(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/12/21 - Third Sunday of Advent - Cycle C
Dear Families,
This Sunday is the third week of Advent, and we prepare joyfully for the coming of the Messiah. John the Baptist answers questions on how to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. He told them they can share food and clothing. Tax collectors can collect only what they are owed. Soldiers could treat people with respect. At first people thought he might be the Messiah, but he explained that one mightier than him would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
John the Baptist’s preaching raises people’s hopes. John helped people to see how they should act toward one another so that they are ready for God’s coming. People came to see and hear him, and he showed them the way to God. The people that heard John preach had a desire to change their lives for the better, they wanted to hear the truth.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can we, like John the Baptist, show other people the way to Jesus?
Family Prayer: Holy Spirit, you move us and help us change. Teach us to follow Jesus in all things. Amen
 |
Read more: Third Sunday of Advent Year C / Tercer Domingo de Adviento Ciclo C
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
1/19/25 - Wedding in Cana - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus performs his first miracle. He turns water into wine at a wedding in Cana. Mary observed that the hosts had run out of wine and this could become an embarrassing situation. Mary told Jesus and he said that the time wasn’t ready yet, but Mary told the servers “Do whatever he tells you”. Jesus obeyed Mary and asked the servers to bring six stone jars with water and changes the water into wine. And not just ordinary wine, but the very best. This is the first sign of Jesus glory.
Mary interceded at the wedding celebration and Jesus listened to her request and obeyed. Mary intercedes for us when we ask her to pray for us. She is an example of how presenting our needs and those of others to Jesus we can be confident that he will respond to our prayers in extraordinary ways.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
When we see a need how can we try to help?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to be obedient, just like you were to your mother. Help us see the needs of others. Help us to do what you teach us. Amen.
 |
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
2/2/25 - The Presentation of the Lord - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Luke, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. As was the Jewish custom, Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the Temple forty days after his birth. Simeon a devout and righteous man was at the Temple. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would see Christ of the Lord before he died. When Mary and Joseph came to the Temple, he recognized Jesus.
We too are called to recognize Jesus Christ. When we follow our Catholic faith and customs by receiving our Sacraments, attending Mass, praying and serving others we too will recognize Jesus.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What Catholic faith traditions and customs are important to you and your family? Why are they important?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to imitate the Holy Family and to follow the teachings of the Catholic Church. Amen.
 |
Read more: The Presentation of the Lord Cycle C / La Presentación del Señor Ciclo C
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
1/7/24 - The Magi
Dear Families,
Merry Christmas! In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. We learn how the Magi were not members of the Jewish people. The Magi came from far away because they had seen a star appear in the sky and understood that a king had been born and traveled to Jerusalem. When they arrived in Jerusalem, they first met with the king of Jerusalem. King Herod was rich, had servants, was a powerful leader and everyone did what he commanded. But the Magi understood that this was not the king they were seeking. So, they continued their journey and followed the star to Bethlehem. They found the new king not in a palace or rich. The Magi found a baby with his mother and understood that this was the true king. They knelt and they offered him their best gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
In many cultures, gifts are not exchanged at Christmas, but on the feast of the Epiphany. The Magi teach us that Jesus is here for all of us and to seek him. Let’s celebrate the feast of the Epiphany and bring to Jesus the gift of the best version of ourselves that God created us to be and to serve him.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What can the Magi teach us about seeking Jesus? What gifts do you bring to Jesus?
Family Prayer: Lord, your kingly power, announced by a star, shines brightly. May our hearts be opened to seek you and serve you completely. Amen.
 |
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
2/5/23 - You're the Salt & Light of the World - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus continues his Sermon on the Mount. He compares our lives to salt and light, things we need and use every day in our daily lives. When we taste food that is not salted it tastes bland, add the right amount of salt and its tastes good. When we enter a dark space and there is no light we cannot see where we are going, turn on the light or a lamp and you can see where you are going.
Jesus wants us to bring the right amount of salt to the earth with the goodness and truth that he gives us. Jesus wants us to be God’s light to the world by being kind and merciful with everyone. Jesus teaches us that we are to be the salt of the earth and the light to the world. We need to share his love with everyone.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Why do you think Jesus compares his followers to salt and light?
Family Prayer: Jesus, knowing that you love us makes a big difference in our lives.
Help us show others your love. Amen.
 |
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
6/25/23 - Do Not Be Afraid - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells his twelve apostles to not be afraid. Do not be worried. They would be challenged by the world because of their belief, but He assures them that God knows, loves, and protects them. God their Father even knows how many hairs they have on their heads.
What Jesus says to his Apostles reminds us that we should always remember how much God knows, loves, and protects us. He knows us and sees even little things we might fear or worry about. We don’t need to live in fear, because God our Father is always with us. Do not be afraid. Share God’s love and care with those around you.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Do you share God’s love with others? What do you hear in this Gospel when you are afraid to share God’s love with others?
Family Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to not be afraid to spread the message of God’s love to others. Amen.
 |
Read more: Do Not Be Afraid Cycle A / No Tengas Miedo Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
1/14/24 - Christ is Calling - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of John, we hear how John the Baptist points to Jesus and tells two of his disciples “Behold, this is the Lamb of God.” They heard what John said and follow Jesus who asks them “What are you looking for.” They don’t answer the question but ask him “Where are you staying” and he answers “Come, and you will see”. Andrew who had been one of the disciples who had followed Jesus, tells his brother Simon they have found the Messiah, and brings him to Jesus.
Jesus calls each one of us to come and see who he is. We get to know Jesus by developing a relationship with him. Like Andrew when we have experienced Jesus in our lives, we want to share this encounter with our family and friends.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How would you answer if Jesus asked you “What are you looking for?”
Family Prayer: Dear Lord, open our hearts to see you in our lives. Amen.
 |
Read more: Christ is Calling Cycle B / Cristo te Llama Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
4/16/23 - Believing & Trusting - Cycle A
Dear Families,
Happy Easter! Easter season is a celebration of fifty days, from Easter until Pentecost.
In this Sunday’s Gospel of John, Thomas is not with the Apostles when Jesus appears to them. He is told that Jesus appeared to them but Doubting Thomas does not believe them and states that unless he sees him himself, he will not believe. Jesus appears again and asks Thomas to touch him, and not be unbelieving. Thomas touched him and said “My Lord and my God.” The Lord asks Thomas “Have you come to believe because you see me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Jesus was blessing us when he said these words to Thomas. We are asked to show that we believe in Jesus as our Lord and God. We believe because of the witnessing of all who have gone before us in the faith.
This Sunday is also Divine Mercy Sunday. It is a special day when we remember God’s mercy. When we sin, we offend God, but because he is merciful, he forgives us when we are sorry. Like Thomas the Apostle we need to see and we have our doubts, but God understands us and forgives us. We need to trust that he is always with us and loves us.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Do you doubt when you are with believers, or are you a believer who has doubts? Do you trust our Lord and pray for understanding when you have doubts?
Family Prayer: Jesus, I Trust in You!
 |
Read more: Believing & Trusting Cycle A / Creyendo & Confiando Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
5/7/23 - Jesus Is Our Way to God - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples not to let their hearts be troubled. To have faith in him. He declares “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” He is the way to the Father in Heaven. Whoever knows him knows God. They learn that whoever believes in him will be able to do the work that he did and greater ones.
Let us all remember that we are not to be troubled. Jesus loves us. He tells us that when we know him, and believe in him we are on the path to God in heaven. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Through him we find eternal life and when we share these truths, he tells us we are able to do his work and more.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Why does Jesus tell his disciples to have faith in him? What does Jesus ask of his followers? Do you follow Jesus?
Family Prayer: Jesus, you are the way, the truth, and the life. Help our hearts not be troubled and trust you in all things. Amen.
 |
Read more: Jesus Is Our Way to God Cycle A / Jesús Es Nuestro Camino a Dios Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
10/29/23 - The Greatest Commandment - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, the Jewish religious leaders are still trying to test Jesus. In today’s reading they question him about the Ten Commandments and the many additional rules that numbered over six hundred by asking him which is the most important one. Jesus answers them that the first greatest commandment is to love God with our whole heart, soul and mind. The second greatest commandment is to love others as you love yourself. The whole law depends on these two commandments.
