St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church Homilies & Talks

Self-emptying is part of what it means to be a Christian. Following Christ means learning to put God and others before ourselves, and that kind of self-sacrifice does not happen all at once. We grow into it through the small sacrifices and daily opportunities to die to ourselves that God places before us.

In this homily, Fr. Travis Stephens reflects on Christian love as willing the good of another. Rather than focusing on ourselves, our own comfort or what we want, Christ calls us to choose what is good for God and for the people around us...

Why did Jesus give Peter the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven? And what does that tell us about the role of the pope today?

In this homily, Deacon Tim Perry explores the biblical foundation of the papacy, beginning with the striking parallel between Eliakim in the Old Testament, who receives the key to the House of David, and St. Peter in the Gospel, to whom Jesus entrusts the keys to the Kingdom.

Peter is established as the rock upon which Christ will build His Church. And just as the apostles understood that an office...

In this presentation given at a prayer service, honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fr. Jacob Miller explains the history and meaning behind the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

In this homily, Fr. Travis Stephens, PhD, shares the remarkable story of St. Andreas Wouters, a 16th-century priest whose life was marked by serious sin and moral weakness, yet who ultimately gave his life rather than deny the Catholic faith.

His story points to a powerful truth at the heart of the Gospel: no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy.

Reflecting on Jesus’ encounter with the Canaanite woman and St. Paul’s reminder that all have fallen into disobedience, Fr. Travis explains that Christ did not come to save only a select few. H...

Life can feel like a boat caught in rough seas. Our worries, responsibilities and struggles can quickly become overwhelming. So where do we find peace in the midst of it all?

Drawing on his recent experience sailing on Lake Michigan, Fr. Travis Stephens reflects on Peter stepping out of the boat toward Jesus, Elijah encountering God in the stillness and St. John Bosco's famous dream of the Church navigating stormy seas between the pillars of Mary and the Eucharist.

God is not found only in the noise, power and chaos of the world. He meets...

In this homily on Jesus' parable of the pearl of great price, Fr. Travis Stephens reflects on King Solomon's request for wisdom and the fleeting nature of worldly success. Wealth, power, health and even long life are all temporary and dependent. They can be taken away. But there is one treasure that lasts forever: our relationship with God.

Drawing from the Sunday readings, Fr. Travis reminds us that true wisdom is recognizing what is eternal and ordering our lives around it. When we seek God above everything else, we discover the lasting peace and joy that nothing...

Where is your faith today? Is it growing stronger, or has it begun to fade?

In this homily, Deacon Tim Perry reflects on Jesus' parables of the wheat and the weeds, the mustard seed, and the yeast to remind us that God is remarkably patient with us. No matter where we are on our journey of faith, the Lord continually invites us to return to Him, repent, and grow.

Deacon Tim also explains how the Holy Spirit quietly works within us, aligning our prayers with the Father's will and nurturing even the smallest seed of...

In this homily, Fr. Travis Stephens reflects on Jesus' invitation to exchange fear for peace and reminds us that true peace is much more than the absence of conflict. Drawing from this Sunday's readings, he explains that lasting peace and authentic joy are fruits of the Holy Spirit that begin in the hearts of individual believers.

As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, Fr. Travis challenges us to consider how our nation can truly flourish. The answer isn't found only in external circumstances but in allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from within. Whether you're reflecting on...

In this homily, Deacon Tim Perry uses the example of a watch that came without instructions to illustrate an important truth: God is a God of order, not confusion.

From God's covenant with Israel and the 12 tribes to Jesus choosing 12 apostles, Scripture reveals a divine plan that unfolds with purpose and clarity. This same order can be seen in nature, the Church and even in the structure of the Mass.

While the enemy seeks disorder and confusion, God provides guidance through Scripture, the sacraments, Church teaching and prayer. Deacon Tim encourages us to embrace these...

