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: Trial & Triumph. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 34th Week of the Year

The Scriptures today make it clear that life will have its share of difficulties and challenges.  Yet as we we face our trials we look to the triumph of Christ for our inspiration to keep going when life is tough and persevere on the path that leads to heaven.


Daily Mass: Freed from fear to live in faith. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 34th Week of the Year (The feast of St. Cecilia)

The Lord reminds us not to be afraid of the uncertainty of life; rather, we embrace our faith and live with God’s grace and power…making the most of each and every day.


1st Sunday of Advent: When the Son of Man Comes.

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Study: Consider one thing you can do today to live your faith.  What would it be?

Pray: Do you have any unfinished business that you need to complete?  Ask the Lord for the strength and conviction to finish it.

Serve: Is there someone in your life who struggles with depression, fear, or doubt?  How can you help them?

Mass Readings – 1st Sunday of Advent

We start a new liturgical year in the Church (that’s “Year A” if you need to use the Lectionary for Sunday readings and “Cycle I” for daily Mass) with a vision of the end of time when the Son of Man comes in glory.

Several key points emerge:

  1. It will happen suddenly, when no one expects it (Gospel)
  2. All nations will come and be taught God’s ways (1st Reading)
  3. It is the Lord who makes peace possible, not humans (1st Reading)
  4. In God’s house there is great joy (Psalm)
  5. We live each day fully prepared, ready if the Lord call us (2nd Reading)

Advent gives us a rich – but very short – opportunity to prepare our hearts for Christmas.  All of these points listed above serve as excellent reminders regarding how we live each day fully invested in the present moment.  We live for the Lord, following his commands, so as to be ready whenever and wherever our lives will take the next turn in the road.

For when God calls us into eternity we hear that the unity, peace, and joy we glimpse in precious moments in this life will come to fulfillment.  United in the Lord, we will join the heavenly host when this world passes away.

I invite us all to consider how we might do one thing better each day – to be more focused, more aware, more present – so that we can give glory and honor to Jesus Christ.  We follow the Lord with all our hearts; may we make the most of every day to live our faith to the fullest.

May this Advent be a time of blessing for us all!


The Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe. Catholic Inspiration

Three Great Things

Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – The Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe

He is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords…and yet he came into our world to teach us about his heavenly Father with compassion and tenderness.  May we draw near to his Divine Mercy, and say the words of the Good Thief, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom!”

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Note: this image (above and below) is the great icon of Christ the King located in the main apse of the Cathedral in Superior.  The pictures don’t do it justice, so if you are ever near the shores of Lake Superior, come and pray with us and see it for yourself.

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Daily Mass: God of the Living. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Saturday of the 33rd Week of the Year

Christ speaks to the question of the resurrection of the dead and reminds us that we are called to eternal life.

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If schedules and flights go as planned, my group of pilgrims should make it safely back home today.  The beauty of Italy and the opportunity of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy have touched our hearts and helped us draw close to the Lord and one another.


Daily Mass: Driving out what doesn’t belong. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Friday of the 33rd Week of the Year

The Lord drives out of the temple area those who are selling things, reminding us to cleanse our hearts – driving out what does not belong.

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Cleansing of the Temple, Carl Heinreich Bloch, 1874.


Daily Mass: The compassion of Christ. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – St. Elizabeth of Hungary

In the Gospel we find the Lord as he weeps over the city of Jerusalem.  May the compassion of Christ touch our hearts, especially when we have sinned, and draw us back into his merciful love.

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Photo Credit: Jesus of Nazareth, 1977.


Daily Mass: The gift of our lives. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 33rd Week of the Year

In the Gospel parable Christ reminds us that we are called to use our gifts wisely and well, for one day we will be asked how we put them into practice.


Daily Mass: The Lord knocks at our door. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 33rd Week of the Year

“I stand at the door and knock.”  As Christ comes to our hearts, he gently invites us to respond.  May we open our hearts and allow his grace to touch and bless our lives.

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The Light of the World, William Holman Hunt, 1851-1856, Manchester City Art Gallery, England.


Christ the King of the Universe…remember me!

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Study: Consider a crucial time when you asked and received help.  How did it feel?

Pray: Is there anything that is keeping you from receiving God’s grace?  Ask the Lord for the courage to ask!

Serve: Do you know someone who is struggling to receive mercy or forgiveness?  How can you help them grow in faith?

Mass Readings – The Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe

The Gospel image is both brutal and tender, revealing God’s saving grace and mercy in the midst of the Passion of the Cross.  The good thief (who tradition names Dismas) calls upon the Lord saying, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

How these words speak to my heart!  In a single phrase the King of Kings and Lord of Lords becomes approachable as Christ bridges Heaven and Earth, crushes Hell and invites us to enter into eternal life: “Today you will be with me in paradise!”

The good thief shows both humility and boldness.  He knows his sins, and yet he speaks to the Lord with a gentle conviction, asking for a grace that he cannot achieve on his own.  His trust inspires us as we acknowledge our own sins and draw near to the one whose death and resurrection saves and sets us free.

May these words strengthen our faith as we call upon the Lord.  May they help us to seek Christ before all else as we repent and call upon God’s grace.  May we truly say:

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom!