COVID-19 Vaccines & Catholic Morality

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

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

7/24/22 - The Our Father - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel, when the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, the Lord taught them the “Our Father”. It is the prayer we pray in many languages at each mass throughout the world.

At mass before we pray the Lord’s Prayer the priest says “At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching we dare to say”: and we pray the Our Father. As a community we give glory to God by praising Him, we ask for our daily body and spiritual needs, and we ask for forgiveness of our sins, to forgive others, and to keep us away from temptation and evil. The Lord’s prayer is truly a challenge to live by every day, no wonder the priest says “we dare to say”.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Which line in the Lord’s Prayer is a challenge for you?

Family Prayer: Jesus, help us pray the Our Father and sincerely think what each line means. Amen

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

7/17/22 - Martha and Mary - Cycle C

Dear Families,

Sunday’s Gospel seems unfair to Martha. She is trying to welcome Jesus. She is cooking and cleaning for him, and her sister is not helping. Martha was upset and complained to Jesus. Jesus told Martha that what Mary had chosen was important. Mary had chosen to listen to him. Martha was overwhelmed and not paying attention or listening to him.

Jesus knows that we need to work, but he does not want us to be overwhelmed with work and activities. He wants us to understand that it is more important to spend time with him and listen to him. We must always make sure that going to Mass and praying are more important than work or any activities that do not put God first in our lives. Throughout the day whenever you do something pray first and do it for the glory of God.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Who do you identify with more Martha or Mary? Perhaps both? Why? How?

Family Prayer: Dear Lord, always help us put you first in all that we do. Amen

Click Photo

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

7/10/22 - The Good Samaritan - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus teaches us to love God and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Our neighbors aren’t just people who live next door or our families and best friends. We are to love even those who are difficult to love. Given the animosity between the Jews and the Samaritans Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan when he is asked “Who is my neighbor?”

Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan to challenge us to think about how we label people. We are called to love all people even those we find difficult to understand and love.

As a family watch video in its entirety then ask each other these questions.
Who has been a Good Samaritan in your life? How have I been a Good Samaritan in someone’s life?

Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, some people are very difficult for us to like. Helps us to see others with your eyes and love them. Amen