Christmas Mass schedule, and more - Week 50

St. Patrick Parish News & Updates

December 12, 2025 | Issue 50

Third Sunday of Advent – Gaudete Sunday

Pastor Notes

Today the Church invites us to rejoice, for we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday. The name “Gaudete” comes from the Latin word for rejoice, echoing St. Paul’s words in the Second Reading: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). Advent is a season of preparation, of waiting, reflection, and even penitence, but today we are reminded that joy is at the heart of our faith. This joy comes not from the world, but from the promise of God’s presence among us.

The readings for today call us to hope, conversion, and trust in God’s promises. In the First Reading, Isaiah proclaims: “The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom” (Isaiah 35:1). God promises renewal and restoration. Even the driest and most challenging places in our lives—places of loss, fear, or sin—can be transformed by God’s love. Advent invites us to recognize where these deserts exist in our hearts and to allow God to bring new life and healing.

In the Gospel, John the Baptist calls us to prepare for the Lord: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths” (Mark 1:3). John’s message is clear: we are called to conversion, to clear away whatever blocks our relationship with God. This preparation is not only about outward signs, but about the interior work of opening our hearts to God’s mercy and love. John points to Jesus, who comes gently and humbly, not to condemn, but to save.

The pink candle of Gaudete Sunday reminds us that joy is possible even in a season of waiting. Hope and rejoicing go hand in hand. Our preparation for Christmas is not only about decorating or gift-giving, but about readying our hearts for Christ, who comes to dwell with us.

This Sunday invites us to reflect: Are we preparing our hearts with joy, or are we weighed down by worry, busyness, or distraction? Even small acts of love, kindness, and prayer can help us open the way for Christ in our daily lives. Let us rejoice, for God’s promises are sure, and Christ is near. Lord Jesus, teach us to rejoice in Your presence. Help us to prepare our hearts to welcome You, and fill our lives with hope, peace, and joy as we await Your coming. Amen.

Fr. George G. Perez, CJM

Christmas Mass Schedule

Wednesday, December 24

4:00 pm (English) in the church

4:00 pm Family Mass in the Parish Center

6:00 pm (English) in the church

8:00 pm (Spanish) in the church

10:00 pm (English) in the church

Thursday, December 25

7:30 am (English) in the church

9:00 am (English) in the church

11:00 am (English) in the church

1:00 pm (Spanish) in the church

1:00 pm (Spanish) in the Parish Center

NO Mass in the evening on Christmas Day

Last Scheduled Confessions Are December 17

Individual Confessions at St. Patrick Church are on Wednesdays at 8:30 am and at 6:00 pm.

Due to the holiday schedule, there will not be confessions at St. Patrick’s on December 24 or 31. The last Wednesday with confessions will be December 17. See the schedule of remaining Penance Services below at neighboring parishes.

Last Advent 2025 Penance Services in North County

Friday December 19, - 6:30pm at St. Marks (San Marcos)

Monday December 22, - 6:30pm at St. Marks (San Marcos)

Annual Catholic Appeal

The 2025 Annual Catholic Appeal enables us to fund the pastoral ministries and programs that help our community live out their faith in meaningful ways. As of November 13, 2025, St. Patrick Parish in Carlsbad has contributed $82,085.70 toward our diocesan assessment of $105,875, reaching 77.53% of our goal, with $2,008.32 in outstanding pledges and a current balance of $23,789.30 remaining.

With 176 donors participating out of 4,462 registered families, our parish participation rate stands at 3.94%. These contributions sustain vital efforts across the Diocese of San Diego—supporting our Catholic schools, faith formation for all ages, family-strengthening programs, care for creation, ministries for youth and young adults, outreach to the poor and vulnerable, and the formation and support of our clergy and seminarians. Each gift helps extend the love and mission of Christ to those most in need.

Give to the ACA here...

Song Legend Michael Bublé Meets Leo XIV, Takes Requests

Pop icon Michael Bublé said he was “overwhelmed” in meeting Pope Leo XIV on Friday December 5 in the Vatican. The pontiff received the 50-year-old Canadian crooner and others participated in the annual Vatican Christmas Concert with the Poor on Saturday, December 6.

“The Concert with the Poor … is not just a performance by good artists or a simple musical review, however beautiful it may be, nor is it a moment of solidarity to settle our conscience in the face of the injustices of society,” Pope Leo told his guests.

“I would like us, as we take part in this event, to remember the Lord’s words: ‘As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me’. Is that so! If we concretely love those who are hungry and thirsty, those who are without clothes, the sick, foreigners, prisoners, we are loving the Lord.”

“It reminds us that the dignity of men and women is not measured by what they possess: We are not our goods and our things, but children loved by God; and this same love must be the key to our actions towards our neighbor. For this reason, in our Concert the most fragile brothers and sisters occupy the first places,” the pope also said.

He told the artists music has always played an important role in the Christian experience. “In the liturgy, in particular, singing is never a ‘soundtrack,’ a simple background, but is intended to elevate the soul in order to bring it as close as possible to the mystery being celebrated.”

He did ask the artists to allow him a joke: “Please, sing well! Sing and play with art and, above all, with your heart, because music can truly represent a form of love, a via pulchritudinis that leads to God, as ‘beauty is his gift for all human beings, united by the same dignity and called to fraternity’,” the pope said.

Speaking to journalists after meeting Pope Leo, Bublé, a Catholic, said he was “really still not over the moment. For this young kid from [Canada] who grew up Catholic, to be sitting here now, it’s almost impossible to really express to you how it feels.”

The Ave Maria — a favorite of Leo’s own mother, a singer herself who once recorded a rendition of the prayer — is among the songs Pope Leo XIV has personally requested Bublé sing. In the Vatican press office on Friday, Bublé offered a few bars of Schubert’s famous Ave Maria as proof of earnestness, before saying, “That’s it, I need to practice more,” amid applause.

“To be really honest,” Bublé told reporters, “I sang that song once — one time in a recording studio with all of the strings and the orchestra, and I never sang the song again. And when he asked, I was very, very nervous. I didn’t want to let him or any of you down, but with the amazing group behind me, with the choir and this orchestra, I realized that there’s no fear, there’s only joy and rehearsal.”

The Canadian singer also said he has a “wonderful personal relationship” with God. “And it doesn’t just affect my music. It affects everything, everything I do, every decision I make,” he said.

Watch a portion of Michael Buble’s concert below.

Retirement Fund for Religious

Thousands of elderly sisters, brothers, and religious order priests spent years working in ministries—such as Catholic schools, parishes, and hospitals—often for little or no pay. Today, many religious communities do not have enough savings to meet retirement needs.

Your donation helps provide medications, nursing care, and more.

Please give generously. An envelope is included in your bimonthly packet of envelopes.

The Forgiving Journey

If you are struggling to forgive someone (or forgive yourself), this article by Msgr. William English may be for you. Msgr. English ministers to priests, religious and laypeople at the St. Luke Institute. He helps those who find it hard to get past traumas. These insights drawn from his experience can enlighten any of us.

Read article here...

For the Kids!

Children will enjoy this kid’s video of Rejoice in the Lord always and other music videos.

Watch Daily and Sunday Masses Livestreamed from St. Patrick Church here:

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.

Now is the time to set up your Christmas and Year-End gifts!

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

Donate to ACA here...

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.

Several people are mentioned in the Bible stories surrounding the birth of Jesus. Who was Caesar Augusta?
Who were Zechariah and Elizabeth?
Who do the shepherds represent?
Who do the Wise Men (Magi) represent?
Who was Simeon?

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

YouTube channel here...

Answers to Catholic Trivia here!

Give to Your Church here...Online Giving

Read prior newsletters here

Third Sunday of Advent -

Year A

First Reading

Isaiah 35:1-6,10

In the day of the Lord, all sorrow and mourning will cease.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 146:6-7,8-9,9-10

The Lord will save his people.

