Faith Formation

Special Religious Education

3/10/24 - The Desert of Lent - Cycle B

Dear Families,

As a faithful community, we continue the journey of reading the Cycle A readings at the 9:00AM and 11:00AM mass with the adults who will be receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. Last Sunday Jesus revealed himself to the Samaritan woman at the well and his living water. This Sunday Jesus heals the man born blind and reveals himself to him as the Son of Man.

This video is based on the Gospel of John, Cycle B. Jesus said to Nicodemus: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up so that those who believe in Him will have eternal life.” “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but have eternal life”.

God so loved the world that he sent his only Son to reveal his love for us and to save us. In Jesus’ words and actions, we see God’s love and forgiveness. Jesus is a light in the darkness. Jesus is the light of the world. Jesus teaches us that love means showing others the love God has shown us in sending Him. Jesus helps us avoid the darkness of sin; Jesus is our light.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What light does Jesus give our world? 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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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

3/17/24 - Sin and the New Covenant - Cycle B

Dear Families,

As a faithful community, we continue the journey of the Cycle A readings at the 9:00AM and 11:00AM mass with the adults who will be receiving the sacraments at the Easter Vigil. Jesus raises his friend Lazarus from the dead, this Gospel teaches us that Jesus has power over life and death.

This video is based on the Gospel of John, Cycle B. Jesus explains how God will bring glory from everything that is done according to his will - even Jesus’ upcoming Death. Christ compares his Death to a plant that dies, leaving seeds to grow. He wants us to love God, follow his will, and grow seeds of faith.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How is Jesus like a grain of wheat? How can you be like a seed and help grow faith?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us to put you first, seek your will, and plant the seeds to help others grow in faith. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

3/24/24 - Palm Sunday and the Passion

Dear Families,

This week is Palm/Passion Sunday. When we participate in the reading of the Passion, it is hard to say the words, “Crucify him.” It reminds us that we all choose to sin and that Jesus loves us anyway. He loves us so much that he died and rose for us and our salvation.

In Church focus on the Passion of Jesus during the Mass. Follow along carefully and say the crowd responses strongly. Consider what it would have been like to be there when Jesus was crucified.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
When have you gone along with the crowd, even when you knew it was not the right thing to do?

Family Prayer: Jesus, we want to choose you. Show us how to do what is right, even when others want us to do what is wrong. Amen.

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(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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Watch video as a family.

(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