1. Sunday, January 18, 2026 (2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

​

Take a minute to consciously acknowledge that you are in the presence of God and ask him to help you to hear the Word he wants you to hear this week.

​

Here’s a link to Sunday, January 18th’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011826.cfm

​

John testifies that Jesus is the Lamb of God, God’s own Son.

 

Read together this Gospel, John 1:29-34 and discuss the following questions together.

1. How do you think Jesus reacts to John’s statements?

2. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in this passage?

3. What does the title “Lamb of God” mean to you?

4. Where do you see the Holy Spirit at work in your life or in our parish?

5. John points others to Jesus. Who has pointed you toward Jesus?

6. What helps you recognize God’s presence during your week?

 

 

* Family Challenge

“Spot the Spirit” Scavenger Hunt

Look for signs of the Holy Spirit this week:

• acts of kindness

• moments of courage

• forgiveness

• peace in a stressful moment

 

* Family Fun

“Behold the Lamb” Art Prompt

Create a simple drawing or collage of what “Lamb of God” means to you.

 

End in Prayer

 

Loving God, as we leave this time of worship, open our eyes to recognize Your Son the way John the Baptist recognized Him on the shore. Help us notice the quiet ways Your Spirit moves in our days—

in moments of kindness, courage, forgiveness, and peace. Strengthen us to be Your light in the world this week. Give us the humility to point others toward Jesus, not with loud words, but with steady love and faithful actions. May the Lamb of God guide our steps, fill our hearts with compassion, and lead us to live as Your people of hope. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

***********************************************************

 

2. Why Do Bad Things Happen? 

​

When tough situations arise, look to mentors of faith who show how to move forward without getting discouraged. .

 

Begin with Prayer

God, help us to remember that you’re always there for us, especially when life gets hard. Amen. 

 

As a family, discuss these questions

•  When bad things happen, what happens to your faith? Why?

• Has your faith ever changed after overcoming a major difficulty? If so, how?

• Why do you think bad things happen?

• How can we be there for each other when bad things happen? 

Read the following Scripture passages and discuss what these scripture verses teach about living through challenging situations.

• Hebrews 11:1

• Matthew 6:31-33

• 1 Peter 5:7 

 

Read the Story of Rosa Parks

https://www.beliefnet.com/news/2005/11/she-never-gave-in-to-hate.aspx

 

Discuss the story using the following questions

• What bad thing was Rosa Parks dealing with?

• Do you think Rosa Parks got discouraged? Why or why not?

• What do you think helped Rosa Parks live through difficult times?

• What can we learn from Rosa Parks? 

 

Read the Story of Mother Teresa

https://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/catholic/2007/09/songs-in-the-darkness-mother-teresas-inner-strength.aspx

 

Discuss the story using the following questions

• What bad thing was Mother Teresa dealing with?

• Do you think Mother Teresa got discouraged? Why or why not?

• What helped Mother Teresa live through difficult times?

• What can we learn from Mother Teresa?

 

Read the Story of Boy Scouts and a Tornado

https://www.beliefnet.com/inspiration/most-inspiring-2008/mipy-profile-boy-scouts.aspx

 

Discuss the story using the following questions

• What bad thing was the Boy Scout troop dealing with?

• Do you think the members of the Boy Scout troop got discouraged? Why or why not?

• What helped this Boy Scout troop get through that difficult situation?

• What can we learn from the Boy Scout troop? 

​

***********************************************************

 

3. Sunday, January 25, 2026 (3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

 

Take a minute to consciously acknowledge that you are in the presence of God and ask him to help you to hear the Word he wants you to hear this week.

 

Here’s a link to Sunday, January 25th’s   readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012526.cfm

 

Jesus begins to preach in Galilee and calls his first disciples.

 

Read together this Gospel, Matthew 4:12-23  and discuss the following questions together.

1. Why do you think these men are willing to follow Jesus?

2. Do you think anyone else wants to follow Jesus, too, but doesn’t?

3. What do you think it’s like for the fishermen to see Jesus heal people?

4. What must you leave behind in order to keep following Jesus? What will you miss? What will you be glad to leave behind?

