Family Mass and Baptism of the Lord - Week 2

St. Patrick Parish News & Updates

January 9, 2026 | Issue 1

The Baptism of the Lord

Pastor’s Notes

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus and in the life of the Church. With this feast, the Christmas season comes to a close, and we turn our gaze toward the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. The Child born in Bethlehem, adored by shepherds and sought by the Magi, now stands as an adult in the waters of the Jordan River, ready to begin the mission entrusted to Him by the Father.

At first glance, this moment may seem puzzling. John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, yet Jesus is without sin. Why, then, does He insist on being baptized? Jesus enters the waters not because He needs repentance, but because we do. By stepping into the Jordan, He chooses to stand with sinners, fully identifying with humanity in all its weakness and need. In this act of humility, Jesus reveals the heart of God—a God who draws near, shares our struggles, and offers us new life.

As Jesus comes up from the water, a remarkable revelation takes place. The heavens open, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him like a dove, and the voice of the Father is heard: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” In this moment, the mystery of the Holy Trinity is revealed. The Father speaks, the Son is made known, and the Spirit rests upon Him. Jesus is publicly affirmed as the beloved Son, anointed and sent to bring God’s saving love to the world.

This feast is not only about who Jesus is; it is also about who we are. Through our own baptism, we have been united to Christ and incorporated into His Body, the Church. We have been claimed by the Father, washed in the waters of rebirth, and filled with the Holy Spirit. Baptism is not merely a ritual from the past; it is the foundation of our Christian identity. In baptism, God calls each of us by name and declares, “You are my beloved.”

Because of our baptism, we are given both dignity and responsibility. We are called to live as children of God, reflecting Christ in the way we love, forgive, and serve. Baptism commissions us for mission—not for our own sake, but for the sake of others—so that we may bring hope to the weary, compassion to the suffering, and light to a world often overshadowed by darkness.

As we enter Ordinary Time, this feast reminds us that holiness is lived in daily faithfulness: in family life, in our work, in our care for the poor, and in our commitment to one another. Strengthened by the grace of baptism, we walk forward with confidence, knowing that Christ walks with us, the Spirit guides us, and the Father delights in us as His beloved children.

Fr. George G. Perez, CJM

Baptism by John the Baptist and Baptism Today:

What’s the Difference?

In Catholic teaching, John's baptism was a preparatory baptism of repentance for sin, foreshadowing Christ's, while Jesus' baptism inaugurated the new covenant, a sacrament of grace that brings the Holy Spirit, forgives sins, and incorporates believers into Christ's Body, the Church, with a trinitarian formula. John's was for preparing people to receive the Messiah; Jesus' is for receiving the promised Spirit and entering God's Kingdom.

Family of the Year

Our local Council of the Knights of Columbus began to designate one family each year as our Parish Family of the Year. This year’s recipient is the family of Nick and Jen Rivette. As a whole family of talented musicians, they have provided the music for our Sunday 5:00 pm Mass for many years. They are also involved in marriage enrichment and other ministries. We congratulate the Rivette’s as we thank God for their service to our parish.

The award was presented at the 4:00 pm Family Mass on Christmas Eve by Bill Tussy and Brick Langford, Grand Knight and former Grand Knight.

Clothing Drive

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.

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 on 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.

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.

Course information here...

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:

Application here...

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.

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.

What are the three Sacraments of Initiation?
What are the Sacraments of Healing?
What are the Sacraments at the Service of Communion?
Which three sacraments confer, in addition to grace, a sacramental character or "seal" by which the Christian shares in Christ's priesthood and is made a member of the Church according to different states and functions? (CCC 1121)
In which of the sacraments is Sacred Chrism used?

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

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord – Year A

First Reading

Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7

The servant of the Lord shall bring justice to all.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 29:1-2,3-4,9-10

The Lord will give peace to the people.

Second Reading

Acts of the Apostles 10:34-38

God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit.

Gospel Reading

Matthew 3:13-17

The Spirit of God comes upon Jesus as he is baptized by John.

Background on the Gospel Reading

The baptism of Jesus is attested to in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The account that appears in Matthew is the only one to include the dialogue between Jesus and John, however. Another difference in Matthew’s presentation of this event is the announcement made by the voice from heaven, which says, “This is my beloved son . . .” In Mark and Luke, this voice addresses itself to Jesus: “You are my beloved son . . .”

The baptisms that John performs prefigure Christian Baptism. John baptizes for repentance from sin. In accepting this baptism, Jesus unites himself with all sinners even though he is sinless. In Matthew’s Gospel, John the Baptist distinguishes his practice of baptism from the Baptism that the Messiah brings: “I am baptizing you with water . . . He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11).

The baptism of Jesus is another manifestation of Christ, another epiphany. Christ’s baptism inaugurates his mission. In an analogous way, our Baptism inaugurates our mission as Christians.

