COVID-19 Vaccines & Catholic Morality

Dear Parents,

Alleluia! this Sunday we celebrate Jesus Resurrection! We have made it through the forty days of Lent, and walked with Jesus on his journey to the cross in Holy Week. It is celebration time and Easter doesn’t end today. Easter never ends, what Jesus did through his death and resurrection never ends. Let’s look at the season of Easter, and for the next fifty days reflect on how the apostles responded to this good news. Jesus’ resurrection changed everything for the apostles. They were no longer afraid, now nothing was more important to them than sharing the good news.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.

What does Jesus’ resurrection mean to us as his disciples today?

Family Prayer: Jesus, you have triumphed over the grave and you have won new life for us. Give us the eyes of faith to see you in your glory. Amen

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Watch video as a family.

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus shares the depth of his love for us. It is simple and everlasting. He calls us to love one another, as God loves Him and as He loves us. Jesus explains that we will be happy and fulfilled only when we keep this one command: Love one another. But perhaps it’s not so simple. This love may require putting others first and giving up a special treat, or being a friend to someone who is not easy to love.

As a family, watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question:

How can you find new ways to spread Christ’s love to others?

Family Prayer: Lord, show us how to love and bring joy to others. Amen

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

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Watch video as a family.

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

Dear Parents,

In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus tells us He is the vine and we are the branches. He explains that we can only grow in faith and do the right things if we stay close to Him. Jesus will correct and guide us, just as a gardener prunes and tends a garden so it will grow strong.

Jesus calls us to grow good fruit with our lives. We grow fruits of love, kindness, patience, and goodness when we stay connected to Jesus. We do this by listening to Jesus’ teachings, following his example, and praying.

As a family, watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question:

How can you stay connected to Jesus, like branches are connected to a vine?

Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to find ways to stay close to you so we can grow in faith and love. Amen

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Watch video as a family.

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

Dear Parents,

This Sunday, called Palm/Passion Sunday is the first day of Holy Week. During Holy Week we follow the last days of Jesus’ life on earth. Listening to the Gospel readings we hear how Jesus came into Jerusalem, people waved palm branches and shouted, “Hosanna!” We remember Jesus’s Last Supper with his Apostles, how he is arrested and put to death on the cross. When Jesus died on the cross, they put a sign above him that said “King of the Jews”. Most people misunderstood who Jesus was, but the soldier who watched him die said “This man truly was the Son of God!”.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.

As a family, how will we reflect on the events of Jesus’ passion and death?

Family Prayer: Christ Jesus, your love is made visible through the mystery of your death and resurrection. Transform us into people of mercy to embrace you in those who are suffering in our midst. We ask this, as a people reconciled to God through the blood of your cross. Amen

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Watch video as a family.

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

Dear Families,

This Sunday we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. Epiphany is a Greek word that means “unveiling” where something is revealed. After Jesus was born, Magi came to see him from far away in the east. The Magi had studied the stars and saw a special star. They knew it meant a new king had been born so they followed the star to Bethlehem, it led them to Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. When they saw Jesus, they got down on their knees and worshiped Him. They gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They were not Jewish, but these foreigners honored Jesus as a King. On the Feast of the Epiphany, we celebrate that Jesus is revealed not just to the Jewish people, but to the world. God revealed love for all people by sending us his Son.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions. What does the story of the Magi teach us? What gift can you bring to Jesus that shows your love for God and others?

Family Prayer: Lord Jesus, may Your light shine our way to you as it once guided the steps of the Magi, so that we too may be led into Your presence to honor and worship You. Amen