Fr. Steve Mateja's Podcasts

“Jesus is our defender not accuser!”—Divine Mercy Sunday 2024

Thomas was not in the upper room when Jesus first appeared on Easter Sunday. But Jesus came in search for him to give him His mercy.

"Ok, Jesus rose from the dead, but what does it mean for me now?"--Easter Sunday 2024

Ok, Jesus rose from the dead, but what does it mean for me now?

"You are Barabbas!"--Good Friday 2024

At every Mass the Cross is made present to us at Calvary.  Mass is a timeless moment. Barabbas was set free...and its and image of you!  

"The Holy Priesthood, given to you for your Salvation"--Holy Thursday 2024

The priesthood is for you; it is for your salvation.  Pray for your priests that they may be strong. 

"Crown Him or Crucify Him"--Palm Sunday 2024

The choice is yours...to Crown Him or Crucify Him

"Live it!" Acts 4 in '24 parish mission at St. John Fisher

"Turn to your great protector for protection"-- Feast of St. Joseph Mission Weekend 2024: 3rd day Homily Fr. Steve Mateja

On the Feast of St. Joseph, Fr. Steve preached on the protection of St. Joseph

St. John Fisher Parish Mission talk Monday night, talk 2: "Proclaim it!" Acts 4 in '24"

"Surrender and you will know His love"-- Mission Weekend 2024: 2nd day Homily Fr. Steve Mateja

Fr. Steve preached the Mass on day two of the parish mission and preached on the theme of surrender.  He later handed out the surrender prayer novena cards to all in attendance and they prayed day one together.  

St. John Fisher Parish Mission talk Sunday night: "Believe It! Acts 4 in '24"

Fr. Jason Brooks lead the parish mission at St. John Fisher, Oakland University during the Lent 2024.  A profound opprotunity to grow in faith and dive into what the Lord is saying to us in what Fr. Steve laid out for his vision for the parish as Acts 4 in '24.  Belive it!  Was Fr. Jason's first words pulling from Fr. Steve's state of the parish address.  

"The Father's Kingdom is open to you!"-- Mission Weekend 2024: Sunday Homily Fr. Jason Brooks

Fr. Jason Brooks preached a parish Mission at St. John Fisher on the Fifth Sunday of Lent.  His theme was the parish theme that Fr. Steve layed out earlier in the year of: Acts 4 in '24.  

"Allow your brokenness to be new life for others!"--5th Sunday of Lent (B) {John 12:20-31}

So many figures in scripture have had lives that were imperfect and yet God used them in profound ways to bring others to Him.  He wants to use you in the same way.

"Don't die in Mortal Sin!"--4th Sunday of Lent (B) 2024 {John 3:14-21}

Three points:  What is the goal of life? A windshield A Lebanese Priest    don't die in mortal sin

"Spiritual but not religious? Well Religion matters to God!"--3rd Sunday Lent (B) 3/3/2024 John 2:13-25

People say all the time "I am spiritual but not religious".  Does it even matter to God?  Yes, it does!  God has created us for worship--for religion.     "Spiritual but not religious? Well Religion matters to God!"--3rd Sunday Lent (B) 3/3/2024    John 2:13-25 The cleansing of the Temple

"The Transfiguration is a Eucharistic Feast"--2nd Sunday of Lent B (Mark 9: 2-10)

The conversation. Isaac. Our Mountain. 

“ Masculine humility”—Talk to St. John Fisher men’s group Lent 2024

Toxic masculinity versus authentic masculinity. What is a Christian man in this world?

Bible Study--Wednesday in the Word; (Mark 9: 2-10)--The Transfiguration

"The Holy Theotokos--she wants to bear you in her heart"--talk to parents at Family of Faith day

"Are you known by your Crosses or THE Cross?"--1st Sunday of Lent (B) (Mark 1:12-15

Ash Wednesday 2024 (parish Mass)

This is the homily Fr. Steve gave at the parish for Ash Wednesday--slightly different.

Oakland University Ash Wednesday

Fr. Steve and the CCM group put on a spectacular prayer gathering at Oakland University where numerous kids of different faith backgrounds joined in and stopped by for a bit.  

"Run! An unclean Leper!"--6th Sunday OTb 2024 (Mark 1:40-45)

Armadillos. The bell. Wording makes all the difference.  

Chaldean Bishop, Francis Kalabat— talk to the college and young adult students Oakland University

Bishop Francis Kalabat visited Saint John Fisher on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 to celebrate the Chaldean mass and to spend time with the Chaldean and Roman Catholic students. We had an amazing turnout and a great evening together. Building a community of Catholic life at OU.

"Why even pray?"--5th Sunday of OTb 2024 (Mark 1:29-39)

Three points: Where do I find my consolation? Why do we have to pray? How did Jesus pray?

Bible Study--Wednesday in the Word; (Mark 1:21-28) 4th Sunday OTb

"The Power of Christ: yesterday, today and tomorrow"--Come Encounter Christ Mission

Fr. Steve address a Come Encounter Christ Mission talk at the Disciples Unleashed Family of Parishes (St. Francis/St. Maximilian, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Isidore).  He spoke on the Power of Christ and how it is still available to us today!  

