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5/26/24 - What is the Trinity? - Cycle B

Dear Families,

This first Sunday after Pentecost, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, and today we remember that God revealed himself to us as one God in three Persons:  The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus told the disciples they were to make disciples of all nations.  He said they were to baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

 

Today the Church continues to teach all people about Jesus and baptize in the name of the Trinity.  When we were baptized, the priest said, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”  Through our Baptism, we share both in the life of the Blessed Trinity and in the Church’s mission to teach all people about Jesus.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can you share your faith with others?

 

Family Prayer:  Lord, help us to learn more about you and the Blessed Trinity, so we can teach others.  Amen.

 

 

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6/2/24 - What is the Eucharist? - Cycle B

Dear Families,

This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.  In this week’s Gospel of Mark, we hear Jesus give instructions to his disciples for preparing a special meal for the Jewish celebration of Passover.  We also hear about the meal that Jesus shares with his disciples at the Last Supper.

 

Some of you have already celebrated your First Eucharist, and this special day took planning and preparation.

Each Sunday Jesus invites us to join him in this special supper.  As a family, continue planning and preparing each Sunday to receive the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What are some things that we might do to prepare ourselves to celebrate the Eucharist?

 

Family Prayer:  Lord, please help us to recognize you in the Holy Eucharist.  Help us to remember that you are truly present.  Amen.

 

 

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6/9/24 - What Is Most Important - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus returns home with his twelve disciples.  A crowd has gathered, and he is accused that his miracles were done through the power of the devil.  Jesus speaks to them in parables and warns against their denial of the love of God, the forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit.  When they tell Jesus that his family is outside, waiting for him, he explains that whoever does the will of God are his brother, sister, and mother.

 

Jesus teaches us that when we believe in him, we are members of his family.  God is our Father, and we are brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are some of the things we do as a family.  What are some things we do with our Church Family?

 

Family Prayer:  Jesus, thank you for our family and our Church family.  Help us be loving and kind to all people.  Amen.

 

 

What is Most Important En Es

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6/16/24 - What is Faith? - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus tells two parables about the kingdom of God.  In the first parable, Jesus says that the kingdom of God is like a seed a man scatters and does not know how it grows, but with time the seed sprouts and grows into a harvest.  The second parable focuses on a tiny mustard seed, that though tiny grows into a tree with large branches and welcomes many birds.

 

Both of these parables focus on seeds and how they take time to grow.  They teach us that when we scatter the seed of God’s word, we do not know how it grows but we need to scatter the seed.   Also, when we plant the tiniest seed of love in our hearts and share it with others it too grows and brings the kingdom of God to others.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Why does Jesus use the seed in these parables to explain the Kingdom of God?  What do we learn about the kingdom from the mustard seed parable?

 

Family Prayer:  Jesus, help us to grow in faith and bring the kingdom of God to others.  Amen.

 

 

WhatisFaith 2024 En

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6/23/24 - Jesus Calms the Storm - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus is in a boat sleeping with his Apostles when a big storm came up and they were afraid they were going to sink.  They wake him and ask him if he is not afraid, they will sink.  Jesus stops the storm and asks them “Why are you terrified?  Do you not yet have faith?”

 

There are many times and reasons as to why we worry and are afraid.  Remember, that whatever storms we face in our lives, when we have faith and trust Jesus his peace will calm our storms.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
When you are afraid, do you remember that Jesus is with you?  How can Jesus help you when you are afraid?

 

Family Prayer:  Jesus, increase our trust in you when we are afraid.  Amen.

 

 

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6/30/24 - Miracles - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel of Mark, we hear how Jesus performed two miracles.  We first hear the story about the father asking Jesus to heal his sick daughter.  The second story is about a desperate sick woman who dares to touch Jesus.  Jesus’ touch raised the dead girl and cured the sick woman who touched him.  He was moved by the faith of these two people.

 

In these two miracles we learn to pray when we or someone in our family is sick.   Jesus teaches us that when we ask with faith, he will touch us and heal us.  He will help us understand what we are going through.  Remember Jesus is always with us and loves us.  We experience Jesus touch by going to Mass, and praying every day.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What does it mean to ask Jesus for something with faith?

 

Family Prayer:  Jesus, please help us to have faith.  Teach us to ask for what we need with faith.  Amen.

 

 

Miracles En

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7/7/24 - What is a Prophet? - Cycle B

Dear Families,

Last Sunday, we saw Jesus perform great miracles because of faith.  This Sunday is quite different.  People in Jesus’ hometown could not see who he really was.  They only recognized the person they remembered from when he was younger.  Because of their lack of faith, he did not perform any miracles.

 

Listen carefully to the Gospel, and consider whether you struggle to believe Jesus could do miracles.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Why did the people in Jesus’ hometown have trouble seeing him as the Messiah and doubted he could do miracles?

 

Family Prayer:  Dear Jesus, it is normal to doubt things sometimes.  Please help us to look past our doubt and trust in you for everything.  Amen.

 

 

WhatisaProphet En

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7/14/24 - The Salvation Story - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus sent the 12 Apostles he had chosen two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits.  Jesus gave them specific instruction as to what to bring for their journey.  He also explained that they would be rejected as he was rejected.  They went and healed the sick, drove out demons, and told people to turn away from sin.

The Apostles trusted everything Jesus told them to do.  Jesus sent his disciples two by two, not alone.  We are not alone; and our message will be rejected by family, friends, and others.  However, always remember that we are supported by the faithful community in our Church, and we are all called to share his message of repentance and healing as his disciples.  Jesus wants each of us to trust him, share his truth, and do good things in his name.

As a family watch video in its entirety then ask each other this question.
How are you as disciples bringing the message of repentance and healing to your family, friends, and others?

Family Prayer:  Lord, fill our family with faith, send us out as your disciples to share your message of salvation.  Amen.

 

 

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7/21/24 - Jesus: Shepherd and King - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In last week’s Gospel of Mark, we heard Jesus send his disciples to preach and heal in his name.  In today’s Gospel, we hear what happens when they return.  The Apostles were very tired and hungry.  Jesus told them to take a break, but the crowds found out and followed them.  Even though they were tired, Jesus and his Apostles were moved with pity and continued to help the people.  Jesus is aware that the crowd of people are like sheep without a shepherd and he begins to teach them.

 

Family demands can make us feel tired like Jesus and the twelve apostles.  It isn’t easy to help others when we are tired. Follow Jesus and bring your concerns to him.  Just as he was moved when he saw the crowd as sheep without a shepherd, he will hear you and guide you as your Shepherd.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
How do you find the energy to do the things you need to do when you are tired?

 

Family Prayer:  Jesus, we know your grace is sufficient for whatever we need to do.  Please help us turn to you when we need to rest and when we need strength.  Amen.

 

 

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7/28/24 - The Miracle of the Eucharist - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of John, we listen to how Jesus saw the huge crowd of people that had come to hear him and needed food.  When he asked his disciples to feed them, they don’t think they can help.  They told him that there were only 5 loaves of barley bread and two fish that a boy had brought with him.  Jesus took the bread and gave thanks to God, and over 5,00 people were fed plus there were twelve baskets of leftovers.  Jesus’ miracle was a sign that he is truly the Son of God.

 

Let us remember that God feeds and nourishes us.  He fulfills our physical as well as our spiritual needs.  At Mass we offer the gifts of bread and wine to God and He turns it into the Body and Blood of Jesus.  In the Eucharist we are fed by Jesus himself, and our spiritual needs, works, and talents are blessed and multiplied to help us live and serve others.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
What gifts do you have that Jesus could multiply to help others?

 

Family Prayer:  Jesus, sometimes we are hungry too.  We hunger for love, encouragement, or peace.  Please help us to turn to you to give us all the things we hunger for and also help others.  Amen.

