From the Deacon's Desk

by Deacon Rick Wagner

Deacon Rick Wagner was ordained on June 23, 2012 and currently serves his home parish of St. Pius X in Indianapolis, IN. He has been married to his wife, Carol, for 43 years and they have 4 children and 10 grandchildren.

Deacon Rick has been involved in Catholic education for 40+ years and currently serves as President of St. Theodore Guerin High School, a workshop instructor for Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, and a retreat leader.

He has also authored three books: Remember What’s Important (2011), Fifty Homilies from the Deacon’s Desk (2016), and Fifty MORE Homilies from the Deacon’s Desk (2024).

Have a question or comment for Deacon Rick? Feel free to contact him at rwagner@spxparish.org

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  • Fourteen Years as a Deacon!

    Today marks the 14th anniversary of my ordination. What a gift the diaconate has been to me. I have grown and matured in so many ways, particularly in my faith and in the way I view life. Because of this renewed sense of purpose and clearer vision for my life, I have become a better…

  • Stop Judging

    Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer. Jesus said to his disciples: “Stop judging, that you may not be judged.” (Matthew 7:1-5) STOP JUDGING: Stop judging others. It…

  • Homily: Our Only Fear Should Be Walking Alone

    Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings: Jeremiah 20:10-13; Romans 5:12-15; and Matthew 10:26-33 I am not preaching today, but here is a homily I offered Back IN 2020 on the same readings we have today: I offer this story from a young adoptive mother: Planning. It is one job we all do best. We like…

  • Worrying

    Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase from the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer. “Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life span?” (Matthew 6:24-34) WORRYING: Some Scripture messages are timeless,…

  • Treasure

    Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase from the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. (Matthew 6:19-23) TREASURE: As is the case with all scripture, there…

  • Humility and Trust

    Each day, I reflect upon a word or phrase connected to the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer. Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their…

  • Comfort and Hope

    Each day, I reflect upon a word or phrase from the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer. Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord (Psalm 31:25) COMFORT and HOPE: I don’t usually draw my inspiration from…

  • Perfect

    Each day, I reflect upon a word or phrase from the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer. “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father…

  • Turn the Other Cheek

    Each day, I reflect upon a word or phrase from the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. (Matthew 5:38-42) TURN THE OTHER CHEEK: Jesus…

  • Homily: Bring Back the Lost Sheep

    Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings: Exodus 19:2-6 / Romans 5:6-11 / Matthew 9:36-10:8 I will be preaching the following homily at all Masses this weekend at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Indianapolis: In Matthew’s gospel today, we hear that Jesus’ heart was moved with pity at the sight of the crowd, “…because they…