Patience and Mercy - Week 28 - Friday, July 17, 2026

St. Patrick Parish News & Updates

July 17, 2026 | Issue 28

Pastor’s Reflection

Sixteenth Sunday in

Ordinary Time

This Sunday’s readings focus on one of the most challenging aspects of faith: trusting in God’s patience. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the wheat and the weeds. A farmer sows good seed in his field, but during the night an enemy plants weeds among the wheat. When the servants discover the problem, they immediately want to pull the weeds out. Surprisingly, the master tells them to wait lest they uproot the wheat as well. Both are to grow together until the harvest.

We often sympathize with the servants. We want quick solutions to problems, immediate justice, and clear distinctions between good and evil. We look at the world, the Church, our families, and even ourselves, and we wonder why God allows sin, suffering, and imperfection to remain. Why doesn’t He act more swiftly? Why does He seem to wait?

The first reading from the Book of Wisdom offers an answer. God’s power is revealed not only through His strength but also through His mercy. Because He is truly all-powerful, He can afford to be patient. He governs with clemency and gives people the opportunity to repent and change. His justice is never separated from His compassion.

The parable reminds us that God sees more deeply than we do. Human beings are often quick to judge. We label people, define them by their mistakes, and sometimes write them off entirely. Yet God sees possibilities for growth and conversion that we cannot see. The weed of today may become tomorrow’s saint through the grace of God. St. Augustine, once far from the faith, became one of the Church’s greatest teachers because God’s patience gave him time to respond to grace.

The Gospel also invites us to look inward. The field is not only the world around us but also our own hearts. Within each of us there is both wheat and weeds—virtues and weaknesses, faith and doubt, generosity and selfishness. God does not abandon us because of our imperfections. Instead, He patiently works within us, nurturing what is good while calling us to ongoing conversion.

St. Paul’s words in Romans offer further comfort. He reminds us that even when we do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit comes to our aid and intercedes for us. We are never left alone in our struggle to grow in holiness.

As we gather for Eucharist this Sunday, let us thank God for His patience and mercy. May we learn to trust His timing, extend the same patience to others, and allow His grace to transform the wheat growing within our hearts. In the fullness of time, God will bring His harvest to completion, and His goodness will prevail.

Blessings always,

Fr. George G. Perez, CJM

Word of the Week: Pentateuch

Pentateuch is the Greek word for the first five books of the Bible, while Torah is the Hebrew term for the Law. The Pentateuch or Torah is made up of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy taken as a set.

2026 Annual Mission Cooperative Appeal

August 1–2

St. Patrick's Parish is honored to welcome Fr. Niranjan (Niru) Kanmury of the Diocese of Nalgonda, India, as part of the 2026 Annual Mission Cooperative Plan. Fr. Niranjan will preach at all Masses on August 1–2 and share the missionary work of his diocese.

Ordained in 2001, Fr. Niranjan served in parish ministry in India before completing doctoral studies in Biblical Theology at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium. Since 2017, he has ministered in the Diocese of San Diego and now serves as Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish.

The Diocese of Nalgonda, located in southern India, continues a rich missionary tradition while serving families through evangelization, catechesis, charitable outreach, and Catholic education. This year's Mission Appeal will support Catholic schools that are facing significant financial challenges. Your generosity will help provide tuition assistance for students in need, educational resources, and improvements to school facilities, ensuring that these schools continue to form young people in faith and academic excellence.

Please keep the Diocese of Nalgonda in your prayers and consider making a generous contribution to this year's Mission Appeal. Thank you for your support of the Church's missionary work throughout the world.

Baby Bottle Drive-

THIS WEEKEND

Dates: July 18 and 19

Thank you for helping Mom’s facing an unplanned pregnancy by participating in a Baby Bottle Drive fundraiser for Birth Choice.

Birth Choice provides FREE lifesaving services and referrals to women with unplanned pregnancies.

Birth Choice also offers FREE workshops on sexual Integrity, Prenatal, Parenting and After Abortion Care. Birth Choice is a pro-life non-profit ministry, and we receive no government funding.

Birth Choice is grateful to St. Patrick Catholic Church for partnering to collect money which goes directly to pay for the ultrasound machine and individual ultrasounds.

