A Word from the Pastor



February 21, 2025

I will be away from the parish for a little more than a week. I leave on Sunday morning February 23 and return on Tuesday March 4. I am going to the Philippines to participate in the ordination of a new Eudist priest, Fr. Errol Salcedo, CJM. He will be ordained on March 1. I will preach at his first Mass on March 2.

Errol was my student at Maryhill School of Theology. I was also his advisor for his Masters thesis. After he had further contact with other Eudists, he asked to join our Congregation. I was the director of formation when he entered our community. After my departure from the Philippines, I became his spiritual director as we met monthly via Zoom or Messenger. I am delighted to be present for his ordination.

As you may know, the formation of priests was one of the reasons that St. John Eudes founded the Congregation of Jesus and Mary. In 2005, Bishop (now Cardinal) Luis Antonio Tagle invited the Eudists to come to the Philippines to assist in the formation of priests and lay leaders. I was part of the first team that went there, and I remained in the Philippines for 12 years. As our presence in the Philippines expanded, I was in charge of the formation of the Eudist seminarians. We now have 8 Eudist priests in the Philippines. I also taught theology at Divine Word Seminary and Loyola School of Theology.

The formation of priests is of paramount importance for the vitality of the Church. It ensures that priests are not only well-prepared to fulfill their roles as spiritual leaders but also equipped to inspire and guide the People of God in their journey toward holiness. The integration of spiritual, intellectual, pastoral and human formation is essential for cultivating priests who can authentically represent Christ and effectively serve the needs of the Church and the world.

I invite you to pray for more vocations to the priesthood. I encourage you to invite young men that you may know to consider this vocation. I also invite you to pray for Fr. Errol as he begins his life as an ordained priest. May God’s grace guide him as he embarks on his service to Christ and His Church as a Eudist priest.

Thank you also for your prayers for me as I make this long journey. See you upon my return.

In one Heart,

Fr. Ron 

 rmbagley@yahoo.com

Daily Reflections for Lent

Once again, we are pleased to offer the small page-a-day reflection book for Lent: Not by Bread Alone. The format is the same as last year, but the reflections are different from last year and written by a different author.

They will be available on the patio on March 1-2 after all Masses. One per household, please. We make these available free of charge but donations to help defray the cost are gratefully accepted.



There will also be a brochure that describes all of the programs for Lent that will be offered at our parish. 

Lenten Food Drive

The Knights of Columbus will be collecting items for the Annual Lenten Food Drive to benefit Catholic Charities, St Patrick Parish Food Bank and Showers of Blessings. The food drive lasts 4 weeks beginning March 9, 2025 and ends March 30, 2025.

Sharing with those in need is an integral part of our Lenten almsgiving. Click the link below for more information.

What is a Jubilee Year? 

Pope Francis has declared the year 2025 to be a Jubilee Year. This article by Gerard O’Connell explains the history and meaning behind this centuries-old tradition. One way of observing the Jubilee is to go on a pilgrimage to Rome. 

The full calendar of events and all relevant information for pilgrims to Rome can be found on the Vatican’s Jubilee website, including how to get a free digital pass that will be needed to take part in the main Jubilee events: www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/contatti.html

Six Week Lenten Bible Study

First Corinthians - Living as Christians



Paul teaches the Christian community about the joys and challenges of following Jesus and the workings of the Holy Spirit. Then and

now, Paul leads his listeners to reflect on the roots of their lives in Christ to better understand how they should live as his followers.

Join our study. It will be held in the parish center. There is an evening and a morning group that you can attend:

• Six Monday evenings, 6:45pm - 8:30pm, on March 3, 10, 17, 24, April 7 and 14. 
• Six Tuesday mornings, 10am -11:30am on March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 8 and 15.

Register after all the masses on Feb 22 and Feb 23, in the parish office, or contact Carole King at stpatbiblestudy40@gmail.com

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 payment method is current and your donations are being processed.

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.



1. What do people call the day before Ash Wednesday?
2. What prayer of the Mass is omitted during Lent?
3. What word is never said or sung during Lent?
4. On what days are Catholics required to fast during Lent?
5. When does Lent officially end?

Feel free to email Fr. Ron with ideas for future Catholic Trivia questions rmbagley@yahoo.com

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.

Masses are available on our website www.stpatrickcarlsbad.com

We have a YouTube channel where we have daily and Sunday Masses.