Services

1/8/23 - Epiphany of the Lord

Dear Families,

This Sunday we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. The Gospel tells us about the Magi. They were three wise men from the East that had seen a special star rising up in the sky and traveled to Jerusalem. They asked to meet with King Herod and asked him where was the child who had been born King of the Jews because they wanted to do him homage. Herod was very upset with this question. He was already the King of the Jews. He was upset someone would take away his power. Herod asked the Magi to let him know when they found him because he too wanted to do homage. But secretly he wished to learn his whereabouts so he could kill him.

The Magi followed the star to Bethlehem until it stopped over the place where the Child Jesus was. They bowed to the ground and did homage, and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. During the night they had a dream telling them not to go back to Herod, so they went back to their country taking another road.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What gift can you give Jesus that shows your love for God and others?

Family Prayer: Lord, like the Magi help us to seek and worship you as our King. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

8/7/22 - Vigilant Servants - Cycle C

Dear Families,

Last week we heard about the foolish greedy rich man who never enjoyed his wealth. We learned we are to share our wealth with others.

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus continues teaching and gives us many parables. He tells us not be afraid, sell all your belongings and give to the poor. Your Father will take care of you. For where your treasure is your hearts will be. Light your lamps, open the door, be vigilant you do not know when the Son of Man will return.

When Peters asks if this parable was meant for everyone, Jesus answered him with a question. Would a prudent master put in charge servants who knew their master’s will, but did not prepare because they were ignorant or distracted because of their bad behavior? In other words, Jesus’ message is, much is expected from us and we need to share our gifts. We need to be vigilant servants waiting for our master’s return.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Are you vigilant, prepared for Jesus’ return? Are you ignorant or distracted when it comes to your faith?

Family Prayer: Jesus, we don’t know when you will come again. Help us remember that we should always be ready. Amen

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

11/6/22 - The Resurrection Is The Heart Of Our Faith - Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, the Sadducees, who did not believe in resurrection from the dead, ask Jesus a ridiculous tricky question. They ask him, what would happen if a widow had different husbands throughout her life and they died. Who would she be married to in Heaven? Jesus is not tricked. He teaches that God is God of the living. Jesus tells them that in Heaven people are like angels because they can’t die anymore, so they will not be married. All are alive in God. Jesus’ teaching on the rising from the dead is the heart of our Catholic faith.

It is not easy to imagine what our life will be like after the resurrection of the dead. It will be different, it will not be the same as this world, we will live in great joy as children of God.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What does the word resurrection mean to you? What is the name of the prayer at mass where we profess the belief of the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come?

Family Prayer: Pray the “The Creed” together. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

9/24/23 - The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells a story of a vineyard owner who went out at different times to find men to work. At the end of the day, he gave each man a whole day’s wages, even though some worked all day and some only worked one hour. He started paying the workers that started working late first and the ones that came in first last. The ones who worked all day complained and were not happy because they all received the same wages. This story is not about wages or fairness.

Jesus is teaching us about God’s love and generosity. It can feel unfair when someone gets paid when they did not work as hard as you did. Jesus says, “The last will be first, and the first will be last.” Some people spend their whole lives working for God, and some people only turn to Him at the last minute. He teaches us that there is room for everyone in his Church and in Heaven.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What is a family activity in which each member does his or her part? When did you want to be first, but did not get to be? Name something positive about putting others first?

Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, show us how to put others first. Remind us that you love all of us and you want us to love each other. Amen.

Click Photo

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

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.