Bishop Donald DeGrood Homilies

Have you ever wondered why it’s so dreadful to go to Confession? We should be thinking about the freedom, joy and peace we experience afterward! This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how the fear of Confession is likely rooted in insecurity and shame. This insecurity and shame can keep us from receiving God’s grace and mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, even though we know we need it...

Do you live each day as if it's your first, last and only day? This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained the importance of seizing each day and living intentionally. With the recent passing of Bishop Peter Muhich, bishop of the Diocese of Rapid City, Bishop DeGrood reflected on Bishop Muhich's dedication to the Church and to the faithful, even while in hospice. Inspired by Bishop Muhich's faith...

Do you struggle to give to others, or give back to God? Do you prefer to give the small coins? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reflected on his childhood when he would always choose to give the small coins to the family Rice Bowl. As time went on, God showed him the joy that comes with giving generously. As our diocese prepares for our annual Catholic Family Sharing Appeal (CFSA), Bishop asks e...

Life is filled with trials and sufferings. Job experienced great suffering in his life. Jesus suffered too. Our lives, too, are filled with hardships. But what are we going to do with our suffering? This weekend in his homily, Bishop encouraged us to not fall into the lies and traps of the world, but to turn to God and offer him our sufferings and to rise above difficult circumstances.

While Roe v. Wade has been overturned, the fight to protect life is far from over. This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminded us of the inherent dignity of every human life from the moment of conception to natural death, worthy of protection at every stage. Now there is a new threat against the unborn in South Dakota. A petition circulating the state that is presenting itself as a pro-life, pro-f...

Whether we like it or not, we need to learn the virtue of obedience. Luckily we have the perfect model of obedience, Jesus. As humans, we struggle with obedience because it calls us to be humble. This past weekend in his homily, Bishop explained why obedience is crucial to our lives, and why it is a grace. He also explained how without obedience we will struggle to be virtuous parents, teachers, l...

We are all in need of God's love, mercy and grace. He wants to bless us. This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained what blessings are, why sin cannot be blessed, the key factors of blessings, what makes them valid, and why repentance and the desire for conformity to what God has revealed to us matter in receiving a blessing.

Has God placed it on your heart to visit the sick or imprisoned? Or to help those in need, or defend the defenseless? Have you responded to God's promptings? As baptized Christians, it is our call and responsibility to bring Christ to others. This weekend in his homily, Bishop explains the importance of heeding God's promptings, and assures us it is never too late to respond to God's call. Will yo...

Being responsible for another should be a sobering reality. Parents know this reality very well, but this responsibility comes in many forms. Business owners know this reality in managing their employees, as do children who care for their parents. Bishops and priests feel this too as they guide the faithful on the journey to heaven. But can the prestige of authority get to our heads like the Phari...

One of the many struggles we face today is living out our identity as God created us, as his beloved sons and daughters. It can also be a struggle to respect the identity of who others are as God created them. It can be easy to convince ourselves of false identities about ourselves, or others. This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminded us that when we stay rooted in our identity from God, we can...

Do you or someone you have difficulty being selfless and sacrificial? In his homily this weekend, Bishop reminded us that what is "right and just" does not always mean what "good for me." Rather, we are called to seek for what is good for others. Bishop also reflected on a childhood memory and shared with us that it is through charity and doing what we would rather not do that we can help break ou...

Do you or someone you know struggle to feel like you have a place within the Church? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminded us that all are welcome to the Catholic Church. He reminded us that when we come to encounter the Lord at Mass, we are to leave everything at the door and live out our baptismal call. Bishop also encouraged us to configure ourselves to the mind of Christ so we may love l...

Do you hang on to anger and resentment when someone hurts or offends you? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reflected on the negative impacts of hanging on to anger and resentment, and explained how unforgiveness is poison to the soul. To remedy the effects of unforgiveness, we are encouraged to go to confession, and offer forgiveness with sincerity of heart to those who have offended us.

Do you wonder what heaven will be like? Perhaps you think of perfect happiness. This weekend in his homily, Bishop encouraged us to grow closer to God because as we grow closer to him, the more perfect our interior experience of life becomes. Bishop also encouraged us to persist in our faith, persist in bringing our needs and desires to Jesus, and look forward to glorifying the Lord in heaven.

Can you recall a time in your life where you felt God's presence? What about a time where you were struggling in your life and you questioned God? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reflected on the highs and lows we experience in our spiritual lives, and encourages us to not give in to discouragement during difficult times. Will you trust God, and run to him when things get difficult?

Do you find yourself trying to figure out what the truth is? Throughout history and still today, here have been many ideas that others have claimed to be true. We would call the people behind these ideas false prophets. This weekend in his homily, Bishop encouraged us to be on guard against people and ideas that lead us away from the one true God and his Church.

Without a doubt, we live in a world that is filled with evil. Despite all of the evil that plagues our world, God has blessed us with many graces. This weekend in his homily, Bishop encouraged us to rise up against the evil of the world. Bishop also calls on all Catholics, Christians and people of good will to stand in the breach and protect the vulnerable among us, especially minor children who h...

Often times when we think of "the little ones" we think God is referring only to children. While he may have been referring to children, Jesus was also referring to those who let the spirit of God into their hearts. This weekend in his homily, Bishop DeGrood reflected on what it means to be little. He also explained that God desires to live within us. And when we live in the spirit of God, the fru...

God has a plan for each and every one of us. Some are called to live their lives set apart from the rest of the world through vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, religious and consecrated life. This weekend in his homily, Bishop reflected on his call to the priesthood and what a gift it is to be a priest. He also encouraged us to pray for more holy vocations, and that many may answer God's sac...

Are you trying to live your life on your terms, instead of how God is calling you to live? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminds us how living on our terms does not bring us happiness. Rather, it brings us unrest. There is good news. God's faithfulness to us is unconditional, and he is waiting and willing to bring us back to himself and bring us ultimate happiness and fulfillment.

Do the feelings of fear and inadequacy keep you from sharing your faith with others? You're not alone. The apostles struggled too. This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminded us that God chose those who were least qualified to share the Gospel and worked through their inadequacies. God is calling you too, and will give you the graces you need at the moment you need them, and will help you overcome...

Even though God makes the truth available to everyone and asks us to live in it, not everyone accepts this. And in today's world, many who do live in the truth are persecuted or condemned by society. This weekend in his homily, Bishop highlights how our Blessed Mother Mary and St. Joseph faced the same struggles. Bishop also explains how Mary and Joseph overcame these obstacles to living a devout...

How blessed we are to be baptized into Christ. This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how being baptized into Christ sets us ablaze and empowers us to serve our parishes, pastors and the Church. Bishop also reminds us that we have the power to pray for the sanctification of others, and share in proclaiming the good news of the Gospel to others. We are challenged to allow ourselves to be set...

One of Jesus' greatest desires is to bring peace to our hearts and lives. This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how one of the greatest ways we as Catholics are privileged to bring peace is by being attentive to the youth and vulnerable adults in our communities. We are reminded of the importance of protecting children and vulnerable adults as representatives of God.

In a world ailing from doubt and disbelief, the Resurrection of Jesus reminds us of Christ's power and defeat over sin and death. This Easter Sunday, Bishop reminded us that the Resurrection is too good NOT to be true. We are encouraged to move from doubt into faith, and grow in the supernatural virtues. Will you seek to grow in your faith and overcome your doubts?