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Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus’ disciple John said to Jesus. “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Jesus teaches the disciples that they should not be reluctant to share Jesus’ healing powers with others. No one who performs good deeds in his name is against him. God’s love is for everyone. Jesus teaches his disciples that goodness and godliness are qualities to be nurtured in ourselves and in others. No matter our race, age, or social status, Jesus wants us to welcome and accept others as he does.
Jesus also says some things that sounds crazy. Why would he say cut off your hand and foot, pluck your eye out if this causes you to sin? He is saying these things not for us to do it. But so that we can realize that our hand, foot and eye are parts of our bodies that can lead us away from God when they are not used for His glory. Pay special attention to the reflection part of this week’s video. It will explain how this teaching applies to our world today.
As a family watch video in its entirety, it’s important to watch video to ask each other this question.
Am I using my hand, foot, or eye to block my relationship with Jesus?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to strengthen our weaknesses, and walk in your path.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that from the very beginning of creation God made the union of a woman and a man a blessed and sacred community. We honor this community in the Sacrament of Matrimony. We call this community the family. Jesus teaches us that God’s grace helps a man and a woman honor their commitments to each other. Continuing with the Gospel, people were bringing children for Jesus to touch them, but the disciples were stopping them. Jesus saw this and told them to let the children come to Him, and He blessed them.
Jesus loves children and every member of the family. He calls everyone in the family to follow him, trust God, and depend in Him completely.
As a family watch the video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What are some things that make it difficult to keep promises we have made to each other in our family?
Family Prayer: Lord, show us how to love each other in our family and keep our promises to each other. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
The rich man in this Sunday’s Gospel wants to follow Jesus, but when Jesus tells him he must give up all he owns, he feels sad. It is hard to give up the things we have. Jesus doesn’t want us to hold too tightly to things of the world, but rather desire eternal life with Him in Heaven.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What things do you hold onto that might keep you from following Jesus?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to follow you no matter what we must leave behind.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
The request of John and James in this Sunday’s Gospel brings to light how even Jesus’ followers had the desire to be approved and rewarded in worldly terms. Whenever human beings gather, we ask who is best, number 1, champion, leader. As a family, we also struggle with disagreements and power struggles. Listen to the Gospel and learn how Jesus teaches us the importance of service and sacrifice in the life of a disciple. Jesus wants his followers to imitate him by being humble and becoming servants of all.
Jesus came to serve, not to be served and gave his life as a sacrifice to save us. Each time you go to Mass, know that the Lamb of God is offering himself for you in the sacrifice of the Eucharist. See the glory of his life being poured out for you, then let it inspire you to go and pour yourself out for others.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
In your family, how do you struggle with authority? How do you put each other’s needs before your own?
Family Prayer: Open our eyes Lord to see the needs of others and grow in our desire to serve them. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, a blind man named Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus to cure him. The people in the crowd tell him to stop calling out, but he calls out more loudly. He won’t be silenced. Jesus hears him and goes to him and asks him “What do you want me to do for you?” He replies. “Master, I want to see”. Jesus tells Bartimaeus that his faith has saved him and he receives his sight.
Sometimes we can be blind too. We don’t see the truth about God and are blind to our own faults. Perhaps we are hurting or feeling alone or sad. Like Bartimaeus, we should call out to Jesus to help us and not let anyone stop us. Jesus wants us to believe that he can heal us. He shows us that our persistence in prayer is a sign of our faith.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions?
What do you want Jesus to heal for you? Do you believe that he can heal you?
Family Prayer: Lord, sometimes we don’t even recognize that we need healing. Help us to see where we might be broken and humbly ask you to heal us.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
During Jesus’ time on earth, religious leaders liked to sit around and discuss the law. One Jewish teacher asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Jesus answered, “The first one is: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all you soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus teaches to love God above everything else. It may sometimes be difficult to remember all the 10 Commandments. However, Jesus explains that love is the greatest commandment that sums up all the others. To love God, we praise God and thank him. With his love we learn to love each other, share, forgive, and show respect.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question?
How does Jesus show you by example how you can live out the Great Commandment of loving God and neighbor?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to not get caught up in our own busyness and forget to put you first.
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30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle B / Domingo 30 de Tiempo Ordinario Ciclo B (Faith Formation) (2)
Unpublished(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, a blind man named Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus to cure him. The people in the crowd tell him to stop calling out, but he calls out more loudly. He won’t be silenced. Jesus hears him and goes to him and asks him “What do you want me to do for you?” He replies. “Master, I want to see”. Jesus tells Bartimaeus that his faith has saved him and he receives his sight.
Sometimes we can be blind too. We don’t see the truth about God and are blind to our own faults. Perhaps we are hurting or feeling alone or sad. Like Bartimaeus, we should call out to Jesus to help us and not let anyone stop us. Jesus wants us to believe that he can heal us. He shows us that our persistence in prayer is a sign of our faith.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions?
What do you want Jesus to heal for you? Do you believe that he can heal you?
Family Prayer: Lord, sometimes we don’t even recognize that we need healing. Help us to see where we might be broken and humbly ask you to heal us.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s readings we hear about two widows. A widow is a woman whose husband has died. In the first reading we hear about a widow who was asked to give away all the food she had, and she was blessed with enough flour and oil to supply her and her son for a year. In the Gospel reading Jesus points out to his disciples a poor widow who puts in two small coins in the Temple treasury. He sees the generosity of the poor widow. Her small coins required a greater sacrifice than the large amounts the rich were giving. Both widows gave the last and the best of what they had.
When we understand that everything we have comes from God, we are then ready to give everything to him. By giving away the best of ourselves and what we have, our faith and love for one another grows. We learn that we need to thank and trust God for all he has given us.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
When you give, do you give everything you have or only what you have left over?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us see what we are withholding from you. Give us the strength to be generous and not ask for anything in return. Amen
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Read more: 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time / Domingo 32 de Tiempo Ordinario Ciclo B (Faith Formation)
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11/14/21 - 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples what will happen at the end of time. The sun and moon will become dark and the stars will fall down from the sky. These are scary things to hear, but then he also says he will return. He tells them that only God the Father knows when this will happen.
This Gospel is a reminder we should be prepared for Jesus’ coming at all times to enter God’s Kingdom. We need to stay close to God and away from sin. Christ will come again.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What can you do to show Jesus he is welcome in your home and heart every day?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us make loving choices every day as we wait for your return. Amen
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Read more: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle B / Domingo 33 de Tiempo Ordinario Ciclo B
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11/21/21 - Solemnity of Christ the King - Cycle B
Dear Families,
The Feast of Christ the King ends the Church year. The Church celebrates this feast to hold up Jesus as the kind of king and leader the world needs.
This Sunday’s Gospel when Pilate asks Jesus if he is a king, he answers that his kingdom does not belong to this world. He has no army. Jesus is not a king of power and force. He reins his kingdom by being a Servant King. He serves people with God’s truth, love and peace. Jesus has authority over everything, but he humbles himself to serve us and even to die for us.
On this feast of Christ the King, let us remember to allow Christ to rein in our minds, will, hearts, and bodies. Let us be followers of the Servant King.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How is God’s kingdom different from a kingdom on earth?
Family Prayer: Jesus, you are a good and loving king. Help us to follow your will and trust that it is always for our good. Amen.
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Read more: Solemnity of Christ the King - Cycle B/ Solemnidad de Cristo Rey - Ciclo B
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11/28/21 - First Sunday of Advent - Cycle C
Dear Families,
Advent means “coming” it is a season of promises. We remember how long people waited for God to send the promised Messiah. We remember Jesus’ promise to be with us always. We wait for Jesus and his promise to come again in glory.
This Sundays Gospel tells us to be ready for Jesus Second coming. It contains a strong message for us to not be distracted by problems or our own bad behaviors while we wait. Jesus wants us to be good to others and ourselves while we prepare for his return.
Watch video in entirety and then ask each other this question.
What are ways to prepare for Jesus coming in glory?
Family Prayer: Lord, we want to become the people you created us to be. Give us the grace to work on those things we need to correct or improve. Amen
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Read more: First Sunday of Advent Year C / Primer Domingo de Adviento Ciclo C
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12/5/21 - Second Sunday of Advent - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, John the Baptist (Jesus’ cousin) goes all over the country around the Jordan River and tells everyone to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. John was not afraid to talk about Jesus and to encourage people to repent and turn away from sin. John gave hope to people. He shared the Good News of Jesus, that he was coming to save them, and we should share this too.
When we light one more candle this Sunday, hopefully it will continue to remind us of how we are called to make changes in our lives and make a straight path to the Lord.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What changes must I make within me that is standing in the way of growing closer to Jesus?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to recognize what hurts your heart and have the courage to work to change it. Amen
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Read more: Second Sunday of Advent Year C / Segundo Domingo de Adviento Ciclo C
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12/12/21 - Third Sunday of Advent - Cycle C
Dear Families,
This Sunday is the third week of Advent, and we prepare joyfully for the coming of the Messiah. John the Baptist answers questions on how to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. He told them they can share food and clothing. Tax collectors can collect only what they are owed. Soldiers could treat people with respect. At first people thought he might be the Messiah, but he explained that one mightier than him would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
John the Baptist’s preaching raises people’s hopes. John helped people to see how they should act toward one another so that they are ready for God’s coming. People came to see and hear him, and he showed them the way to God. The people that heard John preach had a desire to change their lives for the better, they wanted to hear the truth.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can we, like John the Baptist, show other people the way to Jesus?
Family Prayer: Holy Spirit, you move us and help us change. Teach us to follow Jesus in all things. Amen
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Read more: Third Sunday of Advent Year C / Tercer Domingo de Adviento Ciclo C
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12/19/21 - Fourth Sunday of Advent - Cycle C
Dear Families,
On this fourth Sunday of advent, our Gospel reading recalls Mary’s actions after the announcement by the Angel Gabriel of Jesus birth and her cousin Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Mary immediately decides to visit her cousin Elizabeth. When Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, the baby (John the Baptist) leaped with joy in her womb. She was filled with the Holy Spirit and Elizabeth gives us the words that are central to the Hail Mary “Blessed is the fruit of your womb.” The mystery of the Incarnation, God taking on human flesh by the Virgin Mary. Both Mary and Elizabeth show how to trust God’s word that Mary would become the mother of Jesus and rejoiced in God’s blessings.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
In what way can you imitate Mary and help bring Jesus to others?
Family Prayer: Jesus, teach us to love your mother, Mary, like you do. Amen.
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Read more: Fourth Sunday of Advent Year C / Cuarto Domingo de Adviento Ciclo C
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12/26/21 - Christmas Day and Feast of Holy Family- Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, at the age of 12 Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Jewish feast of Passover, an event where family and friends traveled together each year. On their way back home, they realized Jesus was not with them. They were worried when they could not find Jesus with any of their families or friends. They finally found Jesus when they went back to the Temple. When they found him and they told him how concerned and anxious they were, Jesus asked them why were they concerned since he was in his Father’s house, but he was obedient and returned with them to Nazareth.
As a family watch Merry Christmas video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How can Jesus be born into your heart this Christmas? What can you do to show your family that you love them?
Family Prayer: Lord, help our family to seek and see you as we celebrate Jesus’ coming this Christmas.
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1/2/22 - Epiphany of the Lord- Cycle C
Dear Families,
This Sunday we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. The Gospel tells us about the Magi. They were three wise men from the East that had seen a special star rising up in the sky and traveled to Jerusalem. They asked to meet with King Herod and asked him where was the child who had been born King of the Jews because they wanted to do him homage. Herod was very upset with this question. He was already the King of the Jews. He was upset someone would take away his power. Herod asked the Magi to let him know when they found him because he too wanted to do homage. But secretly he wished to learn his whereabouts so he could kill him.
The Magi followed the star to Bethlehem until it stopped over the place where the Child Jesus was. They bowed to the ground and did homage, and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. During the night they had a dream telling them not to go back to Herod, so they went back to their country taking another road.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What gift can you give Jesus that shows your love for God and others?
