This Sunday we rejoice to celebrate Mothers’ Day. It is a time for us to give thanks to God for the great gift that mothers are to their families. We pray that God would continue to bless our mothers and strengthen them in their faith. We also pray for any mothers who are struggling to fulfill their call and need the grace of God in a particular way. We also commend our deceased mothers to the arms of our loving and compassionate God.
You will notice that there will be a stack of envelopes on the altar from May 15-24. On those envelopes are the names of our mothers, living and deceased. On each of those days, one of our parish Masses is being offered for those mothers. In the bulletin it is listed as Mothers Day Novena. We remember our mothers in prayer.
Pope John Paul I (pope for 33 days before John Paul II) remarked that God is our father; but even more he is our mother. He does not want to hurt us, He wants only to do good to us, to all of us. We can think of God as both; like a Father and as a mother.
In the Bible, Jesus introduces God to us as Father. Yet the Bible does not shy away from using female imagery—particularly related to birth and motherhood—to describe God. Isaiah 42:14 speaks of God “cry[ing] out like a woman in labor” with gasps and pants. Similarly, Isaiah 46:3–4 describes God as having carried the house of Jacob “from the womb.” In Numbers 11:12, Moses tells God that having birthed Israel, God (not Moses) should “carry [the nation] in your bosom, as a nurse carries a sucking child” to the Promised Land. In Isaiah 66:13, the Lord tells Jerusalem, “As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you.”
The Bible uses images from motherhood to describe Jesus as well. Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem evokes a mother’s comfort and concern. He says, “How often have I desired to gather your children together as a mother hen gathers her brood under her wings” (Luke 13:34 and Matt. 23:37).
Christian authors over the centuries also speak of the maternal nature of God. Julian of Norwich, a medieval English mystic, describes God as both Father and Mother: “God rejoices that he is our Father, and God rejoices that he is our Mother.” Anselm of Canterbury depicts Christ as a mother in a devotional prayer. For Anselm, Christ is “the great mother” who brought forth children through his death and who comforts the frightened with his gentleness.
Of course, we more frequently address God as father, yet we know that God is neither male nor female. Pope Francis has said: God’s love is like the love of a mother. He never forgets us. Never. He is faithful to his covenant. This gives us security.
Our mothers can be images of God to us and remind us of God’s unconditional love. Happy Mothers’ Day to all mothers, grandmothers, mothers-to-be, foster mothers, godmothers, and all who have been like a mother to us.
Work will continue in the church parking lot on Monday and Tuesday to repair an underground leak.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Wear Red for Pentecost
The Solemnity of Pentecost marks the end of the Easter season. We celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples gathered together in fear. They became courageous witnesses.
One of the great signs of the presence of the Spirit on that day was the tongues of fire that appeared over each person. That’s one of the reasons RED is the liturgical color for this solemnity. The vestments and liturgical décor are resplendent with red. To carry the theme through the whole congregation, we invite you to wear red to church on Pentecost Sunday, May 28 (two weeks away). Your presence in whatever red clothes or accessories you may have will add to the festivity of our celebration.
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 15-23 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, use a plain envelope, or envelopes are also available at the doors of the church.
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.
Coronation Makes History for Catholics
Last weekend, many Americans curiously watched what they could ,of the Coronation of King Charles (the time differences made it difficult). It was a “Who’s Who” of world leadership and royalty. Commentators were quick to point out some of the historical changes that were taking place during the ceremony. Although not highlighted in the broadcast, there were some significant changes made that indicate a growth in Anglican-Catholic and Vatican- British relationships. Click below to read an article that appeared in Aleteia the day before the coronation.
Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However, mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends or coworkers.
Please come and meet members of
St. Patrick’s Mental Health Ministry team on the patio the weekend of May 27th and 28th. We will be sharing information about our ministry and providing Mental health resources. Hope to see you there!
If you need support or resources please call St. Patrick’s Mental Health Support line at 760-729-2866, ext393
Annual Catholic Appeal
Everyone knows all the good that is done through the Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA). Many important services aid our parish and school. The formation of priests is assured. Donations also enable Catholic Charities to help those most in need.
Reminder: the donations to this appeal are considered a designated gift by the donor and cannot be used for legal fees or settlements.
El Shaddai
One of the most famous and earliest songs of singer Amy Grant is called El Shaddai. The song opens with the words: El shaddai, el shaddai, El-elyon na adonia, These are Hebrew words that are used in the Bible to say (roughly): “O Lord God Almighty, we beseech you.”
This beautiful video includes all the lyrics so that you can pray along as Amy sings.
We are grateful for the generosity of all of our parishioners and visitors.
Online Giving Reminder
Please remember to log in to your Online Giving account frequently. You can make sure your payment method is up to date and that your gifts are being processed.
For help with forgotten passwords, please contact Online Giving technical support at 800.348.2886, ext. 2.
Click on the Online Giving icon below to create or access your account.
We appreciate your support!
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.
According to the first chapter of Genesis, on what day of creation did God make human beings?
In what language was the Old Testament written?
In what language was the New Testament written?
How many sons did Jacob (Israel) have?
Israel split into two kingdoms after the reign of King Solomon, with Israel in the north, but what was the name of the southern kingdom?
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.
The people of Samaria accept the Gospel of Jesus proclaimed to them by Philip.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 66:1-7,16,20
Sing praise to God, all the earth.
Second Reading
1 Peter 3:15-18
Be ready to give explanation for your hope in Christ.
Gospel Reading
John 14:15-21
Jesus promises his disciples that he will send them another advocate, the Spirit of truth.
Background on the Gospel Reading
Today’s Gospel is a continuation of last week’s Gospel: Jesus is speaking to his disciples at the Last Supper. In today’s reading Jesus offers encouragement to his disciples, who will soon see him crucified. He reassures them that even though he will leave them, he will not abandon them. Instead, he will send them the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, through whom the disciples will continue to live in union with Jesus.
Jesus uses the termAdvocateto describe the Holy Spirit, whom the disciples will receive. Another word used to describe the Holy Spirit is Paraclete, a legal term meaning “one who offers defense for another.” Note that Jesus says that he will send “another Advocate.” Jesus himself is the first advocate, interceding for his disciples with the Father.
In today’s reading Jesus contrasts his impending departure with the permanence of the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus will leave to return to the Father, but the Holy Spirit will remain with the disciples.
Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the disciples will come to know and appreciate the unity of the Son and the Father. They will also understand that they too participate in the communion between the Father and the Son: “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you” (John 14:20).
Today’s reading is one example of the contrast that John’s Gospel presents between the community of disciples, to whom God will reveal himself, and the unbelieving world, which will remain in darkness. The unbelieving world cannot accept the “Spirit of truth,” whom the disciples will receive. Only through the Spirit will God’s revelation and love be known.
Prelude and fugue no. 18 in G-Sharp Minor by JS Bach
Evidently, G-sharp minor is difficult on the keyboard with the five sharps of the key continually tying your fingers in knots. The prelude, played here by harpsichordist Christine Schornsheim, therefore belongs irrevocably in the domain of advanced musicians, whereas if it had been written in G minor, for example, it could clearly have been a hit with the masses. Because although Bach’s ideas are actually quite obvious – simple leaps in the left hand and elegant little sighs in the right – he succeeds in creating maximum effect. The fugue shows Bach at his most architectural and most contrapuntal. It’s old-school Baroque, and nobody should forget who its master was! (- from notes on the website)
Flower Sale
The next Flower Sale will be held on the Patio this weekend, May 13 and 14in support of Birth Choice in San Marcos. Flowers will be sold for $15.00 per bouquet, just in time for Mother's Day!
The Monthly Sunday Garage Sale will be held next Sunday, May 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. We hope you will come and visit us. We have so many wonderful things and we would love to see you. We are located at the far North Parking Lot. Just look for the Garage Sale Signs.
Save the date! As part of our commitment to our community, St. Patrick Catholic Church is hosting a blood drive on Sunday May 21, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. When you donate blood, you are making a difference in someone's life. There is no substitute for your lifesaving gift.
Please make a commitment to save a life on 05/21/2023.
If this is your first time donating please review our FAQs.
Thanks to our Knights of Columbus for organizing this Blood Drive.
Family Mass
Our next Family Mass will be Sunday May 21 at 9:00 am. Since this is the month of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mass will conclude with a short devotion to Mary and a May crowning. Bring the whole family.
Country-Western Celebration
The Knights of Columbus and the Altar Society will begin selling tickets for the Country-Western celebration to be held in the Parish Hall on Saturday, June 10beginning at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $15.00 per person, $40.00 for a family ticket. There will be hot dogs and burgers, a live band and dancing.
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 significa 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 está 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 sus tentaciones y pecados, pero preservaban en el camino, recordando todo lo que Jesús les enseñó, con la ayuda del Espíritu Santo seguían adelante. Jesucristo nos enseñó 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 “Sí” a Jesús. No quedarnos sólo mirando al cielo, pero mirar cómo Jesús está presente en todo que nos rodea.
Our parish offices are open, Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30 to 4:30pm
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