Saint John the Baptist

A reflection on the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a sign of Christ’s personal, wounded, and burning love for humanity.

Pentecost is not just a dramatic moment in the life of the apostles. It is the birth of the Church, the fulfillment of Christ’s promise, and the moment the Holy Spirit sends ordinary men into the world with extraordinary courage. In this episode, we reflect on what happened in the upper room, why the coming of the Holy Spirit matters for the Church today, and what Pentecost reveals about mission, unity, and the life God wants to pour into us now.

A look at Pope Leo XIV's inspiring 2026 Lenten message, "Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion" which emphasizes the Church's maternal care in refocusing our lives on God amid worldly distractions. The Holy Father highlights listening—to God's word, to the cry of the poor, and to those in suffering—as essential to prayer. He encourages fasting not only from food (which orders our appetites and reveals true hungers) but also from hurtful words.

This episode offers a warm, reflective look at old age through a Catholic lens, challenging the world's tendency to view aging as decline or something to be hidden away. Drawing from Scripture—especially the promise in Psalm 92 that the elderly "will still bear fruit"—it presents growing older as a genuine blessing, a season rich with purpose, tenderness, and new mission. The message encourages grandparents and seniors to embrace prayer, active love for family and the vulnerable, and a quiet revolution of gentleness that counters loneliness, division, and indifference in today's world.

The Church celebrates two new Canonized Saints—Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis, both young laymen who died early in life. Their stories inspire all of us, but especially young Catholics.

On this episode, we delve into the life and legacy of Saint James the Greater, celebrated by the Catholic Church on July 25. Born in Galilee to Zebedee and Salome, James was a fisherman who became one of the first disciples called by Jesus to become a "fisher of men." Known for his fiery temper, which earned him and his brother John the nickname "sons of thunder," James was part of Jesus' inner circle, witnessing pivotal moments such as the Transfiguration and the Agony in the Garden. His commitment to spreading the gospel led to his martyrdom in Jerusalem around 44 AD, making him the first apostle to die for his faith.

In this episode, we delve into the significance of Holy Week, starting with Palm Sunday, and then walking through each of the days of the Pascal Triduum.

Episode 14 of the Saint John the Baptist Catholic Parish podcast from Fort Lauderdale focuses on the Lenten season, emphasizing spiritual renewal through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The episode highlights the importance of penance, confession, and spending more time with scripture and the writings of saints as part of Lenten devotion. It encourages listeners to commit to spiritual growth as they journey toward Easter.

Join us as we discuss the theological significance of Christ's advent. We explore the three distinct advents of Christ as described by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux: The Historical Advent, the Eucharistic Advent, and The Eschatological Advent

In this episode, we discuss the start of our parish's religious education program, upcoming events like Beer, Bratwurst, and Bingo night, and the annual Blessing of the Animals. We also reflect on the importance of National Grandparents Day and Pope Francis's message on God's enduring love for the elderly. Tune in to stay updated on parish activities and deepen your faith with resources available on our website.

In this episode, we reflect on the lives of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, we are invited to consider how their examples can inspire us in our own spiritual journeys. Their stories challenge us to find balance in our lives, integrating service with contemplation and nurturing a deep relationship with God.

On June 24th, the Catholic Church honors Saint John the Baptist, whom Jesus called the greatest born of women. John's divine purpose was prophesied by Isaiah and Malachi, and he is recognized for his call to repentance and his role in identifying Jesus as the Lamb of God. His profound humility, encapsulated in his declaration "He must increase; I must decrease," serves as a foundational virtue for Catholics, emphasizing the importance of humility in spiritual growth and relationship with God.

It is most fitting that our minds and hearts be directed to focus on Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church throughout the entire month of May. As we come to the end of the month, let us reflect on the Blessed Mary, Mother of the Church and then look towards to Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ.

Learn about St John's new School of Spirituality & Prayer based on the seminal work of St. Francis de Sales', "An Introduction to the Devout Life" and other happenings at the parish. Then, we reflect on the upcoming Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity.

In this episode we reflect on Jesus declaration that He is the "Light of the World" and how the Passcal Candle is a representation of our Lord throughout Easter Season.

An interview with Pete Suarez, who will be leading our Lenten Mission on March 25th followed by a reflection on Saint Joseph, Prince and Patron of the Universal Church.

In the premiere episode of the St John the Baptist Catholic Church Podcast, we delve into the significance of the Lenten season, a time dedicated to introspection, prayer, and spiritual growth.