St Annes Church RAFFLE 24 banner

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/24/23 - The Nativity

Dear Families,

Merry Christmas.  This weekend we have much to celebrate.  In Sunday’s Gospel the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and asked her to be the mother of Jesus.  Through her yes, she brought Jesus into the world and Monday Christmas day we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

 

Like Mary, say yes to God.  Like the shepherds bring the joy of Christ our Savior into the world.

 

As a family watch The Nativity video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What are some things you can do to share the story of Jesus, and bring the love of God to your family, friends and neighbors this Christmas?

 

Family Prayer:  Dear God, show us how to bring Jesus to others.  Amen.

 

 

The Nativity 2023 En

 Click Photo

 


(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/3/23 - Advent - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus tells his disciples “Be watchful!  Be Alert!”  He warns them to be prepared and ready because they do not know when the Lord of the house is coming.

 

It is the first week of Advent, and our new Liturgical Year begins.  Happy New Year!  We are preparing to celebrate Jesus’ birthday on Christmas Day when he was born in Bethlehem a long time ago.  However, in today’s Gospel Jesus is telling his disciples to be alert.  We need to reflect on what Jesus said to his disciples about his second coming.  During these four weeks of Advent, let’s remember the importance of prayer and faithfulness to honor Jesus’ command telling us to be alert and ready for his return.  Only God knows when this day will come.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How do you stay alert to Jesus’ coming in your life?  Are you ready for his return?

 

Family Prayer:  Jesus, help us to pay attention to your words and teachings.  Help us to follow you always.  Amen.

 

 

Advent2023 En

 Click Photo

 


(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

1/14/24 - Christ is Calling - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of John, we hear how John the Baptist points to Jesus and tells two of his disciples “Behold, this is the Lamb of God.”  They heard what John said and follow Jesus who asks them “What are you looking for.”  They don’t answer the question but ask him “Where are you staying” and he answers “Come, and you will see”.  Andrew who had been one of the disciples who had followed Jesus, tells his brother Simon they have found the Messiah, and brings him to Jesus.

 

Jesus calls each one of us to come and see who he is.  We get to know Jesus by developing a relationship with him.  Like Andrew when we have experienced Jesus in our lives, we want to share this encounter with our family and friends.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How would you answer if Jesus asked you “What are you looking for?”

 

Family Prayer:  Dear Lord, open our hearts to see you in our lives.  Amen.

 

 

ChristisCalling 2024 En

 Click Photo

 


(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

1/7/24 - The Magi

Dear Families,

Merry Christmas!  In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany.  We learn how the Magi were not members of the Jewish people.  The Magi came from far away because they had seen a star appear in the sky and understood that a king had been born and traveled to Jerusalem.  When they arrived in Jerusalem, they first met with the king of Jerusalem.  King Herod was rich, had servants, was a powerful leader and everyone did what he commanded.  But the Magi understood that this was not the king they were seeking.  So, they continued their journey and followed the star to Bethlehem.  They found the new king not in a palace or rich.  The Magi found a baby with his mother and understood that this was the true king.  They knelt and they offered him their best gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

 

In many cultures, gifts are not exchanged at Christmas, but on the feast of the Epiphany.  The Magi teach us that Jesus is here for all of us and to seek him.  Let’s celebrate the feast of the Epiphany and bring to Jesus the gift of the best version of ourselves that God created us to be and to serve him.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What can the Magi teach us about seeking Jesus?  What gifts do you bring to Jesus?

 

Family Prayer:  Lord, your kingly power, announced by a star, shines brightly.  May our hearts be opened to seek you and serve you completely.  Amen.

 

 

The Magi 2024 En

 Click Photo

 


(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

2/25/24 - Abraham, Isaac, and Jesus Transfigured - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Second Sunday of Lent, in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a mountain and they witness Jesus’ Transfiguration.  His clothes became dazzling white and then Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.  Peter, James, and John were amazed and afraid.  Then a cloud came and made a shadow over them.  A voice spoke from the cloud and said “This is my beloved Son.  Listen to him”.  They wonder what all this means.  Coming down the mountain Jesus told Peter, James, and John not to tell anyone what happened until after He rose from the dead.

 

The Transfiguration remind us that even though Jesus suffered and died on the Cross, he rose in glory and gave us the opportunity for a new life forever in Heaven.  It helps us understand that hard times will come and we need to think about Jesus because he understands our pain and suffering.  There is a better life waiting for us when we are faithful.  Each Lent gives us the opportunity to grow closer to Jesus, and become the person God created us to be for His glory.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are some ways you can listen to Jesus?  How will you listen to Jesus to change and grow during Lent?

 

Family Prayer:  Jesus, show us the way to God the Father.  Helps us listen so that we can hear you and follow you.  Amen.

 

 

AbrahamIsaacJesus Transfigured2024 En

 Click Photo