Photos & Events
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1/15/23 - Lamb of God - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, when Jesus came to the Jordan River to be baptized, John the Baptist points to Jesus and testifies that he is the Lamb of God, who will take away the sins of the world, the son of God, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.
John the Baptist knew his mission. He prepared the way for Jesus by asking people to repent of their sins, and pointing towards Jesus. He knew that Jesus is the Lamb of God. As John preached, we should repent of our sins, and like him we also need to show others the way to Jesus.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
As a disciple of Christ, what do you think is your mission in life?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us live our baptismal call with love and service to one another. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
1/22/23 - Jesus Calls His First Disciples - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This Sunday in the first part of Matthew’s Gospel, he shows us that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecies given to the people by Isaiah in the Old Testament when he says that the Messiah will begin his ministry in Galilee, the land of the Gentiles. He will bring light to the land where there was darkness. Jesus fulfills this prophecy. He preaches in Galilee saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
As Jesus is walking by the Sea in Galilee he calls his first disciples Peter, Andrew, James and John. He calls them while they were working as fishermen. He offers to teach them how to become fishers of men and share the news of God’s Kingdom, his light and love for everyone. They immediately leave what they were doing and follow him. Through Jesus teachings, miracles, and healings they see the Kingdom of God.
Like the first disciples, let us become followers of Jesus and make following him our first priority. On our journey as disciples, Jesus teaches us how to follow him and bring the Kingdom of God to all those we encounter. Trust that God will show us the way and guide us.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How do we bring the Kingdom God to our families, friends, and neighbors?
Family Prayer: Dear Lord, reveal your presence of love in our hearts and to hear your voice. Help us always put you first in all that we do and bring the Kingdom of God to all we encounter. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus Calls His First Disciples Cycle A / Jesús Llama a Sus Primeros Discípulos Ciclo A
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1/29/23 - Jesus Wants Us To Be Happy - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus gives us the Beatitudes. Jesus tells us that we are “blessed” when we are sad, meek, looking for righteousness, poor in spirit, merciful, and even when people are mean to us because we believe in God. We also learn something else important: Jesus wants us to listen to what he says and learn from him.
People can be rich in material things, successful, or famous and not consider themselves blessed or happy. The Beatitudes are blessings that tell us how Jesus wants us to live.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Who does God bless according to Jesus?
Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, help us to listen and learn the things you want us to know. Give us the grace to live out the Beatitudes. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus Wants Us To Be Happy Cycle A / Jesús Quiere Que Seamos Felices Ciclo A
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2/5/23 - You're the Salt & Light of the World - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus continues his Sermon on the Mount. He compares our lives to salt and light, things we need and use every day in our daily lives. When we taste food that is not salted it tastes bland, add the right amount of salt and its tastes good. When we enter a dark space and there is no light we cannot see where we are going, turn on the light or a lamp and you can see where you are going.
Jesus wants us to bring the right amount of salt to the earth with the goodness and truth that he gives us. Jesus wants us to be God’s light to the world by being kind and merciful with everyone. Jesus teaches us that we are to be the salt of the earth and the light to the world. We need to share his love with everyone.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Why do you think Jesus compares his followers to salt and light?
Family Prayer: Jesus, knowing that you love us makes a big difference in our lives.
Help us show others your love. Amen.
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2/12/23 - Jesus Teaches God's Law - Cycle A
Dear Families,
Jesus continues with his Sermon on the Mount in this Sunday’s Gospel. Jesus shares the difference between the law of Moses (The Ten Commandments) and his new law of love. He said that he didn’t come to take away the law. He came to fulfill the law. Jesus says that the Ten Commandments are very important, but we must act from a place of love, not just obedience.
One of the Ten Commandments is “you shall not kill”. Jesus teaches that to obey this Commandment is not enough. Not only don’t kill, but don’t be violent. Not only don’t be violent, but don’t even think violent thoughts against one another.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What is Jesus’ attitude toward the Ten Commandments?
Family Prayer: Thank you, Jesus for giving us rules to guide us. Help us to follow them as you want us to. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus Teaches God's Law Cycle A / Jesús Enseña La Ley de Dios Ciclo A
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2/19/23 - Love Your Enemies - Cycle A
Dear Families,
Continuing with the Sermon on the Mount we have been hearing the last several weeks, Jesus tells us to love our enemies and pray for them. By enemies, Jesus means people who don’t love us, who possibly hate us, hurt us, and who probably won’t love us back even though we love them.
Loving our enemies is hard. Jesus knows we are human and not perfect, but he asks us to treat others as we ourselves want to be treated. He teaches us to have mercy for others as he has mercy for us. As Jesus explained, if you love only those who love you, what is so special about that?
