Author: Brianna

Our world is filled with false idols. This past weekend in his homily, Bishop DeGrood encouraged us to reflect on our own lives to see if we recognize any idols we may be hanging onto: technology, self-identity, politics, work, relationships, the list goes on. Are they more dominant in our lives than God? Bishop then points us back to God and encourages us to stay grounded in God so we don't create our own idols.

When you think about your childhood, are you like Bishop DeGrood and have your parents' voices ringing in your ears telling you to do or not do something? Do you wish you had listened to your parents? Because of sin and our human brokenness, we do this with our heavenly Father, too. In his homily, Bishop encourages us to rise above our human brokenness and listen to what God has clearly revealed to us. This week, ponder these questions: 1. Who are we going to listen to? 2. Who are we going to allow to influence our lives? 3. How can you, as the hands and feet of Christ here on earth, help a mother, father or child in need and cultivate a culture of life?

This weekend in his homily, Bishop talked about the power and influence of spirits. Both good spirits, with a capital S (the Holy Spirit, God's Spirit), and evil spirits, with a little s (the devil, Satan and other evil spirits). Bishop also reflects on the sanctity of life and the family in light of the Supreme Court decision which overturned Roe v Wade, and encouraged us to respond to God's call in supporting mothers, fathers and children in need. This week, ponder these questions: 1. Who are we going to listen to? 2. Who are we going to allow to influence our lives? 3. How can you, as the hands and feet of Christ here on earth, help a mother, father or child in need and cultivate a culture of…

On this solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Bishop DeGrood unpacks the mystery of the Trinity. He also explains how we can relate to each person of the Trinity. Finally, Bishop encourages us to call upon the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in our own way and express what is on our heart right now.

Can you think of a time in your life when you've eagerly anticipated a life changing event? Graduation, getting married, having a baby, or starting a new job are all examples that might come to mind. This week in his homily, Bishop DeGrood encourages and explains to us why we should have the same excitement and level of preparedness for the feast of the Ascension and the second coming of Jesus.

What does it mean for God to dwell with us? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminded us that we are made for love and for God to dwell within us. With this reminder, we are challenged to be Catholics in whom the Word of God is alive within us in every aspect of our lives, and that we may seek the common good and not our own self interests.

On this Easter Sunday, Bishop DeGrood reminds us that from death comes new life, which is what we celebrate with Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. We are also reminded that God comes to us and wants to infuse us with his grace, but we must be open to receive it.

Have you ever steered clear of trouble because you feared what the punishment might be from your parents? Have you ever done this with God and going to confession? This week in his homily, Bishop DeGrood reminds us that Jesus didn't come to condemn us, but to make us righteous.

Does the way we dress impact not only our perception and disposition of the Mass but others as well? This week in his homily Bishop DeGrood explains how the way we present ourselves to Mass can tell those around us what our mindset is about the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Is there a lot in this life you don’t understand? Whether it’s the thoughts of the people around you or God’s plan, there’s a lot we don’t know or understand. This week in his homily, Bishop DeGrood talks about the differences between doubt and seeking understanding. Tune in to this week’s homily to find out why seeking understanding is good and also a gift of the Holy Spirit.