It’s hard to believe: this is issue #50 of this parish newsletter. It began several months ago as a means for us to stay connected during the shutdown due to the pandemic. At first, it was sent out twice a week. Although now we have settled into a regular Friday delivery schedule once a week, it has proven to be a very good way for everyone to stay informed and up-to-date on the events of our parish. Thanks to all of those who have made good suggestions and special thanks to Mary McLain who makes it look so attractive week after week. Please invite your fellow parishioners to send us their email if they are not receiving this newsletter.
I am encouraged by the way our parishioners are following the Covid-19 safety procedures when they come to Mass: maintaining social distancing, wearing masks correctly, and washing/sanitizing their hands. I hope you are also being careful about those same precautions in the other areas of your life.
I know that we are all very “Covid weary,” but this is not the time to let down our guard. Careful observance of protocols is an important part of our concern for our neighbor. It is a concrete expression of Christian charity.
Several months ago, I shared with you an important part of Catholic moral teaching: concern for the common good. To summarize it briefly, it means that we need to balance individual rights with concern for the common good. In a time of pandemic, that means that we are willing to forego for a time some of our personal preferences or individual rights in order to protect the health and welfare of others. It should be a sacrifice that we willingly make.
As we hear so often, we will get through this together – by the grace of God.
On the Mondays of Advent, our priests are offering brief teachings on forgiveness and reconciliations to help us prepare for and appreciate the graces that come from receiving General Absolution.
The first evening was very successful. Even if you did not attend the first one, you can join us on the remaining Monday evenings from 6:30pm – 7:45pm. Each evening stands on its own. We will meet via Zoom call.
Monday, December 7, with Fr. Ben
Monday, December 14, with Fr. Ron
Passages from the Sunday Advent Readings will be our map for this journey. Our priests will be our guides on the journey to reconciliation. We will have an opportunity to share in small groups.
Please email Carole King at carole32240@gmail.com if you would like to attend. We will send out a separate zoom link for each Monday evening.
Join us and tell a friend.
Traditional Advent Hymns
This YouTube video offers 46 minutes of traditional Advent hymns with a beautiful pipe organ accompaniment. Listening to these hymns can help us enter into the spirit of this season.
Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord
The rock musical Godpell first appeared off-Broadway in 1971. It has since been produced by multiple touring companies and in many revivals. One of the classic songs from this musical is “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord.” That is a fitting Advent theme. Enjoy this 2020 remake of that popular song.
No Advent Penance Services
For the protection and safety of both parishioners and priests, our Bishop has indicated that we will need to forego our traditional Advent Penance Services this year. Normally, each deanery offers a series of Penance Services in each parish of the deanery.
Instead, since these are not normal times, we will continue to offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation through General Absolution. At the bishop’s suggestion, we will offer General Absolution at all the weekend Masses on the four Sundays of Advent (Nov 28-29, Dec 5-6, Dec 12-13, 19-20). We will also continue to offer General Absolution at both of our Friday Masses.
Fr. Ron has recorded a prayerful preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It includes music, a reading from the Bible, a homily and an examination of conscience. It is available on our YouTube channel. Those who will receive General Absolution during Advent are strongly encouraged to view this video as a way of preparing for the worthy reception of this sacrament.
Closeness and Watchfulness: An Advent Homily by Pope Francis
On the First Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis gave a moving homily on two Advent themes: closeness and watchfulness. He spoke about God’s desire to be close to us and about our need to be watchful as we await the return of the Lord. The full text of the homily is attached.
We miss our choir and we will surely miss them very much this Christmas. But we know it is not possible for them to lead us in song in these difficult times. Take a look at the elaborate and creative way the Chorus Pro Musica (in Boston MA) has been able to sing while socially distant and outside.
Although so many things are different these days, we will not miss our annual celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This year we will once again celebrate three Masses in honor of Our Lady. On Friday December 11 at 7:00 pm, we will celebrate a bilingual Mass. The following morning (December 12) a dawn Mass will be celebrated at 6:00 am in Spanish. Then there will be the usual Saturday Mass at 8:00 am. All three of these Masses will take place on the covered court of the school.
Due to Covid restrictions, our observance of this feast day will focus on these Masses. Many of the traditional customs associated with this feast will not take place this year. All parishioners are invited to attend one or both of these Masses.