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What is a loving way to respond to someone who upsets you?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to remember to love everyone as you do. Help us to stay calm when we are upset and to be kind when we are angry. Amen.
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Read more: Love Your Enemies Cycle A / Ama A Tus Enemigos Ciclo A
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2/26/23 - Jesus Chooses God - Cycle A
Dear Families,
It is the first Sunday of Lent, and in the Gospel the devil tells Jesus to prove that he is the Son of God. Jesus after not eating for forty days resists the temptations of the devil. Jesus quotes God’s words to the devil and chooses not to turn stones to bread, jump off high buildings, or take worldly power.
We learn from Jesus that when we are tempted, we too can resist temptation by knowing the word of God. For example, when the devil told Jesus to turn the stones to bread, Jesus told him that scripture says that people need more than food to live. They also need the words that God speaks. Like Jesus we have the power to choose good. God gave us the free will to make choices.
Lent is a time to grow in holiness. Learn God’s word (Scripture). Do things that will help you think about God every day. It is a time to pray (extra prayers). Give up something you like to eat or do (fasting). Give to others who need our help (almsgiving).
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What does Jesus mean when he says people do not live on bread alone? What are some choices you will make for Lent?
Family Prayer: God, we make difficult choices every day. Help us to make loving, safe, and healthy choices. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus Chooses God Cycle A / Jesús Elige a Dios Ciclo A
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3/5/23 - The Transfiguration - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Second Sunday of Lent Gospel, 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 in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are you doing for Lent that will help you listen to Jesus? Will this transform you to be the light of God for others?
Family Prayer: God, we know that Jesus is your beloved Son. Help us to listen to him. Amen.
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Read more: The Transfiguration Cycle A / La Transfiguración Ciclo A
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3/12/23 - The Samaritan Woman - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This Third Sunday of Lent, a Samaritan woman is surprised that Jesus a Jew asks her for a drink of water at a well. Jews and Samaritans didn’t speak to each other. Jesus enters into a conversation with her. He tells her about the living water that brings eternal life. She first doesn’t understand him, then she questions, objects and challenges Jesus until she listens and believes Jesus when he tells her he is a prophet and the Messiah. She becomes a witness to her townspeople. Many Samaritans believed her and come to meet Jesus themselves.
Lent is a season for reflection and repentance. Like the Samaritan woman we want to reflect on our questions, objections, and challenges. We need to listen and recognize Jesus in our hearts. When we are baptized, we receive the living water that brings eternal life. Like the Samaritan woman let’s spread the news of Jesus’ living water and bring eternal life to others.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What is the living water Jesus is talking about? How can you spread Jesus’ living water and bring eternal life to others?
Family Prayer: Jesus, you are living water within us. You nourish us, give us hope, and keep us alive and growing.
Help us share this living water within us with others. Amen.
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Read more: The Samaritan Woman Cycle A / La Mujer Samaritana Ciclo A
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3/19/23 - Seeing and Believing - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This fourth Sunday of Lent is Laetare Sunday. “Rejoice”, Easter is drawing near!
In the Gospel of John, Jesus spits on the ground, makes clay with saliva, and smears the clay on a man born blind. Then sends him to wash off the clay in the pool and the man can see. Unfortunately, some people are upset because Jesus broke the Sabbath to heal him. However, the blind man rejoices because he can see. Jesus did not just heal him of his physical blindness where he now sees the glory of creation on earth. Jesus has also revealed to him that he is the Son of God and he believes.
Jesus invites us to use our eyes for both kinds of seeing, the wonders of creation and to see and believe in God’s unconditional love and in his healing actions. Each of us need to explore what Jesus wants us to see and believe who he is.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What do you know about Jesus that you didn’t know before? Where do you see Jesus so that you can believe in him?
Family Prayer: God, open our eyes to see you in all of Creation and believe in you. Amen.
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Read more: Seeing and Believing Cycle A / Ver y Creer Ciclo A
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3/26/23 - Jesus Raises Lazarus - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This Fifth Sunday of Lent Jesus hears that his friend Lazarus is very sick, and when he returns to see Lazarus he has been dead for four days. His sisters Mary and Martha are very sad and Martha asks him why didn’t he come sooner? He could have healed Lazarus. Jesus said to Martha your brother will rise again. Yes, on the last day she replies. Do you believe that people who believe in me die, but that I give them life forever? She replies that he is God’s son. Jesus asks where he was buried and when he sees the tomb he weeps with the others. Jesus asks that the stone on the tomb be moved. He prays and commands Lazarus to come out from the tomb. He raises Lazarus from the dead. News of Jesus’ raising Lazarus travels fast. Many people come to believe in him, but many others are questioning his miracles and actions.
