(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
Last Sunday, we saw Jesus perform great miracles moved by the faith of people. The raising of Jairus’ daughter and the healing of the woman with a hemorrhage. This Sunday is quite different. People in Jesus’ hometown could not see who he really was. They only recognized the person they remembered from when he was younger. Because of their lack of faith, he did not perform many miracles.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
Why did the people in Jesus’ hometown have trouble seeing him as the Messiah and doubted he could do miracles?
Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, it is normal to doubt things sometimes. Please help us to look past our doubt and trust in you for everything. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In Sunday’s Gospel, we hear of a great storm. Jesus is on a boat with his disciples and has fallen asleep. His disciples are afraid of the storm and they wake up Jesus. Jesus wakes up and orders the wind and sea to calm down. Jesus asks his disciples: “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”
We all face personal storms of fear, anger, loneliness, rejection, loss of a loved ones. We can share our worries and concerns with Jesus. When we bring our worries to Jesus in prayer, he can help us see our worries from a different perspective. He can help us face our worries with faith in God’s love and protection.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other these questions:
When you are afraid, do you remember that Jesus is with you?
How can Jesus help you when you are afraid?
Family Prayer: Jesus, increase our trust in you especially when we are afraid. Help us to trust that you will help us at all times. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
This Sunday we celebrate the feast of the Body and Blood of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist.
In this Sunday’s Gospel, we hear how Jesus instructed his disciples to prepare for their special Passover meal. Passover celebrates the Jewish feast where the Jewish people were freed from slavery by the Egyptians. This was to be Jesus Last Supper with His disciples. During the meal, Jesus took the bread, blessed it and shared it with his disciples. Then Jesus took a cup, blessed it and shared it with his disciples. Jesus changed the bread and wine into His own Body and Blood. He did this because he wanted to be with us always. Every time we receive the Eucharist, we remember we are receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The priest takes the place of Jesus, saying the same words that Jesus said at the Last Super, and the bread and wine becomes the real Body and Blood of Jesus.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question:
How can you better prepare yourself to receive Holy Communion?
Family Prayer: Lord, please help us to recognize you in the Holy Eucharist. Help us to remember that you are truly present. Amen
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Read more: Solemnidad del Cuerpo y La Sangre de Cristo Ciclo B (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus appears to his disciples and gives them the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The season of Easter ends with today’s celebration, Pentecost. On Pentecost we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit. Before Jesus Ascended into heaven, he promised to send the Holy Spirit, and he kept his promise.
This Sunday, the story of Pentecost is found in the first reading of Acts of the Apostles. The Holy Spirit descends upon the Apostles gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit comes like wind because it is God’s life breathed into us and fire because it gives us light to show us God’s ways. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand who God is and enables us to be his witness to share his love throughout the world.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question:
How is the Holy Spirit light and strength in your life?
Family Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank you for the gift of Pentecost and for new life in the Holy Spirit. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and set my heart ablaze with the fire of your love that I may serve you in joy and freedom.
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Read more: What is Pentecost / ¿Que es Pentecostés? (Faith Formation)
Solemnity of the Holy Spirit Cycle B / Solemnidad de la Santísima Trinidad Ciclo B (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
This week we return to the liturgical season of Ordinary Time, and we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity.
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells the Apostles to teach and baptize all nations in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is called the Great Commission. We name ourselves Christians as we pray in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Through our Baptism, we share in the life of the Blessed Trinity and in the Church’s mission to share God’s love with everyone.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question:
How can you share your faith with others?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to learn more about the Blessed Trinity, so we can teach others about you. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, the Seventh Sunday of Easter, Jesus prayed for His disciples. He prays that they would be one as he and the Father are one. That God would protect them and that they would be made holy by the truth of God’s word.
This week’s video is on the Ascension of the Lord into Heaven. Thursday, May 13 we celebrated Jesus returning to the Father in Heaven. Forty days after Jesus rose from the dead, He gathered his disciples and told them to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit, and then he went up through the clouds and returned to God the Father in Heaven. Before Jesus ascended into Heaven, he asked his disciples to proclaim God’s salvation to all nations. Jesus wants us to tell and show others how much he loves them.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question:
How can you proclaim the Gospel to others?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to spend time reading your Word in the Bible. Strengthen us to share it with others. Amen
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Read more: What is the Ascension? / ¿Que es la Ascencion? (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Parents,
Alleluia! this Sunday we celebrate Jesus Resurrection! We have made it through the forty days of Lent, and walked with Jesus on his journey to the cross in Holy Week. It is celebration time and Easter doesn’t end today. Easter never ends, what Jesus did through his death and resurrection never ends. Let’s look at the season of Easter, and for the next fifty days reflect on how the apostles responded to this good news. Jesus’ resurrection changed everything for the apostles. They were no longer afraid, now nothing was more important to them than sharing the good news.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What does Jesus’ resurrection mean to us as his disciples today?
