SAINTS Replay

Marking both a milestone for the Academy students and his own final Mass before stepping into a new assignment, Fr. Paul delivers a powerful message about purpose, maturity, and avoiding the trap of a "bored" life. Drawing from the timeless story of Peter Pan, he challenges the graduates to reject the illusion of "fantasy land", often found on phone and internet screens and instead embrace the bea...

In their heartfelt speeches, Jacob and Journey express profound gratitude on behalf of the graduating Class of 2026. Jacob begins by thanking the St. Mary’s Central High School faculty, staff, administrators, and behind-the-scenes heroes, including the school's cooks, custodians, and maintenance workers, who kept the school running smoothly, while also extending appreciation to the coaches, musica...

The heart of the episode features student speakers Jane and Sophia, who take the stage to reflect on their transformative four-year journey. Grounded in the wisdom of C.S. Lewis, they share a poignant and humorous look back at their evolution from nervous freshmen to confident leaders. From athletic victories and the introduction of the Bible in a Year challenge with Dr. Emmel, to the spiritual im...

Speaking at the Baccalaureate ceremony, President Vetter commends the 104th graduating class for their growth, gratitude, and leadership. He offers the seniors a meaningful alumni gift, their official alumni sweatshirts, and leaves them with a simple yet powerful lifelong assignment: to stay grounded in faith through the daily practice of the Sign of the Cross. Being a SAINT Changes Lives, and whe...

Principal Doll expresses his deep gratitude to the families, faculty, administration, and support staff who have sustained the student body throughout their journey. Speaking directly to the graduates, the first class to share all four years of their high school career with him as principal, he delivers a powerful reminder of their unique purpose, the profound meaning of their lives, and the impac...

Fr. Jake Magnuson reflects on Jesus’ words: “I am the vine, you are the branches.” As the school year comes to a close, Fr. Jake reminds students that the Christian life starts with staying close to Jesus. We do not bear fruit by trying harder on our own. We bear fruit by remaining with Him. This homily is a simple challenge for summer: make a plan for prayer, Mass, confession, and friendship with...

Principal Michael Bichler of St. Mary’s Academy offers a heartfelt tribute to departing teachers, staff, and chaplains whose years of service have shaped generations at Light of Christ Catholic Schools. Through stories of vocation, humility, and faith-filled memories, this episode celebrates the quiet daily sacrifices of educators whose impact will continue to bear fruit in students’ lives. Being...

In this inspiring homily, Fr. Paul Gardner reflects on Jesus’ words, “I am the vine, you are the branches,” and what it really means to bear lasting fruit in the world. Drawing on the image of a vineyard and the surprising truth that the best grapes often grow on the weakest-looking branches, he shows how God uses our apparent weaknesses, not our strength, to pour grace into others. Fr. Paul then...

No Present Like the Time: The Parable of the Talents at St. Mary's Academy In this episode of Saints Replay, Duane Eichle leads a heartfelt ceremony at St. Mary's Academy celebrating the 2026 Parable of the Talents project — a faith-in-action initiative where seventh-grade students are each given $10 and two weeks to grow and invest it in the service of others. Duane shares a moving letter from Ba...

In this episod e , Bishop David Kagan reflects on the enduring and eternal value of the Holy Mass. By referencing the Parable of the Talents, Bishop Kagan reminds us that we are all blessed with unique gifts and talents.  He challenges listeners to use these God-given gifts to fulfill their purpose: saving their souls and helping others reach heaven. Bishop Kagan also discusses the discipline of L...

In this episode, Fr. Jake Magnuson reflects on the importance of building community, as demonstrated by the early Christians, and encourages us to take the love we receive and share it with others. Being a SAINT Changes Lives, and when you give a gift to support our SAINTS, it changes your life too. Choose YOUR impact at lightofchristfoundation.org.

What does it mean to truly succeed at your life — and what is the only way to fail? In this inspiring keynote address delivered at the 2026 Saints Ball in Bismarck, North Dakota, Monsignor James Patrick Shea, President of the University of Mary, shares a deeply personal reflection on the transformative power of Catholic education and the singular calling of every human life: sainthood. Msgr. Shea...

In this episode of Saints Replay , we revisit a powerful presentation delivered by Msgr. James Shea at The Rock . Addressing the students of St. Mary’s High School, Msgr. Shea explores the identity of the Church Militant and the intense spiritual battle inherent in the Christian life. Episode Highlights The Enduring Church: Msgr. Shea addresses the common question of whether the Catholic Church wi...

