Virus Season

Dear Parents,

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus took Peter, James, and John on top of a high mountain and they see the Transfiguration of Jesus. Jesus clothes became dazzling white. Two great men appeared with him. Moses who gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments, and Elijah a great prophet who taught the people to be faithful to God. From a cloud they hear God say “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” They wondered what all of this means. Jesus disciples probably wanted to tell everyone what they saw, but Jesus asked them to wait until after his death. Jesus died and resurrected, now they understood and shared this special memory with others that Jesus is God’s beloved Son.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question. How will you change and grow during Lent?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us to remember we also are God’s beloved children. Amen

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Watch video as a family.

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

Dear Parents,

Jesus does not like injustice or bad actions. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus is not happy with the people who are using the Temple for profit rather than for love of God. He says the Temple will be destroyed and built again in three days, but he is talking about himself!

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question. What things in your life do you need to get rid of so you can focus more on God?

Family Prayer: Holy Spirit, show us how to let go of things we do not need. Amen

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Watch video as a family.

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

Dear Parents,

In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus tells Nicodemus that as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert to save the grumbling Israelites who had been bitten by snakes, the son of man must be lifted up. Jesus is the light of the world and whoever looks at Him lifted up on the cross and believes in Him will be saved. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life” (John3:16).

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

How can you reflect the light of Christ to others?

Family Prayer: Lord, keep us close to the light of Christ and help us avoid the darkness of sin. Amen

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Watch video as a family.

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

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

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Watch video as a family.

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

Dear Parents,

This Sunday, called Palm/Passion Sunday is the first day of Holy Week. During Holy Week we follow the last days of Jesus’ life on earth. Listening to the Gospel readings we hear how Jesus came into Jerusalem, people waved palm branches and shouted, “Hosanna!” We remember Jesus’s Last Supper with his Apostles, how he is arrested and put to death on the cross. When Jesus died on the cross, they put a sign above him that said “King of the Jews”. Most people misunderstood who Jesus was, but the soldier who watched him die said “This man truly was the Son of God!”.

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

As a family, how will we reflect on the events of Jesus’ passion and death?

Family Prayer: Christ Jesus, your love is made visible through the mystery of your death and resurrection. Transform us into people of mercy to embrace you in those who are suffering in our midst. We ask this, as a people reconciled to God through the blood of your cross. Amen