COVID-19 Vaccines & Catholic Morality

4/28/24 - The Vine and the Branches - Cycle B

Dear Families,

Happy Easter!

This fifth Sunday of Easter, Jesus tells us he is the vine we are the branches. Jesus uses this parable to explain how branches grow out from a vine and receive their food from the main stem. The gardener prunes and tends the garden so it will grow and bear fruit.

Jesus teaches us that we can only grow in faith and do the right things if we stay close to him. Jesus will correct and guide us, just as the gardener prunes and tends a garden so it will grow strong.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can you stay connected to Jesus, like branches are connected to a vine?

Family Prayer: Jesus, help us find ways to stay close to you so we can grow in faith and love. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

5/5/24 - Unconditional Love - Cycle B

Dear Families,

Happy Easter!

This Sixth Sunday of Easter, Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy might be complete.”

In this Gospel, Jesus shares the depth of his love for us. It is simple and everlasting. He calls us to love one another, as God loves him and as he loves us. Sharing Jesus’ love is not simple. This love requires putting others first, giving up a special treat, or being a friend to someone who is not easy to love. Jesus teaches us that we will be happy and complete when we love one another as he loves us.

This week during the Sign of Peace, try to see Jesus in each person you greet and smile at them with love.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can you find new ways to spread Christ’s love and joy to others?

Family Prayer: Lord, show us how to love and bring joy to others. Amen.

Click Photo

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

5/12/24 - Jesus Prays for His- Cycle B

Happy Mother’s Day!

This week I am sending a video on you tube from the Gospel of John 17:1-26.

The Gospel video is just after Jesus shared the Last Supper with his friends the disciples. He knew he was about to go to the cross. He prayed for his friends the disciples and asked God to unite, protect, and guide them. It is very important to understand that when Jesus was praying for his disciples, he was praying for us too.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What are the three things Jesus asks God when he prayed for his friends the disciples and us?

Family Prayer: Dear Lord, pray to help us live with God’s presence in the world. Unite, protect, and guide us always. Amen

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

5/26/24 - What is the Trinity? - Cycle B

Dear Families,

This first Sunday after Pentecost, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, and today we remember that God revealed himself to us as one God in three Persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus told the disciples they were to make disciples of all nations. He said they were to baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Today the Church continues to teach all people about Jesus and baptize in the name of the Trinity. When we were baptized, the priest said, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Through our Baptism, we share both in the life of the Blessed Trinity and in the Church’s mission to teach all people about Jesus.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can you share your faith with others?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us to learn more about you and the Blessed Trinity, so we can teach others. Amen.

Click Photo

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

6/2/24 - What is the Eucharist? - Cycle B

Dear Families,

This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. In this week’s Gospel of Mark, we hear Jesus give instructions to his disciples for preparing a special meal for the Jewish celebration of Passover. We also hear about the meal that Jesus shares with his disciples at the Last Supper.

Some of you have already celebrated your First Eucharist, and this special day took planning and preparation.

Each Sunday Jesus invites us to join him in this special supper. As a family, continue planning and preparing each Sunday to receive the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What are some things that we might do to prepare ourselves to celebrate the Eucharist?

Family Prayer: Lord, please help us to recognize you in the Holy Eucharist. Help us to remember that you are truly present. Amen.