I hope you all had wonderful holidays and a good start to the year 2022. Despite the many challenges of rain, wind, and covid-19, we were able to have a full schedule of beautiful Masses for Christmas here at St. Patrick’s.
Today’s Feast of the Baptism of the Lord signals the onset of Jesus’ public ministry. After 30 years of “hidden life” with his family in Nazareth, Jesus is ready to begin his public ministry. He now takes up the mission entrusted to him by his Father. He will now begin to preach the Good News of the arrival of the Reign of God. Throughout this year, the gospel of Luke will be our guide for recalling and celebrating how Jesus embodies the mercy of God as he walked this earth.
Recalling the baptism of Jesus also gives us reason to reflect on our own baptism. That day marked for each one of us the beginning of our lives as disciples. It also commissioned us to take up our part in the ministry of Jesus. We too share in his mission of spreading the message of God’s mercy.
This Sunday also officially begins a liturgical period called “Ordinary Time.” It will continue until Ash Wednesday (which this year will be March 2). There will be another period of Ordinary Time from the end of the Easter Season that extends up to the beginning of Advent (June 6 to November 26, 2022).
Ordinary Time refers to those times of the liturgical calendar that are NOT part of the two great seasons of Advent-Christmas and Lent-Easter. But only looking at it from the point of view of what Ordinary Time is not would be a disservice. Ordinary Time is an opportunity to reflect on God’s presence in the ordinary moments of life.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York expressed it this way: “The Church is back in Ordinary Time, but every day is extraordinary, a gift from God, and can be an outburst of God’s grace and mercy.”
As we begin Ordinary Time, I invite you to keep your eyes open for the presence of God in ordinary moments. Be ready to be surprised!
Everyone is concerned about the rapid spread of the Covid virus in recent days. We have a significant number of parishioners and a few staff members who either have the virus or are in quarantine because of contact with someone who tested positive.
You know that my primary concern remains to provide a safe environment in which we can celebrate the Eucharist. In order to add a measure of protection for those who attend Mass at St. Patrick Church, the following changes are in place for this weekend (January 8-9):
There will be no singing at any of our Masses.
The Sunday Masses at 11:00 am (English) and 1:00 pm (Spanish) will be celebrated outdoors on the covered court of the school.
Those who are concerned about being inside the church should attend one of those Masses. No Mass will be held in the church at those times.
Masks are required for everyone at all Masses, both inside and outside.
I encourage everyone to receive Holy Communion in the hand.
During the coming week, we will evaluate the situation and communicate any further changes via this email. Please pass along this information to your family and friends, especially those who do not receive our email communication.
Rejoice and Be Glad
Listen to this song and be grateful for your Baptism.
Catholics Reflect on the Legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu
It seems that in the last month, quite a number of famous people have died from the worlds of entertainment, politics, sports and religion. Notable on this list is the retired Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. We all know of his dedication to ending apartheid in South Africa. He also worked for justice in many other areas of life. He was recognized for his achievements with a number of awards, including: the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism (1986), the Gandhi Peace Prize (2007), the US Presidential Medal of Freedom (2009), and too many more to mention.
In addition to his international acclaim, he has been recognized by many religious leaders for his commitment for nonviolent approaches to resolving issues. Catholic leaders were among those who paid tribute to him at the time of his death. Attached here are three short articles in which Catholics reflect on the archbishop’s impact on the world.
The first article is from Vatican News which speaks about the telegram from Pope Francis paying tribute to Archbishop Tutu. The second appeared in Cruxnow and tells of his connections to the Catholic Church. The third article appeared in America Magazine and is by a South African Jesuit who shares some of his personal experience with Archbishop Tutu.
The Diocese of San Diego has requested parishioners to comply with the California mask mandate for indoor activities. Therefore, those attending indoor events at St. Patrick Parish (indoor Masses, Bingo, etc.) are asked to wear face masks. This mandate has been extended to February 15.
We also ask you to bring your own face mask with you. Thank you for understanding.
Protocolo para el uso de cubrebocas
La Diócesis de San Diego pide a los feligreses en nuestra Diócesis que observen el protocolo para el uso de cubrebocas de California para las actividades en espacios cerrados. Por lo tanto, aquellos que asistan a un evento bajo techo en la Parroquia de San Patricio (misas, bingo, etc.) están obligados a usar un cubrebocas. Este mandato se ha prorrogado hasta el 15 de febrero.Les pedimos que traigan su propio cubrebocas. Gracias por su comprensión.
San Diego Walk for Life: January 15, 2022 at Waterfront Park (NEW LOCATION)
The countdown to “Celebrate All Stages of Life” and defend the unborn is on! Spread the word! Visit: https://sandiegowalkforlife.org/for more information. If you would like to be a volunteer, please register at https://bit.ly/3cNhpYp.
Caminata por la Vida de San Diego: 15 de enero en Waterfront Park (nueva ubicación)
La cuenta regresiva para “Celebrar la vida en todas sus etapas” ha comenzado. Pasa la voz! Para más información, visita https://sandiegowalkforlife.org/. ¿Quieres ser voluntario? Inscríbete en https://bit.ly/3cNhpYp.
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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.
What does the term Doctor of the Church mean?
What is an Aspergillum?
What is the etymology of “angel”?
Is it liturgically correct to pray the Holy Rosary during Mass?
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.
Isaiah tells the people to prepare a way for the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 104:1b-4,24-25,27-30
A prayer praising God's greatness
Second Reading
Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7
Jesus Christ saved us and renewed us with his Holy Spirit.