Jesus teaches that the heart of God’s Law is love. When we keep the great commandments, we also keep all the other commandments. Sometimes we think that the commandments restrict us but they free us from those things that get in the way of loving. Jesus shows us this love in a powerful way by his life, Death, and Resurrection.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are the rules or laws in your family? How do they show love for God? How do they show love for you and others?
Family Prayer: Dear Lord, show us how to love you, ourselves, and others. Amen.
 |
Read more: The Greatest Commandment Cycle A / Los Mandamientos Mas Importantes Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
1/29/23 - Jesus Wants Us To Be Happy - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus gives us the Beatitudes. Jesus tells us that we are “blessed” when we are sad, meek, looking for righteousness, poor in spirit, merciful, and even when people are mean to us because we believe in God. We also learn something else important: Jesus wants us to listen to what he says and learn from him.
People can be rich in material things, successful, or famous and not consider themselves blessed or happy. The Beatitudes are blessings that tell us how Jesus wants us to live.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Who does God bless according to Jesus?
Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, help us to listen and learn the things you want us to know. Give us the grace to live out the Beatitudes. Amen.
 |
Read more: Jesus Wants Us To Be Happy Cycle A / Jesús Quiere Que Seamos Felices Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
11/12/23 - The Wise and Foolish Virgins Parable - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. To understand this parable, we need to know that during Jesus’ time it was a tradition for families and friends to wait for the bridegroom when he came to bring his bride to their new home. And they could be late. The wise virgins were prepared and took extra oil and attended the wedding feast. The foolish ones did not take extra oil and while they went to get more oil the doors were closed and they were not able to attend the wedding feast.
Jesus is teaching how we need to be prepared to enter the Kingdom of Heaven because we do not know when he will return. We prepare for his coming every day through prayer, being good to one another, loving each other, going to mass. Living our faith is the work of a lifetime.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then 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. Amen.
 |
Read more: The Wise and Foolish Virgins Parable Cycle A / Parábalo de las Diez Virgenes Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
11/19/23 - The Parable of the Talents - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells us another parable. Jesus tells about a master who went on a journey and trusted three of his servants to take care of large sums of his money (talents). When he came back and asked, two of them used the talents and earned more but one didn’t use it at all. He rewarded the two servants who had used their talents, but he punished the servant who was afraid and had not used his talent.
We learn from Jesus in this parable the importance of using the talents that God has given us. God has given each of us particular skills and abilities and we must not hide them or be afraid to use them. By using the talents God has given us for his glory, we serve God and bring people closer to the Kingdom of Heaven.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
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.
 |
Read more: The Parable of the Talents Cycle A / La Parábola de los Talentos Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
11/26/23 - Solemnity of Christ the King - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This Sunday is the conclusion of our liturgical year. The Solemnity of Christ the King. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us that when we care for the poor, hungry, sick, tired and lonely, we are loving Him. Jesus is our King. If we wish to be in service to our King, we must be in service to those in need.
In today’s Gospel, we learn that when we serve others in need, we are loving Jesus our King. People who follow Jesus by being loving and generous to others will one day live with Jesus in Heaven forever.
As a family watch video and then 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 need in any way. Amen.
 |
Read more: Solemnity of Christ the King Cycle A / Soleminidad de Cristo Rey Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/3/23 - Advent - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus tells his disciples “Be watchful! Be Alert!” He warns them to be prepared and ready because they do not know when the Lord of the house is coming.
It is the first week of Advent, and our new Liturgical Year begins. Happy New Year! We are preparing to celebrate Jesus’ birthday on Christmas Day when he was born in Bethlehem a long time ago. However, in today’s Gospel Jesus is telling his disciples to be alert. We need to reflect on what Jesus said to his disciples about his second coming. During these four weeks of Advent, let’s remember the importance of prayer and faithfulness to honor Jesus’ command telling us to be alert and ready for his return. Only God knows when this day will come.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How do you stay alert to Jesus’ coming in your life? Are you ready for his return?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to pay attention to your words and teachings. Help us to follow you always. Amen.
 |
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/10/23 - Living Like John the Baptist - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Second week of Advent in Mark’s Gospel, we hear how John the Baptist is baptizing the people in the Jordan River. He baptizes them with water and the people acknowledge their sins. He told them that one mightier than he would baptize them with the Holy Spirit. John is preparing the people for the coming of Christ.
