(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
11/13/22 - Jesus Promises To Be With Us - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a message of hope, he tells us not to be afraid. He promises to be with us in the sicknesses, deaths, wars, disasters, and persecutions that will happen before he comes again in glory.
Because of our faith in Jesus, we are able to stand firm during difficult times. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus helps us work for justice, peace, and to support one another. When we stand firm in our faith, and focus on Jesus, we live with the hope of everlasting happiness with God in Heaven.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What things do you worry about? How does Jesus help us with our worries? What hope does Jesus give us?
Family Prayer: Jesus, we ask you for your help when things get difficult. Help us to be there for one another. Amen
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Read more: Jesus Promises To Be With Us Cycle C / Jesus Promete Estar Con Nosotros Ciclo C
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
11/20/22 - Jesus Rules with Forgiveness and Love - Cycle C
Dear Families,
This Sunday is the end of our liturgical year and we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. When Jesus was on earth many of his followers thought he would be the ruler of an earthly kingdom, rule and have soldiers. Instead, Jesus is crucified and made fun of, and they write on a sign above his cross, “This is the King of the Jews”. Jesus is mocked and hangs between two thieves and is ridiculed by one for not saving them and himself, but the other defends Jesus. He asks Jesus to remember him and Jesus promises that they will be in Heaven together.
Today’s Gospel invites us, like the good thief on the cross to recognize that Jesus is indeed King and savior of all. Let’s recognize that the Cross is a place of trust, where Jesus accepted his death for our salvation. Jesus’ Resurrection shows that his actions for forgiving, sharing, and loving have power stronger than death for all of us. He is, “Christ the King”, our savior.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What kind of King is Jesus? How does Jesus lead us? How do we ask Jesus for forgiveness?
Family Prayer: Jesus, you are our King and there is no other. Help us to follow your example of forgiveness. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus Rules with Forgiveness and Love Cycle C / Jesús Gobierna con Perdón y Amor Ciclo C
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
11/27/22 - Jesus Tells Us to Be Ready - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This Sunday is Advent, the first day of our new Liturgical Year. During Advent we remember Jesus’ first coming but we also need to think about Jesus’ second coming. The message from this Sunday’s Gospel is get ready. Jesus is coming again. No one knows when Jesus will come again. Advent gives us the opportunity to change and to live each day as we would want to live if we knew that Jesus would return that day. Let us all remember that this world and this life are only temporary. We have something greater to look forward to, being with Jesus in Heaven.
During this Advent season let us prepare each day for the day of Jesus’ second coming by listening to his words, and understanding his message of hope, love, joy and peace.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are some ways your family gets ready for Christmas? In what way does your family get ready for Jesus’ second coming?
Family Prayer: God, help us to make room in our home and our hearts to welcome Jesus. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus Tells Us to Be Ready Cycle A / Jesus Nos Dice Que Estemos Listos Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
10/2/22 - Faith The Size Of A Mustard Seed - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, when the apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith, he tells them that with a tiny bit of faith they could do amazing things. He showed them a tree and told them that if they had faith as tiny as a mustard seed, they could tell the tree to move from the land into the sea and it would!
But what is faith? Faith is believing in God’s love for us, his goodness and trusting him. Faith in God is a gift he gives us so that we can believe in Him. God gives us the gift of faith but it’s up to us to use it. There are many people who don’t have a tiny bit of faith. They don’t feel God loves them, they do not feel God is looking after them and they try to do things on their own and their lives spin out of control.
We use our gift of faith when we decide to obey, trust and believe in God’s love for us. We put our faith into action when we help those in need and do not expect anything in return.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
According to Jesus, how much faith is enough? What are some of the little things that each of us do for our family that make a big difference?
