Very soon we will enter into the most sacred time of the Church Year: the celebration of the Paschal Triduum. The season of Lent officially ends on the afternoon of Holy Thursday. The Sacred Triduum begins with the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. The next liturgical celebration of the Triduum is the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday. At night on Holy Saturday we celebrate the Easter Vigil. The Triduum concludes with the Masses of Easter Sunday.
Though chronologically three days, liturgically the Triduum celebrates the unfolding of one event: that of Christ's Paschal Mystery. Our liturgical celebrations over these days give us the opportunity to savor the various aspects of this one Mystery.
Christians have been commemorating the death and resurrection of Jesus since apostolic times, because his death and resurrection are at the heart of Christian salvation. At least by the second century, Christians celebrated the Great Easter Vigil, an event which began the night of Holy Saturday, continuing until dawn on Easter morning. During this vigil, Christians commemorated salvation history, awaited the return of Jesus, and celebrated the resurrection of Jesus at dawn on Easter Sunday. It was at the vigil that catechumens, after a three year period of catechesis, were baptized and received First Communion. The Easter Vigil was the most important day of the liturgical year.
Eventually Christians expanded this celebration to a three-day commemoration of Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection, with the Easter Vigil being the high point of the three day commemoration. Our celebration of the Easter Vigil is not as long as it was in the early Church, but it is still very beautiful as we welcome new members into the Church.
I invite you to make plans to join us for these special celebrations. They will all be held outside on the covered court of our school. There is plenty of room for all who want to join in the celebration. See the schedule of these liturgies and an explanation in the special link below.
This weekend will be the last time we have General Absolution at Sunday Mass during Lent. However, General Absolution is also available at our Friday morning Masses. Fr. Ron has recorded a prayer service that will help you prepare for General Confession and the reception of General Absolution. It is on our YouTube channel and the link is below:
Watch Holy Week in Three Minutes
Year of St. Joseph
Pope Francis announced a Year of St. Joseph, in honor of the 150th anniversary of the saint’s proclamation as patron of the Universal Church. We celebrate every March 19 as the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary. He is also the Protector and Guardian of Jesus.
Pope Francis said he was establishing the year so that “every member of the faithful, following his example, may strengthen their life of faith daily in the complete fulfillment of God’s will.”
This year began on December 8, 2020 and continues until December 8, 2021.
See below the link to the proclamation of Pope Francis, Patris Corde (With a Father’s Heart”). Also see the link to a beautiful prayer to St. Joseph which was composed by St. John Eudes.
As we continue to look at significant Catholic Women n American history, this week we look at a courageous woman of the 20th century who worked tirelessly for the poor. For Dorothy Day (1897-1980), her concern for the poor led her to the Catholic Church which she admired as “the Church of the Poor.”
Read more about her inspiring journey in the brief article and look at the ongoing process for her canonization as a Catholic saint.
Dorothy Day
Dorothy Day was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 8, 1897, the third child of Grace and John Day. Her nominally religious family moved to the San Francisco Bay area and then to Chicago where she was baptized in the Episcopal Church. She attended the University of Illinois at Urbana and became interested in radical social causes as a way to help workers and the poor. In 1916, she left the university and moved to New York City where she worked as a journalist on socialist newspapers, participated in protest movements, and developed friendships with many famous artists and writers. During this time, she also experienced failed love affairs, a marriage, a suicide attempt, and an abortion.
Dorothy had grown to admire the Catholic Church as the “Church of the poor” and her faith began to take form with the birth of her daughter Tamar in 1926. Her decision to have her daughter baptized and embrace the Catholic faith led to the end of her common law marriage and the loss of many of her radical friends. Dorothy struggled to find her role as a Catholic. While covering the 1932 Hunger March in Washington, D.C. for some Catholic magazines, she prayed at the national Shrine of the Immaculate Conception that some way would open up for her to serve the poor and the unemployed. The following day, back in New York, she met Peter Maurin, a French immigrant and former Christian Brother, who had a vision for a society constructed of Gospel values. Together they founded the Catholic Worker newspaper which spawned a movement of houses of hospitality and farming communes that has been replicated throughout the United States and other countries.