When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, he shows us his power over death. We believe that by Jesus’ death and Resurrection, he conquered death and won eternal life for us. Our faith calls us to be like Martha and Mary, and believe that Jesus is the Resurrection and eternal life.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Why do you think Jesus wept? When someone loses a loved one, how can you comfort them in their sorrow? Do you ever think of Jesus weeping with you when you are sad?
Family Prayer: Jesus you are the Resurrection and the life. Help us to live a life of compassion and trust. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus Raises Lazarus Cycle A / Jesús Resucita a Lázaro Ciclo A
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4/2/23 - Palm/Passion Sunday - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel, we begin with Jesus triumphant entrance into Jerusalem and the crowds of people welcoming him waving palm branches. Then the Gospel moves us from triumph to tragedy. It tells us about Jesus’ suffering and Death. We also learn about Judas’s betrayal, Peter’s denial, and a soldier’s faith.
These events of Jesus’ Passion will be proclaimed again when we remember Jesus’ final days at Mass on Holy Thursday the Lord’s Last Supper, Good Friday the Passion of the Lord, and the Easter Vigil. As we journey into the heart of our Christian faith, let’s remember “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).
As a family watch video in its entirety then ask each other these questions.
Why does Jesus pour out his life for us? As a family what events will we participate in during Holy Week?
Family Prayer: Dear Lord, may we have the same mind and the same love you have for us. Help us to be selfless like you as we put other people’s needs before our own. Amen.
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Read more: Palm/Passion Sunday Cycle A - Domingo de Ramos/La Pasión Ciclo A
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4/9/23 - Jesus is Risen - Cycle A
Dear Families,
Happy Easter. Alleluia, Jesus is Risen. This Sunday is a day when we rejoice, Jesus is alive!
In this Sunday’s Gospel of John, Mary Magdalene discovers that Jesus’ tomb is empty, she runs and tells Simon Peter and Jesus’ beloved disciple that Jesus is missing, where could they have put him? She does not consider that Jesus has been raised from the dead. The disciples are slow to recognize the significance of Jesus’ empty tomb. As we continue our 50-day Easter season, we will learn how they come to realize that Christ is still with them.
During this Easter season we learn more about how the disciples came to believe that Jesus had been raised from the dead. In the days ahead let us reflect on Jesus’ empty tomb, and see the risen Christ in our lives. Remember every day “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.”
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How do you share the Good News of Jesus’ Resurrection with others?
Family Prayer: Alleluia! We are filled with joy that Jesus has been raised from the dead. Help us, God, to share our joy with others. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus is Risen Cycle A / Jesus ha Resucitado Ciclo A
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4/16/23 - Believing & Trusting - Cycle A
Dear Families,
Happy Easter! Easter season is a celebration of fifty days, from Easter until Pentecost.
In this Sunday’s Gospel of John, Thomas is not with the Apostles when Jesus appears to them. He is told that Jesus appeared to them but Doubting Thomas does not believe them and states that unless he sees him himself, he will not believe. Jesus appears again and asks Thomas to touch him, and not be unbelieving. Thomas touched him and said “My Lord and my God.” The Lord asks Thomas “Have you come to believe because you see me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Jesus was blessing us when he said these words to Thomas. We are asked to show that we believe in Jesus as our Lord and God. We believe because of the witnessing of all who have gone before us in the faith.
This Sunday is also Divine Mercy Sunday. It is a special day when we remember God’s mercy. When we sin, we offend God, but because he is merciful, he forgives us when we are sorry. Like Thomas the Apostle we need to see and we have our doubts, but God understands us and forgives us. We need to trust that he is always with us and loves us.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Do you doubt when you are with believers, or are you a believer who has doubts? Do you trust our Lord and pray for understanding when you have doubts?
Family Prayer: Jesus, I Trust in You!
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Read more: Believing & Trusting Cycle A / Creyendo & Confiando Ciclo A
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4/23/23 - Road to Emmaus - Cycle A
Dear Families,
Happy Easter. In this Sunday’s Gospel of Luke two of Jesus disciples encounter him on the way to Emmaus. They do not recognize him and they explain how sad they are because of what happened to Jesus in Jerusalem. Jesus talks to them about the Scriptures to help them understand God’s plan. It was late and they invited him to eat dinner with them. They finally recognize Jesus when he blesses and breaks bread with them, just like he did at the Last Supper. They are filled with joy and share their experience with others.
Imagine the feelings of the two disciples. They are leaving Jerusalem are sad, and all their hopes are gone. However, they are filled with hope and joy when their eyes are opened and they recognize Jesus in the blessing and breaking of the bread. Each Sunday at Mass in the Eucharist we share the breaking of the bread and discover Jesus in our midst. The Eucharist helps us receive the joy of Jesus presence and fills us with hope. Like the disciples let’s share his presence and give joy and hope to those we know and meet in our journey of faith.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
When have you recognized that Jesus is with you?
