Services
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
7/17/22 - Martha and Mary - Cycle C
Dear Families,
Sunday’s Gospel seems unfair to Martha. She is trying to welcome Jesus. She is cooking and cleaning for him, and her sister is not helping. Martha was upset and complained to Jesus. Jesus told Martha that what Mary had chosen was important. Mary had chosen to listen to him. Martha was overwhelmed and not paying attention or listening to him.
Jesus knows that we need to work, but he does not want us to be overwhelmed with work and activities. He wants us to understand that it is more important to spend time with him and listen to him. We must always make sure that going to Mass and praying are more important than work or any activities that do not put God first in our lives. Throughout the day whenever you do something pray first and do it for the glory of God.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Who do you identify with more Martha or Mary? Perhaps both? Why? How?
Family Prayer: Dear Lord, always help us put you first in all that we do. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
10/9/22 - Jesus Heals Ten Lepers; One Thanks Him - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus meets ten lepers who beg to be healed. Leprosy is a horrible disease that eats away at a person’s body until they die. Jesus filled with compassion heals all ten. However, only one comes back to thank him. And the one who returns is a Samaritan, a foreigner. Samaritans were not liked by the Jewish communities because of their differences. Jesus praises the Samaritan for his gratitude and tells him that his faith has saved him
A lesson we learn in this Gospel has to do with salvation and being thankful for all the amazing things God does for us. He made you and gave you everything you need to live. Jesus shows how he loves all people, even those we think are outsiders.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What is something you took for granted this week? What do you thank God for?
Family Prayer: Lord, we thank you for all of the ways that you have healed and helped us. We will try harder to not take you for granted. Amen.
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(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.
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Read more: What is the Eucharist? Cycle B / ¿Que es la Eucaristía? Ciclo B
(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)
8/14/22 - 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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