The Diocese of San Diego has revised the guidelines for parish worship and other gatherings. Of course, we will be following these guidelines at our parish.
For the celebration of Mass, face coverings will continue to be required but social distance between individuals and households can be reduced to 3 ft. Holy Communion will continue to be given only in the hand. Singing is now also allowed inside the church. At this time, we will not resume distributing the Precious Blood from the cup. We are continuing the “touchless” Sign of Peace. We will not yet put holy water in the fonts.
Since it has worked well up to this point at St. Patrick’s, we will continue to bring Holy Communion to people in their seats. We will also continue to dismiss people row by row. There are a few other things we may relax in the weeks ahead. We will continue to celebrate three weekend Masses in the church [Sat 7:00 pm, Sun 7:30 am and 5:00 pm]. For now, the other four Masses will be celebrated on the covered court of the school [weather permitting].
Last month we upgraded the air circulation in the church to provide better air quality. We added MERV13 air filters on the three smaller units and bipolar ionization was added to the two larger a/c units. They were also reprogrammed to run continuously to provide increased filtration of the air in the church. I hope this will help you feel safer in the church.
Those who bring Holy Communion to the sick must be vaccinated and wear masks when they enter the communicant’s home. Please contact the parish office if you would like one of the priests to bring Anointing of the Sick to a loved one at home or in the hospital. Nursing homes and hospitals are allowing us to enter without restriction.
We will continue to offer General Confession and General Absolution on the 2nd weekend of the month as well as Friday mornings. But this will not continue for too many more months. Individual reconciliation is available on Wednesdays at 8:30 am and 6:00 pm.
Parish organizations may resume their regular meetings at the parish. However, they must observe social distancing and those who are not vaccinated must wear a face covering.
We are moving closer to full opening. Continued progress depends to a large extent on more people being vaccinated. If you are 12 years old or above, please get vaccinated. It is quick, safe and easy. There is no waiting now.
I want to thank our parishioners, staff and the priests for your kind wishes and prayers for my brother Ken after his sudden death on May 20. My family deeply appreciates your expressions for sympathy.
Finally, Happy Memorial Day to all veterans and let us pray for all those who paid the ultimate price in protecting our freedom.
This little ditty is a simple reflection on the Trinity using a traditional Irish melody.
Rublev’s Trinity Icon
Many people know that this famous icon by Andrei Rublev is full of Trinitarian symbolism. Read the article that explains its history and deeper meaning.
Well-known spiritual writer, Fr. Richard Rolheiser, OMI shares a reflection on the mystery of the Trinity which he entitles “The Richness of the Mystery of God.” The article is informative and uplifting. Click on the button below.
San Pablo nos dice en su carta a los romanos, “los que se dejan guiar por el Espíritu de Dios, esos son hijos de Dios.” ¿Qué significa ser hijos/as de Dios (Padre)? ¿Qué significa para ti personalmente ser hija/o de Dios? Esta es una pregunta que solo tú puedes y debes contestar, nadie más puede hacerlo por ti. Todo lo que somos y tenemos, todo lo que podemos hacer con nuestras manos, mente y cuerpo es por el Espíritu de Dios que habita en nosotros. Y una vez que aceptemos esta verdad en nuestro corazón viviremos cada día, todos los días, bendecidos. Un anciano me dijo una vez, “Todos los días, son buenos, unos días son mejores, pero todos son buenos”. Nunca se me ha olvidado esta enseñanza. ¿Acaso significa esto que nunca tendremos que enfrentarnos a una enfermedad, muerte, u otro trauma? Por su puesto que no. Pero siempre traer esto bien claro en nuestra mente, “Soy hija/o de Dios.” Y confiar en su promesa, “El, (Jesucristo), estará con nosotros todos los días, hasta el fin del mundo”. Esa es nuestra fe y esperanzo.
Por favor haga clic en los enlaces indicados. Espero que les ayude en sus momentos de reflexión.