Baby bottles will be available after all masses on July 18 and 19 and funds received will support Birth Choice, a pregnancy resource center and Women’s Mobile Clinic.

Please take one and fill it with cash, change or checks. (Make checks payable to Birth Choice).

Once filled, the bottles can be returned and dropped off in the black collection bins at the entrance to the church over the next few weeks.

This is an excellent way to promote the value of the unborn to our families and church community and to learn the value of participating in serving others.

Ultrasounds are free to our clients and cost Birth Choice over $200/client. Amazingly 70 percent of women who see their baby through ultrasound choose life!

Your contributions do save lives. Thank you!

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

Are you or someone you know interested in becoming Catholic?

Whether you have been baptized in another Christian church or never been baptized, OCIA is the process we use to welcome new members into the Church.

It is also for adults who have never finished receiving the sacraments of initiation (for example, they did not receive the Sacrament of Confirmation when they were younger).

It is a process of discernment and formation, in the context of the Christian community, which leads to the decision to be fully initiated as a Catholic Christian. This happens when adults receive Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist at the Easter Vigil (next March 27).

A new group will be formed over the summer. Then beginning in early September, candidates attend our formation sessions every Sunday morning immediately after the 9:00 am Mass. They attend the Mass and then meet in the parish hall until 11:00 am. Attendance is important and those who miss too many sessions will not be included in the celebration at the Easter Vigil.

To get the process started, those interested should contact Fr. Ron Bagley to arrange an interview. Email rmbagley@yahoo.com or call 760-729-2866, x 309.

There will be an information night on OCIA which will be held this Wednesday July 22 at 6:30pm in the parish center. It is an opportunity to learn more and ask questions.

Beethoven 9th Symphony

Sir Antonio Pappano conducts Beethoven’s 9th 200 years after its UK premiere in March 1825. The symphony’s journey is hesitant, stormy and soulful until the final movement welcomes in the human voice – and a hope for the future. “The Ode to Joy”

Watch Daily and Sunday Masses Livestreamed from St. Patrick Church here:

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 credit card information is up to date.

Click on the Online Giving icon below to create or access your account.

Make your contribution to our ACA fund here...

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.

Who are the actual "ministers" of the Sacrament of Matrimony in the Catholic Church?
What are the three essential properties/characteristics required for a valid Catholic marriage?
What does the Catholic Church mean when it teaches that marriage must be "open to life"?
According to Catholic theology, what is considered the primary, overarching spiritual purpose of a husband and wife being married?
What is the canonical form of marriage, and what is the typical requirement for where a Catholic wedding must take place to be recognized as valid?

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

Answers to Catholic Trivia here!

YouTube channel here...

Give to Your Church here...Online Giving

Read prior newsletters here

Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time – Year A

First Reading

Wisdom 12:13,16-19

God has shown himself to be a God of justice and mercy.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 86:5-6,9-10,15-16

A prayer to God for mercy.

Second Reading

Romans 8:26-27

The Spirit intercedes for us with God.

Gospel Reading

Matthew 13:24-43

Jesus offers parables about the Kingdom of Heaven and explains them to his disciples.

Background on the Gospel Reading

In today’s Gospel, Jesus offers three parables to describe the Kingdom of Heaven. He also explains why he speaks to the crowds in parables and interprets the parable of the sower for the disciples. This reading is a continuation of Jesus’ discourse that we began reading last Sunday.

All three parables use commonplace experiences to describe aspects of the Kingdom of Heaven. The first parable is longer and more detailed than the next two, and it alerts us to the two-fold reality of the Kingdom of Heaven. The beginnings of the Kingdom of Heaven can be found in this world. The fruition of the Kingdom of Heaven, however, will not be realized until the final judgment. In the meantime, as Jesus’ explanation to the disciples cautions, any effort to judge the progress of the Kingdom of Heaven is premature. Only God, in the final judgment, will distinguish the fruit of the Kingdom of Heaven and offer its reward.

The second and third parables call to our attention the abundance that will result from the small beginnings of the Kingdom of Heaven. Just as a mustard seed—the smallest of all seeds—will become a large bush, so too God will bring his Kingdom to full bloom. As a small amount of yeast will leaven the entire batch of bread, so too God will bring about the expansion of his Kingdom. In each case the image is of the superabundance that God brings out of even the smallest of signs of the Kingdom.

