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7/14/24 - The Salvation Story - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus sent the 12 Apostles he had chosen two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits.  Jesus gave them specific instruction as to what to bring for their journey.  He also explained that they would be rejected as he was rejected.  They went and healed the sick, drove out demons, and told people to turn away from sin.

The Apostles trusted everything Jesus told them to do.  Jesus sent his disciples two by two, not alone.  We are not alone; and our message will be rejected by family, friends, and others.  However, always remember that we are supported by the faithful community in our Church, and we are all called to share his message of repentance and healing as his disciples.  Jesus wants each of us to trust him, share his truth, and do good things in his name.

As a family watch video in its entirety then ask each other this question.
How are you as disciples bringing the message of repentance and healing to your family, friends, and others?

Family Prayer:  Lord, fill our family with faith, send us out as your disciples to share your message of salvation.  Amen.

 

 

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4/7/24 - Peace Be With You - Cycle B

Dear Families,

Happy Easter!  Easter season is a celebration of fifty days, from Easter until Pentecost.

 

In this Sunday’s Gospel of John, Jesus appears to his disciples and said to them “Peace be with you.”  Thomas is not with them when he appears, and Thomas does not believe them and states that unless he sees him himself, he will not believe.  Jesus appears again and asks Thomas to touch him, and not be unbelieving.  Thomas touched him and said “My Lord and my God.”  The Lord asks Thomas “Have you come to believe because you see me?  Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”  Jesus was blessing us when he said these words to Thomas.  We are asked to show that we believe in Jesus as our Lord and God.  We believe because of the witnessing of all who have gone before us in the faith.

 

This Sunday the Church also celebrates the feast of Divine Mercy, it is a special day when we remember God’s mercy.  When we sin, we offend God, but because he is merciful, he forgives us when we are sorry.  Jesus loves us, he suffered and died for us.  It is a special day when we ask Jesus to look on us, our friends and the whole world with love and forgiveness.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Do you doubt when you are with believers, or are you a believer who has doubts?  Do you trust our Lord and pray for his forgiveness of sins and His mercy?

 

Family Prayer:  Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. Amen.

 

 

PeaceBeWithYou 2024 En

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4/14/24 - What does the Resurrection mean for us? - Cycle B

Dear Families,

Happy Easter!

 

On this Third Sunday of Easter, we hear in Luke’s Gospel how Jesus again appears to his disciples.  They are afraid, and he greets them “Peace be with you.”  He asks them to touch his wounds and give him something to eat.  Jesus is risen and still has his human body.  He is Risen and is fully human and fully divine.  After they ate, Jesus gives the disciples a mission, to tell others about his Life, Death, and Resurrection and His message of God’s love and forgiveness.

 

As disciples of Jesus, we also are invited to eat at his table and receive the Eucharist, share scriptures, and announce the Good News of Jesus’ message of God’s love and forgiveness of sins.  We are to be witnesses of what we have experienced with him.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can I be a witness of God’s love to others?

 

Family Prayer:  Jesus, help us bring the Good News of your Resurrection to our family, friends, and neighbors.  Amen.

 

 

ResurrectionMeaning 2024 En

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12/3/23 - Advent - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus tells his disciples “Be watchful!  Be Alert!”  He warns them to be prepared and ready because they do not know when the Lord of the house is coming.

 

It is the first week of Advent, and our new Liturgical Year begins.  Happy New Year!  We are preparing to celebrate Jesus’ birthday on Christmas Day when he was born in Bethlehem a long time ago.  However, in today’s Gospel Jesus is telling his disciples to be alert.  We need to reflect on what Jesus said to his disciples about his second coming.  During these four weeks of Advent, let’s remember the importance of prayer and faithfulness to honor Jesus’ command telling us to be alert and ready for his return.  Only God knows when this day will come.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How do you stay alert to Jesus’ coming in your life?  Are you ready for his return?

 

Family Prayer:  Jesus, help us to pay attention to your words and teachings.  Help us to follow you always.  Amen.

 

 

Advent2023 En

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1/21/24 - Jonah, Jesus, and the New World - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus calls four fishermen to leave their boats and follow him.  Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John immediately leave their boats and follow him.  They become Jesus’ first disciples and gave their whole lives to spreading the Good News of Jesus and the message of God’s love.

 

Like the disciples we are all called to follow Jesus.  Jesus invites all of us to follow him immediately.  When we are called to share the message of God’s love with someone, we are not to hesitate.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What would you have to leave behind to follow Jesus?

 

Family Prayer:  Jesus, thank you for loving us and for choosing us to be your followers.  Help us to listen to you and follow you.  Amen.

 

 

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