Fr. John Riccardo introduces the new ACTS XXIX podcast, "You Were Born for This with Father John Riccardo."

Fr. John Riccardo's Podcasts

Promo: You Were Born for This with Fr. John Riccardo

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 Acts XXIX, Fr. John offers words of praise, words of apology, words of thanks, and concludes with a final appeal to the parishioners of OLGC.

June 30, 20190-5 PM Mass at OLGC

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.

May 30, 2019-Graduation Mass Homily

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."

May 19, 2019-Noon 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?

May 5, 2019-5 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.

Divine Mercy Sunday-3 PM Mass at OLGC

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 homily 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.  

Easter Vigil Mass 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.

April 19, 2019-Good Friday Homily

Selected homilies, presentations, and talks of Fr. John Riccardo, Pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Plymouth, Michigan.