Shows
SJBExcelsior PodcastThe Six Effects of BaptismFr. Josh Brown dives into the significance of Baptism on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord this past Sunday.
2026-01-1213 minSJBExcelsior PodcastArmor of ChristDuring the Advent season, we hear a recurring theme of light. Light helps us to see clearly, through darkness.
Advent is a time to rekindle the flame inside us - the living flame of our relationship with Christ. When we do this, we put on the armor of Christ and it transforms us.
2025-12-0110 minSJBExcelsior PodcastPraying for the Souls in PurgatorySouls in purgatory cannot pray for themselves. That duty falls to us. Deacon Michael gives us four simple things we can do to assist the souls in purgatory:
During the 7 days following All Souls' Day there is a plenary indulgence applicable to the souls in purgatory when you visit a cemetery and fulfill the necessary requirements for a plenary indulgence: https://seton-parish.org/plenary-indulgences-for-all-souls-week-and-the-month-of-november#:~:text=Visiting%20a%20Cemetery%3A%20Visiting%20a,only%20mentally%2C%20for%20the%20departed.
Pray the Rosary for them.
Have Masses said for those who have passed away.
Pray St. Gertrude's prayer: https://prayforsouls.org...
2025-11-0311 min2025-10-2719 minSJBExcelsior PodcastDon't Give UpDon’t grow weary in prayer, especially in challenging times. Go to the Lord, he’s going to help.
Psalm 121 - I will raise my eyes to the mountains, from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
We’re not battling by ourselves. The Lord is with us.
2025-10-2010 min2025-10-1314 min2025-10-0612 minSJBExcelsior PodcastDon't WaitThere is an obvious call from Jesus in this past Sunday's parable of Lazarus and the rich man, but there is a deeper spiritual understanding as well.
Jesus addresses this parable to the Pharisees, and is calling them, and us, to conversion. He is the Lazarus in the story, the one the rich man does not want to see. He has come to save them, but they have closed their eyes to him and want none of it.
The invitation for us to to consider today as the time of conversion. Don't wait until tomorrow...
2025-09-2914 minSJBExcelsior PodcastPreparing for Our True HomeFr. Carlson dives into the often misunderstood Parable of the Dishonest Steward. Does Jesus commend the dishonesty of the steward? No, rather, he is pointing out something deeper.
2025-09-2213 minSJBExcelsior PodcastThe Exaltation of the Holy CrossFr. Carlson speaks about the reason we exalt the Cross of Christ.
2025-09-1812 min2025-09-0809 minSJBExcelsior PodcastWhen Our Hearts Are HeavyFr. Carlson shares how to go to the Lord when our hearts are heavy, and speaks to the tragic events of last Wednesday.
2025-09-0313 minSJBExcelsior PodcastStrength to GrowWe have to spend time with God in order to grow. Are we stuck in the same place as when we were 10 years old, 20 years old? How do we grow spiritually?
2025-08-2509 minSJBExcelsior PodcastSometimes It Gets HardSometimes it gets hard, but never give up hope.
Deacon Michael Nevin, 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 17, 2025
2025-08-1912 minSJBExcelsior PodcastTreasure in HeavenFr. Carlson's homily for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time - 8.10.2025
2025-08-1209 minSJBExcelsior PodcastGuarding Against GreedJealousy is saying - “God, I like the gift that you gave to this other person better than the gifts that you gave to me.”
Fr. Michael Van Sloun unpacks how easily we can fall into the various forms of greed, and how to remedy it.
2025-08-0410 minSJBExcelsior PodcastTeach Us to PrayThe disciples come to Jesus asking Him to teach them how to pray. We, as disciples, also ask this question. We all know the importance of prayer but how do we actually pray?
Here at St. John's we will be holding a 6-week School of Prayer to explore this very question. Find more details here: https://stjohns-excelsior.org/school-of-prayer/
2025-07-2811 minSJBExcelsior PodcastDistractionHow do we enter into prayer? How do we enter into Mass? Fr. Carlson gives practical tips to be less distracted and more present.
2025-07-2112 minSJBExcelsior PodcastCalled to Imitate ChristDeacon Michael unpacks the parable of the Good Samaritan, explaining who each of the people in the story represent.
He also invites us to reflect on the times we’ve chosen the other side of the street, rather than helping someone in need. We are called to serve no matter the cost, knowing that God will give us the grace.
