SJBExcelsior Podcast

We’re not living just for this world. Our focus needs to be on the Lord, putting Him first. We often get distracted from this fact, though. In his homily, Fr. Carlson speaks about the importance of putting the Lord first, and the many ways we get distracted from this reality.

In his homily this past weekend, Fr. Larry Blake speaks about answering God’s call. Responding to God’s call in our lives means letting go of the attachments we hold so dearly, and following Jesus.

One of the beautiful opportunities the Lord gives us is to enter into relationship with him both individually and with others. One way we can foster our relationship with the Lord and with others it through small groups. Small groups enable us to encounter Christ and also to help one another see how God is working in their life too.

To sign-up for a small group at St. John's, fill out the following interest form and a member of our small group team will be in touch with you: www.tinyurl.com/findsjbgroup

Celebrating the greatest pregnancy announcement ever!

Fr. Carlson's Homily for the 4th Sunday of Advent, December 24, 2023

We have something greater than the magi - we get to adore Jesus every day. He is truly present in the Eucharist, and we are blessed at St. John’s to have 24/7 eucharistic adoration. If you want to grow in your relationship with the Lord, go to adoration.

 

Fr. Carlson asks us to commit to 15 minutes a month, minimum, of eucharistic adoration. It might not be easy, but the journey the magi made wasn’t easy. It will be worth it.

Family life can be difficult. Father does a deep dive into the readings from this past Sunday to help us understand how to experience the graces of family life. The family is a school of love; it gives us the opportunity to learn how to love.

There has to be something more. Isn’t there something more? This question can arise in our hearts. Our world is facing a crisis. We are more and more unhappy, we’re not fulfilled. We’re longing for something more. Jesus is the answer to all of our desires.

 

Fr. Carlson's Homily from December 25, 2023

Have you ever wondered how to pray? Fr. Carlson dives into this question in his homily for the Third Sunday of Advent.

Newly ordained Deacon Bob Burns preaches on preparing the way of the Lord in our lives.

“It’s never going to happen. The northern lights never show up.” Do we feel that same way about Jesus coming again? This time of Advent is, yes, about preparing for the celebration of Christ’s birth, but also the season where we’re able to prepare our hearts, our spiritual life, our moral life, so that we are ready to meet Jesus when he comes.