Author Archives: Fr. Andrew Ricci

About Fr. Andrew Ricci

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A Catholic priest since 1997, Fr. Andrew Ricci is currently the rector of the Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior, WI. His website "Three Great Things" can be found at studyprayserve.com and his podcasts can be found under "Catholic Inspiration" in the iTunes store.

Daily Mass: Gabriel & Mary. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 4th Week of Advent

The interchange between Gabriel and Mary offers us rich insights regarding how we embrace our faith.

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Annunciation, Bottecelli, 1481, Uffizi, Florence, Italy.


Christmas

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Study: Recall a powerful Christmas memory.  What made it special?

Pray: Who could use a prayer this Christmas?  Offer it from your heart.

Serve: Does someone in your life need a little Christmas cheer?  Make it happen!

Mass Readings – Christmas (4 Options)

The beauty and power of Christmas flows from a central point: that God sent his Son into our world because we needed a savior.  Jesus takes on our human form and – like us in all things but sin – he redeems our fallen nature.  While his mission will be fulfilled through his death, resurrection and ascension, his birth offers us hope; God comes to us, establishing a bridge over sin and death and providing us with a way that leads to Heaven.

To reach us the Lord sets aside grandeur and majesty, coming into our world in humility and poverty, vulnerable and in need of the care of others.  Mary and Joseph, the angels and shepherds reveal that many played a part in the birth of the Christ child.

We do, too.  As Jesus teaches us, we also have the opportunity to encounter the Lord and one another in simple and approachable ways, setting aside our obstacles and being open to love and service.

How is the Lord leading you this Christmas?  How does the example of Jesus inspire you to reach out in love to others?  Is God speaking to your heart?

The Lord’s birth shows us that with a gentle and humble spirit we can approach one another in grace.  May this holy season foster our faith, strengthen our hope, and enrich our love.

Merry Christmas!

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Adoration of the Magi, Fabriano, 1423, Uffizi, Florence, Italy.

 


Monday Conversation: Great Christmas Movies. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Monday Conversation Podcast (24 Minutes)

Christmas offers a rich opportunity for story telling amid the backdrop of the Great Story of the birth of Jesus.  Fr. Andrew discusses some of the comments and insights he has received from his Facebook page, inviting us to consider how film can help us all enter into this holy season.


4th Sunday of Advent: Emmanuel, God is with us! Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Advent

We call upon the Lord as Emmanuel which means “God is with us” when we are alone, exhausted, searching and sinful.  May we turn to the Lord in our need and rejoice in the saving power of God!

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The Virgin in Adoration of the Child, Correggio, 1518-1520, Ufizzi, Florence, Italy.


Daily Mass: Welcome to the family. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Saturday of the 3rd Week of Advent

The genealogy of Jesus outlined in Matthew’s Gospel recalls the crucial role of family.  Our families are crucial networks where we grow and face the challenges of life.  While no one has a perfect family (certainly not Jesus!) we all can find within our own families opportunities to foster faith, hope and love.

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Daily Mass: Our testimony? Our example! Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Friday of the 3rd Week of Advent

The Lord points out that the works he performs testify on his behalf.  Following his example and the words of Isaiah the prophet, we have the opportunity every day to lead others to Christ as we observe what is right and do what is just, as we offer Christian witness in our daily actions.


Daily Mass: The Kingdom of God. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Thursday of the 3rd Week of Advent

Jesus offers us a glimpse of the power and beauty of the Kingdom of God, inspiring us to live the Lord’s love today as we set our eyes on the world to come.


Daily Mass: What you see and hear. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent (St. John of the Cross)

Jesus tells the disciples of John the Baptist to report what they see and hear – wonders that show that Jesus is Lord.  May we carry the same message into our lives today!


Daily Mass: Actions speak louder than… Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Tuesday of 3rd Advent (Feast of St. Lucy)

Actions speak louder than…yeah, you know the rest.  Now all we have to do: act in a manner worthy of Christ.


4th Sunday of Advent – God is with us!

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Study:  Consider a time when you received great news.  How did it change you?

Pray:  Is there some way that you can share your life?  Ask God for guidance and strength.

Serve:  Do you see an opportunity to make a difference with your life?  Act on it!

Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Advent

“God is with us!” The name Emmanuel signifies to Joseph that the child of Mary will bring the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation.  We are not alone…God is with us.

How do we live that great message?  Does it shape our lives?  Redefine our words and actions?  Fill us with hope, life, peace, and joy?  Does it inspire us to love one another, forgive one another, and dedicate our lives to healing the woundedness and division that are present in our world?

God is with us.  Rejoice!  God is with us.  Repent!  God is with us.  Live each day as the precious and sacred gift that it is – given to us by God.

Joseph took the words of the angel to heart and cooperated with God’s plan of grace.  May we live this day, aware of what God has done for us, and ready to make the most of this wondrous gift of life.