Both Paul and Jesus offer words of caution: Be vigilant! There are forces in our world that will try to undermine and erode our faith; we call upon the Lord for the wisdom and strength we need to face trial and difficulty with God's grace.
May 11, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all podcasts.
The heartfelt tone in the words of farewell spoken by Paul and Jesus speak to a common human experience: saying goodbye. Change is often difficult, and one of our toughest moments comes when we know that people are passing through our lives. While the pain is real, our faith reminds us that our final home is heaven...where our reunion in God's presence will have no end.
May 10, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
This time of year marks a major transition for many students: graduating from formal schooling and beginning a new experience. This practical cycle of human life finds a parallel with the Ascension - where the disciples are now empowered by the Lord to continue his ministry.
May 8, 2016 - St. Anthony Catholic Church - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
This is really two podcasts put together: some 5th graders from Cathedral school offered their reflections, and their thoughts are followed with the actual homily given at Mass. May we face the grief of this world with the faith of Christ...who will bring us to eternal joy.
May 6, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Note: In many parts of the world the Feast of the Ascension (one of my favorites) is moved to the 7th Sunday of Easter. That's true for my diocese, so today I am reflecting on the daily reading - where Paul is preaching the Gospel in Corinth while "earning his keep" at a trade - and reminds us that we find the Lord in both our work and our prayer.
May 5, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Paul preaches in Athens - a center of intellectual might in the ancient world - and he did not convert many followers there. Yet for all its might and cultural, ancient Athens today is a ruin, whereas the faith of Christ continues to grow...changing hearts and lives in powerful and dynamic ways.
May 4, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Two apostles that do not get as much attention as some of the others, James (the Lesser, the son of Alphaeus) and Philip are nevertheless wonderful examples for us:
May they inspire us to live our faith with conviction each and ever day!
May 3, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
We long for peace, and with God's help we can be instruments of peace. May Christ fill our hearts with his grace and strength...and peace!
April 30, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Building on the Gospel readings over the last three days, the Lord commands us to love one another - bearing fruit in and through our lives.
April 29, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
The words of Christ reveal links in a chain: Love of the Father...Love of Christ....our Love for one another. As yesterday's illustration of vine/branches pointed out, our love is rooted in Christ and flows into the hearts of those around us.
April 28, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
This beautiful image of Christ as the vine and ourselves as the branches beautifully reminds us of our dependence on the grace of God. May we stay close to Jesus, and allow his love to overflow our hearts!
April 27, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
When the going gets tough...the tough persevere! Paul continues his mission of preaching, even when he faces opposition, hardship, and conflict. And where do we find the strength to carry on? Answer: from the Peace of Christ!
April 26, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
The readings reveal two aspects of the Church: growing & glorified. Through the times of both blessing and burden the command of Christ to Love shapes our lives as disciples, and directs us to love each and every day.
April 23, 2016 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Mrs. Hockenbrock's 2nd graders from Cathedral School discuss common fears and how Jesus helps us face them.
April 22, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libysyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
This homily, which takes places during a Healing Mass that offers the Anointing of the Sick, shows how the healing we receive finds its source in the Lord's grace. What's more, we not only receive Christ's healing, but we also serve as the Lord's healing instruments to those around us.
April 21, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all podcasts.
Note: the reading today was taken from John 15:18-21.
"That's hard!" How often did we say that as kids? (How often do we say it as adults?!) Yet facing the hard stuff is part of life - with God's help as we strive to act as disciples of Jesus Christ.
April 20, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all podcasts.
When we share our faith with others we continue the pattern that began with the Lord - sharing and proclaiming the Good News in our world.
April 19, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
The readings this weekend help the heart and strengthen the soul, inviting us to unite as God's family with the Good News of Christ available to all.
April 16, 2016 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Every year in the Easter season children often make their First Holy Communion. This homily was given at the Cathedral of Christ the King on April 16, 2016. Please continue to pray for all our children who receive the Lord in this great Sacrament; and may all of us draw near to Jesus!
April 16, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all podcasts.
Some wonderful 2nd graders from Mrs. Hockenbrock's class visit with Fr. Andrew about the conversion of St. Paul.
April 15, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libysn.com for an archive of all podcasts.
In both the 1st Reading and the Gospel we have references to teaching: Philip teaches the Ethiopian eunuch and Jesus instructs the people in the "Bread of Life" discourse. Note how the teaching leads to the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist! May our faith help us to enter ever deeper into our life in Jesus Christ.
April 14, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
What gives people strength to carry on when the going gets tough? To hang in there when it is painful, difficult, or oppressive? The struggles of the early Church were sustained by their faith in Christ, who promised eternal life to all who believe in him.
April 13, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
"I am the Bread of Life" are the words the Lord speaks to the crowd. This time of year, when 1st Communions are common, may we receive the Lord in the Eucharist with the living bread that feeds our souls.
April 12, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Following the Lord does not mean that life is easy; rather, our faith gives us a strength to face the obstacles of life with the power of Christ's love.
April 10, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Some 1st graders from Cathedral School share their thoughts on the Gospel reading today!
April 8, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.