Services

7/3/22 - The Cross and a New Creation - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s second reading Saint Paul writes to the Galatians and tells them that he may never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Christians of Galatia were confused because some preachers were telling them that to be Christians they first had to convert to Judaism and follow the entire Jewish law. St. Paul speaks of the cross and a new creation. What does he mean? Watch video and find out.

In the Gospel, Jesus sends 72 disciples to tell the people in the towns that He is coming. He says to them that the harvest is abundant but laborers are few. We the followers of Jesus need to be laborers in the fields, sowing the words of God to bring people back to God. The more laborers there are, the more plentiful the harvest.

As a family watch video in its entirety then ask each other these questions?
What does Paul mean when he speaks about a new creation? Are you a laborer of the harvest? What do you need to do to become a laborer in the harvest?

Family Prayer: Lord, by your cross and resurrection we are a new creation, help us be laborers for your kingdom. Help us bring your peace and mercy to the world. Amen

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

7/17/22 - Martha and Mary - Cycle C

Dear Families,

Sunday’s Gospel seems unfair to Martha. She is trying to welcome Jesus. She is cooking and cleaning for him, and her sister is not helping. Martha was upset and complained to Jesus. Jesus told Martha that what Mary had chosen was important. Mary had chosen to listen to him. Martha was overwhelmed and not paying attention or listening to him.

Jesus knows that we need to work, but he does not want us to be overwhelmed with work and activities. He wants us to understand that it is more important to spend time with him and listen to him. We must always make sure that going to Mass and praying are more important than work or any activities that do not put God first in our lives. Throughout the day whenever you do something pray first and do it for the glory of God.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Who do you identify with more Martha or Mary? Perhaps both? Why? How?

Family Prayer: Dear Lord, always help us put you first in all that we do. Amen

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

7/31/22 - Rich In What Matters To God - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, when a man asks Jesus to tell his brother to share his inheritance with him, he knows that the brother is more concerned with possessions than with the love of his brother. He is being greedy; Jesus tells the parable of the rich man. There was a rich man that had such a good harvest, that he didn’t have enough space in his barns to store it all. So, he thought, I will build bigger ones and store my harvest for many years. Thinking, he could enjoy his possessions for many years; he died that night. What good were his possessions to him now?

This parable warns us against being greedy. Jesus is not saying we should not have food or save money. He is teaching us to use the things we have wisely by looking at our needs and not our wants. To understand that there are people in the world that have needs of food, clothing and shelter. He is telling us that it is more important to be loving and share what we have than to pursue having a lot of things. When a person dies, they do not take their belongings with them, but their acts of love and generosity will be remembered. We need to be rich in what matters to God.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Do your feelings show that you care too much about getting things? Do you share what you have with others?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us thank you for the material blessings you give us and to share them with others. Amen

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

8/21/22 - Who Will Be Saved? - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus is asked, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answers that many will try, but he explains that the gate is narrow and though many will attempt to enter, they might not be strong enough. We are all invited to share eternal life with God forever in heaven, but this invitation cannot be taken for granted.

Going to Mass on Sundays is a very important part of our faith journey, but Jesus teaches us we need to do more. Our actions must be consistent with what we say we believe. To enter the narrow gate is challenging, it is not easy. Jesus is teaching us that we need to dedicate ourselves all the time with acts of love, kindness, mercy, and compassion. We do this by looking at how we are living our lives at home, work, school, everywhere we go. Love, compassion, forgiveness, kindness to everyone is living our faith; a way to enter through the narrow gate.

As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What strength do you need to get through the narrow gate? Do you trust God and his grace to give you this strength?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us receive the grace to receive the strength we need to share your love with others. Amen

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

8/14/22 - I have come to set the earth on fire! - Cycle C

Dear Families,

Jesus continues to teach us that true disciples love God above all else. In this Sunday’s Gospel, it is difficult to understand what Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! Jesus is speaking about the flame he wants blazing in our hearts with his love. He also says that he has come not only to bring peace but also division. He wants his disciples to understand that faith is not understood by everyone, and some will be against it. Our faith requires us to make hard choices. Being a follower of Jesus means we wouldn’t make a bad choice just to have friends or make someone else happy.

Following Jesus is not easy, but good choices help us have peaceful hearts and minds. A true disciple loves God above all relationships and things.

Watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What has Jesus brought to your family and friends, division or peace? Why?

Family Prayer: “Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love.” Amen