God's Playbook

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Father Rico talks about the true meaning of Thanksgiving Weekend. While we enjoy food, family, and fun, he reminds us that every Sunday is Thanksgiving because the Eucharist means “to give thanks.” Let’s pause to thank God for all our blessings — big and small — and for always being with us. For all of us here at God's Playbook, we wish y...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico builds on yesterday’s discussion of Apostolic Tradition by exploring how Tradition and Sacred Scripture work hand in hand. Drawing from the Catechism, he explains how both flow from the same divine source and come together to guide the Church in truth. Through real-life examples and relatable insights, Fr. Rico helps us see why not ev...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Father Rico explores the meaning of Apostolic Tradition and why it’s such a vital part of our Catholic faith. From the teachings of the apostles to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we learn how the message of Jesus has been passed down through generations — shaping the Church we know today. This episode dives into how our faith is built on a s...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico dives into Psalm 136 — a powerful hymn of gratitude reminding us that God’s steadfast love truly endures forever. As we pray through the verses, we are invited to listen and reflect on how repetition in Scripture helps us meditate more deeply on God’s unchanging love. Fr. Rico connects the Psalm’s message to our everyday struggles and...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Father Rico dives into the meaning of faith and how it connects us to eternal life. Faith isn’t just believing in something we can’t see — it’s living in trust, even in the dark moments when God feels far away. Drawing inspiration from saints like Mother Teresa, Abraham, and Mary, this episode reminds us that faith gives us the strength to kee...

Send us Fan Mail  In today’s episode of God’s Playbook , Father Rico celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary — a reminder of the power of prayer and Mary’s loving guidance in our lives. The Rosary isn’t just a series of beads or repeated prayers, but a journey through the life of Jesus and a way to grow closer to God through Mary’s intercession. Whether you’re new to the Rosary or pray it o...

Send us Fan Mail Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Known for his deep love of the poor, his care for creation, and his powerful witness to living the Gospel, St. Francis continues to inspire us to put faith into action. From Assisi’s beauty to his lasting impact on the Church, his example reminds us that true joy comes not from possessions but from love of God and se...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Father Rico unpacks what the Church means by the common good. It’s all about putting we before me—making choices that help everyone, not just ourselves. From daily actions to bigger issues, living for the common good keeps us united and moving toward Christ together. Support the show Thank you for listening! Support us using any of our links b...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Father Rico reflects on the Feast of the Guardian Angels and the incredible gift God has given each of us—a personal angel to protect, guide, and help lead us to heaven. While the archangels Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael have special roles in God’s plan, our guardian angels quietly accompany us every day, reminding us of God’s constant love an...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of God’s Playbook , we celebrate the Feast Day of St. Therese of Lisieux as we begin the month of October—a month dedicated to our Blessed Mother. Join Fr. Rico as we reflect on the Little Flower’s wisdom, her love for Jesus, and the powerful lessons she offers us about humility, kindness, and living the Gospel in small but meaningful ways. Her example challenges u...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico reflects on Truth and Reconciliation Day, a time to honour the experiences of Indigenous brothers and sisters and acknowledge the painful legacy of residential schools. With honesty and compassion, he reminds listeners that while the Church has done much good, it also carries responsibility for past hurts that must not be ignored. Fr. Ri...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of God’s Playbook, Father Rico explores the “Characteristics of Faith,” reminding listeners that faith is first and foremost a gift from God — a supernatural virtue infused by Him. Breaking it down into three key aspects — faith as a grace, faith as a human act, and faith and understanding — Father Rico shows how God initiates the gift of belief while also inviting...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Father Rico reflects on the powerful parable of Lazarus and the rich man from Luke’s Gospel. This story challenges us to think about how we use what God has given us and whether we’re attentive to the needs of those around us. While the world often overlooks the poor, Jesus reminds us that God sees their dignity and hears their cries. Join us...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we celebrate the feast of St. Vincent de Paul, a priest known for his deep compassion for the poor and his mission to reform the Church. St. Vincent reminds us that true discipleship means putting the needs of the most vulnerable first—whether through our resources, our time, or simply our presence. As we reflect on his example, we’re invited...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Father Rico invites us to reflect on the importance of walking hand-in-hand with one another through life’s journey. Inspired by a beautiful prayer from Michael Buckley, we’re reminded to give thanks not only for the gift of family, but for all the people God places in our lives to guide, protect, and support us. Just as Jesus walks with us al...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we reflect on the powerful words of Jesus in Luke 9:23–25: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Being a disciple was never meant to be easy, and yet it’s in carrying our daily crosses—big or small—that we truly find hope, strength, and purpose in Christ. Just like a good coach who walks with...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to God’s Playbook! Today, Father Rico unpacks the big question: What is generational sin—and do we, as Catholics, believe in it? While some may think the sins of parents get passed on to their children, the Church teaches otherwise, with the one exception of original sin from Adam and Eve. In this episode, Father Rico dives into Scripture, clears up misunderstandings,...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to God’s Playbook! Today, Father Rico reflects on the life and legacy of St. Padre Pio, a humble yet powerful saint of our time. Known for his deep devotion to the Sacrament of Confession, his gift of reading souls, and even bearing the wounds of Christ through the stigmata, Padre Pio showed the world what it means to live as a true friend of Jesus. Through suffering,...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to God’s Playbook! Today, Father Rico unpacks a big church word—transubstantiation—and why it’s at the very heart of our Catholic faith. While the word may be tricky to say, its meaning is powerful: at every Mass, the bread and wine truly become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. In this episode, Father Rico explains this profound mystery with clarit...

Send us Fan Mail Today on God’s Playbook, Father Rico dives into one of the most famous miracles in Scripture—the Feeding of the 5,000 from Luke 9:10–17. With just five loaves and two fish, Jesus not only satisfied thousands but also revealed how God always provides in abundance. Are you hungry yet? Whether it’s physical food or the deeper hunger of the heart, this episode invites us to see how Ch...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Father Rico invites listeners to take a closer look at the beauty and meaning behind stained glass windows in our churches. More than decoration, these windows have long served as powerful teaching tools, sharing stories from Scripture, the lives of the saints, and the wonders of creation—especially at a time when many people could not read or...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we’re diving into the tradition of incense and why the Church continues to use it in worship. From its roots in ancient Jewish rituals to its role in Catholic liturgy today, incense reminds us that our prayers are meant to rise up to God like the smoke we see drifting toward heaven. Beyond its fragrance, incense engages our senses and draws us...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we’re tackling something every Catholic has noticed but maybe never fully understood—what Fr. Rico likes to call “Catholic aerobics.” Why do we sit, stand, kneel, or even genuflect when we walk into church? These postures aren’t random motions but powerful signs of reverence, prayer, and presence before God. Join Fr. Rico as we unpack the mean...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we reflect on Jesus’ powerful reminder that “the first shall be last, and the last shall be first.” The disciples got caught up in arguments about status, but Jesus flips the script—real greatness is found in humility, service, and putting others before ourselves. Father Rico unpacks what this looks like in everyday life, from our families and...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we dive into St. Paul’s powerful imagery of running the race of life from 1 Corinthians 9. Just like athletes who train with discipline and focus, we’re called to stay committed in our spiritual journey, keeping our eyes fixed on the ultimate prize—eternal life with God. Father Rico unpacks how setbacks, stumbles, and even false starts are par...