 

 

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8/4/24 - The Bread of Life Cycle - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, we learn that after the multiplication of the loaves and fishes the crowd follows Jesus. Jesus teaches them that he will give them something greater than bread that fed their physical hunger, he will give them bread that will give them eternal life.

 

When we are hungry, Jesus knows we need to eat food.  Jesus also knows that our souls also get hungry.  Jesus wants to give us the gift of himself. (Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity) in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (Communion).  Jesus teaches us that he is the Bread of Life.  Just like our bodies need food to stay alive, our souls need God to have eternal life.

As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other these questions.
Why does Jesus tell us that if we eat the bread he gives us, we will never be hungry?  What does that mean?

 

Family Prayer:  Jesus help us to see beyond our material needs, and seek you who gives us eternal life.  Amen.

 

 

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8/11/24 - When You're Stuck - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel of John, people were upset because Jesus told them that he had come down from Heaven.  They did not understand when Jesus said “I am the Bread of Life.”  They think they know Jesus because they knew his father and mother but didn’t listen to understand what he was saying.

 

By praying and listening to God’s Words we learn to have faith that Jesus is God’s Son.  Jesus tells us that those who listen to him will see beyond just seeing bread.  The Eucharist is the Bread of Life.  When we receive the Eucharist at Mass, we are receiving the Bread of Life that came down from heaven which gives us eternal life.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other these questions.
Who sends the Bread of Life?  Who is the Bread of Life?  What gift is given to those who eat the Bread of Life?

 

Family Prayer:  Jesus, it is hard to believe what we cannot see.  Help us to have faith in you and your promise that the Eucharist is really you - Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.  Amen.

 

 

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8/18/24 - Wisdom and the Sacrament of the Eucharist

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel of John, Jesus continues to say that he is the living bread that came down from heaven.  Jesus told them that he is the Son of God, and whoever eats his flesh and drinks his blood will live forever.  His listeners were troubled when they heard these words.

 

Every time we receive the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist Jesus makes himself one with us.  He promises us that when we eat his flesh and drink his blood, we will have eternal life.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Why do you think Jesus’ listeners were troubled when Jesus said, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day”?  What do you think Jesus meant when he said they would have eternal life?

 

Family Prayer:  Dear Jesus, thank you for your Eucharist, for the gift of yourself.  Amen.

 

 

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8/25/24 - What is "Real Presence"? - Cycle B

Dear Families,

Last week we heard Jesus teach that whoever eats his flesh and drinks his blood will live forever.  In this Sunday’s Gospel we hear that many people stopped following Jesus because they could not understand what he was teaching.

However, the Apostles stayed with Jesus.  Like Peter, they knew he is the Holy One of God.

 

There are times when we have a hard time understanding what Jesus teaches us.  We need to be like the Apostles and choose to follow Jesus even when it is hard to understand his teachings.

 

Watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Do you have a hard time understanding what Jesus teaches?  What helped the Apostles believe that Jesus was the Holy One of God?

 

Family Prayer:  Jesus, you are the Holy One of God.  Help us to believe in you even when it is difficult to understand what you teach us.  Amen.

 

 

RealPresence 2024 En

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9/1/24 - Why Rules? - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus tells the Pharisees and some scribes that our holiness is more than just following their rules.  Jesus tells them that their thoughts and actions are not following God’s commandments.

 

Jesus teaches us that that when we are kind, generous and loving towards one another we are following God’s laws.

 

Watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How do we follow God’s laws in our hearts?

 

Family Prayer:  Dear Jesus, help us to be true in our faith and love for you.  Let our hearts and our actions reflect that love.  Amen.

 

 

WhyRules 2024 En

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2/27/22 - Jesus Speaks in Images - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us by creating images we can picture in our minds.  A blind person cannot lead the blind, a rotten fruit tree cannot produce fruit, and how can you see a speck in your brother’s eyes if you have a beam in your own eye.

