Fr. John Riccardo's Podcasts

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.

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 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.

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.

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?"

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 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 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.

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.

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 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?"

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.

While reflecting on the readings for this first Sunday of Advent, Fr. Riccardo reminds the congregation that God is a faithful Father who is attentive to our needs and who keeps His promises.

Fr. Riccardo asks the congregation to consider completing works of mercy during this upcoming Advent season. While reflecting on the gospel reading from Matthew for the Feast of Christ the King, Fr. John encourages the parishioners to "reach out to serve the needs of Him in His distressing disguise."

While reflecting on his recent mission trip to Mexico City, Fr. Riccardo asks the congregation to "sincerely strive to use God's gifts to make a difference in other people's lives."

In this homily for the Feast of the Dedication of the Church of St. John Lateran, Fr. Riccardo discusses the three senses of the word temple as found in the scripture readings for this day.

In his homily for the Feast of All Souls, Fr. Riccardo encourages the congregation to seek sainthood.

Fr. Riccardo discusses his recent pilgrimage to Lourdes, Fatima, Loyola, and Santiago de Compostela in his weekly homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John also reads a letter from Cardinal Adam Maida, Archbishop of Detroit, concerning Michigan ballot proposal 2. The Cardinal urges the congregation to vote no on this proposal, which would amend the state constitution to permit research on human embryos.

While reflecting on today's scripture readings, Fr. Riccardo discusses his imminent pilgrimage to Fatima and Lourdes. Fr. John encourages the congregation to live lives rooted in God and to act like men and women who are clothed in Jesus.

In this homily for Respect Life Sunday, Fr. Riccardo discusses embryonic stem cell research and encourages the congregation to vote no on Michigan Ballot Proposal 2 on November 4th.

In his weekly homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel, Fr. Riccardo challenges the congregation to speak out when they see people in danger.

Fr. Riccardo reflects on the judgment day in his weekly homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.

While reflecting on today's Scripture readings, Fr. Riccardo encourages the congregation to seek a deep friendship and personal relationship with God. Fr. John states, "God is inviting us very personally to put Him first, to see things the way they really are, and as a result to find the happiness that only He can give."

In his weekly homily, Fr. Riccardo discusses Humanae Vitae, the Encyclical Letter of His Holiness Paul VI on the regulation of birth which was promulgated on July 25, 1968.

In his weekly homily, Fr. Riccardo discusses the words of St. Paul from today's second reading. Fr. John reflects on the many sufferings enduring by St. Paul in his lifetime, and encourages the congregation to ask God for the gift of faith so that they might be able to live their lives full of hope, even in the midst of hardships and suffering.

In his weekly homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Fr. Riccardo reminds the congregation that, "Peace only comes from knowing God, from reading His word, and from regularly talking and listening to Him."

In his weekly homily, Fr. Riccardo addresses the tasks and responsibilities that accompany the sacrament of baptism.

Fr. Riccardo honors his father, John J. Riccardo, in this homily for Father's Day. Fr. John reflects on the many ways in which his father reveals the Fatherhood of God.

Fr. Riccardo discusses God's mercy in his weekly homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel.

In his homily for the Feast of Corpus Christi, Fr. Riccardo reflects on the gift of the Eucharist. Fr. John tells the congregation that the Eucharist has within it the strength to enable each of us to grow in character, in virtue, in integrity, and in love.

In his weekly homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church for the Feast of the Holy Trinity, Fr. Riccardo discusses the healing power of God's love. He encourages the congregation to make that love visible to those we encounter each day.

In his homily from the 4 PM mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Fr. Riccardo encourages the congregation to spend ten minutes each morning in prayer to Jesus. Father John invites the listeners to bring their fears, concerns, and anxieties to Jesus, and to expect Him to work in their lives.

In his weekly homily, Fr. Riccardo discusses our need to get back to the basics. He encourages the congregation to establish a living, personal, and profound friendship with God.

In his weekly homily, Fr. Riccardo reminds the congregation that the Mass is the greatest gift that God can give to us on this earth. It is where we most tangibly meet Him, where He offers to transform us, and where He offers hope to those who have lost hope.