Pope Francis on the Virgin Mary as a Woman of Prayer
During his weekly general audience, Pope Francis (as all recent popes) give a shortcatechesis, or teaching. Usually he follows a theme for a number of weeks. Recently, continuing a series on prayer, the Holy Father spoke on the theme of the Virgin Maryas a woman of prayer.
Mary at prayer is a traditional Advent theme and the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (Dec 8) and our Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec 12) highlight this theme even more. The complete text (only 3 pages) of Pope Francis’ talk is in the link below.
Showers of Blessings (an outreach that provides hot showers, clothing, food, and medical services to the unhoused) has been operating now since mid-August and is serving about 25-30 people each week. With the weather turning cold, we need jackets, sweatshirts, and blankets/sleeping bags. If you have extras you do not need any more, we would love to put them to good use. You can drop them at the Fr Raymond Moore Center (3256 Madison St) on Tuesday mornings from 7:30-11:30 or at the parish office Wed-Fri from 8:30-12:30. Thank you for your generosity.
St. Patrick Catholic School is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year. If you are interested in giving your child or grandchild the opportunity to experience the strong faith, positive values and high educational standards of our Catholic School, please stop by the school office and pick up an Application Packet or visit us at www.stpaddys.org and go to Admissions and download the packet. Questions, please call Cynthia Orozco (760)729-1333 ext.105.
Star Tree Program
The Annual Christmas “Star” program began last weekend. Many people already picked up their stars or tags which represent families and children who need our help. You are asked to bring the unwrapped gift or monetary donation this weekend. You can drop it off at the north side of the parish center after Masses or at the parish office during the week. If you missed the opportunity to get a gift tag last weekend, you can get one at the parish office during the week. Thank you for helping us make a difference.
"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.
In how many of the gospels does John the Baptist appear and preach a message of repentance?
Which liturgical season is longer, Advent or Lent?
Which Old Testament prophet announces: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!”?
In which gospel does the angel announce to Mary that she would be the mother of the Savior?
In which gospel does the angel announce to Joseph that Mary would be the mother of the Savior?
The CARES Act of March 2020 has created two new tax benefits for donors to non-profits.
The first change allows individual taxpayers to take a deduction of up to $300 for cash donations made in 2020 when they file their tax return in the spring.
Typically you can deduct charitable donations only if you itemize your personal deductions, rather than taking the standard deduction. Because this deduction can be taken "above the line", it reduces, by up to $300, your adjusted gross income.
The second change lifts the cap on how much a donor can deduct in charitable gifts in a single year. Thus, a donor can fully deduct gifts equal to as much as 100 percent of their AGI this year.
Please consult your tax professional for more information. For ways to make a gift to St. Patrick Church, contact Mary McLain in the Stewardship and Development office: 760,729.0717 or by email- mmclain@stpatrickcarlsbad.com
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.
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.
Isaiah tells the people to prepare a way for the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 85:9-14
The Lord’s salvation is near.
Second Reading
2 Peter 3:8-14
Peter teaches that we must always be holy because the return of the Lord cannot be predicted.
Gospel Reading
Mark 1:1-8
John the Baptist preached repentance and baptized the people, in preparation for the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
Background on the Gospel Reading
Today’s Gospel is taken from the beginning of Mark. Unlike Luke and Matthew, Mark does not include any details of Jesus’ birth. Instead Mark begins with the appearance of John the Baptist in the desert. On this the Second Sunday of Advent, we are invited to reflect upon the role of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus and the salvation that he would bring to us.
Mark’s description of the appearance of John the Baptist highlights John’s continuity with the Jewish prophetic tradition. Mark combines quotations from the Old Testament books of Malachi, Isaiah, and Exodus. Mark’s description of John as an ascetic, living in the desert, clothed in camel hair, and eating locusts and wild honey, is reminiscent of the description of the prophet Elijah found in Second Kings. The people of Judea and Jerusalem flock to him, listening to his message of repentance and forgiveness; they also come to him to be baptized. Mark’s Gospel is clear, however, that John the Baptist’s role is only to prepare the way for another who will come, one who is greater than John.
