Faith Formation

Special Religious Education

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.

Click Photo

(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

Click Picture

Watch video as a family.

(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.

Click Photo

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

Dear Families,

If you were invited to a party, would you go? In this Sunday’s Gospel, the guests who were invited 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, but God is always waiting for our arrival.

As a family watch video in its entirety than ask each other this question. Why is Sunday Mass such an important and special celebration?

Family Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for sending us an invitation to be a part of your family and come to your celebration every Sunday! Amen

Click Picture

Watch video as a family.

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/17/23 - Christ in Our Hearts - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, we hear how John the Baptist answered when he was asked if he was the Messiah. He told them that as Isaiah had said, he was the voice of the one crying out in the desert, making straight the way of the Lord. John the Baptist was preparing the way for Jesus coming. John said he was baptizing with water and someone that they did not recognize would baptize them with the Holy Spirit.

Like John the Baptist we are called to prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus and be the voice of faith proclaiming Jesus to the world. In this third Sunday of Advent, as we light the pink candle of Joy, let us rejoice and remember that “Emmanuel” God is with us. Share this joy.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Who are the people in word and action that have taught you about Jesus?

Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, show us how to teach others about you. Help us to be voices of faith. Amen.