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5/5/24 - Unconditional Love - Cycle B

Dear Families,

Happy Easter!

 

This Sixth Sunday of Easter, Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you.  Remain in my love.  If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.  I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy might be complete.”

 

In this Gospel, Jesus shares the depth of his love for us.  It is simple and everlasting.  He calls us to love one another, as God loves him and as he loves us.  Sharing Jesus’ love is not simple.  This love requires putting others first, giving up a special treat, or being a friend to someone who is not easy to love.  Jesus teaches us that we will be happy and complete when we love one another as he loves us.

 

This week during the Sign of Peace, try to see Jesus in each person you greet and smile at them with love.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can you find new ways to spread Christ’s love and joy to others?

 

Family Prayer:  Lord, show us how to love and bring joy to others.  Amen.

 

 

UnconditionalLove 2024 En

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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.

 

 

BeMadeClean2024 En

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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.

 

 

The Magi 2024 En

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/10/23 - Living Like John the Baptist - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Second week of Advent in Mark’s Gospel, we hear how John the Baptist is baptizing the people in the Jordan River.  He baptizes them with water and the people acknowledge their sins.  He told them that one mightier than he would baptize them with the Holy Spirit.  John is preparing the people for the coming of Christ.

 

During this Advent season let’s listen to what John is proclaiming.  Let’s turn away from the things that separate us from God by confessing our sins.  Prepare the way to welcome Jesus into your hearts by attending mass, thanking God for what he has given you, pray every day, be forgiving, kind, and help one another.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
In what way are you preparing the way of the Lord in your heart?

 

Family Prayer:  Lord, please help us to prepare not only for Christmas celebrations, but also for your arrival in our hearts.  Amen.

 

 

LivingLikeJohnBaptist 2023 En

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

4/28/24 - The Vine and the Branches - Cycle B

Dear Families,

Happy Easter!

 

This fifth Sunday of Easter, Jesus tells us he is the vine we are the branches.  Jesus uses this parable to explain how branches grow out from a vine and receive their food from the main stem.  The gardener prunes and tends the garden so it will grow and bear fruit.

 

Jesus teaches us that we can only grow in faith and do the right things if we stay close to him.  Jesus will correct and guide us, just as the gardener prunes and tends a garden so it will grow strong.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can you stay connected to Jesus, like branches are connected to a vine?

 

Family Prayer:  Jesus, help us find ways to stay close to you so we can grow in faith and love.  Amen.

 

 

VineandBranches 2024 En

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