Family Prayer: Jesus, our hearts are full of love for you. Help us to notice your presence with us. Amen.
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Read more: Road to Emmaus Cycle A / El Camino a Emaús Ciclo A
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4/30/23 - Jesus is the Good Shepherd - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us that he is the Shepherd that opens the gate for his sheep, and he protects them from robbers who will climb over the fence. The sheep will be led by their Shepherd’s voice and only listen to it. They will run away from a stranger’s voice.
Jesus is our shepherd at the gate of the Church. When we celebrate as a community at Mass, we are there as his sheep. He gives us the grace to hear his voice, and not those voices that want to rob us of our faith and trust in him. He knows each one of us, wants to protect us, keep us safe, and give us eternal life with God.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Who cares for you? Who has shown you how to help others? How does Jesus, the Good Shepherd, care for his sheep?
Family Prayer: Jesus, thank you for being our Good Shepherd. You know us by name, care for us, and love us. Help us take care of one another through loving thoughts and actions. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus is the Good Shepherd Cycle A / Jesus es el Buen Pastor Ciclo A
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5/7/23 - Jesus Is Our Way to God - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples not to let their hearts be troubled. To have faith in him. He declares “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” He is the way to the Father in Heaven. Whoever knows him knows God. They learn that whoever believes in him will be able to do the work that he did and greater ones.
Let us all remember that we are not to be troubled. Jesus loves us. He tells us that when we know him, and believe in him we are on the path to God in heaven. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Through him we find eternal life and when we share these truths, he tells us we are able to do his work and more.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Why does Jesus tell his disciples to have faith in him? What does Jesus ask of his followers? Do you follow Jesus?
Family Prayer: Jesus, you are the way, the truth, and the life. Help our hearts not be troubled and trust you in all things. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus Is Our Way to God Cycle A / Jesús Es Nuestro Camino a Dios Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
5/14/23 - Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sundays Gospel of John, Jesus tells his disciples that if they love him, they will obey his commandments.
He promises them that even though he is going back to God the Father he will not abandon them, because they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to help them understand God’s truth and love. The Holy Spirit will help them continue to obey his commandments and spread God’s message of truth and love to others.
Jesus has also given us the gift of the Holy Spirit, whom we received at Baptism. When we call in prayer the Holy Spirit, he will help us understand God’s love for us, follow Jesus, and share his truth and love with others.
As a family watch video in is entirety and then ask each other this question?
How am I aware of the Holy Spirit of love and truth in my life?
Family Prayer: God thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, and for all the people who help us live as Jesus disciples. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit Cycle A / Jesús Promete el Espíritu Santo Ciclo A
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5/21/23 - (What is the Ascension?) 7th Sunday of Easter - Cycle A
Dear Families,
Thursday, May 18th was the feast of the Ascension of the Lord, and the video for this week will reflect on the readings of that day. In the First Reading Acts 1:1-11 Jesus took his disciples up to a hill and he disappears into a cloud. In the Gospel of Matthew 28:16-20, he commands them to go out into the world and make disciples of all nations. Want to know more? Watch the video, and ask yourselves these questions. Where did He go? What did he say? What did he promise?
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus prays not only for his disciples but also for us. He prays to God the Father to bless his people. He prays that even though we are challenged in the world to be unique and not let ourselves be influenced by the world. He prays that in the world we keep our hearts and minds on what he has revealed to us and to share it with the world. Jesus came to show us how to live in the world, and with his love we know all things are possible.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other these questions.
Who has taught you about Jesus? Who have you taught about Jesus?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us share God’s word as you taught us. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
5/28/23 - Pentecost Sunday - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This Sunday, Easter ends with the celebration of the Feast of Pentecost. Pentecost is when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples and the story of Pentecost is in today’s first reading in the Acts of the Apostles. The Holy Spirit was given to the Apostles to guide, teach and be with them when Jesus was gone. In the Gospel of John, Jesus greets his disciples with the gift of peace. He tells them “As the Father has sent me, so I send you” and he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Jesus gave the apostles the ability to forgive sins and bring peace to the world.
Jesus gave the disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit to help them spread his message of love, peace and forgiveness. This same Holy Spirit is still with us today. With the Holy Spirit let us bring peace to our home, family, friends, and the world.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How does the Holy Spirit work in our family to bring us the gift of forgiveness, peace and love?
Family Prayer: Holy Spirit, help our family receive your gift of peace, so that with your love and forgiveness we are present in your name to each other. Amen.
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Read more: Pentecost Sunday Cycle A / Domingo de Pentecostés Ciclo A