At the Catholic Worker, Dorothy Day lived a life faithful to the injunctions of the Gospel. Often the newspaper quoted G.K. Chesterton’s famous observation that Christianity hadn’t really failed — it had never really been tried. Day’s life was spent trying. She was shot at while working for integration, prayed and fasted for peace at the Second Vatican Council, received Holy Communion from Pope Paul VI at the 1967 International Congress of the Laity, and addressed the 1976 Eucharistic Congress in Philadelphia. Her pilgrimage ended at Maryhouse in New York City on November 29, 1980, where she died among the poor.
To read about her cause for sainthood in the Catholic Church, click below.
The Diocesan Institute will be offering a virtual 15 hour course in Adult Faith Formation in English beginning Tuesday, April 13th at 6:30 pm on Zoom and Spanish beginning Thursday, April 15th at 6:30 pm on Zoom. All those involved in ministry with adults such as RCIA, Bible Study/Faith Sharing are encouraged to attend! Fifteen hours of Catechetical Renewal credit are granted upon completion of this specialization course. Please visit the Diocesan Institute webpage or call 858-490-8212 to register.
Curso de Formación en la Fe para Adultos – Instituto Diocesano
El Instituto Diocesano ofrecerá un curso para entrenar a los que están en el ministerio con los adultos. Se cubrirá el proceso de la educación religiosa para adultos y las observaciones prácticas del desarrollo e implementación de programas. La clase de 15 horas comenzará el 15de abril a 6:30 PM en Zoom con el Profesor Leal. Llamar a 858-490-8212 o en línea Instituto Diocesano para inscribirse.
Retrouvaille is Online!
Retrouvaille is a marriage program that helps couples in struggling marriages restore and rebuild a healthy and loving relationship.
Retrouvaille SoCal/San Diego is hosting a virtual weekend on April 8-11. Visit their website for more information and registration details: www.helpourmarriage-sandiego.org
Social Justice hybrid course in Spanish: Four Wednesdays in April
Many people feel attracted to social justice; however, only a few of them actively engage in social change. This course has been designed for Hispanic/Latino parishioners who aim to put their faith into action by enhancing their comprehension of Catholic social teaching principles in class and applying them by serving the most vulnerable in a social agency or ministry. Visit Justicia Social to register and for additional details.
Justicia Social a la Luz de la Espiritualidad Franciscana
La clase sera es por cuatro miércoles en abril, de 6:30 pm a 9:00 p.m. La oficina del Censo de los Estados Unidos reportó que en el 2019, 34 millones de personas vivian en condición de pobreza. Reflexiona en cómo puedes tú contribuir al cambio social, amplia tus conocimientos sobre los principios de la Doctrina Social de la Iglesia (vida y dignidad, solidaridad, subsidiaridad, bien común y derechos humanos), ponlos en práctica y recibe15 hrs de crédito. Visita Justicia Social para conocer los detalles e inscríbete hoy mismo.
I Am a Child of God
Sung by One Voice Children’s Choir
Easter- Online Giving Reminder
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"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.
In addition to March 19, what is the other feast day dedicated to St. Joseph?
Which gospel contains an Annunciation to Joseph by an angel who tells him that Mary will conceive a child by the power of the Holy Spirit?
In what gospel is Joseph not even mentioned?
What are the most famous words spoken by St. Joseph?
In what century do we see veneration to St. Joseph beginning?
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.comWe will be pleased to add them.
We have opened a YouTube channel where we have daily and Sunday Masses as well as Fr. Ron's new Bible Study posted for the parish called St Patrick Church Carlsbad that you can subscribe to.
Jeremiah tells the people that the Lord will make a new covenant with them, planting the law within their hearts.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 51:3-4,12-13,14-15
A prayer for God’s mercy and forgiveness
Second Reading
Hebrews 5:7-9
Through his sufferings, Jesus gained salvation for all who obey him.
Gospel Reading
John 12:20-33
Jesus teaches his disciples about the way in which he will be glorified by God, and a voice from heaven is heard to affirm this teaching.