Gospel Reading
Luke 3:15-16,21-22
Jesus is baptized by John.
Background on the Gospel Reading
Today we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. In today's Gospel, as in the other Gospel accounts of Jesus' baptism, we hear John the Baptist address the confusion of the people who thought that John might be the Messiah. In response, John contrasts the baptism that he performs with the Baptism that Jesus will inaugurate. John the Baptist says that he has baptized with water, but that someone will come and baptize with the Holy Spirit. The type of baptism that John performed was not yet a Christian Baptism; it was a preparation for Christian Baptism through which sins are forgiven and the gift of the Holy Spirit is received.
The baptism of Jesus is reported in each of the three Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Clearly, it was an event of great significance for Jesus and for the early Christian community. The Evangelists Mark and Luke report the story from Jesus' perspective; the voice from heaven is addressed to Jesus. Compare this to Matthew's Gospel in which the voice from heaven speaks to everyone. In Luke, however, the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus during his time of prayer after his baptism. Through his Gospel, Luke will show Jesus to be a person of prayer who withdraws regularly from the crowds and his disciples to pray to his Father.
The baptism of Jesus is considered a manifestation of God in Jesus, another “epiphany.” On this, the last day of the Christmas season, our Gospel reveals to us Jesus' relation to God: the son of Mary and Joseph is also God's own Son. In Luke's Gospel, all three members of the Trinity are manifested here: God the Father in the voice, the Holy Spirit descending, and Jesus the Son. At the beginning of his Gospel, Luke is communicating to us important information about the identity of Jesus. In the verses that follow, Luke lists the genealogy of Jesus, tracing Jesus' ancestry back to the first person, Adam, who is also identified as the son of God. We, the children of Adam and Eve, are again made children of God through Baptism.
The country music artist Carrie Underwood sings about what her baptism meant to her.
Special thanks to all those who worked so hard to make our celebration of Christmas very special. So many people commented on the beautiful music in church. Thanks to all the liturgical ministers, those who decorated and set up, and our deacons and priests. Thanks to our parish staff who organized our Christmas Star gifts and the many generous parishioners who contributed. Your generosity was overwhelming!
The clergy and lay staff also want to thank all those who extended kind wishes, sent cards and gave us gifts. May the Lord bless you and your families.
During this Christmas Season, check your closet, and if you have some winter coats or jackets in good condition that you do not use, please bring them to the Parish Office to donate. This winter let us help to warm the hearts of those who need it. Winter coats and jackets are needed for all ages and sizes. These donations will be designated for the Catholic Charities shelter that takes care of migrants.
Colecta de abrigos de invierno
Durante esta temporada navideña, revise su armario, y si tiene algunos abrigos o chaquetas de invierno en buen estado que no use, por favor tráigalos a la Oficina Parroquial para donar. Este invierno ayudemos a calentar los corazones de quienes lo necesitan. Se necesitan abrigos y chaquetas de invierno para todas las edades y los tamaños. Su donación se destinará al refugio de Caridades Católicas que se ocupa de los migrantes.
Paul’s letter to the Romans has been at the center of reflection, conversion, and controversy from the very beginning. Romans: The Gospel of Salvation is a new eight-week Bible study we are offering that will help you make sense of the difficult passages regarding faith, works of the law, and justification. It will give you an authentically Catholic, comprehensive, and simple way to understand this challenging epistle. We will register participants after Mass on Jan 8 and 9 and begin the study of Romans on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 8:30 am. Participants will meet every week in the Parish Hall to view an engaging video presentation by Dr. Andrew Swafford and Jeff Cavins, followed by a time of lively group discussion and fellowship. For more information or to register contact kelly.leberthon12@gmail.com
We hope you can join us!
Un Saludo del Diacono Miguel
Del cielo llegó una voz que decía, “Tú eres mi hijo, el predilecto; en ti me complazco”.
Siempre me fascina esta escena donde Jesús es bautizado por Juan en el Jordán. Tanta gente que se acercaba para escuchar la predicación de Juan. Muchos aceptan la invitación de ser bautizados en agua mientras esperan fielmente al Cristo que los bautizará con el Espíritu Santo y con fuego. En el Evangelio de este domingo, leemos que Jesús era uno de tantos que se bautizaban ese día, y mientras que él oraba, “se abrió el cielo y el Espíritu Santo bajósobre él en forma sensible, como de una paloma, y del cielo llegó una voz que decía, ‘Tú eres mi hijo, el predilecto; en ti me complazco’”. Jesús escucho estas palabras y vivió su vida desde ese lugar interior de amor con el Padre. Aunque los rechazos humanos, los celos, los resentimientos y el odio lo lastimaron profundamente, permaneció ancladoen el amor del Padre.
Estas palabras pronunciadas a Jesús en su bautismo también fueron palabras pronunciadas en nuestro propio bautismo. Estas palabras de Dios, “Tú eres mi hijo amado/hija amada, en ti me complazco”, son para ti y para mí. ¿Hemos escuchado estas palabras en nuestro corazón? A veces vivimos una vida entera buscando encontrar el amor. Creemos que un ser humano, o algo material, nos puede hacer sentir amados/as. Pero nos damos cuenta de que nadie, y nada, nos puede ayudar sentir amados más que sólo Dios. ¡Tú hermano/a eres el amado de Dios!Escucha estas palabras y dejar que esa verdad nos sane y transforme en ser hijo/as amado/as. ¡Feliz año nuevo!
Por favor escuchen a los enlaces proveídos, espero que les ayude en su meditación.
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