This Sunday, January 31, kicks offer our annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week. And I believe that we have something to celebrate. Our parish has an outstanding school that provides a solid academic foundation while creating a Christian community among students, families and staff. Students not only learn the basics of our Catholic faith, but they also have the opportunity to celebrate the liturgy together and to engage in service projects that teach them that reaching out to those in need is an essential part of Christian living.
Our school fosters an atmosphere in which Christian virtues and values are taught not only by instruction but also by example and witness. There is an insistence on respect for one another, the dignity of each person, and the need to foster reconciliation and peace.
I am proud to say that I am a product of Catholic education from my elementary years, through high school, college, and graduate seminary courses. I am even more proud to say that I am the pastor of a parish that includes a parochial school that strives for excellence.
I congratulate our school administration and teachers, our school parents and grandparents, and especially our fine students. You continue to give us every reason to be proud of St. Patrick’s School. Our school is an important part of our overall ministry as a parish.
With great sadness we learned of the death of Fr. Steve McCall on Sunday, January 24th at Scripps Memorial. Due to his continued decline in his health, Father Steve began early retirement last June.
Father Steve was born in Long Beach, CA on June 18, 1949. He received a B.A. and M.A. in language studies at San Diego State University and the University of Rome, Italy before entering St. Francis Seminary in 1974. He continued his theology studies at St. Patrick’s in Menlo Park, CA and was ordained for the Diocese of San Diego on May 12, 1979.
Among his assignments as a priest, Fr. Steve was the pastor of St. Patrick Parish, Carlsbad from 1995 to 2005. Fr. Steve is remembered for his story-telling, great humor, and genuine interest and love for his parishioners.
Father Steve McCall’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 5, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. Mary Magdalene Parish (School Yard), 1945 Illion Street, San Diego 92110. Bishop Robert McElroy will preside and Msgr. Mark Campbell will be the homilist.
May he rest in peace.
Catholic Schools Week
Now more than ever, St. Patrick Catholic School is committed to serving and providing our community with educational options. We are proud to be on campus, in-person and celebrating Catholic Schools Week with schools all over the nation. Read more by clicking below.
Every February is observed as Black History Month in the United States. It is a time to become more aware of the contributions that American of African descent have made to our nation. It is a time to learn more about the richness of the African-American culture. Beginning today and continuing throughout the month, each week we will hold up Black Catholics who are somewhere in the process of canonization as saints. There witness has contributed to the growth of the Catholic faith in the United States of America.
Venerable Pierre Toussaint (1776-1853), a philanthropist and founder of many Catholic charitable works, was born a slave in Haiti and brought from Haiti to New York as an apprentice under a popular hairstylist in the city. He eventually became the most sought-after hairdresser of high society women. Upon the death of his master, he gained his freedom and quickly succeeded as one of the country’s first black entrepreneurs. He became quite wealthy, but instead of spending lavishly on himself, he supported the Church and the poor. He and his wife sheltered orphans, refuges, and others out on the streets in their home. He founded one of New York’s first orphanages and raised money for the city’s first cathedral. During yellow fever epidemics, Toussaint would risk his life to help others by nursing the sick and praying with the dying.“I have never felt I am a slave to any man or woman but I am a servant of Almighty God who made us all. When one of his children is in need, I am glad to be His slave.”
Facts about Black Catholics
This video gives a statistical summary of Black Catholics in the United States today.
It Is OK for Catholics to Receive Covid Vaccines
You may have noticed the discussion in recent weeks about the “morality” of Catholics receiving the Covid vaccine produced by Pfizer or Moderna. There is a lot of misinformation out there and it is confusing to well-meaning Catholics. The attached article gives a clear and concise assessment from the point of view of Catholic morality.
The bottom line is: get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible.
If You Don’t Know How to Make a Vaccine Reservation
If you are ready and eligible to receive a Covid-19 vaccination (that is over 65 years old), but do not know how to navigate the website to make an appointment, we want to help you. Call our office and ask for Mo who will put you in contact with a parishioner who can help you.
On the other hand, if you are willing to assist fellow parishioners with navigating the online reservation process for the vaccine, please call the office and speak to Mo.
Si no sabe cómo hacer una reserva de vacunas
Si está listo y es elegible para recibir una vacuna Covid-19 (que tiene más de 65 años), pero no sabe cómo navegar por el sitio web para programar una cita, queremos ayudarlo. Llame a nuestra oficina y pregunte por Mo, quien lo pondrá en contacto con un feligrés que pueda ayudarlo.
Por otro lado, si está dispuesto a ayudar a otros feligreses a navegar por el proceso de reserva en línea para la vacuna, llame a la oficina y hable con Rosie o Maria.
Be Not Afraid
A recent program with Bishop Robert Barron. It is based on Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
God has a message of hope. It came in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. Understanding Jesus as the heart of God’s message we might take a lesson from the early Church: after Jesus’ death and resurrection the Church turned to the book of Isaiah. Its poetic prophecies in chapters 40-55 provided rich insights into the significance of Jesus and how to speak hope into discouraging circumstances. Isaiah spoke to the hearts of early Christians. Let him move you as we journey together through Lent.
The study begins Monday, February 15, - 6:45 pm-8:30 pm
It continues February 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22.
We will not meet in person; we will meet via Zoom conference (from the comfort of your own home). You need a computer (desktop or laptop) or a tablet or cell phone to meet.All who register will get an email with information on how to join the meeting. There is no cost for the zoom conference to you.
You will need the Booklet – cost $15. The study booklets are available at the parish office; office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 12:30pm.
No bible study experience needed. Join us and bring a friend!
It’s All Your State of Mind
This video was created from the contributions of over 200 physicians from across Canada, singing and recording this music in isolation between November and December 2020. It will brighten your day!
Online Giving Reminders
Please remember to log in to your Online Giving account frequently to make sure your payment method is up to date.
For help with forgotten passwords, please contact Online Giving technical support at 800.348.2886, ext. 2.
Click on the Online Giving icon below to create or access your account.
"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.
In what year did St. Patrick School open?
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, what are the 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit?
To what religious order does Pope Francis belong?
In what language was most of the Old Testament written?
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.
Moses tells the people that God will raise up for them a new prophet.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 95:1-2,6-7,7-9
A song of praise to the Lord.
Second Reading
1 Corinthians 7:32-35
Paul expresses his concern that those who are married are more likely to face the distractions of earthly life than those who are celibate.
Gospel Reading
Mark 1:21-28
Jesus heals a man with an unclean spirit and his fame spreads throughout Galilee.
Background on the Gospel Reading
Today’s Gospel continues our reading from Mark and describes what some believe was likely to have been a typical day in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus and the disciples that chose to follow him in last week’s Gospel arrive at Capernaum, a small village on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus teaches in the synagogue on the Sabbath. Mark reports that the people respond to Jesus’ teaching with astonishment, noting Jesus’ authority and contrasting it with the scribes’. Early in Mark’s Gospel we already find evidence of the tension that will manifest itself fully in Jerusalem.
After Jesus’ preaching, an even more astonishing thing happens. A man possessed with an unclean spirit calls out to Jesus. As we see in this example and throughout Mark’s Gospel, the spirits and demons seem to know Jesus and are often fearful of him. In fact, they seem to understand Jesus’ identity better than his disciples. As we will read again and again in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus orders the spirit to be quiet and drives the unclean spirit out of the man. Jesus’ ability to heal those possessed by demons is an indication of his power over evil.
In the prescientific age of Jesus’ time, all illnesses were understood to be manifestations of evil and sinfulness. Our modern understanding of illness is very different. Possession by unclean spirits may have been a way to describe what we might call mental illness today. It may have even been a way of describing certain kinds of physical conditions. There is evidence that there were many kinds of exorcists and healers in first-century Palestine. Jesus appears to be like these healers, but he heals with unique authority and connects his healing activities with the words of his preaching.
We are missing the point that Mark is trying to make in this Gospel, however, if we try to explain away the healing work of Jesus. The crowds see in Jesus’ cure of the possessed man further affirmation of his authority. Jesus’ power to heal gives greater credence to his teaching. Jesus impresses the crowds through his words, which are manifested with power in his deeds. Mark’s Gospel tells us that because of the authority with which he healed, Jesus’ fame spread throughout all of Galilee.
