Catholic Inspiration

What kind of crop is growing in your heart?  Do you like what you see?  Does something need to be cultivated or planted?  Every day we have a new opportunity to take the gift of our lives and raise a crop worthy of the Lord.   July 15, 2017 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

"Do not be afraid" is a statement that should be drilled into the hearts and minds of every disciple.  Jesus gives us the example, empowers us with his Spirit, and guides us in the face of opposition and difficulty.  May we hang on to his hand and carry out the work he sets before us today! July 15, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord speaks bluntly when he tells his disciples about the opposition they will encounter: hatred, persecution, suffering, and ridicule will follow them.  And yet this opposition only highlights what's truly at stake: eternal life! July 14, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Our choices in a life of faith lead to consequences: Christ calls us to follow and fully offer our lives, yet we also have the freedom to walk away and ignore the offer.  What will you do today? July 13, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Having offered his personal example, the Lord now extends his authority to the Twelve Apostles so that they can continue his ministry.  He calls them by name...just as he calls each one of us today. July 12, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Gospel of Matthew offers a snap shot of the ministry of the Lord and helps us to focus on how our lives can participate in the ongoing mission of Jesus Christ. July 11, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Mom always said, "Go play outside!" Summer is a great time to rethink how we live, and this podcast offers some thoughts about how to engage our lives in the great outdoors.  (17 minutes) July 10, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord tells us that he is "meek and humble of heart" and when we draw near to him we will find rest for our souls.  May his grace touch our hearts and help us to become more like him every day. July 8, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus explains to the disciples of John in the Gospel today that there is a time to feast and a time to fast...reminding us that in our journey of faith we are also called to respond to the situations and circumstances of life with the guidance of Jesus Christ. July 8, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The call and response of St. Matthew in the Gospel today offers us a pattern of discipleship.  As we draw near to Christ may we bring as many people with us as we can! July 7, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

"Courage, child, your sins are forgiven."  As Jesus says these words to the paralytic we find that the mercy of Christ is greater than all our sins...and we are inspired to draw near to the one who loves us completely. July 6, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus reveals his power as the Son of God as he casts out the demons in the Gospel of Matthew.  The Lord continues to work in our world, and as his disciples we confront evil with his grace and strength. July 5, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

During the storm on the sea the disciples cry out in fear.  Jesus calms the storm and comforts them, reminding us that when fear threatens to overwhelm us we seek the one who gives us strength. July 4, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

For many years Fr. Andrew has offered a Summer Challenge to his parishioners to limit time in front of a screen (TV, Computer, Smartphone) and rethink what we do with the gift of our lives; consider what you might do for the next four weeks - and enjoy the glory of summer - in order to evaluate your use of screen time. (36 Minutes) July 3, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

St. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans that our participation in the life and death of Jesus Christ brings us eternal life.  This Good News is our legacy as disciples and our inspiration to offer our lives with the hope and strength of God's grace. July 1, 2017 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Matthew's Gospel offers three healing miracles and reminds us that the Lord continues to heal today. July 1, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

A leper comes to Jesus and receives healing, encouraging us to look into our hearts to discern where we are wounded so that the Lord might heal us as well. June 30, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

These two great saints made an enormous impact in the Church, even as they encountered hard work and confronted their own weaknesses and sins.  May we look to their example and trust in the Lord for the grace we need to face the challenges of life. June 29, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The fruitfulness of our lives offers a useful indication regarding the state of our souls.  Whether its our heart or another's, may the Fruits of the Spirit help guide us on our journey of faith. June 28, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Gospel of Matthew today reveals three nuggets of wisdom that the Lord offers in the Sermon on the Mount: Do not waste or squander the gifts of life and faith Be fair and just with one another Work hard to seek God above all else The teaching is easy to understand.  The hard part?  Putting it into practice every day! June 27, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com