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Homilies for Calendar Year 2007 — 2008

Try it! Homilies are in Windows Audio format--Click on one of the links below and Windows Media Player will open and begin playing the selected homily.

Homilies — Feast of the Ascenson/7th Sunday of Easter
May 4th, 2008

Fr. Daniel McCaffrey joins us for the week while Fr. Bridges and Fr. Gilbert are at the Priests' Retreat/Convention for the Diocese of San Angelo. Fr. McCaffrey says that life isn't a "play ground" but a "proving ground" and talks about his Ministry in the Marriage Aspostolate. He also offers us a preview of his "Short Course in Catholicism." Join us at 7pm Monday through Thursday Evenings this week!

Homilies: Fr. McCaffrey (Sunday 5pm) - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)


Homilies — 6th Sunday of Easter—April 27th, 2008

Fr. Bridges teaches about the Mass at the 10:30am Mass, and speaks
to the children receiving their First Communion at the 5pm Mass.

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (Sunday 10:30am) - Fr. Bridges (Sunday 5pm)


Homilies — 5th Sunday of Easter—April 20th, 2008
At the 8am Mass Fr. Bridges speaks of the Holy Father's Visit to the United States.
At the 10:30am Mass Fr. Bridges addresses the teenagers completing their
pre-Confirmation reteat and addresses those children making their
First Holy Communion at the 5pm Sunday evening Mass. Fr. Gilbert speaks to
the children making their First Holy Communion at the Spanish Mass.

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (Sunday 8am) - Fr. Bridges (Sunday 10:30am)

Fr. Gilbert (Spanish) - Fr. Bridges (Sunday 5pm)


Homilies — 4th Sunday of Easter—April 13th, 2008
Deacon Bob speaks of the “Good Shepherd” and the coming visit
from our earthly Shepherd, our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI.

Homilies: Deacon Bod Liebrecht (Sunday 10:30am) - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)


Homilies — 3rd Sunday of Easter—April 6th, 2008
Fr. Bridges speaks of the “Breaking of Bread” and sharing it with others.

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (Sunday 10:30am) - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)

Homilies — Divine Mercy Sunday—March 30th, 2008
Fr. Bridges speaks of “Divine Mercy” and the “Day of the Unborn Child”

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (Sunday 10:30am) - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)

Homilies — Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday—March 23rd, 2008
Fr. Bridges says that a repentant sinner—Mary Magdalene—was chosen to be
the first witness of the Resurrection—and that should give US hope! Listen ...

Homilies: Easter Vigil - Fr. Bridges (Sunday 10:30am) - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)

Reflection & Homily — Good Friday — March 21st, 2008
Pastoral Associate Dennis Robson reflects on the sacrifice of Good Friday
and testifies to the blessings of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy in his own life.

Reflections — Dennis Robson, CFS: Good Friday

Fr. Bridges reflects on the blessing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet
and leads the First Day of the Novena of Divine Mercy.

Homilies: Good Friday Homily and Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Homilies — Holy Thursday — March 20th, 2008
Fr. Bridges speaks of the Institution of the Eucharist
and the meaning of being a servant.

Homilies: Holy Thursday


Homilies — Palm Sunday—March 15th & 16th
Fr. Bridges introduces Holy Week and urges our participation in the
Chaplet and Novena of Divine Mercy, which begins on Good Friday.

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (Sunday 10:30am) - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)

Homilies — 5th Sunday of Lent—March 8th & 9th
Fr. Bridges speaks tenderly of “Love and Loss” and what it really means to “remember ...”
whether its our departed loved ones or Jesus in Eucharist.

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (Sunday 5pm) - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)

Homilies — 4th Sunday of Lent—March 1st & 2nd
Fr. Bridges says that, like the “man born blind” we all need to be enlightened by Christ.
He tells how this happened for him through the “Healing of Memories” and
Marriage Encounter, and testifies, “He did it for me—and He'll do it for you!”

