Bulletin Announcement: DuBois
Marriage Moment 11-24-2024
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Thanksgiving week in USA: Whether or not you travel over Thanksgiving, remember those who can’t afford a plane ticket, gas, or even a pair of shoes, or worse – don’t have a loved one with whom to share the day. Our bounty is not deserved, but a gift. Give some of it away.
Parenting Pointers 11-24-2024
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The Friday after Thanksgiving is the biggest buying day of the year. Try buying yourself some time by spending time as a family today – and this doesn’t mean shopping. Perhaps travel back in time to the days of the Pilgrims. See if you can live for a day without electricity or automobiles, much less computers or phones.
A Family Perspective 11-24-2024
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When we are young, our parents “tell us about Jesus” and we believe what our parents believe. At some point we must leave our parents faith and ask Pilate’s question: “Are you the King?’ Pilate is just asking these questions on our behalf.
A Family Perspective 12-1-2024
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At this time of the year we are very conscious of our family as we make preparations for Christmas. Today’s gospel warns us not to be consumed by all the consumer activity. This Advent appreciates the gift of people in your life. The best gift this season might be your appreciation of others.
Parenting Pointers 12-1-2024
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On Dec. 6, St. Nick’s day, children may get a small treat like candy in their shoe. But what about adding a note of appreciation; recognizing one of their talents.
Marriage Moment 12-1-2024
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Advent is a season of waiting, but…it may be hard to ponder waiting when there is so much preparation to do for Christmas. Perhaps wait patiently today for your beloved to return from work or complete a job.
Marriage Moment 12-8-2024
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What puts passion into your marriage? For newlyweds this may come easily. For others perhaps it's been awhile. Often rekindling romance is a matter of doing something new together. Be creative before the year ends.
A Family Perspective 12-8-2024
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Today’s gospel shows John the Baptist and parents have similar vocations. Like the Baptist, parents are asked to make “rough ways smooth” and to “prepare the way of the Lord” for their families. This Advent ask: “Does my life hinder or help my family to know Jesus?”
Child Protection 12-8-2024
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Child Protection and Creating Safe Environments- Be Vigilant: It is vitally important that we are constantly vigilant concerning the behaviors of those who interact with children and communicating our concerns to the appropriate parties. Each one of us can play an important role in strengthening this culture of prevention. For example, we can better prevent abuse by ensuring that the signs of abuse are identified and reported. Noticing these warning signs, taking them seriously, and reporting them could prevent abuse in the future. When we witness inappropriate behavior or something that just doesn’t seem quite right, we must report our concerns through the appropriate channels. For particular questions in the Diocese of Erie, you may call the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth at 814-824-1195.
Parenting Pointers 12-8-2024
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Politics has put a lot of stress on the USA this year. Seek out someone you may have different political views with. Listen first. You don’t have to agree, but at least try to understand. Perhaps your child will notice your careful listening.
Parenting Pointers 12-15-2024
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In this season of “Peace” continue your peacemaking by making an effort to resolve a conflict you have with a family member, a neighbor, or a person with a different political view from yours. Who ____? Try it.
A Family Perspective 12-15-2024
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Today’s gospel tells us to SHARE! This Christmas resist the pressure to give token gifts. Instead, use those funds to give NESSITITIES to the poor. If our impoverished brothers and sisters are not on our gift list, we’ve missed the point of Christmas.
Marriage Moment 12-15-2024
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What makes a marriage happy is often not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility. How are you and your beloved most different?
Parenting Pointers 12-22-2024
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Christmas gifts may be opened and enjoyed, but there’s probably a lot of cleaning up to do. To be fully part of the family, include your children in the cleaning up too.
A Family Perspective 12-22-2024
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Mary was excited about her first pregnancy and rushed to tell her cousin. Sadly children are often seen as a liability, “another mouth to feed” or an “obstacle to my career.” It is said “Christmas is for children.” It is more accurate to say “Christmas is for adults to appreciate the gift of children!”
Marriage Moment 12-29-2024
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As one year ends and another begins, it’s natural to review and plan. Share your favorite marital moment of 2024. What’s one hope you have to enhance your love in 2025?
