Faith Formation

Special Religious Education

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.

Click Photo

(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.

Click Photo

(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

Click Picture

Watch video as a family.

(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.

Click Photo

(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