Ministries
(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.
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.
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
This week’s Gospel teaches us we belong to God. He created us and loves us. When Jesus tells us to give “to God what belongs to God,” he reminds us that we are God’s children! We should give ourselves completely to Jesus and do what he wants us to do.
As a family watch video in its entirety than ask each other this question. How do you show God that you belong to him?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to see you in everyone we meet! Amen
(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.
Read more: The Greatest Commandment Cycle A / Los Mandamientos Mas Importantes Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel we learn that 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 answer:
“I forgive you” and not say “It’s okay”.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Why is it better to say: “I forgive you,” than “it’s okay,” when someone asks for forgiveness?
Family Prayer: Help us Lord, to offer and ask for forgiveness when we have hurt each other. Amen