The Biggest Problem Facing America Today

The biggest problem facing America is not abortion or climate change or foreigners or terrorism. It’s so simple, a child knows this answer, but so deep that it’s at the root of most of our dysfunctions today. I’ll tell you what it is and how to fight it.

Your Life is a Gift. Give it Back to God!

The Catholic Church does not exist for herself. She exists for Jesus Christ. Your life, too, is not about you. Whose image and likeness do we find stamped in you? Then give yourself back to God!

God's One Big Dream

All throughout scripture, God has just one plan, one dream. You are his dream! Today you are offered a seat at the wedding banquet. Do you go away to your farm or your business, or do you accept the call to be God’s holy people?

Stewards of Human Life and Dignity

Christians need to be standing up and speaking out for all life, especially those who cannot speak for themselves. I will share with you one simple thing we can all do to stand up for the dignity of human life.

Knock Knock Knocking on Heaven's Door

No one wants to be shut out of Heaven. So why do we shut Jesus out of our hearts every day? Jesus can not let you into his Kingdom if you haven’t let him into your heart.

If Covid Doesn't Kill You, Something Else Will

There are only a few ways that all people are really and truly equal. Perhaps the most important is that when we die, we will all be equally dead. Here's one simple tip to help you make the most of your life while you still can.

Remember to Keep Holy the Sabbath Day

The third commandment tell us to keep Sunday holy. That means to spend the day worshipping God and renewing our spirits. It doesn’t end with Sunday Mass, but worshiping God in church is a good place to start. Let me tell you why.

Want to Love All People? Then Start Here

Loving all people sounds easy until I realize that Donald Trump is my brother and Kamala Harris is my sister. Even our biological siblings can be hard to love. Fortunately, Jesus has a gift for you that will help you love them as He loves them.

When Life Feels Like a Cross

New parishes, new life, same old crosses. We dream of being the perfect Christian and wonder why we keep failing and falling. But God didn’t call you to be the perfect Christian. He called you to join Jesus on the way of the cross.

Peter Has the Key to Being a Good Steward

We all have gifts. Are you using your gifts to build yourself a nice tomb? You will be able to build up others when your life is built firmly on the rock that is Jesus Christ.

When God Doesn't Answer Your Prayer

We have a tendency to pull away when God doesn’t seem to answer our prayers. Instead, draw closer to him with humility and humor. God is listening, and he does care. He just wants to give you even more than you’re asking for.

Where Is She Going?

This feast day answers the two great questions of our lives: Where are we going? How do we get there? Mary shows us the four virtues we have to live in order to draw closer to Heaven. Mary is happy to help you walk to eternity.

What the Still Small Voice Said

I start a new assignment while covid rages. In the midst of the storms of our lives, the still small voice says to us: “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.”

Riding the Merry-go-Round Without Getting Dizzy

Ordinary 17 - So much to do and so little time. How do we keep from getting dizzy? King Solomon asks God for a change of heart. I needed the same change of heart in order to survive a crazy assignment that was much too big for me. Now it’s your turn.

Do This Before You Kick the Bucket

Ordinary 16 - After years of dreaming, I finally paddled my kayak from Oconto to Door County. You have been equipped for the journey to Eternal Life. But are you moving in the right direction?

Roundup for the Soul

Ordinary 15 - Let the seeds of print, mass-media, and bad example grow in your heart and you will turn out like Alessandro Serenelli. If the good seed of God’s word grows in your heart, you will become like Maria Goretti. What is growing in you heart?

O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything!

Ordinary 14 - America became and independent nation because the colonies were interdependent on one another. In a similar way, we can only find true independence when we depend on God and support one another.

The Lost Art of Hospitality

Ordinary 13 - Hospitality turns strangers into friends. I was blessed by your welcome and I hope you were blessed by my presence. As the Diocese moves priests, welcome the new priest as Christ. Today in the Eucharist, Christ welcomes you.

Pilgrims Experience the Father's Care

Ordinary 12 — God is not a deadbeat Dad! On our walking pilgrimage we experienced his care in water, weather, and custard. God loves you, hears you, and cares for you. Pray for men to reflect the fatherhood of God.

