A Word from the Pastor



May 30, 2025

This month marks the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea and Pope Francis had hoped to mark this anniversary by participating in the observance in Turkey. Pope Leo XIV said recently: “My election has taken place during the year of the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. That Council represents a milestone in the formulation of the Creed shared by all Churches and Ecclesial Communities. While we are on the journey to re-establishing full communion among all Christians, we recognize that this unity can only be unity in faith. As Bishop of Rome, I consider one of my priorities to be that of seeking the re-establishment of full and visible communion among all those who profess the same faith in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit."

Pope Leo made it clear at a news conference that he wants to go to Nicea (in Turkey) to observe this important anniversary. The date has yet to be scheduled. It is clear that ecumenism (Christian unity) is a priority for our new pope. 

The Emperor Constantine was the one who called the Council in 325 AD to address various heresies prevalent at the time. From this historic meeting we received the Nicene Creed. Celebrating the anniversary of this Council is momentous because it was held at a time when Christianity was united (that is, before the Great Schism of 1054 that divided the East (Orthodox) and West , and prior to the Protestant Reformation.

Pope Leo explained his personal commitment to working for unity saying: “Indeed, unity has always been a constant concern of mine, as witnessed by the motto I chose for my episcopal ministry: In Illo uno unum, an expression of Saint Augustine of Hippo that reminds us how we too, although we are many, “in the One — that is Christ — we are one” (Enarr. in Ps., 127, 3). What is more, our communion is realized to the extent that we meet in the Lord Jesus. The more faithful and obedient we are to him, the more united we are among ourselves. We Christians, then, are all called to pray and work together to reach this goal, step by step, which is and remains the work of the Holy Spirit.”

Some of our parishioners will remember when we participated in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity last January 23 at San Dieguito United Methodist Church in Encinitas. The theme for this year’s prayer service took its cue from the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea: “Do You Believe This?” (The words of Jesus in John 11:26) It was so beautiful as Catholics, Methodists, UCCs, Episcopalians, Lutherans and other Christians prayed the Nicene Creed together.

Let us heed the exhortation of our Holy Father to pray and work for greater unity among all who call themselves Christian. Through many types of dialogue – both formal and informal – may we break down the walls that divide us and build mutual trust and understanding. Remember that dialogue includes listening with the intent to learn from one another. This can lead us to great respect and mutual trust.

May the Holy Spirit bring us together as one.

In one Heart,

Fr. Ron 

 rmbagley@yahoo.com

Celebrate the Centenary of Saint John Eudes’ Canonization

The Eudist Fathers invite you to join us in commemorating the 100th anniversary of the canonization of Saint John Eudes with a special celebration of Mass.

It will be this Saturday, May 31, 8:oo am at St. Patrick Catholic Church.

It will be followed with pastries and coffee on the patio. All are welcome.

Pope Francis gave a shout out to the Eudists for the anniversary of the canonization. Click on the brief video clip in this announcement from Colombia.

Cardinal McElroy Gives Interview on Pope Leo XIV and Shares His Experience at the Conclave

An interview with Gerard O’Collins

Our former bishop, Cardinal Robert McElroy, now the archbishop of Washington, was one of the 133 cardinals who elected Pope Leo XIV. Attached is an interview Cardinal McElroy gave to Gerard O’Collins, America Media’s Vatican correspondent while in Rome on May 19, the day after the Mass for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV as the 266th successor of St. Peter.

Cardinal McElroy, with his usual insight and measure, shares his perceptions and answers the interviewer with candor. The article appeared in America Media on May 27.

Altar Society Message

The Ladies of the Altar Society would like to extend an invitation to all the ladies of our church community to attend our Luncheon Meeting on this Thursday, June 4 in the hall starting at noon.

In attendance will be the priests of our parish along with the deacons, and we will be presenting a check to Fr. Ron for Altar expenses for the past calendar year June 2024 - May 2025.  This is a great opportunity to see what our group is all about and what we do with the money we raise during the year.

Please email me at: bamathias5500@sbcglobal.net

Barbara Mathias

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience

Spend quality time with the

person you vowed to love for a lifetime

The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience is

June 28 –29 at St. John’s in Encinitas.

Early registration is highly recommended. For more

information visit our website at www.wwme.org

Or call 888-574-5653

A Course on Vatican II



For those who are interested in knowing more about this important event in the history of the Church, Fr. Ron is teaching a course on the Second Vatican Council on Wednesdays, beginning June 10.



It is being sponsored by the Diocesan Institute but will take place at St. Patrick’s parish hall. If you have questions, contact Fr. Ron. If you want to register, see the attached flyer for details.

Thank you, St. Patrick community, for your generous support to assist Shoes to the World in providing new shoes to children and adults living in extreme poverty. These shoes will provide not only basic foot protection but also will prevent diseases like hookworm. You have truly made a difference in the lives of these people. You can follow our progress this year at www.shoestotheworld.org

Million Meal Event

The diocese’s deacons are inviting parish communities to participate in the upcoming Million Meal Event that will take place on June 14th, at Cathedral Catholic High School. 

The event has been very successful the past couple years, drawing more than 3,000 people who packed meals for hungry children in Tijuana and Africa. This year the goal is to pack 1 million meals in one day and raise $300,000. Parish teams, ministries, families and individuals can make an impact on a child’s life. Everyone is welcome to sign up. If you have any questions, please call the office and speak to one of the deacons.  

Online Giving Reminder

If you currently use Online Giving for your electronic giving, please make sure you login to the application frequently to make sure your payment method is current and your donations are being processed.

Click on the Online Giving icon below to create or access your account.

Catholic Trivia

"Catholic Trivia”... not because they are trivial but because these might be things that not everyone knows. Test your knowledge by reading the five questions, remember your answers (or jot them down), then click the link below to find the answers.

1. How many counties make up the Diocese of San Diego?
2. With a total population of 3,454,921 citizens, how many Catholics make up the Diocese of San Diego?
3. In what year was Bishop Michael Pham born?
4. In what year did he migrate from Vietnam to the United States?
5. In what year was Bishop Pham ordained a priest?

Feel free to email Fr. Ron with ideas for future Catholic Trivia questions rmbagley@yahoo.com