Episodi

  • Homily - The Struggle for Attentiveness - Jan 2026 - Fr Paul Gardner (Academy)

    Homily - The Struggle for Attentiveness - Jan 2026 - Fr Paul Gardner (Academy)
    Jan 21 2026
    In this episode of Saints Replay, Fr. Paul continues the January series on magnanimity, focusing on the essential role of attentiveness in living a bold and virtuous life. He addresses the universal struggle of staying focused and provides spiritual encouragement for when our minds wander.

    Episode Highlights:
    • The Power of Attentiveness: Building on the story of the prophet Samuel, Fr. Paul explains that magnanimity—living a life of greatness and boldness—starts with the simple yet difficult act of being attentive to God's presence.
    • The Difficulty of Focus: Fr. Paul acknowledges that humans are "distraction machines". Whether it's a fly in the room, a noise in the hallway, or our own internal thoughts, staying focused during prayer and Mass is a constant battle.
    • A New Perspective on Distraction: Instead of feeling like a failure when you get distracted, Fr. Paul suggests viewing the act of returning your focus to God as a spiritual victory.
    • Every time you notice you've wandered and choose to come back to the "here and now," you are strengthening your "attentiveness muscle".
    • The goal isn't necessarily a perfect, 30-minute block of focus, but rather the repeated, humble choice to return to Christ.
    • The "Victory" of the Return: Fr. Paul compares the moment of returning to prayer to a winning moment in a game. If you have to bring your mind back fifty times, that is fifty small victories for your soul.
    • Living Magnanimously Now: By practicing attentiveness in the small moments of Mass and the classroom, you prepare your heart to respond boldly to the big calls God will place on your life in the future.


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

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    13 min
  • Homily - Bold Faith and Magnanimity - Jan 2026 - Fr Paul Gardner (Academy)

    Homily - Bold Faith and Magnanimity - Jan 2026 - Fr Paul Gardner (Academy)
    Jan 16 2026
    In this week's homily, Fr. Paul introduces a powerful and challenging virtue for the new year: magnanimity. This "tongue-twister" of a word describes the bold and courageous pursuit of what is good.

    Episode Highlights:
    • Defining Magnanimity: While we often admire the boldness of daredevils, magnanimity is about using that same level of boldness for a much higher purpose—doing what is good. It's not about being reckless, but about living life with an adventurous spirit focused on holiness.
    • The Dramatic Conversion of St. Genesius: Fr. Paul tells the incredible story of Genesius, a Roman playwright who loved to mock Christians.
      • During a play intended to ridicule the sacrament of baptism, Genesius experienced a sudden vision of heaven.
      • In a bold act of faith, he publicly declared his belief in Jesus Christ before the Emperor and the entire audience.
      • Despite torture and eventual martyrdom, Genesius remained steadfast in his bold proclamation of faith.
    • The Importance of Boldness: Fr. Paul emphasizes that it's not enough to just "do churchy stuff". We are called to be bold in our faith because if we aren't, the powers of evil will be bolder in promoting what is wrong.
    • Magnanimity in Youth: Using the example of the prophet Samuel, Fr. Paul explains that growing in magnanimity as a young person requires deep attentiveness. By listening closely to the Word of God and being fully present during Mass, the heart learns the boldness it needs to follow Jesus Christ.


    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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    12 min
  • Homily - Singing with Joy and Confidence - Jan 2026 - Fr Paul Gardner (Academy)

    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 min
  • Homily - 3 Pillars of Humility - Dec 2025 - Fr Paul Gardner (Academy)

    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.
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    13 min
  • Homily - Immense Power of Humility - Dec 2025 - Fr Paul Gardner (Academy)

    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.
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    15 min
  • Homily - The Battle Within - Nov 2025 - Fr Paul Gardner (Academy)

    Homily - The Battle Within - Nov 2025 - Fr Paul Gardner (Academy)
    Nov 19 2025
    This episode features a powerful homily by Father Paul that delves into the internal battle between faith and temptation, using two biblical stories to define the necessary Christian virtue of integrity.