Family Prayer: Lord, help our family open our hearts to your love so that we grow in our faith. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
9/4/22 - Family, Friends or God - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus talks about hating our families. You are probably thinking, but I thought Jesus didn’t want us to hate anyone? He does not want us to hate. What Jesus is telling us is that we should love God more than we love the people closest to us. God wants us to stay close to the people we love, but Jesus is telling us that to follow God we need to put him first. This means that we should be ready to do what God wants even if it means losing our family or best friends.
It can be very difficult and require sacrifice to do what is right, and to choose between doing what Jesus teaches us or keeping friends. People might make fun of us and reject us. We are so blessed that Jesus is so honest with us, and teaches us how to be ready to give up anything or anyone that would stop us from following him.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Why do you think it would be difficult to follow what Jesus teaches? What sacrifices would you make to follow Jesus?
Family Prayer: Jesus, when it is difficult to follow you, help us to remember what you sacrificed to save us. Amen
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Read more: Family, Friends or God Cycle C / Familia, Amigos o Dios Ciclo C
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
9/25/22 - Lazarus and the Rich Man - Cycle C
Dear Families,
This Sunday Jesus tells us a parable about a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. While they were alive, the rich man had everything he wanted, but Lazarus the poor man, lay by the rich man’s gate. The rich man never gave him anything.
Eventually both men died. Lazarus the poor man went to heaven and the rich man did not. The rich man realized too late that he only thought of himself and had been selfish. Jesus wants us to help the poor and suffering people around you. He wants us to see the suffering and listen to the cry of the poor.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are some ways God wants us to care for our world and for people? What are some things you share with others?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to not be selfish. May we treat others as you would treat them. Amen
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Read more: Lazarus and the Rich Man Cycle C / Lazaro y el Hombre Rico Ciclo C
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
9/18/22 - Parable of the Dishonest Steward - Cycle C
Dear Families,
This Sunday Jesus tells a parable of a steward losing his job after making dishonest choices with a rich man’s money. Then he is praised when he uses an underhanded way to secure his own future. Can we correct our poor choices, and use this parable to be wise and think about securing our future in God’s Kingdom by serving others instead of ourselves?
Jesus continues to teach that those who are honest in small matters will also be honest in large matters. The Lord expects us to use our resources responsibly, and to put them at his service and the service of others. We cannot serve two masters. Jesus clearly teaches that our hearts must be possessed by God’s love. Our hearts are not to be possessed with the love of money. We are to be faithful, honest stewards of the time, money, and possessions that God has given us.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What shows a person is trustworthy? Why does Jesus tell us we cannot serve two masters?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to be honest and faithful in all we do. Amen
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Read more: Parable of the Dishonest Steward Cycle C / Parabola del Mayordomo Deshonesto Ciclo C
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
8/28/22 - What is Humility? - Cycle C
Dear Families,
This Sunday when Jesus sees people trying to sit in places of honor at a banquet, he saw their pride. He tells them a parable about being humble. Jesus focuses on humility not on pride. When we have true humility, we understand that everything we have comes from God. When we don’t understand we start to look down on everyone, and we forget about God and that he gave us these gifts to help others. We start looking for approval from others like the proud guests at the banquet, and we can commit the sin of pride.
According to Jesus, the most important thing is to learn to be humble. Being humble is not thinking less of ourselves; being humble means thinking about ourselves less. He is teaching us to focus on others and to invite people into our lives who will not be able to repay us with places of honor. God wants us to be generous with the gifts he has given us, and to give everyone a place of honor. Humility frees us from worrying about ourselves, and what others think of us. We give much glory to God when we are humble.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can you better identify the situations that make you fall into the sin of pride?
Family Prayer: Lord, grant us the grace to be humble, and serve everyone we meet with dignity. Amen
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Read more: What is Humility? Cycle C/ ¿Que es la Humildad? Ciclo C
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
No one is ever too young to help Jesus! In this Sunday’s Gospel, a little boy gave all the food he had to Jesus. Jesus performed a miracle and fed thousands of people with the little boy’s gift. Jesus was showing us that later he would feed thousands of us with the Holy Eucharist.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
What gifts do you have that Jesus could multiply to help others?
