You Were Born for This with Fr. John Riccardo

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary kick off a three-part series that we hope and pray will inspire us all to think and pray about how we do what we do, and to realize this is as important as what we do. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [ mission@actsxxix.org ](mailto: mission@actsxxix.org ) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: h...

Fr. John and Mary talk about the amazing gift that is the communion of saints – both here on earth and in heaven, and offer some summer suggestions to help us get to know our family better. ========================== Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [ mission@actsxxix.org ](mailto: mission@actsxxix.org ) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for...

In preparation for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Fr. John and Mary consider three concrete and practical reasons why Jesus gives Himself to us in the Eucharist. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [ mission@actsxxix.org ](mailto: mission@actsxxix.org ) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.acts...

In this final episode of their Easter series, Fr. John and Mary look back at yesterday’s celebration of Pentecost and consider how the Holy Spirit is eager to use us to renew the face of the earth. Desert Fathers in a Year (DYIF) on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt3_oF_kBkM&list=PLwQJPNow77DpxWouk4-QGw4ngIPv7O4LS&index=24 Book Recommendations: Holy Spirit, Fire of Divine Love b...

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary continue their Easter series on the mission of the Church, concentrating in a particular way on how the lay faithful can be instruments in God’s hands wherever He has planted them to make the world more human. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [ mission@actsxxix.org ](mailto: mission@actsxxix.org )...

On this Memorial Day, Fr. John and Mary continue their Easter series on the mission of the Church concentrating this week on the single, most essential thing that has to happen. Dear friends, please bear with us as we work to resolve some technical issues with our audio. Thank you for your patience! Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at...

As they continue their Easter series on the mission of the Church, Fr. John and Mary discuss the unique and privileged role of the laity in renewing and transforming the world by focusing on Jesus’ images of salt, light and leaven. Decree on the Laity: https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decree_19651118_apostolicam-actuositatem_en.html Fire of Mercy, He...

As Fr. John and Mary continue their Easter series on the Mission of the Church, they propose some new mindsets that priests might want to consider putting on. Next week they will focus on a new mindset the lay faithful might want to consider. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [ mission@actsxxix.org ](mailto: mission@actsxxix.org ) A...

In Part 3 of this Easter series on the Mission of the Church, Fr. John and Mary look at Acts 4:32-6-36 as a means to help us better understand God’s plan for the human race and what He’s asking us to do as the Church here and now. Lorraine Cross Media: https://www.lorrainecross.media/ Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [ mission@acts...

As the Church prays for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis, as well for the man known only to God right now as the next successor of Peter, Fr. John and Mary consider these events in the context of this Easter series on the mission of the Church. Link to Prime Matters Weekly Newsletter: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/shva=1#inbox/FMfcgzQbdrLnZttKzQGMJFWxfDHBLvjq ========================== Co...

Fr. John and Mary begin a new series for the Easter season focused on the urgent task of reclaiming and going about the mission of the Church. Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [ mission@actsxxix.org ](mailto: mission@actsxxix.org ) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACT...

In this final episode of their Lenten series on Psalm 51, Fr. John and Mary reflect on how David’s acknowledgement of the need for a broken and contrite heart can prepare us to better understand and marvel at what Jesus is doing for us on the cross. Psalm 51:16-19 Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [ mission@actsxxix.org ](mailto: mi...

In their ongoing Lenten series on Psalm 51, Fr. John and Mary concentrate on how David is not only desperate to receive God’s mercy but to announce that He is merciful to others who are likewise in need of it. Psalm 51:13-15 Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [ mission@actsxxix.org ](mailto: mission@actsxxix.org ) ACTS XXIX - Mobiliz...

Continuing their Lenten series on Psalm 51, Fr. John and Mary linger with verses 11 and 12, highlighting David’s humility and self awareness that everything he has and is is a gift from God that could be taken away…and yet isn’t because of God’s great mercy. Psalm 51:11-12 Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [ mission@actsxxix.org ](m...

“Our God is a consuming fire,” Hebrews tells us, and so it is not safe to draw near Him. And yet God is Goodness itself and invites us into His presence. In this episode, as Fr. John and Mary continue to reflect on Psalm 51 they focus their attention on David’s cry, “Create in me, O God, a clean heart!” Psalm 51:6-10 Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply rea...

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary continue their reflection on Psalm 51, reflecting this week especially on David’s tearful, no-excuse act of repentance and how he serves as a model for us. Psalm 51:3-5 Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [ mission@actsxxix.org ](mailto: mission@actsxxix.org ) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web:...

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary continue their reflection for Lent on Psalm 51 and go deep with the unexpected and shocking love of God. Scripture passage: Psalm 51 Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [ mission@actsxxix.org ](mailto: mission@actsxxix.org ) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram:...

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary discuss how and why for Lent they’re going to be doing a series on Psalm 51. Today’s episode breaks open the background of this most hopeful Psalm of David. Psalm 51 Register for Rescue LIVEs at https://rescueme.live Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [ mission@actsxxix.org ](mailto: mission@actsxxi...

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary continue the conversation from last week’s episode on speech and consider how we as disciples of Jesus can be agents of recreation in our culture by how we speak, text and post. First Reading: Sirach 27:4-7 To register for Rescue LIVE Acadiana and/or Rescue Michigan, visit rescueme.live Book Recommendation: The Hidden Power of Silence in the Mass, by Fr. Boniface...

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary reflect on how convicted they are by David’s extreme reticence to harm King Saul, a man who is actively trying to kill David, and offer an examination of conscience to consider focused on how we think and speak of others. Scripture | 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23 Rescue LIVE Acadiana | Register here Greece Pilgrimage May 27-June 6, 2026 | Register here Francis...

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary discuss the parable that Jeremiah puts before us this Sunday and how we can move from being a barren shrub in the desert to a lush tree planted beside a river with deep roots. Scripture for today’s podcast | Jeremiah 17:5-8 Register for Rescue LIVE Acadiana, LA, March 22, 2025 at rescueproject.us/live Pilgrimage to Greece and Turkey, May 27-June 6, 2026. Register...

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary discuss the call of Isaiah and an unexpected reality all of the saints experience as they encounter the majestic and glorious God. Rescue LIVE Acadiana, Louisiana Registration link: https://www.abidecatholicministries.com/rescue-acadiana Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8 Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email...

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary reflect on the passage from Nehemiah in light of a transformative experience the ACTS XXIX family had last week on retreat with some Maronite bishops and priests and encourage us to visit an Eastern Rite liturgy sometime this week. Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10 Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [ miss...

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary reflect on the staggering truth that God’s love for us is more intimate than we can imagine. Isaiah 62:1-5 Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [ mission@actsxxix.org ](mailto: mission@actsxxix.org ) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTS...

As we begin this new year, Fr. John and Mary dig into the word “Comfort” spoken by the prophet Isaiah and share some helpful places they turn to for comfort. Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [ mission@actsxxix.org ](mailto: mission@actsxxix.org ) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org I...