Good Shepherd Sunday - Week 16 - Friday, April 24, 2026

St. Patrick Parish News & Updates

April 24, 2026 | Issue 16

Fourth Sunday of Easter - Pastor’s Reflection

Dear brothers and sisters,

On this Fourth Sunday of Easter, traditionally known as Good Shepherd Sunday, the Church invites us to reflect deeply on the tender and powerful image that Jesus gives us of Himself. In the Gospel, He identifies not only as the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep, but also as the gate through which the sheep enter into safety, protection, and life. This dual image reminds us that Christ is both the one who leads us and the very path we are called to follow.

In a world filled with many competing voices, messages, and expectations, it can sometimes be difficult to discern which voice truly leads us to life. Jesus speaks of others who come as strangers or even thieves—voices that promise fulfillment but ultimately lead us away from what is good and true. The voice of the Good Shepherd, however, is different. It is not loud or coercive, but gentle, steady, and deeply personal. He calls each of us by name. He knows our struggles, our hopes, and our fears, and He desires to lead us into a life that is abundant—not necessarily easy, but meaningful, purposeful, and filled with His presence.

To recognize His voice, we must cultivate a relationship with Him. We do this through daily prayer, through attentive listening to the Word of God, and through active participation in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. These are not merely obligations, but opportunities to draw closer to the Shepherd who never abandons His flock. The more we remain near Him, the more clearly we begin to recognize His voice amid the noise of the world.

This Sunday also carries a special invitation for us to pray for vocations. The Church is always in need of men and women who are willing to listen attentively to the voice of Christ and respond with generosity and courage. Whether to the priesthood, religious life, or dedicated service within the Church, every vocation begins with a listening heart. Let us pray that our parish community may be fertile ground where such vocations can be heard and nurtured.

Finally, Jesus reminds us that He came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. This promise is not reserved for a select few, but offered to each one of us. May we have the courage to trust in His voice, to walk through the gate He opens before us, and to follow where He leads.

In Christ the Good Shepherd, Amen.

Fr. George G. Perez, CJM

The Word of the Week: Catechesis

Catechesis is the systematic instruction and formation of Christians in the faith, aiming to introduce them to the fullness of Christian life. Rooted in the Greek word for "echoing," it involves handing on Jesus' teachings, Scriptures, and Tradition to help believers know, love, and follow God.

Mothers Day Novena of Masses

Once again this year, our parish will celebrate nine days of Masses for our mothers – living and deceased. These Masses are scheduled for May 11-19 at the regular parish Mass times. To have your mother remembered at these Masses, please use the envelope from your bimonthly packet marked Mother’s Day. (Or just use a plain envelope.) Write on the envelope the names of your mother, grandmother, godmother or mother-figure. Put your envelope in the collection basket or send it to the parish office. These envelopes will be placed on the altar during this Novena of Masses.

Serra Meets with Guest Speaker Fr Lawrence Goodwin, CJM

Please join us at “Serra Meets” as we welcome Fr Lawrence Goodwin to St Patrick Parish, on Saturday, May 9 following the 8am Mass at St Patrick Parish Center.

Father will share a little about himself and his vocation to the priesthood. A potluck breakfast is free to first time guests!

Serra is an international organization that supports, encourages, and affirms religious vocations and their members' growth in holiness. Questions - (760) 845-6233

“Always forward, never backward!” ~ St Junipero Serra

Vatican II and Its Implementation

Fr. Ron Bagley will be teaching a course on the Second Vatican Council. It will take place at St. Patrick Parish Center, on June 2, 9, 16, 23; & 30, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm

It is a course sponsored by the Diocesan Institute and students must register with them. See the attached flyer for further details. Contact Fr. Ron if you have questions.

More information here...

Showers of Blessings

Showers of Blessings will be holding a clothing drive this weekend April 25 and 26 and donations should be brought next weekend.

There will be volunteers on the patio before and after all Masses.

Our need for clothing continues to grow as we are averaging over 70 guests every Tuesday.

