COVID-19 Vaccines & Catholic Morality

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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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

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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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

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)

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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(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