During this Advent season let’s listen to what John is proclaiming. Let’s turn away from the things that separate us from God by confessing our sins. Prepare the way to welcome Jesus into your hearts by attending mass, thanking God for what he has given you, pray every day, be forgiving, kind, and help one another.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
In what way are you preparing the way of the Lord in your heart?
Family Prayer: Lord, please help us to prepare not only for Christmas celebrations, but also for your arrival in our hearts. Amen.
 |
Read more: Living Like John the Baptist Cycle B / Viviendo Como Juan el Bautista Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/24/23 - The Nativity
Dear Families,
Merry Christmas. This weekend we have much to celebrate. In Sunday’s Gospel the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and asked her to be the mother of Jesus. Through her yes, she brought Jesus into the world and Monday Christmas day we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Like Mary, say yes to God. Like the shepherds bring the joy of Christ our Savior into the world.
As a family watch The Nativity video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What are some things you can do to share the story of Jesus, and bring the love of God to your family, friends and neighbors this Christmas?
Family Prayer: Dear God, show us how to bring Jesus to others. Amen.
 |
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/31/23 - Anna and Simeon
Dear Families,
Merry Christmas. This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. Today’s Gospel of Luke, tells us how Mary and Joseph being faithful Jewish parents took Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem and in accordance with the Jewish rite dedicated Jesus to the Lord. In the Temple, they encounter Simeon and Anna, who recognized the infant Jesus and praised God.
We need to remember that the Holy Family is a model of what it means to be a family of faith and love. We imitate the Holy Family by the ways we share our faith and love with our families and others.
As a family watch this Anna and Simeon video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
As a Catholic family, how are you expressing your faith like the Holy Family?
Family Prayer: Lord, open our hearts to your Word so that we may imitate the Holy Family. Amen.
 |
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
1/21/24 - Jonah, Jesus, and the New World - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus calls four fishermen to leave their boats and follow him. Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John immediately leave their boats and follow him. They become Jesus’ first disciples and gave their whole lives to spreading the Good News of Jesus and the message of God’s love.
Like the disciples we are all called to follow Jesus. Jesus invites all of us to follow him immediately. When we are called to share the message of God’s love with someone, we are not to hesitate.
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: Jesus, thank you for loving us and for choosing us to be your followers. Help us to listen to you and follow you. Amen.
 |
Read more: Jonah, Jesus, and the New World Cycle B / Jonás, Jesús y Un Mundo Nuevo Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
10/22/23 - God and Caesar - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, some religious leaders want to trap Jesus into taking sides on the question of paying Roman taxes. They believe that accepting Roman rule in their country means they are not loyal to God and his rules. Jesus tells them to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. Jesus calls them and us to obey both civil and religious laws, however, we need to examine our allegiances when the two conflict.
We have God’s laws and government laws. Both are for our own good. But we need to remember that what is most important is to love and honor God first.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What allegiance do we owe to God? What allegiance to Caesar?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to always remember to keep God first in our lives. Amen.
 |
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
10/15/23 - The Parable of the Wedding Banquet - Cycle A
Dear Families,
If you were invited to a party, would you go? In today’s Gospel of Matthew, guests who were invited to the son of the king's wedding did not come, so the host invited strangers. Every Sunday, we are invited to come to God’s house. Sometimes we may not feel like going or we are too busy, but the feast is ready and God is waiting eagerly for our arrival.
Jesus tells this parable to teach us about being invited to the greatest celebration of all, the gift of the Holy Eucharist at Mass. Some people accept his invitation and some people don’t. When we don’t attend Mass, we are saying no to his invitation to the Kingdom of Heaven.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Why is Sunday Mass such an important and special celebration?