Family Prayer: Jesus, sometimes we are hungry too! We hunger for love, encouragement, or peace. Please help us to turn to you to give us all the things we hunger for. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
9/11/22 - The Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Prodigal Son - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus responds to those complaining about him keeping company with sinners. He tells them three parables about something or someone being lost and then found. The first parable is about the shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to search for one and when he finds the one, he rejoices. The second parable is about a woman searching for one coin and when she finds it, she also rejoices. Finally, the third story is about the son who asked for his inheritance before the father died. He leaves home and spends all his money on foolish things, and when he returns home his father is waiting for him, forgives him and he too rejoices and celebrates by throwing him a party. However, his brother is upset and does not think his brother, a sinner, is worthy of such rejoicing.
Jesus is teaching us in these parables, that when we do something wrong and sin, God never stops loving us. God does not lose hope or give up on us. He rejoices when we are lost and come back to him, we are always worthy of his love.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What do these parables teach us about sin and forgiveness?
Family Prayer: Jesus, thank you for always being there for us, no matter how lost and alone we may feel. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
8/21/22 - Who Will Be Saved? - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus is asked, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answers that many will try, but he explains that the gate is narrow and though many will attempt to enter, they might not be strong enough. We are all invited to share eternal life with God forever in heaven, but this invitation cannot be taken for granted.
Going to Mass on Sundays is a very important part of our faith journey, but Jesus teaches us we need to do more. Our actions must be consistent with what we say we believe. To enter the narrow gate is challenging, it is not easy. Jesus is teaching us that we need to dedicate ourselves all the time with acts of love, kindness, mercy, and compassion. We do this by looking at how we are living our lives at home, work, school, everywhere we go. Love, compassion, forgiveness, kindness to everyone is living our faith; a way to enter through the narrow gate.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What strength do you need to get through the narrow gate? Do you trust God and his grace to give you this strength?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us receive the grace to receive the strength we need to share your love with others. Amen
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Read more: Who Will Be Saved? Cycle C / ¿Quién Se Salvará? Ciclo C
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel, the Pharisees criticized Jesus’ disciples because they didn’t follow observations of the cleaning of hands, purifying themselves before they ate and other traditions. They believed that by their actions alone they were making themselves holy. Jesus taught the Pharisees who questioned him, that we do not make ourselves holy by just our actions. Rather, we become holy when we allow God’s Spirit to transform our hearts.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
How do you honor Jesus with your lips and your heart?
Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, help us to be true in our faith and love for you. Let our hearts and our actions reflect that love. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
8/14/22 - I have come to set the earth on fire! - Cycle C
Dear Families,
Jesus continues to teach us that true disciples love God above all else. In this Sunday’s Gospel, it is difficult to understand what Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! Jesus is speaking about the flame he wants blazing in our hearts with his love. He also says that he has come not only to bring peace but also division. He wants his disciples to understand that faith is not understood by everyone, and some will be against it. Our faith requires us to make hard choices. Being a follower of Jesus means we wouldn’t make a bad choice just to have friends or make someone else happy.
Following Jesus is not easy, but good choices help us have peaceful hearts and minds. A true disciple loves God above all relationships and things.
Watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What has Jesus brought to your family and friends, division or peace? Why?
Family Prayer: “Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love.” Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
Over the past weeks, we have heard Jesus teach that he is the Bread of Life, and those who believe in him will have eternal life.
In this week’s Gospel Jesus wanted to share the gift of himself with others, but it seemed scary to many people. Many people stopped following Jesus because they couldn’t understand what He was teaching. Jesus asked the 12 are you also going to leave? Simon Peter said that they knew that He had the words of eternal life, and that they were convinced that Jesus is the Holy One of God. The Apostles chose to stay with Jesus.
