Maybe the headline above should read: two words from the pastor. There are two unrelated things I’d like to mention this weekend. This first has to do with the civic holiday that we are celebrating this weekend: Memorial Day.
On January 1, 1976, I had the privilege to visit the remains of the Nazi prison camp at Dachau. I was still young at the time, but it made a lasting impression on me. I have vivid images in my mind of remnants of the camp and the displays of the museum that remind us of the horrible conditions the prisoners experienced. One image is burned indelibly in my mind: the theme of the memorial is Lest We Forget and it is displayed in multiple languages. One of the reasons that we remember is so that we can learn from the past.
In April 1945, the 42nd and 45th Infantry Divisions and the 20th Armored Division of the US Army liberated thousands and thousands of prisoners at Dachau. These U.S. soldiers and so many Allies risked their lives to preserve freedom in Europe, the United States and across the world. Many paid the ultimate price. Memorial Day gives us the occasion to remember the many men and women who have given their lives in the defense of freedom over the years. Each year we remember that freedom is not free.…Lest we forget!
As we remember all who gave their lives, we also pause to thank those who risked their lives and all who served in the military. Thank you for your service.
My “second word” today is about hospitality. St. Patrick Catholic Community has a long tradition of being a welcoming community. Hardly a weekend goes by that some visitor does not approach me and tell me how much they like our people and how they feel so welcome in our church. I think that is something of which we can take pride.
Prior to the Covid outbreak and the various precautions that we had to take, it was our custom at the beginning of each Mass to invite the members of the congregation to turn and welcome those around them. It added to that sense of welcome and hospitality. I remember when I first arrived here 3 years ago how impressed I was with this gesture. I think that it is time to restore that tradition.
We will do it exactly as it was done previously, although we should respect the preferences of those around us. Some people will certainly not feel comfortable shaking hands and we need to respect that. A warm smile, a kind word of welcome and a brief introduction will go a long way in enhancing our hallmark hospitality. Do it in whatever way you feel comfortable. We will begin doing it this weekend. Thank you for being such a welcoming community.
Beginning this weekend (May 29), our Sunday Mass at 11:00 am will take place in the church. All parish Masses are now in the church. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Congratulations, Graduates!
St. Patrick Parish congratulates all of our parishioners who are graduating grammar school, high school or college in 2022. We would also like to pray a blessing to each of you. We invite you to attend the Mass of your choice on the weekend of June 11-12 where all graduates in attendance will be blessed. We look forward to seeing you there and are excited for your future. Once again, congratulations!
Parents and grandparents, why not invite any member of your family who is graduating this year to join you for Mass on that weekend.
Salve Regina
As this month of the Blessed Virgin Mary comes to a conclusion, listen to this beautiful hymn which has a Gregorian chant melody. The lyrics are the Latin text of the traditional prayer “Hail, Holy Queen.”
For some reason, it has become a tradition for this hymn to be sung by priests present at the conclusion of the funeral for a brother priest. Just recently, all the priests and bishops present sang this beautiful hymn as the body of Bishop Brom was placed in the hearse.
Diocesan Pentecost Celebration
Everyone is welcome to join the Diocesan Pentecost Celebration on Saturday, June 4 at Cathedral Catholic High School. In its fifth year, this joy-filled event gathers thousands of the diocese’s diverse people to bear witness to God’s unconditional love that fills our hearts and unites us as one family, Brothers and Sisters, All.
The celebration begins at 10:00 a.m. with The Call to Worship, followed by the procession of cultures. The Mass begins at 11:00 a.m. presided by Bishop McElroy concelebrated with Auxiliary Bishops Bejarano, Dolan and priests of the diocese. After the Mass, everyone is invited to the cultural festival that includes heritage exhibits, food tasting, and live entertainment.
Come and experience the unity the Spirit creates from our diversity.
Grief Newsletter Attached
We continue with #8 of our Grief Newsletters graciously shared with us by Hospice of North Coast. This issue has tips on how to deal with intense feelings. There is more good information on other topics. Past issues of the Grief Newsletter are available in previous issues of our own newsletter (see our website).
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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.
In what books of the Bible is the Ascension of the Lord Jesus recorded?
What are the conditions necessary for a sin to be mortal?
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.
Jesus is taken up to heaven in the presence of the Apostles.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 47:2-3,6-9
Sing praise to God as he mounts his throne.
Second Reading
Ephesians 1:17-23 or Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:19-23
God raised Jesus from the dead and seated him at his right hand.
Gospel Reading
Luke 24:46-53
Jesus is taken to heaven and the disciples remain in Jerusalem awaiting his sending of the Spirit.
Background on the Gospel Reading
Today is our liturgical celebration of the Ascension of the Lord, when Jesus was taken to heaven on the 40th day after Easter. In Cycle C, our Gospel is taken from the conclusion of the Gospel of Luke.
There are similarities in the reports of Jesus' Ascension found in the Synoptic Gospels—Mark, Matthew, and Luke. In each account, Jesus assigns his disciples the task of proclaiming the Gospel to the entire world. There are also notable distinctions. In the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, the disciples are sent by Jesus to baptize as well as to preach. In Luke's Gospel, however, this commission to baptize is absent. Instead, Jesus directs the disciples to return to Jerusalem to await the fulfillment of his promise to send them the Holy Spirit. Curiously, only Mark and Luke actually report Jesus' Ascension into heaven. Matthew's Gospel concludes with Jesus' promise to remain with his disciples forever. Only the Gospel of Mark notes that Jesus ascended to sit at the right hand of God. In noting this, Mark teaches that Jesus' Ascension affirms the glory Jesus received from God after his death and Resurrection.
Those who believe in Jesus will be empowered to do what Jesus himself has done. Already in Mark's Gospel, during his ministry, Jesus sent his disciples out to preach, to heal, and to drive out unclean spirits. Now, they are sent again to do these things and more. From his place with God in heaven, Jesus helped his disciples, and he continues to help us as we try to live as his followers.
This traditional Christian hymn is normally sung during Ascension and as a Sending Forth/Closing hymn. It is used on Ascension because it is based on the final words of Jesus to his disciples as he is taken up into heaven. This recording was made live at St. Francis de Sales church in Ajax, Ontario, Canada.
Last Tuesday’s kickoff meeting for the Soup Suppers was a success with 22 “souper” volunteers attending. Soup Suppers will reopen beginning Thursday June 16, 2022 at 4 PM. We still need more help (prep, cooks, servers, cleanup) on the 1st, 2nd and 4th Thursdays. If you would like to help, contact Mark Anderson at 760-889-1327.
Soup pots will be at the entrance to the Church for cash or check donations the weekend of June 4-5 and again June 11-12. Your generosity is appreciated.
Un Saludo de parte del Diacono Miguel,
Después salió con ellos fuera de la ciudad, hacia un lugar cercano a Betania; levantando las manos, los bendijo, y mientras los bendecía, se fue apartando de ellos y elevándose al cielo. Ellos, después de adorarlo, regresaron a Jerusalén, llenos de gozo, y permanecían constantemente en el templo, alabando al Señor. Hoy celebramos la Ascensión del Señor, pero ¿qué significado tiene la Ascensión de Jesucristo? Que, en Jesucristo, todo lo que Dios había prometido desde el principio de la creación se ha cumplido; y ahora Jesús, “subió al cielo, y esta sentado a la derecha del Padre”, así como lo rezamos en el credo en cada misa dominical. Y de allí, Él vive y reina para siempre. El deseo más grande de Jesús para nosotros, sus discípulos, es que entendamos cuánto nos ama y que seamos uno, así como Jesús y el Padre son uno. No es un concepto fácil de entender, porque miramos cómo nos ganan nuestras tentaciones y caemos en el pecado. Los discípulos del tiempo de Jesús también luchaban con las sus tentaciones y pecados, pero perseveraban en el camino, recordando todo lo que Jesús enseñaba y dijo, y con la ayuda del Espíritu Santo seguían adelante. Jesucristo nos enseñó muchas lecciones de fe, esperanza, misericordia, perdón, redención y amor. Jesús, quiere que tú y yo hagamos lo mismo, Él nos dio el ejemplo. Que todo lo que salga de nuestra boca, y todo lo que hagamos, que se vea que estamos en Jesús y que Jesús está en nosotros. Hoy es un nuevo día para retomar la bendición de Jesús que recibimos en nuestro bautismo, y responder “SI” a Jesús. De no quedarnos sólo mirando al cielo, pero mirar cómo Jesús está presente en todo que nos rodea.
Por favor escuchen a los enlaces proveídos, espero que les ayude en su reflexión.
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