Fr. John Riccardo's Podcasts
Executive Director of ACTS XXIX
info_outline
Promo: You Were Born for This with Fr. John Riccardo
12/18/2019
Promo: You Were Born for This with Fr. John Riccardo
Fr. John Riccardo introduces the new ACTS XXIX podcast, "You Were Born for This with Father John Riccardo."
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/12453587
info_outline
June 30, 20190-5 PM Mass at OLGC
07/06/2019
June 30, 20190-5 PM Mass at OLGC
Fr. Riccardo shares his final words for the parish in this final homily as the pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. As he transitions to his new role as Executive Director of , Fr. John offers words of praise, words of apology, words of thanks, and concludes with a final appeal to the parishioners of OLGC.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/10425377
info_outline
May 30, 2019-Graduation Mass Homily
05/31/2019
May 30, 2019-Graduation Mass Homily
Fr. Riccardo addresses the eighth grade graduating class of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish School in this homily from the 2019 Graduation Mass telling the students that greatness in within the reach of each of them.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/9991697
info_outline
May 19, 2019-Noon Mass at OLGC
05/20/2019
May 19, 2019-Noon Mass at OLGC
Fr. Riccardo preached at all of the masses at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church this past weekend. In this homily from the noon Mass, Fr. Riccardo reflects on the travels of St. Paul as described in the first reading for the Fifth Sunday of Easter (ACTS 14:21-27). Fr. John concludes by encouraging the young married couples and young families of the parish to take up the baton of leadership in the church and in this parish. Fr. John points out, "God is calling you to step up and to step forward and to use all the gifts that He has so generously entrusted to you for one purpose – so God can get his world back."
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/9850097
info_outline
May 5, 2019-5 PM Mass at OLGC
05/06/2019
May 5, 2019-5 PM Mass at OLGC
Fr. Prentice Tipton preached at all of the weekend masses at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church this past weekend. In this homily from the 5 PM Mass, Fr. Prentice looks at the conversation between Jesus and Peter by the charcoal fire in today's gospel (JN 21:1-19). Fr. Prentice asks the congregants whether we have given up on God's vision for our lives and settled for simply being Simon. Have we given up on being Peter?
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/9671417
info_outline
Divine Mercy Sunday-3 PM Mass at OLGC
04/30/2019
Divine Mercy Sunday-3 PM Mass at OLGC
Deacon Steve Mitchell preached at all of the weekend masses at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church for Feast of Divine Mercy. In this Divine Mercy Mass from Sunday at 3 PM, Deacon Steve tells the congregants that a life marked by the empty tomb is one spent looking up at the cross and not back at our past. Focusing on the right image, listening to the right words - the ones Jesus speaks over us versus what the devil says about us - shapes our lives.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/9591146
info_outline
Easter Vigil Mass Homily
04/21/2019
Easter Vigil Mass Homily
The deceiver is deceived, his dominion is destroyed, and you and I have been sent out as witnesses. Fr. Riccardo discusses the sheer power of God while referencing a second century from Bishop Melito of Turkey and addressing the congregation that included some 34 people about to receive the Sacraments of Baptism and/or Confirmation. Fr. John discusses the freedom given to the baptized as their sins are washed away and they are given new power with authority over their lives. He also discusses what it means to be sent out. When we have been rescued by Jesus we are sent to rescue others by telling them about Him. Our joy should be uncontainable, and our response should be to worship God for what He has done for us.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/9633284
info_outline
April 19, 2019-Good Friday Homily
04/20/2019
April 19, 2019-Good Friday Homily
Fr. Riccardo describes three messages God gives to us as we contemplate the crucifixion of Jesus today. For those who suffer, Jesus proves his love for us in choosing to die for our salvation. For those who feel unworthy, Jesus chose to die for all. His mercy is for every person. For those who see the crucifixion as a symbol of weakness or defeat, Jesus chose this way to defeat Satan and to conquer death.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/9630530
info_outline
April 18, 2019-Holy Thursday Mass
04/19/2019
April 18, 2019-Holy Thursday Mass
In this homily from the Holy Thursday Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper Fr. Riccardo discusses two recent articles published by Detroit Free Press columnist Mitch Albom. Fr. John points out that America and the world have no hope without God and his saving power and love. He concludes by telling the congregants that the eclipse of God is over. In the midst of our despair, God promises to be our hope and to wipe away all of our tears.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/9607730
info_outline
March 10, 2019-Noon Mass at OLGC
03/11/2019
March 10, 2019-Noon Mass at OLGC
Fr. Riccardo preached at all of the weekend masses at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church this past weekend. In this homily from the noon Mass, Fr. John poses three questions to the congregants and then discusses preaching on the kerygma. He breaks apart the basic teaching of the gospel into four parts: created, captured, rescued, and response. During Lent, Fr. John asks the congregation to focus on the word captured as described in the first reading for this day (DT 26:4-10). Only by recognizing how God has rescued us from captivity through His Son, Jesus, will we know how we are to respond to the Good News.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/8959325
info_outline
March 6, 2019-Ash Wednesday
03/08/2019
March 6, 2019-Ash Wednesday
Fr. Riccardo offers some spiritual suggestions for Lent in this Ash Wednesday homily from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John encourages the congregants to read the gospel accounts of the Passion narratives and the first 14 chapters of the book of Exodus while focusing on what Jesus has done for us.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/8922875
info_outline
January 27, 2019-10 AM Mass at OLGC
01/28/2019
January 27, 2019-10 AM Mass at OLGC
Fr. Riccardo preached at all of the masses at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church this past weekend. In this homily from the 10 AM Mass, Fr. John discusses the ongoing sanctuary renovations in the church. Fr. John tells the congregants that the color of the wall behind the crucifix was matched to the color of the mantle that Mary is wearing in the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe that was left imprinted on the coat of Juan Diego in December of 1531. The wall will serve as a reminder that Mary is presenting her Son to us at every Mass. Fr. John remarks that the entire Christian life is a response to what God has already done for us, and asks how we will respond.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/8424464
info_outline
December 31, 2018-Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
01/02/2019
December 31, 2018-Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
In this homily from the 7 PM Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God Fr. Riccardo discusses the importance of an evening examination of conscience as a best practice for a spiritual life and leads the congregants in this practice.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/8113529
info_outline
December 30, 2018-5 PM Mass at OLGC
01/02/2019
December 30, 2018-5 PM Mass at OLGC
Fr. Riccardo preached at all of the weekend masses at Our Lady of Good Counsel this past weekend. In this homily from the 5 PM Mass, Fr. John honors his parents, John and Thelma Riccardo, for their commitment to their faith and marriage and shares their sevens keys to having a thriving marriage and family life.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/8113304
info_outline
Christmas 2018-Midnight Mass Homily
12/26/2018
Christmas 2018-Midnight Mass Homily
Fr. Riccardo considers four questions in this Christmas homily from the Midnight Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Fr. John asks the congregants: what are we celebrating, why is everything still so messed up, what impact does what we are celebrating have on our lives tonight, and how should we respond?
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/8044424
info_outline
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
12/09/2018
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Fr. Riccardo discusses an important lesson of trust that Mary can teach each of us in the homily for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Fr. John draws analogies between Mary and Eve while detailing the reasons why the church honors Mary for her surrender to God and trust in Him.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/7849001
info_outline
Solemnity of All Saints
11/04/2018
Solemnity of All Saints
Fr. Riccardo discusses what Jesus is trying to teach us through the Beatitudes in this homily for the Solemnity of All Saints.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/7424996
info_outline
October 21, 2018-10 AM Mass at OLGC
10/22/2018
October 21, 2018-10 AM Mass at OLGC
Fr. Riccardo preached at all of the masses at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church this past weekend. In this homily from the 10 AM Mass, Fr. John discusses the request made by James and John in the gospel reading (MK 10:35-45), the response of the other apostles, and Jesus's words to them and to us regarding the nature and purpose of authority.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/7269701
info_outline
September 18, 2018-Funeral Liturgy for Thelma Riccardo
09/19/2018
September 18, 2018-Funeral Liturgy for Thelma Riccardo
The funeral liturgy for Thelma Riccardo, the mother of Fr. John Riccardo, was celebrated at Holy Name Catholic Church in Birmingham, Michigan on September 18th. This is a podcast of Fr. John's homily from that Mass. It may also be view on the Our Lady of Good Counsel YouTube channel using . Fr. John and the entire Riccardo family are most appreciative of all of the prayers offered for his mother and in support of the family.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/7064867
info_outline
September 16, 2018-10 AM Mass at OLGC
09/17/2018
September 16, 2018-10 AM Mass at OLGC
