COVID-19 Vaccines & Catholic Morality
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel, the Pharisees criticized Jesus’ disciples because they didn’t follow observations of the cleaning of hands, purifying themselves before they ate and other traditions. They believed that by their actions alone they were making themselves holy. Jesus taught the Pharisees who questioned him, that we do not make ourselves holy by just our actions. Rather, we become holy when we allow God’s Spirit to transform our hearts.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
How do you honor Jesus with your lips and your heart?
Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, help us to be true in our faith and love for you. Let our hearts and our actions reflect that love. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
8/14/22 - I have come to set the earth on fire! - Cycle C
Dear Families,
Jesus continues to teach us that true disciples love God above all else. In this Sunday’s Gospel, it is difficult to understand what Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! Jesus is speaking about the flame he wants blazing in our hearts with his love. He also says that he has come not only to bring peace but also division. He wants his disciples to understand that faith is not understood by everyone, and some will be against it. Our faith requires us to make hard choices. Being a follower of Jesus means we wouldn’t make a bad choice just to have friends or make someone else happy.
Following Jesus is not easy, but good choices help us have peaceful hearts and minds. A true disciple loves God above all relationships and things.
Watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What has Jesus brought to your family and friends, division or peace? Why?
Family Prayer: “Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love.” Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
Over the past weeks, we have heard Jesus teach that he is the Bread of Life, and those who believe in him will have eternal life.
In this week’s Gospel Jesus wanted to share the gift of himself with others, but it seemed scary to many people. Many people stopped following Jesus because they couldn’t understand what He was teaching. Jesus asked the 12 are you also going to leave? Simon Peter said that they knew that He had the words of eternal life, and that they were convinced that Jesus is the Holy One of God. The Apostles chose to stay with Jesus.
As we grow in our faith, we need to be like the Apostles and choose to follow Jesus even when it is hard, especially when other people don’t follow Him. We can’t do this without God’s help and the help of the community of faith, our Church.
On Sunday watch as people approach the altar to receive Holy Communion. They are walking towards the Eucharist. The “Real Presence” of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The Bread of Life. In Him they will have eternal life.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
Do you have a hard time understanding what Jesus teaches us?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to believe in you even when it is difficult to understand what you have taught us. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/4/22 - John the Baptist - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This is the second week of Advent, and in this week’s Gospel; John the Baptist encourages people to turn to God with their whole hearts. He baptizes many people who desire a better relationship with God. John shares that God is sending a holy and mighty person who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
We can turn to God with our whole hearts by repenting and turning away from sin. During this Advent season, reflect on poor choices you have made and ask for God’s forgiveness. This is how we can prepare our minds and hearts and welcome Jesus at Christmas.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What can you do this week to strengthen your relationship with God?
Family Prayer: Thank you, Jesus for welcoming us into your family. Help us to make choices that bring us closer to you. Amen.
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Read more: John Asks About Jesus / Juan Pregunta Acerca de Jesús
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
This Sunday we celebrate the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. The Catholic Church teaches that Mary, who was without sin, was taken, body and soul by God into Heaven. The Gospel reading recalls Mary’s actions after the announcement of her pregnancy with Jesus by the Angel Gabriel. The angel told her that her cousin Elizabeth was going to have a baby and Mary immediately leaves to visit her. In her womb, Mary brings Jesus to her cousin, and they greet each other with joy. Elizabeth’s baby (John the Baptist) leaps with joy in her womb. Elizabeth recognizes Mary as the mother of God and greets her saying “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” (Phrase in Hail Mary). Mary responds to Elizabeth’s greeting and sings with her song of praise (The Magnificat). With eyes of faith, they see the power and salvation of God breaking through into their lives and into the world.
Mary’s song of praise reminds us that God is always working for the salvation of the world. Let us foster a spirit of praise and thanksgiving and bring Jesus to others as Mary brought Jesus to her cousin Elizabeth.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
How do we praise and thank God for the things that God is doing in our lives and in our world today?
Family Prayer: Let’s make Mary’s prayer of thanksgiving (Luke1:46-47) our own.
Our souls proclaim the greatness of the Lord. Our spirits rejoice in God our Savior. Amen
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