As Jesus sends out the seventy-two disciples, he charges them with specific tasks of preaching, healing and proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Like those first disciples, we participate in the ministry of Christ every time we use our gifts and talents for the glory of God.
October 18, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Paul speaks of the "Fruits of the Spirit" in his letter to the Galatians. These nine virtues flourish in our hearts when we are in right relationship with God and one another, and they become powerful signs to guide our actions each and every day.
October 17, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus offers a rebuke in the Gospel today with the insight that almsgiving is powerful way we can foster our spiritual life.
October 16, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Book of Wisdom beautiful describes a life where God is preferred above all else. For when we place the Lord first in our lives, then the rest of our lives becomes focused, balanced and fulfilled.
October 13, 2018 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord teaches us today that we are blessed when we hear the Word of God and act on it. Easier said than done, but God will not ask us for the impossible; rather, we are called to continue to respond as disciples each and every day.
October 13, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus drives out a demon and then teaches others how to keep evil away from their hearts. It's a good reminder for us as well; we are called each day to be vigilant in the spiritual battle as we guard the sanctity of our souls.
October 12, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci
The Lord offers a couple of examples to highlight the crucial need to be persistent in prayer. May these words inspire us every day to open our hearts to the Lord as we ask for what we need to grow in faith, hope and love.
October 11, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord's Prayer has shaped the lives of countless Christians over the centuries. May we find in this powerful prayer a way to articulate the needs in our hearts as we open our souls to the grace of God.
October 10, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci
We all know the story of Mary and Martha, but sometimes we forget that the Lord gently chides Martha because she is "anxious and worried about many things." When we fall into useless worry, our best prescription is to focus on Christ for the strength and wisdom we need.
October 9, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Fr. Andrew offered this one hour presentation on Angels and Demons at the Cathedral of Christ the King on October 4, 2018.
October 4, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Note: the handout for this presentation may be found at the website.
The Lord's answer to the question of divorce reminds us that this issue has been with humanity from the dawn of time. Our response through healing, community and engagement helps those who struggle with divorce to find new strength and direction.
October 6, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The disciples return to Jesus with joy as they acknowledge his power at work in their ministry. This power continues today whenever we open our hearts to the grace of Jesus Christ.
October 6, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Not everyone listened to the words of Jesus, and like the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum we have the opportunity to take the message of Christ to heart...or experience the natural consequences that result.
October 5, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord sent out disciples in pairs, recognizing that we work best when we work together. Sometimes we give support, and sometimes we receive it, but through it all we grow in strength and wisdom when we unite our lives to Jesus Christ.
October 4, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Whatever we do for one another, we do it for the Lord. The Cathedral school kids learn that both our good and bad actions toward others are treated as if they were done to Jesus. May we take this insight to heart as we offer our lives!
October 3, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Our Guardian Angels are present to help us face the challenges of this life. May we listen to their guidance and ask for their help in time of need.
October 2, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The people in the readings were tempted, even as they were striving to follow God. They show us that we need to be vigilant against temptation as we engage our faith in Christ with the support of one another.
September 29, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael reminds us that God sends us help and encouragement. May the power of the angels strengthen us on earth until the day when we join them in heaven.
September 29, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The well known passage from Ecclesiastes reminds us that we must regularly discern how to use our time. And if, like St. Peter, we acknowledge Jesus as Lord, then we have a daily opportunity to use every precious moment as a gift from God that is guided by the teaching of Christ.
September 28, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
King Herod heard rumors and wanted to know more about Jesus, reminding us that knowledge alone about the Lord is not sufficient. Rather, how we apply what we've learned reveals the difference between personal growth and idle curiosity.
September 27, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The kids at Cathedral School are reminded by the Lord's command to love one another, even when it is hard. That begs a question: who in your life is a challenge to love today? Ask God for the grace to love them as the Lord loves us.
September 26, 2018 - Cathedral School Gym - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Psalm response invites us to accept God's guidance as we carry out the Lord's commands. It's not enough to know our faith; the real test is when we put it into practice each and every day.
September 25, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The readings state plainly the hostility and difficulty we often find in lives. Sometimes the battle is outside ourselves, and sometimes it is within. Yet as we fight our battles, we constantly use our most powerful weapon: the grace we receive through our faith in Jesus Christ!
September 22, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Remember when you had to "show your work" in math class? You had the answer in the back of the book, but you still needed to do demonstrate that you understood the concepts and complete the hard work. Same is true for the life of faith!
September 22, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord invites Matthew with a simple invitation, "Follow me." May his example inspire us to listen to the Lord's call in our lives and respond with joy.
September 21, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com