Second Reading

James 5:7-10

Be patient, and be ready; the coming of the Lord is near.

Gospel Reading

Matthew 11:2-11

Jesus tells John the Baptist of the signs of the kingdom that are being worked through him and praises John as more than a prophet.

Background on the Gospel Reading

The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word meaning “rejoice.” This Sunday is so named because “Rejoice” is the first word in the entrance antiphon for today's Mass taken from Philippians 4:4,5: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.” Some people mark this Sunday on their Advent wreath with a pink candle instead of a purple candle. This Sunday is a joyful reminder that our salvation is near.

This week's Gospel Reading continues our Advent reflection on the person and message of John the Baptist. Last week we heard John speak about his relationship to the coming Messiah, Jesus. This week, we hear Jesus' message to John the Baptist, now in prison, about the signs of the kingdom found in Jesus' ministry and Jesus' assessment of John's role in the Kingdom of God.

The Gospel of Matthew tells the story of John's arrest in chapter 14:3-12. In today's Gospel, John sends word to Jesus from prison, asking if Jesus is the Messiah for whom he has been waiting. Jesus responds by pointing to the miracles that he has worked and invites John and the other hearers to make their own determination. In his next breath, however, Jesus praises John for his role in preparing the way for Jesus. Then Jesus says that all of those who work for the Kingdom of God will be as great as John and even greater.

Jesus' message to John about the signs of the kingdom being performed recalls the salvation described by the prophet Isaiah. This passage is a reminder that the beginning of salvation is already mysteriously present to us, but also yet to be fulfilled. Salvation is already in our midst as manifest in the miraculous deeds of Jesus and in the Church. But salvation is also to be fulfilled in the coming reign of God. Even as we observe our world today, we can find glimpses of God's work among us. Even more, we help to prepare the way for God's kingdom by our words and our deeds. This message is indeed a cause for rejoicing.

The Lion and the Lamb

This praise and worship sings the praises of our Lord who conquers all the forces of evil. His power is great. And so we bow before him and sing his praises.

Family Mass on Christmas Eve

On December 24, Christmas Eve, we will celebrate our Christmas Family Mass at 4:00pm in the Parish Hall (not in the church where a different Mass is being celebrated). If they want to participate in our brief Christmas enactment of the gospel, children are invited to come dressed as an angel or a shepherd.

Eudist Seminarian Takes a Step Forward

Asim Ashiq has been living in our parish for almost a year. He studies at the Franciscan School of Theology at USD. Now he is ready to take the next step as he discerns his vocation to priesthood with the Eudist Fathers.

He has been accepted as an official candidate for the Congregation of Jesus and May (Eudist Fathers).

Join us to celebrate this important step. See the attached flyer (or flyer below)

Read here...

Aid to Gaza

Catholics have been generous in donating money to provide relief to those suffering in Gaza. The Diocese of San Diego has provided this description of the disbursements made through our donations.

Ye Olde Garage Sale

The Ye Olde Garage is holding its SEMI-ANNUAL HALF-OFF SALE for the month of December. ALL items in the shoppe will be half off until December 19, the last day it will be open for the year 2025. The Shoppe will close for the Christmas Holidays from December 20 through January 4 and reopen on January 5.

In addition to the regular Monday, Wednesday, and Friday days, the Ye Olde Garage will be open this Sunday, December 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. And yes, the Half-Off Sale is in effect on that day. So come one and all and shop for those Christmas items you just must have.

Christmas Flowers Offering

Before long we will be celebrating the birth of our Savior. We want to make our church festive for our celebration of Christmas. In your packet of envelopes that we mail to you, there is an envelope marked Christmas Flower Offering.

