Fr. John Riccardo's Podcasts

In this homily for the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, Fr. Riccardo reminds the congregants that God has a plan for each of us. While reflecting on the upcoming changes in the parish, Fr. John encourages the parishioners to be open to accepting God's plan for their lives.

Fr. Riccardo discusses faith and obstacles to faith in this homily for Father's Day.

On the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Fr. Riccardo addressed a congregation that included a group of recent high school and college graduates from the parish. Fr. John offered his advice to the graduates in this homily from the 10 AM Mass and listed nine habits he considers essential for college students to thrive and be great.

In this homily for The Feast of Pentecost, Fr. Riccardo asks the congregation to consider what difference the Holy Spirit makes in their lives.

In this homily for the Feast of the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Fr. Riccardo urges the congregation to attend the parish ministry fair being held after all of the weekend Masses. While reflecting on the readings of this day (Acts 1:1-11, Eph. 4:1-13, and Mk. 16:15-20), Fr. John encourages all parishioners consider serving in parish ministry at Our Lady of Good Counsel.

While reflecting on the gospel reading from St. John (Jn 15:9-17), Fr. Riccardo discusses discipleship. Fr. John reads a sermon from Dietrich Bonhoeffer titled Costly Grace. Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran pastor and theologian who was executed by the Nazis in Flossenburg prison camp in 1945. Fr. John reminds the congregation that to surrender to God leads to great joy.

While reflecting on the gospel reading from St. John (Jn 15:1-8), Fr. Riccardo offers encouragement to congregants facing daily struggles. Fr. John encourages us to, "Ask God for the grace to know that He will bring to completion the good work that He has begun in us."

Fr. John encourages the congregation to ask the Holy Spirit to allow us to hear God's voice telling us with conviction of our identity as sons or daughters of God.

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.

Fr. Riccardo discusses the importance of Eucharistic Adoration is this homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John reminds the congregation that the Eucharist is exposed after the weekday 6:30 AM Mass until 8:00 AM, and all day on Tuesday for the day of prayer. Fr. John encourages all parishioners to spend time praying before the Blessed Sacrament.