Revisa el estudio bíblico sobre las lecturas de este domingo enero 31, 2021, dirigido por el padre Ricardo
Diacono Miguel Enriquez
Un corazón duro. ¿Qué significa esto? Frecuentemente reflejo sobre esta imagen de un corazón duro. Y creo que un corazón duro es siendo frio a otros. De no preocuparme de otros y pensar solamente en mí. Que lo único que importa es que yo tenga mi comida, mi ropa y mi dinero. Siempre tengo que estar atento, de cuidar de no caer en esta en esta trampa de un corazón duro. El Señor constantemente nos está hablando, con palabras, sonidos, vistas y en nuestras propias experiencias de vida. Pero solamente podemos escucharlo si nuestro corazón está lleno de Él, del Espíritu Santo. El próximo martes, celebramos el Dia de la Candelaria, Jesús es presentado al Templo y un varón justo, Simeón, reconoce al niño Jesús como el Mesías del Señor, y “Luz que alumbra a las naciones.” Preparemos nuestro corazón, moviendo esos espacios obscuros en nuestras vidas y dejar que la Luz brille en esos espacios de nuestra vida que necesitan esa luz para sanar.
Por favor hagan clic en el Video y en Otra Reflexión para ayudarlos en su reflexión.
Los Angeles Religious Education Congress Goes Online
The LA Congress is a major Catholic educational event that began in the 1950s as a way to help catechists grow in their ability to teach CCD. Since then, it has grown and expanded to become an outstanding way for Catholics from across the US and beyond to receive ongoing formation in the faith. Since 1970, it has taken place in the Anaheim Convention Center. However, due to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, the LA Congress has gone virtual this year.
While that is too bad from one point of view, it opens up the possibility for many more people to participate without leaving the comforts of their home. It will feature keynote speakers and over 50 workshops. Our own Bishop McElroy is one of the keynote speakers but the workshop speakers are nationally and internationally known presenters. There are also a variety of liturgies and prayer services. There is even a special track for youth. Your registration gives you access to all the presentations and events (either live or later on demand).
Here is the great news: you get total access to everything LA Congress has to offer for only $35.00. That is a huge bargain when you consider all that you are getting without having to pay for hotel, transportation, parking, food, etc. It may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
To learn more about this great event, take a look at the LA Congress website by going to LACongress.org. Browse around and see how much LA Congress has to offer. You can also register there.
MENTAL HEALTH CORNER
Grief & Loss -Part II
In the last week's article, I mentioned the stages of grief that every individual face when he/she losses a loved one. Today, I will explain a little bit more about each one. The first thing to keep in mind is that these stages are not linear, as each one's experience is different, and we cope with loss in different ways. These stages can be experienced more than once during grief.
Denial: Grief is an overwhelming emotion. It is not unusual to respond to the intense and often sudden feelings by pretending the loss or change is not happening. Denial helps you manage your feelings of grief, and it gives you time to absorb the news and gradually process it. It is a common defense mechanism and helps numb you to the intensity of the situation. As you move from the denial stage, however, the emotions you have been hiding will begin to rise.
Anger: If denial may be considered a coping mechanism, anger is an underlying emotion. Anger is a hide emotion of the pain that you are holding. You might resent a person for "leaving you," causing such deep pain. Your anger might be directed at inanimate objects, strangers, friends, or family. Anger, most significantly, might be aimed toward the person you have lost, and while your rational brain knows the object or person of your anger is not to blame, your emotions at that moment are too intense to understand that.
Bargaining: The natural reaction to feelings of helplessness and vulnerability is to regain control through a series of "If only" statements. It is an attempt to bargain. Guilt often accompanies bargaining; What if... You might think there was something you could have done differently to avoid your loss. It is also not uncommon for religious individuals to make promises to God in return to heal the pain. Bargaining is a defense against grief's emotions and helps you delay the sadness, confusion, or hurt.
Depression: Usually, after bargaining, grief enters into a deeper stage. You might want to withdraw from everyday life to process what you have truly lost. You might feel intense heartbreak and sadness and depression, and time may feel like a "quiet" stage of grief. However, if you feel stuck here or cannot move past this stage of grief, look for support from a mental health professional who can help you work through this coping period.
