The world observes Earth Day on April 22, 2023. It is important for us as Christians to recognize the fragility of our planet and commit ourselves to care for the earth. Pope Francis is not the first pope to address environmental issues. Pope St. John Paul II taught on numerous occasions about a duty of stewardship toward nature. For example, in his 1991 encyclical Centesimus Annus, John Paul II wrote about nature as a gift from God and the need for humans to cooperate with God in promoting the rightly ordered flourishing of the environment (CA 37).
In his encyclical Laudato si, Pope Francis offers a comprehensive teaching rooted in the best science and the best of the Catholic Tradition. He begins by asking: What is Happening to Our Common Home” and summarizes the scope of current problems related to the environment. Issues discussed include pollution, climate change, water scarcity, loss of biodiversity, and global inequality.
He goes on to draw on the Bible as a source of insight. The Genesis creation stories are interpreted as enjoining responsible cultivation and protection of nature. The natural world is portrayed as a gift, a message, and a common inheritance of all people. He explains the Church’s teaching on the goodness of creation and the need for stewardship of resources by all.
He also delves into the Human Roots of the Ecological Crisis and explores social trends and ideologies that have caused environmental problems. These include the unreflective use of technology, an impulse to manipulate and control nature, a view of humans as separate from the environment, narrowly-focused economic theories, and moral relativism.
Pope Francis presents Integral Ecology as the encyclical’s main solution to ongoing social and environmental problems. Integral ecology affirms that humans are part of a broader world and calls for “comprehensive solutions which consider the interactions within natural systems themselves and with social systems” (LS 139). While the study of ecosystems has become well-known in the science of ecology, integral ecology expands this paradigm to consider the ethical and spiritual dimensions of how humans are meant to relate to each other and the natural world – drawing on culture, family, community, virtue, religion, and respect for the common good.
He goes on to apply the concept of integral ecology to political life. He calls for international agreements to protect the environment and assist low-income countries, new national and local policies, inclusive and transparent decision-making, and an economy ordered for the good of all.
Finally, he devotes a chapter to "Ecological Education and Spirituality.” He recommends a lifestyle focused less on consumerism and more on timeless, enduring values. He calls for environmental education, joy in one’s surroundings, civic love, reception of the sacraments, and an “ecological conversion” in which an encounter with Jesus leads to deeper communion with God, other people, and the world of nature.
I recommend reading this encyclical and discussing how it applies to your life as a Christian. If you don’t want to read the entire encyclical, you can read this very good summary here.
Special thanks to all the parish staff and volunteers who worked so hard and did so much for the beautiful Mass and fantastic reception celebrating my 50th Anniversary of Ordination. Gratitude to the Altar Society, Serra Club, Knights of Columbus and St. Patrick School community for their efforts.
Continued prayer and best wishes.
Fr. Bill
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Submit Photos!
The Eudist office is gathering photos from Fr. Bill's Ordination Anniversary this past Sunday. If you took photos that you would like to share, we invite you to send them to communications@eudistsusa.org
If you are looking for an opportunity to express gratitude to Fr. Bill for his service, check out the Eudist Tribute Page! We have been hosting this page on our Eudist website as a way to thank the Eudist Fathers. Share your own post below.
The Catholic Church is deeply committed to protecting children from abuse and holding people accountable for inflicting such pain. In December 2021, the revised Book VI of the Code of Canon Law went into effect. This is the most recent of several documents that specifically address the issue of the abuse of children. Other documents include Vos estis lux mundi and Vademecum. These documents expand the acts which are considered abusive, clarify the manner in which the cases are processed, and hold people accountable for their action or inaction with regard to processing of a case.
Of significant importance is attention given to the care of victim survivors and all who have been harmed. Bishops in the US lead the way for these changes with the implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People 20 years ago. Today every diocese and eparchy must have in place systems for tending to those who have been harmed, protecting those in our care and seeking restorative justice.
See the attached flyer from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Have you ever heard of St. Toribio de Mogrovejo? He was a 16th century saint who was sent to labor in the Lord’s harvest in one of the most dramatic ways imaginable. Read this summary of his inspiring life.
If you are grieving the loss of your marriage through death, divorce or separation, join us at the Prince of Peace Abbey Oceanside, CA. April 28 to 30, 2023 A trained team leads participants through a healing and growth program. If you are ready to move through your feelings of grief, into the light of a new beginning and hope, this weekend may be for you.
My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that, if I do this, You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone. Amen.
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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.
Why do Catholics bless themselves with holy water as they enter the church?
How long are Catholics asked to fast before receiving Holy Communion?
What is the official daily prayer of the Church?
A Catholic priest came up with the theory now known as the 'Big Bang'. What was his name?
Which New Testament person is known as “the apostle to the apostles”?
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.com We will be pleased to add them.
Peter and the apostles announce that Jesus has been raised from the dead.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 16:1-2,5,7-11
God will show us the path of life.
Second Reading
1 Peter 1:17-21
You were saved by Christ’s sacrifice.
Gospel Reading
Luke 24:13-35
Jesus appears to two disciples who are walking to Emmaus.
