St. Patrick Parish News & Updates

August 7, 2026 | Issue 31

Pastor’s Reflection 


Nineteenth Sunday in

Ordinary Time


The readings for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time invite us to recognize God’s presence, especially in moments of fear, uncertainty, and discouragement. Life inevitably brings storms that test our faith. These storms may come through illness, family struggles, financial burdens, disappointment, or personal loss. In such moments, we can feel isolated, overwhelmed, and even tempted to lose hope. Yet today’s Scriptures assure us that God never abandons His people. He comes to us in ways that strengthen our faith and renew our trust in Him.


In the First Reading, the prophet Elijah encounters God on Mount Horeb. Elijah has experienced hardship, fear, and exhaustion. As he waits for the Lord, he witnesses powerful wind, an earthquake, and fire. Yet God is not found in any of these dramatic manifestations. Instead, Elijah encounters the Lord in a tiny whispering sound. This profound moment teaches us that God’s presence is often revealed not in spectacular events but in silence and stillness. In a world filled with noise, distractions, and constant activity, we are called to create space for prayer and reflection so that we may hear God’s gentle voice speaking to our hearts. Spiritual renewal begins when we learn to listen.


The Gospel presents another powerful lesson about faith. The disciples are caught in a storm while crossing the sea. The waves are strong, and the wind is against them. In the midst of their struggle, Jesus comes toward them, walking on the water. At first, they are terrified and mistake Him for a ghost. Immediately Jesus reassures them: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”


Peter responds with remarkable faith. At Jesus’ invitation, he steps out of the boat and begins walking on the water. As long as his eyes remain fixed on the Lord, he remains secure. But the moment he focuses on the strength of the wind and the danger around him, fear takes over, and he begins to sink. Crying out, “Lord, save me!” Peter experiences the compassionate response of Jesus, who immediately reaches out and takes hold of him.


Peter’s experience mirrors our own spiritual journey. We often begin with confidence in God’s promises, but life’s challenges can distract us. Anxiety, disappointment, failure, and doubt can cause us to focus more on the storm than on the Savior. When this happens, we may feel as though we are sinking. Yet the Gospel reminds us that Jesus never abandons us. His hand is always extended toward us. His presence may not remove every difficulty immediately, but it gives us the strength and courage to persevere.


As disciples of Christ, we are also called to be signs of God’s presence for others. Our families and parish communities should be places where those who are burdened by life’s storms can find encouragement, understanding, and hope. Every act of kindness, every word of comfort, every gesture of forgiveness, and every expression of compassion becomes a way of revealing Christ’s love to those who need it most.


Today, as we gather around the altar, the Eucharist reminds us that Jesus remains with us. He nourishes us with His Body and Blood, strengthens our faith, and helps us keep our eyes fixed on Him. No matter how strong the winds may seem, we are never beyond His reach.


May we learn to recognize God’s gentle voice in the quiet moments of our lives. May we trust in Christ amid every storm. And may we always remember that His grace is greater than our fears, His love is stronger than every trial, and His faithful hand will lead us safely to the shore.


Blessings always,


Fr. George G. Perez, CJM

Word of the Week: Triduum



Triduum, literally, means “three days.” It refers to important feasts that are celebrated over three days. Most importantly, the Paschal Triduum is the three-day liturgical period in the Catholic Church that highlights Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. It marks the final days of Jesus' life, his passion, death, and resurrection.

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary


Saturday, August 15, is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It celebrates our belief that Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven. 

In accord with the policies of the bishops of the United States of America, because it is a Saturday, this year the obligation to attend Mass on this date is abrogated (i.e., not a day of obligation this year).



However, you are encouraged to participate in our parish Mass for this solemnity at 8:00 am on August 15.

Hector's 2nd Annual Backpack Drive


Please help!

Bring donations this week end!



Hector's Backpack Drive began last year during his tenure on the National Youth Advisory Council. Thanks to your incredible generosity, last year's drive successfully provided essential school supplies to many local students. Hector hopes to build on that success this year and help even more students start the school year ready to learn. 


Collection date this Saturday and Sunday. Read the flyer below for school supply donation information.


Needed supplies:


Backpacks, Notebooks, Binder Paper, Pocket Folders, Pens (blue, black, red), #2 pencils, Colored Pencils, Crayons, Markers, Highlighters, Glue Sticks, School Glue, Erasers, Pencil Pouches Rulers, Scissors

Congregation Sings Robustly


Experience the hymn “Rejoice, the Lord Is King” sung by the congregation at St. Ignatius of Antioch in Antioch, California, with festive pipe organ accompaniment. This live performance was recorded during the U.S. Tour of organist Paul Frey in 2026. The organ builds throughout the hymn and leads into a powerful final verse with a grand full-organ ending. There is something very special about hearing an entire church sing together, especially with such a joyful hymn and a strong pipe organ supporting the congregation.