Many scholars believe that the Gospels reflect the tension that likely existed between followers of John the Baptist and disciples of Jesus. Each of the four Evangelists report on John’s preaching and baptizing, and they each emphasize the importance of Jesus’ baptism by John. The four Gospels also explain that John was sent to preach in preparation for another. In the Gospel of Luke, the question is raised as to whether John the Baptist was himself the Messiah. Just as in today’s Gospel, however, John speaks quite explicitly that the Messiah was to come after him.
In today’s Gospel we hear John the Baptist contrast his baptism of repentance with the baptism that Jesus will inaugurate. John says that he has baptized with water, but that the one who is to come will baptize with the Holy Spirit. John’s baptism was not yet a Christian baptism, but a preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism through which sins are forgiven and the gift of the Holy Spirit is received.
John the Baptist is presented to us as a model during Advent. We, too, are called upon to prepare a way for the Lord. Like John the Baptist, we are messengers in service to one who is greater than we are. Our Baptism commissions us to call others to life as disciples of Jesus.
Tuesday, December 8 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Due to the dispensation in time of Covid given by our Bishop, it is not a holy day of obligation. Our Mass schedule on this feast day is 7:00 am on the church patio, 8:00 am on the church patio, and 4:00 pm on the covered court of the school.
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Tuesday, December 8
First Reading
Genesis 3:9-15,20
God confronts Adam and Eve after they have eaten of the tree forbidden them by God and curses the serpent for his action.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 98:1,2-3,3-4
Sing to the Lord for he has done wondrous deeds.
Second Reading
Ephesians 1:3-6,11-12
In Christ, we were chosen to be adopted children of God.
Gospel Reading
Luke 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel appears to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus, and Mary responds, “Let it be done to me as you say.”
Background on the Gospel Reading
Today we celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast celebrates God's choice of Mary to be the mother of Jesus. God preserved Mary from the stain of original sin from the moment of her conception. Thus, Mary was the first to receive the benefit of the redemption that her Son would merit for all.
To reflect upon this mystery, the Gospel reading for today presents to us the story of the Annunciation. It is through her exchange with the angel Gabriel that Luke, the Evangelist, introduces the person of Mary. The Annunciation begins in the context of Luke's account of the birth of John the Baptist. “In the sixth month,” referring to Elizabeth's pregnancy, the angel Gabriel appears to a virgin of Nazareth—Mary. Indeed, there are many parallels in Luke's accounts of the births of John the Baptist and Jesus.
In this passage, Luke tells us much about Mary and the child she is to bear. We learn that Mary is a virgin from Nazareth who is betrothed to a man named Joseph, who was of the house of David. The angel greets Mary in the most glowing of terms, acknowledging the favor she has found with God. The son Mary is to conceive is described in messianic terms. He will be called “Son of the Most High” and the “Son of God.”
Mary is bold in her exchange with the angel. She is troubled by his greeting and questions the message, asking “How am I to bear a son if I have no relations with a man?” Mary is told that she will conceive through the power of the Holy Spirit and is offered a sign in the miraculous pregnancy of her elder cousin Elizabeth.
Mary's affirmative response to this seemingly impossible message gives evidence to the grace we know that she possesses from God. Only one who is “full of grace” can be so receptive to and cooperative with the will of God. Because of this, Mary is the model of discipleship for all Christians.
Diacono Miguel Enriquez
María contestó: “Yo soy la esclava del Señor; cúmplase en mí lo que me has dicho”. (Lucas 1:38). El próximo martes, la Iglesia celebra la Solemnidad de La Inmaculada Concepción. Y esta oración es la respuesta de una jovencita cuando Dios envía al ángel para decirle que El desea usarla a ella para que nazca el Salvador del mundo. Dios desea a usarnos para que su obra se lleve a cabo. Pero el solamente nos usa si le damos permiso de hacerlo. Muchas veces no escuchamos su voz porque estamos “muy ocupados”; otras veces escuchamos su voz e invitación y nos da miedo. Pero con Dios a nuestro lado no hay nada que debe perturbarnos. Tomemos el ejemplo de Maria, y actuar y vivir como ella atentos y disponibles a Dios. Por favor haga clic abajo. Hay una reflexión de la Inmaculada Concepción y Aviso para la Festividades de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.
