A Word from the Pastor



May 23, 2025

In only about two weeks as our chief shepherd on earth, the recently elected Pope Leo XIV has caught the attention of the whole world. World leaders and ordinary people – Catholics and those of other religions – are hanging on his words and looking for clues about what we might expect from him.

One message has come though already with great force and constant repetition: Pope Leo XIV has emphasized the importance of dialogue and building bridges to foster unity and peace. He recognizes and reminds us that wars have erupted all over the world. He concurs with Pope Francis who frequently spoke of World War III being "fought in pieces," referring to the idea that the world is experiencing a series of localized conflicts, rather than a single, large-scale global war. Pope Leo also recognizes that he has a responsibility to use the influence of his office and his stature as a moral leader of the world to make an effort to bring warring sides together. We pray for his efforts to be a peacemaker in response to the call of Jesus.

We also seek Christ’s farewell gift of peace in our hearts, in our families, and in our Church. It is so sad to see the divisions in our society. In his homily last Sunday, the Holy Father said, “In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalizes the poorest. For our part, we want to be a small leaven of unity, communion and fraternity within the world.”

Further on in the homily he said: “We want to say to the world, with humility and joy: Look to Christ! Come closer to him! Welcome his word that enlightens and consoles! Listen to his offer of love and become his one family: in the one Christ, we are one. [This is the motto on his coat of arms.] This is the path to follow together, among ourselves but also with our sister Christian churches, with those who follow other religious paths, with those who are searching for God, with all women and men of good will, in order to build a new world where peace reigns!” He invites us all to come together and follow the challenge of Christ.

He challenged us with an inclusive and all-embracing task: “This is the missionary spirit that must animate us; not closing ourselves off in our small groups, nor feeling superior to the world. We are called to offer God’s love to everyone, in order to achieve that unity which does not cancel out differences but values the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of every people.”

With Jesus and with Pope Leo, we pray: “May they all be one.”

In one Heart,

Fr. Ron 

 rmbagley@yahoo.com

Pope Leo XIV Appoints Most Reverend Michael Pham as Bishop of San Diego

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Most Reverend Michael Pham, auxiliary bishop of San Diego and diocesan administrator, as the Bishop of San Diego.

The appointment was publicized in Washington, D.C. on May 22, 2025, by Monsignor Većeslav Tumir, chargé d’ affaires, a.i. of the Apostolic Nunciature, in the temporary absence of Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.



The Diocese of San Diego is comprised of 8,852 square miles in the State of California and has a total population of 3,454,921 of which 1,381,968, are Catholic.

His statement reads:

"With profound gratitude and blessing, I receive my appointment to be the seventh Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego. I cannot express enough how grateful I am to God for blessing me with graces to serve God’s people. I am deeply thankful to Pope Leo XIV who entrusted me with this portion of the Lord’s vineyard. It brings an added sense of awe as I am a son to this diocese. It is an honor to serve "my home,"

where I received my call and vocation to the priesthood more than 31 years ago. My priestly ministry has been greatly nurtured and enriched all these years. 

The Good Shepherd knows His sheep, and they know Him. I find great joy and hope in these words, as I assume my new role as bishop, shepherd, and brother to a wonderful community of bishops, priests, religious men and women, deacons, and lay leaders who have ministered alongside me all these years. I look forward to continuing the mission of our diocese as we embrace the call to be a synodal church where we listen, dialogue, and advance forward with a grateful heart."

United in Christ,

Most Rev. Michael Pham

What to Expect From an Augustinian Pope

Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope in history. But in the history of the Church, 34 of the 266 popes have belonged to religious orders. Of that number, there had been six Augustinians to become pope before Leo XIV. In this article, James K. A. Smith, a professor of philosophy and an expert on St. Augustine, shares his thoughts on what influence St. Augustine may have had on Pope Leo’s spirituality and vision of the Church and humanity.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience

Spend quality time with the

person you vowed to love for a lifetime

The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience is

June 28 –29 at St. John’s in Encinitas.

Early registration is highly recommended. For more

information visit our website at www.wwme.org

Or call 888-574-5653

Celebrate the Centenary of Saint John Eudes’ Canonization

The Eudist Fathers invite you to join us in commemorating the 100th anniversary of the canonization of Saint John Eudes with a special celebration of Mass.

It will be this Saturday, May 31, 8:oo am at St. Patrick Catholic Church.

It will be followed with pastries and coffee on the patio. All are welcome.

A Course on Vatican II



For those who are interested in knowing more about this important event in the history of the Church, Fr. Ron is teaching a course on the Second Vatican Council on Wednesdays, beginning June 10.



It is being sponsored by the Diocesan Institute but will take place at St. Patrick’s parish hall. If you have questions, contact Fr. Ron. If you want to register, see the attached flyer for details.

A Course on “Last Things”

Fr. Ron will be teachings a course on the Christian meaning of death and resurrection and what happens after death. In Catholic theology, the official name is “eschatology,” or study of the last

things.

We believe that at death “life is changed, not ended.” What will life be like after death? What are

our basic Catholic beliefs? Where do we find them in Scripture and Church teaching? This course will explore topics like the immortality of the soul, the resurrection of the dead, heaven,

hell, purgatory and final judgment.

The course is a part of the Diocesan Institute, but it will take place at St. Patrick Parish Center.

Registration is $35 (unless you take it for credit). It will be held on Wednesdays, beginning May 28, and concluding on July 2, and runs 6:30-8:30 pm each evening.

Contact Fr. Ron with questions about the course at rmbagley@yahoo.com

Register for it through the link below.

Million Meal Event

The diocese’s deacons are inviting parish communities to participate in the upcoming Million Meal Event that will take place on June 14th, at Cathedral Catholic High School. 

The event has been very successful the past couple years, drawing more than 3,000 people who packed meals for hungry children in Tijuana and Africa. This year the goal is to pack 1 million meals in one day and raise $300,000. Parish teams, ministries, families and individuals can make an impact on a child’s life. Everyone is welcome to sign up. If you have any questions, please call the office and speak to one of the deacons.  

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. This Jubilee Year marks the anniversary of the Council of Nicea. In what year was the Council of Nicea convened?
2. In what present day country is Nicea located?
3. Who convened the Council of Nicea?
4. When did the Second Vatican Council begin?
5. Who called for the Second Vatican Council?

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