Homilies

Drawing on this weekend’s readings from Ezekiel and Romans, Bishop DeGrood explores how to correct the people we love by explaining the difference between selfish criticism and authentic fraternal correction. Are you correcting someone because they are on a path that will lead them to sin or harm? Or are you criticizing a habit you find annoying? Bishop also explains the importance of proper discernment before speaking up. He encourages us to pray for the right timing, tone, motivation and words. As an example, he points to the monastic tradition of the “chapter of faults” where communities practice honest and loving corrections of one another as a spiritual discipline, and how this practice made an impact on St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Bishop’s final message in this homily is to love one another as we love ourselves, which means to love as God loves and to accept one another’s imperfections and to offer corrections in charity, not anger.

“Who do you say that I am?” When Jesus asks his disciples this question, it marks a pivotal moment in the Gospel. St. Peter’s response

God desires all people and nations, and every heart to know him. Scripture reveals this desire over and over again. Isaiah prophesied that the house

How does a humble farm boy with very little education become the patron saint of priests? In this homily, Bishop DeGrood recounts the life of

Do you struggle to love and obey the commands of the Lord? In this homily, Bishop DeGrood explains how the graces we receive in Baptism

Do you feel your heart changing? In this homily, Bishop DeGrood explains what happens when God purifies and changes your heart, and how you can cooperate with God as he works within your heart. This homily also includes a special moment for four permanent diaconate candidates as they take the next step in their vocation journey through the Rite of Candidacy.

Is your soul open to the Lord? Or is your heart closed and hardened towards the Lord? In this homily, Bishop DeGrood explains the graces

Do you know the symbolism of the Sacred Heart of Jesus? In this homily, Bishop DeGrood explains what each part of the image means, and

Do you struggle to say “no” to sin and temptation? In this homily, Bishop DeGrood encourages us to stand up against evil and temptation like

How do we make ourselves worthy and let God live within us? In this homily, Bishop DeGrood reminds us that we must continually pray and