Pray Always, and more - Week 42 - Friday, October 17, 2025

St. Patrick Parish News & Updates

October 17, 2025 | Issue 42

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Pastoral Reflection

Life as Catholics often tests our faith. We pray sincerely, yet sometimes answers seem slow to come. We work hard for justice, but change can feel slow and difficult. We live and share the Good News of the Gospel, but the world doesn’t always listen.

This Sunday’s readings remind us of one essential truth: we are called to persevere — in prayer, in faith, and in living what is right.

In the first reading, Israel is at war. Moses stands on a hill with arms raised in prayer. As long as his hands stay lifted, Israel is victorious. When he grows tired, Aaron and Hur support his arms, helping him to stay strong. This powerful image shows us that persistent prayer — especially when supported by others — leads to victory. Prayer is both personal and communal; we need each other’s prayers and encouragement.

St. Paul encourages Timothy to stay faithful to the Scriptures he learned as a child. He reminds him that God’s Word helps us teach, correct, and guide one another. Paul urges Timothy to proclaim the Gospel “in season and out of season,” meaning to stay committed even when it’s hard or unpopular. This message is for all of us: faithfulness requires courage and endurance. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge. Though ignored at first, the widow keeps pleading until justice is done. Jesus concludes, “Pray always and do not lose heart.” This is the heart of today’s message — perseverance in prayer. Prayer is powerful, more than we often realize, but it is one of the hardest things to keep up consistently. Prayer breaks through what seems impossible; it gives us clarity, courage, and strength. We must not give in to discouragement.

Humility and perseverance are essential virtues in this journey. We might struggle to be consistent or feel tempted to give up, but prayer rooted in humility softens even the hardest hearts. So, don’t be afraid to ask, to pray, and to keep going. Don’t let doubt or obstacles extinguish the dream God has placed in your heart. Trust that prayer changes everything.

DID YOU KNOW?

Sunday Mass is our deepest prayer and worship, where we come together as the Body of Christ to receive God’s Word and the Eucharist. Many leave early, often right after Communion. While life gets busy, leaving before the final blessing is like ending a conversation with God too soon or leaving a meal without saying thanks.

The final blessing sends us forth with God’s grace and mission to live His love in the world.

Let’s stay until the very end—not just out of duty, but out of love—so we fully receive God’s grace and show our gratitude as a community. Let’s give God the full gift of our worship, from the opening song to the final blessing.

Fr. George G. Perez, CJM

Pictures from the Installation of Fr. George Perez, CJM, as Pastor of St. Patrick Parish. Bishop Felipe Pulido, Auxiliary Bishop of San Diego, presided on October 11, 2025.

Mission Sunday, October 19

This weekend Mission Sunday is observed throughout the world. We continue to pray for the Church’s worldwide mission of evangelization. We support missionaries who travel to distant places to spread the Good News.

Your contributions help make this possible. Use the specially marked envelope in your packet or take an envelope from the doors of the church. Put your envelope in our one collection this weekend. You may also bring your envelope next week. Of course, you can use our Online Giving portal to support Mission Sunday.

Franz Liszt

Here is the famous Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 by the 19th century composer Franz Liszt. The interesting twist in this recording is the lighted keyboard introduced by a producer named Rousseau.

Advertising Parish Events in the Newsletter

In order for parish events to be listed in the parish e-mail newsletter, the representative of the parish organization or ministry needs to send the information directly to Fr. Ron at rmbagley@yahoo.com

Sending it to Lisa for the bulletin does not mean that it will automatically be included in the newsletter.

Wellness, Spirituality in Mental Health Event Saturday,

October 25

Event information here...

The Knights of Columbus will be collecting items for the Annual Fall Food Drive to benefit Catholic Charities,

St Patrick Parish Food Bank and Showers of Blessings.

This food drive will last 3 weeks - October 4 - 26.

The main donation station will be located by the front door of the Parish Hall, look for the Knights of Columbus pop up tent as well as the church patio. Knights will be there to accept your donations of non- perishable food items

(NO GLASS containers)

along with cash /checks. Checks must be made payable to Catholic Charities.

For your convenience scan the QR code on the above to make a monetary donation online. The Knights will be

available to help with any heavy items or answer any questions.

Below is a list of most requested items. As always, any donation is appreciated. Your community appreciates your participation and generosity! Vivat Jesus!