Family Prayer: Lord, thank you for sending us an invitation to be a part of your family and come to your celebration every Sunday. Amen.
 |
Read more: The Parable of the Wedding Banquet Cycle A / La Parábola del Banquete Nupcial Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
5/28/23 - Pentecost Sunday - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This Sunday, Easter ends with the celebration of the Feast of Pentecost. Pentecost is when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples and the story of Pentecost is in today’s first reading in the Acts of the Apostles. The Holy Spirit was given to the Apostles to guide, teach and be with them when Jesus was gone. In the Gospel of John, Jesus greets his disciples with the gift of peace. He tells them “As the Father has sent me, so I send you” and he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Jesus gave the apostles the ability to forgive sins and bring peace to the world.
Jesus gave the disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit to help them spread his message of love, peace and forgiveness. This same Holy Spirit is still with us today. With the Holy Spirit let us bring peace to our home, family, friends, and the world.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How does the Holy Spirit work in our family to bring us the gift of forgiveness, peace and love?
Family Prayer: Holy Spirit, help our family receive your gift of peace, so that with your love and forgiveness we are present in your name to each other. Amen.
 |
Read more: Pentecost Sunday Cycle A / Domingo de Pentecostés Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
6/18/23 - Jesus Calls Us to Bring in the Harvest - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus chooses twelve apostles to continue his ministry. He explains that there is a big harvest and few laborers. Jesus is not speaking about fruits or vegetables; he was sending them out to bring his ministry of love and healing to people.
Many laborers are needed out in the field. Jesus calls all of us to bring his love to our families, neighbors, schools, and work. We need to understand that there are still many people suffering and need healing. Don’t be scared to do Jesus’ work. When you are a good example to others, and show kindness, you are doing his work.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can you bring Jesus’ healing love to others?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us be faithful workers by sharing with others your healing love. Amen.
 |
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
7/2/23 - Jesus Our Priority - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew sounds confusing. We are to love Jesus more than our parents, and children or else we are not worthy of his love. The word to look at is more, Jesus is asking us to place our love for him above all others, not instead of others. Remember that our families are gifts from God. God gave our families to us because he is the giver of every good gift. Jesus knows that it is not easy to follow him, he tells us that we are to give his love to others without expecting anything in return. The way to do this is by putting his love in our hearts first and follow him.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Do we love someone more than Jesus, and choose not to follow Jesus? Are we dead to sins and alive with God?
Family Prayer: God, thank you for the gift of family. Help us choose you first so that we may receive the grace to share your love, peace and kindness with one another. Amen.
 |
Read more: Jesus Our Priority Cycle A /Jesús Nuestra Prioridad Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
7/16/23 - God's Word Grows in Good Soil - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells the parable of the sower and the seeds. He teaches about the different types of soils the seeds fall on and compares them to how we listen to the Word of God. The seeds are all the same, but depending on how each person receives the message it grows different. Jesus wants us to be like good soil so the seeds of God’s Word can grow strong.
When we open our hearts to the Word of God, our faith grows. Jesus teaches us that the kingdom of heaven is like seed that has been sown on good soil.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What are some things we can do so that we are like good soil, and grow in God’s Word?
Family Prayer: Jesus, we pray that we will become the good soil needed for God’s Word to take deep root in our hearts. Amen.
 |
Read more: God's Word Grows in Good Soil Cycle A / La Palabra de Dios Crece en Buena Tierra Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
5/14/23 - Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sundays Gospel of John, Jesus tells his disciples that if they love him, they will obey his commandments.
He promises them that even though he is going back to God the Father he will not abandon them, because they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to help them understand God’s truth and love. The Holy Spirit will help them continue to obey his commandments and spread God’s message of truth and love to others.
Jesus has also given us the gift of the Holy Spirit, whom we received at Baptism. When we call in prayer the Holy Spirit, he will help us understand God’s love for us, follow Jesus, and share his truth and love with others.
As a family watch video in is entirety and then ask each other this question?
How am I aware of the Holy Spirit of love and truth in my life?
Family Prayer: God thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, and for all the people who help us live as Jesus disciples. Amen.
 |
Read more: Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit Cycle A / Jesús Promete el Espíritu Santo Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
7/30/23 - The Kingdom of Heaven is Our Treasure - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches us about the Kingdom of Heaven. He says the Kingdom of Heaven is like a buried treasure that a man finds and sells everything he has and buys the field where it is buried. He also says, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a rare pearl that costs a lot of money, and when a merchant finds it sells all he has and buys it. These parables can help us realize that Jesus gave up his life because we are his treasure.