Background on the Gospel Reading
Today’s Gospel reading is taken from the Gospel of John. We are reading much further into John’s Gospel than we have for the past two weeks. Chapter 12 of John’s Gospel is a preparation for the beginning of the passion narrative to follow. Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead—an important sign in John’s Gospel, which inspired many people to believe in Jesus. This event also marks the turning point in Jesus’ conflict with the Jewish authorities. John’s Gospel tells us that the Sanhedrin met after this event and made plans to kill Jesus. In the 12th chapter of John’s Gospel, Jesus is anointed at Bethany and enters Jerusalem in triumph. We again see evidence of the significance of the raising of Lazarus to this event; John reports that the crowds also gathered to see Lazarus.
Following his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Jesus predicted his suffering, death, and Resurrection and prepared his disciples to believe in the salvation that his death would accomplish. Using the metaphor of the grain of wheat, Jesus presented the idea that his dying would be beneficial. He also taught that those who would be his disciples must follow his example of sacrifice. This theme will be repeated in John’s account of the Last Supper, when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as an example of how they must serve one another.
The final section of today’s Gospel might be read as John’s parallel to the agony in the garden. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels, the Gospel of John does not record Jesus’ anguished prayer in the garden of Gethsemane before his arrest. Although comparable words are found in today’s reading, Jesus gives a confident response to the question he raises when asking God to save him from his impending death. After announcing his conviction that it is for this purpose that he came, a voice from heaven speaks, as if in answer to Jesus’ prayer. This voice, like the one heard at Jesus’ baptism and at Jesus’ Transfiguration—events reported in the Synoptic Gospels but not in John’s Gospel—affirms that God welcomes the sacrifice that Jesus will make on behalf of others. In John’s Gospel, Jesus teaches that this voice was sent for the sake of those who would believe in him.
In today’s Gospel, we also hear Jesus speak about the cosmic framework against which we are to understand his passion, death, and Resurrection. Through his death and Resurrection, Jesus conquered Satan, the ruler of this world. In this way the world is judged, but the judgment is not condemnation. Instead, through Jesus’ dying and rising, salvation is brought to the world.
Fr. Ron will facilitate a discussion on the Passion Narratives of the four gospels on Monday, March 29, 6:30-7:30 pm on Zoom. The discussion will be based on the presentations that he recorded on our YouTube channel. It would be important for participants to have viewed the three presentations prior to the discussion.
To join the Zoom Meeting on March 29, use the following link:
If you want Fr. Ron to send you an invitation to your email, contact him at rmbagley@yahoo.com.
The Passion Narratives of the Gospels
As we move into the second half of Lent, our attention becomes more focused on the suffering and death of Jesus. Fr. Ron has recorded a Bible Study and looks more closely at the Passion narratives of the gospels. While they tell the same story of the last days of Jesus, each offers a unique perspective.
This Bible Study is available on our YouTube channel. It consists of three pre recorded presentations, each about an hour long. This “on demand” Bible study can be viewed at your leisure. You can pause and return later. You might want to gather the family to listen together (although it is more suitable for adults and young adults).
The first session looks at the Passion Narratives in the gospels of Matthew and Mark. They can be studied together since they are so similar. The link is here:
St. Luke offers some unique additions to the story that show his particular touch. That video link is here:
The fourth gospel (John) offers the most unique description of the passion and death of the Lord. Much of his material is quite different from the other three gospels. This presentation focuses on his powerful message. the link is here:
Diacono Miguel Enriquez
“Lo he glorificado y volveré a glorificarlo”. Estas palabras de Jesús nos llegan a nuestros oídos antes de que le llegue su tiempo de ser arrestado. Se acerca la Semana Santa, tomemos el tiempo de reflexionar de este gran acto de amor que nos demuestra Jesús. Si no tenemos cuidado, podemos caer en la trampa pensando de que Jesús muriendo en cruz fue posible porque él, siendo Dios, “recibió una ayuda extra”. Jesús es 100% Divino y 100% Humano. El tuvo que resistir todos los sentimientos humanos que tú y yo enfrentamos en nuestra vida diaria. Jesús nos enseñó que todo es posible confiando en Dios en cada experiencia de nuestra vida. El 19 de marzo, la Iglesia celebró la Solemnidad de San Jose, Esposo de Virgen Maria. El diciembre pasado, Papa Francisco convoca a un Año de San Jose (del dic. 8, 2020- nov. 2021). El Papa le pidió a toda la Iglesia que refleje en la vida de San Jose: en su amor, su aceptación y obediencia a la voluntad de Dios, en su fe y perseverancia al enfrentarse con los diferentes retos en su vida, manteniendo sus ojos en Dios. ¿Acaso nosotros reflejamos esas virtudes?
