In our highly politicized society, it is possible for some Catholics to dismiss authentic moral teachings as mere political positions. Such is the case with the national discussions going on concerning social justice. Long before it was adopted as a tenant of some movements, social justice was identified as an important dimension of the Catholic understanding of the virtue of justice.
The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church makes this point clear in saying: “The Church's social Magisterium constantly calls for the most classical forms of justice to be respected: commutative, distributive and legal justice. Ever greater importance has been given to social justice, which represents a real development in general justice, the justice that regulates social relationships according to the criterion of observance of the law. Social justice, a requirement related to the social question which today is worldwide in scope, concerns the social, political and economic aspects and, above all, the structural dimension of problems and their respective solutions.” [Compendium 201]
In other words, we cannot be satisfied that we have fulfilled our obligations as Christians by avoiding personal sin and being kind and charitable to those in need. While those elements are essential, we are also called upon to address the ills that are present in our society. As the Compendium states, these problems have structural dimensions that need to be addressed.
Addressing these structural areas can become controversial. They oblige us to speak out against issues like abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty and other assaults on human life. We must address critical systemic injustices like racism and every form of discrimination. We must advocate for health care, just working conditions, concern for the homeless and a host of other issues that flow from Catholic Social Teaching.
I have attached a handout that takes the basic themes of the social teachings of the Church, gives Catechism references for each, and provides the basic beliefs that relate to each theme. I encourage you to read it carefully and study it. I plan to offer an adult education class in the fall on Catholic Social Teaching. I will publicize the dates and times near the end of summer.
A very upbeat song that stresses the importance of having faith in God.
Congratulations Deacon Mike Frazee
On June 14, 1996 our lifelong parishioner Mike Frazee was ordained a deacon of the Catholic Church. For 25 years he has faithfully served the People of God in Carlsbad. We congratulate Deacon Mike on his Silver Anniversary. We thank God for calling him to ordained ministry. We ask the Lord to bless him with many more years of good health and zeal for spreading the Good News.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
On the second weekend of this month (June 12-13), we will once again offer General Confession and General Absolution at all the Masses. It is also offered at both Masses every Friday morning. Individual confession is available every Wednesday at 8:30 am and 6:00 pm.
Catechesis on Prayer by Pope Francis
For many years, our Popes have offered a weekly catechesis in St. Peter’s Square or when the weather is not good in the Paul VI Audience Hall in the Vatican City. Traditionally, it takes place on Wednesday.
Very often the popes have chosen themes that extend over a series of weeks. Pope Francis has continued this tradition. He is currently in the midst of a series of talks on the topic of prayer. The file below is his catechesis from June 2, 2021. If you want to explore his catecheses from earlier week’s, go to:
"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.
Apart from Sunday, what are the holy days of obligation in the Diocese of San Diego?
What are the two principal parts of the Mass?
What is the name of the gathering at which a new pope is elected?
Who is eligible to participate in the election of a pope?
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.
I, the Lord, bring low the high tree and lift high the lowly tree.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 92:2–3,13–16
They that are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.
Second Reading
2 Corinthians 5:6–10
The lives of all are to be revealed before the tribunal of Christ.
Gospel Reading
Mark 4:26–34
The reign of God is like a mustard seed.
Background on the Gospel Reading
After Lent, the Easter season, and three Sundays of feast days—Pentecost, Most Holy Trinity, and Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ—the Church returns to Ordinary Time. This Sunday’s Gospel from Mark carries a significant message regarding faith and the Kingdom of God.
In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus appears reluctant to reveal his identity as the Son of God. After performing miracles of healing, he warns those cured to tell no one (see Mark 1:44, 3:12, 5:43, 7:36, and 8:26). Also, when preaching, Jesus chooses to speak to the crowds in parables, leaving them to discern his message. Only to his disciples does he explain the parable’s meaning, and he does this in private at a later time.
Today’s Gospel Reading consists of two parables about seeds. In the first, Jesus tells those gathered that this is “how it is with the kingdom of God.” A man scatters seed which over time sprouts and develops. Then when the grain is ripe, the man harvests his crop. The emphasis in the parable is on the seed, which seemingly has the power to grow on its own. In this it is like the Kingdom of God. While on earth, Jesus planted the seeds of the kingdom by his life, miracles, teaching, and suffering. However, the kingdom is not yet fully established. Although already present in Jesus and his group of twelve, it has yet to come to fruition; just as the seed in the parable needs time to grow, so does God’s kingdom.
The second parable focuses on the tiny mustard seed. Though not the smallest of all seeds, it is most likely the smallest that a first-century farmer in Jesus’ part of the world would have sown. Small as the mustard seed is, it develops into a tree. Though the mustard tree generally averages only nine to twelve feet in height, it has a wide expanse and provides a nesting place for birds. Just as the tree welcomes the birds, so is God’s kingdom welcoming and open to many.
These parables help us discern something about the kingdom of God and our own faith. In God we live and move and have our being, but God is a mystery and his kingdom, though present, has not yet come into its fullness. Today, the Kingdom of God is present in the Church. The mission of proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom given to the Apostles is now given to us. But just as seeds need time to come to fruition, so does the Kingdom of God. That is why in the Lord’s Prayer, we pray, “thy kingdom come.” We know that it will come in its fullness at the end of time. All we need is faith.
The comforting words of this hymn have been sung to a variety of melodies. This choral arrangement is sung with one man singing all the parts.
Diacono Miguel Enriquez
“El Reino de Dios se parece a una semilla de mostaza que cuando se siembra, es la más pequeña de las semillas; pero una vez sembrada, crece y se convierte en el mayor de los arbustos … que los pájaros pueden anidar a su sombra.” Me encanta la imagen de esta Parábola de cómo se parece el Reino de Dios, como un arbusto grande y fuerte, donde todos son contados y no olvidados, donde todos encuentran paz y alivio. Pero debemos preguntarnos si la Iglesia, (o nuestra comunidad, o familia), ¿está proyectando esta imagen a todos? El Reino de Dios necesita extenderse a todas partes y con todos. Todos conocemos de personas que no son incluidas en el Reino de Dios, que se encuentran apartados, excluidos del amor de Dios. Tu y yo tenemos la responsabilidad de llevar el Reino de Dios a todos; ¡de hablar de su amor y misericordia siempre! ¿Y qué tal si somos rechazados? Seguir siendo y hablando del amor de Dios. Llenarnos del amor de Dios para llevar su amor a todos. Dios esta trabajando en cada momento y en cada instante.
Por favor haga clic en los enlaces indicados. Espero que les ayude en sus momentos de reflexión.
Detente
Hablemos de la
semilla del Reino
Priesthood Ordination of George Perez, CJM
The ordination of George Perez, CJM will take place here on the outdoor covered court of St. Patrick Parish. All parishioners and friends are invited to attend on Saturday, November 19 at 11:00 am. Please join the Eudist Fathers in this joyful occasion. See the full invitation which is available by clicking below.
For the coming school year, we plan to offer a blended program of weekly classes or at home learning with digital and printed resources to engage students and parents to know, live, and grow in their faith.
Families can choose for their children to attend weekly in-person classes. There will be a Sunday morning or Wednesday afternoon option for students in grades Kindergarten to Jr. High school.
Families that will choose the at-home learning option will be given the materials to review as a family and will gather for monthly family catechesis sessions in the parish center.
More details and registration information coming forth soon. Registration opens in July.
Our parish offices are now open, Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30 to 4:30pm
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:
