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8/21/22 - Who Will Be Saved? - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus is asked, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answers that many will try, but he explains that the gate is narrow and though many will attempt to enter, they might not be strong enough. We are all invited to share eternal life with God forever in heaven, but this invitation cannot be taken for granted.
Going to Mass on Sundays is a very important part of our faith journey, but Jesus teaches us we need to do more. Our actions must be consistent with what we say we believe. To enter the narrow gate is challenging, it is not easy. Jesus is teaching us that we need to dedicate ourselves all the time with acts of love, kindness, mercy, and compassion. We do this by looking at how we are living our lives at home, work, school, everywhere we go. Love, compassion, forgiveness, kindness to everyone is living our faith; a way to enter through the narrow gate.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What strength do you need to get through the narrow gate? Do you trust God and his grace to give you this strength?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us receive the grace to receive the strength we need to share your love with others. Amen
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Read more: Who Will Be Saved? Cycle C / ¿Quién Se Salvará? Ciclo C
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
8/28/22 - What is Humility? - Cycle C
Dear Families,
This Sunday when Jesus sees people trying to sit in places of honor at a banquet, he saw their pride. He tells them a parable about being humble. Jesus focuses on humility not on pride. When we have true humility, we understand that everything we have comes from God. When we don’t understand we start to look down on everyone, and we forget about God and that he gave us these gifts to help others. We start looking for approval from others like the proud guests at the banquet, and we can commit the sin of pride.
According to Jesus, the most important thing is to learn to be humble. Being humble is not thinking less of ourselves; being humble means thinking about ourselves less. He is teaching us to focus on others and to invite people into our lives who will not be able to repay us with places of honor. God wants us to be generous with the gifts he has given us, and to give everyone a place of honor. Humility frees us from worrying about ourselves, and what others think of us. We give much glory to God when we are humble.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can you better identify the situations that make you fall into the sin of pride?
Family Prayer: Lord, grant us the grace to be humble, and serve everyone we meet with dignity. Amen
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Read more: What is Humility? Cycle C/ ¿Que es la Humildad? Ciclo C
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9/4/22 - Family, Friends or God - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus talks about hating our families. You are probably thinking, but I thought Jesus didn’t want us to hate anyone? He does not want us to hate. What Jesus is telling us is that we should love God more than we love the people closest to us. God wants us to stay close to the people we love, but Jesus is telling us that to follow God we need to put him first. This means that we should be ready to do what God wants even if it means losing our family or best friends.
It can be very difficult and require sacrifice to do what is right, and to choose between doing what Jesus teaches us or keeping friends. People might make fun of us and reject us. We are so blessed that Jesus is so honest with us, and teaches us how to be ready to give up anything or anyone that would stop us from following him.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Why do you think it would be difficult to follow what Jesus teaches? What sacrifices would you make to follow Jesus?
Family Prayer: Jesus, when it is difficult to follow you, help us to remember what you sacrificed to save us. Amen
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Read more: Family, Friends or God Cycle C / Familia, Amigos o Dios Ciclo C
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9/11/22 - The Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Prodigal Son - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus responds to those complaining about him keeping company with sinners. He tells them three parables about something or someone being lost and then found. The first parable is about the shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to search for one and when he finds the one, he rejoices. The second parable is about a woman searching for one coin and when she finds it, she also rejoices. Finally, the third story is about the son who asked for his inheritance before the father died. He leaves home and spends all his money on foolish things, and when he returns home his father is waiting for him, forgives him and he too rejoices and celebrates by throwing him a party. However, his brother is upset and does not think his brother, a sinner, is worthy of such rejoicing.
Jesus is teaching us in these parables, that when we do something wrong and sin, God never stops loving us. God does not lose hope or give up on us. He rejoices when we are lost and come back to him, we are always worthy of his love.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What do these parables teach us about sin and forgiveness?
Family Prayer: Jesus, thank you for always being there for us, no matter how lost and alone we may feel. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
9/18/22 - Parable of the Dishonest Steward - Cycle C
Dear Families,
This Sunday Jesus tells a parable of a steward losing his job after making dishonest choices with a rich man’s money. Then he is praised when he uses an underhanded way to secure his own future. Can we correct our poor choices, and use this parable to be wise and think about securing our future in God’s Kingdom by serving others instead of ourselves?