Size 3 & 4 disposable diapers
Baby wipes
Non-perishable rice beans
Trail Mix
Yogurt cups (unrefrigerated)
Fruit cups
Juice boxes
Mini-raisin boxes
Bottled water
Canned meat

Small and Simple Faith

“Small & Simple Faith” is a beautiful children’s song by Angie Killian & Monica Scott that teaches even the littlest ones that even though they are small, they can still follow Jesus and have faith in Him. The Savior taught us that even the tiniest mustard seed of faith in Him is capable of miracles. This is a new song that was just written in 2023.

Knights Of Columbus ANNUAL TOOTSIE ROLL DRIVE

The Knights will be on the church patio after all the Masses next weekend October 18 & 19. All donations will help support People with Intellectual Disabilities, who need your support!

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 payment method is current and your donations are being processed.

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

Donate to ACA 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.

How many Catholics are there in the United States?
Which state in the United States has the most Catholics?
Which country in the world has the most Catholics?
Which country in the world has the fewest native Catholics?
Which country in the world has the highest percentage of Catholics?

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

YouTube channel here...

Answers to Catholic Trivia here!

Give to Your Church here...Online Giving

Read prior newsletters here

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C

First Reading

Exodus 17:8-13

Joshua and the Israelites defeat Amalek with the help of God and his servant, Moses.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 121:1-2,3-4,5-6,7-8

The Lord is the Guardian of Israel.

Second Reading

2 Timothy 3:14—4:2

Paul exhorts Timothy to continue to preach the word Timothy received from his teachers.

Gospel Reading

Luke 18:1-8

Jesus urges his disciples to pray and not lose heart, for God hears and answers prayers.

Background on the Gospel Reading

This is the first of two parables that Jesus tells in Luke 18 about prayer. (The second will be read at Mass next Sunday.) This first parable is a lesson in persistence in prayer. (Next Sunday's parable will address attitude in prayer.) While the parable seems to present prayer as nagging God for what we want, such a reading misses the point. God is not like the judge in the parable, worn down by requests and coerced to respond. The key is found in the description of the judge as corrupt and unjust. Since God can be neither, we must understand Jesus to be saying that if even an unjust judge responds to the persistence of the widow, how much more so will God listen to our prayers. God truly wants to hear our needs and respond generously.

It is the final lament of Jesus that gets to the point of the parable. The lesson is about the persistence of the one who prays. God wants us to be like the persistent widow, staying in relationship with God, confident that God hears and answers prayers. Then Jesus laments, “Will such faith be found when the Son of Man comes?” In this lament, Jesus notes how easy it can be for us to lose heart.

10,000 Reasons

This well-known praise and worship song was written by Matt Redmond in 2011. Here we see some young people accompanying the song with actions.

Clothing for Showers of Blessings

Showers of Blessing will be holding a clothing drive the weekend of October 25 and 26. There will be volunteers on the patio before and after all Masses. Our need for clothing items continues to grow as we are averaging almost 70 guests every Tuesday.

We would greatly appreciate any of the following items:

Men’s new or slightly used jeans (especially waist size 30,32,34)
Men’s new boxer briefs and T shirts
Men’s new or slightly used shirts and jackets
Women’s new underwear and bras ( regular and sports bras)
Women’s new or slightly used jeans, shirts and jackets
New or slightly used shoes for both men and women
Additionally sleeping bags and backpacks are always in demand.

We sincerely appreciate all your donations and kindness as we continue this growing ministry within our parish. DONATIONS are ALWAYS appreciated and accepted.

Learn more about us: Showersofblessingscarlsbad.com

Blood Drive

Our next parish blood drive is coming up soon.

Date: October 26, 2025

Time: 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM

Make your appointment online below.

Walk ins are also accepted.

Your donation of blood may save a life.

Male appointments here...

The Children Who Dramatized the Conclave

The children from Chicago who dramatized the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV had a chance to meet him recently in St. Peter’s Square. Watch this short video to see what the encounter was like.

Christmas Boutique - Mark Your Calendars

The Altar Society will be holding their annual Christmas Boutique the weekend of November 22 & 23. By summer's end, you most probably have inventoried your youngsters' possessions of toys, stuffed animals and books that no longer interest them. Here is how we, the Ladies of the Altar Society, can help you find a home for these treasures. Donate them for our Christmas Boutique and we will find a new home for them. We are also looking for gently used household items, particularly Christmas decor that you no longer use.

