(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
2/11/24 - Be Made Clean! - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, we hear how Jesus was approached by a man who had leprosy. The man asked Jesus to heal his leprosy. Leprosy was a horrible contagious disease that had no cure, and during Jesus’ time lepers were not allowed to have contact with people who did not have the disease. Jesus in his compassion touched and healed the leper. He told the man not to tell anyone, but the man told everyone what had happened. When people found out Jesus could heal, he was constantly followed by people who wanted to be healed. He tried rest and quiet in the desert, but people followed him there also. Still, he helped many people who came to him to be healed.
The Gospel story tells us that God loves every one of us, even outsiders, even those no one else seems to like. Like Jesus we need to choose to love and help others.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
To whom does Jesus reach out? To whom can you reach out?
Family Prayer: Jesus, teach us to see when people are in need and reach out to them. Amen.
 |
Read more: Be Made Clean! Cycle B / ¡Sí Quiero: Sana! Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
2/18/24 - Plans and Promises - Cycle B
Dear Families,
On this First Sunday of Lent, Mark’s Gospel tells us that the Spirit drove Jesus into the desert for 40 days. Jesus was tempted by the devil. Jesus was not alone in the desert. Jesus was among wild beasts and the angels ministered to him. We also learn that after John the Baptist was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God proclaiming “The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”
Ash Wednesday was the beginning of Lent. When we received our ashes on our foreheads, we heard the words “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” As we begin this first week of Lent, let’s read the scriptures which will help us understand the joy of God’s love for us. How He is there for us when we are tempted to do something wrong. When we turn to the Gospels, it gives us the strength to pray, fast, and give to others. Let’s repent of our sins, and know that God is there to help us. Like Jesus teaches us, let’s proclaim to others through our actions that the “Kingdom of God is at hand.”
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What is Jesus asking when he says to repent and believe in the Good News?
Family Prayer: Holy Spirit, help us to make good choices that are pleasing to God. Amen.
 |
Read more: Plans and Promises Cycle B / Planes y Promesas Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
2/25/24 - Abraham, Isaac, and Jesus Transfigured - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Second Sunday of Lent, in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a mountain and they witness Jesus’ Transfiguration. His clothes became dazzling white and then Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. Peter, James, and John were amazed and afraid. Then a cloud came and made a shadow over them. A voice spoke from the cloud and said “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him”. They wonder what all this means. Coming down the mountain Jesus told Peter, James, and John not to tell anyone what happened until after He rose from the dead.
The Transfiguration remind us that even though Jesus suffered and died on the Cross, he rose in glory and gave us the opportunity for a new life forever in Heaven. It helps us understand that hard times will come and we need to think about Jesus because he understands our pain and suffering. There is a better life waiting for us when we are faithful. Each Lent gives us the opportunity to grow closer to Jesus, and become the person God created us to be for His glory.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are some ways you can listen to Jesus? How will you listen to Jesus to change and grow during Lent?
Family Prayer: Jesus, show us the way to God the Father. Helps us listen so that we can hear you and follow you. Amen.
 |
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
3/3/24 - Jesus at the Temple - Cycle B
Dear Families,
For the next three Sundays when you attend the 9:00AM or 11:00AM mass you will be listening to the Cycle A Gospel Readings. This is because we have adults who will be receiving their Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. As a community, we will be reflecting with them on their journey towards their Sacraments of Initiation. This week, we listen to the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman and his living water. Let us all ask ourselves, in what area in my life am I thirsting for Jesus’ living water?
This video is based on the Cycle B, Gospel of John. Jesus goes to the Temple and is angry at the people who are using the Temple for profit rather than for love of God. When Jesus is asked to give a sign as to who gives him the authority to drive these merchants out of the Temple. Jesus answers “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up again.”
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What Temple is Jesus talking about? When you are in church are you aware of Jesus Temple?
Family Prayer: Lord, during this time of Lent help us draw closer to you by praying, fasting, and giving. Amen.
 |
Read more: Jesus at the Temple Cycle B / Jesús en el Templo Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
3/10/24 - The Desert of Lent - Cycle B
Dear Families,
As a faithful community, we continue the journey of reading the Cycle A readings at the 9:00AM and 11:00AM mass with the adults who will be receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. Last Sunday Jesus revealed himself to the Samaritan woman at the well and his living water. This Sunday Jesus heals the man born blind and reveals himself to him as the Son of Man.
This video is based on the Gospel of John, Cycle B. Jesus said to Nicodemus: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up so that those who believe in Him will have eternal life.” “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but have eternal life”.
God so loved the world that he sent his only Son to reveal his love for us and to save us. In Jesus’ words and actions, we see God’s love and forgiveness. Jesus is a light in the darkness. Jesus is the light of the world. Jesus teaches us that love means showing others the love God has shown us in sending Him. Jesus helps us avoid the darkness of sin; Jesus is our light.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What light does Jesus give our world? How can you reflect the light of Christ to others?
Family Prayer: Lord, keep us close to the light of Christ and help us avoid the darkness of sin. Amen.
 |
Read more: The Desert of Lent Cycle B /El Desierto de la Cuaresma Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
3/17/24 - Sin and the New Covenant - Cycle B
Dear Families,
As a faithful community, we continue the journey of the Cycle A readings at the 9:00AM and 11:00AM mass with the adults who will be receiving the sacraments at the Easter Vigil. Jesus raises his friend Lazarus from the dead, this Gospel teaches us that Jesus has power over life and death.
This video is based on the Gospel of John, Cycle B. Jesus explains how God will bring glory from everything that is done according to his will - even Jesus’ upcoming Death. Christ compares his Death to a plant that dies, leaving seeds to grow. He wants us to love God, follow his will, and grow seeds of faith.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How is Jesus like a grain of wheat? How can you be like a seed and help grow faith?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to put you first, seek your will, and plant the seeds to help others grow in faith. Amen.
 |
Read more: Sin and the New Covenant Cycle B / El Pecado y la Nueva Alianza Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
3/31/24 - Easter Sunday
Dear Families,
Happy Easter! In today’s Gospel we learn that Mary Magdalene is the first person to arrive at the tomb and finds it empty. She runs and tells two disciples. When Simon Peter and the other disciple arrived at the tomb, they too see that it is empty.
Today we celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection. Alleluia! Jesus Christ is risen! Alleluia!
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How might I share my belief in Jesus’ Resurrection with others?
Family Prayer: Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” Amen.
 |
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
4/7/24 - Peace Be With You - Cycle B
Dear Families,
Happy Easter! Easter season is a celebration of fifty days, from Easter until Pentecost.
In this Sunday’s Gospel of John, Jesus appears to his disciples and said to them “Peace be with you.” Thomas is not with them when he appears, and 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 the Church also celebrates the feast of Divine Mercy, 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. Jesus loves us, he suffered and died for us. It is a special day when we ask Jesus to look on us, our friends and the whole world with love and forgiveness.
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 his forgiveness of sins and His mercy?
Family Prayer: Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. Amen.
 |
Read more: Peace Be With You Cycle B / La Paz Este Con Ustedes Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
4/21/24 - The Good Shepherd - Cycle B
Dear Families,
Happy Easter!
This fourth Sunday of Easter is called Good Shepherd Sunday. Jesus tells us that he is the Good Shepherd who knows his sheep, we belong to him and he will lay down his life for us. Jesus reminds us how important we are to him, so important that he died and rose again so we can go to Heaven.
Jesus is our leader and leads the way a good shepherd leads a flock of sheep. Jesus heals the blind, lame, and deaf. He reaches to outsiders and feeds crowds of hungry people. He shows us the way to live by showing how to love one another and be good shepherds and leaders in our communities.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How is Jesus like a good shepherd? How are you like a good shepherd?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us become leaders who follow you and care for our neighbors. Amen.
 |
Read more: The Good Shepherd Cycle B / El Buen Pastor Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
4/28/24 - The Vine and the Branches - Cycle B
Dear Families,
Happy Easter!
This fifth Sunday of Easter, Jesus tells us he is the vine we are the branches. Jesus uses this parable to explain how branches grow out from a vine and receive their food from the main stem. The gardener prunes and tends the garden so it will grow and bear fruit.
Jesus teaches us 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 the gardener prunes and tends a garden so it will grow strong.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can you stay connected to Jesus, like branches are connected to a vine?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us find ways to stay close to you so we can grow in faith and love. Amen.
 |
Read more: The Vine and the Branches Cycle B / La Vid y los Sarmientos Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
5/5/24 - Unconditional Love - Cycle B
Dear Families,
Happy Easter!
This Sixth Sunday of Easter, Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy might be complete.”
In this 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. Sharing Jesus’ love is not simple. This love requires putting others first, giving up a special treat, or being a friend to someone who is not easy to love. Jesus teaches us that we will be happy and complete when we love one another as he loves us.
This week during the Sign of Peace, try to see Jesus in each person you greet and smile at them with love.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can you find new ways to spread Christ’s love and joy to others?
Family Prayer: Lord, show us how to love and bring joy to others. Amen.
 |
Read more: Unconditional Love Cycle B / Amor Incondicional Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
5/12/24 - Jesus Prays for His- Cycle B
Happy Mother’s Day!
This week I am sending a video on you tube from the Gospel of John 17:1-26.
The Gospel video is just after Jesus shared the Last Supper with his friends the disciples. He knew he was about to go to the cross. He prayed for his friends the disciples and asked God to unite, protect, and guide them. It is very important to understand that when Jesus was praying for his disciples, he was praying for us too.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What are the three things Jesus asks God when he prayed for his friends the disciples and us?
Family Prayer: Dear Lord, pray to help us live with God’s presence in the world. Unite, protect, and guide us always. Amen
 |
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
5/26/24 - What is the Trinity? - Cycle B
Dear Families,
This first Sunday after Pentecost, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, and today we remember that God revealed himself to us as one God in three Persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus told the disciples they were to make disciples of all nations. He said they were to baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Today the Church continues to teach all people about Jesus and baptize in the name of the Trinity. When we were baptized, the priest said, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Through our Baptism, we share both in the life of the Blessed Trinity and in the Church’s mission to teach all people about Jesus.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can you share your faith with others?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to learn more about you and the Blessed Trinity, so we can teach others. Amen.
 |
Read more: What is the Trinity? Cycle B / ¿Que es Trinidad? Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
6/2/24 - What is the Eucharist? - Cycle B
Dear Families,
This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. In this week’s Gospel of Mark, we hear Jesus give instructions to his disciples for preparing a special meal for the Jewish celebration of Passover. We also hear about the meal that Jesus shares with his disciples at the Last Supper.
Some of you have already celebrated your First Eucharist, and this special day took planning and preparation.
Each Sunday Jesus invites us to join him in this special supper. As a family, continue planning and preparing each Sunday to receive the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What are some things that we might do to prepare ourselves to celebrate the Eucharist?
Family Prayer: Lord, please help us to recognize you in the Holy Eucharist. Help us to remember that you are truly present. Amen.
 |
Read more: What is the Eucharist? Cycle B / ¿Que es la Eucaristía? Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
6/9/24 - What Is Most Important - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus returns home with his twelve disciples. A crowd has gathered, and he is accused that his miracles were done through the power of the devil. Jesus speaks to them in parables and warns against their denial of the love of God, the forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit. When they tell Jesus that his family is outside, waiting for him, he explains that whoever does the will of God are his brother, sister, and mother.
Jesus teaches us that when we believe in him, we are members of his family. God is our Father, and we are brothers and sisters in Christ.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are some of the things we do as a family. What are some things we do with our Church Family?
Family Prayer: Jesus, thank you for our family and our Church family. Help us be loving and kind to all people. Amen.
 |
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
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.
 |
(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.
 |
Read more: Jesus Calms the Storm Cycle B / La Tempestad Calmada Ciclo B
(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.
 |
(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.
 |
Read more: The Salvation Story Cycle B / Jesús y La Salvación del Mundo Ciclo B
(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.
 |
Read more: Jesus: Shepherd and King Cycle B / Jesús: Pastor y Rey Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
7/28/24 - The Miracle of the Eucharist - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of John, we listen to how Jesus saw the huge crowd of people that had come to hear him and needed food. When he asked his disciples to feed them, they don’t think they can help. They told him that there were only 5 loaves of barley bread and two fish that a boy had brought with him. Jesus took the bread and gave thanks to God, and over 5,00 people were fed plus there were twelve baskets of leftovers. Jesus’ miracle was a sign that he is truly the Son of God.