Belonging to God’s Kingdom should be more important than anything else in our lives. The Kingdom of Heaven is our treasure. Listening to the first reading, like King Solomon, let’s ask God to give us the wisdom to have an understanding heart to know how to serve others, and to distinguish right from wrong.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can we as a family help each other enter the Kingdom of Heaven?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us never to lose sight that living with you in the Kingdom of Heaven is our real treasure. Amen.
 |
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
4/23/23 - Road to Emmaus - Cycle A
Dear Families,
Happy Easter. In this Sunday’s Gospel of Luke two of Jesus disciples encounter him on the way to Emmaus. They do not recognize him and they explain how sad they are because of what happened to Jesus in Jerusalem. Jesus talks to them about the Scriptures to help them understand God’s plan. It was late and they invited him to eat dinner with them. They finally recognize Jesus when he blesses and breaks bread with them, just like he did at the Last Supper. They are filled with joy and share their experience with others.
Imagine the feelings of the two disciples. They are leaving Jerusalem are sad, and all their hopes are gone. However, they are filled with hope and joy when their eyes are opened and they recognize Jesus in the blessing and breaking of the bread. Each Sunday at Mass in the Eucharist we share the breaking of the bread and discover Jesus in our midst. The Eucharist helps us receive the joy of Jesus presence and fills us with hope. Like the disciples let’s share his presence and give joy and hope to those we know and meet in our journey of faith.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
When have you recognized that Jesus is with you?
Family Prayer: Jesus, our hearts are full of love for you. Help us to notice your presence with us. Amen.
 |
Read more: Road to Emmaus Cycle A / El Camino a Emaús Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
8/6/23 - The Transfiguration - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus travels up a mountain with Peter, James and John. Jesus is transfigured and his face becomes as dazzling as the sun; his clothes radiate bright light. Moses and Elijah also appeared and were speaking with Jesus. It is a vision of Jesus’ divinity shining through his humanity. This vision was so beautiful that Peter wanted to stay and build three tents; one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. All of a sudden Peter, James and John hear a voice from the cloud that tells them “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” They are so scared that they fall to the ground. But Jesus comes to them and tells them not to be afraid. Jesus gives them an order. Don’t tell anyone about this vision until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.
This vision of Jesus transfigured in glory tells all of us to remember Jesus’ risen, shining self. Jesus calls us to shine like him, now and forever. As beloved sons and daughters of God we need to listen to Jesus.
As a family watch video on the Transfiguration, and then ask each other this question.
What are some of the things affirmed about Jesus in the Transfiguration?
Family Prayer: God, we know that Jesus is your beloved Son. Help us to listen to him. Amen.
 |
Read more: The Transfiguration Cycle A / La Transfiguración Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
8/13/23 - Walking on Water! - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, we listen to how Jesus walked on water. Jesus is walking towards his disciples in a storm and they get scared because they think Jesus is a ghost. Jesus tells them not to be afraid that it was him. Peter who wanted to follow Jesus asked him to call him to walk on water and he did. But as soon Peter notices what he was doing, and takes his eyes off Jesus he starts to sink. Jesus did not let him sink, he took him by the hand and helped him out of the water.
Like Peter when we take our eyes off Jesus our fears and doubts overtake us. Jesus wants to take us by our hand and help us. When we pray and have faith in Jesus, he will give us the grace to overcome our doubts and fears. If you realize you’re having a hard time doing the right thing, pray to Jesus to help you. Remember to trust Jesus even when things look scary. Have faith, Jesus loves you and is always in control.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What did Jesus say to Peter about his faith? What area of your life do you need to trust Jesus more?
Family Prayer: Lord, we all experience storms in life. Help us to trust you even when life seems difficult. Amen.
 |
Read more: Walking on Water! Cycle A / ¡Caminando Sobre el Agua! Ciclo A
- You are here:
-
Home
- Family Faith Formation Archives
