St. Patrick Parish News & Updates

August 28, 2026 | Issue 34

Pastor’s Reflection 


Twenty-Second Sunday in

Ordinary Time


The readings for the Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time invite us to reflect on the cost and beauty of discipleship. They remind us that following God is not always comfortable or popular. It often demands sacrifice, perseverance, and trust, yet it also leads to true freedom and authentic life.


In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah pours out his heart before God. He feels misunderstood, rejected, and even deceived because of the hardships that accompany his prophetic mission. He experiences ridicule and opposition wherever he goes. Yet despite his suffering, he cannot abandon God’s call. The Word of God burns within him like a fire shut up in his bones. Jeremiah teaches us that genuine faith is not measured by success or comfort but by fidelity. There are moments when Christians may feel discouraged in family life, ministry, or daily struggles. Like Jeremiah, we may be tempted to give up. Yet God’s grace continues to work within us, giving us the strength to remain faithful even when the path is difficult.


Saint Paul, in the Letter to the Romans, urges believers to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. Christian discipleship is not merely about performing religious duties; it is a complete offering of oneself to God. Paul calls us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. In a culture often driven by selfishness, materialism, and individualism, Christians are invited to think and act differently. We become witnesses of Christ when our decisions reflect Gospel values rather than worldly expectations.


The Gospel presents a dramatic moment in the relationship between Jesus and Peter. After acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah, Peter cannot accept the prediction of the Lord’s suffering and death. He wants a Messiah without the cross. Jesus strongly corrects him, reminding him that God’s ways are different from human thinking. Jesus then extends the challenge to all His followers: "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me."


The cross is not simply suffering for its own sake. It is the daily commitment to love, forgive, serve, and remain faithful despite difficulties. Parents carry crosses in caring for their children. The sick bear crosses through illness. Priests, religious, and lay ministers carry crosses through their service and sacrifices. Every disciple is called to unite these struggles with Christ’s saving love.



This Sunday challenges us to ask ourselves: What prevents us from fully following Christ? Are we seeking comfort more than commitment? May we, like Jeremiah, allow God’s word to burn within us; like Paul, offer our lives completely to God; and like true disciples, embrace our crosses with faith, knowing that losing our life for Christ is the sure path to finding it. Amen.


Blessings always,


Fr. George G. Perez, CJM



Word of the Week: Thurifer



A thurifer is an altar server or minister in the liturgy who carries and swings the thurible (or censer), the metal container used to burn incense. The word comes from the Latin roots thus (incense) and ferre (to bear), literally meaning "incense-bearer."

WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS & REFUGEES


SUNDAY | SEPTEMBER 27| 2 P.M.



Location has been changed to

Balboa Park 

First Friday Adoration



Beginning on Friday September 4, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. We are discontinuing the morning period of adoration on First Fridays. We will continue Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament every Tuesday from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

A Quote by Dolly Parton

Pope Leo XIV Speaks About The Importance of Sacred Music


During his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Leo XIV reflects on sacred music in the liturgy, praising it for giving voice to prayer and expressing the faith, always with the main objective of glorifying God and helping the faithful grow in holiness.

Saint John Eudes Feast Day


On August 19, the Eudist Family throughout the world celebrated the feast day of St. John Eudes. In California, over 100 priests, religious, and lay associates gathered at St. Patrick Church to offer a Mass concelebrated with 11 priests. Fr. George Perez was the presider and homilist. A plentiful and varied potluck meal followed. A wonderful video presentation of the life of St. John Eudes made its debut.


The picture above shows the Eudists of the Philippines who gathered at the Church of the Holy Sacrifice (campus of the University of the Philippines) along with Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd and the Little Sisters of the Poor. The presider and homilist was Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, pro-prefect for the Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches of the Dicastery for Evangelization in the Vatican. It was Cardinal Tagle who first invited the Eudists to come to the Philippines back in 2005 when he was Bishop of Imus (Cavite). The Mass was followed by a delicious meal of Filipino delicacies.

Have You Read the Holy Father’s Encyclical?


Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, reminds us that we are not projects to be optimized, but men and women lovingly created in the image and likeness of God. In this video, Most Rev. Bernard A. Hebda, Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, reflects on what the encyclical says about the dignity and magnificence of the human person. Released on May 25, 2026, and signed on the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum, Magnifica Humanitas ("Magnificent Humanity") addresses the safeguarding of the human person in the time of artificial intelligence. 


