The Padre Jay cast
Father Jay Donahue
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Homilies, interviews, and reflections from Father Jay Donahue.
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Jun 26, 2020
"Miracle on Ice" Homily—Sunday, February 23, 2020
As we begin Lent, let us ponder for a moment – what are the motivations for what we do?
If we all had laser focus on the GOAL – getting to heaven, how would things change in our lives?
- Padre Jay
Jun 19, 2020
"Catholic Education and Faith Formation" Homily at Saints John and Paul, Sunday, January 26, 2020
Catholic Education and Faith Formation: What role can your parish play in parenting our kids? How can our parish assist parents in the way they educate and form their children?
Jun 11, 2020
"Feast of the Chair of St. Peter" Homily—Saturday, January 18, 2020
May 5, 2020
Exploring Catholicism with Padre Jay—Episode 2: Interview with Father Donald Calloway, MIC
Padre Jay interviews Father Donald Calloway, MIC, about Consecration to St. Joseph!
http://consecrationtostjoseph.org
Apr 29, 2020
Exploring Catholicism with Padre Jay—Episode 1: Interview with Dr. Michel Therrien
Padre Jay interviews Dr. Michel Therrien about his Preambula Group and his book, "The Catholic Faith Explained"
Mar 27, 2020
"St. Andre Bessette" Homily at Good Samaritan, Tuesday, January 21, 2020
After my pilgrimage retreat to Quebec, Canada in January 2020, I delivered this homily inspired by St. Andre Bessette, who had a heart for Christ and loved others with it. He had a beautiful devotion to St. Joseph. "The door to heaven is the heart of Christ, and the key to that door is prayer and charity." —Padre Jay
1 Samuel 16:1-13
http://www.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/16
Mar 13, 2020
"The Meaning of Mass" Homily given on the First Sunday of Lent, March 1, 2020
Our Catholic Mass is so beautiful and deep in meaning. This Lent, the Padres here at the Great Grouping are preaching our homilies about the different parts of the Mass, hoping to increase understanding and appreciation of "the Source and Summit of our Faith." Also, I talk about the 40th Anniversary of the Miracle on Ice!
Here's a reflection from Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen about "Calvary and the Mass"—https://www.ecatholic2000.com/calvary/mass.shtml
—Padre Jay
Mar 12, 2020
"The Light of Christ" Homily at Our Lady of Peace, Saturday, January 25, 2020
Recorded on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, this homily reflects on the many different lights we see in this world, leading us this way and that, many seemingly to truth. But there is, in fact, only one Truth—and as St. Paul himself found on the road to Damascus, that Truth is the light of Jesus Christ Himself! —Padre Jay
Feb 28, 2020
"Uniting Suffering to Christ" Homily at St. John the Baptist, Friday, February 21, 2020
Sometimes the suffering we have to endure seems unbearable. Jesus tells us in Mark 8:34-38 that "Whoever wishes to come after me must... take up his cross and follow me." What do you do with that pain, in trying to unite it to Jesus on the Cross? Hopefully this homily will be helpful to anyone who is struggling. —Padre Jay
Feb 21, 2020
Interview with Dolores Shipe & Dr. Marguerite Duane about Fertility and Natural Family Planning
Interview with Dolores Shipe & Dr. Marguerite Duane about Fertility and Natural Family Planning
Feb 21, 2020
"World Marriage Sunday" Homily at Saints John & Paul, Sunday, February 9, 2020
On World Marriage Sunday—as we try to see things through God's perspective—we discover that everything, when consecrated through Him, is more than it seems to be!
—Padre Jay
Feb 7, 2020
"Throw the Hail Mary!" Homily at Our Lady of Peace, Wednesday, January 1, 2020
In this new year, I pray that we can all see the Face of God with "2020" vision! As always, our Blessed Mother can help us do that. —Padre Jay
Jan 22, 2020
Marian Moment: "Mary's Role in the Epiphany," Saturday, January 4, 2020
Another "Marian Moment," dedicated to our Blessed Mother.
