Services

2/11/24 - Be Made Clean! - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, we hear how Jesus was approached by a man who had leprosy. The man asked Jesus to heal his leprosy. Leprosy was a horrible contagious disease that had no cure, and during Jesus’ time lepers were not allowed to have contact with people who did not have the disease. Jesus in his compassion touched and healed the leper. He told the man not to tell anyone, but the man told everyone what had happened. When people found out Jesus could heal, he was constantly followed by people who wanted to be healed. He tried rest and quiet in the desert, but people followed him there also. Still, he helped many people who came to him to be healed.

The Gospel story tells us that God loves every one of us, even outsiders, even those no one else seems to like. Like Jesus we need to choose to love and help others.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
To whom does Jesus reach out? To whom can you reach out?

Family Prayer: Jesus, teach us to see when people are in need and reach out to them. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

4/28/24 - The Vine and the Branches - Cycle B

Dear Families,

Happy Easter!

This fifth Sunday of Easter, Jesus tells us he is the vine we are the branches. Jesus uses this parable to explain how branches grow out from a vine and receive their food from the main stem. The gardener prunes and tends the garden so it will grow and bear fruit.

Jesus teaches us that we can only grow in faith and do the right things if we stay close to him. Jesus will correct and guide us, just as the gardener prunes and tends a garden so it will grow strong.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can you stay connected to Jesus, like branches are connected to a vine?

Family Prayer: Jesus, help us find ways to stay close to you so we can grow in faith and love. Amen.

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(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.

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Read more: The Magi / Los Magos

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

1/28/24 - "To him you shall listen" - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus heals a man when he is teaching on the Sabbath during synagogue worship in Capernaum. He heals the man with an unclean spirit. This unclean spirit recognized Jesus as the Holy One sent by God and asked if he had come to destroy him. Jesus rebuked him and told the evil spirit to come out of him and it did. The people who witness are amazed at his authority. Jesus has God’s authority to teach and heal.

Through this miracle Jesus teaches us a powerful lesson of God’s love, his authority, and his healing power. He doesn’t reject the man he heals him and we learn that Jesus brings God’s healing power to all people. We should all share the healing power of Jesus with others.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Do we recognize Jesus’ authority over us, his healing power, and his ability to teach us?

Family Prayer: Jesus, please help us to listen to you in all things. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

3/3/24 - Jesus at the Temple - Cycle B

Dear Families,

For the next three Sundays when you attend the 9:00AM or 11:00AM mass you will be listening to the Cycle A Gospel Readings. This is because we have adults who will be receiving their Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. As a community, we will be reflecting with them on their journey towards their Sacraments of Initiation. This week, we listen to the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman and his living water. Let us all ask ourselves, in what area in my life am I thirsting for Jesus’ living water?

This video is based on the Cycle B, Gospel of John. Jesus goes to the Temple and is angry at the people who are using the Temple for profit rather than for love of God. When Jesus is asked to give a sign as to who gives him the authority to drive these merchants out of the Temple. Jesus answers “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up again.”

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What Temple is Jesus talking about? When you are in church are you aware of Jesus Temple?

Family Prayer: Lord, during this time of Lent help us draw closer to you by praying, fasting, and giving. Amen.