5. What “light” has God brought into your life recently?

6. What is one small way you can follow Jesus more closely this week?

7. Where do you see darkness in the world — and how can you bring light?

​

*  Liturgy Link

Jesus calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

At Mass on Sunday, listen for the words “light,” “call,” and “follow.”

How is Jesus calling you right now?

 

*  Family Challenge

“Follow Me” Challenge

Choose one simple action to “drop your nets” this week:

• Put away your phone during dinner

• Help someone without being asked

• Pray for someone who is struggling

• Do a quiet act of kindness anonymously

Invite each family member to share how it went next Sunday.

​

End in Prayer

 

Jesus, Light of the World, Thank You for calling us to follow You.  Give us courage to leave behind anything that keeps us from Your love. Help us bring Your light to our families, our parish, and our world. Amen.
 

***********************************************************

 

4. Sticking Together

 

Examine the relationship between Ruth and Naomi in the Old Testament to learn why it’s important to stick together through good and bad times. 

 

Begin with Prayer

God, help us to see new truths about what it means to be family from the book of Ruth in the Old Testament. Amen. 

 

Read aloud Ruth 1:1-5

 

Discuss the following questions

• What happened to Ruth and Naomi?

• How would you feel if you were Naomi? If you were Ruth?

• When have you seen a family hit hard by tragedy? What happened? 

 

Read aloud Ruth 1:16-22 

​

Discuss the following questions

• Why do you think Ruth stayed with Naomi?

• What does Naomi’s name change reveal about Naomi’s emotional state?

• Why did Naomi and Ruth go back to Bethlehem?

• What do Naomi and Ruth have in common?

• How do you think Naomi’s and Ruth’s shared experience affected their relationship? 

 

Read aloud Ruth 2:1-12 

 

Discuss the following questions

• Who is Boaz?

• Why is Boaz important?

• Why does Boaz make a big deal about Ruth sticking with Naomi?

• Why is it important to bless other people when they do the right thing?

​

Discuss the following questions

• What did you learn from this story?

• What does it mean to be family?

• Why is it important for family to stick together?

• How do you stick together as a family when family members are separated, such as by geography, divorce, work, and so on?

• How can we stay connected to each other more? 

​

***********************************************************

 

5. Sunday, February 1, 2026 (4th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

​

Take a minute to consciously acknowledge that you are in the presence of God and ask him to help you to hear the Word he wants you to hear this week.

 

Here’s a link to Sunday, February 1st’s readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020126.cfm

 

Jesus teaches what it means to be happy.

 

Read together this Gospel, Matthew 5:1-12a  and discuss the following questions together.

1. What are some of the things that society says will make us happy? What are some of the things that Jesus says will bring blessings and happiness?

2. What do you think it means that Jesus teaches “with authority”?

3. Where do you need Jesus’ peace or healing in your life right now?

4. What voices influence you the most during the week — and how can you make more room for God’s voice?

5. When have you seen someone use their influence for good?

 

*  Liturgy Link

At Mass on Sunday, listen for words like authority, teaching, and freedom.

Ask yourself: What is Jesus trying to teach me today?

​

*  Family Challenge

“Tune In to God’s Voice”

This week, choose one intentional way to quiet the noise and make space for God’s voice.

Invite each family member to pick one small practice from the list below (or create their own):

• Tech‑Free Meal: Eat one meal together with all devices put away.

• Two-Minute Pause: Take two minutes each day to sit quietly and ask, “Jesus, what do You want to teach me today?”

• Kindness First: Do one act of kindness for someone in your home before they ask.

• Scripture Spotlight: Read one verse from Sunday’s Gospel each day and share one word that stands out.

• Gratitude Swap: Each night, tell someone in your family one thing you’re grateful for about them.

At the end of the week, gather for a few minutes and share: Where did you notice God’s voice, peace, or guidance?

 

*  Saint of the Week

St. Brigid of Ireland (Feast: February 1)

A beloved Irish saint known for generosity, hospitality, and compassion.

She reminds us that true authority looks like service, especially to the poor and vulnerable.

 

End in Prayer

​

Jesus, our Teacher and Healer, Thank You for speaking words that bring life and peace. Help us listen to Your voice above all others. Give us courage to follow Your teachings and to use our own influence to bring hope to others. Amen.

​

***********************************************************