Services

11/17/24 - God's Kingdom - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus tells his disciples what will happen at the end of the world. It’s scary to hear, the sun and moon will stop shining and the stars will fall down. But we do not need to fear, because he will come back among the clouds and send out his angels and gather all those that have stayed close to him to live with him forever. He also tells his disciples that only the Father will know when this will happen.

This week’s Gospel, is a reminder we should prepare for Jesus’ coming every day. Jesus tells us that we don’t know when he will return, so we must be ready at all times.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.

What can you do every day this week to show Jesus he is welcome in your home and heart?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us make loving choices every day as we wait for your return. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

11/24/24 - The Good King - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel of John, we listen to Jesus’ trial before Pontious Pilate. When Pilate asks him “Are you a King?” Jesus responds that his kingdom is not of this world and that he has come into the world to testify to the truth.

This Sunday is the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe. The start of the last week in the Church’s liturgical calendar. We learn that Jesus is King of the universe, but he doesn’t demand anything except our love and obedience to the commandments. Jesus has authority over everything, but he humbles himself to serve us and even to die for us.

He teaches us to be servant leaders and rule with love. When leaders rule with love, they build the kingdom of God.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How is God’s kingdom different from a kingdom on earth? What kind of leader or king is Jesus?

Family Prayer: Jesus, you are a good and loving king. Help us to follow your will and trust that it is always for our good. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/22/24 - Messiah

Dear Families,

On this fourth Sunday of Advent, our Gospel reading recalls Mary’s actions after the announcement by the Angel Gabriel of Jesus birth and her cousin Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Mary immediately decides to visit her cousin Elizabeth. When Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, the baby (John the Baptist) leaped with joy in her womb. She was filled with the Holy Spirit and Elizabeth gives us the words that are central to the Hail Mary “Blessed is the fruit of your womb.” The mystery of the Incarnation, God taking on human flesh by the Virgin Mary. Both Mary and Elizabeth show how to trust God’s word that Mary would become the mother of Jesus and rejoiced in God’s blessings.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
In what way can you imitate Mary and help bring Jesus to others?

Family Prayer: Jesus, teach us to love your mother, Mary, like you do. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/15/24 - Rejoice

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, John the Baptist’s preaching raises people’s hopes. They wanted to hear truth and change for the better. John helps people to see how they should act toward others in order to be ready for God’s coming. They can share food and clothing. The tax collectors can collect only what people owe and with fairness. The soldiers can treat people with respect.

The people wondered if John was the Messiah, but he told them that he only baptized with water, but soon one mightier than him would baptize them with the Holy Spirit.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
In what ways should we act with mercy according to the words of John the Baptist?

Family Prayer: Holy Spirit, you move us and help us change. Teach us to follow Jesus in all things. Amen.

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(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