Jan 16, 2020
"The Holy Name of Jesus" Homily at St. John the Baptist, Friday, January 3, 2020
Saying the Holy Name of Jesus is the most powerful prayer, especially in the face of tragedy—such as the family in our parish grouping who recently lost everything in a house fire. Please consider sending funds to assist them to:
St. Crispin Fund
Great Grouping
725 Glenwood Avenue
Ambridge, PA 15003
(724) 266-6565
Jan 8, 2020
Interview with Mark Joseph, speaker and author of "Overwhelming Pursuit"
Mark Joseph, speaker and author of "Overwhelming Pursuit," will be speaking at Saints John & Paul as part of our BOLDLY CATHOLIC Speaker Series on January 29, 2020. I got the chance to sit and talk with him about finding the path to peace, joy, and fulfillment in today's overwhelming world. —Padre Jay
http://www.markjosephministries.com
Courtesy RSVP for Mark's talk at Saints John & Paul at
http://www.greatgrouping.org/joseph
Jan 3, 2020
"Christ is in the 'HERE'," Christmas Homily at Saints John & Paul, Wednesday, December 25, 2019
My Christmas homily this year was all about experiencing God in the "here." The Lord truly wants to be present to us here, wherever we are, especially in the tough places in our lives. He is ALWAYS here, present to us, in the Eucharist! God bless, —Padre Jay
Jan 2, 2020
Marian Moment: "Mary, Queen of the Apostles," Saturday, November 30, 2019
Another "Marian Moment," dedicated to our Blessed Mother.
Jesus & the Jewish Roots of Mary," by Brant Pitre
https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Jewish-Roots-Mary-Unveiling/dp/0525572732
Dec 20, 2019
"The Feast of St. Nicholas" Homily at St. John the Baptist, Friday, December 6, 2019
Blessings to you during Advent! This homily was recorded on the Feast of St. Nicholas, and I hope it can help us to be mindful of how God's graces can sweeten the sourness of our life. God bless! —Padre Jay
Dec 11, 2019
"The End Times and Peppa Pig" Homily at Saint John the Baptist, Saturday, November 30, 2019
As the Church's liturgical year comes to a close, it seems appropriate to reflect a little on the end times, and on our entrance into heaven, by the Grace of God. Also, I talk about Peppa Pig. You'll have to listen to find the connection. —Padre Jay
Dec 9, 2019
Marian Moment: "Queen of Peace," Saturday, November 23, 2019
Another "Marian Moment," dedicated to our Blessed Mother.
Dec 9, 2019
"Our Lady of the Presentation" Homily, Sunday, November 24, 2019
On the feast day recalling when Saints Joachim and Ann brought their baby, Mary, to the temple for her Presentation, let us remember everyone who has brought us to the Lord. Thank God for everyone who has interceded for you, through actions and prayers!
—Padre Jay
Dec 6, 2019
"The Body" Homily at Saints John & Paul, Sunday, November 10, 2109
Have you ever thought about what you will be like when your body and soul are reunited in heaven? Rarely are we satisfied with what we see in the mirror. Check out First and Second Maccabees, to see what Scripture says about our bodies, and try to see yourself from God's perspective... —Padre Jay
Dec 4, 2019
Homily from the Feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran, Saturday, November 2, 2019
Look around when you're in a church. Why was it designed in the way it was? What do the statues mean, the windows, the columns, the lines? What is the "theology" of the building? Consider it, and let the details of that temple of the Holy Spirit renew your love for your church, and most especially for Jesus Christ. —Padre Jay
Nov 21, 2019
Interview with Abby Johnson, Former Planned Parenthood Director, now Pro-Life Advocate
I was blessed to be able to sit down and talk to Abby Johnson, author of "Unplanned" (which is also a powerfully moving film), about her journey from being the director of a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic to her conversion to Catholicism and becoming an outspoken Pro-Life advocate! Abby will be joining us at Saints John & Paul on December 5th as our Boldly Catholic speaker. Tickets are for sale (but going fast!) at http://greatgrouping.org/johnson. For more information about her "And Then There Were None" ministry and about leaving the abortion industry, visit http://abortionworker.com.