Jesus is saying that when a person hears his words, they will understand his teachings.  When we go to Mass, study Sacred Scriptures, and pray, our hearts will be opened to apply his teachings to others.  To lead the blind, bear good fruits, and be forgiving, we need to seek training in the ways of Christ and his Church.  Being a disciple of Jesus means that we show our love for God in what we say and do.

As a family watch video in its entirety than ask each other these questions.
What does it mean to be a good disciple?  How do we need to learn?  How are we to act?

Family Prayer:  Lord, open our eyes to see what you want us to learn, and open our ears to hear your teachings.

 

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3/6/22 - Jesus Faces Temptation - Cycle C

Dear Families,

Sunday’s Gospel reveals Jesus as fully human and fully divine.  The devil tempts Jesus in the desert, promising him human power and earthly goods.  Jesus shows us how to resist temptation by holding tightly to the promises of God found in Sacred Scripture.

This week is the first Sunday of Lent.  Lent is a special time when we prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection.  We prepare through Prayer by talking with God; Fasting by giving things up not just food; Almsgiving by giving generously to those who are in need.

As a family watch video in its entirety than ask each other these questions.
What are some temptations you experience?  How does the Church help you to strengthen yourself against them?

Family Prayer:  Pray the Lord’s Prayer together.  Focus on the words “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”

 

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3/13/22 - Peter, James, and John See a Vision of Jesus - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus takes Peter, John, and James to the mountain to pray.  While Jesus was praying, they fell asleep.  They woke up and saw Jesus’ appearance change, his clothes were dazzling white and he was speaking with Moses and Elijah.  While Peter was speaking to Jesus about making three tents, the disciples became frightened when a cloud came and cast a shadow over them.  They heard a voice from the cloud that said to them “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”

If the disciples had stayed asleep, they would have missed this amazing event.  They would not have seen Jesus in glory.  They would not have heard the voice from heaven.  During Lent let’s stay awake to see Jesus’ presence in our lives and listen to Jesus.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How can you listen to Jesus?  What might he say to you?

Family Prayer:  Jesus, open our ears and hearts to better hear you.  Amen

 

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3/20/22 - Parable of the Fig Tree - Cycle C

Dear Families,

This Sunday, Jesus tells us about a fig tree.  In Jesus’ country, a fig tree is as common as an apple tree is to us.   Many people grew fig trees and looked forward to eating the figs.  The fig tree in Jesus’ parable isn’t producing figs.  What to do?  Cut it down? The gardener gives the tree another chance and says he will add more fertilizer and give the tree more care.  Jesus wants us to see God is like the gardener who wants to care for us and give us another chance.  The Gospel calls us to turn toward God and be fruitful by showing love for one another.

Lent is a good time to pray and understand that we must turn from bad things and practice doing good things. Our deeds are our fruit.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can you bear good fruit with your life?

Family Prayer:  Lord, increase your love in us so that we may increase the fruits of your love.  Amen

 

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3/27/22 - The Forgiving Father - Cycle C

Dear Families,

This Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells us a parable about a man who has two sons.  The youngest son who asked his father for his inheritance, left his home and squandered it all.  The oldest son stayed, worked and obeyed him.  When the youngest son returns the father throws him a party.  His oldest son is jealous and doesn’t understand the father giving him a celebration for his bad behavior.  What about me?  I’ve been good where is my party?  He is jealous.  Jesus teaches us about God’s love and forgiveness.  In our lives we are at times like the younger son, we walk away from God.  Other times we might be like the older son, jealous of the love and forgiveness that God shows to others.

This story speaks to us about the meaning of reconciliation, God’s love, forgiveness and mercy.  It is Lent, let us seek to be reconciled with God and others, especially through the healing Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

This Laetare Sunday let us rejoice and remember the joy that Easter will bring after the time of repentance during Lent.  Jesus tells us, “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents”. (Luke 15:7).

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question?
How can you find joy even when you are struggling or suffering?

Family Prayer:  Lord, open our hearts to ask for forgiveness and to forgive others.  Show us your mercy and help us to be merciful to others.  Amen

 

 

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