's Passion; we do not appreciate the price that was paid for our salvation.

We look to the Cross and allow Christ's Passion to touch our lives.  We unite with Jesus and give grateful thanks that he has redeemed us in every aspect of our lives.

Come to the Cross and unite your heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ.

Be redeemed by Love Himself, who gave his life to save and set us free.

April 3, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts, go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

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