St. Ann DC Podcast

Persistence may be hard, all things in life are hard. In Exodus, Moses is tired and weary but he is supported by Aaron and Hur to fulfill what the Lord wants. Then, Jesus in the gospel of Luke also speaks on persistence and to pray unceasingly without being weary. Jesus was weary on the cross with no assistance but he still cried out to his father that “thy will be done”. His sacrifice and his permanent patience is the reason we come to mass, to praise, to adore and to unceasingly embrace our God who came down to Earth for our sins.

Those who are grateful are happy. God is at work. He has his ways of communicating with us no matter what. We're only able to see a fraction of what He is doing.

People often ask how can a good merciful God allow for all the evil in our world to happen? The apostles experienced this question, asking Jesus to increase their faith, as people of faith can understand the evil of the crucifixion which was necessary as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. Being grateful to God is how people are able to put the evil of the world into perspective, having faith that grows like a mustard seed.

In this week's homily, Fr. Maximo Stock explains the five pieces of advice that the rich man should have considered taking that could have helped him break through indifference and connect with others. Take a listen.

In today's homily, His Eminence Cardinal Wuerl preaches the importance of Catholic Charity and how we, unlike the wealthy gentile in today's reading, must find humility and recognize the sin of greed in ourselves before it is too late.

In Fr. Maximo's homily this week, he repeats Jesus' words asking us to have the shrewdness of the children of this world, while at the same time the integrity of the Children of Light. "Be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves," Jesus says in Matthew 10:16. Let's learn how.

It's easy to write people off, but we can learn from everyone. We need to make the distinction: We learn from the world, without becoming entrenched in the world's sin. How do we make this distinction?

Have you ever wanted to know more about the history, architecture, art and foundation of our parish? This is your chance!

Why is the cross so important? In the midst of many recent tragedies, we commemorate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which has healing powers we cannot comprehend - in, and beyond, this world. Take a listen as Fr. Aaron Stettler explains the beauty of the cross.

Monsignor discusses how Jesus called us to give up our possessions in order to follow him as a disciple, and discusses ways to reduce the weight of our physical or mental possessions

Fr. Maximo Stock explains how Jesus provides a model of leadership. The Christian leader puts others first at the expense of him- or herself.

Fr. Ivan Pertine speaks about the disposition necessary for entering the Kingdom of Heaven.

Msgr. Watkins speaks on the substance of the Mass and what should be our focus each Sunday.

We don't desire too much...we desire too little.

Jesus gives us peace, but we shouldn't expect it in the world.

Why must Mary, our Virgin Mother and the Mother of God, be human? Why is it necessary that she not die? Learn the answer to these questions and more in today's homily podcast with Msgr. James Watkins, our pastor.

What difference could one little coin make? Let's find out.

In today's homily, Msgr. Watkins reflects on how we as Catholics put our faith into practice, and how, even though it may be difficult at times, faith in the Lord brings great joy.

Monsignor Watkins reflects on the hoarding of physical possessions but also how people around us and our obsessions can possess us as well. He urges us to give one possession, tangible or intangible to God.

Why should we pray if God already knows our desires and needs? Discover the profound purpose and transformative power of prayer as explained by Fr. Maximo Stock in this thoughtful and enlightening episode of our podcast. Tune in now to explore this essential aspect of faith.Book suggestion: In the Shadow of His Wings

Msgr. Watkins invites guest Priest Fr. Dave O'Connor to speak on his decade of work as a missionary in the southeastern Peru and to describe the joys and hardships in that place.

In today's reading, Jesus gently corrects Martha who is doing chores while Jesus is teaching. While Mary chose "the better part," what Martha is doing is still good. Both are serving Christ. However, Mary listened to Jesus first, before taking action, while He was speaking and teaching in her home; this is key.

What is the difference between love and charity? Hint: You do not need to like someone to show them love — that's charity.

Fr. Ivan explains just four easy steps to evangelize on our mission as missionary disciples: look around, pray, approach and invite. The three attitudes to take this a step further are: be poor, approach people without second intentions, and approach people with joy.

Fr. Ivan explains the key roles of Saints Peter and Paul in their apostleship, and applies their examples to the present day: "We need prudence and boldness; we need tradition and renewal; we need structure and creativity."

What does it mean to consume the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ?

Listen to the mystery of the Holy Trinity explained, through the way we love one another!

Msgr Watkins discusses the complexity and the mystery of the trinity and how our faith is special. The connections between the 3 persons of the Trinity are elaborate but make more sense through the love of the father.

In today's Pentecost Sunday Mass, Cardinal Wuerl preaches on the difference between the signs of love and love itself, and how we may be more mindful and aware of Christ's love in this blessed season.

Msgr Watkins connects his personal experience of his father leaving often for the Navy, with Jesus discussing his ascension and his disciples having to understand and come to peace with Jesus returning to heaven. Jesus asked his disciples to let him go as a testament of their love for each other.

This week, 48 missionaries with the St. John Society travel to Belize on a mission trip. Listen to learn more and support them with your prayers.

Hear what our pastor had to share with our teens: Here's what the Sacrament of Confirmation is all about!

Why does Jesus call us his sheep? Find out this week in Father Ivan's homily.

Msgr. Watkins addresses St. Ann's 2025 First Communion Class on Mother's Day and discusses Christ's inheritance of his human nature from his mother the Blessed Virgin Mary and the meaning of the Eucharist.

Have you ever wondered how the conclave works? Peter's redemption, from denying Jesus to being asked to lead his sheep, his Church on earth, connects to the papal election and the responsibility the Pope bears, no longer acting as an individual but as a representative of God.

We wish you a blessed Divine Mercy Sunday. Here is the background of this most special devotion.

Fr. Maximo Stock explains the forgiveness at the center of Jesus' Passion and death. Although many of the figures at the center of the story understand who Jesus is, they do not understand what He has come to do.

We are judged with the justice and mercy of God. Indulgences help take away the punishments associated with our sin.

Msgr. Watkins reflects on Christ's successful defense of an adulterous woman from a crowd wishing to stone her and shares a meditation from St. Mother Theresa on Jesus' patience in waiting for us to invite him into our lives.

Do you identify with more with the younger brother or with the older brother? Do you fall more into legalism or worldliness?

Repent! And remember. This is a call to all of us, not just some, this Lent.

At the 7:00pm Mass Sundays, we continue our series on hope this Jubilee Year concentrating on the virtue of hope that is essential to Christians, a community of hope.

Msgr. Watkins urges us to focus on the purpose of Lent, rather than the shortcomings and trivial complaints. He reminds us that the substance and true purpose of our 40 day 40 night preparation is an act of love for Jesus and his sacrifice.

Fr. Maximo Stock Homily - Ash Wednesday - Live at St. Ann DC

Here is how to make fully trained disciples.

Here's how to deal with conflict.

Would you rather be poor with Christ than rich without Him?

During communion, the celebrant says, "Pray my brothers and sisters that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to the Lord our God." Sacrifice is essential to our participation in celebrating the life and death of Christ. One way to fulfill our part of the sacrifice is to contribute to the annual appeal, which helps Catholic charities across DC.

This is why we can trust God when our life leads us "into the deep end."

Fr. Ivan emphasizes the significance of the Word of God and how we can better incorporate His Word into our lives and hear God's voice.

Meditate with us on Jesus' first miracle.