Services

2/18/24 - Plans and Promises - Cycle B

Dear Families,

On this First Sunday of Lent, Mark’s Gospel tells us that the Spirit drove Jesus into the desert for 40 days. Jesus was tempted by the devil. Jesus was not alone in the desert. Jesus was among wild beasts and the angels ministered to him. We also learn that after John the Baptist was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God proclaiming “The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”

Ash Wednesday was the beginning of Lent. When we received our ashes on our foreheads, we heard the words “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” As we begin this first week of Lent, let’s read the scriptures which will help us understand the joy of God’s love for us. How He is there for us when we are tempted to do something wrong. When we turn to the Gospels, it gives us the strength to pray, fast, and give to others. Let’s repent of our sins, and know that God is there to help us. Like Jesus teaches us, let’s proclaim to others through our actions that the “Kingdom of God is at hand.”

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What is Jesus asking when he says to repent and believe in the Good News?

Family Prayer: Holy Spirit, help us to make good choices that are pleasing to God. 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)

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.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

6/30/24 - Miracles - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel of Mark, we hear how Jesus performed two miracles. We first hear the story about the father asking Jesus to heal his sick daughter. The second story is about a desperate sick woman who dares to touch Jesus. Jesus’ touch raised the dead girl and cured the sick woman who touched him. He was moved by the faith of these two people.

In these two miracles we learn to pray when we or someone in our family is sick. Jesus teaches us that when we ask with faith, he will touch us and heal us. He will help us understand what we are going through. Remember Jesus is always with us and loves us. We experience Jesus touch by going to Mass, and praying every day.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What does it mean to ask Jesus for something with faith?

Family Prayer: Jesus, please help us to have faith. Teach us to ask for what we need with faith. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

7/21/24 - Jesus: Shepherd and King - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In last week’s Gospel of Mark, we heard Jesus send his disciples to preach and heal in his name. In today’s Gospel, we hear what happens when they return. The Apostles were very tired and hungry. Jesus told them to take a break, but the crowds found out and followed them. Even though they were tired, Jesus and his Apostles were moved with pity and continued to help the people. Jesus is aware that the crowd of people are like sheep without a shepherd and he begins to teach them.

Family demands can make us feel tired like Jesus and the twelve apostles. It isn’t easy to help others when we are tired. Follow Jesus and bring your concerns to him. Just as he was moved when he saw the crowd as sheep without a shepherd, he will hear you and guide you as your Shepherd.

As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
How do you find the energy to do the things you need to do when you are tired?

Family Prayer: Jesus, we know your grace is sufficient for whatever we need to do. Please help us turn to you when we need to rest and when we need strength. Amen.