As we grow in our faith, we need to be like the Apostles and choose to follow Jesus even when it is hard, especially when other people don’t follow Him. We can’t do this without God’s help and the help of the community of faith, our Church.
On Sunday watch as people approach the altar to receive Holy Communion. They are walking towards the Eucharist. The “Real Presence” of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The Bread of Life. In Him they will have eternal life.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
Do you have a hard time understanding what Jesus teaches us?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to believe in you even when it is difficult to understand what you have taught us. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/4/22 - John the Baptist - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This is the second week of Advent, and in this week’s Gospel; John the Baptist encourages people to turn to God with their whole hearts. He baptizes many people who desire a better relationship with God. John shares that God is sending a holy and mighty person who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
We can turn to God with our whole hearts by repenting and turning away from sin. During this Advent season, reflect on poor choices you have made and ask for God’s forgiveness. This is how we can prepare our minds and hearts and welcome Jesus at Christmas.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What can you do this week to strengthen your relationship with God?
Family Prayer: Thank you, Jesus for welcoming us into your family. Help us to make choices that bring us closer to you. Amen.
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Read more: John Asks About Jesus / Juan Pregunta Acerca de Jesús
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
This Sunday we celebrate the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. The Catholic Church teaches that Mary, who was without sin, was taken, body and soul by God into Heaven. The Gospel reading recalls Mary’s actions after the announcement of her pregnancy with Jesus by the Angel Gabriel. The angel told her that her cousin Elizabeth was going to have a baby and Mary immediately leaves to visit her. In her womb, Mary brings Jesus to her cousin, and they greet each other with joy. Elizabeth’s baby (John the Baptist) leaps with joy in her womb. Elizabeth recognizes Mary as the mother of God and greets her saying “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” (Phrase in Hail Mary). Mary responds to Elizabeth’s greeting and sings with her song of praise (The Magnificat). With eyes of faith, they see the power and salvation of God breaking through into their lives and into the world.
Mary’s song of praise reminds us that God is always working for the salvation of the world. Let us foster a spirit of praise and thanksgiving and bring Jesus to others as Mary brought Jesus to her cousin Elizabeth.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
How do we praise and thank God for the things that God is doing in our lives and in our world today?
Family Prayer: Let’s make Mary’s prayer of thanksgiving (Luke1:46-47) our own.
Our souls proclaim the greatness of the Lord. Our spirits rejoice in God our Savior. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
The rich man in this Sunday’s Gospel wants to follow Jesus, but when Jesus tells him he must give up all he owns, he feels sad. It is hard to give up the things we have. Jesus doesn’t want us to hold too tightly to things of the world, but rather desire eternal life with Him in Heaven.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What things do you hold onto that might keep you from following Jesus?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to follow you no matter what we must leave behind.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that from the very beginning of creation God made the union of a woman and a man a blessed and sacred community. We honor this community in the Sacrament of Matrimony. We call this community the family. Jesus teaches us that God’s grace helps a man and a woman honor their commitments to each other. Continuing with the Gospel, people were bringing children for Jesus to touch them, but the disciples were stopping them. Jesus saw this and told them to let the children come to Him, and He blessed them.
Jesus loves children and every member of the family. He calls everyone in the family to follow him, trust God, and depend in Him completely.
As a family watch the video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What are some things that make it difficult to keep promises we have made to each other in our family?
Family Prayer: Lord, show us how to love each other in our family and keep our promises to each other. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus loves teaching others about God the Father! Jesus’ power is shown when He sends away a bad spirit. Jesus has authority over all things, including us.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question. Do we recognize Jesus’ authority over us and his ability to teach us?
Family Prayer: Jesus, please help us to listen to you in all things. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
Jesus did many wonderful miracles! This Sunday’s Gospel tells the story of Jesus healing a man who is deaf and could not speak clearly. Jesus touched him and healed him. Being able to hear is a wonderful gift from God. Listen to how the deaf man’s friends brought him to Jesus to heal him. Today’s Gospel invites us to think how we witness the healing presence of God to others. Jesus loves us so much that He takes care of all our needs.