Have you ever felt distant from God during your darkest, most confusing moments? In this Easter season homily, Fr. Paul Gardner breaks down the journey of the two disciples traveling to Emmaus. He challenges the "ridiculous lie" that negative emotions mean God has abandoned us, revealing instead that Jesus is often walking right beside us when we feel most disturbed. Fr. Paul offers a provocative...

In this episode Fr. Jake Magnuson delivers a moving homily centered on the Gospel of the Road to Emmaus . Recorded during the Octave of Easter at Light of Christ Catholic Schools, Fr. Magnuson explores the profound reality that every day within the octave is celebrated with the same liturgical joy as Easter Sunday. Drawing parallels between the downcast disciples leaving Jerusalem and our own mode...

In this powerful homily for Spy Wednesday , Fr. Paul Gardner reflects on the tragic figure of Judas Iscariot . As we enter the darkest days of Holy Week, Fr. Paul breaks down three critical warnings from the life of the apostle who betrayed Christ, offering us a roadmap to ensure our own faith remains steadfast. Key Takeaways: Love vs. Utility: Did Judas love Jesus, or did he simply find Him usefu...

In this episode of SAINTS Replay , Fr. Jake Magnuson delivers a moving homily on the Feast of the Annunciation . He explores the profound significance of Jesus taking on a physical body and how that reality transforms our relationship with Him and with one another. Key Themes: The Physicality of Christ: Fr. Magnuson reflects on the reality of Jesus having a real, human body—nursed as a child, eati...

In this episode of Saints Replay , Fr. Paul Gardner delivers an insightful homily at Light of Christ Catholic Schools regarding the Solemnity of the Annunciation . He explores the profound significance of Mary’s "Yes" to God and how that moment redefined human potential. Fr. Paul uses a unique analogy of a candle and fire to explain that while human beings are capable of incredible feats—from Olym...

In this presentation recorded during Lent 2026, Fr. Jake Magnuson explores the cultural shift from a "Christendom" age to an "Apostolic" age. Drawing from the book From Christendom to Apostolic Mission , he challenges parents to recognize that the social and institutional support for Christian values has largely vanished, requiring a new, intentional approach to passing on the faith. Key Presentat...

In this episode of Saints Replay , we revisit an insightful homily delivered by Fr. Paul Gardner at Light of Christ Catholic Schools. Fr. Paul explores the profound nature of friendship, the divine relationship between the Father and the Son, and the extraordinary potential for human beings to share in God’s power. Key Themes: Friendship in Heaven vs. Hell: Drawing from the observations of exorcis...

In this episode of Saints Replay , Fr. Paul Gardner addresses teachers at a professional development event, offering a profound reflection on their identity as "prophet teachers". Drawing from the Gospel of John, he explores the concept of mystery—not as a puzzle to be solved, but as a reality of "infinite depth" that reveals the heart of God. Fr. Paul challenges educators to move beyond the "rat...

This episode of SAINTS Replay features a homily from Fr. Jake Magnuson , focusing on the spiritual importance of memory and the challenges of "spiritual amnesia." Fr. Magnuson reflects on the history of Israel and their recurring struggle to remember God’s providence, even after witnessing miracles in the desert. He connects this ancient struggle to the modern student experience in Catholic school...

In this episode, Fr. Paul Gardner explores the true motivation behind the virtue of self-control . While we might train a pet to behave to avoid chaos and extra work, Fr. Paul argues that for humans, self-control is about something much deeper: freedom and delight. In This Episode, We Discuss: The "Dog World" vs. The Human World: Why human self-control isn't just about managing chaos or making lif...

In this homily,  Fr. Paul Gardner introduces Deacon Colton Steiner to the school community before diving into the virtue of the month: Self-Control . Using the powerful and heroic story of St. Maximilian Kolbe , Fr. Paul illustrates how small, daily acts of self-denial prepare us for life's most significant challenges. Key Highlights The Heroism of St. Maximilian Kolbe: Learn about the priest who...

In this episode, Fr. Jake Magnuson invites us to examine our motivations as we navigate the second week of Lent. Are we using our faith as a means to an end, seeking only personal benefits and recognition? Or are we truly embracing the call to sacrifice? Through the lens of today's Gospel, Fr. Jake explores the mother of James and John's request and Jesus' powerful response. He challenges us to mo...