COVID-19 Vaccines & Catholic Morality

4/16/23 - Believing & Trusting - Cycle A

Dear Families,

Happy Easter! Easter season is a celebration of fifty days, from Easter until Pentecost.

In this Sunday’s Gospel of John, Thomas is not with the Apostles when Jesus appears to them. He is told that Jesus appeared to them but Doubting Thomas does not believe them and states that unless he sees him himself, he will not believe. Jesus appears again and asks Thomas to touch him, and not be unbelieving. Thomas touched him and said “My Lord and my God.” The Lord asks Thomas “Have you come to believe because you see me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Jesus was blessing us when he said these words to Thomas. We are asked to show that we believe in Jesus as our Lord and God. We believe because of the witnessing of all who have gone before us in the faith.

This Sunday is also Divine Mercy Sunday. It is a special day when we remember God’s mercy. When we sin, we offend God, but because he is merciful, he forgives us when we are sorry. Like Thomas the Apostle we need to see and we have our doubts, but God understands us and forgives us. We need to trust that he is always with us and loves us.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Do you doubt when you are with believers, or are you a believer who has doubts? Do you trust our Lord and pray for understanding when you have doubts?

Family Prayer: Jesus, I Trust in You!

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

6/25/23 - Do Not Be Afraid - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells his twelve apostles to not be afraid. Do not be worried. They would be challenged by the world because of their belief, but He assures them that God knows, loves, and protects them. God their Father even knows how many hairs they have on their heads.

What Jesus says to his Apostles reminds us that we should always remember how much God knows, loves, and protects us. He knows us and sees even little things we might fear or worry about. We don’t need to live in fear, because God our Father is always with us. Do not be afraid. Share God’s love and care with those around you.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Do you share God’s love with others? What do you hear in this Gospel when you are afraid to share God’s love with others?

Family Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to not be afraid to spread the message of God’s love to others. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

1/14/24 - Christ is Calling - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of John, we hear how John the Baptist points to Jesus and tells two of his disciples “Behold, this is the Lamb of God.” They heard what John said and follow Jesus who asks them “What are you looking for.” They don’t answer the question but ask him “Where are you staying” and he answers “Come, and you will see”. Andrew who had been one of the disciples who had followed Jesus, tells his brother Simon they have found the Messiah, and brings him to Jesus.

Jesus calls each one of us to come and see who he is. We get to know Jesus by developing a relationship with him. Like Andrew when we have experienced Jesus in our lives, we want to share this encounter with our family and friends.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How would you answer if Jesus asked you “What are you looking for?”

Family Prayer: Dear Lord, open our hearts to see you in our lives. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

1/29/23 - Jesus Wants Us To Be Happy - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus gives us the Beatitudes. Jesus tells us that we are “blessed” when we are sad, meek, looking for righteousness, poor in spirit, merciful, and even when people are mean to us because we believe in God. We also learn something else important: Jesus wants us to listen to what he says and learn from him.

People can be rich in material things, successful, or famous and not consider themselves blessed or happy. The Beatitudes are blessings that tell us how Jesus wants us to live.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Who does God bless according to Jesus?

Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, help us to listen and learn the things you want us to know. Give us the grace to live out the Beatitudes. Amen.

Click Photo

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

4/23/23 - Road to Emmaus - Cycle A

Dear Families,

Happy Easter. In this Sunday’s Gospel of Luke two of Jesus disciples encounter him on the way to Emmaus. They do not recognize him and they explain how sad they are because of what happened to Jesus in Jerusalem. Jesus talks to them about the Scriptures to help them understand God’s plan. It was late and they invited him to eat dinner with them. They finally recognize Jesus when he blesses and breaks bread with them, just like he did at the Last Supper. They are filled with joy and share their experience with others.

Imagine the feelings of the two disciples. They are leaving Jerusalem are sad, and all their hopes are gone. However, they are filled with hope and joy when their eyes are opened and they recognize Jesus in the blessing and breaking of the bread. Each Sunday at Mass in the Eucharist we share the breaking of the bread and discover Jesus in our midst. The Eucharist helps us receive the joy of Jesus presence and fills us with hope. Like the disciples let’s share his presence and give joy and hope to those we know and meet in our journey of faith.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
When have you recognized that Jesus is with you?

Family Prayer: Jesus, our hearts are full of love for you. Help us to notice your presence with us. Amen.