Family Prayer: Lord, like the Magi help us to seek and worship you as our King. Amen.
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Read more: Epiphany of the Lord Cycle C / Epifanía del Señor Ciclo C
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1/9/22 - Baptism of the Lord- Cycle C
Dear Families,
This Sunday we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Many people in Israel thought John the Baptist was the Messiah. John clears the confusion by explaining he baptizes with water but one mightier than he will baptize with the Holy Spirit. After Jesus was baptized by John, the Holy Spirit came down in the form of a dove. A voice from Heaven said, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each present for this important event. Jesus is not alone when he begins his mission.
Like Jesus, we are God’s beloved sons and daughters. When we are baptized, we are not alone. God is getting us ready for a special mission. At our Baptism we become members of a community that continues Jesus’ work of healing and teaching.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What difference does being baptized make in the choices you make?
Family Prayer: Thank you, Lord for making us members of your family through Baptism. Amen.
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Read more: Baptism of the Lord Cycle C / Bautismo del Señor Ciclo C
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1/16/22 - Wedding in Cana- Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus performs his first miracle. He turns water into wine at a wedding in Cana. Mary observed that the hosts had run out of wine and this could become an embarrassing situation. Mary told Jesus and he said he wasn’t ready, but Mary told the servers “Do whatever he tells you”. Jesus obeyed Mary and asked the servers to bring six stone jars with water and changes the water into wine. And not just ordinary wine, but the very best. This is the first sign of Jesus glory.
Mary interceded at the wedding celebration and Jesus listened to her request and obeyed. Mary intercedes for us when we ask her to pray for us. She is an example of how presenting our needs and those of others to Jesus we can be confident that he will respond to our prayers in extraordinary ways.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
When we see a need how can we try to help?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to be obedient, just like you were to your mother. Help us see the needs of others. Help us to do what you teach us.
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1/23/22 - The Word of God - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus was in his hometown Nazareth where he grew up. Being a faithful Jew He was attending the synagogue on the Sabbath. He was called to read the Scripture and make a comment. Jesus reads aloud from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah and announces that this Scripture is now fulfilled. He will bring Good News to the poor, sight to the blind, and freedom to captives. Jesus is proclaiming himself as the anointed one when he said, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Jesus tells the people about his mission, the work that he will do to bring forth God’s Kingdom. Every kind thing we do is a way to serve God’s Kingdom. When we read the Word of God and reach out to people in need, we follow Jesus and continue his work showing people God’s love.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How do we bring people Good News the way Jesus does?
Family Prayer: Jesus, thank you for showing us how to love others. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we will continue your mission. Amen
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Read more: The Word of God Cycle C / La Palabra de Dios Ciclo C
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1/30/22 - People Reject Jesus - Cycle C
Dear Families,
This Sunday’s Gospel is a continuation of last week’s Gospel. Jesus fulfills the words of the prophet Isaiah as he announced in last week’s Gospel. In this Sunday’s Gospel, people begin to recall that he is the son of Joseph the carpenter. Jesus confronts them about what they are thinking. He said they wouldn’t appreciate a prophet from their own town. They get angry when Jesus reminds them that sometimes people of other countries believed more in Israel’s prophets than their own people. He gives them the examples of Elijah and the widow of Sidon and Elisha and General Naaman who were not Israelites but believed in the prophets. The crowd did not want to hear the truth, they became so angry that they rejected him and forced him to leave town.
Jesus words were challenging to the people of his hometown Nazareth. He wanted them to respond to him differently from the way others had responded to the prophets. But they wouldn’t let his words change them or see a different perspective. At times we can be like the people of Nazareth, we don’t trust Jesus’ message because we find his words to us challenging. We need to trust his words to us and rely on his guidance in our lives.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What is love? How difficult is it to listen to those who love you, especially if they are trying to inform or correct you?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to be humble enough to listen when we are corrected by people who care about us. Help us to remember that they are looking out for our good. Amen
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Read more: People Reject Jesus Cycle C / La Gente Rechaza a Jesús Ciclo C
