A Word from the Pastor



January 31, 2025

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord replaces the 4th Sunday of Ordinary Time this year. One of the key themes of this feast is that Christ is the Light of the World. Likewise, we are called to spread that light especially in the dark areas of our nation and our world.

The light of Christ dispels the darkness of sin and ignorance, guiding individuals toward a life of righteousness. It is also associated with salvation. In Colossians 1:13-14, it is stated that God "has delivered us from the power of darkness and has brought us into the kingdom of the Son of his love." This transition from darkness to light symbolizes the transformative power of Christ's redemptive work.

The light of Christ's teachings provides moral guidance, encouraging believers to live in accordance with God's commandments. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that to follow Jesus is to live in the "Spirit of truth," which leads to freedom and sanctification.

As believers we are called to reflect the light of Christ in our lives. In Matthew 5:14, Jesus tells His followers, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." This indicates that Christians are to be visible witnesses of Christ's love and truth in the world.

The Catechism teaches that living in the truth involves adhering to the teachings of Christ and embodying His love. By doing so, we not only grow in our relationship with God but also become instruments of His light to others. This is further emphasized in 1 John 2:9-10, where it is stated that "he that loves his brother or sister abides in the light."

The Church, as the body of Christ, is tasked with bringing the light of Christ to all nations. The Second Vatican Council articulated this mission, stating that the Church's purpose is to proclaim the Gospel and share the light of Christ with every creature. This reflects the belief that the Church, like the moon reflecting the sun, derives its light from Christ and is called to illuminate the world.

In summary, Christ is the light that reveals God's truth, offers salvation, and provides moral guidance. Believers, in turn, are called to reflect this light in their lives, living out the teachings of Christ and sharing His love with others. This duality of Christ as the light and believers as lights in the world underscores the transformative power of faith and the communal mission of the Church to spread the Gospel.

The challenge for each of us is to go forth and be a light, especially in the many dark areas of our nation and world.

In one Heart,

Fr. Ron 

 rmbagley@yahoo.com

Pre-Planning Your Final Wishes



Mission San Luis Rey is holding a workshop on Pre-Planning Your Funeral. It will be on Wednesday, February 19, 2:00-3:30 pm. 

See the attached flyer for more information.

Collection for Victims of LA Fires

Our parish collection last week (in church and online) totaled $11,686.

On behalf of all those who will be helped, thank you for your generosity. If you still wish to give, you can go online or just put an envelope in the collection basket indicating that it is for the LA Fire.

Flower Sale

The Knights of Columbus will be holding a flower sale on February 8-9 on the Church patio. Flowers are still $15.00 per bunch and the proceeds benefit Birth Choice of San Marcos.  

Vice President Vance:

Thank you for making headlines

about the bishops’ care for immigrants

Fr. Thomas J. Reese writes for the Religious News Service about how he sees the recent comment by Vice-President Vance as a help for people to know where the US Bishops stand on immigration, care for migrants and other respect life issues.

Ruah Adonai Breath of God Bible Study

The Gospel of Luke takes you on a journey that begins with the foretelling of John the Baptist’s birth and culminates in Jesus’ ascension into heaven. Along the way, you will witness key moments in salvation history, including the Annunciation; the Nativity; Jesus' baptism; his public ministry; the Last Supper; and Jesus’ suffering, death, and glorious Resurrection. The Gospel’s powerful prose and beautiful details will deepen your desire to draw closer to Jesus and be transformed by his teachings.

The Gospel of Luke continually reveals how Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. With Luke: The Story of Salvation Fulfilled, you will experience joy as you see how God has been faithful throughout the ages and how God’s promise can guide you in your everyday lives.

Join us for Luke: The Story of Salvation Fulfilled  beginning February 20, 2025, from 8:30 to 10:00 am in the Parish Center, and continuing every Thursday for 8 weeks.

For more information or to register for the study, contact Lisa Albers by email lalbersphone@gmail.com

Below is a preview video:

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.

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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 event legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire?
2. What is Arianism?
3. When did the East-West Schism occur?
4. Who was the pope who called the Second Vatican Council?
5. Who was the pope during MOST of the Second Vatican Council?

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

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.com We will be pleased to add them.

Masses are available on our website www.stpatrickcarlsbad.com

We have a YouTube channel where we have daily and Sunday Masses.