Services

Dear Parents,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells his followers that unless a grain of wheat is planted into the ground the seed remains just a single grain. But, when a grain of seed falls to the ground and dies, the seed produces many other grains of wheat. It produces a harvest.

Jesus compares himself to a grain of wheat that needs to die. In his death and resurrection Jesus gives his life on the Cross. This sacrifice brings salvation to all his people and offers us the promise of eternal life.

When we become the seed for others, we join with Jesus in a process that transforms our lives and the world.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.

Planting seeds means doing positive things. What seeds have you planted this week?

How can you be like a seed and help increase faith in others?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us to put you first, seek your will, and help others grow in faith. Amen

Click Picture

Watch video as a family.

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

Dear Families,

Sunday’s Gospel tells us that Jesus performed miracles. He cured the sick and even raised the dead. In each case he was moved by the faith of the people who requested the miracle. We don’t think of ourselves as being in need of healing, but we all need healing in different ways. We are human and we have physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs and perhaps need a bit of healing every single day. Jesus wants us to ask him when we need help and to ask with faith.

As a family watch video in its entirety and 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

Click Picture

Watch video as a family.

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

Dear Families,

Last Sunday, we saw Jesus perform great miracles moved by the faith of people. The raising of Jairus’ daughter and the healing of the woman with a hemorrhage. This Sunday is quite different. People in Jesus’ hometown could not see who he really was. They only recognized the person they remembered from when he was younger. Because of their lack of faith, he did not perform many miracles.

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

Why did the people in Jesus’ hometown have trouble seeing him as the Messiah and doubted he could do miracles?

Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, it is normal to doubt things sometimes. Please help us to look past our doubt and trust in you for everything. Amen

Click Picture

Watch video as a family.

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus appears to his disciples and gives them the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The season of Easter ends with today’s celebration, Pentecost. On Pentecost we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit. Before Jesus Ascended into heaven, he promised to send the Holy Spirit, and he kept his promise.

This Sunday, the story of Pentecost is found in the first reading of Acts of the Apostles. The Holy Spirit descends upon the Apostles gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit comes like wind because it is God’s life breathed into us and fire because it gives us light to show us God’s ways. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand who God is and enables us to be his witness to share his love throughout the world.

As a family, watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question:

How is the Holy Spirit light and strength in your life?

Family Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank you for the gift of Pentecost and for new life in the Holy Spirit. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and set my heart ablaze with the fire of your love that I may serve you in joy and freedom.

Click Picture

Watch video as a family.

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

Dear Families,

This Sunday’s Gospel is about the Baptism of the Lord. Jesus was without sin. He did not need to be baptized, but he allowed John to baptize him to show us how important this sacrament is. The Blessed Trinity was fully revealed at Jesus’ baptism. At Jesus baptism – God the Father says he is “well pleased” with His Son, Jesus. God the Holy Spirit comes down on Jesus like a dove. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are the Holy Trinity. They are united in love.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question. Imagine yourself at Jesus’ baptism. What do you see and feel?

Family Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of Baptism that makes us part of your family. Help us to treat one another with love and respect. Amen