Called (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Called to Heal the Brokenhearted w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fr. John Riccardo
11 snips
Sep 7, 2025 
Fr. John Riccardo, the Executive Director of ACTS XXIX, shares his decades of ministry experience focused on supporting the brokenhearted. He discusses God’s promise of closeness, the mental health crisis among youth, and the crucial role of community in healing. Listeners will gain insights on hospitality, authenticity, and the importance of simple gestures to foster genuine connections. Fr. John highlights how transforming homes into supportive spaces can cultivate hope and encourage spiritual growth, reminding us all to reach out with love and compassion.
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God Is Near The Brokenhearted
- Psalm 23 promises God is close to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed spirit.
- Fr. John says every human heart is broken and longs to hear, "You matter to me."
The New Great Depression
- Sociologists call our youth crisis the "new great depression" marked by rising despair and suicidality.
- Fr. John notes half of teens now say they don't enjoy living, showing deep disconnection despite social media.
Start By Asking Who's Crying
- Ask the Lord, "Who is it in my life right now who's crying?" and act on promptings.
- When someone comes to mind, reach out with a short message offering prayer and availability.