Pentecost Homily of Pope Francis
On Pentecost Sunday, Pope Francis gave a moving homily which Gerard O’Connell summarizes in this article that appeared in America magazine. The article is provocatively entitled On Pentecost, Pope Francis Calls on the Church to Reject Ideologies of “Conservatives and Progressives, Right and Left.” Read the article by clicking the button below.
God invites us into a deep and personal relationship that many spiritual writers have likened to the intimacy between husband and wife. This short article by Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM explains a bit about the prayer that leads to and expresses such a relationship with God. Click on the link to read the article.
"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.
How many creation stories are found in the first two chapters of the book of Genesis?
True or false: God the Father was the only member of the Trinity present at the creation of the world.
How do we know that our God is “a Trinity of persons”?
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.
Moses teaches the people that Yahweh is the only God.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 33:4-5,6,9,18-19,20,22
A prayer for the Lord’s mercy
Second Reading
Romans 8:14-17
Through the Spirit, we have been adopted as children of God.
Gospel Reading
Matthew 28:16-20
Jesus sends his disciples to make disciples of all nations.
Background on the Gospel Reading
This week we return to the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. This Sunday and next Sunday, however, are designated as solemnities, special days that call our attention to the central mysteries of our faith. Today, on the first Sunday after Pentecost, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. This feast invites us to consider what we believe about God, who has revealed himself to us in the Trinity, one God in three Persons. The Gospel for this Solemnity is taken from the Gospel of Matthew. In its conclusion, Matthew’s Gospel quickly moves from the disciples’ discovery of Jesus’ empty tomb and Jesus’ appearance to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to the commission that Jesus gives to his disciples in today’s Gospel.
The final commission, as this part of Matthew’s Gospel is sometimes called, is given on the mountaintop. Throughout Scripture, many of the most important events happen on a mountaintop, and Matthew used this motif often. Peter, James, and John saw Jesus transfigured on the mountaintop, and Jesus taught the crowds from the mountaintop in the Sermon on the Mount. In today’s Gospel, the eleven disciples go the mountaintop in Galilee, as Jesus had instructed them through Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. They see Jesus, and they worship and doubt at the same time. Jesus approaches them and commissions them to baptize and teach. It is a task for which Jesus had previously prepared his disciples; recall that Jesus had already sent the twelve apostles to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal. Yet earlier, the Twelve were sent only to the House of Israel; in this final commission, the eleven are told to go to all nations. The mission of Jesus is now to be taken to all people, and the task is to baptize and to teach.
Jesus commissions his disciples to baptize in the name of the Trinity; this is one of the clearest attestations for Baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity found in Scripture. Other New Testament references to Baptism describe it as being celebrated in the name of Jesus. As we read this Gospel on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, we are reminded that this central mystery of faith is meant to be lived. As baptized Christians, we share in the life of the blessed Trinity and seek to invite others to share in God’s love.
This lively and enthusiastic song highlights our Trinitarian beliefs. It is an African Credo recorded at a Mass in Nigeria with many bishops in attendance. Turn up the volume! It’s a real toe-tapper.
Detente
Hablemos de la TRINIDAD
MENTAL HEALTH CORNER
Lorena Ramírez
Understanding Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders –
Part II
Continuation from last week’s newsletter which is available on the parish website.
SCHIZOPHRENIA SPECTRUM & PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS:
o Schizoaffective Disorder
o Schizophreniform Disorder: It is identical to Schizophrenia, but the duration of symptoms is from one month to six months long.
o Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Similar to Schizophrenia, but episodes are not as frequent, prolonged, or intense. The person can be aware of the difference between their distorted ideas, experiences, and reality.
o Brief Psychotic Disorder: It happens when psychotic symptoms come on suddenly and only last less than a month.
o Delusional Disorder: The person displays one or more delusions for at least a month. This is different from Schizophrenia, as functioning is generally not impaired, and behavior (other than the delusion) does not appear "odd."
o Shared Psychotic Disorder: One person in a relationship has a delusion, and the other person adopts the same false, fixed belief.
o Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder: Hallucinations and delusions are the direct effects of the use or withdrawal from a substance.
o Paraphrenia: Similar to Schizophrenia, but starts later in life (elderly)
Risk Factors
Several factors contribute to the risk of developing Schizophrenia.
