Hello Families, Take Time to Chat – What happens to a branch when it is cut off a vine? What is Jesus trying to teach us through this analogy? In what way does the story of the vine and the branches describe your relationship with Jesus? Jesus says, “If you remain in me and my…
By the Faithful Disciple GROW AS A DISCIPLE “Where do they get their energy!” Maybe you’ve said that about your children as they run around the yard while you’re trying to wrangle them inside for bedtime. Jokes abound about how sugar and caffeine are what keep most adults going, but we know it’s proper nutrition,…
Hello Families, The Good Shepherd makes sacrifices for the sheep not because it is required, but because it is a choice. That sounds a lot like parenting and the dynamics of a healthy family life. Parents choose to make sacrifices for their children out of love, not obligation. Christian parents model and invite their children…
By the Faithful Disciple GROW AS A DISCIPLE Several years ago, I went to a shopping mall with my six-year-old son, and I could tell he was overwhelmed by the fast-moving crowds; he stuck close to my side. Not long into our trip, he turned a corner and, suddenly, his face lit up. He pointed…
Hello Families, In today’s Gospel story, Jesus asked his disciples why they were troubled. Why do you think they were troubled? Share a time when you went to Jesus when you were troubled. Why did Jesus ask the disciples to look at his hands and his feet? Share a time when you had difficulty believing…
By the Faithful Disciple GROW AS A DISCIPLE It’s only been two weeks since Easter, but already the holiday can seem like another item checked off our to-do lists. It’s easy to get complacent as we go about our busy lives – marking celebrations, important dates and gatherings on the calendar. Today’s readings remind us…
Hello Families, Within normal family life, there are many opportunities for conflict. Jesus did not promise us the absence of conflict in our lives. Instead, he gave us the gifts of peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation so that we could reduce conflict. The measure of Christian family life is not the absence of conflict, but the…