Author: Deacon Michael


  • Speaking

    I’m preparing a new presentation, “A Man’s Guide to Happiness”, for the 2025 Father McGivney Catholic High School Men’s Prayer Breakfast on March 22.

    Men – sign up and join us.


    Here are some topics I’ve presented multiple times. I could customize any of these topics to most audiences or settings:

    Catholic 101 & Q&A
    A presentation of a “Top 10” of Catholic beliefs, followed by ample time for open Q&A. I have designed this for those inquiring about the faith, or those wanting to try to return to the faith.

    About the Diaconate
    An introduction to the theology and practice of the Diaconate in the Catholic Church.

    Ecclesiology for Catechists
    A survey of Ecclesiology to help Catechists understand the current state and understanding of the Church and use it in the way they’re forming students, parents, and families.

    Secrets of the Liturgy
    Learn some of the more interesting “secret” or less-known aspects of the Missal and the Mass.

    What Makes Catholic Worship Different?
    Learn some key differences between the Catholic understanding and practice of liturgy and that of some of our Christian brothers & sisters.

    The Mass

    The Church Year

    The Gospels


  • "Peace be with you."

    Proclamation of the Holy Gospel & Homily, May 28, 2023

    May 28, 2023, Pentecost Sunday
    St. Elizabeth Catholic Church
    Granite City, Illinois
    Diocese of Springfield in Illinois


  • "Epidemic of Loneliness"

    Proclamation of the Holy Gospel & Homily, May 14, 2023

    Thinking of the man who approached me after Mass this morning in tears, expressing sadness about our “completely empty society.”

    May 14, 2023, Sixth Sunday of Easter
    St. Elizabeth Catholic Church Granite City, Illinois
    Diocese of Springfield in Illinois


  • Good Shepherd: "Who needs held?"

    Proclamation of the Holy Gospel & Homily, April 30, 2023

    April 30, 2023, 4th Sunday of Easter
    St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Granite City, Illinois
    Diocese of Springfield in Illinois


  • Palm Sunday

    “Time & the Passion”
    Proclamation of the Holy Gospel & Homily
    April 2, 2023; Palm (Passion) Sunday
    St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Granite City, Illinois
    Diocese of Springfield in Illinois


  • The Transfiguration

    “The glory of our Christ, the King.”
    Proclamation of the Holy Gospel & Homily
    March 5, 2023; Second Sunday of Lent
    St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Granite City, Illinois
    Diocese of Springfield in Illinois


  • The Law of Love

    “How good it is to have the Law of Love!”
    Proclamation of the Holy Gospel & Homily
    February 12, 2023; 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
    St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Granite City, IL


  • Proclamation of the Holy Gospel & Homily, January 22, 2023

    Proclamation of the Holy Gospel & Homily, January 22, 2023
    3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
    St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Granite City, Illinois
    Diocese of Springfield in Illinois


  • Proclamation of the Holy Gospel & Homily, January 1, 2023

    Proclamation of the Holy Gospel & Homily, January 1, 2023
    Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God
    St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Granite City, Illinois
    Diocese of Springfield in Illinois


  • Proclamation of the Holy Gospel & Homily, December 18, 2022

    Proclamation of the Holy Gospel & Homily, December 18, 2022
    4th Sunday of Advent, Year A
    St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Granite City, Illinois
    Diocese of Springfield in Illinois