COVID-19 Vaccines & Catholic Morality

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)

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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(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)

5/5/24 - 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)

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.