Third Sunday in

Ordinary Time



Pastor’s Notes

On this Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church invites us to place the Word of God at the center of our lives. In the Gospel, we encounter Jesus at the beginning of His public ministry. Standing in the synagogue of Nazareth, He opens the scroll of the prophet Isaiah and proclaims a message of hope: good news to the poor, liberty to captives, sight to the blind, and freedom to the oppressed. Then He makes a stunning declaration: this Word is fulfilled today.

This moment is not merely a reading of Scripture; it is a revelation of who Jesus is. He is not only proclaiming God’s Word—He is the Word made flesh, now present among His people. What Isaiah promised, Jesus fulfills. Salvation is no longer distant or abstract; it stands before them, speaks to them, and invites them to believe.

The first reading from Nehemiah helps us understand how God’s Word works in the life of a community. The people gather, listen attentively, and are deeply moved—some even weep—because the Word reveals both God’s love and their need for conversion. Yet they are reminded not to be sad, for “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” God’s Word does not condemn; it restores, strengthens, and renews.

St. Paul, in the second reading, reminds us that we are one body in Christ, each with unique gifts, but all essential. The Word we hear on Sunday is not meant to remain only in our ears or hearts; it must be lived out in our actions. We become the hands, feet, and voice of Christ when we serve one another, especially the poor and vulnerable—the very people Jesus names in His mission.

As we celebrate this Sunday of the Word of God, we are challenged to ask ourselves:

• Do I listen to God’s Word with expectation, believing that it speaks to me today?
• Do I allow it to challenge and change my life?
• Do I help fulfill this Word by living the Gospel in my family, parish, and community?



The Word of God is alive. When we open our hearts to it, Christ continues His mission through us. Today, if we listen with faith, this Scripture can once again be fulfilled in our hearing—and in our living.

Fr. George G. Perez, CJM



Ecumenical Prayer Service

During the week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the churches of North County are once again invited to come together for an Evening Prayer Service this Tuesday, January 27 at 6:30 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Encinitas. The service will be led by clergy members from the various Christian churches. St. Patrick’s Choir will once again form the core of an ecumenical choir that will lead us in song. The theme is One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. Some time for fellowship will follow the service. 

St. Pat’s has traditionally been a leader in this annual prayer service. Join Fr. Ron and our choir on January 27. With one heart and voice let us praise the Lord.

Three US Cardinals:

Foreign policy must respect human dignity, religious liberty - Vatican News

Clothing Drive This Weekend

As a part her participation in the National Catholic Youth Council, Natalie Myers has organized a clothing drive to help families in need. Here is how you can help.

Fr. Ron to Offer Course on the Nicene Creed

Beginning on February 3, Fr. Ron Bagley will offer a six-week course on the Nicene Creed. If interested, register through the Diocesan Institute. Note that there is a text book for this course that students will need to order online. Contact Fr. Ron with questions.

James R. & Geraldine F. Bertelsen Scholarship

These $10,000 scholarships are open to high school seniors and current college students who will be attending a four-year Roman Catholic college or university for the 2026-2027 academic year. Students must live in Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos or Encinitas to be eligible.

The Bertelsen Scholarship will be available on the San Diego Foundation’s on-line Common Scholarship Application starting on January 14, 2026, with a submission deadline of March 4, 2026 by 2 PM PST. 

Email scholarships@sdfoundation.org

or call 619-814-1343 if you have additional questions.



The application link available to students for the Bertelsen Scholarship and other scholarships can be found here: 

Vivaldi



This recording of Vivaldi’s Gloria in Excelsis was made in 2013 by orchestra and chorus in Madrid, Spain. It is a good example of Vivaldi’s Baroque style.

Online Giving Reminder

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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 theological term for the belief that Jesus was fully human and fully divine and that those two natures are united in his person?
2. What is the common term for the belief that our one God has three “persons,” Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
3. What was the 4th century heresy that denied the divinity of Christ?
4. How many titles of the pope can you name?
5. According to the official Catholic Church tally, how many popes have there been?



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