2025-07-1416 minSJBExcelsior PodcastPraiseDo we cry to God with joy, as the psalmist says in Psalm 66? This week, Fr. Carlson invites us to praise God for His goodness, in small moments and in big.
2025-07-0711 min2025-06-3009 minSJBExcelsior PodcastCorpus ChristiFr. Carlson connects the Old and New Testament to reflect on the great Solemnity of Corpus Christi (the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ).
2025-06-2311 minSJBExcelsior PodcastGiven to UsWhat does Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory have to do with the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity? Watch Fr. Carlson's homily to find out.
2025-06-1609 minSJBExcelsior PodcastCome, Holy Spirit, ComeIn his homily for Pentecost Sunday, Fr. Carlson reflects on one of his favorite prayers - “Come, Holy Spirit, Come”.
2025-06-0909 minSJBExcelsior PodcastA Great Feast of HopeDeacon Michael describes how the feast of the Ascension is a great feast of hope.
“...he ascended, not to distance himself from our lowly state but that we, his members, might be confident of following where he, our Head and Founder, has gone before.” – Preface I for the Ascension of the Lord
2025-06-0312 min2025-05-2911 minSJBExcelsior PodcastLove One AnotherIt’s a simple line to say "love one another" - it’s harder to practice it.
2025-05-1905 minSJBExcelsior PodcastMy Sheep Hear My VoiceOur lives are so full of noise. A key part of our journey is the need to cultivate silence. Fr. Carlson gives practical tips on how to hear the voice of God.
2025-05-1514 minSJBExcelsior PodcastDivine MercyFr. Carlson shares a homily on Divine Mercy Sunday from the late Pope Francis.
2025-04-2812 min2025-04-2211 minSJBExcelsior PodcastHow Great His LoveWe can ignore Jesus, mock him, scourge him, yet he still gives himself to us. This is how great His love is for us.
2025-04-1406 minSJBExcelsior PodcastTo Seek the Lost"Jesus came not to destroy those he found, but to seek those who were lost." —St. Augustine
2025-04-0713 minSJBExcelsior PodcastThe Merciful FatherWhen you go to Confession, do you feel like you’re going to the principal’s office because you’re in trouble? Or you feel like you’re going to a feast? In Confession we go to the arms of the Merciful Father, who celebrates with great joy that we are there, and who throws a feast in our honor.
2025-04-0114 minSJBExcelsior PodcastThe Key to PrayerThe key to prayer is to actually do it. Fr. Carlson shares two practical tips on prayer.
2025-03-2416 minSJBExcelsior PodcastCitizenship in HeavenOur true citizenship is in heaven. Are we willing to choose the Lord over the world?
2025-03-1710 minSJBExcelsior PodcastThe Master GardenerFr. Carlson uses the image of a garden to reflect on Jesus' work in our hearts.
2025-03-0310 minSJBExcelsior PodcastLoving Our EnemiesWe shouldn't ignore God's commands, even if they're difficult. Deacon Michael shares from his own experience how to let God in to these areas that are difficult for us.
2025-02-2413 minSJBExcelsior PodcastA Solid FoundationWhat truly satisfies us? We can try all we want to make the world our happiness, but it will never fulfill us. Only God can.
2025-02-1810 minSJBExcelsior PodcastPut Out Into the DeepEnter into deep relationship with Jesus.
Homily - 2.9.2025 - Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
2025-02-1012 minSJBExcelsior PodcastThe Light of ChristJesus is the light in the midst of darkness. He is always with us. In a Catholic Church, you will always see a red sanctuary candle lit by the tabernacle (except on Good Friday and Holy Saturday), which indicates that Jesus is present in the tabernacle.
2025-02-0311 min2025-01-2809 minSJBExcelsior PodcastDo Whatever He Tells YouWhen God asks us to do something, he gives us the grace to do it.
Fr. Timothy Combs O.P.
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
January 19, 2025
2025-01-2009 minSJBExcelsior PodcastThe Reality of BaptismFr. Andy McAlpin O.P. invites us to look again at the Sacrament of Baptism.
2025-01-1314 minSJBExcelsior PodcastEncountering GodHave you ever encountered God? Or maybe encountered him in a new way? The magi departed by another way when they left Bethlehem - they were changed by their encounter with the Lord.