A Family Perspective 12-29-2024
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Today’s gospel contains this truth about parenting: “but his parents did not know.” One of the reasons parenting is so difficult is because our children don’t tell us everything. If the Holy Family had trouble with their teenager, why do we think it will be easier for us?
A Family Perspective 1-5-2025
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After meeting Jesus, the Magi returned home by “another way.” What in your family needs to be done “another way?” Do you need “another way to resolve differences, to communicate or show affection? This is a new year, time to change what isn’t working. Take a tip from some wise men, there’s always “another way.”
A Family Perspective 1-12-2025
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In today’s gospel Jesus was publicly AFFIRMED by his Father: “You are my beloved son, with you I am very pleased.” As parents we can become so focused on misbehaviors we overlook the good behaviors. Jesus needed AFFIRMATION and so do our children.
A Family Perspective 1-19-2025
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At Cana we get a good insight into Mary’s parenting style. She did not plead, argue, demand or manipulate. She merely pointed out the situation and trusted her son would make the best decision.
A Family Perspective 1-26-2025
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In today’s gospel Jesus was “praised by all” except at home in Nazareth where the “eyes of all were intently on him.” Acceptance can be hard to find at home due to unreal EXPECTATIONS. Jesus challenges us to “proclaim liberty” to anyone “oppressed” or “captive’ by our EXPECTATIONS.
A Family Perspective 2-2-2025
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Mary and Joseph must have been proud when their village “all spoke well of Jesus and were amazed at his words.” But they probably felt shame when the same people drove him out of town. Like Mary and Joseph, the highs and lows of parenting are our path to being a Holy Family.
A Family Perspective 2-9-2025
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In today’s gospel Jesus asked Simon to start by “going a short distance.” Later he asked Simon to “go into deeper water.” The first step toward reconciliation is usually a “short distance” which gives us the courage to further “into deeper water.” Reconciliation starts with the first short step!
A Family Perspective 2-16-2025
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Don’t look very far when you hear today’s gospel speak of poverty, hunger, sorrow or exclusion. These things happen in families. Children feel “insulted” when they are constantly criticized. Spouses “hunger” for affection. Grandparents feel “excluded” by divorce and custody decisions. Parents “weep” because they feel alienated from their children.
A Family Perspective 2-23-2025
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In studying the effects of religion upon family relationships, researchers inform us hostility and prayer can’t coexist. You cannot be hostile toward someone for whom you are praying. Today’s gospel encourages us: “Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who treat you badly.”
A Family Perspective 3-2-2025
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Today Jesus tells us: “Why do you see the speck in someone else’s eye but miss the log in your own eye?” It’s always easier to try to change someone else than face the things in ourselves which need change. What a waste of time for we can’t change anyone but ourselves.
A Family Perspective 3-9-2025
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Jesus “was led by the Spirit in the wilderness.” What is the wilderness in your life to which the Holy Spirit is leading you this Lent? Perhaps there are uncharted areas in your marriage or family relationships. Spend this Lent in your “wilderness” with God work. Where is the Spirit leading you this Lent?
A Family Perspective 3-16-2025
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Jesus “went up the mountain to pray” and he was “changed.” Prayer has the power to change us. This Lent set aside a few minutes each day to pray for members of your family. Pray before each meal and if you are married, spend five minutes in prayer together.
A Family Perspective 3-23-2025
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The owner of the fig tree was impatient because the tree did not live up to his expectations. In families there are those who don’t live up to our expectations. Imitate the gardener and give them more time and help. Don’t cut them out of your life. Love asks us to be connected, not productive.
A Family Perspective 3-30-2025
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We may feel like the Prodigal Son but the gospel wants us to focus on the father who was forgiving and understanding. We all make mistakes and need forgiveness. Who in your family needs your forgiveness and acceptance this Lent?
A Family Perspective 4-6-2025
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Stoning is not just an ancient act of violence. Each day in our homes we throw stones of ridicule, criticism, name-calling and put-downs. All of it is deadly. Hear Jesus in today’s gospel: “Whoever is without sin can throw the first stone.” Rid your home of violence. Stop verbal stoning!
A Family Perspective 4-13-2025
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Today Jesus tells us “I am among you as one who serves.” In accepting the palm branch today you publicly confirm your baptismal promise to follow Jesus as “one who serves.” Selfless service defines a family as Christian.