John Kowalkski talk to CCM Oakland University Students

Fr. Steve invited his friend John Kowalski out to share his story of healing and ministry.  After his talk we prayed over a number of kids and saw some powerful healings. 

"I want that! I want a Kyros moment with Jesus!"--3rd Sunday of OTb 2023. (Mark 1:14-20)

Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James and John to be His disciple. He is calling you also to follow Him!

"Fiducia Supplicans: clarity when clarity is needed"--Epiphany Sunday 2024

Fr. Steve breaks open the latest Papal document that has caused much confusion: fiducia supplicans.  We must give the Holy Father the benefit of the doubt that this was meant to strengthen same-sex couples in their lives to help them repent and come to Jesus.  

“Don’t allow the ideal of perfection to distort the good”—Feast of the Holy Family 2023

Keeping up with the Jones’ sugar in your coffee An icon of the Holy Family

"The Angel's conversation between each other"--Christmas 2023: The Holy Incarnation of Jesus!

There is a story of the shepherds overhearing the Angels talk to each other as they appeared to them in the fields: "why do you think He became so small...for them?" A question we must ask ourselves this day.  

"Light in the Darkness"--4th Sunday of Advent 2023 (LK 1)

Bible Study--Wednesday in the Word; (LK 1:26-38) 4th Sunday of Advent

"The O Antiphons"--Talk to Religious Ed Parents

The Church ramps up her energy here from December 17-23 and the use o the O Antiphons is at the mix of it. 

"Do you know what your God has done for you?"--3rd Sunday of Advent B 2023 (John 1:6-8, 19-28)

If you know what God has done for you then we must be the light!  

"Expectant Pondering...why did God even come?"--Advent Talk to Young Adults

Our Family of Parishes Young Adult Group met at St. John Fisher and Fr. Steve gave an Advent Reflection to them

Rorate Caeli Mass 2024--The Feast of St. Lucy

The Rorate Caeli Mass is an ancient Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is offered in the Darkness with only Candles to light the Altar--symbolizing the Light of Christ who is to come.   The story of St. Lucy and God's providence for us

"The Gospel of Hide and Seek"--2nd Sunday of Advent 2023 Mark 1:1-8

Jesus wants to come and find you--don't sit in the shadows any longer.

"Christopher Columbus and the Immaculate Conception"--the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 2023

This Feast Day is glorious and beautfiul, but it is also the patronal feast of the United States of America. But why?  It has to do with Christopher Columbus.  All things to Jesus through Mary!

Bible Study--Wednesday in the Word. Mark 1:1-6 2nd Sunday of Advent

Bible Study--Wednesday in the Word. Mark 1:1-6 2nd Sunday of Advent Why does Mark begin with this prophecy?

"The Virgin Mary as Daughter of the Father"--Judie McGuire talk to Women's Group

Our DRE, Judie Maguire gave an extraordinary talk at our womens conference a few months back but it didn't record. She was invited to give the talk at our young women's group that meets on Wednesdays. She speaks of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her how she realtes to the Father as daughter!

"Be a courageous warrior like St. Clare"--Advent Women's Tea (St. Mary Mystical Rose 2023)

"Don't treat me like you treat your mother!"--First Sunday of Advent (B) 2023

"Make time for me!"--St. John Fisher Marriage Ministry Night (Advent talk)

Fr. Steve shared a poignt word from the Lord where he believes God is calling all of us to make time for God.  What ever that may look like for us individually--we must make time.  

“Grace Supplies”—talk at St. Lawrence married couples

The Holy house of Loretto, and how God supplies the grace from the family

"Allow Him to dominate you!"--Christ the King 2023 (Mt 25:31-46)

Tragedy. Friendship. Dominiate.

"The Greatest intercessor of All Time!"--Men's Group talk at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs

Fr. Steve was invited to give a talk to a large mens group that meets every Tuesday morning at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Beverly Hills.  He spoke on the Blessed Virgin Mary and her role as intercessor.

"Make your return to the Lord"--Thanksgiving Mass 2023

Give Thanks to the Lord, for His Love endures forever!  

"The Five S's of Chasity"--Men's Mass for Chastity

Fr. Steve offered a votive Mass for Chastity for the college aged and young adult men of St. John Fisher. Dozens of brothers gathered to pray together for themselves and others in this broken overly sexulized world.   Sacrifice Sacramentals Sacraments Sacntity (strength) Saints

"Our Lady of the Pillar!"--33rd Sunday OTa 11/19/2023

Fr. Steve lead a pilgrimage to Lourdes, Fatima and Zaragoza.  Most of us know the stories of Lourdes and Fatima, but what is the story of Zaragoza?--do we know that one?  Fr. Steve shares the amazing story of Our Lady of the Pillar, the Patronness of Spain, in Zaragoza.   Be encouraged!  Stay the course!  Don't give up!  Preach Jesus!