Background on the Gospel Reading
On most Sundays during the Easter season in Cycle A, our Gospel is taken from the Gospel of John. This week’s Gospel, however, is taken from the Gospel of Luke. As in last week’s Gospel, today’s Gospel shows us how the first community of disciples came to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. In these stories we gain insight into how the community of the Church came to be formed.
When we read today’s Gospel, we may be surprised to learn that these friends of Jesus could walk and converse with him at some length yet not recognize him. Again we discover that the risen Jesus is not always easily recognized. Cleopas and the other disciple walk with a person whom they believe to be a stranger; only later do they discover that the stranger is Jesus. We learn that the first community met and recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread, just as we meet Jesus in the Eucharist.
We can imagine the feelings of the two disciples in today’s reading. They are leaving their community in Jerusalem. Their friend Jesus has been crucified. Their hope is gone. They are trying to make sense of what has occurred, so that they can put the experience behind them.
Jesus himself approaches the two men, but they take him for a stranger. Jesus asks them what they are discussing. He invites them to share their experience and interpretation of the events surrounding his crucifixion and death. When the two disciples have done so, Jesus offers his own interpretation of his crucifixion and resurrection, citing Jewish Scripture. In that encounter we find the model for our Liturgy of the Word—what we do each time we gather as a community for the Eucharist. We reflect upon our life experiences and interpret them in light of Scripture. We gather together to break open the Word of God.
In the next part of the story, we find a model for our Liturgy of the Eucharist. The disciples invite the stranger (Jesus) to stay with them. During the meal in which they share in the breaking of the bread, the disciples’ eyes are opened; they recognize the stranger as Jesus. In the Eucharist too we share in the breaking of the bread and discover Jesus in our midst. Just as the disciples returned to Jerusalem to recount their experience to the other disciples, we too are sent from our Eucharistic gathering. Our experience of Jesus in the Eucharist compels us to share the story with others.
Mothers Day Novena of Masses
Once again this year, our parish will celebrate nine days of Masses for our mothers – living and deceased. These Masses are scheduled for May 15-23 at the regular parish Mass times. To have your mother remembered at these Masses, please use the envelope from your bimonthly packet marked Mother’s Day. (Or just use a plain envelope.) Write on the envelope the names of your mother, grandmother, godmother or mother-figure. Put your envelope in the collection basket or send it to the parish office. These envelopes will be placed on the altar during this Novena of Masses.
The World Blessing
During the pandemic, many people from around the world recorded a special blessing in their own language. These many prayers have been edited into a montage which comes from 154 countries all singing God’s blessing in 257 languages.
The LORD bless you and keep you
Make His Face shine upon you,
The LORD turn His Face upon you, and give you PEACE.
Next Family Mass
Our Family Mass for this month will be this Sunday, April 23 at 9:00 am. We will joyfully welcome several new members of the Church through Baptism during this Mass. Bring your family to celebrate the new life we have all received through the risen Christ.
Results of Lenten Food Drive
The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank has informed us that our Lenten Food Drive netted 1,579 pounds of food along with cash donations of $1,981. That means that our generous parishioners provided a grand total of 5,275 meals for those in need. The food bank and especially those who are the beneficiaries of these donations are very grateful for your kindness. We also thank our Knights of Columbus for sponsoring this Lenten act of almsgiving and concern for the poor. “I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat.”
Un Saludo de parte del Diacono Miguel,
Entonces Jesús les dijo: "¡Qué insensatos son ustedes y qué duros de corazón para creer todo lo anunciado por los profetas! ¿Acaso no era necesario que el Mesías padeciera todo esto y así entrara en su gloria?" Continuamos nuestra peregrinación en este 3er Domingo de Pascua. Y leemos del Evangelio de San Lucas la historia de dos discípulos que van en camino a Emaús. Se van de Jerusalén con corazones quebrados, totalmente desanimados, porque vieron con sus ojos que Jesús fue crucificado, muere y sepultado allí. Ellos confiaron en Jesús, le creyeron cuando les hablaba del Reino de Dios; estaban seguros de que Jesús era el Mesías, el que iba liberar el Pueblo de Israel. Ellos dejaron todo para seguir a Jesús. Pero ahora está muerto Jesús. Ellos se sientendefraudados. Pero en el camino, Jesús se les aparece, pero ellos no lo conocen. ¿Por qué? Por que no pueden verlo con sus ojos humanos. Y Jesús empieza a ensenarles, y recordarles todo lo que tenía que suceder, empezando con Moisés, con todos los profetas, y las Escrituras. Ellos se sienten mucho mejor al escuchar la voz de Jesús. Invitan a Jesús que se quede con ellos a cenar. Y en esa comida, esa Eucaristía, que sus corazones arden y sus ojos se les abrieron y reconocieron a Jesús. Este domingo, somos recordados que ¡Jesús ha resucitado! Tendremos momentos difíciles, que lucharemos contra el desánimo. Jesús está en cada situación de nuestra vida que no podremos verlo con nuestros ojos humanos. Necesitamos nuestros ojos de fe, confianza y amor. Necesitamos estar cerca de Él, en la Eucaristía y en el servicio a los demás.
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