Practical Tips to Avoid Feeling Anxious About COVID-19
In previous articles, I shared some tips to help reduce levels of stress and anxiety. Today, I am sharing a few tips to help reduce the stress and worry caused by COVID-19.
Follow CDC guidelines. This is the most reliable source of information and updates about COVID-19. Other sources can be deceitful or misleading.
Limit news to 30 minutes per day. Watching the news on COVID-19 over and over can cause an increased feeling of overwhelmedness and worry.
“Do” instead of “thinking”. Doing what is recommended by the CDC can stop the spread of the virus. Do not overthink and worry about it.
Create a “go-to” list of 4-5 easy things that you can do when you begin to feel worried. Having a list of alternative activities to do when feeling worried can be extremely helpful to redirect your thoughts and do something more productive and enjoyable.
Social distancing is NOT social isolation. Keeping connected with your loved ones and friends can be helpful to avoid overthinking Covid-19.
Keep as many of your normal routines as possible. This will help you to feel you are in control of the situation and be reminded that life continues.
Don’t be afraid to get help. If you worry and fear about COVID-19 is intense, excessive, and persistent, and interferes with your daily activities, do not hesitate to get professional help. You can request it through your primary care provider.
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LA ESQUINA DE LA SALUD MENTAL
Consejos Prácticos para Evitar Sentirse Ansioso por el CORONAVIRUS
En artículos anteriores, compartí algunos consejos para ayudar a reducir los niveles de estrés y ansiedad. Hoy, comparto algunos consejos para ayudar a reducir el estrés y la preocupación causados por COVID-19.
Siga las pautas de los Centros de Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés). Esta es la fuente de información y actualizaciones más confiable sobre COVID-19, otras fuentes pueden ser engañosas o falaces.
Limite las noticias a 30 minutos por día. Ver las noticias sobre COVID-19 una y otra vez puede incrementar el sentirse abrumado/a y preocupado/a.
"Hacer" en lugar de "pensar". Hacer lo que recomienda el CDC puede detener la propagación del virus en lugar de pensar demasiado y preocuparse por ello.
Cree una lista de 4 a 5 cosas sencillas que puede hacer cuando empiece a preocuparse. Tener una lista de actividades alternativas para hacer cuando se sienta preocupado puede ser extremadamente útil para redirigir sus pensamientos y hacer algo más productivo y agradable.
El distanciamiento social NO es aislamiento social. Mantenerse conectado/a con sus seres queridos y amigos puede ser útil para evitar pensar demasiado en el coronavirus.
Mantenga tantas rutinas normales como sea posible. Esto le ayudará a sentir que tiene el control de la situación y a recordarle que la vida continúa.
No tenga miedo de buscar ayuda. Si su preocupación y temor por el COVID-19 es intenso, excesivo y persistente, e interfiere con sus actividades diarias, no dude en buscar ayuda profesional. Puede solicitarla a través de su médico primario.
Religious Education & Family Ministry
The second Sunday of Advent calls us to prepare the way of the Lord. We pray: Come, Lord Jesus, Light of the world. In a world that often looks dark we are called to be light for one another. The light of the advent wreath or any other candle reminds us to share Christ’s light.
How can you bring some warmth and cheer to someone who is lonely?
Prayer Intention: Jesus, Light of the world, guide our words and actions and help us bring peace.
Second Week of Advent
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths. “
Gather your family.
Light the first and the second candle
on your advent wreath and pray:
Parent: Lord, bless our home and those we welcome into our home.
All: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Parent: Lord, bless all that we do here: our work, our play, and our rest.
All: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Parent: Lord, help us make room for you, by making room in our lives for others.
All: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
On small sheets of paper write the names of those who need prayers; pray for them throughout the week.
You may still register your children online at www.stpatrickcarlsbad.com. The registration form gives you choices to sign up for a weekly class time. Currently, we hold family events every three weeks at those class times with a devotion, and to hand out the materials for the at home learning as well as resources for the season of the church year. Catechists accompany the families with the at home-learning.
Please contact the Office for Religious Education & Family Ministry with questions and for information at MDornisch@stpatrickcarlsbad.comor 760-729-8442.
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- 760-729-2866.
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:
