Fr. John Riccardo's Podcasts

On the 8th of October, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish hosted the Pilgrimage of Mercy: The Tour of the Major Relics of St. Maria Goretti. Auxiliary Bishop Michael Byrnes presided at a Solemn Mass celebrated in St. Maria's honor. This is Bishop Byrnes' homily from that Mass.

Fr. Riccardo reflects on the visit of Pope Francis to the United States in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. Fr. John remarks that we must first encounter the love of God before we can truly understand church doctrine. He reminds the congregants that God is calling all of us to grow in faith, and to give witness to others of all that God has done for us.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish hosted a Welcome Mass on Sunday, September 13th. This podcast contains Fr. Riccardo's opening remarks from that Mass as well as his homily.

This is Fr. Riccardo's homily from the Mass of the Holy Spirit celebrated at the start of the new school year.

While considering the gospel account from St. Mark (MK 7:31-37) of Jesus healing a deaf man, Fr. Riccardo discusses the importance of silence in our lives. Fr. John proposes  that the congregants spend some time each week before the exposed Blessed Sacrament in the Day Chapel to grow in their relationship with Christ.

Fr. Riccardo discusses how Christian life is taught in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. Fr. John looks at the reasons behind the rules and the gift of the moral law, and points out that we need to encounter Christ before all the rules make sense. Fr. John proposes Alpha as a starting point for encountering Christ.

While reflecting on the first reading from Kings (1 KGS 19:4-8) and the gospel of St. John (JN 6:41-51), Fr. Riccardo tells us that we are not alone. Fr. John looks at food in the scripture readings as a foreshadowing of the Eucharist, and reminds the congregants that God will miraculously provide for us when we are not strong enough on our own to deal with the burdens of life. 

While focusing on the readings of this day (EZ 2:2-5, 2 COR 12:7-10, MK 6:1-6), Fr. Riccardo discusses our lack of trust in God. Fr. John tells the congregation that this can change through an encounter with Him. Fr. John encourages the congregants to respond to this encounter by surrendering, and doing everything for God with intense gratitude and devotion for the One who has done everything for us.

Fr. Riccardo discusses the marriage equality decision of the United States Supreme Court in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.

While reflecting on recent events in the world and in our country, Fr. Riccardo asks the congregation whether anger is always sinful. Fr. John exhorts the congregants to, "Strive to do good as best we can, to ask the Lord for the grace to get angry about the right things in the right way, and to pray for those who are most in need of God's mercy."

Fr. Riccardo looks at our obligation as Catholics to spread the faith to the best of our ability in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John discusses the parish mission in light of the Him first campaign while considering the issue involved, the ramifications of not participating, and the possible benefit. Fr. John encourages the congregants to offer a most credible witness to our community of the difference that Jesus makes.

In this homily for the Feast of Corpus Christi, Fr. Riccardo tells the congregation that God is inviting us of offer others a life changing encounter with Jesus. Fr. John invites the congregants to a town hall meeting in the church on June 17th. The evening will include an overview of OLGC’s new vision, values and strategic plan; an update on the building expansion; and an inspiring conversion story. Fr. John concludes by looking at the response that is needed from parishioners to achieve this vision and encourages everyone to put Him first.

Fr. Riccardo addresses the eighth grade graduating class of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish School in this homily from the 2015 Graduation Mass. 

On The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Fr. Riccardo preached at the 10 AM Mass honoring parish members completing their high school or college studies. Fr. John tells the congregants that they can get through any ordeal in life if they have a radical trust in God, who provides grace for the moment, and who promises to be with us always. Fr. John missions the congregants to tell other about Him.

Fr. Riccardo remarks that Jesus sent his disciples and St. Paul out into the world to preach a different world view that God created everything out of nothing, with the human person the highlight of everything and made to share His life. Fr. John reaffirms a discipleship challenge from Archbishop Vigneron to repropose Jesus to a world that has never heard of Him or has walked away from Him.

Fr. Riccardo honors Brian Hill with this homily from his funeral Mass.

Each year Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish School celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel with a Streamer Day Mass to recognize the eighth grade students who will soon complete their final studies at the elementary school. Fr. Riccardo's homily from this year's Mass is presented here. Since the actual Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel fell on a weekend this year, the Mass was celebrated on May 15th.

In this homily for the Feast of Pentecost, Fr. Riccardo looks at the role of the Holy Spirit in helping us fulfill the mission of our parish. Fr. John reflects on the lives of St. Peter and on that of Brian Hill as he takes a look at what each of us can do through an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Fr. Riccardo discusses our parish mission in this homily from the 4 PM Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John looks at the importance of the laity in accomplishing the mission and cites the example of Brian Hill, who was recently called to his eternal rest.

Fr. Riccardo reflects on his recent trip to Italy and a viewing of the Shroud of Turin in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John discusses the great love shown by Jesus in His sacrifice on the cross and His commandment to us to love one another (JN 15:9-17).