The election season is in full swing and I assure you that I am not going to wade into the political maelstrom. But there is one thing of which we can be sure: Catholics (and all citizens) have the right and the responsibility to participate in the political process.
In order to participate in this process in a responsible way, we need to know the issues, evaluate the candidates and propositions based on Catholic social teaching, and strive to develop a well formed conscience. See the article on Informed Conscience which is linked below.
No one can tell you how to vote. The US Bishops have stated that clearly: we bishops do not intend to tell Catholics for whom or against whom to vote. Our purpose is to help Catholics form their consciences in accordance with God's truth. We recognize that the responsibility to make choices in political life rests with each individual in light of a properly formed conscience, and that participation goes well beyond casting a vote in a particular election.
There are people (even clergy) and organizations and media outlets who are telling people that Catholics must vote for this candidate or not for that candidate. This is not true. No one can tell you how to vote. The maxim is true: Vote your conscience. But please make sure it is an informed conscience.
I encourage everyone to read the US Bishops document called Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. I gave you a summary of it in the August 21 e-newsletter. It provides guidance about the issues that we face as a nation without endorsing a particular candidate or party.
I do have some advice as we head into the homestretch of the election season:
Be sure you are registered to vote so that you can exercise your responsibility as a Catholic and a citizen.
Be informed about the candidates and enlighten your conscience about how they match up on the issues that are important to our Catholic social teaching. Unfortunately, none of them will match up 100%.
Near the beginning of each school year, the Church in the United States observes Catechetical Sunday. This year it is September 20, 2020. It is a time to acknowledge all those who share in the Church’s ministry of passing on the faith. This year’s theme highlights that important reality that each generation passes on the faith that it has received to the next generation: “I received from the Lord what I also hand on to you.”
Usually, Catechetical Sunday is the day on which we acknowledge and pray a special blessing on all of our catechists. Given our unusual circumstances this year, our catechists will be exercising their ministry in a different format: primarily online through distance learning. Also, even though we have always believed that parents and family members are the “primary educators in the ways of faith,” this year they will be asked to take a more active role in our catechetical ministry. This will vary depending on the age level of the children.
Therefore, at all of our Masses this weekend (live on the covered court as well as the recorded Mass online), we will have a blessing for all those involved in our parish faith formation programs. This includes the catechists who will be serving in a variety of ways. This blessing is also intended for the parents and other family members who will be actively engaged in passing on the faith. It also includes those who share the faith through our Bible studies, RCIA, RICA, prayer groups and other programs of faith formation.
We also offer thanks to God for the members of our parish staff who have been so diligent and creative in developing ways to continue the faith formation of our young people during these unprecedented times. They are dedicated to the faith formation of our children, youth and adults. Let us continue to ask God to bless them as we embark on this new catechetical year.
Fr. Ron Bagley will be teaching a course on the Second Vatican Council as a part of the Diocesan Institute. The entire course will be taught online (via Zoom). It will begin on Thursday, October 8, 6:30-9:00 pm and continues every week for 6 weeks (ending November 12).
Why was Vatican II such a watershed event in the history of the Church? What preceded it that prepared for this historic meeting? So many people say, “Vatican II did this… or did that.” What did Vatican II really do and say? How has its impact continued to impact the Church?
Feel free to ask Fr. Ron if you have any questions. Visit the web page of the Diocesan Institute for a description of other courses. This year all courses will be taught online. https://www.sdcatholic.org/office-for/diocesan-institute/
Marriage Preparation Retreats
The Office for Family Life & Spirituality continues to host its online Celebrating Your Love Days (the “Pre-Cana”) in English and in Spanish on a monthly basis. To register and to view upcoming dates, visit sdcatholic.org/cyl.
Engaged Encounter is also hosting virtual EE Weekends, including on October 17 and November 7. Couples can continue to register at engagedencountersd.org.
Yo LE canto!
Únase a las Hermanas para alabar al Señor.
Join the Sisters in praising the Lord!