—Padre Jay
Nov 12, 2019
"The Look of the Lord" Homily at St. John the Baptist, Sunday, November 3, 2019
When people look at us, do they see Jesus? This homily discusses the Gospel story of Zaccheus, the way that Jesus looks at us, and the way we see Jesus in others. —Padre Jay
Nov 11, 2019
All Souls Day Homily about Purgatory, Saturday, November 2, 2019
For this All Souls Day Homily, I spend some time discussing Purgatory, and what it means to pray for those who have died. —Padre Jay
Nov 8, 2019
All Saints Day Homily at Saints John & Paul, Friday, November 1, 2019
If you think about it, Christ in the Eucharist is a self-limiting God. He handicaps himself, thereby encouraging us to use our own shortcomings and handicaps to lead us to the holiness, the Sainthood, he intends for us; for which he created us. —Padre Jay
Oct 24, 2019
Marian Moment: "Pillar of Faith," Saturday, October 19, 2019
Padre Jay's second "Marian Moment," dedicated to Our Blessed Mother.
Oct 18, 2019
Marian Moment: "The Fourth River," Saturday, October 12, 2019
This is the first in a new series of "Marian Moments," dedicated to Our Blessed Mother.
Oct 18, 2019
"The Ten Lepers" Homily at Saints John & Paul, with talk by Youth Minister, Nick Sciarappa, Sunday, October 13, 2019
How many things, people, circumstances are we actually grateful for in our daily lives? All the amazing graces we receive in our lives, and sometimes we barely notice. One leper out of ten returned to thank Jesus for his healing. Surely we can do better! Surely we can show our gracious Lord how thankful we are for what he does, what he gives us, how he heals us! —Padre Jay
Oct 14, 2019
Interview with Nick Sciarappa, Youth Minister at Saints John & Paul
Padre Jay sits down with Nick Sciarappa, Youth Minister at Saints John & Paul Parish (and producer of the popular "Clerically Speaking" podcast), to talk about Italian names, the youth of the Church, and being responsible for his brother Anthony becoming a priest, among other things.
Oct 4, 2019
"Compete Well for the Faith" Homily, Sunday, September 29, 2019
This is not one of my best-prepared homilies, but the Holy Spirit can certainly bring what's needed out of imperfection. In it, I talk about how Saint Paul tells us to "compete well for the faith," so I'm offering this to you in that spirit. God bless! —Padre Jay
Oct 3, 2019
"Mary Opens a Window" Homily at Our Lady of Peace, Saturday, September 28, 2019
Mary, our loving mother, is the one who connects us to her son, Jesus, our savior. While God's graces are always available to us, we as human beings so often ignore them, or fail to seek them. Mary helps us by offering those graces to us with a mother's love, and with the complete understanding of what it means to be a creature wholly dependent on the love of its creator. —Padre Jay
Sep 27, 2019
"The Call of St. Matthew" Homily on his Feast Day at Our Lady of Peace, Saturday, September 21, 2019
The painting "The Call of St. Matthew" by Caravaggio is one piece of art that has definitely deeply moved me in my life. If you would, google it or find a copy to contemplate while listening to this homily I delivered on St. Matthew's Feast Day. God bless! —Padre Jay
Sep 24, 2019
Interview with Kyle Bliss, Adult Evangelization & Discipleship Coordinator at Saints John & Paul (part 4)
This is part 4 of my interview with Kyle Bliss, where we discuss our exciting new evangelization initiatives such as Exodus 90 and the Boldly Catholic Speaker Series, as well as the challenges of the Church today, the Eucharist, Confession, and much more! Enjoy! —Padre Jay
Sep 23, 2019
Interview with Kyle Bliss, Adult Evangelization & Discipleship Coordinator at Saints John & Paul (part 3)
This is part 3 of my interview with Kyle Bliss, where we discuss our exciting new evangelization initiatives such as Exodus 90 and the Boldly Catholic Speaker Series, as well as the challenges of the Church today, the Eucharist, Confession, and much more! Enjoy! —Padre Jay
Sep 20, 2019
Presentation by Jason Gawaldo, Director of Faith Formation at Saints John & Paul
Jason Gawaldo, our fearless Director of Faith Formation at Saints John & Paul, makes a compelling presentation to our Finance Council about the state of Faith Formation at our parish—where we've come from, what we're doing now, and where we're headed—which goes beyond just a Faith Formation talk and speaks toward who we are as Catholics. I invite you to listen and be inspired! —Padre Jay
Sep 19, 2019
Interview with Kyle Bliss, Adult Evangelization & Discipleship Coordinator at Saints John & Paul (part 2)
This is part 2 of my interview with Kyle Bliss, where we discuss our exciting new evangelization initiatives such as Exodus 90 and the Boldly Catholic Speaker Series, as well as the challenges of the Church today, the Eucharist, Confession, and much more! Enjoy! —Padre Jay
Sep 18, 2019
Interview with Kyle Bliss, Adult Evangelization & Discipleship Coordinator at Saints John & Paul (part 1)
This is part 1 of my interview with Kyle Bliss, where we discuss our exciting new evangelization initiatives such as Exodus 90 and the Boldly Catholic Speaker Series, as well as the challenges of the Church today, the Eucharist, Confession, and much more! Enjoy! —Padre Jay
