Services

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)

8/18/24 - Wisdom and the Sacrament of the Eucharist

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel of John, Jesus continues to say that he is the living bread that came down from heaven. Jesus told them that he is the Son of God, and whoever eats his flesh and drinks his blood will live forever. His listeners were troubled when they heard these words.

Every time we receive the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist Jesus makes himself one with us. He promises us that when we eat his flesh and drink his blood, we will have eternal life.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Why do you think Jesus’ listeners were troubled when Jesus said, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day”? What do you think Jesus meant when he said they would have eternal life?

Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for your Eucharist, for the gift of yourself. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

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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(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)

2/11/24 - Be Made Clean! - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, we hear how Jesus was approached by a man who had leprosy. The man asked Jesus to heal his leprosy. Leprosy was a horrible contagious disease that had no cure, and during Jesus’ time lepers were not allowed to have contact with people who did not have the disease. Jesus in his compassion touched and healed the leper. He told the man not to tell anyone, but the man told everyone what had happened. When people found out Jesus could heal, he was constantly followed by people who wanted to be healed. He tried rest and quiet in the desert, but people followed him there also. Still, he helped many people who came to him to be healed.

The Gospel story tells us that God loves every one of us, even outsiders, even those no one else seems to like. Like Jesus we need to choose to love and help others.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
To whom does Jesus reach out? To whom can you reach out?

Family Prayer: Jesus, teach us to see when people are in need and reach out to them. Amen.