Thank You for Your Generosity
Our parish is blessed by so many kind and generous people. Even in the midst of the ever-changing circumstances of parish life during a pandemic, many of our parishioners have continued to send or bring their contributions to the parish. Many have begun using Online Giving. I am so grateful that so many people have continued to contribute. It has been very helpful to the financial situation of the parish. While our income is down significantly, the generosity shown by so many has enabled us to maintain the parish complex, keep current with our bills, and pay our dedicated staff. Thank you all, very much!
Even as Masses are being celebrated outside on the school grounds, there will be specially marked baskets on the tables near the entrance to the field into which you can place your offerings. Of course, you can continue to mail us your contribution or drop it off at the office (8:30 am – 12:30 pm). Online giving remains a good option as well. Thank you for supporting your parish.
"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.
The pope is elected at a conclave. What does the word “conclave” mean?
Where have the conclaves to elect recent popes been held?
Where do the cardinals stay during the conclave?
Is there an age limit for cardinals to be able to vote?
What were the longest and shortest conclaves in the 20th century?
If you have other members of your family or your friends who would like to be on our email list, just let me know or write to Mary McLain at mmclain@stpatrickcarlsbad.comWe will be pleased to add them.
We have opened a YouTube channel where we have daily and Sunday Masses as well as Fr. Ron's new Bible Study posted for the parish called St Patrick Church Carlsbad that you can subscribe to.
God's ways are far beyond the ways of human beings.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 145:2-3,8-9,17-18
God is near to those who call upon him.
Second Reading
Philippians 1:20c-24,27a
Paul tells the Philippians to live for Christ.
Gospel Reading
Matthew 20:1-16
In the parable of the workers in the vineyard, Jesus teaches about God's generous mercy.
Background on the Gospel Reading
In today's Gospel, Jesus moves from Galilee to teach in Judea where he is sought out by great crowds and tested by the Pharisees on issues such as marriage and divorce. Jesus also encounters a rich young man who is unable to accept Jesus' demand that he leave his possessions to follow him. Jesus' response to the rich young man sounds very much like the conclusion we will find in today's Gospel: the first will be last and the last will be first.
On the surface, the parable of the workers in the vineyard appears to be an offense to common sense. Those who work a longer day ought to be paid more than those who work just an hour or two. When viewed in this way, the landowner seems unfair. That is because we are reading into the parable our own preconceived notions of how fairness and equality should be quantified.
A close read shows us that the landowner paid on the terms that were negotiated. The landowner, it seems, has acted completely justly. The parable goes beyond that, however, and we come to see that the landowner is not simply just, he is exceptionally just. He is radically just. He has given those who labored in the field for a full day their due pay. But he has also given a full-day's wage to those who worked only a single hour. No one is cheated, but a few receive abundantly from the landowner just as we receive from God more than what is merely justifiable or due. God, like the landowner, is radically just and abundantly generous. The workers who complain are made to look foolish as they lament the fact that the landowner has made all workers equal. Indeed, what more could one ask for than to be treated as an equal at work or anywhere else?
The parable reminds us that although God owes us nothing, he offers abundantly and equally. We are occasionally tempted to think that our own actions deserve more reward, more of God's abundant mercy, than the actions of others. But God's generosity cannot be quantified or partitioned into different amounts for different people. When we think that way, we are trying to relate to God on our terms rather than to accept God's radically different ways.
No doubt you have seen this Prayer of Blessing sung by representatives of various nations in the world. It is an expression of trust in God as people ask for God’s blessing on our world that is ravaged by this pandemic.
This version is unique: instead of people from a particular nation singing the prayer, this one has children of all ages from around the world praising God. They come from different cultures, they are differently gifted, some with special needs. Enjoy and pray along!
Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Our Wednesday morning Bible Study will resume on October 7. It will explore the Acts of the Apostles, an important but little understood New Testament book. A new feature of this Bible Study is that it is open to both men and women. It will meet online.
Click on the link for additional information on how to register and whom you may contact for further information.
