Faith Formation

Special Religious Education

2/27/22 - Jesus Speaks in Images - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us by creating images we can picture in our minds. A blind person cannot lead the blind, a rotten fruit tree cannot produce fruit, and how can you see a speck in your brother’s eyes if you have a beam in your own eye.

Jesus is saying that when a person hears his words, they will understand his teachings. When we go to Mass, study Sacred Scriptures, and pray, our hearts will be opened to apply his teachings to others. To lead the blind, bear good fruits, and be forgiving, we need to seek training in the ways of Christ and his Church. Being a disciple of Jesus means that we show our love for God in what we say and do.

As a family watch video in its entirety than ask each other these questions.
What does it mean to be a good disciple? How do we need to learn? How are we to act?

Family Prayer: Lord, open our eyes to see what you want us to learn, and open our ears to hear your teachings.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

3/6/22 - Jesus Faces Temptation - Cycle C

Dear Families,

Sunday’s Gospel reveals Jesus as fully human and fully divine. The devil tempts Jesus in the desert, promising him human power and earthly goods. Jesus shows us how to resist temptation by holding tightly to the promises of God found in Sacred Scripture.

This week is the first Sunday of Lent. Lent is a special time when we prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. We prepare through Prayer by talking with God; Fasting by giving things up not just food; Almsgiving by giving generously to those who are in need.

As a family watch video in its entirety than ask each other these questions.
What are some temptations you experience? How does the Church help you to strengthen yourself against them?

Family Prayer: Pray the Lord’s Prayer together. Focus on the words “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

3/13/22 - Peter, James, and John See a Vision of Jesus - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus takes Peter, John, and James to the mountain to pray. While Jesus was praying, they fell asleep. They woke up and saw Jesus’ appearance change, his clothes were dazzling white and he was speaking with Moses and Elijah. While Peter was speaking to Jesus about making three tents, the disciples became frightened when a cloud came and cast a shadow over them. They heard a voice from the cloud that said to them “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”

If the disciples had stayed asleep, they would have missed this amazing event. They would not have seen Jesus in glory. They would not have heard the voice from heaven. During Lent let’s stay awake to see Jesus’ presence in our lives and listen to Jesus.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How can you listen to Jesus? What might he say to you?

Family Prayer: Jesus, open our ears and hearts to better hear you. Amen

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

3/20/22 - Parable of the Fig Tree - Cycle C

Dear Families,

This Sunday, Jesus tells us about a fig tree. In Jesus’ country, a fig tree is as common as an apple tree is to us. Many people grew fig trees and looked forward to eating the figs. The fig tree in Jesus’ parable isn’t producing figs. What to do? Cut it down? The gardener gives the tree another chance and says he will add more fertilizer and give the tree more care. Jesus wants us to see God is like the gardener who wants to care for us and give us another chance. The Gospel calls us to turn toward God and be fruitful by showing love for one another.

Lent is a good time to pray and understand that we must turn from bad things and practice doing good things. Our deeds are our fruit.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can you bear good fruit with your life?

Family Prayer: Lord, increase your love in us so that we may increase the fruits of your love. Amen

Click Photo

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

3/27/22 - The Forgiving Father - Cycle C

Dear Families,

This Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells us a parable about a man who has two sons. The youngest son who asked his father for his inheritance, left his home and squandered it all. The oldest son stayed, worked and obeyed him. When the youngest son returns the father throws him a party. His oldest son is jealous and doesn’t understand the father giving him a celebration for his bad behavior. What about me? I’ve been good where is my party? He is jealous. Jesus teaches us about God’s love and forgiveness. In our lives we are at times like the younger son, we walk away from God. Other times we might be like the older son, jealous of the love and forgiveness that God shows to others.

This story speaks to us about the meaning of reconciliation, God’s love, forgiveness and mercy. It is Lent, let us seek to be reconciled with God and others, especially through the healing Sacrament of Reconciliation.

This Laetare Sunday let us rejoice and remember the joy that Easter will bring after the time of repentance during Lent. Jesus tells us, “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents”. (Luke 15:7).

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question?
How can you find joy even when you are struggling or suffering?

Family Prayer: Lord, open our hearts to ask for forgiveness and to forgive others. Show us your mercy and help us to be merciful to others. Amen