Church of Saint Mary Podcast

Fr. Vince Fernandez's homily talks about the first reading and the persistence of the Shunammite woman. Society views suffering as a way to not trust God or believe He is real. However, no circumstance can change that God is a good Father and in any evil God will bring about a greater good. The loss of a gift is often the beginning of a new one.

Fr. Stuart's homily discusses the gospel where Jesus explains that we should not prefer anything to Jesus Christ. In choosing Christ, this ultimately forms the love we have for others. This love helps us to take up each of our crosses to follow the Lord.

Deacon Rich Bender's homily explains the shift in the liturgical year to Ordinary Time and what that looks like for us. St. Paul reminds us that Jesus defeats death, and this promise is given to each of us. Jesus in the Gospel tells the disciples to not be afraid. Anyone who acknowledges Jesus before others, Jesus will acknowledge before God.

Fr. Stuart explains that Jesus gives the disciples the ability to cast out demons, proclaim the kingdom, cure the sick and heal the lame. God has given us a specific mission that is unique to our lives. Fr. Stuart poses the question, "What is God calling me to do?" and consider what or who our lives touch where we can bear witness to Jesus Christ.

Fr. Vince Fernandez's homily explains that God gives us exactly what we need in a culture where we can manipulate and customize each thing at our fingertips. God gives the Israelites an opportunity to trust in the Lord and see if they would keep his commandments by giving them what they needed instead of what they wanted.

Fr. Stuart Crevcoure's homily explains that eucharist means giving thanks. Receiving the Eucharist is an opportunity to give thanks to God and all that he has done for us, especially the salvation we receive from Jesus' sacrifice. These sacraments contain the presence and grace we receive from God.

Fr. Vince Fernandez explains that the Holy Trinity reveals who God truly is. In the Old Testament, the Israelites betray the Lord by worshipping the golden calf, but God reveals he is faithful, gracious and slow to anger. The Trinity Sunday reinforces the message that in God's true nature is love. God gives himself to the Son, and the Son gives himself to the Father. The Holy Spirit is the ete...

Fr. Stuart explains the significance of Pentecost Sunday as the birthday of the church. It establishes the mission of going out into the world to proclaim Jesus's life, death and resurrection. This day encourages us to live the paschal mystery throughout the world.

Deacon Rich Bender explains new transitions that are filled with unpredictable outcomes. In God's love, He has given us the Holy Spirit, a guide for us and continual love from the Father amidst change.

Fr. Stuart focuses on the virtue of hope explained in the second reading. The disciples are expected to give an explanation for the hope they have and how they live life differently. Similarly, we should live in that hope of Jesus' resurrection. Christians are set apart in their livelihoods because of the belief and love of God. We should talk about it with gentleness and reverence.

Fr. Stuart explains the process of what it looks like to be named a bishop and how Bishop Konderla transitioned into this role 10 years ago. Through St. Peter's letter, each one of us are a living stone built into the kingdom of God.

Listen to Fr. Stuart Crevcoure's homily for the prayer vigil for immigrants.

Fr. Stuart explains how Jesus is our shepherd, and he is our ultimate leader and as his sheep follow his voice. He also encourages us to pray for the priests who have been earthly shepherds to parishes, seminarians, and those discerning the priesthood.

Deacon Gary Gamino's homily explains why Jesus hides his identity from the disciples while they are on the way to Emmaus. So as not to overwhelm them, Jesus doesn't reveal his identity immediately and allows himself to be known and recognized through the breaking of the bread. This highlights Jesus's real presence in the Eucharist during Mass. He explains how we, much like these discip...

Fr. Stuart explains the origin of Divine Mercy Sunday. The mercy of Jesus Christ is expressed in difficult and trying times. He is always calling His children to return to him when we stray. Showing the Lord's love and tender care is what will help people know Jesus Christ.

Fr. Vince's homily discusses the nature of God's boundless mercy. His love and forgiveness has no limits for each one of us. He invites us to think about someone we struggle to forgive in our own life, and with God's forgiveness for us, can move us to forgive us others.

In Father Vince's Easter homily, he talks about how God created the world, and in the weakness of humanity, sent his Son to become one of us and die for us for our salvation and to unite us to God, the Father. Through the sacraments and our openness to God, we allow ourselves to be transformed.

In Father Vince's homily, he talks about how God created the world, and in the weakness of humanity, sent his Son to become one of us and die for us for our salvation and to unite us to God, the Father. God pursues us relentlessly.

Fr. Stuart explains that like many prophets before Jesus, each one of them suffered a bloody death because what they preached challenged the authority in Jerusalem. However, Jesus is the true Son of God, and because of this, Jesus brings atonement for our sins. He then conquers death, and his resurrection points us to eternal life.

Fr. Stuart shares a personal anecdote of a couple who experienced great devastation. God intended for The Crucifixion to happen for the salvation of the world. Jesus endured so much suffering for the sake of the world. Love is the cross, and it means making sacrifices to do God's will. We are called to embrace our cross because it is the great sign of love.

"Where love and charity are, God is there," a profound response to the cries of the human heart when experiencing suffering and loss. God came to us in the form of a human, and through his death, gives us the opportunity to experience eternal life. God's love is intimate and incomprehensible to us and uniquely made for each individual. Jesus loves each of us to the point of the cross...

Fr. Stuart explains that during Holy Week we are uniting ourselves and walking along with Jesus Christ to his Passion, Death and Resurrection. These mysteries are what we celebrate Easter Sunday and live every day. He encourages us to pray and contemplate this week as we walk with Jesus.

Fr. Stuart's homily explains the gospel passage over the raising of Lazarus is more than just bringing him back to life. It is about the encounter he has with Mary and Martha. Whereas Martha is more intellectual and action-oriented, Mary is more contemplative and interaction-oriented. Our faith is more than just saying and believing the right things, but it is instead about love.

Fr. Stuart's homily explains the encounter the Samaritan woman at the well has with Jesus Christ. The woman is drawn to the living water, and Jesus thirsts for the faith of this woman. Our spiritual life is continually growing and changing, but God will help us understand the circumstances we endure.

Fr. Vince Fernandez presents the question of how would we react to Jesus if He were in our presence. He explains the Transfiguration was necessary for Peter, James, and John to experience Jesus' glory before the crucifixion. All of us are called to holiness, encountering Jesus on the mountain.