Stand for life and pray for the end of abortion during the 40 Days for Life Campaign (Sept 23 to Nov 1). Join the pro-life community in prayer, fasting, and vigil hours. Prayer vigils will be outside five different abortion facilities in San Diego county. Check the schedule of each location and sign up for vigil hours at 40daysforlife.com If you choose to participate, wear masks and observe social distancing.
40 Días por la Vida
Defienda la vida y reze por el fin del aborto durante los 40 Días for la Vida (sep 23 - nov 1). Únase a la comunidad pro-vida en oración, ayuno y vigilia. La vigila se llevara a cabo a fuera de cinco clínicas en las que se practica el aborto. Consulte el horario de cada lugar e inscribase a las horas de vigilia en 40daysforlife.com. Si decide participar, observe el distanciamiento social y use una cubierta facial.
Religious Education & Family Ministry
Registration Information for the 2020-2021 School Year
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Let us begin with prayer.
Loving Father, you hold us all in your love and mercy.
We pray for all families as we begin a new season of faith formation.
For all students, that they may remain safe and be able to learn and blossom in their faith.
For all moms and dads, as they try to hold family life and work together
that faith and community may give them energy, patience, and courage.
For all catechists, as they access creativity and imagination and use new tools for teaching
that the Holy Spirit may help them to connect well with their students and families.
For all who are struggling during this pandemic time,
with health, finances, loneliness, or other challenges
fill them with hope.
In your compassion, mercy, and love o Lord,walk with us as we begin again
with trusting minds and faithful hearts.
Loving Father, we need you now. Hear our prayers. Amen.
Our program will begin the last week in September with a combination of in- person family events and teaching at home. Families will receive materials to use at home for the next two to three weeks, including weekly pamphlets, a brief teaching, simple steps for a prayer practice, a family time activity, and supplies for a craft. The weekly pamphlets will be available in print and digitally. Catechists will support the at home teaching and our office will offer family devotions and weekly newsletters.
God’s love is unlimited, powerful, and available to all – no matter when they discover it. We do not need to worry about the amount of love allotted to us. In God’s abundance, we all get what we need.
Prayer Intention: for our (parish) family: Give us the grace to be generous to others with love and goodness.
United in prayer,
Margit Dornisch
Director of Religious Education for Children and Family Ministry
Mental Health Ministry
The St. Patrick Mental Health
Ministry is here for all people seeking assistance for themselves or their loved ones experiencing Mental Health challenges. We provide resources, a listening ear and prayer companionship. Call the confidential Mental Health Ministry support line to receive a call back from one of the ministry members – 760.729.2866 ext. 393.
For immediate assistance call 888.724.7240 – 7/24 Access and Crisis Line.
You can also go to the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego link on the home page of the St. Patrick’s Parish website, then click on Pastoral Offices, Family Life and Spirituality, Mental Health Ministry for more information and resources.
For resources in Spanish, on the Diocese website click Pastoral Offices, Life, Peace and Justice, Resources, 2020 recursos para inmigrantes afectados por la crisis de covid-19.
Covid-19 Reminders
Masks have been shown to be the most effective tool in preventing the spread of the Covid-19 virus. While at Mass and in the parking lot, please wear your mask. Be sure that it covers your nose as well as your mouth.
Social distancing is also very important. Do not sit within 6' of a person with whom you do not live. You may move the chairs a bit to be sure everyone is safely distanced.
If San Diego County moves into the most restrictive tier (widespread or "purple"), all weekday Masses, i.e., 7:00 am, 8:00 am and 7:00 pm, will be celebrated on the patio of the church.
Our parish offices are open, Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 12:30pm.
During this time of inactivity, we will use our parish email system to communicate with parishioners to offer spiritual reflections and make announcements.
In case of an emergency, you can always reach us by phone. We will be checking regularly for messages and respond as soon as possible. If need be, the answering service can get in touch with one of our priests quickly.
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 link below:
![THE BLESSING [KIDS] - featuring kids from different nations](https://web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/thumbnail?url=https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uiWZXLsdE9w/hqdefault.jpg)
