As the celebration of Thanksgiving approaches with Christmas following shortly after it, our hearts should turn to thanking God for all the blessings that we have received. Even in the middle of a pandemic and economic downturn, we can still recognize the Lord’s goodness to us.
For us as Christians, one response to recognizing our blessings is to share what we have with others. It would be sad if we were to excuse ourselves from helping others because we ourselves have less.
Many opportunities present themselves for sharing with others. I encourage you to discuss with your family how you want to share with others this holiday season. Giving money to a worthy cause; donating food or diapers to help those in need; volunteering your time to participate in a project that helps others – these are but a few ways we can help others as we thank God for our blessings.
One very worthwhile charity is the Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) of the Diocese of San Diego. The money raised through this diocesan-wide appeal helps to fund a wide array of ministries, vocations and charities: Catholic Schools, Religious Education Programs, Clergy and Seminarian Support and the many people who turn to Catholic Charities in these difficult times. Your contributions to this appeal enables you to reach beyond our own parish to help so many people across San Diego and Imperial counties.
If you have not made your annual contribution to ACA, I urge you to do it soon. If you have the means to give some more, you can help us reach our parish goal. We still need about $12,000. I know that St. Patrick Parish has always responded generously.
Last Monday we opened our reservation program for Christmas Eve Masses. The reservations for the English indoor Masses filled up quickly. There is still room at the Spanish indoor Masses at 6:00 pm.
Even though San Diego County has dropped to tier 1 (purple), hold on to your reservations in case the county goes back to the red tier. In that case, we will use the same reservations. If we are still in purple at Christmas, all Masses will be on the covered court of the school.
Unfortunately, during this past week San Diego County was reassigned to the most restrictive (purple) tier in the state’s coding system indicating there is a "widespread" risk of contracting COVID-19. Additional precautions are required.
For us as a house of worship, it means that we can no longer have Masses inside the church building. Our weekend Masses will continue to be celebrated on the covered court of the school. We no longer have the possibility of moving inside if the weather is inclement. Of course, we will do our best to celebrate all scheduled Masses, but our options are greatly limited. In other words, dress warmly if you choose to come to Mass.
Our weekday Masses will once again move to the patio of the church. Due to darkness, we will cancel the two evening Masses (Tuesday and Wednesday) until further notice.
Most importantly, be careful about going out in public or gathering with groups of people. Wear your masks everywhere you go and keep socially distanced. Covid-19 is widespread in our county. Be on guard. Be vigilant.
Next weekend has been designated for the 2020 Collection for National Needs. This collection supports the Black and Indian Missions, the Catholic Home Missions, the Catholic Communication Campaign, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, and the Catholic University of America. Please put your donation in a plain envelope marked “National Needs” and put it in the basket near the entrance.
COLECTA PARA NECESIDADES NACIONALES
El próximo fin de semana se ha designado para la "Colecta del 2020 para Necesidades Nacionales." Esta colecta ayuda a sostener a las Misiones para Negros e Indios, las Misiones Católicas Domesticas, la Campaña Católica para el Desarrollo Humano, la Campaña para la Comunicación Católica, y la Universidad Católica de América. Por favor, ponga su donación en un sobre sencillo marcado como “Necesidades nacionales” y colóquelo en la canasta cerca de la entrada.
General Absolution
General Absolution will be offered at all Masses on the weekend of November 14-15, since it is the second full weekend of the month.
During the season of Advent, General Absolution will be offered at all Masses on each of the four Sundays of Advent.
General absolution will continue to be available on Fridays at the beginning of the 7:00 and 8:00 am Masses.
We Give Thanks for Family
More Ministers Needed
As we continue to gather for the celebration of Mass every week, we find ourselves in desperate need of additional liturgical ministers. In particular, we need Ministers of Holy Communion and Ministers of Hospitality. We do not currently have enough of these ministers for all of our Masses. As we begin to think about Christmas, the need for these ministries will be critical.
Diaper Collection for Birth Choice - This Weekend
The Catholic Bishops Conference through their Office for Pro-Life Activities is encouraging Catholic parishes to explore ways to help mothers who are struggling during their pregnancy. The project is called Walking with Moms in Need. One way to support Moms in difficult situations is to support a local pregnancy center.
Our Knights of Columbus have come up with an activity that gives each of us an opportunity to make a small contribution to this project. On November 14 and 15 (all Masses on both days) the Knights will be collecting diapers that will be donated to Birth Choice of San Marcos. Once again the Knights will station themselves at the north side of the Parish Center (same place that the food drive was). All you need to do is drive up and one of the Knights will take your donated diapers from your car.
There is a particular need for diapers sizes 4 & 5 as well as baby wipes. Thank you for supporting women who have made a difficult choice.
"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.
I just finished teaching a course on Vatican II as a part of the Diocesan Institute. My students would know the answers to these questions.