Jesus continues to teach that those who are honest in small matters will also be honest in large matters. The Lord expects us to use our resources responsibly, and to put them at his service and the service of others. We cannot serve two masters. Jesus clearly teaches that our hearts must be possessed by God’s love. Our hearts are not to be possessed with the love of money. We are to be faithful, honest stewards of the time, money, and possessions that God has given us.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What shows a person is trustworthy? Why does Jesus tell us we cannot serve two masters?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to be honest and faithful in all we do. Amen
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Read more: Parable of the Dishonest Steward Cycle C / Parabola del Mayordomo Deshonesto Ciclo C
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9/25/22 - Lazarus and the Rich Man - Cycle C
Dear Families,
This Sunday Jesus tells us a parable about a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. While they were alive, the rich man had everything he wanted, but Lazarus the poor man, lay by the rich man’s gate. The rich man never gave him anything.
Eventually both men died. Lazarus the poor man went to heaven and the rich man did not. The rich man realized too late that he only thought of himself and had been selfish. Jesus wants us to help the poor and suffering people around you. He wants us to see the suffering and listen to the cry of the poor.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are some ways God wants us to care for our world and for people? What are some things you share with others?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to not be selfish. May we treat others as you would treat them. Amen
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Read more: Lazarus and the Rich Man Cycle C / Lazaro y el Hombre Rico Ciclo C
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10/2/22 - Faith The Size Of A Mustard Seed - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, when the apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith, he tells them that with a tiny bit of faith they could do amazing things. He showed them a tree and told them that if they had faith as tiny as a mustard seed, they could tell the tree to move from the land into the sea and it would!
But what is faith? Faith is believing in God’s love for us, his goodness and trusting him. Faith in God is a gift he gives us so that we can believe in Him. God gives us the gift of faith but it’s up to us to use it. There are many people who don’t have a tiny bit of faith. They don’t feel God loves them, they do not feel God is looking after them and they try to do things on their own and their lives spin out of control.
We use our gift of faith when we decide to obey, trust and believe in God’s love for us. We put our faith into action when we help those in need and do not expect anything in return.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
According to Jesus, how much faith is enough? What are some of the little things that each of us do for our family that make a big difference?
Family Prayer: Lord, help our family open our hearts to your love so that we grow in our faith. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
10/9/22 - Jesus Heals Ten Lepers; One Thanks Him - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus meets ten lepers who beg to be healed. Leprosy is a horrible disease that eats away at a person’s body until they die. Jesus filled with compassion heals all ten. However, only one comes back to thank him. And the one who returns is a Samaritan, a foreigner. Samaritans were not liked by the Jewish communities because of their differences. Jesus praises the Samaritan for his gratitude and tells him that his faith has saved him
A lesson we learn in this Gospel has to do with salvation and being thankful for all the amazing things God does for us. He made you and gave you everything you need to live. Jesus shows how he loves all people, even those we think are outsiders.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What is something you took for granted this week? What do you thank God for?
Family Prayer: Lord, we thank you for all of the ways that you have healed and helped us. We will try harder to not take you for granted. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
10/16/22 - Jesus Tells Us to Keep Asking - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus tells a parable (story) to show his disciples that they should never get discouraged about praying. He tells them a story about a widow’s case who was being ignored by a judge. The widow persists in seeking her rights and the judge has little reason to care about her rights. The widow keeps coming back and bothering him so he finally knows she will keep bothering him and grants her request.
Jesus’s parable invites us to recognize that God will be better than the judge about answering our prayers. The Gospel invites us to imitate the widow in asking always and repeatedly for what we need. When we persist in prayer, and ask for what we need or want, God helps us to see which things and people really matter to us and how we can help. Jesus teaches us that we must pray always and never get discouraged.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions?
What do you ask God for when you pray? How do you know that God hears your prayers?
Family Prayer: Lord we will try harder to pray often. Show us how to be patient when we pray. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus Tells Us to Keep Asking Cycle C / Jesús Nos Dice que Sigamos Pidiendo Ciclo C
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10/23/22 -The Pharisee and the Tax Collector- Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel Jesus tells us another parable about prayer. He tells the story about two men praying in the Temple. One was a Pharisee who was a member of a pious religious group who studied and carefully kept the Law of Moses and taught the written law of the Bible. The Pharisee prayed about his goodness and compared himself to others who were not as good as he. The other was a Jewish tax collector who made his living by collecting taxes for the Romans, and at times charged more to make a better living. People during those days did not like them. The tax collector prayed and asked God to have mercy on him, a sinner. Jesus praises the tax collector for his humility and admonishes the Pharisee’s self-righteousness.
Praying with humility helps us understand and admit that all the good things we do come from God. It helps us be sorry for the selfish things we have done, be sorry for our sins, and ask God for forgiveness.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
When have you been like the Pharisee? The tax collector? What is the difference?
Family Prayer: Lord, show us where we lack humility, and help us to remember to do good deeds in your name. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
10/30/22 - Jesus' Visit Changes Zacchaeus - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel, we hear about a tax collector, Zacchaeus. As we learned last week, tax collectors were dishonest and people did not like them. Zacchaeus being short and probably not wanting to be seen climbs onto a tree for a better view of Jesus. Jesus see Zacchaeus, calls him by name and asks that he be invited to stay at his house. People did not approve of Jesus going to a sinner’s house, but Jesus told them that he had come to save the people who were lost in sin, he wants everyone to come to him. Zacchaeus filled with the joy that Jesus was visiting him, changes, and he asks for forgiveness. Jesus shows him love and forgiveness. Zacchaeus promises to help the poor and pay everyone back for what he had stolen. Like Zacchaeus we are sinners. Jesus calls us to recognize our sins and wants us to make things right. He seeks us and wants to forgive us.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How does Zacchaeus change because Jesus becomes his friend and goes to his house? Have you ever felt really bad because of something you did? Do you think there is any sin that Jesus can’t forgive?
Family Prayer: Lord, help me accept you as my friend. Help me make room for you in every area of my life. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus' Visit Changes Zacchaeus Cycle C / La Visita de Jesús Cambia a Zaqueo Ciclo C
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
11/6/22 - The Resurrection Is The Heart Of Our Faith - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, the Sadducees, who did not believe in resurrection from the dead, ask Jesus a ridiculous tricky question. They ask him, what would happen if a widow had different husbands throughout her life and they died. Who would she be married to in Heaven? Jesus is not tricked. He teaches that God is God of the living. Jesus tells them that in Heaven people are like angels because they can’t die anymore, so they will not be married. All are alive in God. Jesus’ teaching on the rising from the dead is the heart of our Catholic faith.
It is not easy to imagine what our life will be like after the resurrection of the dead. It will be different, it will not be the same as this world, we will live in great joy as children of God.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What does the word resurrection mean to you? What is the name of the prayer at mass where we profess the belief of the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come?
Family Prayer: Pray the “The Creed” together. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
11/13/22 - Jesus Promises To Be With Us - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a message of hope, he tells us not to be afraid. He promises to be with us in the sicknesses, deaths, wars, disasters, and persecutions that will happen before he comes again in glory.
Because of our faith in Jesus, we are able to stand firm during difficult times. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus helps us work for justice, peace, and to support one another. When we stand firm in our faith, and focus on Jesus, we live with the hope of everlasting happiness with God in Heaven.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What things do you worry about? How does Jesus help us with our worries? What hope does Jesus give us?
Family Prayer: Jesus, we ask you for your help when things get difficult. Help us to be there for one another. Amen
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Read more: Jesus Promises To Be With Us Cycle C / Jesus Promete Estar Con Nosotros Ciclo C
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11/20/22 - Jesus Rules with Forgiveness and Love - Cycle C
Dear Families,
This Sunday is the end of our liturgical year and we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. When Jesus was on earth many of his followers thought he would be the ruler of an earthly kingdom, rule and have soldiers. Instead, Jesus is crucified and made fun of, and they write on a sign above his cross, “This is the King of the Jews”. Jesus is mocked and hangs between two thieves and is ridiculed by one for not saving them and himself, but the other defends Jesus. He asks Jesus to remember him and Jesus promises that they will be in Heaven together.
Today’s Gospel invites us, like the good thief on the cross to recognize that Jesus is indeed King and savior of all. Let’s recognize that the Cross is a place of trust, where Jesus accepted his death for our salvation. Jesus’ Resurrection shows that his actions for forgiving, sharing, and loving have power stronger than death for all of us. He is, “Christ the King”, our savior.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What kind of King is Jesus? How does Jesus lead us? How do we ask Jesus for forgiveness?
Family Prayer: Jesus, you are our King and there is no other. Help us to follow your example of forgiveness. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus Rules with Forgiveness and Love Cycle C / Jesús Gobierna con Perdón y Amor Ciclo C
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11/27/22 - Jesus Tells Us to Be Ready - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This Sunday is Advent, the first day of our new Liturgical Year. During Advent we remember Jesus’ first coming but we also need to think about Jesus’ second coming. The message from this Sunday’s Gospel is get ready. Jesus is coming again. No one knows when Jesus will come again. Advent gives us the opportunity to change and to live each day as we would want to live if we knew that Jesus would return that day. Let us all remember that this world and this life are only temporary. We have something greater to look forward to, being with Jesus in Heaven.
During this Advent season let us prepare each day for the day of Jesus’ second coming by listening to his words, and understanding his message of hope, love, joy and peace.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are some ways your family gets ready for Christmas? In what way does your family get ready for Jesus’ second coming?
Family Prayer: God, help us to make room in our home and our hearts to welcome Jesus. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus Tells Us to Be Ready Cycle A / Jesus Nos Dice Que Estemos Listos Ciclo A
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12/4/22 - John the Baptist - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This is the second week of Advent, and in this week’s Gospel; John the Baptist encourages people to turn to God with their whole hearts. He baptizes many people who desire a better relationship with God. John shares that God is sending a holy and mighty person who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
We can turn to God with our whole hearts by repenting and turning away from sin. During this Advent season, reflect on poor choices you have made and ask for God’s forgiveness. This is how we can prepare our minds and hearts and welcome Jesus at Christmas.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What can you do this week to strengthen your relationship with God?
Family Prayer: Thank you, Jesus for welcoming us into your family. Help us to make choices that bring us closer to you. Amen.
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Read more: John Asks About Jesus / Juan Pregunta Acerca de Jesús
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12/11/22 - John Asks About Jesus - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, John the Baptist questions if Jesus is the one that God has promised will come. Jesus answers the question by naming some of his miracles, which were prophesied by Isaiah and are signs of God’s salvation. Jesus affirms that John is a prophet sent to prepare everyone for his own arrival. Jesus message to John tells us not only who he is but also to repent of our sins and follow him.
This week is the third Sunday of Advent. This is the week we light the pink candle. It is Gaudete Sunday, a day to Rejoice Jesus is coming. By preparing for his coming, we will bring the message of his joyful coming to others.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can you share the good news of Jesus coming and bring joy to others?
Family Prayer: God, we thank you for many blessings. Help us to be blessings to others. Amen.
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Read more: John Asks About Jesus Cycle A / Juan Pregunta Acerca de Jesús Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/18/22 - An Angel Speaks to Joseph - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we learn about Joseph’s dilemma when he learns that Mary, who he is betrothed to, is expecting a child that is not his. He could have accused Mary of adultery and subjected her to punishment. But he was unwilling to take this step, so he decided to divorce her quietly. However, an Angel appears to Joseph in a dream, and tells Joseph to take Mary as his wife for her pregnancy is an act of God. The angel tells him to name the baby Jesus. Joseph trusting God, makes a choice, and does what the Angel tells him. He takes Mary into his home and names the baby Jesus which means “he will save”.
As the prophet Isaiah said, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel which means “God is with us”. Let us not forget that God is always with us. He is our Savior.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
When has God helped you make a choice when you needed help?
Family Prayer: God, help us make choices that bring us closer to you. Help us to follow your guidance. Jesus, I trust in you. Amen.
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Read more: An Angel Speaks to Joseph Cycle A / Un Ángel le Habla a José Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/25/22 - Nativity of the Lord
Dear Families,
Merry Christmas, know that you are in my prayers. Wishing all of you hope, peace, joy, and love.
In this video, “The Nativity” Mary and Joseph welcome their son into the world. Shepherds visit and marvel at the baby before sharing the news of Jesus’ miraculous birth with others. The Magi visit and pay homage to Jesus. Mary accepts the visitors praises and stores them in her heart.
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus in our world. In Jesus, God becomes one of us and lives among us. Let us shine the light of God’s love by sharing the birth of Jesus with everyone.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What gift can you give to Jesus?
Family Prayer: God, we welcome Jesus into our hearts this Christmas. Help us to believe that Jesus is with us every day. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
1/8/23 - Epiphany of the Lord
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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