A Family Perspective 4-20-2025
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Millions of Christians around the world celebrate the Resurrection today. It all began simply on the first Easter with one person telling another: “Mary told Peter” and “they believed.” Faith is passed one person to another; it is caught, not taught and parents are the most effective persons to pass faith to their children.
A Family Perspective 4-27-2025
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Jesus connects PEACE and FORGIVENESS in today’s gospel. In our families we will only experience peace to the extent we forgive one another. Peace is purchased with the currency of forgiveness. When we allow our anger and pride to lock out others, we also lock out peace and harmony.
A Family Perspective 5-4-2025
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Jesus invited the disciples to “Come and have breakfast.” Like the Last Supper, Jesus teaches us at this beach breakfast that meals are more than about eating. They are opportunities to share prayer, listen to each other’s stories, and support one another in love.
A Family Perspective 5-11-2025
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Today’s gospel reminds us to be shepherds for our children who depend on us to be their guides and role models. Where are we leading them? When they “hear our voice” what message do they hear?
A Family Perspective 5-18-2025
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In today’s gospel Jesus tells us: “Love one another.” Love holds a family together. It is not what a family does which makes it outstanding, rather it is what is has-- love for one another.
A Family Perspective 5-25-2025
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Today Jesus gives this advice: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Worry and anxiety can consume our lives preventing us from seeing the love which surrounds us and binds us to one another.
A Family Perspective 6-1-2025
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In today’s gospel Jesus speaks of unity, not uniformity. With uniformity everything is the same. Unity requires recognition and reconciliation of differences. How do you reconcile differences in your home? Do you listen respectfully or do you try to manipulate or impose your opinion? The seeds of unity and division are in every family. What we sow, we reap. What is your family harvest?
A Family Perspective 6-8-2025
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Today’s gospel tells us God wants to be with us always and in all ways. Every family is called to be a tabernacle where God dwells. Is Jesus a permanent member of your family or a temporary guest? Today the promise is given. The choice is yours.
A Family Perspective 6-15-2025
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The words of Jesus in today’s gospel, “I have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear it now”, could be said by any parent. It can be frustrating because our desire to guide is often misinterpreted or poorly received. We cannot program our children. We can only teach, lead and trust the Spirit of truth will guide them.
A Family Perspective 6-22-2025
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In today’s gospel Jesus teaches we will find abundance by sharing what little we have. No matter how little time, money or food we have, it is enough when shared.
A Family Perspective 6-29-2025
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Today’s gospel reminds us once we set our “hand to the plow” of parenting and marriage, “we cannot look back.” This is what commitment means: to say ‘yes’ to the choice to give up other choices, and ‘yes’ to the promise to be faithful to an unknown future with our spouse.
A Family Perspective 7-6-2025
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Just like the seventy two disciples sent out by Jesus in today’s gospel, families are expected to be MISSIONARIES. By our lives, words and life style we proclaim peace, commitment, fidelity and respect to a culture caught up with violence and self- gratification.
A Family Perspective 7-13-2025
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Children learn by watching us. Do they see you helping others like the Good Samaritan, or do they see you avoiding others like the Levite in today’s gospel. You should worry more about what your children see in your life than what they see on TV. Think about it.
A Family Perspective 7-20-2025
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Phone calls, emails, texts and tweets can reduce our lives to a continual series of interrupted moments. Listen to Jesus in today’s gospel: “You are anxious about many things” robbing us of the precious time needed to BE with others. Quality time is intentional time – free from distractions.
A Family Perspective 7-27-2025
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Today’s gospel guarantees if we “ask” we will “receive,” perhaps not what we wanted but what our Heavenly Father knows is best for us. All the love we have for our children, God has for us and more. As our children trust us, we must trust “Our Father.”
A Family Perspective 8-3-2025
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In today’s gospel Jesus teaches us: “One’s life does not consist of possessions.” We spend so much time working to obtain more stuff; we don’t have time for the people in our lives. What is enough? Are the words of Jesus, “You fool”, meant for us?
A Family Perspective 8-10-2025
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In today’s gospel a servant WAITED for the master to return. Waiting is a normal part of family life. We wait for a child’s birth, then for small legs to catch up. Later we wait for teenagers to return home safely. Finally we wait alone anticipating a call or visit from an adult child. Waiting is sacred time, for even in the waiting we are connected.