Sep 13, 2019
"What God Prefers" Homily at Good Samaritan, Sunday, September 8, 2019
Okay, so maybe last week's Steelers/Patriots matchup didn't go quite as well as some of us would have liked, but that doesn't change the message in this homily. Human shortcomings can't alter what God intends. So what does Jesus intend in this Sunday's Gospel, when he tells us we must hate our Father, Mother, and family in order to follow him? Does "hate" really mean "hate"? Let's look a little deeper at that through this homily to try and see if we prefer what God prefers. (And maybe it's okay to really HATE the Patriots.) —Padre Jay
Sep 12, 2019
"Essential Change & New Wineskins" Homily at Our Lady of Peace, Friday, September 6, 2019
Jesus says that we should not pour new wine into old wineskins. With all the change that's happening (and being mandated to happen, especially in Pittsburgh) in the Catholic Church today, which changes are essential, and which ones are less important? How attached should we be to things that, in the end, really don't serve to get us closer to spending eternity in Heaven? —Padre Jay
Sep 4, 2019
"Yield to the Pierogi!" Homily at Good Samaritan, Sunday, September 1, 2019
At the fantastic Good Samaritan Festival, I reflect on pierogi, family, festivals, and yield signs... all in relation to Jesus, of course! God bless! —Padre Jay
Aug 28, 2019
"The Population of Hell" Homily at Good Samaritan, Saturday, August 24, 2019
As kids head back to college this time of year, I find myself wondering who has the harder time with the separation: parents or students? And, as so often happens, one existential question leads to another—Are there more souls in Heaven or Hell? Jesus himself challenges us to pass through the narrow gate. Is that the path we're on? —Padre Jay
Aug 26, 2019
Interview with Mallory Smarto, FOCUS Missionary and Saints John & Paul Parishioner
Padre Jay sits down with Mallory Smarto to talk about her life, family, faith, and missionary work with FOCUS—an organization which, by mobilizing university students to serve at home and around the world, strives to answer Pope Francis' call to promote a culture of encounter. Listen, and learn more at focusoncampus.org!
Aug 23, 2019
"Burning Sequoias" Homily about the purification of the Church at Our Lady of Peace, Sunday, August 18, 2019
In the great Sequoia groves out west, forest fires are the key to growth and life. In Salvation History, we see that purification precedes revitalization. So often, going through tough times leads to new life and great things if we cling closer to Christ in the Eucharist! Cooperating with God's Grace is the key! —Padre Jay
Aug 22, 2019
"Indiana Jones and Our Lady" Assumption Homily at St. John the Baptist, Wednesday, August 14, 2019
What does "Raiders of the Lost Ark" have to do with the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary? Well, when you realize that Mary IS the Ark of the Covenant, the parallels will start to come clear! Listen, and let God release his power through our Blessed Mother Mary. —Padre Jay
Aug 15, 2019
"Baby Shark!" Homily about Babysitting for God at Saints John & Paul, Sunday, August 11, 2019
We are stewards of all the gifts God has given us—Creation, our souls, the Eucharist... Kind of like babysitters, we're entrusted to care for them until the Master's return. So, in the spirit of a good, modern day babysitter, I share my rendition of the "Baby Shark" song... —Padre Jay
Aug 8, 2019
"Almost Heaven" Homily about Appalachia Mission at Saints John & Paul, Sunday, July 28, 2019
John Denver got it right... when you're in the "Wild & Wonderful" mountains of West Virginia, you get the sense that it truly is "Almost Heaven." In this homily upon my return to Saints John & Paul from our mission trip into the poverty of that Appalachian community, I try to bring home the fact that prayer is our lifeline out of tragic circumstances to Heaven, and to the One who created us to be loved. —Padre Jay
Aug 7, 2019
Homily from Appalachia Mission—McDowell County, WV, July 25, 2019
On my third mission trip in four weeks—this time to McDowell County, WV—I discover that the wealth of West Virginia is in finding the face of Christ in her residents and our missionaries. —Padre Jay
Jul 17, 2019
Homily about the Good Samaritan, July 14, 2019
Homily given at Our Lady of Peace in Conway about the Good Samaritan. This is a parable a lot of people have heard many times, but sometimes it can be difficult to actually live it out. We settle into a type of Christianity where we no longer look to open our arms to people who are suffering, rather than living how Jesus wants us to live today. —Padre Jay
Jul 12, 2019
Interview with Bobby Aloe, staff member of the Great Grouping
Padre Jay sits down with Bobby Aloe, long-time staff member of Good Samaritan Parish in Ambridge (part of the Great Grouping), and proprietor of Frank's Pizza—also in Ambridge. They talk about pizza, the parish and the Faith, the 24th annual Good Samaritan Parish Festival, and more! Dig in for some good listenin' and good eatin'!