God has given us the gift of hearing to be able to talk with and listen to other people. Let us thank God for the gift of hearing. Let us use this gift to hear God’s Word at Mass and share it with others.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
How can you use your voice to tell others about Jesus?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to hear the Gospel, understand it, and tell others the Good News of Jesus. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus calls Andrew, Simon (Peter), James and John to leave their jobs as fishermen and to follow him. When God calls, we must be ready to drop everything and follow.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question. What would you have to leave behind to follow Jesus?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to follow you because you know what will make us truly happy. Amen
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Read more: Jesus Gathers Followers / Jesus Reúne Seguidores (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Parents,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells his followers that unless a grain of wheat is planted into the ground the seed remains just a single grain. But, when a grain of seed falls to the ground and dies, the seed produces many other grains of wheat. It produces a harvest.
Jesus compares himself to a grain of wheat that needs to die. In his death and resurrection Jesus gives his life on the Cross. This sacrifice brings salvation to all his people and offers us the promise of eternal life.
When we become the seed for others, we join with Jesus in a process that transforms our lives and the world.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Planting seeds means doing positive things. What seeds have you planted this week?
How can you be like a seed and help increase faith in others?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to put you first, seek your will, and help others grow in faith. Amen
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Read more: Fifth Sunday of Lent Cycle B / Quinto Domingo de Cuaresma Ciclo B (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In last week’s Gospel, we heard Jesus chose 12 Apostles and sent them to preach and heal in his name. In today’s Gospel, we hear what happens when they return from this important work.
The Apostles gathered with Jesus and reported all they had done. Jesus saw that they were very tired and told them to take a break, but the crowds found out and followed them. Even though they were tired, Jesus and his Apostles were moved with pity and continued to help the people.
Family demands can make us feel like Jesus and the twelve Apostles. When we pray, we can talk to Jesus about our own needs and the concerns for others. Jesus will renew and strengthen us to live as his disciples.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
How do you find the energy to do things you need to do when you are tired?
Family Prayer: Jesus, we know your grace is sufficient for whatever we need to do. Please help us turn to you when we need rest and when we need strength. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Parents,
This Sunday is called Good Shepherd Sunday because Jesus tells His friends that He is the Good Shepherd who will lay down His life for His sheep. He explains that a hired shepherd runs away when a wolf comes. A hired shepherd only wants to be paid. Jesus says, “I know my sheep, and they know me.” He tells us that we belong to Him and He will lay down His life for us. Jesus reminds us how important we are to Him, so important that He died and rose so we can go to Heaven someday.
This week our video is a reflection on the First Reading and the Gospel. As a family, watch video in its entirety and ask each other these questions: How is Jesus like a good shepherd? How are you like a good shepherd?
Family Prayer: Teach us Lord, to hear your voice and answer you. Amen
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Read more: Fourth Sunday of Easter Cycle B / Cuarto Domingo de Pascua Ciclo B (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Parents,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Luke, two of Jesus’ disciples were sharing with the other disciples what had taken place on the road to Emmaus and how Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. As they were sharing their story Jesus suddenly stood among them and said “Peace be with you.” They were confused, frightened. Were they seeing a ghost? “Look at my hands and feet. Touch me. Do you have something to eat?” They all watched Jesus eat. Ghosts don’t eat. He reminded them to remember all he had taught them according to the Scriptures. Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. He had died and risen on the third day for the repentance and forgiveness of our sins and they were to be witnesses of this truth and preach this truth to all the nations.
St. Pope John Paul II said in Australia in 1986. “We do not pretend that life is all beauty. We are aware of darkness and sin, of poverty and pain. But we know Jesus has conquered sin and passed through his own pain to the glory of the Resurrection. And we live in the light of his Paschal Mystery – the mystery of his Death and Resurrection. We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song!”. Witness my dear families to this truth with joy.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question:
How will you witness Jesus’ resurrection?
