Fr. John Riccardo's Podcasts

In this homily for Christmas, Fr. Riccardo ponders the question "Why did Jesus come?"

While reflecting on the lives of St. Maximillian Kolbe and of St. Paul, Fr. Riccardo tells the congregation that we all have reasons to be joyful during this Advent season.

In this homily for the second Sunday of Advent, Fr. Riccardo reminds the congregation that we all have something to celebrate this Christmas.

In this homily for the Feast of Christ the King, Fr. Riccardo discusses the meaning of kingship while encouraging the congregation to reach out to those in need during this season.

On November 18th, Fr. Riccardo spoke to the Family of Faith Group of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish on Taking Back Sundays: Keeping the Lord's Day. This is a podcast of Fr. John's address to the group. The Universal Prayer of Pope Clement XI referenced in this podcast is available here.

On November 18th, Fr. Riccardo spoke to the Family of Faith Group of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish on Taking Back Sundays: Keeping the Lord's Day. This is a podcast of Fr. John's homily from the opening Mass.

Father Riccardo invites the congregation to fix their eyes on Jesus and to contemplate everything He has done for them. Fr. John encourages the congregation to ask Jesus for an increase in the gift of faith, an increase in confidence, and an increase in trust.

In this homily for the Feast of All Saints, Fr. Riccardo asks the congregation to consider doing three things this month. Fr. John encourages them to study the lives of the saints, to attend Mass at least once during the week, and to show their love of their neighbors by reaching out to those in need in the community.

Fr. Riccardo discusses The Eucharist in this seventh 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 invites the congregation to spread the light of faith in the community and in their families in this homily from the 8 AM Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.

Fr. Riccardo discusses Marriage in this sixth session of a series of talks on The Sacraments for the Catholicism for Cradle Catholics series.

While reflecting on the gospel reading from St. Mark, Fr. Riccardo discusses the purpose of life. Fr. John encourages the congregation to seek a personal friendship with God.

In this homily for Respect Life Sunday, Deacon Tim Sullivan encourages the congregation to show respect for life in all of its stages, from conception to death.

Fr. Riccardo offers his advice on winning the game of life in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John addressed a congregation at the 10 a.m. Mass that included several hundred student athletes and their coaches who participate on various Catholic Youth Organization athletic teams.

In this homily from the 10 AM mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Fr. Riccardo describes his relationship with Angelo, a homeless man who Fr. John befriended while studying as a seminarian in Rome. Fr. John invites the congregation to consider getting involved in one of the many parish ministries with sister communities in Detroit, El Salvador, Uganda, and India.

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

Fr. Riccardo shares his thoughts on a Wall Street Journal article titled Man vs. God in this homily from the 4 PM mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel. The Wall Street Journal article is available here.

While reflecting on the Scripture readings of the day, Fr. Riccardo discusses the gift of speech. Fr. John offers the congregation constructive ways to use this gift.

While reflecting on the scripture readings, Fr. Riccardo reminds the congregation that the Eucharist is given to us as a source of unimaginable strength, particularly for the many times when we find ourselves in situations beyond our own power.

While discussing the gospel reading from John, Fr. Riccardo reminds the congregation that God accompanies us everyday on our journey through life.

Fr. Riccardo discusses religious vocations in this homily from the 8 AM mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John presents Katie Renfer with his rosary as she prepares to enter religious life, and he reminds the congregation that we are all called to strive in everything we do to glorify God.

In this homily from the 8 AM mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Fr. Riccardo offers a lesson in apologetics to reconcile the dogma of the Roman Catholic Church that Mary remained a virgin and had no other children besides Jesus with the gospel reading from Mark which refers to the brothers and sisters of Jesus. Fr. John encourages the congregation to seek guidance from the parish priests when they have questions about their faith.

This is Fr. Riccardo's homily from the 8th grade graduation mass for Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish School.

On the Feast of Corpus Christi, Fr. Riccardo asks, "What is the Eucharist?" In this homily from the 10 AM mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Fr. John asks the congregation to ponder, "Why does Jesus give Himself to us?" Fr. John goes on to challenge the congregation to respond to the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist by striving to do everything we do to honor Him.

In this homily from the 10 AM mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Fr. Riccardo discusses the gestures and symbols of our faith.  On the Solemnity of Pentecost, Fr. John places particular emphasis on the meaning and symbolism of the paschal candle and encourages the congregation to let the light of His spirit burn brightly within us.

In this homily from the 10 AM mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Fr. Riccardo encourages the congregation to witness their faith by living a life of peace in the midst of uncertainty.

On May 19th, Fr. Riccardo spoke to the Men's Fellowship Group of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish concerning the faith challenges that young men and women face during their college years. In this talk titled Faith Under Attack, Fr. John offers his insights on keeping the faith while in college.

In this homily for Mothers' Day, Fr. Riccardo encourages the congregation to persevere in love of God just as a mother shows steadfast perseverance in the love of her children.

While reflecting on today's scripture readings, Fr. Riccardo asks the congregation, "Do you know who you are?"

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 in video format. The homily should play in iTunes or using Apple's QuickTime software.

In this homily from the 10 AM mass, Fr. Riccardo reminds the congregation that God is merciful. He encourages the congregation to trust in His forgiveness and to take time today to praise God for all that he has done for us.

Fr. Riccardo reminds the congregation that the events of Holy Week are all real. In this homily from the Easter Vigil Mass, Fr. John encourages us to make a real response to the resurrection of Jesus.

Fr. Riccardo offers the congregation tangible suggestions in preparation for Holy Week in this homily for Palm Sunday.

Fr. Riccardo encourages the congregation to extend mercy to one another in this homily from the 8 AM mass.

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.

Allen H. Vigneron, Archbishop of Detroit, celebrated mass for The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Plymouth, Michigan. The Archbishop's homily is presented here in video format. The homily should play in iTunes or using Apple's QuickTime software.

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.