Services

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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.

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Read more: The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard Cycle A / Parábola de los Trabajadores de la Viña Ciclo A

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

4/16/23 - Believing & Trusting - Cycle A

Dear Families,

Happy Easter!  Easter season is a celebration of fifty days, from Easter until Pentecost.

In this Sunday’s Gospel of John, Thomas is not with the Apostles when Jesus appears to them.  He is told that Jesus appeared to them but Doubting Thomas does not believe them and states that unless he sees him himself, he will not believe.  Jesus appears again and asks Thomas to touch him, and not be unbelieving.  Thomas touched him and said “My Lord and my God.”  The Lord asks Thomas “Have you come to believe because you see me?  Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”  Jesus was blessing us when he said these words to Thomas.  We are asked to show that we believe in Jesus as our Lord and God.  We believe because of the witnessing of all who have gone before us in the faith.

This Sunday is also Divine Mercy Sunday.  It is a special day when we remember God’s mercy.  When we sin, we offend God, but because he is merciful, he forgives us when we are sorry.  Like Thomas the Apostle we need to see and we have our doubts, but God understands us and forgives us.  We need to trust that he is always with us and loves us.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Do you doubt when you are with believers, or are you a believer who has doubts?  Do you trust our Lord and pray for understanding when you have doubts?

Family Prayer:  Jesus, I Trust in You!

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Read more: Believing & Trusting Cycle A / Creyendo & Confiando Ciclo A

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

7/16/23 - God's Word Grows in Good Soil - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells the parable of the sower and the seeds.  He teaches about the different types of soils the seeds fall on and compares them to how we listen to the Word of God.  The seeds are all the same, but depending on how each person receives the message it grows different.  Jesus wants us to be like good soil so the seeds of God’s Word can grow strong.

When we open our hearts to the Word of God, our faith grows.  Jesus teaches us that the kingdom of heaven is like seed that has been sown on good soil.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What are some things we can do so that we are like good soil, and grow in God’s Word?

Family Prayer:  Jesus, we pray that we will become the good soil needed for God’s Word to take deep root in our hearts.  Amen.

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Read more: God's Word Grows in Good Soil Cycle A / La Palabra de Dios Crece en Buena Tierra Ciclo A

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

5/14/23 - Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this Sundays Gospel of John, Jesus tells his disciples that if they love him, they will obey his commandments. 

He promises them that even though he is going back to God the Father he will not abandon them, because they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to help them understand God’s truth and love.  The Holy Spirit will help them continue to obey his commandments and spread God’s message of truth and love to others.

Jesus has also given us the gift of the Holy Spirit, whom we received at Baptism.  When we call in prayer the Holy Spirit, he will help us understand God’s love for us, follow Jesus, and share his truth and love with others.

As a family watch video in is entirety and then ask each other this question?
How am I aware of the Holy Spirit of love and truth in my life?

Family Prayer:  God thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, and for all the people who help us live as Jesus disciples. Amen.

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Read more: Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit Cycle A / Jesús Promete el Espíritu Santo Ciclo A