Services

10/1/23 - The Parable of the Two Sons - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells a parable (story) of two sons whose father asked them to help in the vineyard. The first son said no to his father and then changed his mind and helped. The second son said yes, he would help but he did not. Both sons were asked to help. The difference between the two sons is that the first son that said no disobeyed with his words but obeyed with his action. The second son said yes with his words but disobeyed with his action.

There are times when we are asked to do something and say yes and plan not to do it. Other times we might say no and then realize we need to do it. Jesus teaches us that our actions are as important as our words. When we go to Mass each Sunday, we learn God’s love for us and how to love one another. It is important that our actions match what we learn and say at each Mass and live God’s love through our words and actions in our world.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What makes you say no instead of yes when you are asked to do something? What do you say yes to and do?

Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to hear what you want us to know and to say yes to you. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

8/20/23 - God's Love Is For Everyone - Cycle A

Dear Families,

Sunday’s Gospel is often misunderstood. Jesus is not saying the Canaanite woman is a dog; he is trying to explain to her that she is not a person who was raised in faith. The woman believes Jesus can cure her daughter, she is persistent and continues to ask. Jesus sees her faith and cures her daughter.

Like the woman, let’s bring our needs to God in prayer with confidence and faith. Like Jesus, let us be merciful and kind to everyone who is ignored and considered an outsider.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How does the Canaanite woman show her faith? How can we have faith like hers? What does Jesus teach us?

Family Prayer: Jesus, sometimes it can feel as though you cannot hear us. Help us to keep asking for help and be patient, knowing you will answer our prayers at the right time. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

4/14/24 - What does the Resurrection mean for us? - Cycle B

Dear Families,

Happy Easter!

On this Third Sunday of Easter, we hear in Luke’s Gospel how Jesus again appears to his disciples. They are afraid, and he greets them “Peace be with you.” He asks them to touch his wounds and give him something to eat. Jesus is risen and still has his human body. He is Risen and is fully human and fully divine. After they ate, Jesus gives the disciples a mission, to tell others about his Life, Death, and Resurrection and His message of God’s love and forgiveness.

As disciples of Jesus, we also are invited to eat at his table and receive the Eucharist, share scriptures, and announce the Good News of Jesus’ message of God’s love and forgiveness of sins. We are to be witnesses of what we have experienced with him.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can I be a witness of God’s love to others?

Family Prayer: Jesus, help us bring the Good News of your Resurrection to our family, friends, and neighbors. Amen.

Click Photo

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

3/24/24 - Palm Sunday and the Passion

Dear Families,

This week is Palm/Passion Sunday. When we participate in the reading of the Passion, it is hard to say the words, “Crucify him.” It reminds us that we all choose to sin and that Jesus loves us anyway. He loves us so much that he died and rose for us and our salvation.

In Church focus on the Passion of Jesus during the Mass. Follow along carefully and say the crowd responses strongly. Consider what it would have been like to be there when Jesus was crucified.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
When have you gone along with the crowd, even when you knew it was not the right thing to do?

Family Prayer: Jesus, we want to choose you. Show us how to do what is right, even when others want us to do what is wrong. Amen.

Click Photo

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/17/23 - Christ in Our Hearts - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, we hear how John the Baptist answered when he was asked if he was the Messiah. He told them that as Isaiah had said, he was the voice of the one crying out in the desert, making straight the way of the Lord. John the Baptist was preparing the way for Jesus coming. John said he was baptizing with water and someone that they did not recognize would baptize them with the Holy Spirit.

Like John the Baptist we are called to prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus and be the voice of faith proclaiming Jesus to the world. In this third Sunday of Advent, as we light the pink candle of Joy, let us rejoice and remember that “Emmanuel” God is with us. Share this joy.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Who are the people in word and action that have taught you about Jesus?

Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, show us how to teach others about you. Help us to be voices of faith. Amen.