If you would like to make a contribution to assist in paying for our Christmas flowers, please place your donation in that envelope (or a plain envelope) and write on the envelope the names of anyone you would like remembered at our Christmas Masses. Indicate if they are deceased (“In memory of…”) or living (“In honor of…”)

Place your envelope in the collection basket, mail it to the parish office or drop it off. If you use Online Giving, just put the names on a paper and put it in the collection. All the names will be listed in our parish bulletin and newsletter shortly after Christmas.

Year End Giving

Online Giving users please remember to login to your account and set up your Christmas gift.

Be sure to complete all gifts by Wednesday, December 31, 2025 to qualify for tax savings on this year’s tax return.

For guidance on making gifts of stock to benefit St. Patrick Catholic Community, visit the link below or call the parish office for more information.

Stock Donations here...

Gifts made from an IRA or similar retirement plan may result in little or no tax on those withdrawals. Check with your tax advisor for specifics regarding your situation. Wills and Trusts-Naming of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Carlsbad is an excellent way to leave a legacy for our Parish. If you sold securities this year and will owe capital gains tax, remember that gifts to St. Patrick Catholic Community of cash or other securities may reduce your gains. Please check with your tax advisor.

Tax donation letters will be mailed out at the end of January 2026.

III Domingo de Adviento

Notas Pastorales

Hoy la Iglesia nos invita a regocijarnos, porque celebramos el Tercer Domingo de Adviento, conocido como Domingo de Gaudete. “Gaudete” significa ¡Regocijaos!, y proviene de las palabras de San Pablo en la Segunda Lectura: “Regocijaos siempre en el Señor; os lo repito, regocijaos” (Filipenses 4,4). El Adviento es un tiempo de preparación, de espera, de reflexión y también de conversión, pero hoy se nos recuerda que la alegría es el corazón de nuestra fe. Esta alegría no viene del mundo, sino de la promesa de la presencia de Dios entre nosotros.

Las lecturas de hoy nos llaman a la esperanza, la conversión y la confianza en las promesas de Dios. En la Primera Lectura, Isaías proclama: “El desierto y la tierra reseca se alegrarán; el yermo se regocijará y florecerá” (Isaías 35,1). Dios promete renovación y restauración. Incluso los lugares más áridos y desafiantes de nuestra vida —espacios de pérdida, miedo o pecado— pueden transformarse con el amor de Dios. El Adviento nos invita a reconocer dónde existen estos desiertos en nuestro corazón y a permitir que Dios traiga nueva vida y sanación.

En el Evangelio, Juan Bautista nos llama a preparar el camino del Señor: “Preparad el camino del Señor, allanad sus senderos” (Marcos 1,3). El mensaje de Juan es claro: estamos llamados a la conversión, a despejar aquello que obstaculiza nuestra relación con Dios. Esta preparación no solo se ve en gestos externos, sino en el trabajo interior de abrir nuestro corazón a la misericordia y al amor de Dios. Juan señala a Jesús, que viene con humildad y ternura, no para condenar, sino para salvar.

La vela rosa del Domingo de Gaudete nos recuerda que la alegría es posible incluso en un tiempo de espera. La esperanza y el regocijo van de la mano. Nuestra preparación para la Navidad no se trata únicamente de adornos o regalos, sino de preparar nuestros corazones para recibir a Cristo, que viene a habitar con nosotros.

Hoy somos invitados a reflexionar: ¿Estamos preparando nuestros corazones con alegría o estamos cargados de preocupaciones y distracciones? Incluso los pequeños actos de amor, bondad y oración nos ayudan a abrir el camino para Cristo en nuestra vida diaria. Regocijémonos, porque las promesas de Dios son fieles y Cristo está cerca. Señor Jesús, enséñanos a regocijarnos en tu presencia. Ayúdanos a preparar nuestros corazones para recibirte y llena nuestras vidas de esperanza, paz y alegría mientras aguardamos tu venida. Amén.

P. George G. Pérez, CJM

Estudios Bíblicos en Español del Padre Ricardo Chinchilla, cjm... clic aquí

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

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