How Catholics have defended free elections—and why they must do so again



The attached article by Maria J. Stephan appeared in the July 27, 2026 issue of America magazine, a highly respected Jesuit publication. The author offers a warning — “Both at home and abroad, free and fair elections are under threat”— and explains why Catholics should be concerned.  She draws from history to illustrate how the Catholic Church has resisted electoral threats in the past, in places like Poland, Zambia and Guatemala. And she offers a field guide to supporting electoral integrity in the United States and elsewhere.

Pope Leo’s Prayer Intention

for August


Every month the Holy Father has a prayer intention for which he invites us to join in prayer. For the month of August 2026, Pope Leo XIV asks us to pray for the evangelization of the city. You can hear him explain this in his own words by using this direct link to


Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)


Our OCIA sessions will begin (in English) on Sunday, September 13. Those who wish to join the Catholic Church or who are Catholic adults who have not been confirmed are encouraged to join.

For further information and to set up a personal interview, contact Fr. Ron Bagley at rmbagley@yahoo.com or call 760-729-2866 during business hours. Allow time for the interview prior to Labor Day.

The Mark Anderson Community Service Memorial Scholarship


The Knights of Columbus are pleased to announce the 1st annual Mark Anderson Scholarship Program. This scholarship is based on a written 1000-word essay on the applicant’s concept of service to the community, demonstrating the ideals and example set by Brother Mark Anderson's involvement in Community Service, and examples of how the candidate demonstrates service to their community. 


Competition is open to High School students whose families are members of the St. Patrick Catholic Community (or those who will be attending in Fall 2026) in grades 9 to 12. Scholarships range from a minimum of a $500 one-time grant to a $2,500 one-time grant. Scholarship Applications, and more information on the program can be obtained at the Church Office. The deadline for completed applications is October 5, 2026. 

Panis Angelicus



World-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli sings Panis Angelicus during the Day of Prayer for Peace on July 29, 2026 at Castel Gandolfo. 

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 credit card information is up to date.


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. What is the long white garment worn by priests under other vestments during Mass?
  2. Which vestment is a long band of cloth which is placed over the priest’s shoulders
  3. What is the outermost vestment worn by the priest when celebrating Mass?
  4. Which vestment is worn only by deacons and is similar to the chasuble but has an open side?
  5. What are the basic liturgical colors?


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

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A


First Reading

1 Kings 19:9a,11-13a

The Lord appears to Elijah in a whisper.


Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 85:9-14

The Lord is the source of salvation.


Second Reading

Romans 9:1-5

Paul speaks of the blessings that have come to the Israelites.


Gospel Reading

Matthew 14:22-33

Jesus walks on water, and the disciples acknowledge him as the Son of God.


Background on the Gospel Reading


Today’s Gospel directly follows last week’s account of Jesus feeding a crowd of more than 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. For the sake of the crowds, Jesus had postponed his time of solitude. Now, at last, Jesus finds some time for quiet and prayer. He sends his disciples ahead of him by boat, dismisses the crowds, and then withdraws to the mountain to pray.


The disciples do not fare well. They struggle to weather the wind and waves, making little progress in their journey. We are reminded of a previous story in Chapter 8 of Matthew’s Gospel, when Jesus calms the seas. This time, however, Jesus does not calm the seas, and the disciples do not express fear until they see Jesus walking toward them on the water. In this story it is not the storm that is feared but the sight of Jesus before them, whom they mistake for a ghost.


Clues like these suggest that this story is about the disciples’ growing understanding of the identity of Jesus. In continuity with last week’s Gospel about the feeding of the multitude, today’s Gospel is also about what the disciples’ faith in Jesus will enable them to do. In last week’s Gospel, when the disciples see the crowds, they ask Jesus to send the crowds away. Jesus turns the situation around, telling the disciples to feed the crowd with the provisions that they have. Both of these Gospels tell us much about ministry.


Jesus calls to the disciples and calms their fears. He is not a ghost. The impulsive Peter seeks proof that the person is indeed Jesus. He asks Jesus to call him out onto the water, and Jesus grants this request. Peter’s fear and doubt overtake him, however, once he is walking on the water. Jesus reaches out to Peter and saves him. When Jesus and Peter enter the boat, Matthew reports that the wind ceases, and the disciples confess that Jesus is the Son of God.


