Fr. Mayer's Preaching & Teaching

Repenting of sin can awaken hope. Promising to go and sin no more doesn’t mean you can do it alone. God walks with you in mercy. God gives you grace. They are tools that the Lord gives us. The work to “sin no more” requires 100% of you and 100% of God. Your promise, God’s hope.

Even if the Pope were Satan incarnate, we ought not to raise up our heads against him, but calmly lie down to rest on his bosom.  -St. Catherine of Sienna

Everyday tasks possess a powerful way to grow in holiness. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church it says, "our work represents a collaboration with God in the ongoing creation of both the world and the Kingdom of God."  This prompts the question: how can we elevate our work from the mundane to the extraordinary? One approach is to consciously offer our labor and tasks to the Lord, ther...

Learn from the prophets of the past whose voices still echo down through the centuries, an easy yet highly effective method for helping others get ready for Jesus' return. 

If you are moving through times of sorrow and affliction, this homily is for you. Learn from the 2,600 year old writings of Baruch and also the 2,000 year old preaching of John the Baptist how to transform sorrow into joy.

Learn about the two judgments that every person will experience and get all of the details of how this final judgement will proceed, so that you can be ready and look forward to the coming of Christ with hope.

Learn what the Church teaches about separation of church and state. Learn about the history behind secularization and how you should respond, as based upon the example of Jesus and the early Christians. 

The Church teaches that we will go through a final trial prior to Christ’s return and the great judgement. However, Jesus taught that we are to read the signs so we can know when this is near. Learn about the antichrist and the signs that proceed, accompany, and follow him according to Scripture and the Church Fathers, so that you can be fully ready for these soon coming events.  

Unlike some Christian groups which require or encourage giving ten percent, the Catholic Church operates differently. Learn about the history of tithing, giving, rules, and requirements and an incredible freeing way of living when it comes to generosity. 

While we are grateful for the smooth election of Donald Trump as the 47th president of our country, there are still wide divisions in our families and beyond that remain. Learn how to navigate these difficulties with joy.  

If you find yourself discouraged by saints who seem to have lived unreachable almost mythical lives, this homily is for you. Learn about the many failures of the saints and the overlooked way they responded to these dark spots in their lives. 

Our beloved Fr. Ernie reflects on Bartimaeus leaping up to follow Jesus even though he doesn't know that Jesus is headed to the cross. Are you willing to follow Jesus into the unknown? 

Jesus taught his disciples the secret to achieving greatness, a lesson that is 100% applicable to the mission of St. James. Find inspiration and courage to go the distance and build something that lasts.

Jesus taught and exemplified what a simple life looked like.  Something that is often overlooked in our culture of incredible wealth. By inspired to simple, unselfish living. 

Jesus elevated marriage to a sacrament and yet 28% of Catholic marriages fail. Learn why this is and how to support those in these situations as well as all sacramental marriages.

Pride and irritability can easily lead to mistakes when pointing out where someone else is wrong. However, depending on who you are correcting, there may be far worse and even eternal results of a bad correction. Listen to this important warning, given by the Lord. 

Be inspired by the teaching of our Lord and the lives of the saints when it comes to work! Discover how to transform your worst, most dreaded tasks into tasks of divine joy.

Denial of impending death and suffering is rampant in our culture and this leads to dire situations. Learn the matter of fact and healthy way of responding to difficulties, exemplified by Jesus, a way that leads one beyond suffering, to new life. 

Comparing yourself to others leads to depression, anxiety, and loneliness, there is good news. Jesus showed another way that leads to freedom. Learn all about it. 

Find yourself too busy for prayer, running on empty, feeling scattered and divided? Discover how to cultivate a reservoir that will transform you from the core of your being and overflow into all that you do. Discover the importance of the interior life.

Learn about the Roman Canon, the most revered of the Eucharistic prayers that is used during the second part of the Mass. Learn about the stories behind the names, and the beautiful poetry and how it can move your heart to the heavens. Deepen your understanding so that you can pray the Mass well.