Fr. John Riccardo's Podcasts

While reflecting on John's Gospel account of Jesus's healing of the blind man, Fr. Riccardo offers suggestions on how our eyes may be opened up to see the extraordinary love of God.

While considering the readings of the day, Fr. Riccardo tells the congregation to remain hopeful during times of discouragement. Fr. John reminds the audience that God will not abandon them during the difficult times they face.

Fr. Riccardo discusses Confirmation in this fifth session of a series of talks on The Sacraments for the Catholicism for Cradle Catholics series. The outline referenced in this podcast may be downloaded here.

Fr. Riccardo encourages the congregation to place their trust in God while reflecting on today's Gospel reading from St. Mark.

Fr. Riccardo shares his thoughts on preparing for Lent in this Ash Wednesday homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.

Fr. Riccardo discusses Anointing of the Sick in this fourth session of a series of talks on The Sacraments for the Catholicism for Cradle Catholics series. The outline referenced in this podcast may be downloaded here.

Fr. Riccardo encourages the congregation to imitate Christ in service to each other in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.

Addressing the congregation, including the Confirmation candidates and their sponsors, Fr. Riccardo reflects on Mark's gospel account of Jesus's healing the mother-in-law of Simon Peter. Fr. John reminds us that Jesus is present with us today as well, and that he wants to touch us, to restore us, and to heal us.

Fr. Riccardo discusses Confession in this third session of a series of talks on The Sacraments for the Catholicism for Cradle Catholics series. The outline referenced in this podcast may be downloaded here.

Fr. Riccardo discusses marriage while considering St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians from today's second reading.

On January 31, 2009 the Archdiocese of Detroit 7th Annual Conference for Men entitled Unpacking Jesus' Farewell Gifts to His Brethren was hosted by Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Plymouth, Michigan. This year's conference focuses on the Sacraments of the Catholic Church and will be held in three sessions. This first session addressed the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Fr. John Riccardo addressed the Sacrament of Eucharist. Additional conference sessions are scheduled for May 14, 2009 at St. Anastasia Church in Troy, Michigan and for October 14, 2009 at St. Francis Cabrini Church in Allen Park, Michigan. Additional conference information is available here.

While considering today's readings for The Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, Fr. Riccardo reflects on the life of St. Paul and reminds the congregation that, "Regardless of our past, no one is disqualified from becoming a saint and living a truly great and heroic life."

Fr. Riccardo discusses Baptism in this second session of a series of talks on The Sacraments for the Catholicism for Cradle Catholics series. The outline referenced in this podcast may be downloaded here.

Fr. Riccardo reflects on today's Gospel of John while posing the questions that Jesus' asked of Andrew and John, "What are you looking for? What do you want?"

Fr. Riccardo addresses The Sacraments: What Difference Do They Really Make? in this first session of a series of talks on The Sacraments for the Catholicism for Cradle Catholics series.

In this homily for the Feast of the Epiphany, Fr. Riccardo encourages the congregation to lead lives of faith that will lead others to Christ. Fr. John also reflects on the life of his friend, Mrs. Pat McDonald.

In this homily for the Feast of Mary, Mother of God, Fr. Riccardo encourages the congregation to set a goal for the new year to pray the rosary daily for the many needs of our parish, our families, and the world.

In his homily for Christmas, Fr. Riccardo encourages the congregation to use the evidence of history to study the person of Jesus (His life, His death, and His resurrection) in order to learn the good news of His story.

In this homily for the fourth Sunday of Advent, Fr. Riccardo asks the congregation to resolve to pray for each other daily in these times of uncertainty.

In this homily for the second Sunday of Advent, Fr. Riccardo discusses the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.