Services

9/1/24 - Why Rules? - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus tells the Pharisees and some scribes that our holiness is more than just following their rules. Jesus tells them that their thoughts and actions are not following God’s commandments.

Jesus teaches us that that when we are kind, generous and loving towards one another we are following God’s laws.

Watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How do we follow God’s laws in our hearts?

Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, help us to be true in our faith and love for you. Let our hearts and our actions reflect that love. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

10/6/24 - Why Is Marriage Important? - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus reminds us that from the very beginning of creation God made the union of a man and a woman a blessed and sacred commitment. Then, when people were bringing children to be touched by Jesus the disciples would not let them come near and Jesus told them to let the children come to him because the kingdom of God belongs to them, and he blessed them.

Jesus is teaching us about the Sacrament of Marriage and the graces received so they can love each other. As husband and wife, they are one and become parents. Fathers and Mothers bring new children into the world. God blesses all parents and children with the grace of the Holy Spirit to go through difficult times in their family relationships. Jesus teaches that we need to be like children and trust in his promise to care for us when we ask for his help.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How do I show I belong to my family? How do I show I belong to Jesus’ family?

Family Prayer: Loving God, give us the capacity to love and serve each other as a family. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

9/29/24 - What's Holding You Back? - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel of Mark, John tells Jesus that someone who was not his follower was driving out demons in his name and he tried to prevent it. Jesus replied not to prevent him. Because anyone who performs mighty deeds in his name cannot speak ill of him. Because whoever is not against him is for him. He also tells us to cut our hands and feet and pluck our eyes out instead of using them to sin.

Jesus is teaching us to appreciate the good deeds of others. This is a good reminder to treat anyone who brings Jesus to us or others with respect and kindness. Jesus is also teaching us to use our hands, feet, and eyes to do good things and to see the goodness in others and bring his love to everyone.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What does Jesus mean when he tells us that if your hand or foot causes you to sin cut it off or pluck your eye out?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us to recognize those who teach us to know you better. Help us to treat them with love and kindness every day. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

9/22/24 - Feeling Jealous? - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus explains that he will suffer and die, but the disciples are too afraid of what he is saying to question him about it. Instead, they begin to argue on which one of them is the most important. Jesus knew what they were talking about, so he tells them that if they want to be first, they must be humble, be last and serve others.

Jesus teaches us that what is most important is not having the best things or being best at something. We learn that when we freely love and serve others, we are great in God’s eyes.

As a family watch video and then ask each other this question?
How can you serve others and help them with the difficulties they are experiencing?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us to see you when we see people in need. Amen.

Click Photo

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/29/24 - Holy Family Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, at the age of 12 Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Jewish feast of Passover, an event where family and friends traveled together each year. On their way back home, they realized Jesus was not with them. They were worried when they could not find Jesus with any of their families or friends. After three days they found Jesus when they went back to the Temple. When they found him and they told him how concerned and anxious they were, Jesus asked them why were they concerned since he was in his Father’s house, but he was obedient and returned with them to Nazareth.

As a family watch reflection video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What makes our family holy?

Family Prayer: Jesus, Mary and Joseph pray for us. Amen