2025-01-0613 minSJBExcelsior PodcastGreat AnxietyWhat do we do when we have loved ones who have fallen away from the faith? Fr. Carlson reflects on this reality in his homily from the Feast of the Holy Family.
2024-12-3009 minSJBExcelsior PodcastThe Nativity of Our LordThe Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord
December 25, 2024
2024-12-2712 minSJBExcelsior PodcastFilled With AnxietyFr. Carlson uses the image of a garbage truck to illustrate what we are supposed to do with our anxieties.
2024-12-1613 minSJBExcelsior PodcastA Landing Zone for GodWhat does it look like for us to really prepare a place for the Lord? The Lord wants to dwell inside of us, in our hearts. Advent is the perfect time to take an inventory of our life, of our soul - where am I blocking the Lord? Where have I put up a wall, not letting the Lord completely in?
A great way to make room in your heart for God, and remove any blocks, is to go to the Sacrament of Confession.
2024-12-0913 minSJBExcelsior PodcastPreparationThis Sunday's Gospel reminds us what we are living for. Advent is all about preparation. If we were told we had to swim a mile a month from now, we would take time to prepare for it. Just so, we need to prepare for our ultimate goal - being with God.
2024-12-0209 minSJBExcelsior PodcastMy Lord, My Savior, My KingNovember 24, 2024
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
2024-11-2510 min2024-11-1814 minSJBExcelsior PodcastHold Nothing BackJesus is the personification of love. In light of this, Fr. Van Sloun unpacks the two very important instructions Jesus gives to his disciples in the Gospel this past Sunday.
2024-11-1110 minSJBExcelsior PodcastThe QuestHow are we supposed to love God with all of our mind? What does that mean? Spending time in prayer. The key to prayer is that we actually have to do it. When we do, we’re able to enter into this quest, this journey with the Lord.
2024-11-0411 minSJBExcelsior PodcastLet Him Love You
Sometimes we can question - does Jesus really know me? Am I worth it? When Jesus was on the cross, he answered these questions definitively. He knew all of your past sins, all of your present sins, and all of your future sins, and he still died for you. Why? Because he loves us. Because he loves you. And he came to serve.
Jesus longs to be our servant. Will we let him serve us? Will we acknowledge that we can’t do this on our own? Let go of the lie that you have to earn his love.
2024-10-2109 min2024-10-1414 min2024-10-0715 minSJBExcelsior PodcastVenezuelan MissionThis past weekend Fr. Greg Schaffer visited St. John's and spoke about the needs of the Archdiocesan mission parish in Venezuela called Jesucristo Resucitado.
To donate to the mission, you can go to Faith Direct on our website linked here: https://membership.faithdirect.net/givenow/MN855
2024-09-3011 minSJBExcelsior PodcastHumility, Humility, HumilitySt. Augustine was asked, “how does one become a saint?” He answered, "The first part, humility, the second part, humility, the third part, humility."
In his homily this weekend, Fr. Carlson shared the story of St. Jeanne Jugan, a woman who lived a life of great humility.
2024-09-2316 minSJBExcelsior PodcastGet Behind Me, SatanThere are moments in our lives that are turning point - “I’m going to go deeper in my faith”, “I'm going to get married", etc.. All of a sudden fear and anxiety can set in. It’s important to remind ourselves when this happens - who doesn’t want us to turn towards God? The evil one. He’s going to try to put up as many obstacles as possible.
In these moments we can say, “get behind me, Satan”. Then, “Lord, help me.” It’s so important to bring these things to the Lord, he is there to help...
2024-09-1611 minSJBExcelsior PodcastIn the SilenceHow important it is to spend time in prayer. We have to protect our time with the Lord. The world is full of noise, so it can be hard to hear God. Two practical ways to hear God in prayer:
Leave the phone behind
Silence
2024-09-0909 minSJBExcelsior PodcastTraditions & CommandmentsThe commandments lead us into union with God. Fr. Carlson talks about the differences between traditions and commandments. Do your traditions undercut God’s commandments?
2024-09-0312 minSJBExcelsior PodcastLift Up Your HeartsSo often we can come to Mass with our hearts heavy. Fr. Carlson asks us: where else are we going to go? “To whom should we go?”, as we hear in this week’s Gospel. I hope that’s what you do when you come to Mass - pour out your heart. Let him be the one to answer all of your needs.
