A Word from the Pastor

October 21, 2022

In a previous life (as a young priest in Buffalo), a great deal of my energy was directed toward ministry with young people. Even during my 12 years in the Philippines, a lot of my time was spent in the formation of young men and women who felt called to ministry. I always rejoice when I can lift up “the young Church” and sing the praises of youth and those who work with them.

Our parish faith formation programs are experiencing a revival after a couple years of major challenges due to Covid. Many children and their parents are preparing for the celebration of the First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Our Confirmation program is also enjoying a strong return. 

We have begun a monthly Family Mass which has been very well received. The next one will be on Sunday October 30 at 9:00 am. Several young people will be baptized during this Mass. Members of our youth ministry team have once again joined me in occasionally offering their reflections as a part of my homily at the 5:00 pm Mass. Last Sunday two young ladies shared beautiful reflections on prayer in their lives.

Next month, seventeen of our youth and adult leaders will attend the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Long Beach on November 10-12. NCYC is normally only held in odd numbered years. For the first time since 1989 it is being held west of Texas and for the first time since 1983 it’s being held in California. I am excited that our young people will be able to attend. Next week, we will provide you with an opportunity to offer financial assistance to those who will attend.

Our Confirmation candidates and their families recently had the opportunity to hear a nationally recognized youth ministry speaker, Katherine Angulo Valenzuela, offer them encouragement and challenges in living their faith. She spoke one day in Spanish and then another day in English. When I had an opportunity to talk privately with her, she spoke so highly about the young people of our parish and their families. She also praised our youth ministry team and youth ministers.

We also have so many reasons to sing the praises of our parish school. Our dedicated teachers and staff minister on a daily basis with almost 470 young people. Not only does our school provide a strong academic program; faith formation is a high priority. Special emphasis has been directed in recent years to Catholic identity. Our school works with families in so many ways to ensure a strong partnership between family, school and parish. At a recent meeting we had with a diocesan official, he referred to our school as “a model school.”

These are just a few of the reasons why I am so happy to sing the praises of the Young Church of Today here at St. Patrick’s. 

In one Heart,

Fr. Ron 

[email protected]

November is the Month of

All Souls

Our custom as Catholics is to offer special prayers during the month of November for All Souls (all those who have died). Here at St. Patrick’s we have two special ways that this happens.

On Wednesday, November 2 (the Day of the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed), we will have a special bilingual Mass at 7:00 pm. During this Mass, we will read the names of all those who have died during the last year. A candle will be lit in honor of each of these dear departed loved ones. Fr. Ron has sent a letter to each family of parishioners who died in the last year. If you did not receive it, contact the parish office.



In addition, during the month of November we have a Novena of Masses for All Souls. This takes place November 3-11. Anyone is welcome to submit names of deceased loved ones to be remembered during these Masses. There is an envelope in the regular packet of envelopes you received in the mail. Simply write the names of your deceased loved ones on the envelope, enclose a donation of any amount, and place it in the regular collection. Additional envelopes are available at the main doors of the church, or just use a plain envelope. These envelopes will remain on the altar throughout the month of November.

Celebrate All Saints and All Souls in the Home

As we approach Halloween and the feasts of All Saints and All Souls, it would be worthwhile to consider how to observe these occasions as Catholics. In particular, how can we bring the real meaning of these celebrations into our homes.

The link below contains an article about the real meaning and the origins of these feast days. There are some free links as well as prayer services that you can purchase.

Altars – Day of the Dead

Día de los Muertos is a Mexican tradition dating back 3,000 years that honors the memories of the deceased. Altars are built with pictures of their deceased loved ones along with items that belonged to them as well as their favorite foods as a reminder of their lives. On Sunday, October 30th, after all Masses, Altars will be on display in the small parking lot. If you would like to participate in this event, please call the Parish Office and ask for Deacon Miguel. 

To read more, click below.

To Not Worship You

This praise and worship song challenges the listener to think about why we worship the Lord. It is by Mercy Me.

The Issues Facing California

As elections are upon us, we look for guidance on the key issues based on Catholic Social Teaching. The California Catholic Conference (CCC) is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in California. They advocate with policy makers and the public to advance the Catholic vision of human life and dignity, the good society and concern for those who are poor and vulnerable. They offer education to Catholics and the general public. They seek to empower Catholics to put their faith into action consistent with Catholic teaching.



The attached handout from the CCC offers a brief summary of the priorities identified by the Bishops of California. As you read through them, you will see that many of them apply to issues and candidates in this year’s election. While it does not say how to vote, it can serve as a guide in evaluating positions and policies of candidates, the platforms of political parties, and the morality of the various propositions on the ballot. Remember: no candidate or political party matches up 100% to Catholic Social Teaching. Choose wisely!

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. In what city was St. Paul born?
2. What was his original name?
3. Where did Paul meet the risen Jesus and experience his conversion?
4. Where in the Bible do we read about the conversion of St. Paul?
5. According to tradition, where did Paul die?