Just this past week, I had to sign a check to the Diocese of San Diego for $11,000 to make up the remainder of our commitment to the 2019 ACA (Annual Catholic Appeal). Every year each parish is asked to contribute a specific amount. If the parish does not meet its goal through donations from parishioners, the parish is asked to make up the difference from its general funds.
Our parishioners have been generous to the parish throughout this Covid-19 pandemic. I am so grateful for your generosity. But we also need to look beyond our parish and see the needs of the larger Church of San Diego.
That is why I encourage you to support the 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) as you have in the past. The important ministries that this appeal funds are needed now more than ever. The diocese supports a vital array of ministries, vocations and charities in the name of Our Lord — through Catholic Schools, Religious Education Programs, Clergy and Seminarian Support and Catholic Charities.
You were mailed your packet earlier this year. If you need another one, contact our parish office. You can put your donation or pledge in our collection basket, drop it off or mail it to the parish office, or donate online https://www.sdcatholic.org/giving/annual-catholic-appeal/
Take a look at the ACA video that is also on the diocesan website to see what is funded by your donation. On behalf of those who will benefit from your generosity, thank you very much.
We are trying to find a reasonable Mass schedule as we move forward. For the last three weekends we were prepared to offer Mass 14 times per weekend. That cannot be a long term solution. For next two weekends we will use the following schedule and then evaluate and adjust. We will tweak the schedule in the weeks to come.
Saturday – 4:30 pm – church only (English)
7:00 pm – church only (Spanish)
Sunday – 7:00 am – church only (English)
9:00 am – church (and outside if needed for overflow)
11:00 am – outside only – NO MASS in church
1:00 pm – church and outside (Spanish)
5:00 pm – church only (English)
Note: We have 100 chairs on the covered court but we can accommodate more than that and still have social distancing. You may wish to bring your lawn chair for the 11:00 am Mass on Sunday.
We are fearful people. We are afraid of conflict, war, an uncertain future, illness, and, most of all, death. This fear takes away our freedom and gives our society the power to manipulate us with threats and promises. When we can reach beyond our fears to the One who loves us with a love that was there before we were born and will be there after we die, then oppression, persecution, and even death will be unable to take our freedom. Once we have come to the deep inner knowledge—a knowledge more of the heart than of the mind—that we are born out of love and will die into love, that every part of our being is deeply rooted in love, and that this love is our true Father and Mother, then all forms of evil, illness, and death lose their final power over us and become painful but hopeful reminders of our true divine childhood. The apostle Paul expressed this experience of the complete freedom of the children of God when he wrote, “I am certain of this: neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nothing already in existence and nothing still to come, nor any power, nor the heights nor the depths, nor any created thing whatever, will be able to come between us and the love of God, known to us in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:38–39).
God’s Limitless Forgiveness
I received a very astute and thoughtful question from someone this past week: what is the difference between General Absolution and the Penitential Act which is near the beginning of every Mass?
I’d like to begin by saying how they are alike. Both are ways of receiving God’s forgiveness from our sins. To go further, they are not the only ways for us to experience God’s forgiveness. For example, the Church has taught for centuries that one of the effects of receiving Holy Communion is the remission of venial sins. (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1394) Also, a sincere Act of Contrition (or any prayer from the heart that asks for God’s mercy) is enough to bring us forgiveness from our loving God who is eager to forgive.
However, the Church has a particular sacrament that celebrates God’s mercy and forgiveness. Its official name is The Sacrament of Penance. Individual confession to a priest, receiving a penance and individual absolution is our usual way of celebrating this sacrament. We often refer to it simply as “going to confession,” but it is more than just confessing sins. In unusual circumstances (and I think our present pandemic qualifies as unusual) when the faithful cannot make an individual confession, a general confession and general absolution is permitted. For general absolution, the bishop must give a dispensation, which Bishop McElroy has done for the Diocese of San Diego.
Coming back to the original question, general confession with general absolution is a sacramental celebration. We actually receive the Sacrament of Penance with all the graces that come with it. With this sacramental grace, we receive the added help we need to turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel.
Every sacrament is an encounter with the risen Lord. It is also a celebration of the whole Church. There is no such thing as a private sacrament. Even in individual confession and absolution, the priest is there to represent the whole Church. Through the Sacrament of Penance, we are reconciled with God and with the entire People of God. These are some of things that distinguish the sacramental celebration of God’s forgiveness.
No matter which means we use to experience God’s mercy and forgiveness, it must be preceded by a sincere examination of conscience, a deep sorrow for our sins, and a firm resolution to avoid our sins in the future. Those are the dispositions on our part which make us receptive to God’s merciful love.
One final point: we cannot put limits on God’s mercy and forgiveness. There are myriad ways that God uses to show us his mercy and love. We cannot limit God to just one or two channels of mercy.
Showers of Blessings Wants
to Open
As we look to an eventual re-opening of our services to people without a home, Showers of Blessings is looking for volunteers under 70 to help us with this important ministry. This important ministry will only be able to open if we get additional volunteers. We will be following all the guidance from state and county protocols. Volunteers can be sure that we will be exercising an abundance of caution with new procedures put in place. To sign up or to find out more, contact Chris Durnan at: chrisdurnan4@gmail.com
"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.
What is the name of the plate (usually silver or gold) on the which the large host is placed throughout the Mass?
How many Hail Mary beads are there on the ordinary Catholic rosary?
Who saw the Burning Bush and realized he was in the presence of God?
Who was enlisted by the Roman soldiers to help Jesus carry his cross?
Which Catholic feast day always occurs on the last Sunday of the liturgical year?
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.
Those in whom the Spirit of God dwells must now live according to the Spirit, not the flesh.
Gospel Reading
Matthew 11:25-30
Jesus prays in thanks to God, who has revealed himself to the lowly.
Background on the Gospel Reading
Today’s reading from Matthew’s Gospel comes after a discourse in which Jesus reproaches people who have witnessed his mighty deeds yet still lack belief. In this context, today’s Gospel explains the reason for this unbelief and reveals what is necessary for faith. Today’s Gospel also continues to enhance our understanding of discipleship as last week’s Gospel did.
Jesus first prays in thanksgiving to God who has made himself known to Jesus’ disciples. He praises God who has made himself known to the “little ones” and not to the wise and learned. As in other recent readings from Matthew’s Gospel, a contrast is made here between the unbelieving Pharisees, who are wise and learned, and the faithful disciples, tax collectors, and sinners with whom Jesus keeps company.
The second part of this reading calls to our attention the unity between the Father and the Son. God has made himself known through Jesus, and in knowing Jesus, we come to know the Father. In Jesus’ life and in his person, God reveals himself to us.
In the concluding sentences of today’s Gospel, Jesus’ teaching is again contrasted to the teaching of the Pharisees. This common theme of Matthew’s Gospel probably reflects tension that existed between Jesus and the Pharisees and between the Pharisees and the community of Christians for whom Matthew wrote. Pharisaic Judaism became the predominant form of Judaism after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem about 70 A.D. Here that tension is expressed as alternative paths of holiness. The careful observance of the Mosaic law taught by the Pharisees could be experienced by some as difficult and burdensome. In contrast, Jesus’ way of holiness is presented as uncomplicated and even restful.
Help Needed for Church Cleaning between Masses
In order to use the church for Masses on weekends, we need to be able to do a quick cleaning after each use (It only takes about 20 minutes). This applies to the chairs on the field if they are used for overflow Masses.
Many hands make light work. All materials are provided. Volunteers report to the kitchen of the church or the kindergarten room of the school. Thanks to Rick Nelson for coordinating this project and for setting up this easy and convenient way to sign up to help. To sign up to help, simply go to:
No es esencial el éxito, sino la fidelidad a Cristo
El anuncio de la salvación cristiana es uno de los muchos signos presentes en el mundo contemporáneo. Cada uno de los bloques en los que se divide la humanidad, tiene su propia visión de la historia y tiene un poder extraordinario de publicidad y propaganda para dar a conocer a "otros" sus "buenas noticias" de salvación.
La Iglesia, por otro lado, aparece para anunciar con medios pobres. Si lo hace bajo el aspecto de "poder", es rechazada por el hombre moderno. Pero su mensaje, estrictamente religioso, habla de una mentalidad parcial. La gente de nuestro tiempo considera el recurso al Dios que salva como una alienación. De la Iglesia sólo aceptan un ideal moral de hermandad universal puesto al servicio del hombre en la lucha que lidera por la justicia y la paz.
Esta situación es motivo de preocupación para los cristianos conscientes de que las Buenas Nuevas de salvación, adquiridas en Jesucristo, nunca pueden reducirse a un ideal moral de hermandad universal. ¿Entonces qué es lo que hay que hacer? ¿Silenciar el Evangelio auténtico en previsión de días mejores? ¡No es posible! Pero si la Palabra no puede callar, ¿dónde, ¿cuándo y cómo se puede proclamar hoy?
Lo que el Señor nos pide es lealtad a Él, a su mensaje y a su estilo de proclamación. No nos asegura el éxito.
Throughout the time during which we have not had public Masses, 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!
As we begin to celebrate public Masses, we will not be passing the collection basket (for obvious reasons). There will be specially marked containers near the entrance to the churchor near the gate 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). Our Online Giving program remains a good option as well. Thank you for supporting your parish.
Since July 4 is on a Saturday this year, the official government holiday is on July 3. Therefore, parish offices will be closed on Friday, July 3. The weekly email newsletter will be sent on July 2.
With regards to Masses, on July 3 we will celebrate the Feast of St. Thomas at our usual Mass times of 7:00 am, 8:00 am and 7:00 pm. On Saturday, July 4 we will celebrate the votive Mass for Independence Day Mass at 8:00 am.
From the Youth Ministry Office
Hello St. Pat’s Families,
Praying you are all doing well, especially as we see the Covid-19 numbers go back up. Our High School Core Leadership Team has been VERY busy lately. The team has been meeting with Terry Aiken from North Carolina who is working with them on a Cultural Diversity Project. With the discussion of racial injustice at the forefront of our nation’s issues, along with Covid-19, the team has been very interested in learning more about this issue.
The prayer video you’ll is one of the results of their initial discussions.(link below)
The team is also participating every Wednesday and Thursday in the Camp Emmaus Zoom edition which is the Leadership Camp sponsored by the Diocese of San Diego. The team humbly asks for your prayers as they continue to learn and grow in their faith, their leadership skills, and their understanding of cultural diversity in our country.
In our study of the Gospel of Matthew, we will take a close look at the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We will carefully examine the text, consider what the words might mean for our life here and now and on how to respond to them.
Choose from two different times:
6 Monday evenings, 6:45 – 8:30 pm on July 13, 20, 27, August 3, 10, 17
6 Tuesday afternoons, 3:15-5:00pm on July 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18
We will not meet in person; we will meet via Zoom conference (from the comfort of your own home). You need a computer (desktop or laptop) or a tablet or cell phone to meet.
All who register will get an email with information how to join the meeting. There is no cost for the zoom conference to you; you do not need a zoom account. You only need the information on how to join at the time of the meeting. We will have bible study team members available to call if you need assistance to log into the Zoom conference on the day. (if you have young people close by, ask them for help 😊)
For information and to register contact Carole King at carole32240@gmail.com or 760-434-5688.
Registration closes on July 9! All who are registered will receive an email from Margit Dornisch with the information on how to join!
You will need the Booklet – cost $15.- Booklets will be available, July 6, at the church office (8:30am-12:30pm).
No Bible study experience needed. Join us! Invite a young adult.
3821 Adams Street
Carlsbad, California 92008
760.729.2866
The church is open for private prayer every day from 7:00am - 11:00am, and the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe is Now Open!
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.
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:
