Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, grandmothers, foster mothers, godmothers and all those who fulfill the role of mother in our lives.
Pope John Paul I was our holy father for only 33 days back in 1978. (Did you answer last week’s trivia question correctly?) Thirty-three days is not much time to say something truly memorable. But one thing that he said always remains in my memory. He said: “We are the objects of undying love. God is our father. Even more God is our mother.”
The Bible has so many maternal images of God. Mother’s Day is a good time to remind ourselves that God’s love is like that of a loving and caring mother. Making that same point, Pope Francis stresses: “God never forgets us. God is faithful. This gives us security.”
That’s what the prophet Isaiah meant when he put these words on the lips of God: “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even if these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” (Isaiah 49)
Also thinking of a nursing mother, Saint Augustine wrote: "Just as a mother’s body transforms ordinary food into breast milk for the baby, so God converts wisdom into milk for our limited understanding.”
Of course, God is neither male nor female. However, God has all the loving qualities that we might typically associate with being a good mother or a good father. Both images help us appreciate the depth and the extent of God’s love for us and for all people.
And so on this Mother’s Day weekend, we ask our loving God to bless all of our mothers, living or deceased. They are signs and instruments of God’s love for us. We thank God for their sacrifice and dedication for us. May we, their sons and daughters, show them honor and respect in this life. May God grant eternal peace to all of our deceased mothers. May God grant strength and perseverance to any mothers who are struggling to fulfill their role. May God give all mothers the grace to mirror the enduring and self-giving love of our God. In this they are images of our God.
On this Mothers’ Day, it is appropriate to consider why we call Mary our Mother. This video is a short talk by Fr. Mike Schmitz explains why we honor Mary as our Mother.
Mother’s Day Remembrance
A special envelope was included in your envelope packet for April-May 2021. You can use this envelope to request prayers at our Mother’s Day Novena of Masses as well as additional Masses during the year. Any envelopes we receive will be placed on the altar during the month of May. These Masses will be in memory of deceased mothers or in honor of our living mothers. Simply write their names on the envelope, include an offering of any amount, and place it in our collection basket. If you did not receive the envelope or misplaced it, you can simply write the names of those to be remembered on a plain white envelope.
Mothers’ Day Flower Sale
Once again our Knights of Columbus will be having a Mothers’ Day Flower Sale. Flowers will be on sale at all Masses Saturday and Sunday, May 8-9. After the quick sell out on Valentine's Day, this time the Knights have doubled the order from their supplier. The cost is $10.00 per bunch until they sell out. You will take your bunch of flowers from the container. Please have exact change which you will put directly into the box. This procedure allows the whole process to be “non-touch.” Thank you for your support.
Hail Mary, Gentle Woman
This modern song, written by Carey Landry in 1975, has become a favorite of many Catholics in the years since it first appeared.
Happy Anniversary
Fr. Ron
Fr. Ronald M. Bagley, CJM
Ordained: May 13, 1977
Parish Blood Drive
Please save the date! As part of our commitment to the wider community, our parish is hosting a blood drive on May 30, 2021 from 08:30 AM to 01:30 PM. This is being organized by our Knights of Columbus.
Donating blood is an easy and convenient way for you to make a lasting difference for someone in need. If you have never donated blood before, make a commitment to save a life. All Covid-19 protocols are being followed. Check out these FAQs and make your appointment today. Thank you for your support.
SB 245 Health care coverage: abortion services: cost sharing. (Gonzalez, D-Long Beach) would remove insurance co-pays or any other cost-sharing requirement for all abortion services and would prohibit cost sharing from being imposed on a Medi-Cal beneficiary for those services.
This bill expands the prospects for more abortions in our state, particularly among low-income women. California already funds abortions and contraceptives through tax-payer money making it incredibly easy for a mother to find abortion access, while pre-natal care and post-natal services continue to have significant co-pays and deductible costs.
Let your lawmaker know that women deserve better than abortion and that they should instead fund life-affirming services in a patient’s health care plan. Women need greater access to life-affirming services, not more assistance to have an abortion.
The church’s teaching on evil challenges Catholics across the political spectrum.
By Jim Thomas
St. Pope John Paul II defines intrinsic evil in his 1993 encyclical, Veritatis Splendor (The Splendor of the Truth), which addresses the church’s moral teaching: Intrinsic evil refers to those actions that are always evil regardless of motivation or circumstances.
Quoting from Gaudium et Spes (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World), the major Catholic social teaching document from the Second Vatican Council, St. Pope John Paul II says that intrinsically evil acts are any acts “hostile to life itself... whatever violates the integrity of the human person... whatever is offensive to human dignity,” ranging from homicide, genocide, and abortion to deportation, slavery, and subhuman living conditions.
He again highlights this same paragraph from Gaudium et Spes in his 1995 encyclical, EvangeliumVitae (On the Inviolability of Human Life), strongly affirming its continuing importance. The revered pope and saint considered this quote to be an authoritative definition of the many life issues that should be of concern to Catholics, declaring any failure to give “unconditional respect which is morally due to the human being” to be intrinsically evil.
By positioning this quote, St. Pope John Paul II illustrates the wide range of intrinsically evil acts and the importance of considering them all within the context of Catholic teaching.
As Catholics, we cannot delude ourselves by considering only a few issues to the exclusion of all others. The list St. Pope John Paul II emphasizes is a far cry from having to concern oneself with only a few issues such as abortion or assisted suicide. According to St. Pope John Paul II and Catholic teaching, faithful Catholics must give attention to the entire range of “crimes and attacks against human life” (Evangelium Vitae).
The church’s teaching on intrinsic evil challenges Catholics across the political spectrum. Many Catholics think it’s possible to distill the essential church teaching to only a few so-called non-negotiable issues. The “non-negotiables” are issues that involve intrinsic evils. But to focus primarily on one or two issues as non-negotiable distorts the church’s teaching on intrinsic evil and is misleading.
As the United States recovers from the economic ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic and confronts systemic racial and economic inequality, Catholics are called to help craft public policies to respect the life and dignity of every human person.
In forming our consciences, Catholics are well served to reflect on intrinsic evil in our midst and how best to affirm the dignity of all.
This article also appears in the November issue of U.S. Catholic (Vol. 85, No. 11, page 49). Click here to subscribe to the magazine.
"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.
Saints Who Were Mothers
What is the name of the saint who is the mother of the Virgin Mary?
What is the name of the saint who was the mother of St. Augustine?
Who was the mother of St. John the Baptist?
Who was a dedicated wife and mother of five children who, when her husband passed away, was left as a single mother with no money? She opened a school in her home which eventually led to her establishing the first Catholic school in the United States.
Who was the mother of the Emperor Constantine who is said to have gone in search of the true cross of Jesus?
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.
The gift of the Holy Spirit comes to Cornelius and his household, and they are baptized.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 98:1,2-3,3-4
A song of praise for God’s salvation
Second Reading
1 John 4:7-10
God is love.
Gospel Reading
John 15:9-17
Jesus commands his disciples to love one another.
Background on the Gospel Reading
Today’s Gospel follows immediately after the Gospel proclaimed last week, in which Jesus taught that he was the vine and that his disciples were the branches. In the example of the vine and the branches, we learned that our union with Jesus will lead to fruitful service. Today’s reading extends this teaching to describe the kind of service that Christians are called upon to offer to others.
When John wrote this Gospel, his community was influenced by a set of religious beliefs called Gnosticism. It appears that one of John’s intentions was to distinguish Christian belief from the beliefs held by the Gnostics. Evidence of this can be found in today’s Gospel.
One of the tenets of Gnostic teaching was the importance of knowledge, or gnosis, as the determining aspect of faith. We read today’s Gospel as a response to this teaching. In John’s Gospel, we hear Jesus affirm that he is known by the Father and that his disciples will know the Father by knowing Jesus. In this passage, however, Jesus reminds his disciples that this knowledge is to be expressed in love. Those who know Jesus well—and Jesus says that his disciples do know him—will love one another. Knowledge leads to love, which leads to action. John reminds his community that Jesus taught that love is the sign of a true disciple and, thus, a true Christian. Even more, a true disciple shows a particular kind of love, sacrificial love.
In the Greek, there are two words for love that are used in this passage. The first is agape. The second is philia. The first word is most often used to describe love for other persons and for God. It is understood as the highest and most perfect kind of love. The second word is used to describe the affection of friendship. In this context, John appears to use these words as synonyms. The root of the Greek word for friend comes from this second term for love, philia. By using this word, Jesus transforms the terms of his relationship with his disciples and redefines for them their relationship with God. In the Hebrew Scriptures, faith in God made one a servant of God.
Here Jesus teaches that his relationship to his disciples is based on friendship, not servitude.
Another aspect of Gnostic belief taught that a believer was an elect person, chosen and set apart from the world. John reminds his community that Jesus also taught that a disciple is one who had been chosen—one who had been chosen by Jesus. To be chosen by Jesus, however, is not to be set apart from the world. Instead, to be chosen by Jesus is to be sent to serve the world as he did. The disciples of Jesus were chosen and were sent into the world to bear fruit by serving others, by sacrificing for others, in love.
This reading, like last week’s, is part of Jesus’ Last Supper discourse. In the context of John’s Gospel, these words are spoken before Jesus’ Crucifixion. We read his instruction to the disciples in light of his death and Resurrection. We know that Jesus himself gives us the greatest example of the kind of love and service that he teaches to his disciples. He has, in fact, laid down his life for his friends, for his disciples, and for us. Through his death and Resurrection, we have received the grace to love others as Jesus has commanded.
Amigos/as.¿Qué sientes cuando llamas a alguien, “amigo/a?”¿Qué sientes cuando alguien te llama “amigo/a?” Pudiéramos tener una buena discusión sobre los pros y contras del beneficio de tener amigos. Uno de los puntos al favor de tener amigos es que te ofrece la oportunidad de compartir con alguien momentos alegres o tristes, o tus sueños o temores. Uno de los puntos de no tener amigos es que no tienes nadie cerca de ti. No corres el riesgo de ponerte en situaciones vulnerables que ese amigo/a puede usar para hacerte daño o compartir información confidencial con otras personas. Pero en el Evangelio de este fin de semana, Jesús nos llama, “amigos/as.” Tomemos un momento de entender el significado de este nombramiento. Jesús nos dice, que el da su vida por sus amigos, y que ya no siervos.¿Podemos confiar en Jesús? ¡Por supuesto que sí!Jesús da su vida para que tengamos vida eterna. Jesús es el amigo que nos llama, que se mantiene cerca a nosotros en cada paso de nuestra vida. Vivamos confiando en este amigo Jesús, escuchemos su voz al que nos ha elegido para ser sus amigos. ¿Qué más queremos?Tomo la oportunidad de desearle a todos las madres de la comunidad un Feliz Dia de las Madres, que el Señor las siga bendiciendo.
Por favor haga clic en los enlaces indicados. Espero que les ayude en sus momentos de reflexión.
Detente
Hablemos de Cómo nos ama Jesús
MENTAL HEALTH CORNER
Lorena Ramírez
Understanding Bipolar Disorders
Bipolar Disorders formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that includes extreme highs (mania or hypomania) and extreme lows (depression). It changes the activity levels, sleeping patterns and it changes the way you think and behave.
Facts
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 5.7 million American adults or 2.8 % of the U.S. population age 18 or older in any given year have Bipolar Disorder. The condition typically starts in late adolescence or early adulthood, although it can show up in children and older adults. Bipolar Disorder can also first appear during a woman’s pregnancy or following childbirth.
Types of Bipolar
There are three types of bipolar disorder described in the DSM-V. All three types involve evident changes in mood, energy, and activity levels.
Bipolar I Disorder: Defined by manic episodes that last at least seven days or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least two weeks. Episodes of depression with mixed features (having depressive symptoms and manic symptoms at the same time) are also possible.
Bipolar II Disorder: Defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes typical of Bipolar I Disorder. Bipolar I only need four days with the symptoms. But it does not get as severe as Bipolar I.
Cyclothymic Disorder (also called Cyclothymia): It is characterized by periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years (1 year in children and adolescents). However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Bipolar Disorder may vary over time; bipolar disorder usually requires lifelong treatment. The following are the symptoms described in the DSM-V.
The Mania Episode
Increased energy, activity, restlessness
Euphoric mood
Extreme irritability
Poor concentration & distractibility
Racing thoughts, fast-talking, flight of ideas
Decreased need for sleep (the individual feels rested with only 3 hours of sleep)
Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
Spending sprees
Increased sexual behavior.
Abuse of drugs, such as cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications.
Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
Denial that anything is wrong
Depressive Episode:
Sad, anxious, or empty-feeling mood
Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex.
Decreased energy, fatigue
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
Restlessness and irritability
Sleeplessness or sleeping too much.
Change in appetite, unintended weight loss, or gain.
Bodily symptoms are not caused by physical illness or injury.
Suicidal thoughts
Causes
Researchers are studying the possible causes of Bipolar Disorder. Most agree that there is no single cause, and it is likely that many factors contribute to it.
Brain Structure & Functioning: Research indicates that people with bipolar disorder may differ from the brains of people who do not have bipolar disorder or any other mental disorder.
Genetics: Some research suggests that people with specific genes are more likely to develop Bipolar Disorder. Research also shows that people who have a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder have an increased chance of having the condition themselves. Many genes are involved, and no one gene can cause the Disorder.
Treatment
Bipolar Disorder is a lifelong illness, and while no cure exists for Bipolar Disorder, it is treatable and manageable with psychotherapy and medications. Bipolar Disorder is much better controlled when treatment is continuous. Mood changes can occur even when someone is being treated and reported immediately to a physician; full-blown episodes may be averted by adjusting the treatment.
In addition to medication, psychotherapy provides support, guidance, and education to people with bipolar disorder and their families. Psychotherapeutic interventions increase mood stability, decrease hospitalizations, and improve overall functioning. The most common interventions include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and family therapy.
Other Treatment Options
Some people may find other treatments helpful in managing their bipolar symptoms, including:
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): It is a brain stimulation procedure that can help people get relief from severe symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TSM): A newer approach to brain stimulation uses magnetic waves.
Supplements: Although there are reports that some supplements and herbs may help, not enough research has been made to understand how these supplements may affect people with bipolar disorder
Beyond Treatment: Things You Can Do:
Regular Exercise
Healthy Eating
Keeping Life Chart (to record mood symptoms daily)
Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May in the United States since 1949. The month is observed with media, local events, and film screenings. Mental Health Awareness Month began in the United States in 1949 and was started by the Mental Health America organization.
“Every May, the world unites to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month. Not that we think mental health awareness should be limited to just one month, but it is a great opportunity to highlight the growth and progress we as a society have made in accepting the realities of mental health while also raising awareness to the barriers, the sigma, that still stand in our way.
May 2020 was…you know. It was rough. We were in the midst of the pandemic – grasping at straws for information, a light at the end of the tunnel, a return to normalcy. Mental health was on our minds, but taking care of it was quite difficult then. And celebrating it? That was even harder. For Mental Health Awareness Month 2021, we want to CELEBRATE everything we have overcome this past year and continue to overcome. We want to honor the resilience of the mental health community, the lifesaving work done by our front liners and first responders, and the space and action needed for growth as a society with racial injustices across our nation. We may be bruised, but we are here – and we want to celebrate inclusively with all of you.”
County of San Diego Access and Crisis Line: 888-724-7240 Available 7 days a week 24 hours a day – trained professionals for help and resources
National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 24-hour crisis line: 800-273-TALK (8255) San Diego Domestic Violence Hotline - 24-hour crisis line: 888-DV-LINKS (385-4657)
OSCER San Diego Mobile App – Organized Support Companion in an Emergency Situation Downloadable App gives you mental health support in the palm of your hand
Dial 211(7 days /24 hours) San Diego County Information Line All Services www.211sandiego.org Connects you to community agencies that provide emergency food, shelter, healthcare assistance and more.
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:
