Fr. John Riccardo's Podcasts

In this homily for the Feast of the Holy Family, Fr. Riccardo reviews the pledges made by couples in the Rite of Marriage and by parents during the Rite of Baptism while offering encouragement to the congregants on raising their families in the faith.

In this homily from Christmas Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Fr. Riccardo reflects on what we really want, what God really wants, and what Christmas has to do with these questions.

Fr. Riccardo looks at faith in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. While discussing the gospel account from St. Luke (LK 1:26-38), Fr. John points out that there is more to reality than we can see, that God is the primary actor in life, and that He loves each of us more than any other creation.

In this homily for the third Sunday of Advent, Fr. Riccardo remarks that the essence of being Christian is to evangelize. Fr. John tells the congregation to be prepared to answer the question, "Why should anybody follow Jesus?" Fr. John reminds the congregants that we get salvation from following Jesus and that He brings health to our intellects, our wills, and our hearts.

In this homily for the 1st Sunday of Advent, Fr. Riccardo tells the congregation that Jesus is ready to meet us today. Are we expecting Him? He cannot wait to surprise us.

Fr. Riccardo is facilitating an 8 week long Bible study using Jeff Cavins A Quick Journey Through the Bible series. This parish wide Bible study uses a series of 8 thirty minute video clips which are available from Ascension Press in DVD format. Participants also received the student pack, available from the same source. This audio podcast contains Fr. John's final commentary, and concludes with a question and answer session.

While considering the gospel account of St. Matthew (MT 25:31-46) for the Feast of Christ the King, Fr. Riccardo discusses the importance of practicing the corporal works of mercy. Fr. John reminds the congregation that God is asking us to show our love for the poor, the hungry, the homeless, the sick, and our brothers and sisters in prison.

Fr. Riccardo is facilitating an 8 week long Bible study using Jeff Cavins A Quick Journey Through the Bible series. This parish wide Bible study uses a series of 8 thirty minute video clips which are available from Ascension Press in DVD format. Participants also received the student pack, available from the same source. Fr. John will introduce each study session with opening remarks, and followup with closing remarks at the conclusion of the instructional video. This audio podcast contains Fr. John's commentary, with a break at about the 22:07 minute mark for the Jeff Cavins video. The series will conclude next week with a question and answer session.

Fr. Riccardo is facilitating an 8 week long Bible study using Jeff Cavins A Quick Journey Through the Bible series. This parish wide Bible study uses a series of 8 thirty minute video clips which are available from Ascension Press in DVD format. Participants also received the student pack, available from the same source. Fr. John will introduce each study session with opening remarks, and followup with closing remarks at the conclusion of the instructional video. This audio podcast contains Fr. John's commentary, with a break at about the 13:54 minute mark for the Jeff Cavins video. The 3D virtual tour of the Jerusalem temple is available here.

Fr. Riccardo is facilitating an 8 week long Bible study using Jeff Cavins A Quick Journey Through the Bible series. This parish wide Bible study uses a series of 8 thirty minute video clips which are available from Ascension Press in DVD format. Participants also received the student pack, available from the same source. Fr. John will introduce each study session with opening remarks, and followup with closing remarks at the conclusion of the instructional video. This audio podcast contains Fr. John's commentary, with a break at about the 12:32 minute mark for the Jeff Cavins video.

In this homily for The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls), Fr. Riccardo looks at death from God's perspective, from the perspective of our beloved dead, and from the perspective of grieving family and friends.

Fr. Riccardo is facilitating an 8 week long Bible study using Jeff Cavins A Quick Journey Through the Bible series. This parish wide Bible study uses a series of 8 thirty minute video clips which are available from Ascension Press in DVD format. Participants also received the student pack, available from the same source. Fr. John will introduce each study session with opening remarks, and followup with closing remarks at the conclusion of the instructional video. This audio podcast contains Fr. John's commentary, with a break at about the 12:25 minute mark for the Jeff Cavins video.

While focusing on the gospel reading from St. Matthew (MT 22:34-40), Fr. Riccardo asks the congregation, "What does it mean to love?" Fr. John emphasizes the importance of moving back to God and serving our neighbors.

Fr. Riccardo is facilitating an 8 week long Bible study using Jeff Cavins A Quick Journey Through the Bible series. This parish wide Bible study uses a series of 8 thirty minute video clips which are available from Ascension Press in DVD format. Participants also received the student pack, available from the same source. Fr. John will introduce each study session with opening remarks, and followup with closing remarks at the conclusion of the instructional video. This audio podcast contains Fr. John's commentary, with a break at about the 14:00 minute mark for the Jeff Cavins video. Fr. John's closing remarks include an audio segment from a sermon titled A Covenant Relatlionship by Dr. Timothy Keller, Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. Dr. Keller's entire sermon is available on iTunes or from the Redeemer Church website.

On the weekend of October 17 & 18, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish hosted an Unbound Conference. Attendees learned and experienced the Unbound model of prayer using the five keys (repentance, forgiveness, renunciation, taking authority, and blessing) taught by Neal Lozano in this book Unbound. The conference was led by John Kazanjian from Renewal Ministries, with assistance from Deacon Bob Ervin. Audio from the conference will be posted in five parts. This is session 5.

On the weekend of October 17 & 18, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish hosted an Unbound Conference. Attendees learned and experienced the Unbound model of prayer using the five keys (repentance, forgiveness, renunciation, taking authority, and blessing) taught by Neal Lozano in this book Unbound. The conference was led by John Kazanjian from Renewal Ministries, with assistance from Deacon Bob Ervin. Audio from the conference will be posted in five parts. This is session 4.

On the weekend of October 17 & 18, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish hosted an Unbound Conference. Attendees learned and experienced the Unbound model of prayer using the five keys (repentance, forgiveness, renunciation, taking authority, and blessing) taught by Neal Lozano in this book Unbound. The conference was led by John Kazanjian from Renewal Ministries, with assistance from Deacon Bob Ervin. Audio from the conference will be posted in five parts. This is session 3.

On the weekend of October 17 & 18, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish hosted an Unbound Conference. Attendees learned and experienced the Unbound model of prayer using the five keys (repentance, forgiveness, renunciation, taking authority, and blessing) taught by Neal Lozano in this book Unbound. The conference was led by John Kazanjian from Renewal Ministries, with assistance from Deacon Bob Ervin. Audio from the conference will be posted in five parts. This is session 2.

On the weekend of October 17 & 18, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish hosted an Unbound Conference. Attendees learned and experienced the Unbound model of prayer using the five keys (repentance, forgiveness, renunciation, taking authority, and blessing) taught by Neal Lozano in this book Unbound. The conference was led by John Kazanjian from Renewal Ministries, with assistance from Deacon Bob Ervin. Audio from the conference will be posted in five parts. This is session 1.

In this homily for World Mission Sunday, Fr. Riccardo asks the congregation, "Would others know that we are disciples of Jesus?" While considering the readings of this day (IS 45:1, 4-6; 1 THES 1:1-5b; MT 22:15-21) Fr. John reminds the congregation that, "The essence of what it means to be a Christian is to be missionary."

Fr. Riccardo is facilitating an 8 week long Bible study using Jeff Cavins A Quick Journey Through the Bible series. This parish wide Bible study uses a series of 8 thirty minute video clips which are available from Ascension Press in DVD format. Participants also received the student pack, available from the same source. Fr. John will introduce each study session with opening remarks, and followup with closing remarks at the conclusion of the instructional video. This audio podcast contains Fr. John's commentary, with a break at about the 6:15 minute mark for the Jeff Cavins video.

Fr. Riccardo discusses today's second reading from St. Paul (PHIL 4:12-14, 19-20) in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John focuses on Pauls's words, "In every and all circumstances I have learned the secret...I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Fr. John reminds the congregation that, "God gives peace in the middle of conflict, a peace that the world cannot comprehend."

Fr. Riccardo is facilitating an 8 week long Bible study using Jeff Cavins A Quick Journey Through the Bible series. This parish wide Bible study uses a series of 8 thirty minute video clips which are available from Ascension Press in DVD format. Participants also received the student pack, available from the same source. Fr. John will introduce each study session with opening remarks, and followup with closing remarks at the conclusion of the instructional video. This audio podcast contains Fr. John's commentary, with a break at about the 40 minute mark for the Jeff Cavins video.

Fr. Riccardo reflects on his recent sabbatical and on the scripture readings (IS 5:1-7, PHIL 4:6-9, and MT 21:33-43) for this day in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. Fr. John encourages the congregation to set aside some time to sit still in His light while asking our Lord what He wants to say to us.

The OLGC Evangelization Committee, in conjunction with Divine Savior, St. Damian, St. Theodore and St. Thomas A'Becket, hosted Dr. John Wood at OLGC on July 19th to conduct his seminar Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Mission. You can learn about and support this mission by visiting the Dynamic Catholic website. Dr. Wood was joined by musician Cassandra Acree of Simply RC. This is last part of a three-part podcast and is published with the consent of Dr. John Wood, Dynamic Catholic, and Simply RC.

The OLGC Evangelization Committee, in conjunction with Divine Savior, St. Damian, St. Theodore and St. Thomas A'Becket, hosted Dr. John Wood at OLGC on July 19th to conduct his seminar Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Mission. You can learn about and support this mission by visiting the Dynamic Catholic website. Dr. Wood was joined by musician Cassandra Acree of Simply RC. This is part two of a three-part podcast and is published with the consent of Dr. John Wood, Dynamic Catholic, and Simply RC.

The OLGC Evangelization Committee, in conjunction with Divine Savior, St. Damian, St. Theodore and St. Thomas A'Becket, hosted Dr. John Wood at OLGC on July 19th to conduct his seminar Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Mission. You can learn about and support this mission by visiting the Dynamic Catholic website. Dr. Wood was joined by musician Cassandra Acree of Simply RC. This is part one of a three-part podcast and is published with the consent of Dr. John Wood, Dynamic Catholic, and Simply RC.

Fr. Riccardo reflects on the gospel account of St. John (JN 3:16-18) for The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John comments on his upcoming sabbatical, the importance of Trinity Sunday in our lives, and compares a father's love for his children with the Father's love for each of His children. He concludes by looking at the future mission of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish.

On Pentecost Sunday, Fr. Riccardo preached at the 10 AM Mass honoring parish members completing their high school or college studies. Fr. John looked at the lives of the Apostles before and after their encounter with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, and discussed how dramatically our own lives can be changed if we are immersed in the Holy Spirit.

Fr. Riccardo addresses the eighth grade graduating class of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish School in this homily from the 2014 Graduation 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 16th.

In this homily for the Feast of the Ascension, Fr. Riccardo reminds the congregation that God wants to give us joy. He reflects on the events that have happened at Our Lady of Good Counsel over the past year, and offers suggestions for the coming months.

While considering today's first reading from the Acts of the Apostles (ACTS 8:5-8, 14-17) detailing miraculous signs and wonders, Fr. Riccardo asks the congregation whether they believe that miraculous healings happen today. Fr. John describes a dramatic testimony he heard at the recent Alpha Conference in London.

On Tuesday evening, a final session of Alpha was presented at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. Riccardo discussed the recent Alpha Conference he attended in London along with members of the Alpha team at OLGC and discussed the path forward for the parish. This podcast begins with Fr. Riccardo's address, the audio of the last Nicky Gumbel Alpha video (What Do I Do With the Rest of My Life?), and concludes with a question and answer session.

Fr. Riccardo discusses the church as a community of disciples sent on mission to do something in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John looks at the New Evangelization, and what this means for the future of Our Lady of Good Counsel.

In this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Fr. Riccardo reflects on his recent attendance at the 2014 Alpha Conference in London, England. Fr. John looks at the threshold that has been crossed at OLGC, and offers a vision for the future.

Fr. Riccardo looks at the gospel account of St. Matthew (MT 28:1-10) of the women at Jesus' tomb and focuses on four words (don't, come, go, and tell) from the exchange between the angel of the Lord and Mary Magdelene and Mary, the mother of James. Fr. John encourages the congregation to go and tell others the good news of the gospel by living lives that allow the light of Christ to shine.

In this homily for Palm Sunday, Fr. Riccardo reflects on all the Jesus did out of love for us. Fr. John encourages the congregation to reflect on Christ's passion during Holy Week by viewing The Passion of the Christ or reading the passion account in the gospel of St. John (JN 18-20).

While considering the gospel account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the grave (JN 11:1-45), Fr. Riccardo reminds the congregation that, as He did for Lazarus, Jesus saves us from our sin, our pain and our death by his sacrifice on the cross. Fr. John tells the congregation that Jesus is calling us to come out of our indifference and apathy, and asks how we will respond to all that Christ has done for us.

Fr. Riccardo takes an in-depth look at today's gospel (JN 4:5-52) account of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.

While reflecting on the Genesis account of the fall of Adam and Eve, Fr. Riccardo looks at the strategy of hell, at the first dangerous step into sin, and at understanding that the wound within us because of Adam and Eve. Fr. John concludes by offering a remedy for our sinfulness and a lenten prayer.

Fr. Riccardo offers a proposal for Lent in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John points out that the goal of Lent should be to grow in love and proposes that parishioners fast from unkind or harsh words, from gossip, from slander, and from anything that sows division in our families and our parish family. Fr. John suggests that parishioners feast on encouragement, edification, honoring, and thanking during this season.

Fr. Riccardo continues a series of homilies on the sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John discusses the Sacrament of Marriage. 

Fr. Riccardo continues a series of homilies on the sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John discusses the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

Fr. Riccardo continues a series of homilies on the sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John discusses the Sacrament of Holy Orders. 

Fr. Riccardo begins a new series of homilies on the sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John discusses how we can meet Jesus in the sacraments and begins the series looking at the Sacrament of Baptism. Fr. John suggests praying with the baptismal promises, which may be found here.

Fr. Riccardo discusses the role of the body when we come to Mass in this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John discusses the gestures and postures we use in the celebration of the Mass, with particular emphasis on the sign of the cross and kneeling (or genuflecting).

In this homily for the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, Fr. Riccardo discusses his goal for the parish for 2014. Fr. John expresses his desire that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will grow to look more like Mary, the perfect disciple.