How many documents were approved by the Second Vatican Council (1962-65)?
Which pope convoked (called for) the Second Vatican Council?
Which pope finished Vatican II?
Approximately how many bishops attended Vatican II?
Of course, there was a First Vatican Council. When did it take place?
Our parish is blessed by so many kind and generous people. Even in the midst of the ever-changing circumstances of parish life during a pandemic, many of our parishioners have continued to send or bring their contributions to the parish. Many have begun using Online Giving. I am so grateful that so many people have continued to contribute. It has been very helpful to the financial situation of the parish. While our income is down significantly, the generosity shown by so many has enabled us to maintain the parish complex, keep current with our bills, and pay our dedicated staff. Thank you all, very much!
Even as Masses are being celebrated outside on the school grounds, there will be specially marked baskets on the tables near the entrance to the field into which you can place your offerings. Of course, you can continue to mail us your contribution or drop it off at the office (8:30 am – 12:30 pm). Online giving remains a good option as well. Thank you for supporting your parish.
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.
Paul warns the Thessalonians to stay alert because the day of the Lord cannot be predicted.
Gospel Reading
Matthew 25:14-30
Jesus tells the parable of the talents, in which he teaches about the importance of using the gifts that God has given to us in service to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Background on the Gospel Reading
This week’s Gospel speaks of how Jesus’ disciples are to conduct themselves as they await the Kingdom of Heaven. In the preceding passages and in last week’s Gospel, Jesus taught that there is no way to predict the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven. His disciples must, therefore, remain vigilant and ready to receive the Son of Man at any time.
Jesus’ parable talks about Christian discipleship using economic metaphors. Before he leaves on a journey, the master entrusts to his servants a different number of talents, giving to each according to their abilities. A talent is a coin of great value. Upon the master’s return, he finds that the first and second servants have doubled their money, and both are rewarded. The third servant, however, has only preserved what was given to him because he was afraid to lose the money. He has risked nothing; he did not even deposit the money in a bank to earn interest. This servant is punished by the master, and his talent is given to the one who brought the greatest return.
Read in light oflast week’s parableof the wise and foolish bridesmaids, this parable teaches that God’s judgment will be based on the service we render to God and to one another in accordance with the gifts that God has given to us. Our gifts, or talents, are given to us for the service of others. If we fail to use these gifts, God’s judgment on us will be severe. On the other hand, if we make use of these gifts in service to the Kingdom of Heaven, we will be rewarded and entrusted with even more responsibilities.
This Gospel reminds us that Christian spirituality is not passive or inactive. Our life of prayer helps us to discern the gifts that have been given to us by God. This prayer and discernment ought to lead us to use our gifts in the service of God and our neighbor. God’s grace allows us to share in the work of serving the Kingdom of Heaven.
Applications for the Christmas Food Baskets are now being accepted for individuals and families who need a little extra help this Christmas. Please call the parish office at, 760-729-2866 for more details. Registration deadline is Friday, November 20. This program benefits parish families in need. All applicant information is strictly confidential.
Canastas de Navidad
Ya viene la Navidad. Si te encuentras necesitado, desempleado y no tendrás los recursos para proveer la cena de Navidad para tu familia, estaremos tomando aplicaciones por teléfono o en persona en la oficina parroquial. Fecha límite para apuntarse será el viernes 20 de noviembre. Este programa es solamente para los miembros más necesitados de esta parroquia. Oficina parroquial 760-729-2866.
Diacono Miguel Enriquez
Caminamos,
trabajamos, a casa, comemos, descansos y dormimos. Y hacemos lo mismo el día siguiente. Callemos en una rutina, que eventualmente cansa y frustra. Entramos en momentos que parecen obscuros y/o secos, y pensamos que estamos solos y perdidos. Quisiéramos evitar esos momentos, pero a veces entramos allí sin saber como vamos a salir. Pero, confiar en Dios, ¡Él está con nosotros siempre! Lo que nos sostiene en esos momentos difíciles es ser fieles a nuestra oración constante con Dios. Abajo, hay dos “links” que pueden leer referente a la vida de oración del Examen introducida por San Ignacio de Loyola y usada por muchos en el mundo ahora. Ojalá puede ser beneficioso para ustedes.
You may still register your children online at www.stpatrickcarlsbad.comThe registration form gives you choices to sign up for a weekly class time. Currently, there are no in person weekly classes. We hold in person family events every three weeks at those class times with a devotion, and to hand out the materials for the at home learning as well as resources for the season of the church year. Catechists are assigned to accompany the families with the at home-learning.
Reflection:Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus makes it clear that our gifts, meaning our talents and strengths, will only grow when we use them. Sometimes it takes a while for us to discover our gifts; but when we do, God will make them more bountiful for us and others.
For parents: What gift have you not developed as you had hoped? What could you still do?
