(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
4/30/23 - Jesus is the Good Shepherd - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us that he is the Shepherd that opens the gate for his sheep, and he protects them from robbers who will climb over the fence. The sheep will be led by their Shepherd’s voice and only listen to it. They will run away from a stranger’s voice.
Jesus is our shepherd at the gate of the Church. When we celebrate as a community at Mass, we are there as his sheep. He gives us the grace to hear his voice, and not those voices that want to rob us of our faith and trust in him. He knows each one of us, wants to protect us, keep us safe, and give us eternal life with God.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Who cares for you? Who has shown you how to help others? How does Jesus, the Good Shepherd, care for his sheep?
Family Prayer: Jesus, thank you for being our Good Shepherd. You know us by name, care for us, and love us. Help us take care of one another through loving thoughts and actions. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus is the Good Shepherd Cycle A / Jesus es el Buen Pastor Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
5/7/23 - Jesus Is Our Way to God - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples not to let their hearts be troubled. To have faith in him. He declares “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” He is the way to the Father in Heaven. Whoever knows him knows God. They learn that whoever believes in him will be able to do the work that he did and greater ones.
Let us all remember that we are not to be troubled. Jesus loves us. He tells us that when we know him, and believe in him we are on the path to God in heaven. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Through him we find eternal life and when we share these truths, he tells us we are able to do his work and more.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Why does Jesus tell his disciples to have faith in him? What does Jesus ask of his followers? Do you follow Jesus?
Family Prayer: Jesus, you are the way, the truth, and the life. Help our hearts not be troubled and trust you in all things. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus Is Our Way to God Cycle A / Jesús Es Nuestro Camino a Dios Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
5/14/23 - Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sundays Gospel of John, Jesus tells his disciples that if they love him, they will obey his commandments.
He promises them that even though he is going back to God the Father he will not abandon them, because they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to help them understand God’s truth and love. The Holy Spirit will help them continue to obey his commandments and spread God’s message of truth and love to others.
Jesus has also given us the gift of the Holy Spirit, whom we received at Baptism. When we call in prayer the Holy Spirit, he will help us understand God’s love for us, follow Jesus, and share his truth and love with others.
As a family watch video in is entirety and then ask each other this question?
How am I aware of the Holy Spirit of love and truth in my life?
Family Prayer: God thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, and for all the people who help us live as Jesus disciples. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit Cycle A / Jesús Promete el Espíritu Santo Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
5/21/23 - (What is the Ascension?) 7th Sunday of Easter - Cycle A
Dear Families,
Thursday, May 18th was the feast of the Ascension of the Lord, and the video for this week will reflect on the readings of that day. In the First Reading Acts 1:1-11 Jesus took his disciples up to a hill and he disappears into a cloud. In the Gospel of Matthew 28:16-20, he commands them to go out into the world and make disciples of all nations. Want to know more? Watch the video, and ask yourselves these questions. Where did He go? What did he say? What did he promise?
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus prays not only for his disciples but also for us. He prays to God the Father to bless his people. He prays that even though we are challenged in the world to be unique and not let ourselves be influenced by the world. He prays that in the world we keep our hearts and minds on what he has revealed to us and to share it with the world. Jesus came to show us how to live in the world, and with his love we know all things are possible.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other these questions.
Who has taught you about Jesus? Who have you taught about Jesus?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us share God’s word as you taught us. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
5/28/23 - Pentecost Sunday - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This Sunday, Easter ends with the celebration of the Feast of Pentecost. Pentecost is when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples and the story of Pentecost is in today’s first reading in the Acts of the Apostles. The Holy Spirit was given to the Apostles to guide, teach and be with them when Jesus was gone. In the Gospel of John, Jesus greets his disciples with the gift of peace. He tells them “As the Father has sent me, so I send you” and he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Jesus gave the apostles the ability to forgive sins and bring peace to the world.
Jesus gave the disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit to help them spread his message of love, peace and forgiveness. This same Holy Spirit is still with us today. With the Holy Spirit let us bring peace to our home, family, friends, and the world.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How does the Holy Spirit work in our family to bring us the gift of forgiveness, peace and love?
Family Prayer: Holy Spirit, help our family receive your gift of peace, so that with your love and forgiveness we are present in your name to each other. Amen.
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Read more: Pentecost Sunday Cycle A / Domingo de Pentecostés Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
6/18/23 - Jesus Calls Us to Bring in the Harvest - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus chooses twelve apostles to continue his ministry. He explains that there is a big harvest and few laborers. Jesus is not speaking about fruits or vegetables; he was sending them out to bring his ministry of love and healing to people.
Many laborers are needed out in the field. Jesus calls all of us to bring his love to our families, neighbors, schools, and work. We need to understand that there are still many people suffering and need healing. Don’t be scared to do Jesus’ work. When you are a good example to others, and show kindness, you are doing his work.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can you bring Jesus’ healing love to others?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us be faithful workers by sharing with others your healing love. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
7/2/23 - Jesus Our Priority - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew sounds confusing. We are to love Jesus more than our parents, and children or else we are not worthy of his love. The word to look at is more, Jesus is asking us to place our love for him above all others, not instead of others. Remember that our families are gifts from God. God gave our families to us because he is the giver of every good gift. Jesus knows that it is not easy to follow him, he tells us that we are to give his love to others without expecting anything in return. The way to do this is by putting his love in our hearts first and follow him.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Do we love someone more than Jesus, and choose not to follow Jesus? Are we dead to sins and alive with God?
Family Prayer: God, thank you for the gift of family. Help us choose you first so that we may receive the grace to share your love, peace and kindness with one another. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus Our Priority Cycle A /Jesús Nuestra Prioridad Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
7/16/23 - God's Word Grows in Good Soil - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells the parable of the sower and the seeds. He teaches about the different types of soils the seeds fall on and compares them to how we listen to the Word of God. The seeds are all the same, but depending on how each person receives the message it grows different. Jesus wants us to be like good soil so the seeds of God’s Word can grow strong.
When we open our hearts to the Word of God, our faith grows. Jesus teaches us that the kingdom of heaven is like seed that has been sown on good soil.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What are some things we can do so that we are like good soil, and grow in God’s Word?
Family Prayer: Jesus, we pray that we will become the good soil needed for God’s Word to take deep root in our hearts. Amen.
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Read more: God's Word Grows in Good Soil Cycle A / La Palabra de Dios Crece en Buena Tierra Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
7/30/23 - The Kingdom of Heaven is Our Treasure - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches us about the Kingdom of Heaven. He says the Kingdom of Heaven is like a buried treasure that a man finds and sells everything he has and buys the field where it is buried. He also says, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a rare pearl that costs a lot of money, and when a merchant finds it sells all he has and buys it. These parables can help us realize that Jesus gave up his life because we are his treasure.
Belonging to God’s Kingdom should be more important than anything else in our lives. The Kingdom of Heaven is our treasure. Listening to the first reading, like King Solomon, let’s ask God to give us the wisdom to have an understanding heart to know how to serve others, and to distinguish right from wrong.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can we as a family help each other enter the Kingdom of Heaven?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us never to lose sight that living with you in the Kingdom of Heaven is our real treasure. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
8/6/23 - The Transfiguration - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus travels up a mountain with Peter, James and John. Jesus is transfigured and his face becomes as dazzling as the sun; his clothes radiate bright light. Moses and Elijah also appeared and were speaking with Jesus. It is a vision of Jesus’ divinity shining through his humanity. This vision was so beautiful that Peter wanted to stay and build three tents; one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. All of a sudden Peter, James and John hear a voice from the cloud that tells them “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” They are so scared that they fall to the ground. But Jesus comes to them and tells them not to be afraid. Jesus gives them an order. Don’t tell anyone about this vision until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.
This vision of Jesus transfigured in glory tells all of us to remember Jesus’ risen, shining self. Jesus calls us to shine like him, now and forever. As beloved sons and daughters of God we need to listen to Jesus.
As a family watch video on the Transfiguration, and then ask each other this question.
What are some of the things affirmed about Jesus in the Transfiguration?
Family Prayer: God, we know that Jesus is your beloved Son. Help us to listen to him. Amen.
