Catholic Inspiration

Filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles are filled with grace to go out into the world and proclaim the Good News of Christ.  The Spirit continues to touch our hearts today - giving strength to our souls and uniting us with one another.  Come Holy Spirit! May 14, 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.

1st Graders from Cathedral School offer some ideas how we can show our love for Jesus! May 13, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" at iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.

The prayer that Jesus offers in the Gospel today is not only for the disciples...it is for us!  God's love, manifest in the saving death and resurrection of his Son, transforms our lives with grace - for this life and the next.  May we take hold of that grace today, drawing closer to the Lord and one another. May 12, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" at iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.

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:  They made mistakes, yet kept their eyes on Jesus They did much of their work without special attention or praise They offered their lives for the Lord 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.