In his homily for Divine Mercy Sunday, Fr. Riccardo discusses the gospel from the perspective of St. Thomas.

In his homily for Easter Sunday, Fr. Riccardo reminds the congregation that Jesus is truly and bodily risen from the dead. To believe in God is to know that He exists, and to know that the last word belongs to Him.

In his weekly homily, Fr. Riccardo asks Mary to continue to intercede for all of us that we may grow in a sincere hunger to know her Son and His bride, the Church.

While discussing John's gospel description of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, Fr. Riccardo reflects on what it means to have eternal life in his weekly homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.

In light of Matthew's gospel description of the transfiguration of Jesus, Fr. Riccardo tells the congregation of his experience during the past week attending the funeral of a young child. Fr. John reminds us that what we hear in church is the true reality, and has a profound impact on what happens in our lives. He reminds us that suffering and death don't have the last word. Fr. John tells us, "After the cross, not just His cross but our cross, comes the crown. And only after the cross."

Fr. John encourages the congregation to fall in love with God in his weekly homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.

In preparation for the parish mission beginning this evening Fr. Riccardo discusses what it means to be a prophet, someone who speaks on God's behalf. In light of the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Roe vs. Wade, Fr. John encourages the congregation to speak up about the dignity and sanctity of human life. Mr. Bill Wegner, from Good News International, also addresses the congregation concerning the parish mission which will be held each evening at 7 PM from Sunday, Jan. 20th, through Wednesday, Jan. 23rd. Additional sessions will be held after the 8 AM masses on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday.

In his homily for the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus, Father Riccardo shares his thoughts on the recent memorial mass for the members of the Griffin/Burkman families. Father John asks, "Do we courageously reach out to others sharing our faith in God?"

In his Christmas homily, Fr. Riccardo reminds the congregation that God has become one of us and died for all of us, so that we can spend eternity with Him in unimaginable joy. God and humanity became one flesh in the person of Jesus. How will we respond to His story?

In his homily for the fourth Sunday of Advent, Fr. Riccardo discusses the recent repositioning of the tabernacle in the sanctuary of the church, and encourages the congregation to make time each week for prayer in front of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Fr. Riccardo asks the congregation to commit to pray daily in his weekly homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Father John encourages us to ask God why He has done all that He has done for us, and to expect Him to answer.

On the Feast of Christ the King, Fr. Riccardo discusses the kingship of Jesus, and encourages the congregation to put Him first in their lives.

Fr. Riccardo reflects on the sacrament of marriage in his weekly homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel.

Fr. Riccardo encourages the congregation to never give up on each other as he reflects on God's love and mercy in his weekly homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel.

Fr. Riccardo encourages the congregation to read the Bible in his weekly homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.

Fr. Riccardo reflects on gratitude in his weekly homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.

On Respect Life Sunday, Fr. Riccardo discusses embryonic stem cell research in his homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.

Fr. Riccardo discusses vocations and a new vocation awareness initiative in his weekly homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.

Bishop Earl Boyea delivers the homily for the Liturgy of Installation, as Fr. John Riccardo is officially installed as pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish. The homily is followed by the Rite of Installation.

In his weekly homily, Fr. Riccardo reflects on what it means to be a catechist. Fr. John also welcomes Sr. Peggy O'Neill, who is visiting from El Salvador. Sr. Peggy is a Sister of Charity, who teaches as a Sister of Theology at the University of Central America in San Salvador. Sr. Peggy discusses the bridging relationship between Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish and the community of Haciendita Uno, and her mission of service to the people of El Salvador.

Fr. Riccardo reflects on today's Gospel reading while describing his recent meeting with the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor, MI.

Fr. Riccardo challenges the congregation to respect God's treasures in his weekly homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Plymouth, MI (http://www.olgcparish.net).

Fr. John discusses prayer in his weekly homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.

Fr. John discusses the mystery of suffering in his weekly homily at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church (Plymouth, MI).

In his weekly homily at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church (Plymouth, MI), Fr. John reflects on "What it Means to be Catholic" in light of the recent publication by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith entitled "Responses to Some Questions Regarding Certain Aspects of the Doctrine on the Church."

Fr. John reflects on The Destination in his weekly homily.