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Read more: The Transfiguration Cycle A / La Transfiguración Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
8/13/23 - Walking on Water! - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, we listen to how Jesus walked on water. Jesus is walking towards his disciples in a storm and they get scared because they think Jesus is a ghost. Jesus tells them not to be afraid that it was him. Peter who wanted to follow Jesus asked him to call him to walk on water and he did. But as soon Peter notices what he was doing, and takes his eyes off Jesus he starts to sink. Jesus did not let him sink, he took him by the hand and helped him out of the water.
Like Peter when we take our eyes off Jesus our fears and doubts overtake us. Jesus wants to take us by our hand and help us. When we pray and have faith in Jesus, he will give us the grace to overcome our doubts and fears. If you realize you’re having a hard time doing the right thing, pray to Jesus to help you. Remember to trust Jesus even when things look scary. Have faith, Jesus loves you and is always in control.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What did Jesus say to Peter about his faith? What area of your life do you need to trust Jesus more?
Family Prayer: Lord, we all experience storms in life. Help us to trust you even when life seems difficult. Amen.
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Read more: Walking on Water! Cycle A / ¡Caminando Sobre el Agua! Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
8/20/23 - God's Love Is For Everyone - Cycle A
Dear Families,
Sunday’s Gospel is often misunderstood. Jesus is not saying the Canaanite woman is a dog; he is trying to explain to her that she is not a person who was raised in faith. The woman believes Jesus can cure her daughter, she is persistent and continues to ask. Jesus sees her faith and cures her daughter.
Like the woman, let’s bring our needs to God in prayer with confidence and faith. Like Jesus, let us be merciful and kind to everyone who is ignored and considered an outsider.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How does the Canaanite woman show her faith? How can we have faith like hers? What does Jesus teach us?
Family Prayer: Jesus, sometimes it can feel as though you cannot hear us. Help us to keep asking for help and be patient, knowing you will answer our prayers at the right time. Amen.
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Read more: God's Love Is For Everyone Cycle A / El Amor De Dios Es Para Todos Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
8/27/23 - Who do you say that I am? - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus asked his disciples who people thought the he was. They responded, that some people thought he was someone special, but none of these people understood who he really was. Then Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon answered “You are Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus tells Simon that God helped him see that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus tells Simon that he would now be called Peter, which means rock, he would be a strong foundation to build his Church.
Peter played an important role in the early Christian community. Jesus gave the teaching authority to Peter and it has been passed down to all those who have followed him as leaders in the Church. Like Peter, Pope Francis reminds us that we are people united in the faith that Jesus is God’s Son.
Today’s Gospel should remind us that the Church is built on a foundation united in faith that Jesus Christ is God’s Son. The family, as domestic church, has this same faith as its foundation.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How would you respond to Jesus if he asked you “Who do you say that I am? How would you respond if you were asked “Who is Jesus?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us receive the grace to recognize Jesus as the Son of God. As a family, help us build a strong foundation in our domestic church. Amen.
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Read more: Who do you say that I am? Cycle A / ¿Quién dices que soy? Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
9/10/23 - Is Judging Wrong - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, we learn how Jesus knew that disagreements would happen. Even when we love and care for our friends and family members, we have disagreements. Jesus teaches us that when we disagree with someone, we should speak to them first. If that person isn’t willing to listen and solve the disagreement we might need to ask for help from other people.
When you have a problem with another person, pray to Jesus. Pray that he will help you be calm, listen to the other person, and bring peace to the situation.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How do you handle disagreements? What can you learn from Jesus’s teaching on how to handle disagreements?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us have loving and forgiving hearts so that we may always live in good relationships with others. Amen.
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Read more: Is Judging Wrong Cycle A / ¿Deberiamos Juzgar? Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
9/17/23 - The Lord's Call to Us - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel, Peter asks Jesus how many times he needs to forgive others. Then Jesus tells the story of the king who forgave someone’s debt and how this person did not forgive the person who owed him. Jesus teaches that we must forgive one another as God has forgiven us.
It is not always easy to forgive someone who hurts you. Jesus tells us that we must forgive, just as God the Father forgives us. When we hurt someone, we should ask for forgiveness right away. When someone asks for our forgiveness, we should not answer, “It’s okay,” but rather say, “I forgive you.” We must forgive one another from the heart.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Do we answer Jesus’ call? Are we afraid to answer his call? When others hurt us, do we truly forgive with our hearts?
Family Prayer: Help us Lord to answer your call. And, to offer and ask for forgiveness when we have hurt each other. Amen.
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Read more: The Lord's Call to Us Cycle A / La LLamada del Señor Ciclo A
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard Cycle A / Parábola de los Trabajadores de la Viña Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
9/24/23 - The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells a story of a vineyard owner who went out at different times to find men to work. At the end of the day, he gave each man a whole day’s wages, even though some worked all day and some only worked one hour. He started paying the workers that started working late first and the ones that came in first last. The ones who worked all day complained and were not happy because they all received the same wages. This story is not about wages or fairness.
Jesus is teaching us about God’s love and generosity. It can feel unfair when someone gets paid when they did not work as hard as you did. Jesus says, “The last will be first, and the first will be last.” Some people spend their whole lives working for God, and some people only turn to Him at the last minute. He teaches us that there is room for everyone in his Church and in Heaven.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What is a family activity in which each member does his or her part? When did you want to be first, but did not get to be? Name something positive about putting others first?
Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, show us how to put others first. Remind us that you love all of us and you want us to love each other. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
10/1/23 - The Parable of the Two Sons - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells a parable (story) of two sons whose father asked them to help in the vineyard. The first son said no to his father and then changed his mind and helped. The second son said yes, he would help but he did not. Both sons were asked to help. The difference between the two sons is that the first son that said no disobeyed with his words but obeyed with his action. The second son said yes with his words but disobeyed with his action.
There are times when we are asked to do something and say yes and plan not to do it. Other times we might say no and then realize we need to do it. Jesus teaches us that our actions are as important as our words. When we go to Mass each Sunday, we learn God’s love for us and how to love one another. It is important that our actions match what we learn and say at each Mass and live God’s love through our words and actions in our world.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What makes you say no instead of yes when you are asked to do something? What do you say yes to and do?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to hear what you want us to know and to say yes to you. Amen.
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Read more: The Parable of the Two Sons Cycle A / Parábola de los Dos Hijos Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
10/8/23 - Bad Tenants and Wild Grapes - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells the chief priests and elders a parable about a man who plants a vineyard, and then leased it to tenants. When the owner’s servants go to collect the produce from the tenants, they rebel and kill the servants. Then he sends his son, and they killed him also. The tenants thought they would be able to take the vineyard if the son was dead. When he finishes the parable, he questions the chief priests and elders. He asks, what would they do? And they answered that they would kill the wicked tenants. Jesus is speaking about the failure of Jesus’ own people not accepting him. When God sent His Son Jesus, the leaders were like the tenants. They did not listen or respect him. They killed Jesus on the cross.
Jesus’ parable teaches us to be part of God’s vineyard, the Church. Jesus is asking us to make good choices. Not to be like the bad tenants who were selfish. He is calling us to be a part of God’s kingdom. To be a part of God’s kingdom we need to love, not be selfish, listen to Jesus’ teachings, and be responsible to what we say we will do.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How is God like the owner of the vineyard? How are you responsible at school, home, church, and with other people?
Family Prayer: God our creator, thank you for making us and sharing your wonderful world with us. Amen.
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Read more: Bad Tenants and Wild Grapes Cycle A / Malos Viñadores y Uvas Agrias Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
10/15/23 - The Parable of the Wedding Banquet - Cycle A
Dear Families,
If you were invited to a party, would you go? In today’s Gospel of Matthew, guests who were invited to the son of the king's wedding did not come, so the host invited strangers. Every Sunday, we are invited to come to God’s house. Sometimes we may not feel like going or we are too busy, but the feast is ready and God is waiting eagerly for our arrival.
Jesus tells this parable to teach us about being invited to the greatest celebration of all, the gift of the Holy Eucharist at Mass. Some people accept his invitation and some people don’t. When we don’t attend Mass, we are saying no to his invitation to the Kingdom of Heaven.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Why is Sunday Mass such an important and special celebration?
Family Prayer: Lord, thank you for sending us an invitation to be a part of your family and come to your celebration every Sunday. Amen.
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Read more: The Parable of the Wedding Banquet Cycle A / La Parábola del Banquete Nupcial Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
10/22/23 - God and Caesar - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, some religious leaders want to trap Jesus into taking sides on the question of paying Roman taxes. They believe that accepting Roman rule in their country means they are not loyal to God and his rules. Jesus tells them to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. Jesus calls them and us to obey both civil and religious laws, however, we need to examine our allegiances when the two conflict.
We have God’s laws and government laws. Both are for our own good. But we need to remember that what is most important is to love and honor God first.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What allegiance do we owe to God? What allegiance to Caesar?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to always remember to keep God first in our lives. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
10/29/23 - The Greatest Commandment - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, the Jewish religious leaders are still trying to test Jesus. In today’s reading they question him about the Ten Commandments and the many additional rules that numbered over six hundred by asking him which is the most important one. Jesus answers them that the first greatest commandment is to love God with our whole heart, soul and mind. The second greatest commandment is to love others as you love yourself. The whole law depends on these two commandments.
Jesus teaches that the heart of God’s Law is love. When we keep the great commandments, we also keep all the other commandments. Sometimes we think that the commandments restrict us but they free us from those things that get in the way of loving. Jesus shows us this love in a powerful way by his life, Death, and Resurrection.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are the rules or laws in your family? How do they show love for God? How do they show love for you and others?
Family Prayer: Dear Lord, show us how to love you, ourselves, and others. Amen.
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Read more: The Greatest Commandment Cycle A / Los Mandamientos Mas Importantes Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
11/12/23 - The Wise and Foolish Virgins Parable - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. To understand this parable, we need to know that during Jesus’ time it was a tradition for families and friends to wait for the bridegroom when he came to bring his bride to their new home. And they could be late. The wise virgins were prepared and took extra oil and attended the wedding feast. The foolish ones did not take extra oil and while they went to get more oil the doors were closed and they were not able to attend the wedding feast.
Jesus is teaching how we need to be prepared to enter the Kingdom of Heaven because we do not know when he will return. We prepare for his coming every day through prayer, being good to one another, loving each other, going to mass. Living our faith is the work of a lifetime.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
If Jesus came back today, would you be ready to meet him?
Family Prayer: Jesus, remind us to always be prepared for you, especially each Sunday at Mass. Amen.
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Read more: The Wise and Foolish Virgins Parable Cycle A / Parábalo de las Diez Virgenes Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
11/19/23 - The Parable of the Talents - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells us another parable. Jesus tells about a master who went on a journey and trusted three of his servants to take care of large sums of his money (talents). When he came back and asked, two of them used the talents and earned more but one didn’t use it at all. He rewarded the two servants who had used their talents, but he punished the servant who was afraid and had not used his talent.
We learn from Jesus in this parable the importance of using the talents that God has given us. God has given each of us particular skills and abilities and we must not hide them or be afraid to use them. By using the talents God has given us for his glory, we serve God and bring people closer to the Kingdom of Heaven.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What talent has God given you? How can you use it to tell others about Jesus?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to discover our talents. Show us how you want us to use them. Amen.
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Read more: The Parable of the Talents Cycle A / La Parábola de los Talentos Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
11/26/23 - Solemnity of Christ the King - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This Sunday is the conclusion of our liturgical year. The Solemnity of Christ the King. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us that when we care for the poor, hungry, sick, tired and lonely, we are loving Him. Jesus is our King. If we wish to be in service to our King, we must be in service to those in need.
In today’s Gospel, we learn that when we serve others in need, we are loving Jesus our King. People who follow Jesus by being loving and generous to others will one day live with Jesus in Heaven forever.
As a family watch video and then ask each other this question.
How can you recognize the needs of others and help fill those needs?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to notice when someone is poor, sick, lonely hungry, or need in any way. Amen.
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Read more: Solemnity of Christ the King Cycle A / Soleminidad de Cristo Rey Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/3/23 - Advent - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus tells his disciples “Be watchful! Be Alert!” He warns them to be prepared and ready because they do not know when the Lord of the house is coming.
It is the first week of Advent, and our new Liturgical Year begins. Happy New Year! We are preparing to celebrate Jesus’ birthday on Christmas Day when he was born in Bethlehem a long time ago. However, in today’s Gospel Jesus is telling his disciples to be alert. We need to reflect on what Jesus said to his disciples about his second coming. During these four weeks of Advent, let’s remember the importance of prayer and faithfulness to honor Jesus’ command telling us to be alert and ready for his return. Only God knows when this day will come.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How do you stay alert to Jesus’ coming in your life? Are you ready for his return?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to pay attention to your words and teachings. Help us to follow you always. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/10/23 - Living Like John the Baptist - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Second week of Advent in Mark’s Gospel, we hear how John the Baptist is baptizing the people in the Jordan River. He baptizes them with water and the people acknowledge their sins. He told them that one mightier than he would baptize them with the Holy Spirit. John is preparing the people for the coming of Christ.
During this Advent season let’s listen to what John is proclaiming. Let’s turn away from the things that separate us from God by confessing our sins. Prepare the way to welcome Jesus into your hearts by attending mass, thanking God for what he has given you, pray every day, be forgiving, kind, and help one another.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
In what way are you preparing the way of the Lord in your heart?
Family Prayer: Lord, please help us to prepare not only for Christmas celebrations, but also for your arrival in our hearts. Amen.
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Read more: Living Like John the Baptist Cycle B / Viviendo Como Juan el Bautista Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/24/23 - The Nativity
Dear Families,
Merry Christmas. This weekend we have much to celebrate. In Sunday’s Gospel the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and asked her to be the mother of Jesus. Through her yes, she brought Jesus into the world and Monday Christmas day we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Like Mary, say yes to God. Like the shepherds bring the joy of Christ our Savior into the world.
As a family watch The Nativity video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What are some things you can do to share the story of Jesus, and bring the love of God to your family, friends and neighbors this Christmas?
Family Prayer: Dear God, show us how to bring Jesus to others. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/31/23 - Anna and Simeon
Dear Families,
Merry Christmas. This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. Today’s Gospel of Luke, tells us how Mary and Joseph being faithful Jewish parents took Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem and in accordance with the Jewish rite dedicated Jesus to the Lord. In the Temple, they encounter Simeon and Anna, who recognized the infant Jesus and praised God.
We need to remember that the Holy Family is a model of what it means to be a family of faith and love. We imitate the Holy Family by the ways we share our faith and love with our families and others.
As a family watch this Anna and Simeon video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
As a Catholic family, how are you expressing your faith like the Holy Family?
Family Prayer: Lord, open our hearts to your Word so that we may imitate the Holy Family. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
1/21/24 - Jonah, Jesus, and the New World - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus calls four fishermen to leave their boats and follow him. Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John immediately leave their boats and follow him. They become Jesus’ first disciples and gave their whole lives to spreading the Good News of Jesus and the message of God’s love.
Like the disciples we are all called to follow Jesus. Jesus invites all of us to follow him immediately. When we are called to share the message of God’s love with someone, we are not to hesitate.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What would you have to leave behind to follow Jesus?
Family Prayer: Jesus, thank you for loving us and for choosing us to be your followers. Help us to listen to you and follow you. Amen.
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Read more: Jonah, Jesus, and the New World Cycle B / Jonás, Jesús y Un Mundo Nuevo Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
2/4/24 - Job and Jesus - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus visits the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law is sick and Jesus cures her. She immediately begins to serve Jesus and his disciples. When it was evening, all the ill and possessed by demons gathered at the door of Simon and Andrew’s house. Jesus healed them of diseases and drove out demons. After having a busy evening, Jesus woke up early the next day. He went to a deserted place and spent time praying to God.
We need to spend time with God in prayer. Even if we are busy serving him in a ministry, we still need to take time to talk with Our Father in heaven. Like Jesus, take time each day to go to a quiet place, pray and ask God to guide and direct your life.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How does Jesus make a difference to people in need? How do you make a difference to people in need? Do you have a quiet place to pray?
Family Prayer: Loving God, we ask you to bless friends, family, neighbors, and members of our parish who are sick or suffering. Please help them to trust that you are with them and that you will always love them. Amen.
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