For children: What gift has God given you? What do you want to do with it?
Prayer Intention: Lord, give us the grace to use our gifts today.
Gratitude is a way of seeing others and the world around us.
Being grateful is not always easy, but it can be practiced. All I must do is ask myself a question: What am I grateful for today, right now?
At the end of the day, I can list things from that day that felt good or worked well or gave me cause to say “thank you.” These practices are simple for all to do.
Being grateful, even about some small thing, opens my heart. I recognize something worth loving and enjoying. This can lead to hope: I believe that something else might happen that provides love and joy.
Please contact the Office for Religious Education & Family Ministry with questions and for information at MDornisch@stpatrickcarlsbad.com or 760-729-8442.
MENTAL HEALTH CORNER
By Lorena Ramírez
LIVE A STRESS-FREE LIFE – Part II
In last week’s article, there were four simple, easy-to-do tips to help us release some of the stress we experience throughout the day. Today, you will find some more.
Smile! Researchers have found that smiling creates a chemical reaction in your brain that makes you feel better. A study in the Journal Royal Society Open Science found that you can have a good mood by being around happy people. Just smiling and looking happy will make you feel better.
Forgiveness is Good for Health: Forgiving yourself and others can protect you from stress. Researchers from the Journal of Health Psychology studied the effects of lifelong stress on a person’s mental health. Looking at how more forgiving people fared compared to people who did not forgive as much. “If you don’t have forgiving tendencies, you feel the raw effects of stress in an absolute way, forgiveness takes that bad connection between stress and mental illness and makes it go away”, says lead author Loren Toussaint, associate professor of psychology at Luther College in Iowa.
Donate a Few Dollars: Giving money to a good cause can make you feel better. Researchers Elizabeth Dunn, Ph.D., of the University of British Columbia & Michael Norton, Ph.D. from Harvard Business School, says that those who gave felt much better than those who bought themselves a gift.
Taking a Shower: As simple as submerging in a tub or taking a shower can make you feel calmer and more relaxed, says Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a Professor of Psychology at California State University, Los Angeles. “By taking off your clothes, you show vulnerability, there is something very primal about being naked”, she says. Make it visual by eliminating your worries and stressors. In spiritual terms, if you think about your baptism, you can visualize how Jesus takes away your sins, your worries, and the causes of your stress through the baptismal water.
These simple tips can not only alleviate some of the stress you may be experiencing, but they can also leave you feeling relaxed and with a sense of inner peace.
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LA ESQUINA DE LA SALUD MENTAL
Por Lorena Ramírez
VIVE UNA VIDA SIN ESTRÉS - Parte II
En el artículo de la semana pasada, había cuatro consejos sencillos y fáciles de hacer que nos ayudarán a liberar parte del estrés que experimentamos durante el día. Hoy encontrarás algunos más.
¡Sonríe! Los investigadores han descubierto que sonreír crea una reacción química en el cerebro que le hace sentir mejor. Un estudio de la revista Royal Society Open Science descubrió que se puede tener un buen estado de ánimo conviviendo con personas alegres. Con sólo sonreír y verse feliz le hará sentirse mejor.
El Perdón es Bueno para la Salud: perdonarse a sí mismo y a los demás puede protegerlo del estrés. Investigadores del Journal of Health Psychology estudiaron los efectos del estrés de por vida en la salud mental de una persona. Mirando cómo les fue a las personas más indulgentes en comparación con las personas que no perdonaron tanto. "Si no tienes tendencias a perdonar, sientes los efectos crudos del estrés de una manera absoluta, el perdón toma esa mala conexión entre el estrés y la enfermedad mental y la hace desaparecer", dice la autora principal Loren Toussaint, profesora asociada de psicología en Luther College en Iowa.
Done algunos dólares: Donar para una buena causa puede hacer que se sienta mejor. Los investigadores Elizabeth Dunn, Ph.D., de la Universidad Británica de Columbia y Michael Norton, Ph.D. de Harvard Business School, dice que los que dieron se sintieron mucho mejor que los que se compraron un regalo.
Tomar una Ducha: Tan simple como sumergirse en una tina o tomar una ducha puede hacer que se sienta más tranquilo y relajado, dice la Dra. Ramani Durvasula, Profesora de Psicología en la Universidad Estatal de California en Los Angeles. “Al quitarse la ropa, muestra vulnerabilidad, hay algo muy primario en estar desnudo”, dice. Hágalo visual eliminando sus preocupaciones y factores estresantes.
En términos espirituales, si piensa en su bautismo, puede visualizar cómo Jesús quita sus pecados, sus preocupaciones y las causas de su estrés a través del agua bautismal.
Estos sencillos consejos no solo pueden aliviar parte del estrés que pueda estar experimentando, sino que también pueden hacer que se sienta relajado y con una sensación de paz interior.
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:
