Services

10/30/22 - Jesus' Visit Changes Zacchaeus - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel, we hear about a tax collector, Zacchaeus. As we learned last week, tax collectors were dishonest and people did not like them. Zacchaeus being short and probably not wanting to be seen climbs onto a tree for a better view of Jesus. Jesus see Zacchaeus, calls him by name and asks that he be invited to stay at his house. People did not approve of Jesus going to a sinner’s house, but Jesus told them that he had come to save the people who were lost in sin, he wants everyone to come to him. Zacchaeus filled with the joy that Jesus was visiting him, changes, and he asks for forgiveness. Jesus shows him love and forgiveness. Zacchaeus promises to help the poor and pay everyone back for what he had stolen. Like Zacchaeus we are sinners. Jesus calls us to recognize our sins and wants us to make things right. He seeks us and wants to forgive us.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How does Zacchaeus change because Jesus becomes his friend and goes to his house? Have you ever felt really bad because of something you did? Do you think there is any sin that Jesus can’t forgive?

Family Prayer: Lord, help me accept you as my friend. Help me make room for you in every area of my life. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

1/29/23 - Jesus Wants Us To Be Happy - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus gives us the Beatitudes. Jesus tells us that we are “blessed” when we are sad, meek, looking for righteousness, poor in spirit, merciful, and even when people are mean to us because we believe in God. We also learn something else important: Jesus wants us to listen to what he says and learn from him.

People can be rich in material things, successful, or famous and not consider themselves blessed or happy. The Beatitudes are blessings that tell us how Jesus wants us to live.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Who does God bless according to Jesus?

Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, help us to listen and learn the things you want us to know. Give us the grace to live out the Beatitudes. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/4/22 - John the Baptist - Cycle A

Dear Families,

This is the second week of Advent, and in this week’s Gospel; John the Baptist encourages people to turn to God with their whole hearts. He baptizes many people who desire a better relationship with God. John shares that God is sending a holy and mighty person who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.

We can turn to God with our whole hearts by repenting and turning away from sin. During this Advent season, reflect on poor choices you have made and ask for God’s forgiveness. This is how we can prepare our minds and hearts and welcome Jesus at Christmas.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What can you do this week to strengthen your relationship with God?

Family Prayer: Thank you, Jesus for welcoming us into your family. Help us to make choices that bring us closer to you. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

2/12/23 - Jesus Teaches God's Law - Cycle A

Dear Families,

Jesus continues with his Sermon on the Mount in this Sunday’s Gospel. Jesus shares the difference between the law of Moses (The Ten Commandments) and his new law of love. He said that he didn’t come to take away the law. He came to fulfill the law. Jesus says that the Ten Commandments are very important, but we must act from a place of love, not just obedience.

One of the Ten Commandments is “you shall not kill”. Jesus teaches that to obey this Commandment is not enough. Not only don’t kill, but don’t be violent. Not only don’t be violent, but don’t even think violent thoughts against one another.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What is Jesus’ attitude toward the Ten Commandments?

Family Prayer: Thank you, Jesus for giving us rules to guide us. Help us to follow them as you want us to. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

11/20/22 - Jesus Rules with Forgiveness and Love - Cycle C

Dear Families,

This Sunday is the end of our liturgical year and we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. When Jesus was on earth many of his followers thought he would be the ruler of an earthly kingdom, rule and have soldiers. Instead, Jesus is crucified and made fun of, and they write on a sign above his cross, “This is the King of the Jews”. Jesus is mocked and hangs between two thieves and is ridiculed by one for not saving them and himself, but the other defends Jesus. He asks Jesus to remember him and Jesus promises that they will be in Heaven together.

Today’s Gospel invites us, like the good thief on the cross to recognize that Jesus is indeed King and savior of all. Let’s recognize that the Cross is a place of trust, where Jesus accepted his death for our salvation. Jesus’ Resurrection shows that his actions for forgiving, sharing, and loving have power stronger than death for all of us. He is, “Christ the King”, our savior.

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

What kind of King is Jesus? How does Jesus lead us? How do we ask Jesus for forgiveness?

Family Prayer: Jesus, you are our King and there is no other. Help us to follow your example of forgiveness. Amen.