COVID-19 Vaccines & Catholic Morality

1/22/23 - Jesus Calls His First Disciples - Cycle A

Dear Families,

This Sunday in the first part of Matthew’s Gospel, he shows us that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecies given to the people by Isaiah in the Old Testament when he says that the Messiah will begin his ministry in Galilee, the land of the Gentiles. He will bring light to the land where there was darkness. Jesus fulfills this prophecy. He preaches in Galilee saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

As Jesus is walking by the Sea in Galilee he calls his first disciples Peter, Andrew, James and John. He calls them while they were working as fishermen. He offers to teach them how to become fishers of men and share the news of God’s Kingdom, his light and love for everyone. They immediately leave what they were doing and follow him. Through Jesus teachings, miracles, and healings they see the Kingdom of God.

Like the first disciples, let us become followers of Jesus and make following him our first priority. On our journey as disciples, Jesus teaches us how to follow him and bring the Kingdom of God to all those we encounter. Trust that God will show us the way and guide us.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How do we bring the Kingdom God to our families, friends, and neighbors?

Family Prayer: Dear Lord, reveal your presence of love in our hearts and to hear your voice. Help us always put you first in all that we do and bring the Kingdom of God to all we encounter. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

Dear Families,

The request of John and James in this Sunday’s Gospel brings to light how even Jesus’ followers had the desire to be approved and rewarded in worldly terms. Whenever human beings gather, we ask who is best, number 1, champion, leader. As a family, we also struggle with disagreements and power struggles. Listen to the Gospel and learn how Jesus teaches us the importance of service and sacrifice in the life of a disciple. Jesus wants his followers to imitate him by being humble and becoming servants of all.

Jesus came to serve, not to be served and gave his life as a sacrifice to save us. Each time you go to Mass, know that the Lamb of God is offering himself for you in the sacrifice of the Eucharist. See the glory of his life being poured out for you, then let it inspire you to go and pour yourself out for others.

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

In your family, how do you struggle with authority? How do you put each other’s needs before your own?

Family Prayer: Open our eyes Lord to see the needs of others and grow in our desire to serve them. Amen

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Watch video as a family.

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

1/7/24 - The Magi

Dear Families,

Merry Christmas! In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. We learn how the Magi were not members of the Jewish people. The Magi came from far away because they had seen a star appear in the sky and understood that a king had been born and traveled to Jerusalem. When they arrived in Jerusalem, they first met with the king of Jerusalem. King Herod was rich, had servants, was a powerful leader and everyone did what he commanded. But the Magi understood that this was not the king they were seeking. So, they continued their journey and followed the star to Bethlehem. They found the new king not in a palace or rich. The Magi found a baby with his mother and understood that this was the true king. They knelt and they offered him their best gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

In many cultures, gifts are not exchanged at Christmas, but on the feast of the Epiphany. The Magi teach us that Jesus is here for all of us and to seek him. Let’s celebrate the feast of the Epiphany and bring to Jesus the gift of the best version of ourselves that God created us to be and to serve him.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What can the Magi teach us about seeking Jesus? What gifts do you bring to Jesus?

Family Prayer: Lord, your kingly power, announced by a star, shines brightly. May our hearts be opened to seek you and serve you completely. Amen.

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Read more: The Magi / Los Magos

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

5/19/24 - Pentecost Sunday

Dear Families,

The season of Easter ends with today’s celebration, Pentecost Sunday. On Pentecost, we celebrate the birthday of the Catholic Church. In John’s Gospel, we see Jesus giving his Apostles the gift of the Holy Spirit and passing on the ability to forgive sins. Jesus appoints the Apostles as the Catholic Church’s first leaders. Jesus gives us a beautiful gift in the healing Sacrament of Reconciliation – his peace.

As we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, our Gospel reminds us that this same Holy Spirit helps us be agents of God’s peace and forgiveness in the world.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How does the Holy Spirit help you bring peace to your family and friends?

Family Prayer: Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/12/21 - Third Sunday of Advent - Cycle C

Dear Families,

This Sunday is the third week of Advent, and we prepare joyfully for the coming of the Messiah. John the Baptist answers questions on how to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. He told them they can share food and clothing. Tax collectors can collect only what they are owed. Soldiers could treat people with respect. At first people thought he might be the Messiah, but he explained that one mightier than him would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

John the Baptist’s preaching raises people’s hopes. John helped people to see how they should act toward one another so that they are ready for God’s coming. People came to see and hear him, and he showed them the way to God. The people that heard John preach had a desire to change their lives for the better, they wanted to hear the truth.

As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can we, like John the Baptist, show other people the way to Jesus?

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