Fr. Riccardo discusses a hopeful word, a familiar word, and a commissioning word in this homily from the 10 AM Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. While reflecting on the passing of his mother, Thelma Riccardo, on the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows (September 15th), Fr. John turns to Revelation 21 and the promise that God has made to each of us that there will be a new heaven and a new earth. He tells the congregants that Jesus has defeated Satan, Sin, and Death by His death on the cross. Fr. John concludes by using the words of Winston Churchill to the people of England during the early stages of World War II as words of commissioning for us. Fr. John remarks that God has created us, and gifted us, to live at this time with the mission to tell others about Jesus.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/7054684
info_outline
September 12, 2018-Mass for Victims of Sexual Abuse
09/13/2018
September 12, 2018-Mass for Victims of Sexual Abuse
On the evening of September 12th, Fr. Riccardo celebrated a Mass for victims of sexual abuse.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/7054792
info_outline
July 29, 2018-10 AM Mass at OLGC
07/30/2018
July 29, 2018-10 AM Mass at OLGC
Fr. Riccardo offers an orientation to the sixth chapter of the gospel of John in this homily from the 10 AM Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. As the Sunday gospel readings for the next five weeks are from John 6, Fr. John looks at the readings from a perspective of history. How do we respond to Jesus, who is the savior of the universe? The fitting response is to worship Him and to tell others about Him. In an age where so many are wandering aimlessly, it is important to share the message that God cares, and that He is faithful.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/6865125
info_outline
June 24, 2018-5 PM Mass at OLGC
06/25/2018
June 24, 2018-5 PM Mass at OLGC
Fr. Riccardo preached at all of the weekend masses at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church this past weekend. In this homily from the 5 PM Mass, Fr. John discusses our reluctance to share the gospel with others. He encourages the congregants to complete a survey found on the that was designed to assess the reasons why we find it difficult to share the gospel message in public. The survey will be active until Friday, July 6th.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/6741057
info_outline
May 25, 2018-Streamer Day Mass Homily
05/25/2018
May 25, 2018-Streamer Day Mass Homily
Each year Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish School celebrates 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.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/6634776
info_outline
May 6, 2018-Noon Mass at OLGC
05/07/2018
May 6, 2018-Noon Mass at OLGC
Fr. Riccardo preached at all of the Masses at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church this past weekend. In this homily from the noon Mass, Fr. John discusses God's vision for his world and for us. He looks at the spread of Christianity in the early church despite legal prohibitions and the importance of Christian witness. Fr. John concludes by asking the congregants, "How is God asking you and me to turn our world upside down with the gospel and the revolutionary and radical love of Jesus?"
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/6565062
info_outline
April 29, 2018-8 AM Mass at OLGC
05/01/2018
April 29, 2018-8 AM Mass at OLGC
Deacon Dave Carignan preached at all of the weekend Masses at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church this past weekend. In this homily from the 8 AM Mass, Deacon Dave discusses the importance of pruning whatever is not of Christ within us if we wish to bear fruit as disciples of Jesus.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/6543417
info_outline
Easter Vigil Mass Homily
04/04/2018
Easter Vigil Mass Homily
In this homily from the Easter Vigil Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Fr. Riccardo tells the congregants that God is acting in a preeminent way at the Vigil Mass. While addressing the congregants about to be baptized during the Vigil Mass, Fr. John remarks that through the waters of Baptism, we are transferred to the kingdom of God's beloved Son. He also tells those being confirmed and those already confirmed that they are sharers in the mission of Jesus Christ and are tasked to bring others to Him. When confronting evil and suffering in the world, Fr. John encourages the proclamation of the gospel to bring God's children back to Him.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/6445568
info_outline
A Reflection on the Seven Last Words of Christ
03/30/2018
A Reflection on the Seven Last Words of Christ
Fr. Riccardo discusses the seven last words of Christ from the cross in this reflection from a Good Friday service at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/6427651
info_outline
Holy Thursday-Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
03/30/2018
Holy Thursday-Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Fr. Riccardo's homily from the Mass of the Lord's Supper.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/6427638
info_outline
Palm Sunday-10 AM Mass Homily
03/26/2018
Palm Sunday-10 AM Mass Homily
In this homily for Palm Sunday, Fr. Riccardo draws parallels between the allied invasion of western Europe on D-Day and the Passion. Fr. John tells the congregants that the events described in the Passion are the reason why Jesus became man. Through his victory on the cross, Jesus has rescued us from sin and death.
/episode/index/show/stanastasia/id/6408561