Family Prayer: Jesus, you have triumphed over the grave and you have won new life for us. Give us the eyes of faith to see you in your glory. Amen
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Read more: Alleluia! Jesus is Risen! / ¡Aleluya! ¡Jesús ha resucitado! (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus shares the depth of his love for us. It is simple and everlasting. He calls us to love one another, as God loves Him and as He loves us. Jesus explains that we will be happy and fulfilled only when we keep this one command: Love one another. But perhaps it’s not so simple. This love may require putting others first and giving up a special treat, or being a friend to someone who is not easy to love.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question:
How can you find new ways to spread Christ’s love to others?
Family Prayer: Lord, show us how to love and bring joy to others. Amen
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
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Read more: Sixth Sunday of Easter Cycle B / Sexto Domingo de Pascua Ciclo B (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Parents,
In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus tells us He is the vine and we are the branches. He explains that we can only grow in faith and do the right things if we stay close to Him. Jesus will correct and guide us, just as a gardener prunes and tends a garden so it will grow strong.
Jesus calls us to grow good fruit with our lives. We grow fruits of love, kindness, patience, and goodness when we stay connected to Jesus. We do this by listening to Jesus’ teachings, following his example, and praying.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question:
How can you stay connected to Jesus, like branches are connected to a vine?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to find ways to stay close to you so we can grow in faith and love. Amen
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Read more: Fifth Sunday of Easter Cycle B / Quinto Domingo de Pascua Ciclo B (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Parents,
This Sunday, called Palm/Passion Sunday is the first day of Holy Week. During Holy Week we follow the last days of Jesus’ life on earth. Listening to the Gospel readings we hear how Jesus came into Jerusalem, people waved palm branches and shouted, “Hosanna!” We remember Jesus’s Last Supper with his Apostles, how he is arrested and put to death on the cross. When Jesus died on the cross, they put a sign above him that said “King of the Jews”. Most people misunderstood who Jesus was, but the soldier who watched him die said “This man truly was the Son of God!”.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
As a family, how will we reflect on the events of Jesus’ passion and death?
Family Prayer: Christ Jesus, your love is made visible through the mystery of your death and resurrection. Transform us into people of mercy to embrace you in those who are suffering in our midst. We ask this, as a people reconciled to God through the blood of your cross. Amen
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Read more: Palm/Pasión Sunday ̶ ̶ Domingo de Ramos/la Pasión del Señor (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
This Sunday we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. Epiphany is a Greek word that means “unveiling” where something is revealed. After Jesus was born, Magi came to see him from far away in the east. The Magi had studied the stars and saw a special star. They knew it meant a new king had been born so they followed the star to Bethlehem, it led them to Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. When they saw Jesus, they got down on their knees and worshiped Him. They gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They were not Jewish, but these foreigners honored Jesus as a King. On the Feast of the Epiphany, we celebrate that Jesus is revealed not just to the Jewish people, but to the world. God revealed love for all people by sending us his Son.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions. What does the story of the Magi teach us? What gift can you bring to Jesus that shows your love for God and others?
Family Prayer: Lord Jesus, may Your light shine our way to you as it once guided the steps of the Magi, so that we too may be led into Your presence to honor and worship You. Amen
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Read more: Epiphany of the Lord / Epifanía del Señor (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Parents,
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus meets a man who is sick with leprosy and people stay far, far away from him. When the man pleads with Jesus to heal him so he can be with other people. Jesus sees and hears the man and feels compassion for him. He heals the man. In this Gospel story, we learn that God loves every one of us, even outsiders, even those no one else seems to like. When people found out Jesus could heal, they constantly asked him to do so. He tried to find rest and quiet in the desert, but people followed him there too. Still, he helped many people who needed healing.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions. How do you reach out to people in your area that need help? How can you find the strength to help them?
Family Prayer: Jesus, teach us to see when people are in need, and give us the strength to reach out to them. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Parents,
In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus tells Nicodemus that as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert to save the grumbling Israelites who had been bitten by snakes, the son of man must be lifted up. Jesus is the light of the world and whoever looks at Him lifted up on the cross and believes in Him will be saved. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life” (John3:16).