Por favor hagan clic en la reflexión y los videos indicados. Espero que les ayude en sus momentos de reflexión.
Revisa el video de esta Semana con Dc Miguel y P. Ric
Hablemos del grano de Trigo
MENTAL HEALTH CORNER
Understanding Anxiety Disorders
Lorena Ramírez
According to the American Psychiatric Association, Anxiety disorders are the most common and pervasive mental disorders in the United States, affecting more than 25 million Americans.
Anxiety disorders differ from normal feelings of nervousness or anxiousness and involve excessive fear or anxiety. For a person with an anxiety disorder, anxiety does not go away and can worsen over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, schoolwork, and relationships. The good news is that anxiety disorders are treatable, and several effective treatments are available. Therapy helps most people live productive lives.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal stress reaction and can be beneficial in some situations. It can alert us to dangers and help us prepare and pay attention. Occasional anxiety is an expected part of life. You might feel anxious when faced with a problem at work before taking a test or making an important decision. Mark Tyrrell, a psychotherapist from the UK says, anxiety is a survival response, not an illness, but it is a response that can go wrong sometimes to the point that it hinders rather than helps.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and various phobia-related disorders.
Some of the criteria for a diagnosis of generalized anxiety and other anxiety disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) are:
Excessive anxiety and worry about different things.
Difficulty to stop or control worrying.
Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge.
Being easily fatigued
Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank.
Trouble relaxing
Becoming easily annoyed or irritable.
Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep)
Risk Factors
Researchers are finding that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the risk of developing an anxiety disorder. Although the risk factors for each type of anxiety disorder can vary, some general risk factors for all types of anxiety disorders include:
Temperamental traits of shyness or behavioral inhibition in childhood
Exposure to stressful and negative life or environmental events in early childhood or adulthood
A history of anxiety or other mental illnesses in biological relatives
Some physical health conditions, such as thyroid problems or heart arrhythmias, or caffeine or other substances/medications, can produce or aggravate anxiety symptoms; a physical health examination helps evaluate an anxiety disorder.
Many people with anxiety find relief in the following activities.
Aerobic exercise
Deep breathing exercises
Grounding techniques for anxiety
Progressive muscle relaxation
Exposure with nature (soul recharge)
Building resilience by doing positive and enjoyable things.
Are you over 18 years of age and struggling with the challenge of a loved one with a mental health condition?
If so, register now for the free NAMI Family-to-Family Course
New Dates!! Thursday, March 25 through May 13 - 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. (8 online “Zoom” sessions)
To Register: Online – go to: Family to Family-NAMI San Diego and scroll down to “Add me to the interest list”
Or email: f2f@namisd.org; or call 619 543-1434 or 800 523-5933
NAMI Family-to-Family is taught by NAMI-trained family members who have been there, and includes presentations, discussions and interactive exercises. This course is being taught by St. Patrick parishioners. The group setting provides mutual support and shared positive impact—experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation – you are not alone.
Our parish offices are open, Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 12:30pm.
During this time of inactivity, we will use our parish email system to communicate with parishioners to offer spiritual reflections and make announcements.
In case of an emergency, you can always reach us by phone. We will be checking regularly for messages and respond as soon as possible. If need be, the answering service can get in touch with one of our priests quickly- 760-729-2866.
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 link below:
