Catholic Inspiration

The messy, dirty, grimy ashes on the outside remind us of the messy, dirty, grimy reality of sin in our hearts.  As we repent and believe in the Gospel, may we call upon the Lord to wash us clean with the grace of Jesus Christ. February 18, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes. or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com

Lent provides a powerful opportunity to grow closer to the Lord and one another.  Yet if we are unprepared we will miss much that this holy season has to offer. This homily offers practical tips and tools to direct our path.  Use this for a simple starting point to make this the best Lent ever! Originally given on March 2, 2013 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes. or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com

Suffering not only affects us individually, but relationally as well.  The four categories described last week may touch our relationships in some of these ways: Body - illness separates us from touch and personal contact Mind - misunderstanding and doubt can drive us apart Heart - emotions can overwhelm our words & actions, dividing us Soul - evil alters our sense of values, right & wrong, separating us from others Like the leper in the Gospel of Mark today, we can reclaim the healing we need in our lives and the relationships around us.  Here are three things to consider: Acknowledge what is broken and wounded Actively seek to reconcile with one another Call up God for the help and strength we need for healing  February, 15, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes. or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com  

 This is the 1st of 3 talks given at a Parish Mission on the Eucharist at St. Dominic Church in Frederic, WI on March 8, 2014. This first talk draws on the Gospel story of Emmaus (Luke 24:1-35) and the writing of St. Justin Martyr.  It then outlines the teaching and command of Jesus to receive the Body of Christ so that we become the Body of Christ.  Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes. or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com

This is the 2nd of 3 talks given at a Parish Mission on the Eucharist at St. Dominic Church in Frederic, WI on March 8, 2014. This second talk offers a series of practical points on how to prepare and participate in the Mass so that its power can direct our lives.   Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes. or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com

This is the 3rd of 3 talks given at a Parish Mission on the Eucharist at St. Dominic Church in Frederic, WI on March 8, 2014. This third talk discusses how Eucharist and Adoration can nourish our spiritual lives and then goes on to connect with a reflection from Pope Francis (given on February 21, 2014) that shows three distinct ways that the Eucharist inspires a Catholic Way of Life. Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes. or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com

Suffering is a part of human life.  It is often found in one of four quadrants of human experience: Body - our physical health Mind - our intellectual health Heart - our emotional health Soul - our spiritual health When we encounter suffering we can first do our part: We acknowledge the pain and hurt  We gather resources to help us We act: putting our healing into practice But sometimes we discover that the suffering is bigger than ourselves.  We cannot handle it alone, so we then turn to the Lord who through his death on the Cross understands our pain and triumphs over it. February 8, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes. or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, which also goes by the names of Confession or Penance, is a powerful treasure.  Yet there are many misconceptions, many fears, and many questions that surround this great gift to the Church.  Sometimes I think that folks would rather have a dental root canal than walk into a confessional... If it has been some time since you have gone to Confession, do not fear!  This incredible Sacrament continues to transform hearts and change lives; the following presentation dispels some of the myths and answers many of the common questions that are frequently asked. This sacrament has four components: Contrition - sometimes called repentance, shows we are sorry Confession - where we admit what we have done Reparation - where we undertake a penance as an outward sign we want to make things right Absolution - where the priest, speaking on God's behalf, extends God's grace and forgiveness This sacrament will touch our hearts and change our lives!  Confession is not only an experience of fo

The power and authority of Jesus Christ is evident in the Gospel reading today, as the Lord teaches and then casts out unclean spirits.  This same power was extended through the Apostles; calling upon the Lord these disciples changed the world as they allowed the grace and strength of Christ to flow through their lives. When we are plugged in to the grace of Jesus, we allow the Lord's love to flow through our lives and touch the hearts of others.  Like extension cords, we become conduits - drawing upon the strength of Christ and sharing his power with those in our lives - so that the Lord's mission will continue through us today. February 1, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com For more podcasts, go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes. or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com

Remember as kids when we learned how to do long division?  Remember what happens when you make a mistake early on, only to find out at the end that the answer is wrong?  And remember how you have to: Go back to the beginning Find the mistake Rework the problem to a new solution? The same is true for spiritual life.  Both the first reading and the Gospel call us to repent - turning away from our sins and mistakes and following God with full hearts.  May we call upon the Lord's grace to move forward with God's help as we embrace the Good News. January 24, 2014 - St. William Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com For more podcasts, go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes. or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com

This "Theology on Tap" reflection offers some practical ways to strengthen your prayer life and grow closer to God.  Some topics include: Time, Space, Location, and Preparation Dealing with Distraction Using resources - including Scripture and Devotionals Finding what works for you Originally given on November 11, 2013 - Dubh Linh's Pub - Duluth, MN Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com For more podcasts, go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes. or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com

The call of the Lord today touched the hearts of Samuel and two disciples of John the Baptist through the assistance of Eli and John.  Their example speaks to us: Are we listening to the Lords call in our lives? Are we helping others find their call? May we keep our hearts open through Scripture, Prayer, and Fellowship; may we speak to others in love - sharing what we see so that they can find their path. January 18, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or  www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com

Water is an essential element here on Earth - capable of death and life.  Death: the destructive force of a flood, or the cleansing power to remove filth Life: crucial for physical life, and capable of peace & serenity in our souls The Baptism of the Lord was a moment that transforms and empowers all baptisms - configuring the newly baptized to Jesus Christ.  His death on the Cross destroys our sin and death; his resurrection opens the doors of Heaven for our eternal life. Today, what sin and/or temptation needs to be destroyed by the grace of Baptism?  What virtues and abilities need to be nourished by the Lord's saving power that comes to us through our Baptism? January 11, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com

The Magi followed the Star which led them to Jesus Christ - the source of all Light.  Through their journey, they reveal two points for consideration today: How do we seek the Light of Christ in our lives? How do we share the Light of Christ with one another? The Feast of the Epiphany - where light shines upon us for understanding, insight, and hope - strengthens us to welcome God's light into our hearts, that we may be a light to those around us! January 4, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com

The Incarnation of Jesus - who is both the Son of God and the Son of Mary - helps us understand the way that God has drawn near to us.  The bridge between the human and divine was made possible when Jesus - born of Mary - closed the gap between heaven and earth.  God comes to us so that we may come to know God! As we begin to move into a New Year, what gaps and obstacle are before us?  As we begin to see the challenges in our lives, may we turn to the Son of Mary for the help and strength we need to face life with the conviction that God continues to reach out to us in love. January 1, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com

The Holy Family encountered great extremes of blessing and hardship.  Their witness can teach us two crucial lessons: They faced life together God was with them The example of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph can inspire us to call upon God's help as we walk with our families through life. December 28, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com

In A Christmas Carol we see two completely different portraits of Ebenezer Scrooge: on one hand he is a tight-fisted miser whose heart is cold; on the other hand he is a fully alive uncle and employer who wishes "Merry Christmas!" to friends and strangers alike.   What happened?  What brought about the transformation?  Simply put, the power of Christmas - Jesus Christ - touched his heart and changed his life. This power continue to speak to us today.  The incarnation of Jesus - God becoming like us - removes all barriers and obstacles that keep us from the Lord and one another.  By recognizing the parts of our lives that have "Bah!  Humbug!" and turning to Christ, we can receive the power and grace of Christmas. December 25, 2014 - Midnight Mass - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com

At the end of A Christmas Carol Scrooge chooses to make a change in his life that will affect everything.  In the Gospel, Mary chooses to embrace the message of the angel Gabriel. Our choices carry powerful consequences for ourselves and those around us.  Sometimes they are major events in life, but often they occur throughout a day as we freely decide to either step up (seeking what is good) or step down (giving in to temptation and sin). This Christmas, may the choices we make be guided by the love and grace of Jesus Christ! December 21, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com

We take out the trash regularly from the kitchen, or else we live with the stink and stench of smelly garbage.  In the same way Advent gives us a ready made opportunity to search our hearts and through the sacrament of reconciliation to remove the stink of sin so that God's grace might give us healing and peace December 13, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI  Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com

There are times when we formally say "Yes, I accept" to new opportunities in our lives.  Mary's "yes" to the angel Gabriel gives us an example and model as the Lord invites us to follow our call.   December 8, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci studyprayserve.com