This Sunday marks a transition from the Christmas season to Ordinary Time. In a way, today’s feast is the high point of the Christmas season. Before Jesus’ birth, angels announced to Mary and to Joseph who Jesus would be. At his birth, the shepherds and the Magi recognize Jesus as the Messiah. At his baptism, Jesus accepts that he is God’s son and inaugurates that mission.

Family Mass

Our next Family Mass will be this Sunday, January 11 at 9:00 am in the church. It is the feast of the Baptism of the Lord and we will baptize a young parishioner during this Mass.

Come and join us and bring the whole family.

Ye Olde Garage

We start off the new year with our Monthly Sunday Sale this Sunday, January 11. The Shoppe is open from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. We have lots of new inventory that has come into the Shoppe. Come and see.

Follow the Garage Sale signs. We are located in the Northeast corner of the church parking lot. Look for the green sign and the American Flag.

Showers of Blessings

When making your New Year’s resolution please consider making an active commitment to volunteering for Showers of Blessings. We have a few ways you can help this ministry:

Volunteer on Tuesday mornings 7-11 am(Once or twice a month). Many jobs available
Volunteer for set up only in the mornings (7-8 am)
Donate food once a month for the take away bags

Please email Carol Jerome Jerome.carol@gmail.com or

Chris Durnan chrisdurnan4@gmail.com if interested

Save The Date...

As part of our commitment to our community, St. Patrick Catholic Church is hosting a blood drive on Sunday February 1, 2026 from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM. When you donate blood you are making a difference in someone's life. There is no substitute for your lifesaving gift.

Thank you for your commitment to saving lives!

Schedule your appointment today below.

Schedule here...

Fiesta del Bautismo del Señor

Notas Pastorales

Hoy celebramos la Fiesta del Bautismo del Señor, un momento decisivo en la vida de Jesús y en la vida de la Iglesia. Con esta celebración concluye el tiempo de Navidad y dirigimos nuestra mirada al inicio del ministerio público de Jesús. El Niño nacido en Belén, adorado por los pastores y buscado por los Magos, se presenta ahora como adulto en las aguas del río Jordán, dispuesto a comenzar la misión que el Padre le ha confiado.

A primera vista, este acontecimiento puede resultar desconcertante. El bautismo de Juan era un bautismo de arrepentimiento para el perdón de los pecados, y sin embargo Jesús no tiene pecado. ¿Por qué, entonces, insiste en ser bautizado? Jesús entra en las aguas no porque Él necesite arrepentimiento, sino porque nosotros lo necesitamos. Al sumergirse en el Jordán, elige ponerse del lado de los pecadores, identificándose plenamente con la humanidad en su fragilidad y necesidad. En este gesto de humildad, Jesús revela el corazón de Dios: un Dios que se acerca, comparte nuestras luchas y nos ofrece vida nueva.

Cuando Jesús sale del agua, ocurre una revelación extraordinaria. Se abren los cielos, el Espíritu Santo desciende sobre Él como una paloma y se escucha la voz del Padre: «Tú eres mi Hijo amado; en ti me complazco». En este momento se manifiesta el misterio de la Santísima Trinidad. El Padre habla, el Hijo es revelado y el Espíritu reposa sobre Él. Jesús es proclamado públicamente como el Hijo amado, ungido y enviado para llevar el amor salvador de Dios al mundo.

Esta fiesta no solo nos habla de quién es Jesús, sino también de quiénes somos nosotros. Por nuestro propio bautismo, hemos sido unidos a Cristo e incorporados a su Cuerpo, que es la Iglesia. Hemos sido reclamados por el Padre, lavados en las aguas del nuevo nacimiento y llenos del Espíritu Santo. El bautismo no es simplemente un rito del pasado; es el fundamento de nuestra identidad cristiana. En el bautismo, Dios nos llama a cada uno por nuestro nombre y nos dice: «Tú eres mi hijo amado, tú eres mi hija amada».

A causa de nuestro bautismo, se nos concede tanto una dignidad como una responsabilidad. Estamos llamados a vivir como hijos de Dios, reflejando a Cristo en la manera en que amamos, perdonamos y servimos. El bautismo nos envía en misión, no para nuestro propio beneficio, sino por el bien de los demás, para llevar esperanza a los cansados, compasión a los que sufren y luz a un mundo que a menudo vive en la oscuridad.

Al entrar en el Tiempo Ordinario, esta fiesta nos recuerda que la santidad se vive en la fidelidad de cada día: en la vida familiar, en el trabajo, en el cuidado de los pobres y en nuestro compromiso unos con otros. Fortalecidos por la gracia del bautismo, avanzamos con confianza, sabiendo que Cristo camina con nosotros, el Espíritu nos guía y el Padre se complace en nosotros como sus hijos amados.

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.

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To email a priest at St. Patrick Church click the address below: gperez@eudistsusa.org

rmbagley@yahoo.com

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