On the Feast of Corpus Christi, Fr. Travis Stephens, PhD, explores one of the most important teachings of the Catholic faith: the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Reflecting on Jesus' Bread of Life discourse, he explains why Christ commanded His followers to eat His flesh and drink His blood, how the bread and wine truly become His Body and Blood at Mass, and why the Eucharist is at the center of God's plan for our salvation.

This homily also highlights the connection between the Holy Mass and Eucharistic Adoration, showing how Christ remains present...

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles — but He didn’t erase their humanity. He worked through it. In this homily, Fr. Travis Stephens reflects on how God uses our human nature, personalities, virtues and unique gifts to accomplish His will.

Drawing from St. John Paul II’s teaching that our personalities become either a bridge or a barrier to Christ, Fr. Travis explores human formation, virtue, the gifts of the Holy Spirit and St. Paul’s image of the Church as one body with many parts. How is God calling you to use your gifts? A...

On Ascension Sunday, Deacon Tim Perry explores one of the most beautiful and mysterious teachings of the Catholic faith: how the Ascension of Jesus doesn’t separate us from Him—but actually draws us into heaven with Him. If Christ is the head of the Church and we are His body, then where the head has gone, the body is meant to follow.

Drawing from St. Augustine, the Mass, the Eucharist and personal reflections on grief, heaven and hope, Deacon Tim explains how every Mass gives us “one foot in heaven,” surrounded by angels and saints as we worsh...

Why do so many Catholics struggle to share their faith? In this homily, Fr. Travis Stephens uses the unexpected story of a timid rescue cat named “Marshmallow” to explain what the Sacrament of Confirmation is really about.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Catholics are strengthened not to hide their faith, but to witness to Christ with courage in word and in action. This reflection explores Confirmation, evangelization, the gifts of the Holy Spirit and why sharing the Catholic faith can feel difficult even for faithful Christians.

About St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church
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On a joyful First Holy Communion Sunday, Deacon Tim Perry reflects on Jesus as the Good Shepherd who knows, protects and leads His flock. Drawing from the Easter season and the celebration of the sacraments—Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist—he emphasizes that Christ is both the shepherd and the gate who guards us from harm and guides us toward eternal life.

Just as sheep learn to recognize their shepherd’s voice, we are called to trust Jesus above all other voices and remain close to Him through the sacraments. For the First Communicants and the whole parish...

"War is back in vogue," said Pope Leo. With many conflicts taking place around the world, Fr. Travis Stephens, PhD, explains the criteria for going to war and remaining in war in terms of the Catholic Church's just war theory. He emphasizes that we are all called to work toward peace and prayerfully seek peace in whatever way we can.

Document mentioned in the video: "The Harvest of Justice is Sown in Peace" https://www.usccb.org/resources/harvest-justice-sown-peace

About Fr. Travis Stephens, PhD
Father Travis Stephens, pastor of St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church...

On Divine Mercy Sunday, Fr. Travis Stephens, PhD, reflects on the powerful Gospel encounter between Jesus and St. Thomas, reminding us that we are Thomas’s “twin,” called to believe without seeing.

Drawing from the testimony of the apostles and the reality of the Resurrection, this homily explores the foundation of Christian faith and the astonishing moment when Jesus gives His apostles the divine authority to forgive sins.

Why does the Church have confession?

How is God’s mercy still at work today?

This message unpacks the beauty of Divine Mercy, the Sacr...

Why are so many people joining the Catholic Church right now? In this powerful Easter homily, Fr. Travis reflects on the surge of Catholic conversions seen at the Easter Vigil locally (the largest group our parish can remember!), across the country and around the world. He also fondly recalls his entrance into the Church 25 years ago.

In the wake of global suffering, from COVID-19 to war and cultural uncertainty, many are rediscovering a deeper spiritual hunger that wealth, success and status cannot satisfy. Drawing on Scripture, the teachings of St. Augustine and the transformative grace of Baptism...