While much of the attention has focused on what the encyclical says about AI, Archbishop Hebda draws out its deeper message: that the dignity inscribed in each of us by the Holy Spirit will forever distinguish us from even the most perfect of machines, and that our very limitations can become pathways to human flourishing in the light of Christ. 


Learn more and explore resources from the USCCB: Magnifica Humanitas:

www.usccb.org/magnifica-humanitas


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.

Gather on the Mountain |

Ages 55+


Come away to the beauty of Whispering Winds for three days of faith, friendship, and renewal. Spend time on the mountain with Fr. Gil Gentile, Fr. Jim Poulsen, Deacon Chris and Lee Hulburt, and Msgr. Mark Campbell, while enjoying fellowship, worship, reflection, and the peace of God's creation.



September 1–3. Overnight and Day Guest options available.

Bible Basics Class



As the title suggests, this course will cover the basics of reading and studying the Bible from a Catholic perspective. First and foremost, we will explore what it means to say that the Bible is the Word of God written by human authors. What is Revelation? What is inspiration? Is the Bible free of errors? 


Equally important, we will explore why it is important to read the text in the context in which it was written. That includes the cultural, historical, religious and political situation in which the biblical author was immersed.


How did the New Testament develop? What is the relevance of the Old Testament? What is the relationship of the Scriptures and Tradition? What is wrong with fundamentalism?


These and many other questions will be explored and discussed during four classes. We will meet in the Patio Room on Mondays October 19 & 26 as well as November 9 & 16 (We skip November 2 because of the annual Parish All Souls Mass.) Classes will be from 6:30 – 8:00 pm.


There is no fee for this course and there is no book to buy. Just bring your Bible.


To register, send an email to Fr. Ron Bagley, CJM at rmbagley@yahoo.com or call him at the parish office.

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. Who is the patron saint of lost items?
  2. Which saint is honored as the patron of travelers?
  3. Who is the patron saint of impossible causes?
  4. Which saint is the patron of animals and ecology?
  5. Which saint, known for his extensive missionary work in Asia, is the patron saint of foreign missions and was one of the first members of the Society of Jesus?


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

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A


First Reading

Jeremiah 20:7-9

Jeremiah laments but cannot fail to speak in God’s name.


Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 63:2-6,8-9

Our souls yearn for God.


Second Reading

Romans 12:1-2

Paul encourages the Romans to stay faithful to God.


Gospel Reading

Matthew 16:21-27

Jesus speaks of his Passion and rebukes Peter for his objection.


Background on the Gospel

Reading


Today’s Gospel continues the story that began in last week’s Gospel. Simon Peter was called the “rock” upon which Jesus would build his Church, and yet Peter continues to show the limitations of his understanding of Jesus’ identity. Now that the disciples have acknowledged that Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus confides in them the outcome of his ministry: he must suffer and die in Jerusalem to be raised on the third day. Peter rejects this prediction, and Jesus rebukes him severely, calling him “Satan.” In opposing this aspect of Jesus’ mission, Peter shows that he is no longer speaking based on the revelation from God but as a human being. Jesus then teaches all of the disciples about the difficult path of discipleship: to be Christ’s disciple is to follow in his way of the cross.


Peter could not yet understand what it meant to call Jesus the Messiah. It is unlikely that the other disciples understood any better. Messianic expectations were a common aspect of first-century Judaism. Under Roman occupation, many in Israel hoped and prayed that God would send a Messiah to free the Jews from Roman oppression. The common view was that the Messiah would be a political figure, a king that would free Israel from Roman rule. This is perhaps what Peter envisioned when he was led to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. In this passage, however, Jesus is beginning to teach his disciples that he would be the Messiah in a different way.


Jesus would be more like the suffering servant described by the prophet Isaiah than the political liberator. Those who would be Jesus' disciples would be called to a similar life of service. Perhaps this is what Peter feared most in Jesus’ prediction of his Passion. He whom Jesus had called “rock” would also be called upon to offer himself in sacrifice and service to others. Christian leaders today are still called to sacrifice and serve others as Jesus did.