Contained within these parables are words of caution as well as words of consolation. In the parable of the sower we are warned against judging others. To judge and uproot the “weeds” prematurely will harm the wheat; final judgment rests with God. In the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast, we are consoled by the message that God can work wonders and produce abundance from even the smallest beginnings of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Open My Eyes, Lord

The Young Adult Choir and Ensemble of the Church of Saint Paul the Apostle, NYC sing these prayerful words that invite us to open ourselves to the Lord and His Word.

How To Spend Your Holidays According To The Popes

By Amedeo Lomonaco

As Pope Leo XIV takes some time off at the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo from July 6 to 20, Vatican News looks at what past Popes have said about holidays.

Read the article here...

Ye Olde Garage

Ye Olde Garage Is Closed for July

Our garage is closed for the month of July. Please do not drop off any items during this month. There is no one around to take them in. Please save your donations until we reopen in August.

Thank you for your support.

St. Pat's Youth Ministry Concert

St. Pat's Youth Ministry will be having it's annual BBQ & Praise and Worship night on Sunday July 26.

Dinner will start following the 5 p.m. Mass and be served over at St. Pat's school by the Knights of Columbus. The Praise and Worship concert will take place on the school field. The event is open to all ages. Participants are asked to bring their own beach/camp chairs or blankets to sit on.

An RSVP would be appreciated by Tue. July 21st so that we know how much food to get. Participants can contact the youth office via email at mjimenez@stpatrickcarlsbad.com or pclasby@stpatrickarlsbad.com

Please let us know how many will attend. We look forward to seeing you all there.

Details here...

RSVP here!

Religious Education Preschool to 8th grade

Registration Information for the 2026-2027 School Year

We are here to support parents in forming their children in the Catholic Faith and engaging them in our parish community where we worship and grow together in faith. We offer weekly classes for preschool through 8th grade and preparation for the sacraments for children in grades 1 through 8.

The online registration is open for all our classes from Preschool through 8th grade.

You may also register in person at the Office of Religious Education. Please contact us at mdornisch@stpatrickcarlsbad.com or 760-729-8442 to make an appointment or with questions about faith formation or sacramental preparation.

Blessings,

Margit Dornisch, Religious Education and Family Ministry

Click here to visit our website to view the Religious Education Preschool to 8th grade site and register

Confirmation Registration

Now Open

Our Confirmation program is a two-year journey! To get started for the 2026–2027 school year, teens must be entering high school (9th grade or higher).

New Students: If you did not participate last year, please register for the Pre-Confirmation Year.
Returning Students: If you completed the first year, please register for the Confirmation Year.

This is the first of three registration tiers our office will offer for the 2026–2027 school year. Tier 1 runs from May 20th through June 30th and offers the lowest registration fee. Please note that fees will increase after June 30th.

Families can register either online or in person. If you prefer to register in person, please contact our office to schedule a time.

PClasby@stpatrickcarlsbad.com or 760-434-3278

Inscricpciónes para la confirmación estan abiertas

¡Nuestro programa de Confirmación es un camino de dos años! Para comenzar el año escolar 2026–2027, los jóvenes deben estar ingresando a la escuela secundaria (high school, 9.º grado o superior).

Estudiantes Nuevos: Si no participaron el año pasado, por favor regístrense para el Año de Pre-Confirmación.
Estudiantes que Regresan: Si completaron el primer año, por favor regístrense para el Año de Confirmación.

Esta es primer nivel de tres niveles de inscripción que nuestra oficina ofrecerá para el año escolar 2026–2027. El primer nivel estará vigente desde el 20 de mayo hasta el 30 de junio y ofrece la cuota de inscripción más baja. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que las cuotas aumentarán después del 30 de junio.

Las familias pueden inscribirse en línea o en persona. Si prefiere inscribirse en persona, por favor comuníquese con nuestra oficina para programar una cita.

