God's Playbook

Send us Fan Mail Today on God’s Playbook, we reflect on Saint Paul’s powerful words: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” Father Rico explores how what the world sees as weakness can actually be a source of strength when we allow God to work through it. From insecurities to hardships, our struggles are opportunities for grace, growth, and deeper trust in the Lor...

Send us Fan Mail Today on God’s Playbook, we’re diving into what Ordinary Time really means—and no, it’s not as plain or boring as it sounds! Father Rico reminds us that God is present not just during big celebrations like Easter or Christmas, but in the everyday moments of life too. Whether it’s a regular Tuesday or the 14th week of Ordinary Time, God walks with us in all things—at work, at home,...

Send us Fan Mail Today on God’s Playbook, we celebrate the feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle—the one many of us know as “Doubting Thomas.” But there’s so much more to his story! Father Rico unpacks how Thomas went from skeptic to saint, boldly proclaiming “My Lord and my God” and ultimately giving his life for Christ. Tune in as we reflect on how God meets us in our doubts and calls us to deeper f...

Send us Fan Mail Graduation season is here, and today on God’s Playbook, we’re taking a moment to celebrate this special milestone—whether it’s kindergarten, high school, college, or beyond! Father Rico reflects on how graduations aren’t just about diplomas, but about growth, gratitude, and God’s grace at work in our lives. We look back on the lessons learned, the people who helped along the way,...

Send us Fan Mail Happy Canada Day! In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we’re giving thanks for the gift of Canada and reflecting on the powerful words in our national anthem: “God keep our land glorious and free.” Whether you're Canadian or listening from another part of the world, today’s message is about gratitude—for freedom, for peace, and for the blessings we so often take for granted....

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Father Michael Basque returns to share powerful and moving stories from his missionary journeys across South America. From celebrating Mass in remote villages and favelas to helping build stairs on steep hillsides in Peru, he reflects on how these experiences transformed his understanding of priesthood and service. Despite the challenges of poverty, language, a...

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, we’re diving into the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, two incredible leaders of the early Church who helped shape Christianity as we know it. You might wonder why they share the same feast day, and the answer lies in their united mission: spreading the Gospel with boldness and conviction. Peter, the rock upon whom Jesus built the Church, and Paul, the pass...

Send us Fan Mail Today we’re reflecting on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which beautifully follows yesterday’s celebration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Mary's heart is a symbol of deep love, unwavering faith, and total openness to God’s will—qualities we’re all striving for in our own lives. As we explore her interior life, we’re reminded that her love for God shaped everything...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we revisit the beautiful devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as we near the end of June. Father Rico reflects on the powerful truth that Jesus's heart beats with a deep, passionate love for each one of us—a love that never fades, no matter how often we fall. This isn't just a feel-good message—it's a life-changing reality root...

Send us Fan Mail Today, we’re diving into Psalm 55—an incredibly raw and honest prayer that speaks to the pain of betrayal, fear, and heartbreak. Father Rico unpacks how this Psalm hits home for anyone who's ever been hurt by someone they trusted, especially by a close friend. But amidst the sorrow, the Psalm reminds us that we can bring every hurt to God, who listens, heals, and never turns...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we turn our hearts to the powerful words of Psalm 51—a prayer for cleansing, mercy, and a fresh start. Father Rico walks us through this heartfelt psalm, reminding us that God doesn’t just forgive in small doses, but pours out abundant mercy on those who come to Him with honesty and humility. Whether you're carrying regrets, feeling weighed down by past mi...

Send us Fan Mail Happy feast day, friends! Today on God’s Playbook, we’re celebrating the Nativity of St. John the Baptist — one of only three birthdays the Church marks in the liturgical year! We’ll reflect on why this day is so meaningful, especially for our French-Canadian listeners who know it as la fête de Saint-Jean-Baptiste. From the miracle of his birth to his powerful mission of preparing...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Father Michael Basque returns to share heartfelt reflections on the joys, challenges, and surprises of his priesthood over the past 35 years. From his first overwhelming assignment at St. Alfred’s Parish to serving rural communities and university campuses, Father Michael highlights the powerful relationships, unexpected turns, and grace-filled moments that hav...

