Services

4/2/23 - Palm/Passion Sunday - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel, we begin with Jesus triumphant entrance into Jerusalem and the crowds of people welcoming him waving palm branches. Then the Gospel moves us from triumph to tragedy. It tells us about Jesus’ suffering and Death. We also learn about Judas’s betrayal, Peter’s denial, and a soldier’s faith.

These events of Jesus’ Passion will be proclaimed again when we remember Jesus’ final days at Mass on Holy Thursday the Lord’s Last Supper, Good Friday the Passion of the Lord, and the Easter Vigil. As we journey into the heart of our Christian faith, let’s remember “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).

As a family watch video in its entirety then ask each other these questions.
Why does Jesus pour out his life for us? As a family what events will we participate in during Holy Week?

Family Prayer: Dear Lord, may we have the same mind and the same love you have for us. Help us to be selfless like you as we put other people’s needs before our own. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

8/27/23 - Who do you say that I am? - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus asked his disciples who people thought the he was. They responded, that some people thought he was someone special, but none of these people understood who he really was. Then Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon answered “You are Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus tells Simon that God helped him see that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus tells Simon that he would now be called Peter, which means rock, he would be a strong foundation to build his Church.

Peter played an important role in the early Christian community. Jesus gave the teaching authority to Peter and it has been passed down to all those who have followed him as leaders in the Church. Like Peter, Pope Francis reminds us that we are people united in the faith that Jesus is God’s Son.

Today’s Gospel should remind us that the Church is built on a foundation united in faith that Jesus Christ is God’s Son. The family, as domestic church, has this same faith as its foundation.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How would you respond to Jesus if he asked you “Who do you say that I am? How would you respond if you were asked “Who is Jesus?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us receive the grace to recognize Jesus as the Son of God. As a family, help us build a strong foundation in our domestic church. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

3/26/23 - Jesus Raises Lazarus - Cycle A

Dear Families,

This Fifth Sunday of Lent Jesus hears that his friend Lazarus is very sick, and when he returns to see Lazarus he has been dead for four days. His sisters Mary and Martha are very sad and Martha asks him why didn’t he come sooner? He could have healed Lazarus. Jesus said to Martha your brother will rise again. Yes, on the last day she replies. Do you believe that people who believe in me die, but that I give them life forever? She replies that he is God’s son. Jesus asks where he was buried and when he sees the tomb he weeps with the others. Jesus asks that the stone on the tomb be moved. He prays and commands Lazarus to come out from the tomb. He raises Lazarus from the dead. News of Jesus’ raising Lazarus travels fast. Many people come to believe in him, but many others are questioning his miracles and actions.

When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, he shows us his power over death. We believe that by Jesus’ death and Resurrection, he conquered death and won eternal life for us. Our faith calls us to be like Martha and Mary, and believe that Jesus is the Resurrection and eternal life.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Why do you think Jesus wept? When someone loses a loved one, how can you comfort them in their sorrow? Do you ever think of Jesus weeping with you when you are sad?

Family Prayer: Jesus you are the Resurrection and the life. Help us to live a life of compassion and trust. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

6/11/23 - Body & Blood of Christ - Cycle A

Dear Families,

This Sunday is a very special feast day called Corpus Christi, a Latin word which means “Body of Christ”. In John’s Gospel we hear how Jesus told the crowd that those that eat his flesh and drinks his blood has eternal life. It was difficult then and now to understand, but our faith tells us that each time we go to mass the bread and wine becomes the Body and Blood of Jesus. At mass listen to the words the priest says as he consecrates the bread and wine. As he elevates the host remember this is now Jesus you are looking at. When we receive the Eucharist, he nourishes our souls and strengthens our faith. Jesus is truly with us; he is the living bread of eternal life.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Why do you think Jesus gave us the Eucharist?

Family Prayer: Jesus, you are truly the Bread of Life. Thank you for your loving presence in the Eucharist. Amen.

Click Photo

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

10/22/23 - God and Caesar - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, some religious leaders want to trap Jesus into taking sides on the question of paying Roman taxes. They believe that accepting Roman rule in their country means they are not loyal to God and his rules. Jesus tells them to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. Jesus calls them and us to obey both civil and religious laws, however, we need to examine our allegiances when the two conflict.

We have God’s laws and government laws. Both are for our own good. But we need to remember that what is most important is to love and honor God first.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What allegiance do we owe to God? What allegiance to Caesar?

Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to always remember to keep God first in our lives. Amen.