Acceptance: Acceptance is not necessarily a happy stage of grief. It does not mean you have overcome the grief or loss. It means that you have accepted it and have come to understand what it means in your life now.
Finding Meaning: The meaning is, in essence, a purpose and a process in which we learn to remember those who have died with more love than pain and learn to move forward in a way that honors our loved ones.
The following are resources to read more about grief and loss.
Kübler-Ross, Elisabeth."On Death and Dying." 1969.
Kessler, David. "Finding Meaning: The sixth Stage of Grief." 2019.
Grief.com
Tipsforgrief.com
Griefselfcare.com
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LA ESQUINA DE LA SALUD MENTAL
Duelo y Perdida – Parte II
En el artículo de la semana pasada, mencioné las etapas del duelo que todo individuo enfrenta cuando pierde a un ser querido. Hoy explicaré un poco más sobre cada una de estas etapas. Lo primero que hay que tener en cuenta es que estas etapas no son lineales, (no necesariamente siguen este orden) ya que la experiencia de cada uno es diferente y afrontamos la pérdida de diferentes formas. Estas etapas se pueden experimentar más de una vez durante el duelo.
Negación: El dolor es una emoción abrumadora. No es inusual responder a los sentimientos intensos y, a menudo, repentinos fingiendo que la pérdida o el cambio no está sucediendo. La negación le ayuda a manejar sus sentimientos de dolor y le da tiempo para absorber la noticia y procesarla gradualmente. Es un mecanismo de defensa común y ayuda a adormecer la intensidad de la situación. Sin embargo, a medida que pasa de la etapa de la negación, las emociones que ha estado escondiendo comienzan a aumentar.
Ira (Enojo): Si la negación puede considerarse un mecanismo de afrontamiento, la ira es una emoción subyacente. La ira es una emoción oculta del dolor que está sosteniendo. Puede sentir resentimiento hacia la persona “por abandonarlo/a”, causando un dolor muy profundo. Su ira puede estar dirigida a objetos inanimados, personas desconocidas, amigos o familiares. La ira, de manera más significativa, podría estar dirigida hacia la persona que ha perdido, y aunque su cerebro racional sabe que el objeto o la persona de su ira no tiene la culpa, sus emociones en ese momento son demasiado intensas para comprender eso.
Negociación: La reacción natural a los sentimientos de impotencia y vulnerabilidad es recuperar el control a través de una serie de declaraciones de "Si sólo…" Es un intento de regatear. La culpa suele acompañar a la negociación; ¿Y si ...? Podría pensar que hay algo que podría haber hecho de otra manera para evitar su pérdida. Tampoco es raro que las personas creyentes hagan promesas a Dios a cambio de curar el dolor. La negociación es una defensa contra las emociones del duelo y le ayuda a retrasar la tristeza, la confusión o el dolor.
Depresión: Por lo general, después de negociar, el duelo entra en una etapa más profunda. Es posible que desee retirarse de la vida cotidiana para procesar lo que realmente ha perdido. Puede sentir una intensa angustia, tristeza y depresión, y el tiempo puede sentirse como una etapa "tranquila" de duelo. Sin embargo, si se siente atrapado aquí o no puede superar esta etapa de duelo, busque el apoyo de un profesional de salud mental que pueda ayudarlo a superar este período de afrontamiento.
Aceptación: La aceptación no es necesariamente una etapa feliz del duelo. No significa que haya superado el dolor o la pérdida. Significa que lo ha aceptado y ha llegado a comprender lo que significa en su vida ahora.
Encontrar el Sentido: El sentido es, en esencia, un propósito y un proceso en el que aprendemos a recordar a aquellos que han muerto con más amor que dolor y aprendemos a seguir adelante de una manera que honre a nuestros seres queridos.
Los siguientes son recursos para leer más sobre el dolor y la pérdida.
Kübler-Ross, Elisabeth."On Death and Dying." 1969.
Kessler, David. "Finding Meaning: The sixth Stage of Grief." 2019.
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- 760-729-2866.
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:
