COVID-19 Vaccines & Catholic Morality

9/8/24 - Be Opened! - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, we hear how a man who could not hear and did not speak well is brought to Jesus by his friends. Jesus touched him and healed him. Jesus asks people not to tell anyone what happened. However, they were so excited they could not keep the Good News to themselves.

Right before the Gospel is proclaimed, we cross our forehead (to remember God’s words), our lips (to proclaim God’s words) and our hearts (to love and feel what we learn in the Gospel). God wants us to listen, and open our hearts to his healing love for us. Jesus wants us to speak and share the Goods News of how he heals and loves our family and friends.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Do you need to listen to God’s words with your heart before you can use your voice to tell others about Jesus?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us to hear the Gospel, understand it, and tell others the Good News of Jesus. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/12/21 - Third Sunday of Advent - Cycle C

Dear Families,

This Sunday is the third week of Advent, and we prepare joyfully for the coming of the Messiah. John the Baptist answers questions on how to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. He told them they can share food and clothing. Tax collectors can collect only what they are owed. Soldiers could treat people with respect. At first people thought he might be the Messiah, but he explained that one mightier than him would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

John the Baptist’s preaching raises people’s hopes. John helped people to see how they should act toward one another so that they are ready for God’s coming. People came to see and hear him, and he showed them the way to God. The people that heard John preach had a desire to change their lives for the better, they wanted to hear the truth.

As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can we, like John the Baptist, show other people the way to Jesus?

Family Prayer: Holy Spirit, you move us and help us change. Teach us to follow Jesus in all things. Amen

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

1/19/25 - Wedding in Cana - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus performs his first miracle. He turns water into wine at a wedding in Cana. Mary observed that the hosts had run out of wine and this could become an embarrassing situation. Mary told Jesus and he said that the time wasn’t ready yet, but Mary told the servers “Do whatever he tells you”. Jesus obeyed Mary and asked the servers to bring six stone jars with water and changes the water into wine. And not just ordinary wine, but the very best. This is the first sign of Jesus glory.

Mary interceded at the wedding celebration and Jesus listened to her request and obeyed. Mary intercedes for us when we ask her to pray for us. She is an example of how presenting our needs and those of others to Jesus we can be confident that he will respond to our prayers in extraordinary ways.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
When we see a need how can we try to help?

Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to be obedient, just like you were to your mother. Help us see the needs of others. Help us to do what you teach us. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

2/2/25 - The Presentation of the Lord - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel of Luke, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. As was the Jewish custom, Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the Temple forty days after his birth. Simeon a devout and righteous man was at the Temple. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would see Christ of the Lord before he died. When Mary and Joseph came to the Temple, he recognized Jesus.

We too are called to recognize Jesus Christ. When we follow our Catholic faith and customs by receiving our Sacraments, attending Mass, praying and serving others we too will recognize Jesus.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What Catholic faith traditions and customs are important to you and your family? Why are they important?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us to imitate the Holy Family and to follow the teachings of the Catholic Church. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

1/7/24 - The Magi

Dear Families,

Merry Christmas! In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. We learn how the Magi were not members of the Jewish people. The Magi came from far away because they had seen a star appear in the sky and understood that a king had been born and traveled to Jerusalem. When they arrived in Jerusalem, they first met with the king of Jerusalem. King Herod was rich, had servants, was a powerful leader and everyone did what he commanded. But the Magi understood that this was not the king they were seeking. So, they continued their journey and followed the star to Bethlehem. They found the new king not in a palace or rich. The Magi found a baby with his mother and understood that this was the true king. They knelt and they offered him their best gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

In many cultures, gifts are not exchanged at Christmas, but on the feast of the Epiphany. The Magi teach us that Jesus is here for all of us and to seek him. Let’s celebrate the feast of the Epiphany and bring to Jesus the gift of the best version of ourselves that God created us to be and to serve him.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What can the Magi teach us about seeking Jesus? What gifts do you bring to Jesus?

Family Prayer: Lord, your kingly power, announced by a star, shines brightly. May our hearts be opened to seek you and serve you completely. Amen.