Items can be dropped off at the church office Monday thru Friday from 8:30 to 12:30 and 1:30 to 4:30.

NYAC Youth Share Their Ghana Experience

On Sunday, November 9, all St. Pat's parishioners are invited to come listen to St. Patrick's National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC) members (Natalie Myers, Tim Rivette, Hector Saldaña, & Valeria Torres) as they share their incredible experience of travelling to Ghana with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) this past August. Questions will be fielded from the audience during the presentation. Additionally, the NYAC youth will have a walk-through exhibit set up so people can take a more detailed look at their experience in Ghana. The exhibit will be open all morning in the parish hall on Sunday November 9. The panel presentation will take place between the conclusion of the 9:00 a.m. Mass and the beginning of the 11:00 a.m. Mass.

Come and hear about the amazing experience of our young people.

Two More St. Patrick Youth Are Selected to Serve on NYAC

As our four previous youth members from St. Pat's Youth Ministry complete their 2024/2025 term for the National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC), we are pleased to announce that two more young people from St. Patrick Parish have been named to NYAC for the 2025/2026 term that will conclude November 2026. The two young people from St. Pat's that have been named to NYAC are Erin Gray and Olivia Rawson. According to the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) the mission of NYAC “is to give a voice to the faith, hope, and love of youth by building bridges and nurturing safe spaces across generations, cultures, and backgrounds. Using our unique gifts and talents we aspire to be an example of joy and unity in the image of God for the young church.” In 2022 the NYAC members were able to travel to Rome and have an audience with Pope Francis. In August of this year, NYAC members travelled to Ghana with Catholic Relief Services. While not guaranteed, it will be interesting to see what Erin and Olivia are able to do as a part of NYAC. St. Pat's Parish thanks them and congratulates them for their service.

XXVIX Domingo ordinario

Reflexión Pastoral

La vida de fe muchas veces nos pone a prueba. Oramos con sinceridad, pero a veces sentimos que las respuestas tardan en llegar. Trabajamos por la justicia, pero el cambio parece lento. Vivimos y compartimos el Evangelio, pero el mundo no siempre está dispuesto a escuchar. Este domingo, las lecturas nos recuerdan algo muy importante: estamos llamados a perseverar — en la oración, en la fe y en hacer el bien, aunque sea difícil.

En la primera lectura, Moisés ora con los brazos levantados mientras Israel pelea. Mientras sus manos están alzadas, el pueblo vence. Cuando se cansa, Aarón y Jur lo ayudan a sostener sus brazos. Esto nos enseña que la oración persistente, con el apoyo de la comunidad, nos lleva a la victoria. La oración no es solo algo personal, sino también un camino que recorremos juntos. San Pablo le dice a Timoteo que se mantenga fiel a las Escrituras y que proclame la Palabra de Dios, incluso cuando sea difícil o impopular. Esa valentía y constancia es un llamado para todos nosotros.

En el Evangelio, Jesús nos cuenta la parábola de la viuda insistente que no se rinde hasta obtener justicia. Nos dice: “Oren siempre y no se desanimen.” La oración es poderosa, aunque muchas veces sea difícil mantenerla. Nos da fuerza, claridad y esperanza.

La humildad y la perseverancia son las virtudes que nos sostienen. A veces queremos rendirnos, pero la oración humilde puede cambiar hasta los corazones más duros. Por eso, no tengas miedo de seguir pidiendo, orando y confiando. No dejes que las dificultades apaguen el sueño que Dios ha puesto en tu corazón.

Recuerda: la oración lo cambia todo.

¿Lo SABÍAS?

La Misa dominical es nuestra oración y adoración más profunda, donde nos reunimos como el Cuerpo de Cristo para recibir la Palabra de Dios y la Eucaristía. Muchos se van antes de tiempo, a menudo justo después de la Comunión. Sabemos que la vida puede ser ajetreada, pero irse antes de la bendición final es como terminar una conversación con Dios demasiado pronto o dejar una comida sin dar las gracias.

La bendición final nos envía con la gracia de Dios y la misión de vivir Su amor en el mundo.

Quedémonos hasta el final — no solo por deber, sino por amor — para recibir plenamente la gracia de Dios y mostrar nuestra gratitud como comunidad. Démosle a Dios el regalo completo de nuestra adoración, desde el canto inicial hasta la bendición final.

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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