After a very unusual summer, we are ready to begin a very unusual academic year. Our religious education and sacramental preparation programs will be using a lot of virtual and home-based instruction, combined with some gatherings for prayer. If the restrictions and regulations change, we will need to adjust over the course of the year.
Our parish school opens on August 26. We received a waiver from the state which permits the school to have in-person learning for grades K-6. We are giving our students the option for in-person learning or distance learning. The principal and staff of the school have been working all summer to make sure that we can provide a safe environment for our students who want to return. The administration of the school has come up with a very detailed and complete plan. I am grateful for their diligent work.
Showers of Blessings was able to reopen on August 18. We can continue this ministry to the homeless in a more limited way that ensures the safety of our volunteers as well as the clients.
Many of our Bible studies have continued to meet online. The Knights of Columbus meet online and have been planning some ways to reach out to those in need. Our boy scouts and some other parish organizations have been doing virtual meetings as well. I encourage other parish groups to make use of technology since it will probably be a while before we can resume “normal parish life.”
At this point, it is not possible to say when in-person meetings may resume. The fact that San Diego county has come off the state “watch list” does not automatically mean that things will change (other than the school). As “a house of worship,”we are able to offer Masses, funerals, marriages, and baptisms as long as they are outdoors and follow the usual safety procedures (masks, distancing, etc.) We have written clear protocols for how to celebrate these sacraments here at St. Patrick. If you need more information, feel free to contact me.
My intention here is just to update you. I assure that we are doing everything possible to maintain a safe environment and to continue parish life as best as we can. We are quick to adapt to each change in guidance to come along from the government agencies. I thank you for your patience and support.
Because there will be a special Mass for children receiving the Sacrament of Baptism, there will be no Mass on the covered court on Friday, August 21 at 7:00 pm. The morning Masses will be celebrated at the regular times.
Fr. Carlos Is Leaving Us
With sadness we have to say goodbye to Fr. Carlos Valencia, CJM who has faithfully served our parish as assistant pastor for the last year. After 10 years in the United States, Fr. Carlos is returning to his native country of Colombia. He will be able to spend his “golden years” closer to his family and the Eudist community.
His last Sunday in St. Patrick Parish will be August 30. We thank God for all that he has done for our community and we assure him of our prayers as he transitions to a stage of his life and ministry. We thank Fr. Carlos for being so generous in his service and so available to meet our needs.
Due to the restrictions on large gatherings, we will not be able to have a farewell party for him but you may wish to attend Fr. Carlos’ last Mass in our parish on August 30 at 1:00 pm. You can also write to him at cvalencia9876@gmail.com
Padre Carlos nos deja
Con tristeza tenemos que despedirnos del P. Carlos Valencia, CJM quien ha servido fielmente a nuestra parroquia como pastor asistente durante el último año. Después de 10 años en los Estados Unidos, el P. Carlos regresa a su país natal de Colombia. Podrá pasar sus “años dorados” más cerca de su familia y de la comunidad eudista de Colombia.
Su último domingo en la parroquia de San Patricio será el 30 de agosto. Agradecemos a Dios por todo lo que ha hecho por nuestra comunidad y le aseguramos nuestras oraciones en su transición a una etapa nueva de su vida y ministerio. Agradecemos al P. Carlos por ser tan generoso en su servicio y tan disponible para satisfacer nuestras necesidades.
Debido a las restricciones a las grandes reuniones, no podremos tener una fiesta de despedida para él, pero es posible que desee asistir al la última misa de P. Carlos en nuestra parroquia el 30 de agosto a la 1:00 pm. También puedes escribirle a cvalencia9876@gmail.com
May he rest in peace
Leonard Vasquez was a quiet and simple man who generously volunteered his time to take care of the gardens around the church for the last couple years. He died on Tuesday, August 18. We extend our sympathy to his family and commend him to the Lord. May he rest in peace.
You Raise Me Up
A nice rendition of this hopeful song by Josh Groban. It has a message we need to hear. Address the words of this song as a prayer to God.
Thank You for Your Generosity
Our parish is blessed by so many kind and generous people. Even in the midst of the ever-changing circumstances of parish life during a pandemic, many of our parishioners have continued to send or bring their contributions to the parish. Many have begun using online giving. I am so grateful that so many people have continued to contribute. It has been very helpful to the financial situation of the parish. While our income is down significantly, the generosity shown by so many has enabled us to maintain the parish complex, keep current with our bills, and pay our dedicated staff. Thank you all, very much!
Even as Masses are being celebrated outside on the school grounds, there will be specially marked baskets on the tables near the entrance to the field into which you can place your offerings. Of course, you can continue to mail us your contribution or drop it off at the office (8:30 am – 12:30 pm). Online giving remains a good option as well. Thank you for supporting your parish.
"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.
How many Sundays of Advent are there every year?
How many popes were there in the 20th century?
How many of the 20th century popes can you name?
What are the five Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary (added by St. John Paul II in 2002)
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.
God will remove Shebna from his office as master of the palace.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 138:1-3,6,8
God’s kindness is forever.
Second Reading
Romans 11:33-36
Paul sings praise to God.
Gospel Reading
Matthew 16:13-20
Simon Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Christ and is given the key to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Background on the Gospel Reading
It is important to read today’s Gospel and next week’s Gospel as two parts of a single story. These readings are a turning point in Matthew’s Gospel. This week we hear Jesus name Simon Peter as the rock upon which he will build his Church. Next week we will hear Jesus call this same Simon Peter "Satan" when he reacts negatively to Jesus’ prediction about his passion and death.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks his disciples what people are saying about his identity. The disciples indicate that most people believe that Jesus is a prophet of Israel. Then Jesus asks his disciples who they believe that he is. Simon Peter answers, identifying Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God.
Jesus commends Simon Peter for this profession of faith, indicating that this insight has come from God. Because of Simon Peter’s response, Jesus calls him the “rock” upon which Jesus will build the Church. This is a word play on the name Peter, which is the Greek word for “rock.” Peter is then given special authority by Jesus, a symbolic key to the Kingdom of Heaven. Peter will play an important role in the early Christian community as a spokesperson and a leader.
In today’s Gospel, Peter’s recognition of Jesus’ identity is credited to a revelation by God. This will contrast sharply with Jesus’ rebuke of Peter in next week’s Gospel. When Peter rejects Jesus’ prediction of his passion and death, Peter is said to no longer be thinking as God does but as humans do.
The use of the term church in today’s Gospel is one of only three such occurrences in Matthew’s Gospel. Peter in this Gospel is being credited as the foundation for the Church, a privilege granted to him because of his recognition of Jesus’ identity. The Church continues to be grounded in the faith that Jesus Christ is Lord.
«Lo que hemos descubierto sobre la persona de Jesús y su misión difícilmente nos permite confesar con Pedro: 'Tú eres el Cristo'. Sin embargo, al levantar el velo del misterio, nos damos cuenta de que es mucho más lo que se nos escapa en profundidad. Cristo es un hombre entre los hombres y el ojo incrédulo no sabe reconocerlo. En verdad, obra desde dentro en el hombre que cree en él y le ofrece posibilidades inagotables de redención y salvación.
Pero la personalidad de Jesús no se puede definir simplemente como cualquier hijo de hombre, nacido de mujer. Es necesario aceptar ser parte de ese pequeño grupo de discípulos, a los que invita a estar con él, y seguirlo a Jerusalén, a la cruz. Aquí se cumplirá el plan que Dios ha preparado a lo largo de los siglos y se revelará plenamente su misterio de Mesías, Hijo del hombre y Siervo de Dios ”(CdA, p. 85).
Padre Carlos
A Place in the Choir
A parishioner sent this to me and said she thought I would like it. I hope you do too!
Religious Education & Family Ministry
Registration Information for the 2020 -2021 School Year
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are here to support you in forming your children in the Catholic Faith with a creative and blended program for onsite and at home teaching in the fall.
Please check our St. Patrick Church website at www.stpatrickcarlsbad.comif you need to find information or would like to register your child/ren for:
Sacramental preparation (Baptism, First Confession, First Communion age 6 and older)
Continued Faith Formation (Kindergarten, 3rd grade and older)
Family Catechesis with monthly themes – For families with children of all ages: Making the family the heart of the church
For questions about program choices, fees, or payment plans, contact the Office for Religious Education & Family Ministry at MDornisch@stpatrickcarlsbad.com or 760-729-8442
Reflection-Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus asks his disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” Peter was graced to profess: “You are the Son of the living God” and to continue Jesus’ work. We are to do the same. Recognizing Jesus as God’s beloved Son gives us grace to follow him. As we love as Jesus loves, we build up his Church.
For Parents- How do you answer Jesus’ question? How do you continue Jesus’ work today?
For children: What do you know about Jesus? Whom can you tell this week about him?
Outreach opportunities:
As you shop for school supplies, buy some extra and bring to the Parish Office (open 8:30am – 12:30pm) marked for Children at the Casa (House of the Poor in Tijuana). There is a great need for children’s socks and shoes.
Thank you for your generosity!
United in prayer,
Margit Dornisch
Director of Religious Education for Children and Family Ministry
Preparing to Vote in the Upcoming Elections
Voting with a Conscience
Last week’s newsletter contained Part 1 of the summary of the US Bishops’ document called Faithful Citizenship. Attached here is Part 2 of the document that can serve as a guide for forming our consciences as we prepare to exercise our right to vote in the upcoming elections.
Our parish offices are open, Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 12:30pm.
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.
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:
