Faith Formation

Special Religious Education

8/6/23 - The Transfiguration - Cycle A

Dear Families,

This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus travels up a mountain with Peter, James and John. Jesus is transfigured and his face becomes as dazzling as the sun; his clothes radiate bright light. Moses and Elijah also appeared and were speaking with Jesus. It is a vision of Jesus’ divinity shining through his humanity. This vision was so beautiful that Peter wanted to stay and build three tents; one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. All of a sudden Peter, James and John hear a voice from the cloud that tells them “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” They are so scared that they fall to the ground. But Jesus comes to them and tells them not to be afraid. Jesus gives them an order. Don’t tell anyone about this vision until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.

This vision of Jesus transfigured in glory tells all of us to remember Jesus’ risen, shining self. Jesus calls us to shine like him, now and forever. As beloved sons and daughters of God we need to listen to Jesus.

As a family watch video on the Transfiguration, and then ask each other this question.
What are some of the things affirmed about Jesus in the Transfiguration?

Family Prayer: God, we know that Jesus is your beloved Son. Help us to listen to him. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

8/13/23 - Walking on Water! - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, we listen to how Jesus walked on water. Jesus is walking towards his disciples in a storm and they get scared because they think Jesus is a ghost. Jesus tells them not to be afraid that it was him. Peter who wanted to follow Jesus asked him to call him to walk on water and he did. But as soon Peter notices what he was doing, and takes his eyes off Jesus he starts to sink. Jesus did not let him sink, he took him by the hand and helped him out of the water.

Like Peter when we take our eyes off Jesus our fears and doubts overtake us. Jesus wants to take us by our hand and help us. When we pray and have faith in Jesus, he will give us the grace to overcome our doubts and fears. If you realize you’re having a hard time doing the right thing, pray to Jesus to help you. Remember to trust Jesus even when things look scary. Have faith, Jesus loves you and is always in control.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What did Jesus say to Peter about his faith? What area of your life do you need to trust Jesus more?

Family Prayer: Lord, we all experience storms in life. Help us to trust you even when life seems difficult. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

Dear Families,

Always, I pray this email finds you well and praying as a family.

This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. This feast celebrates the gift of the Blessed Sacrament the Eucharist. In the Eucharist, the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus. When we receive Holy Communion, Jesus is present to us and he continues to live in us and brings us eternal life.

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

8/20/23 - God's Love Is For Everyone - Cycle A

Dear Families,

Sunday’s Gospel is often misunderstood. Jesus is not saying the Canaanite woman is a dog; he is trying to explain to her that she is not a person who was raised in faith. The woman believes Jesus can cure her daughter, she is persistent and continues to ask. Jesus sees her faith and cures her daughter.

Like the woman, let’s bring our needs to God in prayer with confidence and faith. Like Jesus, let us be merciful and kind to everyone who is ignored and considered an outsider.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How does the Canaanite woman show her faith? How can we have faith like hers? What does Jesus teach us?

Family Prayer: Jesus, sometimes it can feel as though you cannot hear us. Help us to keep asking for help and be patient, knowing you will answer our prayers at the right time. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

Dear Families,

To all father’s, HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!

As always praying this email finds you all well and thanking God for the joy of being able to attend mass at St. Anne’s. Please go to website for information.

This week’s video will have all scripture readings for this Sunday’s mass. First Reading: Jeremiah expresses confidence that the Lord will protect him.

Responsorial Psalm: God responds to the prayers of those in need. Second Reading: Sin came into the world through one person; salvation came through one person for many. Gospel Reading: Jesus assures the Twelve that God cares about them and not to be afraid. Last part of video explains readings.