Take Up Your Cross – Two Settings


The words of today’s gospel have been set to music many times. The first is more traditional and uses a beautiful melody by J.S. Bach


The second setting is more contemporary and was written by the popular musician and song writer Jaime Cortez.

Family Mass



Our next Family Mass will be this Sunday, August 30 at 9:00 am in the church. Come and bring the whole family.

Be The Light

Middle School Youth Group Calendar

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.

JORNADA MUNDIAL DEL MIGRANTE & REFUGIADO


DOMINGO | 27 DE SEPTIEMBRE |

2 P.M.


La ubicación ha cambiado

a Balboa Park

Adoración del Primer Viernes

 

A partir del viernes 4 de septiembre, la Exposición del Santísimo Sacramento tendrá lugar de 6:30 a 9:00 pm. Estamos discontinuando el período de adoración en la mañana de los Primeros Viernes. Continuaremos con la Exposición del Santísimo Sacramento todos los martes de 2:00 pm a 6:00 pm

Notas Pastorales


XXII Domingo Ordinario


Las lecturas del Vigésimo Segundo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario nos invitan a reflexionar sobre el costo y la belleza del discipulado. Nos recuerdan que seguir a Dios no siempre es cómodo ni popular. A menudo exige sacrificio, perseverancia y confianza, pero también conduce a la verdadera libertad y a una vida auténtica.


En la primera lectura, el profeta Jeremías abre su corazón ante Dios. Se siente incomprendido, rechazado e incluso engañado a causa de las dificultades que acompañan su misión profética. Experimenta burlas y oposición dondequiera que va. Sin embargo, a pesar de su sufrimiento, no puede abandonar el llamado de Dios. La Palabra de Dios arde dentro de él como un fuego encerrado en sus huesos. Jeremías nos enseña que la fe genuina no se mide por el éxito o la comodidad, sino por la fidelidad. Hay momentos en que los cristianos pueden sentirse desanimados en la vida familiar, en el ministerio o en las luchas cotidianas. Como Jeremías, podemos sentir la tentación de rendirnos. Sin embargo, la gracia de Dios continúa actuando dentro de nosotros, dándonos la fuerza para permanecer fieles incluso cuando el camino es difícil.


San Pablo, en la Carta a los Romanos, exhorta a los creyentes a ofrecer sus cuerpos como un sacrificio vivo, santo y agradable a Dios. El discipulado cristiano no consiste simplemente en cumplir deberes religiosos; es una entrega total de uno mismo a Dios. Pablo nos llama a no conformarnos a los criterios de este mundo, sino a transformarnos mediante la renovación de nuestra mente. En una cultura frecuentemente impulsada por el egoísmo, el materialismo y el individualismo, los cristianos están llamados a pensar y actuar de manera diferente. Nos convertimos en testigos de Cristo cuando nuestras decisiones reflejan los valores del Evangelio más que las expectativas del mundo.


El Evangelio presenta un momento decisivo en la relación entre Jesús y Pedro. Después de reconocer a Jesús como el Mesías, Pedro no puede aceptar el anuncio del sufrimiento y la muerte del Señor. Quiere un Mesías sin cruz. Jesús lo corrige con firmeza, recordándole que los caminos de Dios son distintos de los pensamientos humanos. Luego Jesús extiende el desafío a todos sus seguidores: “El que quiera venir conmigo, que renuncie a sí mismo, que tome su cruz y me siga.” La cruz no es simplemente sufrir por sufrir. Es el compromiso diario de amar, perdonar, servir y permanecer fieles a pesar de las dificultades. Los padres cargan cruces al cuidar de sus hijos. Los enfermos llevan cruces a través de la enfermedad. Los sacerdotes, religiosos y ministros laicos cargan cruces mediante su servicio y sus sacrificios. Todo discípulo está llamado a unir estas luchas al amor salvador de Cristo.


Este domingo nos desafía a preguntarnos: ¿Qué nos impide seguir plenamente a Cristo? ¿Buscamos más la comodidad que el compromiso? Que nosotros, como Jeremías, permitamos que la Palabra de Dios arda dentro de nosotros; como Pablo, ofrezcamos nuestra vida completamente a Dios; y como verdaderos discípulos, abracemos nuestras cruces con fe, sabiendo que perder la vida por Cristo es el camino seguro para encontrarla. Amén.



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