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can you reflect the light of Christ to others?
Family Prayer: Lord, keep us close to the light of Christ and help us avoid the darkness of sin. Amen
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Read more: Fourth Sunday of Lent Cycle B / Cuarto Domingo de Cuaresma Ciclo B (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Parents,
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus took Peter, James, and John on top of a high mountain and they see the Transfiguration of Jesus. Jesus clothes became dazzling white. Two great men appeared with him. Moses who gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments, and Elijah a great prophet who taught the people to be faithful to God. From a cloud they hear God say “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” They wondered what all of this means. Jesus disciples probably wanted to tell everyone what they saw, but Jesus asked them to wait until after his death. Jesus died and resurrected, now they understood and shared this special memory with others that Jesus is God’s beloved Son.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question. How will you change and grow during Lent?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to remember we also are God’s beloved children. Amen
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Read more: Second Sunday of Lent Cycle B / Segundo Domingo de Cuaresma Ciclo B (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Parents,
Jesus does not like injustice or bad actions. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus is not happy with the people who are using the Temple for profit rather than for love of God. He says the Temple will be destroyed and built again in three days, but he is talking about himself!
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question. What things in your life do you need to get rid of so you can focus more on God?
Family Prayer: Holy Spirit, show us how to let go of things we do not need. Amen
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Read more: Third Sunday of Lent Cycle B / Tercer Domingo de Cuaresma Ciclo B (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Parents,
After Jesus is baptized, he is led into the desert by the Holy Spirit and for 40 days he was tempted by Satan. Jesus was among wild animals and angels ministered to him. During Lent, we too need to be led by the Holy Spirit and remember the vows of Baptism in which we promise to reject sin and follow Jesus. Just as Jesus was ministered by the angels, God also supports us in our struggles against sin and temptation. Therefore, let us hear, listen, and act to what Jesus proclaims, “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel.”
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions. Do you believe that Jesus will help you do what’s right when you are tempted? How does the Holy Spirit help you live as a follower of Jesus?
Family Prayer: Holy Spirit, help us to make good choices as followers of Jesus. God, send your angels to minister to us the way you sent them to minister to Jesus in the desert. Amen
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Read more: First Sunday of Lent Cycle B / Primer Domingo de Cuaresma Ciclo B (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus calls his first disciples. They were disciples of John the Baptist. John directs two of them, one named Andrew to follow Jesus, the Lamb of God. They follow Jesus and spend the day with him. The next day Andrew brings his brother, Simon, to meet Jesus. When we have had an encounter with Christ, we should bring our friends to connect with him. Jesus calls us to be his friends and follow him. He calls each of us to be his disciple.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question. How can I introduce one of my friends to Jesus?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us remember that you are our friend. Show us how to introduce other friends to you. Amen
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Read more: Jesús Calls His First Disciples / Jesús Llama A Sus Primeros Discípulos (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
It is the third Sunday of Advent. In this Sunday’s Gospel, John the Baptist not only prepares for Christ’s arrival, but also gives his testimony. We too are called to tell our stories of Jesus coming into our lives. We are asked to be other “voices in the desert”, proclaiming Jesus to the world.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question. Who are the people whose words and actions have taught you about Jesus? How can we pray without stopping?
Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, show us how to teach others about you. Help us to be voices of faith. Help us rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in all circumstances give thanks. Amen
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Read more: Third Sunday of Advent Cycle B/ Tercer Domingo de Adviento Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
This Sunday’s Gospel is about the Baptism of the Lord. Jesus was without sin. He did not need to be baptized, but he allowed John to baptize him to show us how important this sacrament is. The Blessed Trinity was fully revealed at Jesus’ baptism. At Jesus baptism – God the Father says he is “well pleased” with His Son, Jesus. God the Holy Spirit comes down on Jesus like a dove. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are the Holy Trinity. They are united in love.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question. Imagine yourself at Jesus’ baptism. What do you see and feel?
Family Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of Baptism that makes us part of your family. Help us to treat one another with love and respect. Amen
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Read more: Baptism of the Lord / El Bautismo del Señor (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel Jesus reminds us that when we care for the poor, hungry, sick, tired, and lonely, we are loving him. We also remember this Sunday that Jesus is the King. If we wish to be in service to our King, we must be in service to those in need.