While we greatly appreciate your donations, we really only need the following items:

Men’s new or slightly used jeans (especially waist size 30, 32,34) up to size 40
Men’s new boxer briefs (with a fly) and T shirts
Men’s new or slightly used shorts, shirts and jackets
Women’s new underwear and bras sizes M-XL (new or slightly used regular or sports bras)
Women’s new or slightly used jeans, shirts and jackets
New or slightly used shoes for wearing on the street for both men and women
New or slightly used Belts for men and women

Additionally, sleeping bags and backpacks are always in demand.

DONATIONS are ALWAYS appreciated and accepted.

Clothing donations for Showers can be brought to the parish office anytime.

Checks can be made out to St. Patrick Catholic Community with Showers of Blessings written on the memo line.

We sincerely appreciate all your donations and kindness as we continue expanding this ministry within our parish. We are always looking for additional volunteers to serve in many different capacities.

Calling All Cooks!

St. Patrick’s Soup Kitchen is looking for volunteers who love to cook and would like to serve our community. We welcome guests every Thursday from 4:30-6p to enjoy a nourishing soup supper and camaraderie. Our mission is to build a compassionate community reaching out with love and support. Please contact us at soupsuppersstpats@gmail.com

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 credit card information is up to date.

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.

Can Catholics receive Communion in non-Catholic churches?
How many sacraments do mainline Protestant churches have? (e.g., Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodists, etc.)
How many sacraments do the Orthodox Churches have?
Can non-Catholics receive Holy Communion at a Catholic Mass?
Are there exceptions to the rule?

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

Fourth Sunday of Easter –

Year A

First Reading

Acts of the Apostles 2:14a,36-41

Peter and the other apostles baptize 3,000 people.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 23:1-6

The Lord is my shepherd.

Second Reading

1 Peter 2:20b-25

We have been healed by the wounds of Christ.

Gospel Reading

John 10:1-10

Jesus is the gate for his sheep.

Background on the Gospel Reading

This fourth Sunday of the Easter season is sometimes called Good Shepherd Sunday because in each of the three lectionary cycles, the Gospel reading invites us to reflect on Jesus as the Good Shepherd. In each cycle the reading is from the tenth chapter of John’s Gospel. This chapter sets the framework for Jesus’ teaching about himself as the Good Shepherd.

Today’s reading falls between the stories of Jesus’ healing of the man born blind and the raising of Lazarus. Both of these stories were proclaimed in the Gospels found in this year’s season of Lent. Following the controversy that ensued when Jesus healed the man born blind, Jesus directs his allegory about the sheep and the shepherd toward the Jewish religious leaders of his time, the Pharisees.

Throughout John’s Gospel the Pharisees fail to accept Jesus’ ministry and teaching. They show themselves to be “robbers and thieves” because they try to lead the sheep without entering through the gate, Jesus.Through these metaphors, Jesus is telling his listeners that those who follow him and his way will find abundant life. He identifies himself both as the shepherd and the gate. The shepherds who are faithful to him are the ones whom the sheep (Jesus’ disciples) should follow.

The relationship between the sheep and their shepherd is based on familiarity. Sheep recognize their shepherd and will not follow a stranger. At the end of the day, shepherds lead their sheep from pastures to a common gated area called a sheepfold. There, one shepherd protects all of the sheep until the next day when each shepherd returns to lead his own sheep to pasture. As shepherds move among the sheep, the sheep follow only their shepherd.

Today’s Gospel also gives us the opportunity to reflect on Christian leadership. Jesus’ words suggest to us that those who will lead the Christian community will be known by their faithfulness to Jesus. The leaders will recognize that Jesus is the gate for all of the sheep and that having a good relationship with Jesus is the primary characteristic of a Christian leader. Jesus’ allegory also suggests that faithful Christian leadership requires a good relationship with the community: the shepherd knows his sheep, and they know him. Christian leaders follow the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, by being faithful to him and by being a good shepherd.

