Faith Formation

11/17/24 - God's Kingdom - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus tells his disciples what will happen at the end of the world. It’s scary to hear, the sun and moon will stop shining and the stars will fall down. But we do not need to fear, because he will come back among the clouds and send out his angels and gather all those that have stayed close to him to live with him forever. He also tells his disciples that only the Father will know when this will happen.

This week’s Gospel, is a reminder we should prepare for Jesus’ coming every day. Jesus tells us that we don’t know when he will return, so we must be ready at all times.

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

What can you do every day this week to show Jesus he is welcome in your home and heart?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us make loving choices every day as we wait for your return. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

11/24/24 - The Good King - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel of John, we listen to Jesus’ trial before Pontious Pilate. When Pilate asks him “Are you a King?” Jesus responds that his kingdom is not of this world and that he has come into the world to testify to the truth.

This Sunday is the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe. The start of the last week in the Church’s liturgical calendar. We learn that Jesus is King of the universe, but he doesn’t demand anything except our love and obedience to the commandments. Jesus has authority over everything, but he humbles himself to serve us and even to die for us.

He teaches us to be servant leaders and rule with love. When leaders rule with love, they build the kingdom of God.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How is God’s kingdom different from a kingdom on earth? What kind of leader or king is Jesus?

Family Prayer: Jesus, you are a good and loving king. Help us to follow your will and trust that it is always for our good. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/1/24 - Advent

Dear Families,

Happy New Year! The Church’s new year begins on this First Sunday of Advent. This week’s Gospel focus is on the Second Coming of Jesus. Jesus tells his disciples about the end of everything. “He tells them that there will be signs in the sun and the moon and the stars. And on earth, distress among the nations”. We learn that earthly things do not last forever. But we are not to fear, because he also tells his disciples that after this devastation they will see “The Son of Man coming on a cloud with great power and majesty”. Everything on earth will end but God is eternal and He will be with us forever.

This first Sunday of Advent we begin to prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas. When you come to Mass during Advent you will see a candle lighted each week and pray for hope, peace, joy and love. Let the light of these candles bring these prayers and the light of Christ to your family, friends, neighbors. Let’s celebrate his First Coming by being good to others and ourselves which will also prepare us for his Second Coming.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are your hopes for yourself, your family, our world? What are ways you can prepare for Jesus’ coming?

Family Prayer: Lord, during Advent give us the grace to work on those things we need to correct or improve and become your shining light to the world. Amen.

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Read more: Advent 2024/ Adviento 2024

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/8/24 - He Is Coming

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Luke, John the Baptist told people Jesus was coming to save them. He shared the Good News of Jesus, and we should too. John gave hope to people. He was not afraid to talk about Jesus’ coming and to encourage people to turn away from sin.

As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
In what ways can you share Jesus with others?

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

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/15/24 - Rejoice

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, John the Baptist’s preaching raises people’s hopes. They wanted to hear truth and change for the better. John helps people to see how they should act toward others in order to be ready for God’s coming. They can share food and clothing. The tax collectors can collect only what people owe and with fairness. The soldiers can treat people with respect.

The people wondered if John was the Messiah, but he told them that he only baptized with water, but soon one mightier than him would baptize them with the Holy Spirit.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
In what ways should we act with mercy according to the words of John the Baptist?

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