Genetics:
Schizophrenia sometimes runs in families. However, it is important to know that just because someone in a family has Schizophrenia, other family members will have it. Genetic studies strongly suggest that many different genes increase the risk of developing schizophrenia but that no single gene causes the disorder by itself. It is not yet possible to use genetic information to predict who will develop Schizophrenia.
Environment:
Scientists think that interactions between genetic risk and aspects of an individual's environment may play a role in the development of Schizophrenia. Environmental factors that may be involved include living in poverty, stressful surroundings, and exposure to viruses or nutritional problems before birth.
Brain structure and function:
Scientists think that differences in brain structure, function, and interactions among chemical messengers (called neurotransmitters) may contribute to the development of Schizophrenia. For example, differences in the volumes of specific brain components in the brain regions are connected and work together. Neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, are found in people with Schizophrenia. Differences in brain connections and brain circuits seen in people with Schizophrenia may begin developing before birth. Changes to the brain during puberty may trigger psychotic episodes in vulnerable people due to genetics, environmental exposures, or the types of brain differences mentioned above.
Treatment
Medications: Schizophrenia is treatable with antipsychotic medications. Antipsychotics are drugs that affect our psychological state by modifying the action of neurotransmitters. Some medications promote the activity of dopamine, which plays an essential part in producing psychotic symptoms. Antipsychotics can help reduce the intensity and frequency of psychotic symptoms. Antidepressants are also commonly prescribed to treat depressive symptoms.
Psychosocial Treatments: Cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral skills training, supported employment, and cognitive remediation interventions may help address the negative and cognitive symptoms of Schizophrenia. A combination of these therapies and antipsychotics is recommended. Psychosocial treatments can be helpful for teaching and improving coping skills to address the everyday challenges of Schizophrenia.
Family Education and Support: Educational programs for family members, significant others, and friends offer instruction about schizophrenia symptoms and treatments and strategies for assisting the person with the illness. Increasing key supporters' understanding of psychotic symptoms, treatment options, and the course of recovery can lessen their distress, bolster coping and empowerment, and strengthen their capacity to offer adequate assistance. Family-based services may be provided on an individual basis or through multi-family workshops and support groups.
How can I Help Someone I know with Schizophrenia?
Caring for and supporting a loved one with Schizophrenia can be very challenging. It can be difficult to know how to respond to someone who is experiencing psychosis.
Things You Can Do to Help your Loved One.
Help them get treatment and encourage them to stay in treatment.
Remember that their beliefs or hallucinations seem very real to them.
Tell them that you acknowledge that everyone has the right to see things their way.
Be respectful, supportive, and kind without tolerating dangerous or inappropriate behavior.
Encourage them to get involved in a support group. You can look in your area.
Some symptoms require immediate emergency care. If your loved one is thinking about harming themselves or others or attempting suicide, seek help right away: Call 911 for emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800- 273-TALK (8255) or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).
Further Findings
Researchers have found a strong connection between Schizophrenia and Suicide. They believe that there are indications of risk, especially in this group of patients, because of the link of Schizophrenia with Depression, which they think is a sign that appears in the positive symptom stage. Depression, hopelessness, and suicidal thinking are established precursors to suicide. Depressive symptoms are evident in most mental disorders, including Schizophrenia. Studies have found a connection between auditory hallucinations and distress and depression. More than 50% of people who hear voices were severely depressed and more than 75% reported they were highly distressed by this hallucinatory experience. This study demonstrated that patients who experience severe voices are more prone to more remarkable anguish and depression.
Carlson, Neil R. (2010). Psychology of Behavior (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Learning Solutions.
Gerrig, Richard J. & Zimbardo, Phillip (2009). An Overview of Psychology: It's Past & Present, Your Future. (Custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Learning Solutions.
Our parish offices are now open, Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30 to 4:30pm
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:
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