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (Sunday 5PM) - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)

Homilies — 3rd Sunday of Lent—February 23rd & 24th
What do we have in common with the Samaritan Woman at the Welll?

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (Sunday 10:30am) - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)


Homilies — 2nd Sunday of Lent—February 16th & 17th
Fr. Bridges reflects on the Stations of the Cross

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (Sunday 10:30am) - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)



Homilies — 1st Sunday of Lent—February 9th & 10th
Fr. Bridges reflects on the "circle of life," and the Stations of the Cross and says the BEST life is to "die empty" ... what does he mean? Listen!

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (Saturday 5pm) - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)

Small beginnings can lead to big consequences ... At the English Healing Mass (3pm) Fr. Gilbert reflects on Jesus' victory over the temptations of Satan.

Homilies: Fr. Gilbert (English Healing Mass)



Homilies — 4th Sunday of Ordinary Time—February 2nd & 3rd, 2008
Fr. Bridges talks about the beginning of Lent and the Blessing of St. Blaise.

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (10:30am) - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)



Homilies — 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time—January 26th & 27th, 2008
Fr. Bridges reflects on the call of the first disciples to be "fishers of men," and says Jesus' choice — especially of Peter! — should give us hope.

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (10:30am)



Homilies — 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time—January 19th & 20th, 2008
Fr. Bridges reflects on the Meaning of Married Love and Tom and Jeanie VanVranken offer an invitation to attend a Marriage Encounter in Midland.

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (10:30am) - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)


Homilies — Feast of The Baptism of the Lord— Jan. 13, 2008
Deacon Fidel Saldivar reflects on the Baptism of the Lord and tells the story of "The Traveler" to help us understand God's plan of Salvation — Listen!

Homilies: Deacon Fidel Saldivar (5pm Youth Mass) - Fr. Emilio Sosa (Spanish)

(Fr. Gilbert Rodriguez is on vacation this week.)

(The story Deacon Fidel tells in his homily, "The Traveler and the Shepherd" is no. 53 in Fresh Packet of Sower's Seeds-Third Planting from Paulist Press.)

Homilies for The Feast of The Epiphany— Jan. 6, 2008
Fr. Bridges tells the story of the Fourth Wise Man — Listen!

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (5pm Youth Mass) - Fr. Emilio Sosa (Spanish)

(Fr. Gilbert Rodriguez is on vacation this week.)

Homilies for The Feast of Mary, Mother of God— Jan. 1, 2008
Fr. Bridges urges us to follow Mary's example as we begin a new year — Listen!

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (10:30am New Year's Day) (Fr. Gilbert is on vacation)

Homilies for The Feast of the Holy Family—Dec. 29 & 30, 2007
Fr. Bridges reflects on the Holy Family and the responsibilities of parents — Listen!

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (5pm Sunday Mass) (Fr. Gilbert is on vacation this week)

Homilies for The Feast of Christmas— December 25, 2007
Fr. Bridges reflects on the awesome mystery of the Incarnation— Listen!

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (Midnight Mass) - Fr. Gilbert Rodriguez (Spanish)

Homilies for The Fourth Sunday of Advent—Dec. 22 & 23, 2007
Deacon Bob Leibrecht reads today's Gospel, considers Joseph's delima, and offers us encouraging words: "things are not always what they seem" — Listen!

Homilies: Deacon Bob (8am Mass) - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish Mass)

Homilies for The Third Sunday of Advent—Dec. 15 & 16, 2007
St. Stephen's Celebrates First Communion for RCIC

Fr. Bridges and Fr. Gilbert honor more than 100 children who received their First Communion this Sunday and Catholic Evangelist Mr. Michael Cumbie invites us to the Advent Parish Mission.

Mr. Cumbie says there are many "comings" of Jesus between his First Coming (celebrated at Christmas) and His "Second Coming" in Glory—Are WE ready for the NEXT Coming of the LORD in our lives? Listen!

Homilies: Fr. Bridges and Michael Cumbie(5pm Youth Mass) - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish/English)


Homilies for The Second Sunday of Advent—Dec. 8 & 9, 2007

"Even now the ax is laid at the root ... " Fr. Bridges reflects on the readings from Isaiah and the Gospel of Matthew—can there be Peace without Justice? Listen!

Fr. Bridges reads this week's Gospel (Matthew 3:1-12)

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (5pm Youth Mass) - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)


Homilies for The First Sunday of Advent—December 2nd & 3rd, 2007

"Stay awake ... BE READY for the coming of the Lord!" Fr. Bridges says we need a strategy if we're going to "stay awake" and he has some suggestions. Listen!

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (5pm Youth Mass) - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish) -

Fr. Gilbert (English Healing Mass-3pm)


Homilies for Our Lord Jesus Christ the King—November 24th & 25th

Fr. Bridges says the Good Thief got it ... What does he mean?

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (10:30 AM Mass) - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)


Homilies for the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time—November 17th & 18th

Fr. Bridges thanks the parish for our generosity to the Poor of Midland and reflects on the end of the Liturgical Year ... Why is this important? Listen ....

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (5pm Youth Mass) - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)


Homilies for the 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time—November 10th & 11th

Fr. Bridges honors the sacrifices of Veterans and the courage of our men and women in uniform and uses the story of the 7 brothers in the Book of Maccabees to reflects on challenges we face and the mystery of Death and Judgement.

Homilies: Fr. Bridges (10:30am) - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)

Criminal Justice Ministry Sunday - Deacon Bob presents parishioner-volunteers with certificates from Bishop Pfeifer and talks about the challenges of ministering to those in prision.

Homily: Deacon Bob Liebrecht (Sunday - 5pm)


Homilies for the 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time—Novemeber 3rd & 4th
Fr. Bridges tells the story of his conversion and says he has a couple of things in common with Zacchaeus--What are they?

Homilies: Fr. Bridges - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)



Homilies for the 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time—October 27th & 28th
Being a part of the human race is a challenge! Fr. Bridges explains ...


Homilies: Fr. Bridges (10:30am)


(Technical difficulties prevented us from recording Fr. Gilbert's homily from the Spanish Mass this week.)


Homilies for the 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time—October 20th & 21st
Prayer, Part II: Fr. Gilbert talks about the "nagging widow" and says that ALL our prayer is "In Him, With Him and Through Him".

Homilies: Fr. Gilbert (10:30am) - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)


Homilies for the 28th Sunday of Ordinary Time—October 13th & 14th
"In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." Fr. Bridges offers some thoughts, stories and practical pointers to improve our prayer life.

Homilies: Fr. Bridges - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)


Homilies for the 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time—October 6th & 7th, 2007 "If we're going to stamp out Abortion, we need to strengthen MARRIAGES." An invitation to attend a Marriage Encounter.

Homilies: Fr. Bridges - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)


Homilies for the 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time—September 29th & 30th
Whether it's pictures of the starving refugees of the Sudan or videos of devastation and hopelessness following the Asian Tsunami in 2004, the internet and TV invades our homes and confronts us with images of the world's poor, starving, homeless and desparately needy—pictures we might choose NOT to see. And that's the problem Jesus addresses in this Sunday's Gospel.

Are WE the indifferent "rich man" that Jesus talks about?
Listen to Fr. Bridge's challenging Homily for the 26th Sunday.


Homilies for the 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time—September 22nd & 23rd
What is "mammon" and why does the master compliment the dishonest steward?? Fr. Bridges explains ...

Homilies: Fr. Bridges - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)



Homilies for the 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time—September 15th & 16th
Fr. Bridges tells the tender story of a real-life "prodigal son."

Listen as Fr. Bridges reads the Parable of The Prodigal Son

Homilies: Fr. Bridges - Fr. Gilbert (Spanish)



Homilies for the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time—September 8th & 9th
Fr. Bridges says that the Church's primary mission is Unity ... to bring all men and women in the world into the one Body of Christ.

Saturday - Sunday: 8am - 10:30am - 12:30pm (Spanish) - 5pm


Homilies for the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time—September 1st & 2nd
Deacon Bob Leibrecht remembers Labor Day feasts of years past and says that we are "honored guests" ... What does he mean?

Saturday - Sunday: 8am - 10:30am - 12:30pm (Spanish) - 5pm Prayers of the Faithful


Homilies for the 21st Sunday—August 25th & 26th
"Strive to enter by the narrow gate ... "
Fr. Gilbert preaches at all the Masses this weekend.

Saturday - Sunday: 8am - 10:30am - 12:30pm (Spanish) - 5pm


Homilies for the 20th Sunday—August 19th
Fr. Gilbert preaches at all the Masses this weekend ...

Sunday: 8am - 10:30am - 12:30pm (Spanish) - 5pm


Homilies for the 19th Sunday—August 11th & 12th
"Avoid Greed in all its forms." Fr. Bridges elaborates ...

Saturday - Sunday: 8am - 10:30am - 12:30pm (Spanish) - 5pm


Homilies for the 18th Sunday—August 4th & 5th
Hear Fr. Bridges' passionate plea for an end to the horor of abortion

Saturday - Sunday: 8am - 10:30am - 12:30pm (Spanish) - 5pm


Homilies for the 17th Sunday—July 28th & 29th
Fr. Bridges expains that today's story from Genesis gives us a different understanding of God than the one we've grown up with ...

Saturday - Sunday: 8am - 10:30am - 12:30pm (Spanish) - 5pm


Homilies for the 16th Sunday—July 21st & 22nd

A former parishioner, Deacon Mike Siebold preached at the earlier masses this weekend. Mike was ordained a Deacon for the Diocese of Dallas last year on the Feast of St. John the Baptist (June 24th, 2006) -Congratulations, Mike! The Siebolds were active in Youth Ministry during their years at St. Stephen's. Hear the homily from the Saturday evening or 8am Mass or the Gospel & Homily from the 10:30am Mass.

Deacon Mike Siebold Saturday - Sunday 8am - Sunday 10:30am

Fr. Bridges and Fr. Gilbert reflect on the famous story of "Mary and Martha." In answer to Martha's complaint, Jesus says that Mary has "chosen the best part ..." Fr. Bridges says, "We all go there together." What does he mean? Listen here ...

Fr. Gilbert - 12:30pm (Spanish) - Fr. Bridges - Sunday 5pm


Homilies for the 15th Sunday—July 14th & 15th
Deacon Bob Leibrecht reflects on the "Parable of the Good Samaritan."

Saturday - Sunday: 8am - 10:30am - 12:30pm (Spanish) - 5pm


Homilies for the 14th Sunday—July 7th & 8th
Fr. Bridges encourages us to "participate in the blessing of giving to the poor" and counts his blessings for living in the United States as he celebrates the Birthday of our nation. Have you made YOUR inventory?

Saturday - Sunday: 8am - 10:30am - 12:30pm (Spanish) - 5pm


Homilies for the 13th Sunday—June 30 & July 1
Fr. Bridges speaks of "Peter's Pence", the ministry of Helping Hands, honors the courage of our men and women in the Armed Forces as we prepare to celebrate our Nation's birthday, and talks about the dangers of Procrastination-"It's later than you think!" Be brave ... Listen ...

Saturday - Sunday: 8am - 10:30am - 12:30pm (Spanish) - 5pm


Homilies for the Nativity of John the Baptist ...
Fr. Bridges expains that in many countries this Feast is one of the ten Holy Days of Obligation--Why is this Feast Day so important? Listen ...

Saturday - Sunday: 8am - 10:30am - 5pm


Hear the Homilies for Father's Day ...
Deacon Fidel reflects on the challenges and blessings of fatherhood ...

Saturday - Sunday: 8am - 10:30am - 12:30pm (Spanish) - 5pm


Hear the Homilies for Corpus Christi Sunday ...
What is "true worship?"

Saturday Evening Sunday: 8am - 10:30am - 12:30pm (Spanish) - 5pm


Hear the Homilies for Trinity Sunday ...
Do you know your "permanent address?"

Sunday: 8am - 10:30am - 12:30pm (Spanish) - 5pm


Hear the Homilies for the Feast of Pentecost ...
Pentecost is from the Greek word which means "fifty"--fifty days after Easter. Fr. Bridges & Fr. Gilbert talk about the gift of Holy Spirit and reflect on the meaning of this Day, "The Birthday of the Church"
Saturday - Sunday: 8am - 10:30am - 12:30pm (Spanish) - 5pm



Hear the Homilies for the 7th Sunday of Easter ...
Fr. Gilbert preaches at all masses this weekend and reflects on the question: "What is the Name of God?"
Saturday - Sunday: 8am - 10:30am - 12:30pm (Spanish) - 5pm



Hear the Homilies for Mother's Day ...
Fr. Bridges speaks of the importance of memory in our lives and relationships and shares fond rememberances of his own mother ...
Saturday - Sunday: 8am - 10:30am - 5pm

... and Fr. Gilbert speaks of Christ's gift of Peace & the promise of the Holy Spirit:
Homily for the 6th Sunday of Easter-12:30pm



Hear the Homilies for the 5th Sunday of Easter ...
Fr. Bridges and Fr. Gilbert reflect on Jesus' Command to
"Love one another as I have loved you."

For Fr. Gilbert Click Here --For Fr. Bridges (5pm Sunday) Click Here




4th Sunday of Easter -"Good Shepherd" Sunday - Deacon Bob Leibrecht
Sat 5pm - 8am - 10:30am - 5pm



3rd Sunday of Easter 8am - 10:30am - 12:30pm Spanish


First Communion

5pm Saturday, April 21, 2007 and 5pm Sunday, April 22, 2007





Divine Mercy Sunday Sat 5pm - 8am - 10:30am - 12:30pm Spanish - 5pm



Easter Sunday 8am - 10:30am - 5pm



Good Friday
Reflections on the Passion of the Lord by Dr. Jason Carter
4pm Passion Service and 7pm Passion Service



Holy Thursday Click Here



Palm Sunday Sat 5pm 8am - 10:30am - 12:30pm Spanish - 5pm



5th Sunday of Lent 8am - 10:30am - 5pm
Confirmation Retreat Mass 5pm Saturday, March 24th, 2007



4th Sunday of Lent
Fr. Bridges & Fr. Rodriguez reflect on the Stations of the Cross
Sat 5pm - 8am - 10:30am - 12:30pm Spanish - 5pm



1st Sunday of Lent Sat 5pm - 8am - 10:30am - 5pm



Ash Wednesday 7am - 5:30pm - 7pm



Some Favorites from Past Months ...

Hear Fr. Bridges' Homily from the Feast of the Epiphany, Sunday, Jan. 7th, 2007

Hear Fr. Bridges' powerful ""Right to Life" Homily" from Sunday, Jan. 21st, 2007

Fr. Bridges reflects on the "Love Chapter" : the 13th chapter of Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians (from Sunday, Jan 28th, 2007)--worth listening to again and again!

What is "Fear of the Lord?" from Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006

This side of Heaven, where is Christ to be found? Christ the King Sunday Nov. 26, 2006

Fr. Bridges reflects on the Rosary, Oct. 1, 2006

Fr. Bridges' reflects on the beauty of the Priesthood, Priesthood Sunday, Oct. 29, 2006


St. Stephen's Catholic Church
The mission of St. Stephen's Catholic Church is to provide an atmosphere for the spiritual
nurturing of our parish community in a way that realizes the God-given potential in each of us.


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Midland, TX 79707

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