A Word from the Pastor

October 14, 2022

This Sunday’s Scripture readings direct our attention to the need to pray. But why do we need to pray? This is a question many Christians, as well as people with other beliefs, have asked. If God is in control of human history and also directs individual lives, what’s the point of praying? The answer lies in our understanding of what prayer is.

If we see prayer merely as a means of taking some level of control of life and the world — as a means of leverage — then we will inevitably be troubled by what appears to be unanswered prayer. But if we see prayer primarily as an ongoing conversation with God, then we realize that there is really no such thing as an unanswered prayer.

The classic definitions of prayer speak of “lifting our hearts and minds to God”. Repeating the words of many saints before him, St. John Eudes called prayer “the Christian soul’s tender dialogue, holy communication, and divine conversation with God.” For that reason, he stressed that prayer is “as necessary as the air you breathe.” Just as no human life can exist without breathing, so also a Christian’s spiritual life will not survive without prayer.

The first reading and the gospel for this Sunday stress the need to be persistent in prayer. But why is persistence important? Is it because it takes a while to convince God to hear us? Should we keep praying until we change God’s mind?

God does not change his mind in response to our prayers or our actions. Though Scripture sometimes speaks as if he does, this language is figurative, not literal. If he did change his mind, that would mean that God had imperfect knowledge. A wise spiritual teacher has said, “Prayer does not change God. It changes me.”

Our prayer, understood as “tender dialogue, holy communication,” helps us understand and love God more. Sometimes, it takes some time for us to align our will with the will of God. Every prayer of petition is simply an act of trust in God who provides for all our needs. And, of course, we also need to persistently offer prayers of praise, thanksgiving and adoration to the God who loved us into being and who sustains us in life until we reach our everlasting home.

So let us be persistent in prayer. That daily loving dialogue with God will attune us to God’s voice, strengthen our relationship with God, and fill us with joy.

In one Heart,

Fr. Ron 

rbagley@stpatrickcarlsbad.com

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.

Emergency Disaster Fund Special Collection

Our parish is participating in a nation-wide special collection for Emergency Disaster Relief called for by the U.S. Catholic Bishops as a response to the recent hurricanes. Proceeds from the collection will help the Bishops’ Emergency Disaster Fund to provide support for humanitarian assistance, long-term recovery and significant Church needs caused by recent calamities. Contributions can also be made at www.sdcatholic.org click on the blue Donations button.

Colección especial para el fondo de emergencias por desastres

Nuestra parroquia está participando en una colecta especial a nivel nacional para ayuda de emergencia en casos de desastre sugerida por los obispos católicos de EE. UU. como respuesta a los recientes huracanes. Esta colecta ayudará al Fondo de Emergencia para Desastres de los Obispos a brindar apoyo para la asistencia humanitaria, la recuperación a largo plazo y las necesidades significativas de la Iglesia causadas por calamidades recientes. Contribuciones también se pueden hacer en www.sdcatholic.org

Bolero by Ravel

Do you remember when “flashmobs” were the rage? They were popping up in various places to the surprise and delight of the public. In this recording, Ravel's Bolero is performed by musicians from the national orchestra of Île-de-France and students from the departmental conservatory of Aulnay-sous-Bois during a flashmob at Saint-Lazare station in France back in November 2013. 

WHY THE CHURCH OPPOSES PROPOSITION 1

40 Days for Life

Once again, we observe 40 Days for Life from Wednesday September 28 to Sunday November 6. It is 40 days of prayer & fasting for an end to abortion. You’re also invited to peacefully pray during a 40-day vigil in the public right-of-way outside Planned Parenthood, 1964 Via Centre, Vista (south of In & Out Burger). If you’d like more information – and especially if you’d like to volunteer to help, please contact go to 40daysforlife.com/vista

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. What are the Corporal Works of Mercy?
2. On what gospel passage are the Corporal Works of Mercy based?
3. What are the Spiritual Works of Mercy?
4. Where does the Church urge Catholics to participate in voting in civic elections?
5. Is voting connected to the practice of a specific virtue?