Send us Fan Mail Today is the Solemnity of Corpus Christi! In today’s episode, we reflect on the incredible gift of the Eucharist—Jesus’ true body, blood, soul, and divinity given to us in Holy Communion. This isn’t just a symbol; it’s God Himself, nourishing us with heavenly food for the journey of life. Join Father Rico as he explores how we can grow in reverence, gratitude, and love for the Euc...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we welcome a special guest—Fr. Michael Basque, a diocesan priest from the Diocese of St. Catharines. Fr. Michael shares his inspiring journey to the priesthood, from his early days growing up in Oshawa to his time wrestling with faith, doubt, and discernment. Through personal stories and honest reflections, he offers a glimpse into the joys an...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to God’s Playbook! In today’s episode, we dive into the Gospel of Matthew and reflect on Jesus’ powerful words: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Why did Jesus choose someone like Matthew? And what does that teach us about God’s mercy and our call to be compassionate toward others? Join Fr. Rico as he unpacks what it really means to be merciful—especially when it’s har...

Send us Fan Mail Today, we're reflecting on the gift of work—how God blesses us with the ability to earn a living, develop our talents, and care for ourselves and others. Whether you're employed, underemployed, or seeking meaningful work, this episode reminds us that our jobs are not just about income—they're opportunities to serve, grow, and give thanks. Join Fr. Rico as we explore...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to God’s Playbook . Today we reflect on one of Jesus’ most powerful prayers from the Cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Suffering is something we often try to avoid, yet Jesus invites us to embrace it, offering our pain as a gift of grace. In this episode, Fr. Rico explores how uniting our suffering with Christ’s can lead to healing, redemp...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we step into the spiritual classroom to reflect on Christ as our one true Teacher and ourselves as His students. Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, Fr. Rico explores the significance of allowing Jesus—not ourselves or others—to set the standard, offer instruction, and guide our growth in faith. With the imagery of school life, we’re reminded that discipleship...

Send us Fan Mail Today on God’s Playbook, we’re diving into the idea of the common good—a teaching at the heart of our Catholic faith. What does it mean to truly live for the good of all, not just ourselves? We'll look at how the Catechism breaks it down and how everyday actions—from driving safely to how we shop—can reflect God’s call to care for one another. Let’s explore how choosing the c...

Send us Fan Mail Happy Solemnity of the Holy Trinity! Today on God’s Playbook, we’re diving into one of the most beautiful and mysterious parts of our faith—how three persons are one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Rather than unpacking the deep theology, Fr. Rico reflects on the practical ways we experience the Trinity in our daily lives and prayer. From creation to the sacraments, we see how...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we’re diving into an important question: What is moral law? Moral law, or natural law, comes directly from God and always takes priority over human laws, no matter where we live. Whether it's topics like abortion, euthanasia, or capital punishment, God’s law guides us to protect life and uphold human dignity at every stage. Let’s take a closer look at what...

Send us Fan Mail Today on God’s Playbook, we’re celebrating the feast of one of the most beloved saints in the Church—St. Anthony of Padua! While many know him as the go-to saint when something’s lost (yes, even your car keys!), he was much more than that. A powerful preacher, a Franciscan priest, and a doctor of the Church, St. Anthony had a deep love for Jesus and a passion for sharing the Gospe...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we’re answering the question: What are the precepts of the Church? These five core teachings help guide us in how we’re meant to live as faithful Catholics—from attending Mass every Sunday to making time for confession, fasting, and supporting the Church. We’ll break down each one and see how they challenge and shape our spiritual lives. If you’ve been looking...

Send us Fan Mail Today is a special day on God’s Playbook—we’re celebrating Fr. Rico’s 14th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood! June 11, 2011, marked the beginning of a beautiful vocation rooted in service, love, and faith. In today’s episode, Fr. Rico reflects on the blessings of the priesthood, the gift of serving God’s people, and the joy of saying "yes" to God’s call. This i...