Called (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Called to Heal the Brokenhearted w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz and Fr. John Riccardo
27 snips
Sep 7, 2025 
Fr. John Riccardo, the Executive Director of ACTS XXIX, shares his decades of ministry experience focused on supporting the brokenhearted. He discusses God’s promise of closeness, the mental health crisis among youth, and the crucial role of community in healing. Listeners will gain insights on hospitality, authenticity, and the importance of simple gestures to foster genuine connections. Fr. John highlights how transforming homes into supportive spaces can cultivate hope and encourage spiritual growth, reminding us all to reach out with love and compassion.
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Start By Asking Who's Crying
- Ask the Lord, "Who is it in my life right now who's crying?" and act on promptings.
- When someone comes to mind, reach out with a short message offering prayer and availability.
Mobilize The Lay Faithful
- Mobilize laypeople because most baptized Catholics don't attend Mass regularly.
- Equip parishioners to reach into workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods where priests may not know who is hurting.
Open Homes As Houses Of Hospitality
- Create "houses of hospitality": homes or hubs where people get meals, conversation, and encounter Christians.
- Use these safe, non-church settings to welcome the brokenhearted and bridge them to parish life.