    Heroic Integrity in the Face of Death

    Father Paul recounts the tragic, yet heroic, biblical story from the Book of Maccabees. A Greek king attempts to force a Jewish mother and her seven sons to abandon their God by compelling them to eat forbidden food (pork).
    • The seven sons, and eventually the youngest, who was a teenager, are brutally tortured and killed in front of their mother for their faith.
    • The youngest son, in a final moment of confidence, chooses to feed his mind ("what I know to be good and true") rather than his fear, knowing his body would be replaced by a "new and better one in the eternal life to come".
    • This act of remaining faithful to God's commandments, even when faced with terrifying death, is held up as the supreme example of the virtue of integrity.
    The Battle of the Two Wolves

    To understand the daily nature of integrity, Father Paul shares the famous Cherokee legend about the two wolves:
    • An elder tells his grandson there is a war inside him between two wolves: one representing what he knows to be true and good (his mind) and the other representing his emotions and feelings (the things he wants to do).
    • The grandson asks which wolf will win.
    • The elder replies: "Whichever wolf I feed."
    Living with Integrity

    Father Paul connects this image to the daily reality of the Christian life:
    • Integrity is the choice to "choose what's good regardless of the circumstances".
    • The constant fight within us is between what we know to be right (prayer, study, virtue) and the impulsive emotions that urge us toward immediate comfort or sin.
    • We can choose to feed our minds by doing "repeated actions" of what we know to be true, making it easier to be strong each day.
    • Our minds are strong enough to make the right choice every single day, so we must not become slaves to our emotions.


    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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    12 min
  • Presentation - Band Concert Nov 2025 - Gerald Vetter (Academy & SMCHS)

    Presentation - Band Concert Nov 2025 - Gerald Vetter (Academy & SMCHS)
    Nov 16 2025
    This episode captures the opening remarks and presentation for the St. Mary's Central High School (SMCHS) Band Concert, featuring a significant announcement and a reflection on the school's musical history.

    Governor's Band Recognition

    The evening begins with the proud announcement that the SMCHS Band has been named and selected as the North Dakota Governor's Official State Band for the 2025-2026 school year. The school welcomes North Dakota First Lady Kjersti Armstrong and her assistant, Madeline Kirchoffner (an SMCHS alumna, Class of 2016).

    The band's official honors will include:
    • Playing at the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 2nd at 6:00 PM.
    • Selection by audition to play at the 2026 NDMEA Music Educators Conference in March.
    The Legacy of William "Bill" J. Schmidt

    The presentation shifts to celebrating the history of the Fine Arts at SMCHS and the dedication of the newly built auditorium, which is named after William J. Schmidt.

    Impact and Pride: The speaker notes that Bill's legacy continues through his former students, including the current SMCHS Band Director, Anne Chambers (Class of 2007), and band directors at other local high schools like Mandan (Jon Baumann, '91), Legacy (Mark Herold, '97), and Century (Chris Dasovick, '98).

    The episode concludes by welcoming the SMCHS Band to the stage for their performance, under the direction of Ann Chambers.

    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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    10 min
  • Homily - Veterans Day - Nov 2025 - Fr Paul Gardner (Academy)

    Homily - Veterans Day - Nov 2025 - Fr Paul Gardner (Academy)
    Nov 14 2025
    This special episode of Saints Replay features a homily delivered at Light of Christ Catholic Schools on Veterans Day, a day which also celebrates the feast of St. Martin of Tours, himself a veteran.

    The message centers on gratitude and meaningful living in light of the sacrifices made by veterans.

    Episode Highlights:
    • Gratitude for Veterans: A special welcome and expression of thanks to all veterans and their families for their inspiring presence and service.
    • The Price of Freedom: A reflection on the immense, often unpayable, cost of service, noting that those who fight in war put their whole lives on the line and are never paid adequately. The speaker contrasts this with a store offering a "30% discount" for those who gave "100".
    • Worship and Liberty: The homily highlights that many wars in the Old Testament were fought for the freedom to worship God, which remains the most important freedom, alongside the many rights and privileges Americans enjoy.
    • The Gift of Life: The talk draws parallels between the Israelites receiving unearned gifts upon entering the Promised Land—homes they didn't build and fruit from trees they didn't plant—and the unearned gifts and opportunities Christians receive. The very fact of existence is presented as proof of being loved.
    • Living Ardently: Drawing inspiration from St. Martin of Tours, the episode challenges listeners, especially young people, to avoid slacking off or finding life meaningless. St. Martin was described as a man who was "neither afraid to die, nor did he refuse to live".
    • A Call to Action: The most sincere way to thank a veteran is not just with words, but by living a meaningful life and ardently using the freedoms and opportunities they have won.
    Tune in to revisit this powerful message on sacrifice, duty, and living a life full of purpose and gratitude.

    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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    12 min