Services

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)

3/24/24 - Palm Sunday and the Passion

Dear Families,

This week is Palm/Passion Sunday. When we participate in the reading of the Passion, it is hard to say the words, “Crucify him.” It reminds us that we all choose to sin and that Jesus loves us anyway. He loves us so much that he died and rose for us and our salvation.

In Church focus on the Passion of Jesus during the Mass. Follow along carefully and say the crowd responses strongly. Consider what it would have been like to be there when Jesus was crucified.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
When have you gone along with the crowd, even when you knew it was not the right thing to do?

Family Prayer: Jesus, we want to choose you. Show us how to do what is right, even when others want us to do what is wrong. 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.

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Read more: The Magi / Los Magos

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

1/28/24 - "To him you shall listen" - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus heals a man when he is teaching on the Sabbath during synagogue worship in Capernaum. He heals the man with an unclean spirit. This unclean spirit recognized Jesus as the Holy One sent by God and asked if he had come to destroy him. Jesus rebuked him and told the evil spirit to come out of him and it did. The people who witness are amazed at his authority. Jesus has God’s authority to teach and heal.

Through this miracle Jesus teaches us a powerful lesson of God’s love, his authority, and his healing power. He doesn’t reject the man he heals him and we learn that Jesus brings God’s healing power to all people. We should all share the healing power of Jesus with others.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Do we recognize Jesus’ authority over us, his healing power, and his ability to teach us?

Family Prayer: Jesus, please help us to listen to you in all things. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

2/25/24 - Abraham, Isaac, and Jesus Transfigured - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Second Sunday of Lent, in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a mountain and they witness Jesus’ Transfiguration. His clothes became dazzling white and then Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. Peter, James, and John were amazed and afraid. Then a cloud came and made a shadow over them. A voice spoke from the cloud and said “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him”. They wonder what all this means. Coming down the mountain Jesus told Peter, James, and John not to tell anyone what happened until after He rose from the dead.

The Transfiguration remind us that even though Jesus suffered and died on the Cross, he rose in glory and gave us the opportunity for a new life forever in Heaven. It helps us understand that hard times will come and we need to think about Jesus because he understands our pain and suffering. There is a better life waiting for us when we are faithful. Each Lent gives us the opportunity to grow closer to Jesus, and become the person God created us to be for His glory.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are some ways you can listen to Jesus? How will you listen to Jesus to change and grow during Lent?

Family Prayer: Jesus, show us the way to God the Father. Helps us listen so that we can hear you and follow you. Amen.