Family Prayer: “We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song!” ALLELUIA!
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Read more: Third Sunday of Easter Cycle B / Tercer Domingo de Pascua Ciclo B (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel the people follow Jesus because He had given them bread. Jesus teaches them that what they really needed was not just food, but the food that God would give them. That food is Jesus Himself, the Bread of Life! When we celebrate Holy Communion, we receive Jesus Himself. Let’s remember that He is the Bread of Life. God provides for all our physical and spiritual needs.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other these questions.
Why does Jesus tell us that if we eat the bread he gives us, we will never be hungry? What does this mean?
Family Prayer: Lord, you gave us everything you had: Your life, your Body and your Blood. Teach us to give everything we have to you. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
This Sunday’s Gospel begins with the Jews complaining because they could not understand what Jesus meant when he said that he was the bread of life that came down from heaven. They knew he was Joseph’s and Mary’s son. Jesus hears them and responds by talking about his unity with God the Father. He repeats “I am the Bread of Life.” He teaches that the bread of life will be his own flesh, given for the life of the world.
Today’s Gospel focuses our attention on our faith in Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist. Jesus is the Bread of Life. He gives us his Body and Blood as bread so that we may have eternal life. Jesus promises us the gift of eternal life in the Eucharist.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
What does Jesus say a person must do to know him well.
Family Prayer: Jesus, it is hard to believe what we cannot see. Help us to have faith in you and your promise that the Eucharist is really you. Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Parents,
This Second Sunday of Easter is about faith and divine mercy. Last week Jesus was resurrected. The Apostles were scared and confused. This week we hear how they were hiding behind locked doors when Jesus appeared and said "Peace be with you.” He wanted them to be at peace. He loved them; he would always be there for them. Thomas one of the apostles was not there when Jesus appeared, and he did not believe the apostles when they told him Jesus had appeared. Jesus came back a week later and doubting Thomas was there and Jesus showed him his wounds. Jesus asked him to touch his wounds. Then he said to doubting Thomas “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?” “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question:
What doubts or questions about God are you struggling with?
This Sunday is also the celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday. On this day we thank God for His forgiveness and love. We know how much he loves us because he suffered and died for us. It is the mercy of God that lets all of us come back to Him after we have sinned.
Family Prayer: Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. Amen
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Read more: Second Sunday of Easter Cycle B / Segundo Domingo de Pascua Ciclo B (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus uses two parables to tell us about the Kingdom of God. In the first parable, the seeds planted grew into a healthy crop of grain, but it took many days and nights. In the second parable, the mustard seed which is the size of a teeny dot on a sheet of paper grows into a tree. Both these parables focus on seeds. Seeds sown take time to grow. When things take a long time to happen, we have to be patient and have faith. When we learn about our faith and practice it well, it will grow so that everyone will see its effect in our lives. We must sow seeds by spreading his words.
God wants us to know that if we live as Jesus tells us, we can look forward to happiness with God in the Kingdom of Heaven.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question:
What actions start small but can grow into larger things?
(Good: kindness, love, forgiveness)
(Bad: anger, not forgiving, judgment)
Family Prayer: Jesus help us to grow in faith, love, positive attitude, and kindness. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
Sunday’s Gospel tells us that Jesus performed miracles. He cured the sick and even raised the dead. In each case he was moved by the faith of the people who requested the miracle. We don’t think of ourselves as being in need of healing, but we all need healing in different ways. We are human and we have physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs and perhaps need a bit of healing every single day. Jesus wants us to ask him when we need help and to ask with faith.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question:
What does it mean to ask Jesus for something with faith?
Family Prayer: Jesus, please help us to have faith. Teach us to ask for what we need with faith. Amen
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