COVID-19 Vaccines & Catholic Morality

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,

After Jesus is baptized, he is led into the desert by the Holy Spirit and for 40 days he was tempted by Satan. Jesus was among wild animals and angels ministered to him. During Lent, we too need to be led by the Holy Spirit and remember the vows of Baptism in which we promise to reject sin and follow Jesus. Just as Jesus was ministered by the angels, God also supports us in our struggles against sin and temptation. Therefore, let us hear, listen, and act to what Jesus proclaims, “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions. Do you believe that Jesus will help you do what’s right when you are tempted? How does the Holy Spirit help you live as a follower of Jesus?

Family Prayer: Holy Spirit, help us to make good choices as followers of Jesus. God, send your angels to minister to us the way you sent them to minister to Jesus in the desert. Amen

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Watch video as a family.

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus calls his first disciples. They were disciples of John the Baptist. John directs two of them, one named Andrew to follow Jesus, the Lamb of God. They follow Jesus and spend the day with him. The next day Andrew brings his brother, Simon, to meet Jesus. When we have had an encounter with Christ, we should bring our friends to connect with him. Jesus calls us to be his friends and follow him. He calls each of us to be his disciple.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question. How can I introduce one of my friends to Jesus?

Family Prayer: Jesus, help us remember that you are our friend. Show us how to introduce other friends to you. Amen

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Watch video as a family.

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

Dear Families,

It is the third Sunday of Advent. In this Sunday’s Gospel, John the Baptist not only prepares for Christ’s arrival, but also gives his testimony. We too are called to tell our stories of Jesus coming into our lives. We are asked to be other “voices in the desert”, proclaiming Jesus to the world.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question. Who are the people whose words and actions have taught you about Jesus? How can we pray without stopping?

Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, show us how to teach others about you. Help us to be voices of faith. Help us rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in all circumstances give thanks. Amen