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SAINTS Replay

SAINTS Replay

Written by: Light of Christ Catholic Schools
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About this listen

SAINTS Replay offers a convenient way to revisit and catch up on various presentations and events from the Light of Christ Catholic Schools system. This podcast houses a collection of audio recordings, including thought-provoking homilies and valuable addresses delivered at special school gatherings. This offers proof that our community offers opportunity for our SAINTS to encounter Christ through living, learning, and serving.

Being a SAINT Changes lives, and when you support our students, you change your life too.

Choose YOUR Impact at lightofchristfoundation.org.2025
Episodes
  • Homily - Singing with Joy and Confidence - Jan 2026 - Fr Paul Gardner (Academy)
    Jan 9 2026
    In this uplifting episode of Saints Replay, Fr. Paul welcomes everyone back for the new year and introduces a special addition to the school's worship—a brand new hymnal specifically designed for St. Mary’s Academy.

    Through a heartfelt story and a call to action, the message focuses on finding joy in faith and overcoming the fear of judgment.

    Episode Highlights:
    • The Kenya Connection: Fr. Paul shares a powerful memory from his time in Kenya, where he witnessed the profound devotion of people who, despite having very little, filled their churches with beautiful singing from memory, purely out of the joy of having God present with them.
    • Joy vs. Sadness: Reflecting on the contrast between the vibrant faith he saw in Kenya and the often "sad" appearance of faith in America, Fr. Paul suggests that those in poverty often have a clearer understanding of what is most valuable: Jesus Christ.
    • The New Hymnal: A special thanks is given to Mr. Ryan Shields, who spent hundreds of hours editing and perfecting the new school hymnal so that everyone can pray and sing together more easily.
    • Singing as Heavenly Practice: Fr. Paul explains that we sing at Mass because Mass is a taste of heaven, and scripture describes heaven as a place of constant singing. To live in heaven later, we must practice praising God now.
    • Overcoming Fear: Addressing the common fear of looking foolish or being judged by others, Fr. Paul identifies this as a tactic of the devil to distract from God's love. He encourages students to replace fear with "perfect love," which gives us the courage to be ourselves.
    • A Call to Confidence: The episode ends with a practical exercise in responding and singing with confidence. Fr. Paul urges everyone to open their mouths and praise God out loud, which leads to true joy.


    Being a SAINT Changes Lives, and when you give a gift to support our SAINTS, it changes your life too.

    Choose YOUR impact at lightofchristfoundation.org.
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    14 mins
  • Homily - 3 Pillars of Humility - Dec 2025 - Fr Paul Gardner (Academy)
    Jan 2 2026
    In this episode, Fr. Paul continues the Advent series on virtue, focusing on three practical and essential aspects of humility. This insightful homily challenges listeners to look inward, find strength in admitting faults, and persevere through failure.

    Episode Highlights:
    • Admitting Mistakes: A humble heart is willing to admit mistakes and understand that being at fault does not make a person worthless. Fr. Paul discusses how St. Peter and the notorious sinner in the Gospels are potent examples of how admitting faults can lead to immense holiness and love.
    • Humility and Others: True humility isn't just about thinking less of yourself, but thinking about yourself less. Fr. Paul reflects on a school project involving "badges of humility". He notes that the real sign of success is when people begin to notice and point out others' humble acts rather than focusing on their own recognition.
    • Perseverance and Courage: Humility means not getting discouraged when you fail or make the same mistake repeatedly. Using a special, slow-moving guest, Shelly the turtle, as an example, Fr. Paul demonstrates that true humility is found in the courage to keep "climbing the rock" even after falling.
    • The Ultimate Model: The homily concludes by pointing to the ultimate example of humility: Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, who was unafraid to humble himself by coming to earth as a small child born in a manger.


    Being a SAINT Changes Lives, and when you give a gift to support our SAINTS, it changes your life too.

    Choose YOUR impact at lightofchristfoundation.org.
    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • Homily - Immense Power of Humility - Dec 2025 - Fr Paul Gardner (Academy)
    Dec 10 2025
    This special homily from Fr. Paul Gardner, delivered on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, explains why this holy day of obligation is so crucial and reflects on the Blessed Virgin Mary's perfection and humility.

    Episode Highlights:
    • The True Feast: The homily clarifies a common misconception, emphasizing that today we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of Mary—the moment she was conceived without original sin. This moment restored perfection to a fallen world.
    • The Perfect Example: The speaker argues that the perfectibility of any endeavor (like basketball) is limited because no one is perfect. However, the Blessed Virgin Mary is the glorious exception, a perfect person for all humans to imitate.
      • Mary, though totally human, was perfect, proving that all people have somebody to imitate.
      • This reality gives our lives mind-blowing potential and a supreme, hardly imaginable glory, as seen in the miracles and incorrupt bodies of the Saints who followed her example.
    • The Virtue of Humility: Mary's most admirable virtue is humility.
      • Humility means understanding who we truly are and living authentically, without becoming more or less critical.
      • St. John Vianney describes it as the chain that holds all other virtues together; without it, all other virtues are worthless and lead to pride.
    • Humility in Practice: The homily discusses both the easy and hard parts of humility.
      • Easy Part: Mary didn't go around promoting herself; she quietly pondered profound things in her heart.
      • More challenging Part: Humility also means being confident when necessary—speaking up when you know the answer, or volunteering to sing if you have a good voice.
    • A Sign of Humility: The speaker expresses profound admiration for non-Catholics and those who approach the altar with crossed arms to indicate they are not receiving Holy Communion. This humble act shows a focus on the Lord and a lack of concern for others' judgment.


    Being a SAINT Changes Lives, and when you give a gift to support our SAINTS, it changes your life too.

    Choose YOUR impact at lightofchristfoundation.org.
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
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