As a family watch video in its entirety than ask each other this question. How can you recognize the needs of others and help fill those needs?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to notice when someone is poor, sick, lonely, hungry, or in need in any way. Amen
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Click Picture Watch video as a family. |
Read more: Solemnity of Christ the King Cycle A/ Solemnidad de Cristo Rey Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
This Sunday’s Gospel is about multiplying the gifts God gives us. The best gift is the Good News of Jesus’ Birth, Death and Resurrection. When we use our talents to spread the Good News, we give glory to God.
As a family watch video in its entirety than ask each other this question. What talent has God given you? How can you use it to tell others about Jesus?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to discover our talents. Show us how you want us to use them. Amen
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Read more: 33 Sunday Ordinary Time Cycle A / 33 Domingo Tiempo Ordinario Ciclo A (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus uses the parable of the bridegroom and ten girls to tell his disciples to remain vigilant. The parable describes some of the girls as foolish and some as wise. Those who were ready for the bridegroom went into the wedding feast. The bridegroom, however, didn’t even acknowledge those who didn’t prepare. Jesus teaches us to always be prepared and to do good things. We never know when he will return. This is an opportune time to recognize that when we make good choices, we are preparing for Jesus’ coming.
As a family watch video in its entirety than ask each other this question. If Jesus came back today, would you be ready to meet him?
Family Prayer: Jesus, remind us to always be prepared for you, especially each Sunday at Mass.
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Read more: 32 Sunday Ordinary Time Cycle A / 32 Domingo Tiempo Ordinario Ciclo A (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
This Sunday’s Gospel is very important to Catholics because it describes when Jesus gave his Church the papacy (pope).
Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter and gave Peter the ability to bind or forgive sins
(the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation).
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Why do you think the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a gift Jesus gave us?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to always run towards you and change anything that
keeps us from you. Amen
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus message is to love God above all else and love your neighbor as yourself. He teaches us that the greatest commandment to love God with all our hearts is to love others and
ourselves with His love.
As a family watch video in its entirety than ask each other this question. Which person do you know needs love the most?
Family Prayer: Dear Lord, show us how to love you, others, and ourselves. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tries to explain that he will die and rise again three days later. This frightens the Apostles.
Peter doesn’t want Jesus to say these things. Jesus (who just gave Peter authority in the Church) scolds Peter for his lack of trust.
Even someone as important as Peter needs correction at times.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How does God use others to correct you or teach you?
Family Prayer: Jesus, you always know the right path for us.
Help us to trust that you will help us find our way. Amen
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel we learn that it is not always easy to forgive someone who hurts you.
Jesus tells us that we must forgive, just as God the Father forgives us.
When we hurt someone, we should ask for forgiveness right away.
When someone asks for our forgiveness, we should answer:
“I forgive you” and not say “It’s okay”.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Why is it better to say: “I forgive you,” than “it’s okay,” when someone asks for forgiveness?
Family Prayer: Help us Lord, to offer and ask for forgiveness when we have hurt each other. Amen
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
Did your brother or sister ever get allowance when they did not do their chores?
It can feel unfair when someone gets paid when they did not work as hard as you did.
Jesus says, “The last will be first, and the first will be last.” Jesus is generous.
He reminds us there is room for everyone in his Church and in Heaven.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
When did you want to be first, but did not get to be?
Name something positive about being last or putting others first.
Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, show us how to put others first. Remind us that you love
all of us and you want us to love each other. Amen
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
This Sunday’s Gospel. A dad asked his two sons to help him out.
One said no but changed his mind and helped.
The other son said yes but did not help. Which son helped his dad?
When we learn about Jesus, are we ready to follow him right away?
Do we put aside our video games, shows, and cell phones to really hear God’s message to us?
As a family watch video in its entirety than ask each other this question.
What makes you say no instead of yes when you are asked to do something?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to hear what you want us to know and to say yes to you. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus tells the parable of the landowner who leases his vineyard to tenants and sends his servants to collect the portion of the harvest that the tenants owe him. The tenants’ rebel against him and kill his messengers and son. This parable points to the failure of Jesus’ own people to accept him. The parable teaches us that God sent prophets, or messengers to teach us how to live as God calls us to live. He sent his son Jesus.
As a family watch video in its entirety than ask each other this question. How is God the owner of the vineyard? God sends people to help us love and obey Him. How do you respond to them?
Family Prayer: God our creator, thank you for making us and sharing your wonderful world with us. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus says Heaven is like a rare pearl and so precious we would want to give up everything to have it!
This parable also helps us to realize that to God, we are that pearl. Jesus gave up his very life because he thinks we are precious too.
As a family watch video in its entirety.
The goal of family life is to help each other get to Heaven.
How can you help your family get to Heaven?
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