COVID-19 Vaccines & Catholic Morality

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s readings we hear about two widows. A widow is a woman whose husband has died. In the first reading we hear about a widow who was asked to give away all the food she had, and she was blessed with enough flour and oil to supply her and her son for a year. In the Gospel reading Jesus points out to his disciples a poor widow who puts in two small coins in the Temple treasury. He sees the generosity of the poor widow. Her small coins required a greater sacrifice than the large amounts the rich were giving. Both widows gave the last and the best of what they had.

When we understand that everything we have comes from God, we are then ready to give everything to him. By giving away the best of ourselves and what we have, our faith and love for one another grows. We learn that we need to thank and trust God for all he has given us.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
When you give, do you give everything you have or only what you have left over?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us see what we are withholding from you. Give us the strength to be generous and not ask for anything in return. Amen

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

11/14/21 - 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples what will happen at the end of time. The sun and moon will become dark and the stars will fall down from the sky. These are scary things to hear, but then he also says he will return. He tells them that only God the Father knows when this will happen.

This Gospel is a reminder we should be prepared for Jesus’ coming at all times to enter God’s Kingdom. We need to stay close to God and away from sin. Christ will come again.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What can you do to show Jesus he is welcome in your home and heart every day?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us make loving choices every day as we wait for your return. Amen

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/11/22 - John Asks About Jesus - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, John the Baptist questions if Jesus is the one that God has promised will come. Jesus answers the question by naming some of his miracles, which were prophesied by Isaiah and are signs of God’s salvation. Jesus affirms that John is a prophet sent to prepare everyone for his own arrival. Jesus message to John tells us not only who he is but also to repent of our sins and follow him.

This week is the third Sunday of Advent. This is the week we light the pink candle. It is Gaudete Sunday, a day to Rejoice Jesus is coming. By preparing for his coming, we will bring the message of his joyful coming to others.

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

How can you share the good news of Jesus coming and bring joy to others?

Family Prayer: God, we thank you for many blessings. Help us to be blessings to others. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

Dear Families,

This Sunday’s Gospel is often misunderstood. Jesus is not saying the woman is a dog. He is trying to explain that she is not a person who was raised in faith

and yet she shows great faith. To some, she was invisible. The woman is persistent and faithful, two things we are reminded to be.

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

Who is invisible to you? Who do you ignore? Why do you choose to do this?

Family Prayer: Jesus, sometimes it can feel as though you cannot hear us. Help us to keep asking for help and to be patient,

waiting with trust, knowing you will answer our prayers at the right time. 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 selects his 12 Apostles giving them special authority to preach and heal the sick. He did not send them alone. He sent then out two by two, and gives them specific instructions to take nothing with them for the journey, except a walking stick, a pair of sandals and one tunic. The Apostles trusted everything Jesus told them to do.

By virtue of our Baptism, we are called to trust Jesus and in his name tell people about his love for us. But he doesn’t expect us to do this mission alone. He wants us to work with others. Our Church is a community of disciples who teach people about Jesus and helps others in Jesus’ name.

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

How will you share Jesus’ mission as his disciple?

Family Prayer: Jesus, help me to listen, hear and share your word. Amen