Hello Families!
The Faith Formation office and catechists are working hard preparing for the new school year. Registration forms have been sent out to existing Faith Formation families and are available in the back of church. Our first day of class is Wednesday, September 18th. If you are new to our parish or know a student who should be in our program, please contact the Faith Formation office. Our sacramental programs require a two-year commitment.
Today’s Gospel invites us to consider how we witness the healing presence of Christ in our care for those who are sick. We notice that the deaf man is brought to Jesus for healing by his friends. These people beg Jesus to lay his hands on this deaf man so that he might be healed. Jesus’ healing power is shown in his opening of the man’s ears and the restoring of his speech. When family members care for one another when they are sick, they bring Christ’s healing presence. When we pray for those who are ill, we ask God to show his healing power. When health is restored, we share that good news with others.
As you gather as a family, recall a time when a family member was ill. What steps were taken to help restore this family member to health? Talk about what it feels like to care for a person who is ill, and about how it feels to be the sick person being cared for. In today’s Gospel, we hear about a time when Jesus healed a man who was deaf. Read today’s Gospel, Mark 7:31-37. Notice how the man who was cured and his friends could not honor Jesus’ request to keep quiet about Jesus’ power to heal. We continue to celebrate Jesus’ healing presence in our lives by giving thanks to God for the gift of healing and health. Conclude in prayer, thanking Jesus for the gifts of health and healing. Pray together for those who are sick. After each person is named, pray, “Jesus, heal us.”
Partners in Faith,
Phyllis Chudzinski