Faith Formation

Special Religious Education

7/17/22 - Martha and Mary - Cycle C

Dear Families,

Sunday’s Gospel seems unfair to Martha. She is trying to welcome Jesus. She is cooking and cleaning for him, and her sister is not helping. Martha was upset and complained to Jesus. Jesus told Martha that what Mary had chosen was important. Mary had chosen to listen to him. Martha was overwhelmed and not paying attention or listening to him.

Jesus knows that we need to work, but he does not want us to be overwhelmed with work and activities. He wants us to understand that it is more important to spend time with him and listen to him. We must always make sure that going to Mass and praying are more important than work or any activities that do not put God first in our lives. Throughout the day whenever you do something pray first and do it for the glory of God.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Who do you identify with more Martha or Mary? Perhaps both? Why? How?

Family Prayer: Dear Lord, always help us put you first in all that we do. Amen

Click Photo

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

7/24/22 - The Our Father - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel, when the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, the Lord taught them the “Our Father”. It is the prayer we pray in many languages at each mass throughout the world.

At mass before we pray the Lord’s Prayer the priest says “At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching we dare to say”: and we pray the Our Father. As a community we give glory to God by praising Him, we ask for our daily body and spiritual needs, and we ask for forgiveness of our sins, to forgive others, and to keep us away from temptation and evil. The Lord’s prayer is truly a challenge to live by every day, no wonder the priest says “we dare to say”.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Which line in the Lord’s Prayer is a challenge for you?

Family Prayer: Jesus, help us pray the Our Father and sincerely think what each line means. Amen

Click Photo

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

7/31/22 - Rich In What Matters To God - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, when a man asks Jesus to tell his brother to share his inheritance with him, he knows that the brother is more concerned with possessions than with the love of his brother. He is being greedy; Jesus tells the parable of the rich man. There was a rich man that had such a good harvest, that he didn’t have enough space in his barns to store it all. So, he thought, I will build bigger ones and store my harvest for many years. Thinking, he could enjoy his possessions for many years; he died that night. What good were his possessions to him now?

This parable warns us against being greedy. Jesus is not saying we should not have food or save money. He is teaching us to use the things we have wisely by looking at our needs and not our wants. To understand that there are people in the world that have needs of food, clothing and shelter. He is telling us that it is more important to be loving and share what we have than to pursue having a lot of things. When a person dies, they do not take their belongings with them, but their acts of love and generosity will be remembered. We need to be rich in what matters to God.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Do your feelings show that you care too much about getting things? Do you share what you have with others?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us thank you for the material blessings you give us and to share them with others. Amen

Click Photo

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

8/7/22 - Vigilant Servants - Cycle C

Dear Families,

Last week we heard about the foolish greedy rich man who never enjoyed his wealth. We learned we are to share our wealth with others.

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus continues teaching and gives us many parables. He tells us not be afraid, sell all your belongings and give to the poor. Your Father will take care of you. For where your treasure is your hearts will be. Light your lamps, open the door, be vigilant you do not know when the Son of Man will return.

When Peters asks if this parable was meant for everyone, Jesus answered him with a question. Would a prudent master put in charge servants who knew their master’s will, but did not prepare because they were ignorant or distracted because of their bad behavior? In other words, Jesus’ message is, much is expected from us and we need to share our gifts. We need to be vigilant servants waiting for our master’s return.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Are you vigilant, prepared for Jesus’ return? Are you ignorant or distracted when it comes to your faith?

Family Prayer: Jesus, we don’t know when you will come again. Help us remember that we should always be ready. Amen

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

8/14/22 - I have come to set the earth on fire! - Cycle C

Dear Families,

Jesus continues to teach us that true disciples love God above all else. In this Sunday’s Gospel, it is difficult to understand what Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! Jesus is speaking about the flame he wants blazing in our hearts with his love. He also says that he has come not only to bring peace but also division. He wants his disciples to understand that faith is not understood by everyone, and some will be against it. Our faith requires us to make hard choices. Being a follower of Jesus means we wouldn’t make a bad choice just to have friends or make someone else happy.

Following Jesus is not easy, but good choices help us have peaceful hearts and minds. A true disciple loves God above all relationships and things.

Watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What has Jesus brought to your family and friends, division or peace? Why?

Family Prayer: “Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love.” Amen