Services
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
9/15/24 - Faith or Works? - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus asks his disciples who do people say that he is, and they respond saying John the Baptist, Elijah, or a prophet. But then he asks them, “who do you say that I am”? Peter replies “You are the Christ.” Then Jesus teaches them that he will be rejected by many, suffer and die on the cross. Peter who doesn’t understand rebukes Jesus. Jesus tells Peter he is thinking not as God does, but as human beings do. He then tells the disciples and the crowd that whoever wishes to follow him must take up their cross and follow him.
As human beings we have our own expectations of God and what should be happening in our world. God’s plan is always more than what we can imagine. Jesus loved us so much that he suffered and died for us. Trust, that Jesus is always with us to help us carry our cross when we follow him and offer our lives in service to others.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What does Jesus mean when he says we must take up our cross and follow him?
Family Prayer: Jesus, teach us to believe in you and trust in you completely, even when it seems difficult. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
9/1/24 - Why Rules? - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus tells the Pharisees and some scribes that our holiness is more than just following their rules. Jesus tells them that their thoughts and actions are not following God’s commandments.
Jesus teaches us that that when we are kind, generous and loving towards one another we are following God’s laws.
Watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How do we follow God’s laws in our hearts?
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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Read more: Why Rules? Cycle B / ¿Por Que Seguir Las Reglas? Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
9/29/24 - What's Holding You Back? - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Mark, John tells Jesus that someone who was not his follower was driving out demons in his name and he tried to prevent it. Jesus replied not to prevent him. Because anyone who performs mighty deeds in his name cannot speak ill of him. Because whoever is not against him is for him. He also tells us to cut our hands and feet and pluck our eyes out instead of using them to sin.
Jesus is teaching us to appreciate the good deeds of others. This is a good reminder to treat anyone who brings Jesus to us or others with respect and kindness. Jesus is also teaching us to use our hands, feet, and eyes to do good things and to see the goodness in others and bring his love to everyone.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What does Jesus mean when he tells us that if your hand or foot causes you to sin cut it off or pluck your eye out?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to recognize those who teach us to know you better. Help us to treat them with love and kindness every day. Amen.
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Read more: What's Holding You Back? Cycle B / ¿Que Te Detiene? Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/29/24 - Holy Family Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, at the age of 12 Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Jewish feast of Passover, an event where family and friends traveled together each year. On their way back home, they realized Jesus was not with them. They were worried when they could not find Jesus with any of their families or friends. After three days they found Jesus when they went back to the Temple. When they found him and they told him how concerned and anxious they were, Jesus asked them why were they concerned since he was in his Father’s house, but he was obedient and returned with them to Nazareth.
As a family watch reflection video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What makes our family holy?
Family Prayer: Jesus, Mary and Joseph pray for us. Amen
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Read more: Holy Family Jesus, Mary, and Joseph / Sagrada Familia de Jesús, Maria y Jose
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
1/12/25 - Baptism of the Lord - Cycle C
Dear Families,
This Sunday we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Many people in Israel thought John the Baptist was the Messiah. John clears the confusion by explaining he baptizes with water but one mightier than he will baptize with the Holy Spirit. After Jesus was baptized by John, the Holy Spirit came down in the form of a dove. A voice from Heaven said, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each present for this important event. Jesus is not alone when he begins his mission.
Like Jesus, we are God’s beloved sons and daughters. When we are baptized, we are not alone. God is getting us ready for a special mission. At our Baptism we become members of a community that continues Jesus’ work of healing and teaching.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What happens at Baptism?
Family Prayer: Thank you, Lord for making us members of your family through Baptism. Amen.
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Read more: Baptism of the Lord Cycle C/ Bautismo del Señor Ciclo C
