Catholic Inspiration

"What should we do?" is an excellent question to keep before us in our daily prayer.  We often know what needs to be done; sometimes it's just hard to carry out.  But there are also times when we come before the Lord searching for the direction, wisdom, and strength to live our faith with conviction and power.   December 12, 2015 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

God offers to help us in the first reading today.  Will we accept it?  Will it open the doors of our heart and allow God's grace inside?  Help Wanted! December 10, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

I want to say a joyful THANK YOU for all who have downloaded and shared my podcasts this past year!  Here are a few quick facts: One year in operation 133 Podcasts Sunday Masses, Daily Masses, Retreats, and Presentations +21, 800 Downloads What started initially as just a simple record of homilies has now grown to an average of 2-4 podcasts/week.  I am touched by the response I have received from people across the country, and I am honored to share my ministry here at Cathedral with you.  There is no charge for "Catholic Inspiration" and no requests for donations - this is an extension of my pastoral work here in the Diocese of Superior. My one request: if you find these podcasts helpful - please share them with your loved ones!  Practically, that means: Share these posts and podcasts with your friends on Facebook or other social media Feel free to tell others who you think would like to follow (that whole "word of mouth" thing) For those of you who use iTunes: go to "Catholic Inspiration" and give me a ra

Mary, chosen by God to be the mother of the Messiah, inspires us to follow her example and say "May it be done" to what the Lord asks of us today. December 8, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Making a highway requires removing obstacles and adding quality materials...same is true for the highway in our hearts! December 6, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Two blind men encounter Jesus...and gain their sight.  May we turn to the Lord for greater sight - that what we see will inspire us to respond with the light of faith. December 4, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

When we listen to the Lord and put his teaching into practice, we are like the wise who build their houses on rock.  May the knowledge we possess be transformed into action so that we can face the storms of life with the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ! December 3, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Did you ever try to make an excuse for not handing in homework?  This top ten list helps us understand that we sometimes do the same thing with our spiritual life - and maybe inspires us this Advent to complete our "heavenly homework." December 2, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts, go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

The first reading from the prophet Isaiah proclaims a vision of the world - filled with hope - that happens after "a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse."  May this Good News help us to make course corrections in our life today, so that we will be ready for the Lord's return. December 1, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

A beginning is always a crucial time - how we start often defines the outcome of a project or task, as well as our attitude as we work.  We are reminded today to be vigilant: constantly prepared; swift to act; and disciplined in our effort.  May the start of our Advent season prepare us for a glorious Christmas! November 29, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration in iTunes.

What are you thankful for today?  When you count your blessings what comes to mind?  Gratitude is a powerful antidote for many spiritual sicknesses.  Take a moment today and consider the ways your life has been graced by God! November 26, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

How do we face the changes of life?  How do we look to the future with hope?  The Answer: with the help of Jesus Christ! November 24, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Christ, our Savior, Lord, and Friend...is also our King.  What's more, the King has given us some very specific commands - here are three: Love one another Forgive one another Receive the Eucharist As we follow the King may we carry out his commands! November 21, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem.  He sees the tribulation that will come, and he opens his arms to embrace the sadness...that he might touch it and bless it.  May we turn to the Lord in our moments of sorrow and allow his grace to guide us.  Sorrow is not the end, and with God's help we will face our tears with hope. November 19, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Grandparents are a precious gift that God gives to us.  May the time and memories we build with our grandparents inspire us as we live our lives with their example of love. November 18, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Life offers difficulties and multiple uncertainties.  What's more, no one knows the hour when we will be called by God out of this world.  So how do we live? Answer:  Fully alive in the present moment! How? What's your "bucket list" of unfinished business?  Get 'er done. Perform a daily diagnostic.  It's called an Examination of Conscience. Dare to share your heart.  Say "I love you" to the people in your life! November 11, 2015 - St. Anthony Catholic Church - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.come For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

This talk was given to Confirmation students from the Cathedral and St. Francis Xavier parishes on November 11, 2015. Note these four points: God made us to be united with Him Sin destroys our relationships with God and one another Christ restores the relationship through his life, death, and resurrection Each of us can choose to accept the gift of Christ and live as his disciple This message is not just for kids preparing to be confirmed!  May all of us see the beauty of life, confront our struggles, and embrace the gift of Christ's saving grace. November 11, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

God's Wisdom brings light to our lives, helping us see clearly and inspiring us to shine with the grace and love of Christ. November 12, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

St. Leo's life offers us three points to consider for our own faith: We are committed to a long journey There are challenges without There are challenges within St. Leo, PRAY FOR US!  Help us to turn to Jesus Christ as we face the blessings and burdens of life. November 10, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

It's all about blessings.  God lavishes graces and blessings upon us...let's take time to acknowledge them.  And then out of gratitude...let's consider how we might be a blessing to others.  Consider today how we might share our time, talent, and treasure to bless the life of another...drawing us closer to the Lord and one another. November 7, 2015 - St. Anthony Catholic Church - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.