2024-08-2610 minSJBExcelsior PodcastSing My Tongue the Savior's GloryThe Eucharist - the mystery that is above all words and songs.
2024-08-1915 minSJBExcelsior PodcastOur Source of StrengthGod never tires of helping us. When we are at our lowest point, he is there. He wants to give us Himself to strengthen us.
2024-08-1214 minSJBExcelsior PodcastCatholic Near East Welfare Association Mission AppealMsgr. Peter Vaccari explains the work of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association and Pontifical Mission. Three things you can do to help:
Pray for the regions they serve and the work they do
Learn the work that the Catholic Church is doing on the ground
Donate to the mission: www.cnewa.org
2024-08-0509 minSJBExcelsior PodcastFace to Face With GodJesus is truly present in the Eucharist. When we receive the Eucharist, we receive God Himself. When we go to eucharistic adoration, we are face to face with God Himself.
2024-07-2912 minSJBExcelsior PodcastAn Invitation to RestSo often we can give into that temptation of go, go, go, go, thinking that’s what give us value, that’s what gives us purpose. How often do we think we have to take care of everything? Jesus is inviting us to rest in Him, to let him be the Good Shepherd, to receive his peace.
2024-07-2213 minSJBExcelsior PodcastHe Calls Each of UsJesus calls us, just as he did Amos and the 12 apostles, to let other people know about Him, and to help them enter into relationship with Him.
2024-07-1514 minSJBExcelsior PodcastHe Will ProvideThis Sunday we hear Paul talk about the thorn in his flesh. The Lord tells him, my grace is sufficient for you. Whatever suffering, whatever temptation, whatever weakness we're experiencing, he will provide. Let's not take on the thorn in our side by ourself; rather, may we rely on God, who always provides for us.
2024-07-0811 minSJBExcelsior PodcastGod is ApproachableJesus comes to heal and to give us life. He longs to be with us. God cares about you, and he wants you to approach him.
2024-07-0112 minSJBExcelsior PodcastTrust the ProcessTrust the process that God uses to make us saints. Oftentimes we can say to the Lord, just like the apostles, “Do you not care?”. The Lord knows what the plan is, though, and never abandons us. We have to trust the process, growing in faith.
2024-06-2415 minSJBExcelsior PodcastStarting SmallWe can get so worried about the state of things in the world, but let’s not look at it with human eyes, but with the eyes of God. The parable of the mustard seed reminds us of this.
2024-06-1708 minSJBExcelsior PodcastTaking You BackJesus came to save us, from original sin, from that entrapment of the evil one that we heard about in the first reading this past Sunday. He comes to rescue us and says, “I’m taking you back. Not only am I taking you back, but I’m going to give you everything. You’re going to be my sons and daughters.”
2024-06-1009 minSJBExcelsior PodcastBehold the Lamb of GodFr. Carlson's homily from the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, June 2, 2024
2024-06-0313 minSJBExcelsior PodcastThe Embrace of GodGod is love. So often though, we think of him as a hard master, over exacting, meticulous, setting traps, and anxious to catch us in wrongdoing. This is not God.
God longs for us to abide in him, and for us to experience his love in the depths of our hearts.
2024-05-2810 minSJBExcelsior PodcastLonging to Give Us PeaceGod truly longs to give us peace. A fruit of the Holy Spirit is peace. Let us pray, come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with the peace we are longing for!
2024-05-2008 min2024-05-1306 minSJBExcelsior PodcastI Have Called You FriendsDo we see Jesus as our friend? How would that change out lives? Listen to Fr. Carlson's homily for the Sixth Sunday of Easter.
2024-05-0611 minSJBExcelsior PodcastAn Invitation to AbideJesus invites us to abide in Him. What does it mean to abide? It’s an invitation to dwell in the Lord.
2024-04-2913 minSJBExcelsior PodcastImitating the Good ShepherdThe Fourth Sunday of Easter is called Good Shepherd Sunday. In his homily, Fr. Carlson tells the story of the Shreveport martyrs, those priests and sisters who laid down their life for the flock God had entrusted to them.
2024-04-2214 minSJBExcelsior PodcastRescuedJesus comes to rescue us. He wants to raise us out of darkness, death, sin, addiction. He wants to grab us by the hand and be our Savior. This is what we celebrate on Easter. We can’t rescue ourselves. God, in His great love, comes to our rescue.
