Services

11/10/24 - The Widows - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus was sitting near the Temple treasury, where he could see the people who came to drop in their money. Many rich people put in a lot of money. Then a poor widow came up and dropped in two little copper coins. Jesus gathered his disciples and said to them, that poor widow gave more to the treasury than all the others. They gave what they could spare without hurting. But she, a poor widow, has given all she had to live on.

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us a unique way to look at how we are to be generous. He explains that giving from our excess is not as powerful as giving everything like the widow did. We are challenged to give everything to God, not just our extra time, talent, and treasure.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What have you held back from God?

Family Prayer: Help us to see what we are holding back from you, Lord, and to give it freely. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/1/24 - Advent

Dear Families,

Happy New Year! The Church’s new year begins on this First Sunday of Advent. This week’s Gospel focus is on the Second Coming of Jesus. Jesus tells his disciples about the end of everything. “He tells them that there will be signs in the sun and the moon and the stars. And on earth, distress among the nations”. We learn that earthly things do not last forever. But we are not to fear, because he also tells his disciples that after this devastation they will see “The Son of Man coming on a cloud with great power and majesty”. Everything on earth will end but God is eternal and He will be with us forever.

This first Sunday of Advent we begin to prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas. When you come to Mass during Advent you will see a candle lighted each week and pray for hope, peace, joy and love. Let the light of these candles bring these prayers and the light of Christ to your family, friends, neighbors. Let’s celebrate his First Coming by being good to others and ourselves which will also prepare us for his Second Coming.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are your hopes for yourself, your family, our world? What are ways you can prepare for Jesus’ coming?

Family Prayer: Lord, during Advent give us the grace to work on those things we need to correct or improve and become your shining light to the world. Amen.

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Read more: Advent 2024/ Adviento 2024

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

1/26/25 - The Word of God - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus was in his hometown Nazareth where he grew up. Being a faithful Jew He was attending the synagogue on the Sabbath. He was called to read the Scripture and make a comment. Jesus reads aloud from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah and announces that this Scripture is now fulfilled. He will bring Good News to the poor, sight to the blind, and freedom to captives. Jesus is proclaiming himself as the anointed one when he said, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Jesus tells the people about his mission, the work that he will do to bring forth God’s Kingdom. Every kind thing we do is a way to serve God’s Kingdom. When we read the Word of God and reach out to people in need, we follow Jesus and continue his work showing people God’s love.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How do we bring people Good News the way Jesus does?

Family Prayer: Jesus, thank you for showing us how to love others. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we will continue your mission. Amen

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

3/9/25 - Jesus Faces Temptation - Cycle C

Dear Families,

Sunday’s Gospel reveals Jesus as fully human and fully divine. The devil tempts Jesus in the desert, promising him human power and earthly goods. Jesus shows us how to resist temptation by holding tightly to the promises of God found in Sacred Scripture.

This week is the first Sunday of Lent. Lent is a special time when we prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. We prepare through Prayer by talking with God; Fasting by giving things up not just food; Almsgiving by giving generously to those who are in need.

As a family watch video in its entirety than ask each other these questions.
What are some temptations you experience? How does the Church help you to strengthen yourself against them?

Family Prayer: Pray the Lord’s Prayer together. Focus on the words “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

3/30/25 - The Forgiving Father - Cycle C

Dear Families,

This Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells us a parable about a man who has two sons. The youngest son who asked his father for his inheritance, left his home and squandered it all. The oldest son stayed, worked and obeyed him. When the youngest son returns the father throws him a party. His oldest son is jealous and doesn’t understand the father giving him a celebration for his bad behavior. What about me? I’ve been good where is my party? He is jealous. Jesus teaches us about God’s love and forgiveness. In our lives we are at times like the younger son, we walk away from God. Other times we might be like the older son, jealous of the love and forgiveness that God shows to others.

This story speaks to us about the meaning of reconciliation, God’s love, forgiveness and mercy. It is Lent, let us seek to be reconciled with God and others, especially through the healing Sacrament of Reconciliation.

This Laetare Sunday let us rejoice and remember the joy that Easter will bring after the time of repentance during Lent. Jesus tells us, “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents”. (Luke 15:7).

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question?
How can you find joy even when you are struggling or suffering?

Family Prayer: Lord, open our hearts to ask for forgiveness and to forgive others. Show us your mercy and help us to be merciful to others. Amen