COVID-19 Vaccines & Catholic Morality

6/9/24 - What Is Most Important - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus returns home with his twelve disciples. A crowd has gathered, and he is accused that his miracles were done through the power of the devil. Jesus speaks to them in parables and warns against their denial of the love of God, the forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit. When they tell Jesus that his family is outside, waiting for him, he explains that whoever does the will of God are his brother, sister, and mother.

Jesus teaches us that when we believe in him, we are members of his family. God is our Father, and we are brothers and sisters in Christ.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are some of the things we do as a family. What are some things we do with our Church Family?

Family Prayer: Jesus, thank you for our family and our Church family. Help us be loving and kind to all people. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

8/4/24 - The Bread of Life Cycle - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, we learn that after the multiplication of the loaves and fishes the crowd follows Jesus. Jesus teaches them that he will give them something greater than bread that fed their physical hunger, he will give them bread that will give them eternal life.

When we are hungry, Jesus knows we need to eat food. Jesus also knows that our souls also get hungry. Jesus wants to give us the gift of himself. (Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity) in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (Communion). Jesus teaches us that he is the Bread of Life. Just like our bodies need food to stay alive, our souls need God to have eternal life.

As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other these questions.
Why does Jesus tell us that if we eat the bread he gives us, we will never be hungry? What does that mean?

Family Prayer: Jesus help us to see beyond our material needs, and seek you who gives us eternal life. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

7/28/24 - The Miracle of the Eucharist - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of John, we listen to how Jesus saw the huge crowd of people that had come to hear him and needed food. When he asked his disciples to feed them, they don’t think they can help. They told him that there were only 5 loaves of barley bread and two fish that a boy had brought with him. Jesus took the bread and gave thanks to God, and over 5,00 people were fed plus there were twelve baskets of leftovers. Jesus’ miracle was a sign that he is truly the Son of God.

Let us remember that God feeds and nourishes us. He fulfills our physical as well as our spiritual needs. At Mass we offer the gifts of bread and wine to God and He turns it into the Body and Blood of Jesus. In the Eucharist we are fed by Jesus himself, and our spiritual needs, works, and talents are blessed and multiplied to help us live and serve others.

As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
What gifts do you have that Jesus could multiply to help others?

Family Prayer: Jesus, sometimes we are hungry too. We hunger for love, encouragement, or peace. Please help us to turn to you to give us all the things we hunger for and also help others. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

7/21/24 - Jesus: Shepherd and King - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In last week’s Gospel of Mark, we heard Jesus send his disciples to preach and heal in his name. In today’s Gospel, we hear what happens when they return. The Apostles were very tired and hungry. Jesus told them to take a break, but the crowds found out and followed them. Even though they were tired, Jesus and his Apostles were moved with pity and continued to help the people. Jesus is aware that the crowd of people are like sheep without a shepherd and he begins to teach them.

Family demands can make us feel tired like Jesus and the twelve apostles. It isn’t easy to help others when we are tired. Follow Jesus and bring your concerns to him. Just as he was moved when he saw the crowd as sheep without a shepherd, he will hear you and guide you as your Shepherd.

As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
How do you find the energy to do the things you need to do when you are tired?

Family Prayer: Jesus, we know your grace is sufficient for whatever we need to do. Please help us turn to you when we need to rest and when we need strength. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/8/24 - He Is Coming

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Luke, John the Baptist told people Jesus was coming to save them. He shared the Good News of Jesus, and we should too. John gave hope to people. He was not afraid to talk about Jesus’ coming and to encourage people to turn away from sin.

As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
In what ways can you share Jesus with others?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us to recognize what hurts your heart and have the courage to work to change it. Amen.