St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church Homilies & Talks

12 | The Pearl of Great Price | July 26, 2026 Homily | Fr. Travis Stephens

St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:26:46 -0400

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 in this world can provide.

If you've ever wondered what is truly worth giving your life for, this homily offers a powerful answer.

About St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church
Located at:
1870 W. Oak Street, Zionsville, IN 46077
(317) 873-2885
ZionsvilleCatholic.com

⛪Sunday Mass Schedule:
Saturday 4:30pm
Sunday: 8am, 10:30am, 5pm
Livestream Schedule: https://zionsvillecatholic.com/livestream

✝️Confession:
Wednesday 6:30pm (after 6pm Mass)
Saturday 9:30am (after 9am Mass) and 3:15pm to 4:15pm
Or by appointment

11 | Is Your Faith Growing or Fading? Parable of the Sower | July 19, 2026 Homily | Deacon Tim Perry

St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:26:37 -0400

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 faith into something that bears lasting fruit. Every Mass, every prayer, and every day is another opportunity to let God transform our hearts.

If you've ever wondered whether your faith is "enough" or felt like you've drifted from God, this message offers hope: God has not given up on you. He is patiently calling you closer to Him.

About St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church
Located at:
1870 W. Oak Street, Zionsville, IN 46077
(317) 873-2885
ZionsvilleCatholic.com

⛪Sunday Mass Schedule:
Saturday 4:30pm
Sunday: 8am, 10:30am, 5pm
Livestream Schedule: https://zionsvillecatholic.com/livestream

✝️Confession:
Wednesday 6:30pm (after 6pm Mass)
Saturday 9:30am (after 9am Mass) and 3:15pm to 4:15pm
Or by appointment

10 | The One Thing America Needs Most | America's 250th Homily, July 5, 2026 | Fr. Travis Stephens

St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:26:29 -0400

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 faith, patriotism or the call to Christian discipleship, this homily offers a timely reminder that renewal begins with each of us.

Subscribe for more Catholic homilies and faith-filled content from St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church in Zionsville, Indiana.

About St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church
Located at:
1870 W. Oak Street, Zionsville, IN 46077
(317) 873-2885
ZionsvilleCatholic.com

⛪Sunday Mass Schedule:
Saturday 4:30pm
Sunday: 8am, 10:30am, 5pm
Livestream Schedule: https://zionsvillecatholic.com/livestream

✝️Confession:
Wednesday 6:30pm (after 6pm Mass)
Saturday 9:30am (after 9am Mass) and 3:15pm to 4:15pm
Or by appointment

9 | The Orderliness of God | June 14, 2026 | Deacon Tim Perry

St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:26:20 -0400

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 gifts and discover the peace that comes from following God's design for our lives.

About St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church
Located at:
1870 W. Oak Street, Zionsville, IN 46077
(317) 873-2885
ZionsvilleCatholic.com

⛪Sunday Mass Schedule:
Saturday 4:30pm
Sunday: 8am, 10:30am, 5pm
Livestream Schedule: https://zionsvillecatholic.com/livestream

✝️Confession:
Wednesday 6:30pm (after 6pm Mass)
Saturday 9:30am (after 9am Mass) and 3:15pm to 4:15pm
Or by appointment

8 | The Eucharist Is Not a Symbol; It's Jesus | June 7, 2026 Corpus Christi Homily | Fr. Travis Stephens

St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:26:12 -0400

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 in the Blessed Sacrament after Mass so that we can encounter Him personally in prayer. Fr. Travis offers a simple and practical guide to making a holy hour through four steps: Acknowledge, Relate, Receive and Respond. Whether you are new to Eucharistic Adoration or seeking a deeper appreciation of Holy Communion, this homily is an invitation to encounter Jesus Christ, truly present in the Eucharist, and allow Him to transform your life.

About St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church
Located at:
1870 W. Oak Street, Zionsville, IN 46077
(317) 873-2885
ZionsvilleCatholic.com

⛪Sunday Mass Schedule:
Saturday 4:30pm
Sunday: 8am, 10:30am, 5pm
Livestream Schedule: https://zionsvillecatholic.com/livestream

✝️Confession:
Wednesday 6:30pm (after 6pm Mass)
Saturday 9:30am (after 9am Mass) and 3:15pm to 4:15pm
Or by appointment

7 | Am I a Bridge or a Barrier to Christ | May 24, 2026 Pentecost Homily | Fr. Travis Stephens

St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:26:06 -0400

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? Are you helping others encounter Christ — or unintentionally standing in the way?

This Pentecost homily challenges us to prayerfully discern how the Holy Spirit wants to work through our natural strengths, personalities and spiritual gifts for the good of the Church and the glory of God.

About St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church
Located at:
1870 W. Oak Street, Zionsville, IN 46077
(317) 873-2885
ZionsvilleCatholic.com

⛪Sunday Mass Schedule:
Saturday 4:30pm
Sunday: 8am, 10:30am, 5pm
Livestream Schedule: https://zionsvillecatholic.com/livestream

✝️Confession:
Wednesday 6:30pm (after 6pm Mass)
Saturday 9:30am (after 9am Mass) and 3:15pm to 4:15pm
Or by appointment

6 | Jesus Ascended to Heaven; Why Are We Still Here? | May 17, 2026 | Deacon Tim Perry

St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:25:58 -0400

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 worship God together. He also reflects on praying for loved ones, evangelizing in everyday life and remembering that we were made for heaven—not just this world.

