Homilies

An archive of Bishop Donald DeGrood’s homilies, most from the televised Sunday TV Mass. (available to download)

Free yourself from the shackles of sin

Free yourself from the shackles of sin

Homilies
Have you ever wondered why it’s so dreadful to go to Confession? We should be thinking about the freedom, joy and peace we experience afterward! This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained how the fear of Confession is likely rooted in insecurity and shame. This insecurity and shame can keep us from receiving God’s grace and mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, even though we know we need it. As Easter approaches, Bishop reminded us that we still have time to reconcile with God and receive his forgiveness before we celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection. https://youtu.be/KqLw3APTlow
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Live today as if it’s your first, last and only day

Live today as if it’s your first, last and only day

Homilies
Do you live each day as if it's your first, last and only day? This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained the importance of seizing each day and living intentionally. With the recent passing of Bishop Peter Muhich, bishop of the Diocese of Rapid City, Bishop DeGrood reflected on Bishop Muhich's dedication to the Church and to the faithful, even while in hospice. Inspired by Bishop Muhich's faith and love to the end, Bishop DeGrood encouraged us all to seize each day and live each day as if it's our first, last and only day.https://youtu.be/oqg9rBffYcg
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Giving for the glory of God

Giving for the glory of God

Homilies
Do you struggle to give to others, or give back to God? Do you prefer to give the small coins? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reflected on his childhood when he would always choose to give the small coins to the family Rice Bowl. As time went on, God showed him the joy that comes with giving generously. As our diocese prepares for our annual Catholic Family Sharing Appeal (CFSA), Bishop asks everyone to consider how the ministries funded through CFSA can bless others and give to the glory of God.https://youtu.be/uLnVZTjce9s
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Rising above the drudgery of life

Rising above the drudgery of life

Homilies
Life is filled with trials and sufferings. Job experienced great suffering in his life. Jesus suffered too. Our lives, too, are filled with hardships. But what are we going to do with our suffering? This weekend in his homily, Bishop encouraged us to not fall into the lies and traps of the world, but to turn to God and offer him our sufferings and to rise above difficult circumstances.https://youtu.be/q80UX-5DlRg
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Loved from the moment of conception

Loved from the moment of conception

Homilies
While Roe v. Wade has been overturned, the fight to protect life is far from over. This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminded us of the inherent dignity of every human life from the moment of conception to natural death, worthy of protection at every stage. Now there is a new threat against the unborn in South Dakota. A petition circulating the state that is presenting itself as a pro-life, pro-family measure is anything but. If put on the ballot and passed, this amendment would codify abortion into our state constitution and our pro-life laws would be stripped and there would be no common sense laws that could be passed to protect mothers and their unborn babies. To do our part, Bishop is encouraging the faithful to pray, fast, offer…
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Jesus, the perfect example of obedience

Jesus, the perfect example of obedience

Homilies
Whether we like it or not, we need to learn the virtue of obedience. Luckily we have the perfect model of obedience, Jesus. As humans, we struggle with obedience because it calls us to be humble. This past weekend in his homily, Bishop explained why obedience is crucial to our lives, and why it is a grace. He also explained how without obedience we will struggle to be virtuous parents, teachers, leaders and employees. With the example of the holy family, we too can learn to be obedient to God.
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What blessings really are

What blessings really are

Homilies
We are all in need of God's love, mercy and grace. He wants to bless us. This weekend in his homily, Bishop explained what blessings are, why sin cannot be blessed, the key factors of blessings, what makes them valid, and why repentance and the desire for conformity to what God has revealed to us matter in receiving a blessing.
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Being Christ to others

Being Christ to others

Homilies
Has God placed it on your heart to visit the sick or imprisoned? Or to help those in need, or defend the defenseless? Have you responded to God's promptings? As baptized Christians, it is our call and responsibility to bring Christ to others. This weekend in his homily, Bishop explains the importance of heeding God's promptings, and assures us it is never too late to respond to God's call. Will you answer God's call and bring Christ to those who need him the most?
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Humble yourself

Humble yourself

Homilies
Being responsible for another should be a sobering reality. Parents know this reality very well, but this responsibility comes in many forms. Business owners know this reality in managing their employees, as do children who care for their parents. Bishops and priests feel this too as they guide the faithful on the journey to heaven. But can the prestige of authority get to our heads like the Pharisees? This weekend in his homily, Bishop reflected on the necessity of remaining humble in positions of power and authority, and how the most humble among us can remind us of what it is to be grateful and humble.
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What belongs to God

What belongs to God

Homilies
One of the many struggles we face today is living out our identity as God created us, as his beloved sons and daughters. It can also be a struggle to respect the identity of who others are as God created them. It can be easy to convince ourselves of false identities about ourselves, or others. This weekend in his homily, Bishop reminded us that when we stay rooted in our identity from God, we can know who we are and be able to see others for who he created them to be.
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