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
March 31, 2024
2024-04-0212 minSJBExcelsior PodcastNo Greater LoveHe went on the cross for you, for me, for us. He freely chose to go on the cross because he loves us.
2024-03-2503 minSJBExcelsior PodcastOur Grains of WheatIs there something in your life that prevents you from giving your full life over to God? Is there something you need to let go of? Deacon Nevin invites us to ask ourselves these questions. Where do we need detachment?
2024-03-1817 minSJBExcelsior PodcastGod's HandiworkWhat happens so often in our life is we get full of dirt (sin), and we start to believe that this is who we are, rather than who God truly created us to be. God desires to help us. We need to let him work on us! What does that look like? Listen to Fr. Carlson’s full homily to see.
2024-03-1110 minSJBExcelsior PodcastThe Temple of Our HeartsGod’s law is not a burden set upon us, but is instead a set of loving guardrails to keep us safe and on course, to prevent us from straying too far from him.
What areas of your heart do you need Jesus to cleanse? What are the idols in our lives that need to be thrown down so that God can be at the center - busyness, work, money, sports, etc.?
It is never too late to begin again - invite Jesus into the temple of your heart.
2024-03-0407 minSJBExcelsior PodcastThe Significance of the SacrificeFr. Carlson explains the significance of the First Reading from this past Sunday. The ram in the thicket? The wood on Isaac’s back? Mt. Moriah? His only beloved son? What do these mean?
2024-02-2713 minSJBExcelsior PodcastOn the OffensiveEach Lent we hear about Jesus going out into the desert. The desert was known as the devil’s territory. Jesus goes into the desert because he’s bringing the battle to the evil one. Jesus goes on the offensive. Why? Because he loves us, and doesn’t want us to be separated from Him.
As we enter into the season of Lent, let us remember that Jesus is the victor, and that he always goes before us and with us. In times of affliction or temptation, don’t be afraid. Call on Him, He is the vi...
2024-02-2011 minSJBExcelsior PodcastNo More SeparationLeprosy separated the leper from their loved ones and their community. What’s more, they were not able to enter the temple to worship God. When the leper came to Jesus he asked him, “If you will it, you can make me clean”. The leper wanted to be able to worship God in the temple. He was longing to be one with God.
Sin is like leprosy - it separates us from God. As we enter into Lent, let us go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Jesus desires for us to be one with Him. Let us...
2024-02-1210 minSJBExcelsior PodcastThe Divine PhysicianGod cares about us. He wants to be with us, he wants to give us comfort, and healing, and His very self. Jesus heals; this is what he longs to do.
Here's a link to the prayer Father quotes at the end: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/prayer-before-mass-325
2024-02-0512 minSJBExcelsior PodcastGetting DistractedWe’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.
2024-01-2909 minSJBExcelsior PodcastAnswering God's CallIn 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.
2024-01-2209 minSJBExcelsior PodcastIntentional CommunityOne 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
2024-01-1613 minSJBExcelsior PodcastResponding With JoyCelebrating the greatest pregnancy announcement ever!
Fr. Carlson's Homily for the 4th Sunday of Advent, December 24, 2023
2024-01-0806 minSJBExcelsior PodcastCome, Let Us Adore HimWe 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.
2024-01-0812 minSJBExcelsior PodcastA School of LoveFamily 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.
2024-01-0212 minSJBExcelsior PodcastThe Answer to All of Our DesiresThere 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
2023-12-2713 minSJBExcelsior PodcastHow Do I Pray?Have you ever wondered how to pray? Fr. Carlson dives into this question in his homily for the Third Sunday of Advent.
2023-12-1811 minSJBExcelsior PodcastPrepare the Way of the LordNewly ordained Deacon Bob Burns preaches on preparing the way of the Lord in our lives.
2023-12-1110 minSJBExcelsior PodcastBe Watchful and Alert“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.
2023-12-0409 minSJBExcelsior PodcastYou Did It To MeMother Teresa made this line in Sunday’s Gospel very famous: “...you did it to me”. She called it the Gospel on five fingers. We are called to love the people in our life - the hungry, thirsty, homeless, ill, those in prison. Vague intentions, positive thoughts, sympathetic emotions - these are not the same as actions. “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40
2023-11-2711 min