Services

9/18/22 - Parable of the Dishonest Steward - Cycle C

Dear Families,

This Sunday Jesus tells a parable of a steward losing his job after making dishonest choices with a rich man’s money. Then he is praised when he uses an underhanded way to secure his own future. Can we correct our poor choices, and use this parable to be wise and think about securing our future in God’s Kingdom by serving others instead of ourselves?

Jesus continues to teach that those who are honest in small matters will also be honest in large matters. The Lord expects us to use our resources responsibly, and to put them at his service and the service of others. We cannot serve two masters. Jesus clearly teaches that our hearts must be possessed by God’s love. Our hearts are not to be possessed with the love of money. We are to be faithful, honest stewards of the time, money, and possessions that God has given us.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What shows a person is trustworthy? Why does Jesus tell us we cannot serve two masters?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us to be honest and faithful in all we do. Amen

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

5/7/23 - Jesus Is Our Way to God - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples not to let their hearts be troubled. To have faith in him. He declares “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” He is the way to the Father in Heaven. Whoever knows him knows God. They learn that whoever believes in him will be able to do the work that he did and greater ones.

Let us all remember that we are not to be troubled. Jesus loves us. He tells us that when we know him, and believe in him we are on the path to God in heaven. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Through him we find eternal life and when we share these truths, he tells us we are able to do his work and more.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Why does Jesus tell his disciples to have faith in him? What does Jesus ask of his followers? Do you follow Jesus?

Family Prayer: Jesus, you are the way, the truth, and the life. Help our hearts not be troubled and trust you in all things. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

9/25/22 - Lazarus and the Rich Man - Cycle C

Dear Families,

This Sunday Jesus tells us a parable about a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. While they were alive, the rich man had everything he wanted, but Lazarus the poor man, lay by the rich man’s gate. The rich man never gave him anything.

Eventually both men died. Lazarus the poor man went to heaven and the rich man did not. The rich man realized too late that he only thought of himself and had been selfish. Jesus wants us to help the poor and suffering people around you. He wants us to see the suffering and listen to the cry of the poor.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are some ways God wants us to care for our world and for people? What are some things you share with others?

Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to not be selfish. May we treat others as you would treat them. Amen

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/18/22 - An Angel Speaks to Joseph - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we learn about Joseph’s dilemma when he learns that Mary, who he is betrothed to, is expecting a child that is not his. He could have accused Mary of adultery and subjected her to punishment. But he was unwilling to take this step, so he decided to divorce her quietly. However, an Angel appears to Joseph in a dream, and tells Joseph to take Mary as his wife for her pregnancy is an act of God. The angel tells him to name the baby Jesus. Joseph trusting God, makes a choice, and does what the Angel tells him. He takes Mary into his home and names the baby Jesus which means “he will save”.

As the prophet Isaiah said, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel which means “God is with us”. Let us not forget that God is always with us. He is our Savior.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
When has God helped you make a choice when you needed help?

Family Prayer: God, help us make choices that bring us closer to you. Help us to follow your guidance. Jesus, I trust in you. Amen.

Click Photo

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

9/24/23 - The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells a story of a vineyard owner who went out at different times to find men to work. At the end of the day, he gave each man a whole day’s wages, even though some worked all day and some only worked one hour. He started paying the workers that started working late first and the ones that came in first last. The ones who worked all day complained and were not happy because they all received the same wages. This story is not about wages or fairness.

Jesus is teaching us about God’s love and generosity. It can feel unfair when someone gets paid when they did not work as hard as you did. Jesus says, “The last will be first, and the first will be last.” Some people spend their whole lives working for God, and some people only turn to Him at the last minute. He teaches us that there is room for everyone in his Church and in Heaven.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What is a family activity in which each member does his or her part? When did you want to be first, but did not get to be? Name something positive about putting others first?

Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, show us how to put others first. Remind us that you love all of us and you want us to love each other. Amen.