A Family Perspective 8-17-2025
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Today Jesus warns us his Word will create conflict between parents and children. In a permissive society which advocates individualism and consumerism, parents must continue to teach and live the gospel values of respect, service to others, forgiveness, generosity and compassion. A Christian family is a countercultural family.
A Family Perspective 8-24-2025
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The phrase in today’s gospel, “I don’t know where you come from,” is often used by parents about children and children about parents. Change is so rapid one generation has little in common with another. We must depend on love, trust, and mutual respect to bridge this gap.
A Family Perspective 8-31-2025
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Family life well lived confirms the words of Jesus in today’s gospel, “Those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Commitment, intimacy, loyalty and love are the rewards of humble service and care for one another.
A Family Perspective 9-7-2025
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Today’s gospel is clear: commitment to another involves sacrifice. Before we accept a commitment such as marriage or parenting, we must plan carefully like the king in today’s gospel. These are serious commitments which demand complete self-giving and are not for the faint hearted or selfish.
A Family Perspective 9-14-2025
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Parents are like that shepherd in today’s gospel for they don’t give up and can’t rest if one of their children has wandered away. A parent’s persistent love provides a glimpse of the unconditional love for each of us by God, Our Father. A parent is a window to the Divine.
A Family Perspective 9-21-2025
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Despite all our time saving gadgets, we still have less leisure and family time. To solve this we created the Myth of Quality Time. Don’t be fooled: Quality Time is Quantity Time. Jesus counsels us today, we “cannot serve two masters” and expect to be happy. Dedicate time to your family. No one in their final hours regretted not spending more time at work.
A Family Perspective 9-28-2025
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In today’s gospel the rich man died and was condemned to “a place of torment” because he ignored the poor. He asked Lazarus to go and warn his five brothers to change their ways. Evidently ignoring the poor was a family pattern. What is your family’s attitude toward those who are poor?
A Family Perspective 10-5-2025
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Faith is one of those things we just can’t get enough of! In today’s gospel the apostles asked Jesus to “Increase our faith.” Where do you need an increase in faith: in yourself, your spouse, your children? In God? Faith equips us to overlook annoyances, helps us to forgive and urges us to ask forgiveness. “Lord, increase our faith!”
A Family Perspective 10-12-2025
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Everyone has been where the lepers are in today’s gospel: they meant to thank Jesus for a blessing, but, excited about being cured they just didn’t get ‘around-to-it.’ We too get caught up in our own interests and fail to appreciate what we have or what has been done for us. This week, take nothing for granted and get around to thanking those who deserve your thanks.
A Family Perspective 10-19-2025
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The widow in today’s gospel is praised for her PERSEVERANCE. In our homes perseverance is a critical ingredient to resolving differences in marriage, and teaching lessons and skills to children. Perseverance is always an act of faith and trust in the goodness of the other person.
A Family Perspective 10-26-2025
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Listen to Jesus in today’s gospel: “…who humbles himself will be exalted.” It is not the occasional big events, but the daily humble routine of family life and “ordinary time” which creates bonds and relationships which last a lifetime. Try it and you’ll see.
A Family Perspective 11-2-2025
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Jesus is saying to you what he said to Zacchaeus, “I must stay at your house today.” It doesn’t matter if in today’s gospel Jesus “intended to pass through Jericho to another town.” In families we sometimes stop at the wrong places. It is wisdom to “pass through” annoying family situations so we can enjoy the goodness of each other.
A Family Perspective 11-9-2025
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Jesus reminds us that the day will come for ‘the children of God’ where the complications of our earthly life will no longer matter. Parents know the sound of their children’s voices. When you call out “Lord”, will God say “Who’s there?”
A Family Perspective 11-16-2025
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So many conflicting voices and influences make parenting difficult. In today’s gospel Jesus encourages parents to bravely “give testimony” and trust He will give us the “wisdom” to be good parents. You are not alone in parenting; a loving Father is standing with you.
A Family Perspective 11-23-2025
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Today’s gospel reminds us the Kingdom of Heaven is not like Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Admission to Christ’s Kingdom is paid with the currency of acceptance, forgiveness, attention to the poor and love of one’s enemy.
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