Let us remember that God feeds and nourishes us. He fulfills our physical as well as our spiritual needs. At Mass we offer the gifts of bread and wine to God and He turns it into the Body and Blood of Jesus. In the Eucharist we are fed by Jesus himself, and our spiritual needs, works, and talents are blessed and multiplied to help us live and serve others.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
What gifts do you have that Jesus could multiply to help others?
Family Prayer: Jesus, sometimes we are hungry too. We hunger for love, encouragement, or peace. Please help us to turn to you to give us all the things we hunger for and also help others. Amen.
 |
Read more: The Miracle of the Eucharist Cycle B / Multiplicación de los Panes y los Peces Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
8/4/24 - The Bread of Life Cycle - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, we learn that after the multiplication of the loaves and fishes the crowd follows Jesus. Jesus teaches them that he will give them something greater than bread that fed their physical hunger, he will give them bread that will give them eternal life.
When we are hungry, Jesus knows we need to eat food. Jesus also knows that our souls also get hungry. Jesus wants to give us the gift of himself. (Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity) in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (Communion). Jesus teaches us that he is the Bread of Life. Just like our bodies need food to stay alive, our souls need God to have eternal life.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other these questions.
Why does Jesus tell us that if we eat the bread he gives us, we will never be hungry? What does that mean?
Family Prayer: Jesus help us to see beyond our material needs, and seek you who gives us eternal life. Amen.
 |
Read more: The Bread of Life Cycle B / El Pan de la Vida Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
8/11/24 - When You're Stuck - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of John, people were upset because Jesus told them that he had come down from Heaven. They did not understand when Jesus said “I am the Bread of Life.” They think they know Jesus because they knew his father and mother but didn’t listen to understand what he was saying.
By praying and listening to God’s Words we learn to have faith that Jesus is God’s Son. Jesus tells us that those who listen to him will see beyond just seeing bread. The Eucharist is the Bread of Life. When we receive the Eucharist at Mass, we are receiving the Bread of Life that came down from heaven which gives us eternal life.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other these questions.
Who sends the Bread of Life? Who is the Bread of Life? What gift is given to those who eat the Bread of Life?
Family Prayer: Jesus, it is hard to believe what we cannot see. Help us to have faith in you and your promise that the Eucharist is really you - Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. Amen.
 |
Read more: When You're Stuck Cycle B / ¿Que Hacemos Cuando Estamos Estancados? Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
8/18/24 - Wisdom and the Sacrament of the Eucharist
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of John, Jesus continues to say that he is the living bread that came down from heaven. Jesus told them that he is the Son of God, and whoever eats his flesh and drinks his blood will live forever. His listeners were troubled when they heard these words.
Every time we receive the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist Jesus makes himself one with us. He promises us that when we eat his flesh and drink his blood, we will have eternal life.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Why do you think Jesus’ listeners were troubled when Jesus said, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day”? What do you think Jesus meant when he said they would have eternal life?
Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for your Eucharist, for the gift of yourself. Amen.
 |
Read more: Wisdom and the Sacrament of the Eucharist / No Spanish Video This Week
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
8/25/24 - What is "Real Presence"? - Cycle B
Dear Families,
Last week we heard Jesus teach that whoever eats his flesh and drinks his blood will live forever. In this Sunday’s Gospel we hear that many people stopped following Jesus because they could not understand what he was teaching.
However, the Apostles stayed with Jesus. Like Peter, they knew he is the Holy One of God.
There are times when we have a hard time understanding what Jesus teaches us. We need to be like the Apostles and choose to follow Jesus even when it is hard to understand his teachings.
Watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Do you have a hard time understanding what Jesus teaches? What helped the Apostles believe that Jesus was the Holy One of God?
Family Prayer: Jesus, you are the Holy One of God. Help us to believe in you even when it is difficult to understand what you teach us. Amen.
 |
Read more: What is "Real Presence"? Cycle B / ¿Qué es la "Presencia Real"? Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
9/1/24 - Why Rules? - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus tells the Pharisees and some scribes that our holiness is more than just following their rules. Jesus tells them that their thoughts and actions are not following God’s commandments.
Jesus teaches us that that when we are kind, generous and loving towards one another we are following God’s laws.
Watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How do we follow God’s laws in our hearts?
Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, help us to be true in our faith and love for you. Let our hearts and our actions reflect that love. Amen.
 |
Read more: Why Rules? Cycle B / ¿Por Que Seguir Las Reglas? Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
9/15/24 - Faith or Works? - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus asks his disciples who do people say that he is, and they respond saying John the Baptist, Elijah, or a prophet. But then he asks them, “who do you say that I am”? Peter replies “You are the Christ.” Then Jesus teaches them that he will be rejected by many, suffer and die on the cross. Peter who doesn’t understand rebukes Jesus. Jesus tells Peter he is thinking not as God does, but as human beings do. He then tells the disciples and the crowd that whoever wishes to follow him must take up their cross and follow him.
As human beings we have our own expectations of God and what should be happening in our world. God’s plan is always more than what we can imagine. Jesus loved us so much that he suffered and died for us. Trust, that Jesus is always with us to help us carry our cross when we follow him and offer our lives in service to others.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What does Jesus mean when he says we must take up our cross and follow him?
Family Prayer: Jesus, teach us to believe in you and trust in you completely, even when it seems difficult. Amen.
 |
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
9/22/24 - Feeling Jealous? - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus explains that he will suffer and die, but the disciples are too afraid of what he is saying to question him about it. Instead, they begin to argue on which one of them is the most important. Jesus knew what they were talking about, so he tells them that if they want to be first, they must be humble, be last and serve others.
Jesus teaches us that what is most important is not having the best things or being best at something. We learn that when we freely love and serve others, we are great in God’s eyes.
As a family watch video and then ask each other this question?
How can you serve others and help them with the difficulties they are experiencing?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to see you when we see people in need. Amen.
 |
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
10/6/24 - Why Is Marriage Important? - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus reminds us that from the very beginning of creation God made the union of a man and a woman a blessed and sacred commitment. Then, when people were bringing children to be touched by Jesus the disciples would not let them come near and Jesus told them to let the children come to him because the kingdom of God belongs to them, and he blessed them.
Jesus is teaching us about the Sacrament of Marriage and the graces received so they can love each other. As husband and wife, they are one and become parents. Fathers and Mothers bring new children into the world. God blesses all parents and children with the grace of the Holy Spirit to go through difficult times in their family relationships. Jesus teaches that we need to be like children and trust in his promise to care for us when we ask for his help.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How do I show I belong to my family? How do I show I belong to Jesus’ family?
Family Prayer: Loving God, give us the capacity to love and serve each other as a family. Amen.
 |
Read more: Why Is Marriage Important? Cycle B / ¿Por Qué Es Importante El Matrimonio? Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
10/27/24 - Jesus and Bartimaeus - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Mark, a blind man called Bartimaeus called out to Jesus to cure him. The crowd around him try to silence him, but Bartimaeus keeps persisting by calling out louder. Jesus hears Bartimaeus, approaches him, and asks him what he wants. Bartimaeus responds that he wants to see. Jesus tells Bartimaeus that his faith has saved him and heals him of his blindness.
Jesus teaches us that to be persistent about bringing our needs to him when we are hurting, lonely, or sad. Jesus wants us to have so much faith in him that we should not let anyone stop us from calling out to him. He loves us, and he is always there to help us.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What do you want Jesus to heal for you? Do you believe that he can heal you?
Family Prayer: Lord, sometimes we don’t even recognize that we need healing. Help us to see where we might be broken and humbly ask you to heal us. Amen.
 |
Read more: Jesus and Bartimaeus Cycle B / Jesús y Bartimeo Ciclo B
- You are here:
-
Home
- Family Faith Formation Archives