Fr. John's homily from the 10 AM mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth, MI.

Fr. John's Homily from the 10:15am Mass on June 24th, 2007

Fr. John's Homily from the 10:15am Trinity/Graduation Mass on June 3rd, 2007

Fr. John's Homily from the 10:15am Mass on May 27th, 2007

Fr. John's Homily from the 8:15am Mass on May 20th, 2007.

Fr. John's Homily from the 5:00pm Mass on May 12th, 2007

Fr. John's Homily from the 8:15am Mass on May 6th, 2007

Fr. John's Homily from the 8:15am Mass on April 22nd, 2007.

Fr. John's Homily from the 3:00pm Divine Mercy Mass on April 15th, 2007

Fr. John's Homily from the 10:30am Mass on Easter Sunday

Fr. John's Homily from the 8:15am Mass on April 1st, 2007

Fr. John's Homily from the 10:15am Mass on March 18th, 2007.

Fr. John's Homily from the 10:15am Mass on March 11th, 2007

Fr. John's Homily from the 8:15am Mass on March 4th, 2007

Fr. John's Homily from the 10:15am Mass on February 25th, 2007

Fr. John's Homily from the 10:15am Mass on February 11th, 2007

Fr. John's Homily from the 8:15 Mass on February 4th, 2007

Fr. John's Homily from the 5:30pm Mass on January 21st, 2007

Fr. John's Homily from the 10:15am Mass on January 14th, 2007

Fr. John's Homily from the 8:15am Mass on January 7th, 2007

Fr. John's Homily from the 12:15pm Mass on December 31st, 2006.

Fr. John's Homily from the 8:15 Midnight Mass on December 24th, 2006

Fr. John's Homily from the 10:15 Mass on December 10th, 2006

Fr. John's Homily from the 10:15 Mass on December 3rd, 2006

Fr. Mark's Homily from the 10:15am Mass.

Fr. Mark is from St. Al's.  Remember the 2006 Charity Christmas Ball benefiting St. Al's on December 9th, 2006 at 7:30pm.

Fr. John's Homily from the 10:15 Mass on November 12th, 2006

Fr. John's Homily from the 10:15 Mass on October 29th, 2006

Fr. John's Homily from the 10:15 Mass on October 22nd, 2006

Fr. John's Homily from the 8:15 Mass on September 24th, 2006

Fr. John's Homily from the 10:15 Mass on September 17th, 2006
Run-time: 10 min. 55 sec.

Fr. John's Homily from the 10:15 Mass on September 10th, 2006
Run-time 09 min. 40 sec.

Fr. John's Homily from the 8:15 Mass on August 13th, 2006

Fr. John's Homily from the 10:15 Mass on July 30th, 2006

July 16th, 2006 - 10:15 Mass - Fr. John Homily

Fr. Johns Homily from 8:15 Mass on July 9th, 2006

Fr. John Riccardo's 8:15 Homily

This is the audio from a homily presented by Fr. Riccardo while pastor of St. Anastasia Church in Troy, Michigan. The homily is being published here for the first time as part of our effort to post all of Fr. Riccardo's podcasts at this site.

This is the audio from a homily presented by Fr. Riccardo while pastor of St. Anastasia Church in Troy, Michigan. The homily is being published here for the first time as part of our effort to post all of Fr. Riccardo's podcasts at this site.

This is the audio from a homily presented by Fr. Riccardo while pastor of St. Anastasia Church in Troy, Michigan. The homily is being published here for the first time as part of our effort to post all of Fr. Riccardo's podcasts at this site.

This is the audio from a homily presented by Fr. Riccardo while pastor of St. Anastasia Church in Troy, Michigan. The homily is being published here for the first time as part of our effort to post all of Fr. Riccardo's podcasts at this site.

This is the audio from a homily presented by Fr. Riccardo while pastor of St. Anastasia Church in Troy, Michigan. The homily is being published here for the first time as part of our effort to post all of Fr. Riccardo's podcasts at this site.

This is the audio from a homily presented by Fr. Riccardo while pastor of St. Anastasia Church in Troy, Michigan. The homily is being published here for the first time as part of our effort to post all of Fr. Riccardo's podcasts at this site.