At the end of Mass, we are sent to “go and announce the Gospel.” This homily is a powerful reminder to live with eternity in mind and to help others find their way to Christ.

About St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church
Located at:
1870 W. Oak Street, Zionsville, IN 46077
(317) 873-2885
ZionsvilleCatholic.com

⛪Sunday Mass Schedule:
Saturday 4:30pm
Sunday: 8am, 10:30am, 5pm
Livestream Schedule: https://zionsvillecatholic.com/livestream

✝️Confession:
Wednesday 6:30pm (after 6pm Mass)
Saturday 9:30am (after 9am Mass) and 3:15pm to 4:15pm
Or by appointment

5 | What Marshmallows and Confirmation Have in Common | May 9, 2026 | Fr. Travis Stephens

St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:25:52 -0400

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
Located at:
1870 W. Oak Street, Zionsville, IN 46077
(317) 873-2885
ZionsvilleCatholic.com

⛪Sunday Mass Schedule:
Saturday 4:30pm
Sunday: 8am, 10:30am, 5pm
Livestream Schedule: https://zionsvillecatholic.com/livestream

✝️Confession:
Wednesday 6:30pm (after 6pm Mass)
Saturday 9:30am (after 9am Mass) and 3:15pm to 4:15pm
Or by appointment

4 | How the Sacraments Lead us to Eternal Life | April 26, 2026 | Deacon Tim Perry

St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:25:44 -0400

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, this is a powerful reminder that receiving the Eucharist is not just a milestone, but an invitation to deeper trust, ongoing conversion and a life rooted in Christ’s love and protection.

About St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church
Located at:
1870 W. Oak Street, Zionsville, IN 46077
(317) 873-2885
ZionsvilleCatholic.com

⛪Sunday Mass Schedule:
Saturday 4:30pm
Sunday: 8am, 10:30am, 5pm
Livestream Schedule: https://zionsvillecatholic.com/livestream

✝️Confession:
Wednesday 6:30pm (after 6pm Mass)
Saturday 9:30am (after 9am Mass) and 3:15pm to 4:15pm
Or by appointment

3 | Just War: What the Catholic Church Teaches | Fr. Travis Stephens, PhD

St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:25:37 -0400

"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 in Zionsville, Ind., holds a doctorate in bioethics from Duquesne University and a master of divinity from St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. He also holds numerous bachelor’s degrees, including philosophy from the Pontifical College Josephinum, as well as biochemistry, chemistry, pre-medicine, philosophy and biology from Ball State University. In addition to his role as pastor, Fr. Stephens is an adjunct professor at Marian University, teaching moral theology. Prior to his position at St. Alphonsus, Fr. Stephens was parochial vicar at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Westfield, Ind., and at St. Louis de Montfort in Fishers, Ind. He also served for two years as an adjunct judge for the Diocese of Lafayette Tribunal.

About St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church
Located at:
1870 W. Oak Street, Zionsville, IN 46077
(317) 873-2885
ZionsvilleCatholic.com

⛪Sunday Mass Schedule:
Saturday 4:30pm
Sunday: 8am, 10:30am, 5pm
Livestream Schedule: https://zionsvillecatholic.com/livestream

✝️Confession:
Wednesday 6:30pm (after 6pm Mass)
Saturday 9:30am (after 9am Mass) and 3:15pm to 4:15pm
Or by appointment

2 | Why Jesus Gave the Power to Forgive Sins | April 12, 2026 | Fr. Travis Stephens

St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:25:23 -0400

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 Sacrament of Reconciliation and the life-changing invitation to encounter Christ’s forgiveness personally.

About St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church
Located at:
1870 W. Oak Street, Zionsville, IN 46077
(317) 873-2885
ZionsvilleCatholic.com

⛪Sunday Mass Schedule:
Saturday 4:30pm
Sunday: 8am, 10:30am, 5pm
Livestream Schedule: https://zionsvillecatholic.com/livestream

✝️Confession:
Wednesday 6:30pm (after 6pm Mass)
Saturday 9:30am (after 9am Mass) and 3:15pm to 4:15pm
Or by appointment

1 | Why So Many People Are Joining the Catholic Church Right Now | Easter Homily | Fr. Travis Stephens

St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:25:11 -0400

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, this homily explores how God alone fulfills the human heart.

If you’ve ever wondered why people are becoming Catholic, returning to the faith or searching for meaning in difficult times, this reflection offers a compelling answer rooted in Jesus Christ, sacrifice (kenosis) and the call to live a life of charity.

Interested in joining the Church? Learn more about our Becoming Catholic program here:
https://zionsvillecatholic.com/ocia

About St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church
Located at:
1870 W. Oak Street, Zionsville, IN 46077
(317) 873-2885
ZionsvilleCatholic.com

⛪Sunday Mass Schedule:
Saturday 4:30pm
Sunday: 8am, 10:30am, 5pm
Livestream Schedule: https://zionsvillecatholic.com/livestream

✝️Confession:
Wednesday 6:30pm (after 6pm Mass)
Saturday 9:30am (after 9am Mass) and 3:15pm to 4:15pm
Or by appointment