COVID-19 Vaccines & Catholic Morality

4/10/22 - Palm/Passion Sunday - Cycle C

Dear Families,

This Sunday is the beginning of the holiest week in the Church year. On Palm Sunday we proclaim two Gospels according to Luke. We have a procession at the beginning of Mass when the first Gospel is proclaimed and Jesus came riding into Jerusalem on a donkey and people waved palms to honor him. Join in, wave your palm branch high. In the second Gospel when we proclaim the Passion and Death of Jesus, join in the responses of the Passion.

Celebrate the days of Holy Week, it expresses Jesus’ love for us. Participate at the different services on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How do people welcome Jesus to Jerusalem? How does Jesus’ Crucifixion express who he is? What memories of Holy Week stand out for you?

Family Prayer: Lord, you suffered so much for us. Help us to be strong when we suffer and to unite our sufferings to yours. Amen

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

4/17/22 - Jesus is Alive! - Cycle C

Dear Families,

Alleluia, Christ is Risen! It’s Easter Sunday and we rejoice that Jesus has come back to life. We rejoice because we have received the gift of salvation through his Death and Resurrection. Jesus loves us so much that he died on the cross to take away our sins. He came back to life again so that we could have eternal life and be with him forever. Let’s experience his gift of joy, hope, and peace always.

“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!” (Psalm 118:24)

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How would I feel if I discovered the tomb was empty? What would I do?

Family Prayer: Jesus, thank you for coming to be our Savior. We praise your goodness and joyfully sing Alleluia at the news of your Resurrection. Amen

Happy Easter!

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

4/24/22 - Divine Mercy Sunday - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus appears to his disciples who are afraid and behind locked doors. Jesus greets them with the words “Peace be with you.” Then he breathes on them, imparting the Holy Spirit, and tells them that whose sins they forgive are forgiven. Jesus words to his disciples highlight the Sacrament of Reconciliation and they are empowered to forgive sins in Jesus’ name. Thomas is not present at this appearance of Jesus and does not believe the other disciples unless he sees for himself. Jesus returns, shows Thomas his wounds and Thomas believes.

Today the Second Sunday of Easter is also Divine Mercy Sunday. Mercy means being treated well even though we do not deserve it. When we sin, we may be afraid that God does not forgive us. However, we need to remember to believe that God is merciful and loves us no matter how bad our sins. When we are sorry for our sins God forgives us. Forgiveness and reconciliation are our gifts to us from Jesus.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can we share God’s peace and forgiveness with one another?

Family Prayer: “Jesus, I trust in you!” Thank you for your peace and mercy. Lord, open our hearts and eyes to see the need of peace in each other. Help us share your gift of peace and prayerfully greet each other by saying “May the peace of the Lord be with you.” Amen

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

5/1/22 - Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples - Cycle C

Dear Families,

This Sunday’s Gospel tells us about the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples and shares a meal with them after his Resurrection. Jesus disciples had been fishing all night but caught nothing. In the morning they see a man who tells them to lower their nets again. They catch many fish! John recognizes him, “It is the Lord,” he told Peter. Hearing this, Peter jumped into the water and swam to meet Jesus on the shore. Jesus makes them breakfast and eats with them.

Jesus fed his disciples, and he continues to feeds us. The Risen Christ feeds us with his Body and Blood at every Mass. Jesus is present with us at every Eucharist, in every word of the Gospel, and whenever we join together in prayer. Jesus surprises us as he surprised his disciples out fishing. We find him with us when we don’t expect him or when we have little hope.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How do you recognize Jesus in the Mass? In other people? In some other way?

Family Prayer: Jesus, help us recognize your presence in our lives today. Help us recognize and pray for the physical and emotional needs of others. Feed us all when we need nourishment and encouragement. Amen

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

8/7/22 - Vigilant Servants - Cycle C

Dear Families,

Last week we heard about the foolish greedy rich man who never enjoyed his wealth. We learned we are to share our wealth with others.

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus continues teaching and gives us many parables. He tells us not be afraid, sell all your belongings and give to the poor. Your Father will take care of you. For where your treasure is your hearts will be. Light your lamps, open the door, be vigilant you do not know when the Son of Man will return.

When Peters asks if this parable was meant for everyone, Jesus answered him with a question. Would a prudent master put in charge servants who knew their master’s will, but did not prepare because they were ignorant or distracted because of their bad behavior? In other words, Jesus’ message is, much is expected from us and we need to share our gifts. We need to be vigilant servants waiting for our master’s return.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Are you vigilant, prepared for Jesus’ return? Are you ignorant or distracted when it comes to your faith?

Family Prayer: Jesus, we don’t know when you will come again. Help us remember that we should always be ready. Amen