MJimenez@stpatrickcarlsbad.com

760-434-3278

Bilingual Catechesis and Family Ministry

2026-2027 School Year

Catequesis Bilingüe y Ministerio Familiar

Año Escolar 2026-2027

Nuestra misión es acompañar a los padres de familia en la formación y transmisión de la fe cristiana de sus hijos, favoreciendo que conozcan a Dios, amen a Jesucristo y vivan conforme a las enseñanzas de la Iglesia. Asimismo, procuramos integrarlos a la comunidad parroquial mediante la oración, la celebración litúrgica y diversas actividades que contribuyan a su crecimiento en la fe.

Ofrecemos Catequesis Tradicional, Acompañamiento para niños de Preescolar, Catequesis Familiar e Iniciación Cristiana de Adultos adaptada para niños.

Para identificar el programa que mejor responda a las necesidades de su familia, le invitamos a hacer clic en el enlace a continuación.

clic aquí...

Notas Pastorales

XVI Domingo Ordinario

Las lecturas de este domingo nos invitan a reflexionar sobre una de las virtudes más difíciles de practicar: la paciencia. En el Evangelio, Jesús nos presenta la parábola del trigo y la cizaña. Un hombre siembra buena semilla en su campo, pero durante la noche un enemigo siembra cizaña entre el trigo. Cuando los siervos descubren el problema, quieren arrancar inmediatamente la mala hierba. Sin embargo, el dueño les pide que esperen hasta la cosecha para evitar dañar también el trigo.

Muchas veces pensamos como aquellos siervos. Queremos soluciones rápidas, justicia inmediata y una clara separación entre el bien y el mal. Miramos el mundo y nos preguntamos por qué Dios permite tanta maldad, sufrimiento e injusticia. También observamos nuestras familias, nuestras comunidades e incluso nuestras propias vidas, y nos preguntamos por qué Dios no actúa más rápido para corregir lo que está mal.

La primera lectura, tomada del Libro de la Sabiduría, nos ofrece una respuesta profunda. Dios es todopoderoso, pero su poder se manifiesta especialmente en su misericordia. Precisamente porque es Señor de todo, puede ejercer paciencia y clemencia con sus hijos. Dios no desea la destrucción del pecador, sino su conversión. Él concede tiempo para el arrepentimiento y la transformación del corazón.

La parábola también nos recuerda que Dios ve mucho más allá de lo que nosotros vemos. Con frecuencia juzgamos a las personas por sus errores, fracasos o pecados, y llegamos a pensar que nunca cambiarán. Pero Dios mira el corazón y reconoce posibilidades de crecimiento que nosotros no podemos percibir. La historia de la Iglesia está llena de hombres y mujeres que parecían estar lejos de Dios y, gracias a la paciencia divina, llegaron a convertirse en grandes santos.

Además, el campo del Evangelio no representa únicamente al mundo; también simboliza nuestro propio corazón. En cada uno de nosotros hay trigo y cizaña. Existen virtudes que Dios ha sembrado en nuestra alma, pero también debilidades, pecados y heridas que necesitan sanación. Dios no se cansa de nosotros ni nos abandona por nuestras imperfecciones. Con amor y paciencia continúa trabajando en nuestra vida para que el bien crezca y dé fruto abundante.

San Pablo, en la segunda lectura, nos ofrece una palabra de consuelo. Nos recuerda que el Espíritu Santo viene en ayuda de nuestra debilidad y que incluso cuando no sabemos cómo orar, Él intercede por nosotros según la voluntad de Dios. Nunca estamos solos en nuestra lucha por vivir el Evangelio.

Al participar en la Eucaristía este domingo, agradezcamos a Dios su infinita paciencia con nosotros. Pidámosle la gracia de confiar en sus tiempos, de ser misericordiosos con los demás y de permitir que su amor transforme nuestro corazón. Que aprendamos a reconocer la obra silenciosa de Dios en nuestra vida, sabiendo que, al final de la cosecha, su justicia y su misericordia triunfarán plenamente.

Bendiciones siempre.

P. George G. Pérez, CJM

Estudios Bíblicos en Español del Padre Ricardo Chinchilla, cjm... clic aquí

3821 Adams Street

Carlsbad, California 92008

760.729.2866

Our parish offices are open, Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30 to 4:30pm

In case of emergency, you can always reach a priest. Call the parish number 760-729-2866 and press number 6 which will connect you directly to one of our priests.

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 address below: gperez@eudistsusa.org

rmbagley@yahoo.com

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