Finally We Can Be Together in Flesh and Blood

Corpus Christi - For 12 weeks we could only be together virtually. Now we can be together in flesh and blood. God desires to be with you in the flesh, so he created the Eucharist. Don’t just take Communion; enter into Communion with the God who loves you.

How to Sew America Back Together

Trinity - How should we respond to the protests, racism, and injustice that are tearing America apart? The Packers show us the way to listen and stand together. The Trinity is willing to welcome us, should we not welcome others?

Cherish the Gift of the Holy Spirit

Pentecost - The Holy Spirit calls us back to our true identity as children of God the Father, members of the Body of Christ, and temples of the Holy Spirit. Don’t just receive Communion; cherish Him and hold tight to the Holy Spirit and the Sacred Heart.

Let Me Share With You My Finest Achievement

Easter, Ascension - My greatest achievements weren’t my achievements, they were OUR achievements. Jesus is the Head of the Body. That means He is closer to you than when He walked on earth. Ask for a deeper connection with Jesus your head.

Tears of Gratitude

Easter 6 - Today I have to tell my parishioners that my journey with them will end in August, when I will begin a new journey with the three parishes in Antigo as their pastor. I am grateful for the blessings of this assignment. I bow to the Jesus in you.

You Have a Place Prepared for You

Easter 5 - You are chosen and precious and have a place prepared for you in Heaven. Holy Mother Church will birth you into eternal life and Jesus will be there to catch you. Jesus has a place prepared for you; do you have a place prepared for Jesus?

Why Should God Bless America?

National Day of Prayer - What do we have to repent of? We are guilty of valuing things more than people. Do we use the first day of the week to honor God or do we spend it on ourselves? God will bless America when America blesses God.

What Did Jesus Mean When He Said I Am The Gate?

Easter 4 - The shepherd would lay in the gap, himself the gate to protect the sheep from the wolves. He does not promise the sheep that their lives will be free of thieves and robbers, only that if they stay close to the Shepherd, they will be safe.

God Promised to Handle All My Problems then This Happened

Easter 3 - I dropped my “God will handle your problems” mug and the handle broke right off. Did God let me down? No! Our struggles and sufferings are a participation in the Paschal Mystery. You walked with Jesus and now he walks with you. God’s got this!

Where Do You Find Signs of New Life?

Easter 2 - We find peace, not when things change ‘out there’, but when our hearts change. We need to realize the depth of God’s love for us. The trials we are suffering are preparing us for new life. Let Jesus put his finger in your wounds.

This Blood Donor Stopped a Pandemic

Easter - Jesus offered his blood so that we could be freed from the pandemic of sin. Today he invites you to live a new life in Him. We need to die to our old selves and rise again every year, every week, and indeed, every day. Happy Easter!

I Thirst for You

Good Friday - We have been unfaithful to God, but God has remained faithful to us. Hanging on the cross, rejected by his people, abandoned by his friends, Jesus thirsts for you — for your faith and love. Come and receive living water from his open side.

O Sacraments That Are Not Most Holy

Holy Thursday - Many Catholics see the Eucharist as basically the only presence of God in the world. This is not true. All of creation is a sacrament. Human beings especially reveal and embody God’s love. Ask Jesus to open your eyes to God’s love!

How to Stand Firm When the World is Shaken

Palm Sunday - The earth shakes, the guards shake, the disciples’ faith is shaken. But Jesus stands firmly rooted in prayer. Make time to pray every day. When your world is shaken, have confidence that nothing can shake God’s love for you.

Spring Training: Bring Out Your Dead Dreams

Lent 5 - Jesus weeps for you. He cares about what you are suffering, but he also has a better plan than the hopes and dreams that have died. Trust your friend Jesus. Start preparing now for that moment when Jesus will call you by name: Friend, Come Out!

Spring Training: How to See the World Through God's Eyes

Lent 4 - Jesus opens the eyes of the blind man. His family and the leaders refuse to see what he sees. Do you want to see as God sees? Then learn the four steps relational prayer: Acknowledge, Relate, Receive, Respond.

Spring Training: Social Distancing

Lent 3 - The woman at the well is practicing “social distancing.” She has distanced herself from others but Jesus is still close to her. Her habits and relationships haven’t satisfied her, but Jesus does. He is waiting to satisfy you.

Spring Training: Your Coach is a Star

Spring Training: Listen to Your Coach

Lent 1 - How do we know it’s really God speaking to us? St Ignatius helps us understand that when we are moving towards God, the good spirit encourages us and the bad spirit tries to discourage us. If it’s Jesus calling, say Yes. Ignore the other voices.

Lent: Spring Training for your Soul

Ash Wednesday - You are called to be a saint, not a spiritual slacker. To live as Jesus lived you’ll need to be a giver, a person of prayer, and sacrifice joyfully. It’s not going to be easy so expect to be uncomfortable. Welcome to spring training!

Lent is Like Learning to Kayak Upside-Down

Ordinary 7 - Jack saw God in others, and others saw God in him. Jesus calls us to a complete love, including even our enemies. Learn to face your fears. Learn to be OK with being uncomfortable. And you will find the strength to love even your enemies.

Do You Hear the People Sing at Your Final Curtain Call?

Ordinary 6 - Accept your Father’s lordship by following His commandments. Make Sunday Mass a priority in your life. Accept your Father’s help by nurturing the Holy Spirit with daily prayer. We must all face the music. Do you hear the people sing?

A Life Lived for Others

Ordinary 5 - Our political system rewards those who build themselves up and pull others down. But St. Paul and Dr. Nakamura show us a different way. God has blessed us so that we can be a blessing to others. Give and serve generously this week.

Even More to be Grateful For

Presentation of the Lord (February 2) - I have been filling my Gratitude Jar every week. It makes me see more things to be grateful for. God’s light is always shining even with things on dark. Focus on God’s light and you will be filled with light.

Light Up Your World with the Love of Jesus

Ordinary 3 - Jesus is the Light of the World. He enters the Temple on the feast of the presentation and two old people greet him. Brenda welcomed the Light and it began to shine within her. Welcome Jesus and you too will be a light in the darkness.

A Life Without Jesus is Pointless

Ordinary 2 -You will not begin to truly live until you have found something, or someone, worth dying for. The earlier missionaries and martyrs of La Florida were willing to die for Christ. Jesus is the point. A life that doesn’t point to Him is pointless.

Soaking in the Love of God

Baptism of the Lord (A) Part 1 - Jesus gives himself to us in Holy Communion. One way of doing this is called intinction. Part 2 - Jesus is baptized for us. We need to soak in God’s love so that it will squish out everywhere we go.

Return Home by Another Way

Epiphany (TEC Retreat Homily) The wise men teach us that a relationship with Jesus is the most important thing. How can we life a different life after retreat? By focusing on God whether things are good or bad. Mary will help. *SORRY POOR RECORDING*

A Jar Full of Christmas Joy

January 1 - Mary had the most deep personal relationship with God that we can imagine. She wants to help make our hearts, and homes, like hers. This year write down a weekly blessing and store it in a quart jar. Ponder God’s gifts in your heart.

Want More Peace in Your Family? Do This One Thing

Holy Family - All that family togetherness over Christmas probably taught you that you’re not the Holy Family. What was their secret? Jesus was obedient to his earthly parents, and Mary was obedient to Joseph, because Joseph was obedient to God.

This Year Elves Put Up My Christmas Tree

Christmas - We hide from the darkness of our past and our fears. Jesus comes to be your friend, a friend who is the Light. He loves you and wants a relationship with you. What do you have to do? Just leave the door unlocked!

All He Wants for Christmas is You

Advent 4 - God offers the gift of a relationship with Himself. Joseph welcomes the Christ Child even though it totally changes his plans. Are you willing to let friendship with God be the most important thing in your life?

What is the Reason for the Season? The Answer Will Surprise You

Advent 3 - Jesus comes to rescue us from lies of the Enemy. God has not abandoned you. Your sinfulness is the reason for the season. We can trust God. If your Advent season has proven your need for a savior, then Rejoice, because the Lord is near.

Are You a Victim of Identity Theft?

Advent 2 - The Devil is a creature made by God. He became evil when he rebelled against God. His lies cause the human race to mistrust God and disobey Him. We have become enslaved by forces of Sin and Death. And we can do nothing to free ourselves.

Searching in the Darkness for Your True Identity

Advent 1 — We searched for an hour to find a dead deer in the dark woods. Eventually the blood trail led us to the deer. Not only do we live in God’s creation, but we are God’s creation! Follow the Blood of Jesus to find your true identity.