Jul 11, 2019
Homily about the Mission Trip to Costa Rica, July 6, 2019
In this homily, I'm sharing my excitement about our mission trip to Costa Rica, and thanking and inviting our parish to share in what we did. Our teen missionaries are present too, putting some of the Spanish I taught them to good use! Pray for us, for those in need, and for young people everywhere! —Padre Jay
Jul 10, 2019
Interview with Matt, Teen Missionary to Costa Rica (outtakes)
In this snippet from Padre Jay's interview with Matt, one of the nearly two dozen teen missionaries from Saints John & Paul, Pittsburgh, they battle with the wind to talk about hockey, coffee, square bananas, and shoes.
Jul 10, 2019
Interview with Matt, Teen Missionary to Costa Rica
On the Soles4Souls mission trip to Costa Rica, Padre Jay interviews Matt, one of the nearly two dozen teen missionaries from Saints John & Paul, Pittsburgh, about what it was like to give and receive to the people there, while acting as the hands and feet of Christ.
Jul 9, 2019
Nighttime Mass in the jungle of Costa Rica, July 2019
At Saints Peter & Paul, this outdoor Mass was said at night in the jungle of Costa Rica with our team of high school Soles4Souls missionaries from Saints John & Paul, Pittsburgh. The homily speaks to Catholic victory over death and tragedy. —Padre Jay
Jun 26, 2019
Homily from the Feast of Corpus Christi, June 23, 2019
Jesus Christ present in the Eucharist is so real, so personal... I hope that this homily revs you up as it revs me up to challenge ourselves, to ask for that faith in the Eucharist, to process out of Mass with the Eucharist, to speak to our friends & family about Jesus being present in the Eucharist, and especially those Catholics who have fallen away from the Church... Because when Jesus speaks, realities can change. —Padre Jay
Jun 25, 2019
Franciscan University Presents: Creating Marriages That Thrive
Join Host Michael Hernon, panelists Dr. Regis Martin and Dr. Scott Hahn, and special guest Fr. Jay Donahue, founder of "Renew The I Do", as they discuss how couples, parishes, and communities can help build stronger marriages.
ORIGINAL AIR DATE: APRIL 2018
Jun 24, 2019
Padre Jay's Vocation Story
Padre Jay recounts the story of his call to the vocation of the priesthood.
ORIGINAL AIR DATE: FEBRUARY 2014
Oct 14, 2018
HOMOSEXUALITY—Padre Jay's homily from October 14, 2018
Father Jay delivers the third in a trio of challenging subjects: HOMOSEXUALITY. From October 14, 2018 at Saints Simon & Jude, Pittsburgh.
Oct 7, 2018
CONTRACEPTION—Padre Jay's Homily from October 7, 2018
Father Jay delivers the second in a trio of challenging subjects: CONTRACEPTION. From September 30, 2018 at Saints Simon & Jude, Pittsburgh.
Sep 30, 2018
HELL—Padre Jay's homily from September 30, 2018
Father Jay delivers the first in a trio of challenging subjects: HELL. From September 30, 2018 at Saints Simon & Jude, Pittsburgh.