Services

4/23/23 - Road to Emmaus - Cycle A

Dear Families,

Happy Easter. In this Sunday’s Gospel of Luke two of Jesus disciples encounter him on the way to Emmaus. They do not recognize him and they explain how sad they are because of what happened to Jesus in Jerusalem. Jesus talks to them about the Scriptures to help them understand God’s plan. It was late and they invited him to eat dinner with them. They finally recognize Jesus when he blesses and breaks bread with them, just like he did at the Last Supper. They are filled with joy and share their experience with others.

Imagine the feelings of the two disciples. They are leaving Jerusalem are sad, and all their hopes are gone. However, they are filled with hope and joy when their eyes are opened and they recognize Jesus in the blessing and breaking of the bread. Each Sunday at Mass in the Eucharist we share the breaking of the bread and discover Jesus in our midst. The Eucharist helps us receive the joy of Jesus presence and fills us with hope. Like the disciples let’s share his presence and give joy and hope to those we know and meet in our journey of faith.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
When have you recognized that Jesus is with you?

Family Prayer: Jesus, our hearts are full of love for you. Help us to notice your presence with us. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

3/5/23 - The Transfiguration - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this Second Sunday of Lent Gospel, Jesus travels up a mountain with Peter, James and John. Jesus is transfigured and his face becomes as dazzling as the sun; his clothes radiate bright light. Moses and Elijah also appeared and were speaking with Jesus. It is a vision of Jesus’ divinity shining through his humanity. This vision was so beautiful that Peter wanted to stay and build three tents; one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. All of a sudden Peter, James and John hear a voice from the cloud that tells them “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” They are so scared that they fall to the ground. But Jesus comes to them and tells them not to be afraid. Jesus gives them an order. Don’t tell anyone about this vision until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.

This vision of Jesus transfigured in glory tells all of us to remember Jesus’ risen, shining self. Jesus calls us to shine like him, now and forever. As beloved sons and daughters of God we need to listen to Jesus.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are you doing for Lent that will help you listen to Jesus? Will this transform you to be the light of God for others?

Family Prayer: God, we know that Jesus is your beloved Son. Help us to listen to him. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

11/27/22 - Jesus Tells Us to Be Ready - Cycle A

Dear Families,

This Sunday is Advent, the first day of our new Liturgical Year. During Advent we remember Jesus’ first coming but we also need to think about Jesus’ second coming. The message from this Sunday’s Gospel is get ready. Jesus is coming again. No one knows when Jesus will come again. Advent gives us the opportunity to change and to live each day as we would want to live if we knew that Jesus would return that day. Let us all remember that this world and this life are only temporary. We have something greater to look forward to, being with Jesus in Heaven.

During this Advent season let us prepare each day for the day of Jesus’ second coming by listening to his words, and understanding his message of hope, love, joy and peace.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.

What are some ways your family gets ready for Christmas? In what way does your family get ready for Jesus’ second coming?

Family Prayer: God, help us to make room in our home and our hearts to welcome Jesus. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

2/26/23 - Jesus Chooses God - Cycle A

Dear Families,

It is the first Sunday of Lent, and in the Gospel the devil tells Jesus to prove that he is the Son of God. Jesus after not eating for forty days resists the temptations of the devil. Jesus quotes God’s words to the devil and chooses not to turn stones to bread, jump off high buildings, or take worldly power.

We learn from Jesus that when we are tempted, we too can resist temptation by knowing the word of God. For example, when the devil told Jesus to turn the stones to bread, Jesus told him that scripture says that people need more than food to live. They also need the words that God speaks. Like Jesus we have the power to choose good. God gave us the free will to make choices.

Lent is a time to grow in holiness. Learn God’s word (Scripture). Do things that will help you think about God every day. It is a time to pray (extra prayers). Give up something you like to eat or do (fasting). Give to others who need our help (almsgiving).

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What does Jesus mean when he says people do not live on bread alone? What are some choices you will make for Lent?

Family Prayer: God, we make difficult choices every day. Help us to make loving, safe, and healthy choices. Amen.

Click Photo

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/25/22 - Nativity of the Lord

Dear Families,

Merry Christmas, know that you are in my prayers. Wishing all of you hope, peace, joy, and love.

In this video, “The Nativity” Mary and Joseph welcome their son into the world. Shepherds visit and marvel at the baby before sharing the news of Jesus’ miraculous birth with others. The Magi visit and pay homage to Jesus. Mary accepts the visitors praises and stores them in her heart.

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus in our world. In Jesus, God becomes one of us and lives among us. Let us shine the light of God’s love by sharing the birth of Jesus with everyone.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What gift can you give to Jesus?

Family Prayer: God, we welcome Jesus into our hearts this Christmas. Help us to believe that Jesus is with us every day. Amen.