COVID-19 Vaccines & Catholic Morality

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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Watch video as a family.

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

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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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

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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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

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.

Click Photo

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

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