Services
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus’ disciple John said to Jesus. “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Jesus teaches the disciples that they should not be reluctant to share Jesus’ healing powers with others. No one who performs good deeds in his name is against him. God’s love is for everyone. Jesus teaches his disciples that goodness and godliness are qualities to be nurtured in ourselves and in others. No matter our race, age, or social status, Jesus wants us to welcome and accept others as he does.
Jesus also says some things that sounds crazy. Why would he say cut off your hand and foot, pluck your eye out if this causes you to sin? He is saying these things not for us to do it. But so that we can realize that our hand, foot and eye are parts of our bodies that can lead us away from God when they are not used for His glory. Pay special attention to the reflection part of this week’s video. It will explain how this teaching applies to our world today.
As a family watch video in its entirety, it’s important to watch video to ask each other this question.
Am I using my hand, foot, or eye to block my relationship with Jesus?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to strengthen our weaknesses, and walk in your path.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus calls Andrew, Simon (Peter), James and John to leave their jobs as fishermen and to follow him. When God calls, we must be ready to drop everything and follow.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question. What would you have to leave behind to follow Jesus?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to follow you because you know what will make us truly happy. Amen
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Read more: Jesus Gathers Followers / Jesus Reúne Seguidores (Faith Formation)
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
4/3/22 - Jesus Refuses to Condemn - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus urges teachers of the law to help people grow rather than condemn them. The teachers bring to Jesus a woman whom they have caught committing a very serious sin. According to the law this sin is punishable by her being stoned to death. Instead of telling them that they should punish her according to the law, Jesus told them that they should only punish her if they themselves had never sinned. They all walked away because they have all sinned. The accused woman had sinned and she was left alone before Jesus. Jesus told the woman, go and do not sin again. He was merciful.
Jesus teaches us to not be mean to people we know have sinned. We should try to be merciful like Jesus, and we should be kind to sinners because we are sinners too.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
When has forgiveness given you a new start? How do you show mercy to others?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to see our faults, before looking at the faults of others. Amen
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Read more: Jesus Refuses to Condemn Cycle C / Jesús Se Niega a Condenar Ciclo C
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus uses two parables to tell us about the Kingdom of God. In the first parable, the seeds planted grew into a healthy crop of grain, but it took many days and nights. In the second parable, the mustard seed which is the size of a teeny dot on a sheet of paper grows into a tree. Both these parables focus on seeds. Seeds sown take time to grow. When things take a long time to happen, we have to be patient and have faith. When we learn about our faith and practice it well, it will grow so that everyone will see its effect in our lives. We must sow seeds by spreading his words.
God wants us to know that if we live as Jesus tells us, we can look forward to happiness with God in the Kingdom of Heaven.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question:
What actions start small but can grow into larger things?
(Good: kindness, love, forgiveness)
(Bad: anger, not forgiving, judgment)
Family Prayer: Jesus help us to grow in faith, love, positive attitude, and kindness. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
4/10/22 - Palm/Passion Sunday - Cycle C
Dear Families,
This Sunday is the beginning of the holiest week in the Church year. On Palm Sunday we proclaim two Gospels according to Luke. We have a procession at the beginning of Mass when the first Gospel is proclaimed and Jesus came riding into Jerusalem on a donkey and people waved palms to honor him. Join in, wave your palm branch high. In the second Gospel when we proclaim the Passion and Death of Jesus, join in the responses of the Passion.
Celebrate the days of Holy Week, it expresses Jesus’ love for us. Participate at the different services on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How do people welcome Jesus to Jerusalem? How does Jesus’ Crucifixion express who he is? What memories of Holy Week stand out for you?
Family Prayer: Lord, you suffered so much for us. Help us to be strong when we suffer and to unite our sufferings to yours. Amen
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Read more: Palm/Passion Sunday Cycle C - Domingo de Ramos/La Pasión Ciclo C
