COVID-19 Vaccines & Catholic Morality

6/16/24 - What is Faith? - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus tells two parables about the kingdom of God. In the first parable, Jesus says that the kingdom of God is like a seed a man scatters and does not know how it grows, but with time the seed sprouts and grows into a harvest. The second parable focuses on a tiny mustard seed, that though tiny grows into a tree with large branches and welcomes many birds.

Both of these parables focus on seeds and how they take time to grow. They teach us that when we scatter the seed of God’s word, we do not know how it grows but we need to scatter the seed. Also, when we plant the tiniest seed of love in our hearts and share it with others it too grows and brings the kingdom of God to others.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Why does Jesus use the seed in these parables to explain the Kingdom of God? What do we learn about the kingdom from the mustard seed parable?

Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to grow in faith and bring the kingdom of God to others. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

6/23/24 - Jesus Calms the Storm - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus is in a boat sleeping with his Apostles when a big storm came up and they were afraid they were going to sink. They wake him and ask him if he is not afraid, they will sink. Jesus stops the storm and asks them “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”

There are many times and reasons as to why we worry and are afraid. Remember, that whatever storms we face in our lives, when we have faith and trust Jesus his peace will calm our storms.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
When you are afraid, do you remember that Jesus is with you? How can Jesus help you when you are afraid?

Family Prayer: Jesus, increase our trust in you when we are afraid. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

6/30/24 - Miracles - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel of Mark, we hear how Jesus performed two miracles. We first hear the story about the father asking Jesus to heal his sick daughter. The second story is about a desperate sick woman who dares to touch Jesus. Jesus’ touch raised the dead girl and cured the sick woman who touched him. He was moved by the faith of these two people.

In these two miracles we learn to pray when we or someone in our family is sick. Jesus teaches us that when we ask with faith, he will touch us and heal us. He will help us understand what we are going through. Remember Jesus is always with us and loves us. We experience Jesus touch by going to Mass, and praying every day.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What does it mean to ask Jesus for something with faith?

Family Prayer: Jesus, please help us to have faith. Teach us to ask for what we need with faith. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

7/14/24 - The Salvation Story - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus sent the 12 Apostles he had chosen two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. Jesus gave them specific instruction as to what to bring for their journey. He also explained that they would be rejected as he was rejected. They went and healed the sick, drove out demons, and told people to turn away from sin.

The Apostles trusted everything Jesus told them to do. Jesus sent his disciples two by two, not alone. We are not alone; and our message will be rejected by family, friends, and others. However, always remember that we are supported by the faithful community in our Church, and we are all called to share his message of repentance and healing as his disciples. Jesus wants each of us to trust him, share his truth, and do good things in his name.

As a family watch video in its entirety then ask each other this question.
How are you as disciples bringing the message of repentance and healing to your family, friends, and others?

Family Prayer: Lord, fill our family with faith, send us out as your disciples to share your message of salvation. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

7/21/24 - Jesus: Shepherd and King - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In last week’s Gospel of Mark, we heard Jesus send his disciples to preach and heal in his name. In today’s Gospel, we hear what happens when they return. The Apostles were very tired and hungry. Jesus told them to take a break, but the crowds found out and followed them. Even though they were tired, Jesus and his Apostles were moved with pity and continued to help the people. Jesus is aware that the crowd of people are like sheep without a shepherd and he begins to teach them.

Family demands can make us feel tired like Jesus and the twelve apostles. It isn’t easy to help others when we are tired. Follow Jesus and bring your concerns to him. Just as he was moved when he saw the crowd as sheep without a shepherd, he will hear you and guide you as your Shepherd.

As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
How do you find the energy to do the things you need to do when you are tired?

Family Prayer: Jesus, we know your grace is sufficient for whatever we need to do. Please help us turn to you when we need to rest and when we need strength. Amen.