Faith in Jesus will enable the disciples to do the work that Jesus has done. Peter walks on water. The five loaves and two fish feed a multitude of people. The disciples can and will participate in the work of the kingdom of heaven. When Peter fears and doubts the person of Jesus, however, he falters. Peter’s example teaches us that true Christian ministry emerges from the faith that Jesus is the Messiah, God’s only Son.


The Ye Olde Garage Sunday Sale


The Monthly Sunday Sale will be this Sunday, August 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Just look for the American Flag at the Northeast corner of the far parking lot.


Family Night Spaghetti Dinner



The Knights of Columbus are holding a Family Night Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, August 22 at 5:30 pm.


Tickets will be sold on the patio this weekend. Tickets will also be available in the Parish office. Price is $20 per person, children 10 and under are free. Proceeds will go to support our Parish Youth Programs. Tickets are limited so purchase yours early. There will also be a blow-up slide for the kids.

Thank you!



St. Pat's Youth Ministry would like to thank Bill Tussy, Brick Langford and the Knights of Columbus for barbequing at our annual Praise and Worship night back on July 26th.  The Knights have led the BBQ portion of the evening since 2019.  This summer they served over 100 youth and adults.  Our youth ministry is very grateful for their continued support of this and all of our events.  

Bible Basics Class



contact Fr. Ron Bagley at rmbagley@yahoo.com

Religious Education Preschool to 8th grade 


Registration Information for the 2026-2027 School Year



We are here to support parents in forming their children in the Catholic Faith and engaging them in our parish community where we worship and grow together in faith. We offer weekly classes for preschool through 8th grade and preparation for the sacraments for children in grades 1 through 8.


The online registration is open for all our classes from Preschool through 8th grade. 


You may also register in person at the Office of Religious Education. Please contact us at mdornisch@stpatrickcarlsbad.com or 760-729-8442 to make an appointment or with questions about faith formation or sacramental preparation.  


Blessings,

Margit Dornisch, Religious Education and Family Ministry 

Confirmation Registration

Now Open


Our Confirmation program is a two-year journey! To get started for the 2026–2027 school year, teens must be entering high school (9th grade or higher).

  • New Students: If you did not participate last year, please register for the Pre-Confirmation Year.
  • Returning Students: If you completed the first year, please register for the Confirmation Year.



This is the first of three registration tiers our office will offer for the 2026–2027 school year. Tier 1 runs from May 20th through June 30th and offers the lowest registration fee. Please note that fees will increase after June 30th.


Families can register either online or in person. If you prefer to register in person, please contact our office to schedule a time.

PClasby@stpatrickcarlsbad.com or 760-434-3278

Inscricpciónes para la confirmación estan abiertas



¡Nuestro programa de Confirmación es un camino de dos años! Para comenzar el año escolar 2026–2027, los jóvenes deben estar ingresando a la escuela secundaria (high school, 9.º grado o superior).


  • Estudiantes Nuevos: Si no participaron el año pasado, por favor regístrense para el Año de Pre-Confirmación.
  • Estudiantes que Regresan: Si completaron el primer año, por favor regístrense para el Año de Confirmación.


Esta es primer nivel de tres niveles de inscripción que nuestra oficina ofrecerá para el año escolar 2026–2027. El primer nivel estará vigente desde el 20 de mayo hasta el 30 de junio y ofrece la cuota de inscripción más baja. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que las cuotas aumentarán después del 30 de junio.


Las familias pueden inscribirse en línea o en persona. Si prefiere inscribirse en persona, por favor comuníquese con nuestra oficina para programar una cita.


MJimenez@stpatrickcarlsbad.com

760-434-3278

Bilingual Catechesis and Family Ministry

2026-2027 School Year

Catequesis Bilingüe y Ministerio Familiar

Año Escolar 2026-2027


Nuestra misión es acompañar a los padres de familia en la formación y transmisión de la fe cristiana de sus hijos, favoreciendo que conozcan a Dios, amen a Jesucristo y vivan conforme a las enseñanzas de la Iglesia. Asimismo, procuramos integrarlos a la comunidad parroquial mediante la oración, la celebración litúrgica y diversas actividades que contribuyan a su crecimiento en la fe.


Ofrecemos Catequesis Tradicional, Acompañamiento para niños de Preescolar, Catequesis Familiar e Iniciación Cristiana de Adultos adaptada para niños. 


Para identificar el programa que mejor responda a las necesidades de su familia, le invitamos a hacer clic en el enlace a continuación.

