Fr. Mayer's Preaching & Teaching

Just as the main course serves as the focal point of a meal, essential for satiating hunger, the Eucharistic celebration holds a central position in the Mass. How do we receive reminders of the Lord's presence during the Mass, and in what ways does the Lord refresh and renew us?

The appetizer can create excitement for the main course, similar to the beginning of Mass. It can engage the senses, like the smell of incense or the opening hymn. 

St. James the Greater willingly dropped everything at the seashore to follow Jesus as his first Apostle. Have a listen to how the community of St. James is alive and active as James the Greater was when he became the first Apostle.

People often interrupted the plans that Jesus and the disciples had, yet the way that he responded was utterly fascinating and unconventional. Learn Jesus' surprising method for dealing with people when they interrupt you, especially when you are tired or busy with many other things. 

We were privileged to be visited by the Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine who joined the community of St. James on July 14, 2024 and delivered this homily. St. James would not be in existence if it were not for the support of the local diocese and we are grateful for the ongoing support and good relationship with the new Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine. 

If you are hesitant about sharing the gospel with your family, this homily is for you. Learn from our Lord and prophets before him how God has approached those who are resistant to hearing what he has to say.

If you are mad at God and have issues with his sovereignty and him allowing horrible things to happen, you will want to hear this homily. This is especially true if you are tired of hearing unhelpful, trite responses such as “its all because of free will” or “God willed your abuse” or “everything has a meaning.” 

Learn about the elusive virtue of patience and why it is so central to the Catholic faith. There is an easy way to begin experiencing growth in this virtue, a way that many people fear unnecessarily. With this simple way, you can instead begin excelling in this virtue. 

Many Christians think of their relationship with God to be relegated to the spiritual realm alone, but imagine what it would be like to be able to touch God! This is exactly the gift that Jesus gave to his Church through the Eucharist. Learn about the fascinating history behind the bread and the wine at Mass being transformed at Mass into the body and blood of Christ and why the Lord wanted us to...

There is a Christian teaching that is the source of all other Christian beliefs, the foundation upon which everything else is built. You might think that this is love or service or belief or Jesus' sacrifice. The truth is that all of these point to a deeper and little understood truth among many Christians. Learn what this doctrine is and why it has and continues to transform the world into a...

Some Christians have figured out how to tap into an amazing source of power, that moves them forward with seemingly unstoppable energy and verve. If you are missing this dynamism in your life, there may be  a blockage that is stopping Pentecost power from flowing in and through you.  

Learn why division among Christians is contrary to the gospel and how the Holy Spirit is at work to bring the family of God back together. 

Learn about, Arrow Prayers, one of the most effective means of obligating God, according to Padre Pio. This simple prayer is a great way of opening yourself up to the many graces, helps, and assistances that the Lord wants to shower upon you.

Are the people in your life resistant to hearing the gospel? Your focus may be wrong people. Expand your awareness and watch your effectiveness in sharing the gospel rise dramatically. 

Many people think that only pastors are called to shepherd, but if you have been baptized into Christ, the Good Shepherd, then you too are called to shepherd toward good pasture. Learn how to do this in easy, concrete, practical, and highly effective ways. 

Learn about an ancient prayer method that transforms the Bible into a personal encounter with the Lord. This tried-and-true method of Holy Reading has transformed many. Discover this simple, easy method of prayerfully experiencing the Lord through his Word.

Learn why the resurrection is the ultimate answer to those who have left the Catholic Church because of the clergy abuse scandals or other institutional failures. Learn why Jesus' resurrection brings hope to even the darkest of situations.

The biggest reason why people do not move on to advanced prayer and spiritual maturity is due to attachments. In this homily, learn what attachments are and are not and how to effectively deal with them. This homily is based on Jesus' teaching along with help from St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. 

For growth in prayer to take place, it helps to know where you are in the process. St. Theresa of Avila is helpful in this aspect. She is a great teacher when it comes to prayer, one who has been declared a Doctor of the Church. Listen to this summary of her teaching so that you will know where you are and what to work on next, as you journey toward advanced prayer.

Be awed and drawn to taste fully of the Lord in an indelible, life changing way. Obtain a glimpse of the otherworldly experience of a divine encounter through the lens of the doctors of the Church, Scripture, and saints. This is the second homily on a series on prayer. 

Can normal people enter into advanced, even mystical prayer or is this only for a certain select few? Is this only for the elite, for special saints?  Learn what the Church has to say on this fascinating topic. This is the first homily in a series on prayer.

On December 18, 2023 the Vatican published a document on blessings for those in irregular relationships, which caused not only a large stir across the Catholic World, but out right rejection is some parts. How are normal Catholics to understand what is taking place in our Church? Experience long view of Catholic scandals and misunderstandings, beginning with Jesus Christ himself, through Church hi...

Requests for exorcism are on the rise. Learn the two most common reasons that people become possessed and why God sometimes allows this. Learn also how to stay protected and be inspired by the fearlessness of St. John Vianney

Many people are afraid to share their faith because of awkwardness, inexperience, and fear. Learn what you need to get over these hurdles. 

Learn why hospitality is such a big part of the Catholic identity and how to live this out, even if it is hard and awkward. In this homily you will be given some easy, baby step ways to grow in the Catholic virtue of hospitality.