The Emmaus Pastorate’s Podcast

Homily on 9-14-2025

Homily on 9-7-25

This weekend we share a letter from Archbishop Zinkula about the Journey in Faith initiative now taking place in the Archdiocese of Dubuque.  For more information, please visit the website: www.dbqjourneyinfaith.org.

Homily on 8-24-25

All good parents implement some discipline with their children.  But discipline isn't intended to inflict pain or torture, even though kids might think so!  Discipline is a teaching tool, much like rules, to guide us toward that which is better.  We encounter discipline at school, work, and home, so we shouldn't be surprised when we see Jesus using it too.  If our ultimate goal is to enter God's kingdom of heaven, we must have a sense of discipline.  It won't be easy; following rules isn't always so.  But the reward is priceless and eternal!

Homily on 8-17-25

Sometimes, like Jeremiah, we're called out of our comfort zone.  And we usually don't like it!  But as disciples, we're still called to be like Jeremiah, to leave the familiar places and feelings and travel new and different ways.  But there's a sweet comfort: Jesus is there every step of the way!

Homily August 17, 2025

Homily on 8-10-25

The Catholic Church has undergone multiple stages over the centuries.  Today, we've returned to an apostolic age in which people don't participate in worship and parish activities out of habit as they have for the last several decades.  The majority of people who participate today do so because they have been personally invited.  This applies especially to the men and women entering the priesthood and religious life.  Those who have discerned God's calling to enter vows or be ordained do so because someone asked them to consider it.  Today, we are happy to welcome home our very own seminarian, Steven Kessler, who is continuing his priesthood formation this fall.  We continue to pray for him, his classmates, and all those currently in formation for the priesthood or religious life.

Homily on 8-3-25

Having stuff is OK, but there's ultimately no point to our stuff if we don't live a self-giving lifestyle.  Let's ask ourselves if what we have is worth having just to claim possession of it.  Or is there a larger use for my stuff?  Perhaps our focus needs to shift from ourselves to others.

Homily on 7-20-25

How can we get to know Jesus unless we listen?  When we come to Mass, do we really listen to what we're hearing?  The scriptures, prayers, and even music have so much to tell us, but it doesn't matter much if we don't listen.  True, sometimes we need to take action and do certain things, just like Martha was busy serving her guests.  But we also need to remember to listen and pay attention, just like Mary.

Homily on 7-13-25

This weekend, the Emmaus Pastorate welcomes its new pastor, Fr. Paul Baldwin!  In his first homily, he explains his background and roots.  Everyone is our neighbor and deserves our care, love and support.  As Fr. Paul begins his ministry here, he's counting on that from us.  The greatest thing a priest can do is care for others in both the good times and bad.  So, let us be there for him as he is there for us!  Welcome, Fr. Paul!

Homily on 7-6-25

Have you ever seen God as a mother?  God wants to nurture, nourish, and grow us!  But that requires us to be docile enough to accept such an intimate relationship.  And how does God nurture us?  Through other people!  We are called to be both the nurtured and the nurturer!  We are our brothers' keepers and our neighbors' caretakers.  We belong to each other and are here to serve each other.  Let us be the laborers but also the harvest.

This episode marks the end of Fr. John Haugen's time as pastor of the five parishes in the Emmaus Pastorate.  We are very grateful for his leadership over the last 10+ years.  We will miss his presence, preaching, and guidance.  And we wish him the very best in his retirement!