Notas Pastorales


XIX Domingo Ordinario


Las lecturas de este Decimonoveno Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario nos invitan a reconocer la presencia de Dios, especialmente en los momentos de miedo, incertidumbre y desaliento. La vida nos presenta tormentas que ponen a prueba nuestra fe. Estas pueden manifestarse en enfermedades, dificultades familiares, cargas económicas, decepciones o pérdidas dolorosas. En esos momentos podemos sentirnos solos, abrumados e incluso tentados a perder la esperanza. Sin embargo, las Escrituras de hoy nos recuerdan que Dios nunca abandona a su pueblo. Él viene a nuestro encuentro para fortalecer nuestra fe y renovar nuestra confianza.


En la Primera Lectura, el profeta Elías se encuentra con Dios en el monte Horeb. Elías había pasado por momentos de temor, cansancio y sufrimiento. Mientras espera la presencia del Señor, experimenta un viento impetuoso, un terremoto y un fuego. Pero Dios no estaba en ninguno de esos fenómenos extraordinarios. Finalmente, Elías descubre al Señor en el susurro de una brisa suave. Este encuentro nos enseña una verdad profunda: Dios suele hablarnos no en el ruido ni en el espectáculo, sino en el silencio del corazón. En un mundo lleno de distracciones, actividad constante y ruido, estamos llamados a crear espacios de oración, reflexión y silencio para escuchar la voz amorosa de Dios que guía nuestra vida. La renovación espiritual comienza cuando aprendemos a escuchar.


El Evangelio nos presenta otra poderosa lección sobre la fe. Los discípulos se encuentran en medio de una tormenta mientras cruzan el lago. El viento es fuerte y las olas amenazan la embarcación. En medio de aquella oscuridad y confusión, Jesús viene hacia ellos caminando sobre las aguas. Al verlo, los discípulos se llenan de miedo y piensan que es un fantasma. Pero Jesús les dice inmediatamente: «Ánimo, soy yo; no tengan miedo.»


Pedro responde con una fe admirable. A la invitación del Señor, sale de la barca y comienza a caminar sobre el agua. Mientras mantiene la mirada fija en Jesús, permanece firme. Pero cuando dirige su atención al viento y al peligro que lo rodea, el miedo se apodera de él y comienza a hundirse. Entonces clama: «¡Señor, sálvame!» Y Jesús, de inmediato, extiende su mano y lo sostiene.


La experiencia de Pedro refleja nuestra propia vida espiritual. Muchas veces comenzamos nuestro camino con entusiasmo y confianza en Dios. Sin embargo, las dificultades, las preocupaciones, los fracasos y las dudas pueden hacer que apartemos la mirada de Cristo. Cuando nos concentramos más en los problemas que en la presencia del Señor, corremos el riesgo de hundirnos en la ansiedad y el desaliento. Pero el Evangelio nos asegura que Jesús nunca deja de tendernos la mano. Su presencia no siempre elimina la tormenta, pero sí nos concede la fuerza necesaria para atravesarla con esperanza y perseverancia.


Como discípulos de Cristo, también estamos llamados a ser signos de la presencia de Dios para los demás. Nuestras familias y comunidades parroquiales deben ser lugares donde quienes atraviesan las tormentas de la vida encuentren apoyo, comprensión y esperanza. Cada acto de bondad, cada palabra de consuelo, cada gesto de perdón y cada servicio generoso revela el rostro misericordioso de Cristo a quienes más lo necesitan.



Hoy, al reunirnos alrededor del altar, la Eucaristía nos recuerda que Jesús permanece siempre con nosotros. Él nos alimenta con su Cuerpo y su Sangre, fortalece nuestra fe y nos ayuda a mantener nuestros ojos fijos en Él. No importa cuán fuertes sean los vientos o cuán altas parezcan las olas; nunca estaremos fuera del alcance de su mano.


Que aprendamos a reconocer la voz suave de Dios en el silencio de nuestro corazón. Que confiemos en Cristo en medio de cada tormenta. Y que recordemos siempre que su gracia es más grande que nuestros temores, que su amor es más fuerte que cualquier prueba y que su mano fiel nos conducirá con seguridad hacia la orilla de la vida eterna.


Bendiciones siempre.



P. George G. Pérez, CJM

3821 Adams Street

Carlsbad, California 92008

760.729.2866


  • Our parish offices are open, Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30 to 4:30pm


  • In case of emergency, you can always reach a priest. Call the parish number 760-729-2866 and press number 6 which will connect you directly to one of our priests.


  • If you know someone who does not receive our emails, please forward this to them, or have them reply to this message.



To email a priest at St. Patrick Church click the address below: gperez@eudistsusa.org 

rmbagley@yahoo.com