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 (La versión en español sigue al inglés)

Dear Families,

No one is ever too young to help Jesus!  In this Sunday’s Gospel, a little boy gave all the food he had to Jesus.  Jesus performed a miracle and fed thousands of people with the little boy’s gift.  Jesus was showing us that later he would feed thousands of us with the Holy Eucharist.

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

What gifts do you have that Jesus could multiply to help others?

Family Prayer:  Jesus, sometimes we are hungry too!  We hunger for love, encouragement, or peace.  Please help us to turn to you to give us all the things we hunger for.  Amen

 

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

9/11/22 - The Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Prodigal Son - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus responds to those complaining about him keeping company with sinners.  He tells them three parables about something or someone being lost and then found.  The first parable is about the shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to search for one and when he finds the one, he rejoices.  The second parable is about a woman searching for one coin and when she finds it, she also rejoices.  Finally, the third story is about the son who asked for his inheritance before the father died.  He leaves home and spends all his money on foolish things, and when he returns home his father is waiting for him, forgives him and he too rejoices and celebrates by throwing him a party.  However, his brother is upset and does not think his brother, a sinner, is worthy of such rejoicing.

Jesus is teaching us in these parables, that when we do something wrong and sin, God never stops loving us.  God does not lose hope or give up on us.  He rejoices when we are lost and come back to him, we are always worthy of his love.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What do these parables teach us about sin and forgiveness? 

Family Prayer:  Jesus, thank you for always being there for us, no matter how lost and alone we may feel.  Amen

 

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

8/21/22 - Who Will Be Saved? - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus is asked, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?”  He answers that many will try, but he explains that the gate is narrow and though many will attempt to enter, they might not be strong enough.  We are all invited to share eternal life with God forever in heaven, but this invitation cannot be taken for granted.

Going to Mass on Sundays is a very important part of our faith journey, but Jesus teaches us we need to do more.  Our actions must be consistent with what we say we believe.  To enter the narrow gate is challenging, it is not easy.  Jesus is teaching us that we need to dedicate ourselves all the time with acts of love, kindness, mercy, and compassion.  We do this by looking at how we are living our lives at home, work, school, everywhere we go.  Love, compassion, forgiveness, kindness to everyone is living our faith; a way to enter through the narrow gate.

As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What strength do you need to get through the narrow gate?  Do you trust God and his grace to give you this strength?

Family Prayer:  Lord, help us receive the grace to receive the strength we need to share your love with others.  Amen

 

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 (La versión en español sigue al inglés)

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel, the Pharisees criticized Jesus’ disciples because they didn’t follow observations of the cleaning of hands, purifying themselves before they ate and other traditions.   They believed that by their actions alone they were making themselves holy.  Jesus taught the Pharisees who questioned him, that we do not make ourselves holy by just our actions.  Rather, we become holy when we allow God’s Spirit to transform our hearts. 

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

How do you honor Jesus with your lips and your heart?

Family Prayer:  Dear Jesus, help us to be true in our faith and love for you.  Let our hearts and our actions reflect that love.  Amen

 

 

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8/14/22 - I have come to set the earth on fire! - Cycle C

Dear Families,

Jesus continues to teach us that true disciples love God above all else.  In this Sunday’s Gospel, it is difficult to understand what Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!  Jesus is speaking about the flame he wants blazing in our hearts with his love.   He also says that he has come not only to bring peace but also division.  He wants his disciples to understand that faith is not understood by everyone, and some will be against it.  Our faith requires us to make hard choices.  Being a follower of Jesus means we wouldn’t make a bad choice just to have friends or make someone else happy.

Following Jesus is not easy, but good choices help us have peaceful hearts and minds.  A true disciple loves God above all relationships and things.

Watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What has Jesus brought to your family and friends, division or peace?  Why?

Family Prayer: “Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love.”  Amen

 

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