COVID-19 Vaccines & Catholic Morality

2/9/25 - Jesus Calls His Followers - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Luke, Jesus speaks to the crowd from Simon Peter’s boat. Then he encourages Simon to cast his net into the water. Simon questions why Jesus tells him to do this but does as he is instructed and catches many fish! Jesus tells him not to be afraid and that from now on, he will be “catching men.”

Jesus calls us to follow him too. One way that we follow Jesus is by telling others about him. Jesus speaks the same message to us today to be fishers of men for his Kingdom. God wants others to see the light of Christ in us in the way we live, speak, and witness the joy of the Gospel.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How is Jesus calling you?

Family Prayer: Jesus, you remind us that we shouldn’t be afraid and that you have a mission for us too. Help us to be open to sharing our faith with others. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

9/8/24 - Be Opened! - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, we hear how a man who could not hear and did not speak well is brought to Jesus by his friends. Jesus touched him and healed him. Jesus asks people not to tell anyone what happened. However, they were so excited they could not keep the Good News to themselves.

Right before the Gospel is proclaimed, we cross our forehead (to remember God’s words), our lips (to proclaim God’s words) and our hearts (to love and feel what we learn in the Gospel). God wants us to listen, and open our hearts to his healing love for us. Jesus wants us to speak and share the Goods News of how he heals and loves our family and friends.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Do you need to listen to God’s words with your heart before you can use your voice to tell others about Jesus?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us to hear the Gospel, understand it, and tell others the Good News of Jesus. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/12/21 - Third Sunday of Advent - Cycle C

Dear Families,

This Sunday is the third week of Advent, and we prepare joyfully for the coming of the Messiah. John the Baptist answers questions on how to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. He told them they can share food and clothing. Tax collectors can collect only what they are owed. Soldiers could treat people with respect. At first people thought he might be the Messiah, but he explained that one mightier than him would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

John the Baptist’s preaching raises people’s hopes. John helped people to see how they should act toward one another so that they are ready for God’s coming. People came to see and hear him, and he showed them the way to God. The people that heard John preach had a desire to change their lives for the better, they wanted to hear the truth.

As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can we, like John the Baptist, show other people the way to Jesus?

Family Prayer: Holy Spirit, you move us and help us change. Teach us to follow Jesus in all things. Amen

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

1/19/25 - Wedding in Cana - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus performs his first miracle. He turns water into wine at a wedding in Cana. Mary observed that the hosts had run out of wine and this could become an embarrassing situation. Mary told Jesus and he said that the time wasn’t ready yet, but Mary told the servers “Do whatever he tells you”. Jesus obeyed Mary and asked the servers to bring six stone jars with water and changes the water into wine. And not just ordinary wine, but the very best. This is the first sign of Jesus glory.

Mary interceded at the wedding celebration and Jesus listened to her request and obeyed. Mary intercedes for us when we ask her to pray for us. She is an example of how presenting our needs and those of others to Jesus we can be confident that he will respond to our prayers in extraordinary ways.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
When we see a need how can we try to help?

Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to be obedient, just like you were to your mother. Help us see the needs of others. Help us to do what you teach us. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

2/2/25 - The Presentation of the Lord - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel of Luke, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. As was the Jewish custom, Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the Temple forty days after his birth. Simeon a devout and righteous man was at the Temple. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would see Christ of the Lord before he died. When Mary and Joseph came to the Temple, he recognized Jesus.

We too are called to recognize Jesus Christ. When we follow our Catholic faith and customs by receiving our Sacraments, attending Mass, praying and serving others we too will recognize Jesus.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What Catholic faith traditions and customs are important to you and your family? Why are they important?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us to imitate the Holy Family and to follow the teachings of the Catholic Church. Amen.