Faith Formation

11/28/21 - First Sunday of Advent - Cycle C

Dear Families,

Advent means “coming” it is a season of promises. We remember how long people waited for God to send the promised Messiah. We remember Jesus’ promise to be with us always. We wait for Jesus and his promise to come again in glory.

This Sundays Gospel tells us to be ready for Jesus Second coming. It contains a strong message for us to not be distracted by problems or our own bad behaviors while we wait. Jesus wants us to be good to others and ourselves while we prepare for his return.

Watch video in entirety and then ask each other this question.
What are ways to prepare for Jesus coming in glory?

Family Prayer: Lord, we want to become the people you created us to be. Give us the grace to work on those things we need to correct or improve. Amen

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/5/21 - Second Sunday of Advent - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, John the Baptist (Jesus’ cousin) goes all over the country around the Jordan River and tells everyone to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. John was not afraid to talk about Jesus and to encourage people to repent and turn away from sin. John gave hope to people. He shared the Good News of Jesus, that he was coming to save them, and we should share this too.

When we light one more candle this Sunday, hopefully it will continue to remind us of how we are called to make changes in our lives and make a straight path to the Lord.

As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What changes must I make within me that is standing in the way of growing closer to Jesus?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us to recognize what hurts your heart and have the courage to work to change it. Amen

Click Photo

(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

Click Photo

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/19/21 - Fourth Sunday of Advent - Cycle C

Dear Families,

On this fourth Sunday of advent, our Gospel reading recalls Mary’s actions after the announcement by the Angel Gabriel of Jesus birth and her cousin Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Mary immediately decides to visit her cousin Elizabeth. When Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, the baby (John the Baptist) leaped with joy in her womb. She was filled with the Holy Spirit and Elizabeth gives us the words that are central to the Hail Mary “Blessed is the fruit of your womb.” The mystery of the Incarnation, God taking on human flesh by the Virgin Mary. Both Mary and Elizabeth show how to trust God’s word that Mary would become the mother of Jesus and rejoiced in God’s blessings.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.

In what way can you imitate Mary and help bring Jesus to others?

Family Prayer: Jesus, teach us to love your mother, Mary, like you do. Amen.

Click Photo

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/26/21 - Christmas Day and Feast of Holy Family- Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, at the age of 12 Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Jewish feast of Passover, an event where family and friends traveled together each year. On their way back home, they realized Jesus was not with them. They were worried when they could not find Jesus with any of their families or friends. They finally found Jesus when they went back to the Temple. When they found him and they told him how concerned and anxious they were, Jesus asked them why were they concerned since he was in his Father’s house, but he was obedient and returned with them to Nazareth.

As a family watch Merry Christmas video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How can Jesus be born into your heart this Christmas? What can you do to show your family that you love them?

Family Prayer: Lord, help our family to seek and see you as we celebrate Jesus’ coming this Christmas.