A Word from the Pastor

October 28, 2022

It is hard to believe that the month of October has passed so quickly. This week we begin the month of November with the Solemnity of All Saints. On this Tuesday, November 1, we will have five Masses for your convenience. I remind you that it is a holy day of obligation. In addition to our daily Masses at 7:00 am and 8:00 am, you may join our Catholic school children who will have Mass in the church at 9:00 am. For the benefit of those who work during the day, we are adding a Mass at 5:30 pm (English) as well as a Mass at 7:00 pm (Spanish).

November is the month of All Souls. Our prayer for those who have died is an expression of our Catholic belief that we may assist those who have died through our prayers. It is rooted in our understanding of the Communion of Saints. We are united as one family with all those who have reached their place in the heavenly Kingdom, with those who are being purified as they complete that journey after death, as well as with all those who continue to journey through this earthly life. There is a strong connection. Just as we can ask the saints in heaven for their intercession before the throne of God, so we can intercede for our brothers and sisters who have died but “have not yet arrived.”

Although during this whole month we pray in a special way for all those who have died, our annual celebration of All Souls Day takes on particular importance here at St. Patrick’s. On Wednesday November 2, in addition to the two regular daily Masses at 7:00 am and 8:00 am, we will celebrate our annual Bilingual Mass for All Souls, with a particular remembrance of those parishioners who have died during this past year. All of their names will be read, and a candle is lit in their memory. It will take place at 7:00 pm in the church. I will preside, other priests will concelebrate, and Deacon Miguel will give the homily. Everyone is welcome to join in this beautiful and moving celebration. Read the article below for further details about our observance of the month of All Souls.

We are pleased to welcome Fr. Jean Michel Amoriaux, CJM, the Superior General of the Eudist Fathers. He is coming from Rome where he lives and will arrive for his visit on November 2. He will spend a week with us, so you may see him. The purpose of his visit is to consult with all the Eudists of the area about the future leadership of our province. He will take time to talk with each Eudist individually as well as participate in community meetings. He will depart on November 8 and go on to consult with the Eudists in Quebec. Next weekend (November 5-6), he will preside at the 4:30 pm Mass on Saturday (English) as well as the 1:00 pm Mass on Sunday (Spanish). He will also preside at two Masses at St. James in Solana Beach.

Later in the month we will have our annual Bilingual Thanksgiving Day Mass. But more about that in the weeks ahead. May you and your families experience the peace and joy that faith in the risen Lord brings to us.

In one Heart,

Fr. Ron 

[email protected]

November is the Month of

All Souls

Our custom as Catholics is to offer special prayers during the month of November for All Souls (all those who have died). Here at St. Patrick’s we have two special ways that this happens.

On Wednesday, November 2 (the Day of the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed), we will have a special bilingual Mass at 7:00 pm. During this Mass, we will read the names of all those who have died during the last year. A candle will be lit in honor of each of these dear departed loved ones. Fr. Ron has sent a letter to each family of parishioners who died in the last year. If you did not receive it, contact the parish office.



In addition, during the month of November we have a Novena of Masses for All Souls. This takes place November 3-11. Anyone is welcome to submit names of deceased loved ones to be remembered during these Masses. There is an envelope in the regular packet of envelopes you received in the mail. Simply write the names of your deceased loved ones on the envelope, enclose a donation of any amount, and place it in the regular collection. Additional envelopes are available at the main doors of the church, or just use a plain envelope. These envelopes will remain on the altar throughout the month of November.

Celebrate All Saints and All Souls in the Home

As we approach Halloween and the feasts of All Saints and All Souls, it would be worthwhile to consider how to observe these occasions as Catholics. In particular, how can we bring the real meaning of these celebrations into our homes.

The link below contains an article about the real meaning and the origins of these feast days. There are some free links as well as prayer services that you can purchase.

Altars – Day of the Dead

Día de los Muertos is a Mexican tradition dating back 3,000 years that honors the memories of the deceased. Altars are built with pictures of their deceased loved ones along with items that belonged to them as well as their favorite foods as a reminder of their lives. This Sunday, October 30th, after all Masses, Altars will be on display in the small parking lot. If you would like to participate in this event, please call the Parish Office and ask for Deacon Miguel. 

To read more, click below.

Amazing Grace with More Than 200 Bagpipes

This rendition of the popular hymn Amazing Grace was recorded live in Berlin in January 2021. It is very dramatic with a soloist, choir, orchestra, bagpipes and a procession of lighted torches.

The article attached explains the origin of the song and what it means to John Newton, its composer.

The Letter – A Film Screening & Panel Discussion

A newly released film entitled The Letter will be screened on Sunday, November 13, 2 to 5 pm, at the Diocesan Pastoral Center (3888 Paducah Drive, San Diego). All are welcome to come view the documentary featuring the four voices of Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si': the earth, the poor, the indigenous, and the natural world, produced by the award-winning filmmakers of My Octopus Teacher. The screening will be followed by an ecumenical expert panel discussion on the role of faith and spirituality in bringing about climate action against the backdrop of the annual UN Framework Convention for Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP) 27. An international/multicultural potluck will precede the screening. Contact Christina Slentz, [email protected], with questions. Please register using the link below.

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. What are the four cardinal virtues?
2. Why are they called cardinal virtues?
3. Which virtue is described as practical wisdom that empowers one to be good and to act well in daily affairs, both ordinary and extraordinary. Or in the words of St. Thomas Aquinas, “right reason in action.”?
4. Which is the virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods?
5. Which is the virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good?