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Dear Families,

This Sunday’s Gospel. A dad asked his two sons to help him out.
One said no but changed his mind and helped.
The other son said yes but did not help. Which son helped his dad?
When we learn about Jesus, are we ready to follow him right away?
Do we put aside our video games, shows, and cell phones to really hear God’s message to us?

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

What makes you say no instead of yes when you are asked to do something?

Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to hear what you want us to know and to say yes to you. Amen

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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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Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus tells the parable of the landowner who leases his vineyard to tenants and sends his servants to collect the portion of the harvest that the tenants owe him. The tenants’ rebel against him and kill his messengers and son. This parable points to the failure of Jesus’ own people to accept him. The parable teaches us that God sent prophets, or messengers to teach us how to live as God calls us to live. He sent his son Jesus.

As a family watch video in its entirety than ask each other this question. How is God the owner of the vineyard? God sends people to help us love and obey Him. How do you respond to them?

Family Prayer: God our creator, thank you for making us and sharing your wonderful world with us. Amen

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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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Dear Families,

If you were invited to a party, would you go? In this Sunday’s Gospel, the guests who were invited 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, but God is always waiting for our arrival.

As a family watch video in its entirety than ask each other this question. Why is Sunday Mass such an important and special celebration?

Family Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for sending us an invitation to be a part of your family and come to your celebration every Sunday! Amen

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12/17/23 - Christ in Our Hearts - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, we hear how John the Baptist answered when he was asked if he was the Messiah. He told them that as Isaiah had said, he was the voice of the one crying out in the desert, making straight the way of the Lord. John the Baptist was preparing the way for Jesus coming. John said he was baptizing with water and someone that they did not recognize would baptize them with the Holy Spirit.

Like John the Baptist we are called to prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus and be the voice of faith proclaiming Jesus to the world. In this third Sunday of Advent, as we light the pink candle of Joy, let us rejoice and remember that “Emmanuel” God is with us. Share this joy.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Who are the people in word and action that have taught you about Jesus?

Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, show us how to teach others about you. Help us to be voices of faith. Amen.

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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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Read more: The Nativity / La Natividad

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Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus message is to love God above all else and love your neighbor as yourself. He teaches us that the greatest commandment to love God with all our hearts is to love others and

ourselves with His love.

As a family watch video in its entirety than ask each other this question. Which person do you know needs love the most?

Family Prayer: Dear Lord, show us how to love you, others, and ourselves. Amen

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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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Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us the Beatitudes which is a list of attitudes and actions that help people find happiness. We are called to be peacemakers, to be humble, merciful, and clean of heart. Today we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints. Studying the lives of the saints shows us how other people have lived out these Beatitudes as holy examples for us.

As a family watch video in its entirety than ask each other this question. How can you put into practice these teachings of Jesus?

Family Prayer: Lord, teach us to understand the Beatitudes and follow the example of the saints. Amen

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1/7/24 - The Magi

Dear Families,

Merry Christmas! In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. We learn how the Magi were not members of the Jewish people. The Magi came from far away because they had seen a star appear in the sky and understood that a king had been born and traveled to Jerusalem. When they arrived in Jerusalem, they first met with the king of Jerusalem. King Herod was rich, had servants, was a powerful leader and everyone did what he commanded. But the Magi understood that this was not the king they were seeking. So, they continued their journey and followed the star to Bethlehem. They found the new king not in a palace or rich. The Magi found a baby with his mother and understood that this was the true king. They knelt and they offered him their best gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

In many cultures, gifts are not exchanged at Christmas, but on the feast of the Epiphany. The Magi teach us that Jesus is here for all of us and to seek him. Let’s celebrate the feast of the Epiphany and bring to Jesus the gift of the best version of ourselves that God created us to be and to serve him.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What can the Magi teach us about seeking Jesus? What gifts do you bring to Jesus?

Family Prayer: Lord, your kingly power, announced by a star, shines brightly. May our hearts be opened to seek you and serve you completely. Amen.

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Read more: The Magi / Los Magos

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1/14/24 - Christ is Calling - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of John, we hear how John the Baptist points to Jesus and tells two of his disciples “Behold, this is the Lamb of God.” They heard what John said and follow Jesus who asks them “What are you looking for.” They don’t answer the question but ask him “Where are you staying” and he answers “Come, and you will see”. Andrew who had been one of the disciples who had followed Jesus, tells his brother Simon they have found the Messiah, and brings him to Jesus.

Jesus calls each one of us to come and see who he is. We get to know Jesus by developing a relationship with him. Like Andrew when we have experienced Jesus in our lives, we want to share this encounter with our family and friends.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How would you answer if Jesus asked you “What are you looking for?”

Family Prayer: Dear Lord, open our hearts to see you in our lives. Amen.

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Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus uses the parable of the bridegroom and ten girls to tell his disciples to remain vigilant. The parable describes some of the girls as foolish and some as wise. Those who were ready for the bridegroom went into the wedding feast. The bridegroom, however, didn’t even acknowledge those who didn’t prepare. Jesus teaches us to always be prepared and to do good things. We never know when he will return. This is an opportune time to recognize that when we make good choices, we are preparing for Jesus’ coming.

As a family watch video in its entirety than 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.

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Dear Families,

This Sunday’s Gospel is about multiplying the gifts God gives us. The best gift is the Good News of Jesus’ Birth, Death and Resurrection. When we use our talents to spread the Good News, we give glory to God.

As a family watch video in its entirety than ask each other this question. 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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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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Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel Jesus reminds us that when we care for the poor, hungry, sick, tired, and lonely, we are loving him. We also remember this Sunday that Jesus is the King. If we wish to be in service to our King, we must be in service to those in need.

As a family watch video in its entirety than 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 in need in any way. Amen

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1/28/24 - "To him you shall listen" - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus heals a man when he is teaching on the Sabbath during synagogue worship in Capernaum. He heals the man with an unclean spirit. This unclean spirit recognized Jesus as the Holy One sent by God and asked if he had come to destroy him. Jesus rebuked him and told the evil spirit to come out of him and it did. The people who witness are amazed at his authority. Jesus has God’s authority to teach and heal.

Through this miracle Jesus teaches us a powerful lesson of God’s love, his authority, and his healing power. He doesn’t reject the man he heals him and we learn that Jesus brings God’s healing power to all people. We should all share the healing power of Jesus with others.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Do we recognize Jesus’ authority over us, his healing power, and his ability to teach us?

Family Prayer: Jesus, please help us to listen to you in all things. Amen.

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Dear Families,

No one knows when Jesus will come back, but we know we will see him face-to-face someday. As we eagerly await Christmas and the celebration of Jesus’ birth, we remember that we should always be waiting for Jesus.

As a family watch video in its entirety then ask each other this question. When you are waiting for someone, how do you fill the time?

Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to pay attention to your words and teachings.

Help us to follow you always. Amen

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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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Dear Families,

It is the Second Sunday in Advent, and in this Sunday’s Gospel John the Baptist baptized with water as a symbol that the people were leaving their old, sinful ways behind. He was preparing them for when Jesus would baptize them with the Holy Spirit and change them forever.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question. How does your family prepare for Christmas? Are you preparing your heart for Jesus?

Family Prayer: Lord, please help us to prepare not only for Christmas celebrations, but also for your arrival in our hearts. Amen