The King of Love My

Shepherd Is

This traditional Christian hymn based on Psalm 23, the great 'Shepherd Psalm', was written by H.W. Baker and is sung throughout the world. The song's beautiful melody and harmonies accentuate the words of the Psalm perfectly.

Abide with Me

This song by contemporary composer Matt Maher captures the message of the faith and confidence needed to rest in the arms of the Lord.

Pope Leo XIV Remembers Pope Francis with Gratitude

April 21 was the first anniversary of the death of Pope Francis. While on his airplane from Angola to Equatorial New Guinea, Pope Leo XIV shared his reflections on the legacy of Pope Francis. The summary is below:

Read article here...

Million Meal Event

Sponsored by the Deacons of the Diocese of San Diego

Many of our parishioners have participated in the past in the Million Meals Event which has been very successful. In fact, it is now a Two Million Meals Event. See the flyer attached for the details about this year’s event.

Read more about the event here...

Evento del Millón de Comidas

Muchos de nuestros feligreses han participado anteriormente en el Evento del Millón de Comidas, el cual ha tenido un gran éxito. De hecho, ahora se trata del Evento de los Dos Millones de Comidas. Consulte los folletos adjuntos para conocer los detalles sobre el evento de este año.

Haga clic aquí:

IV Domingo de Pascua

Notas Pastorales

Queridos hermanos y hermanas,

En este Cuarto Domingo de Pascua, conocido tradicionalmente como el Domingo del Buen Pastor, la Iglesia nos invita a contemplar con profundidad la imagen tan cercana y llena de amor que Jesús nos ofrece de sí mismo. En el Evangelio, Él se presenta no solo como el Buen Pastor que cuida de sus ovejas, sino también como la puerta por la cual entran para encontrar seguridad, protección y vida. Esta doble imagen nos recuerda que Cristo es quien nos guía y, al mismo tiempo, el camino que estamos llamados a seguir.

En medio de un mundo lleno de tantas voces, mensajes y distracciones, no siempre es fácil reconocer cuál es la voz que realmente nos conduce a la vida. Jesús advierte sobre aquellos que vienen como extraños o incluso como ladrones, prometiendo felicidad pero alejándonos de lo que es verdadero y bueno. La voz del Buen Pastor, en cambio, es distinta: no es impositiva ni confusa, sino suave, constante y profundamente personal. Él nos llama por nuestro nombre, conoce nuestras luchas, nuestras esperanzas y nuestros temores, y desea guiarnos hacia una vida plena. No necesariamente una vida sin dificultades, sino una vida con sentido, con propósito y llena de su presencia.

Para poder reconocer su voz, es necesario cultivar una relación viva con Él. Esto se logra a través de la oración diaria, la escucha atenta de la Palabra de Dios y la participación activa en los sacramentos, especialmente en la Eucaristía. Estos no son solo compromisos, sino encuentros reales con Aquel que nunca abandona a su rebaño. Mientras más cerca permanecemos de Él, más clara se vuelve su voz en medio del ruido del mundo.

Este domingo también nos invita de manera especial a orar por las vocaciones. La Iglesia necesita hombres y mujeres dispuestos a escuchar la voz de Cristo y a responder con generosidad y valentía. Ya sea en el sacerdocio, la vida religiosa o el servicio fiel dentro de la comunidad, toda vocación comienza con un corazón que sabe escuchar. Pidamos que nuestra comunidad parroquial sea tierra fértil donde estas vocaciones puedan surgir y crecer.

Finalmente, Jesús nos recuerda que Él ha venido para que tengamos vida y la tengamos en abundancia. Esta promesa es para todos. Que tengamos la confianza de escuchar su voz, de entrar por la puerta que Él nos ofrece y de seguirlo con fe, sabiendo que en Él encontramos la verdadera plenitud.

En Cristo, el Buen Pastor, Amén.

P. George G. Pérez, CJM

Estudios Bíblicos en Español del Padre Ricardo Chinc**hilla, 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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