Take Up Your Cross - Week 25 - Friday, June 26, 2026

St. Patrick Parish News & Updates

June 26, 2026 | Issue 25

Pastor’s Reflection

Thirteenth Sunday in

Ordinary Time

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus presents us with words that may seem challenging at first: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37). These words are not a rejection of family or human relationships. Rather, Jesus is teaching us about priorities. He reminds us that discipleship requires placing God at the center of our lives. When Christ becomes our first love, every other relationship finds its proper place and meaning.

The Gospel continues with another powerful invitation: “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:38). Following Jesus is not always easy. It involves sacrifice, perseverance, and sometimes suffering. The cross is not simply a burden we carry; it is a sign of our trust in God. Every time we choose forgiveness over resentment, generosity over selfishness, or faith over fear, we are taking up our cross and walking with Christ.

In the first reading, we hear about the hospitality of the Shunammite woman who welcomed the prophet Elisha into her home. She recognized God’s presence in His servant and responded with generosity. Her kindness was not motivated by a desire for reward, yet God blessed her abundantly. This story reminds us that acts of hospitality and charity are never insignificant. When we welcome others with love, we welcome Christ Himself.

The Gospel echoes this theme when Jesus says, “Whoever receives you receives me.” As Christians, we are called not only to follow Christ but also to be His presence in the world. Every encounter becomes an opportunity to share His love. A kind word, a listening ear, a helping hand, or a simple act of compassion can become a powerful witness to the Gospel.

Saint Paul, in the second reading, reminds us through our baptism that we have died and risen with Christ. Baptism is not merely a past event; it is a daily reality. We are called to leave behind sin and live as new creations. Each day offers us a choice: to live for ourselves or to live for Christ.

As we reflect on today’s readings, let us ask ourselves: Is Jesus truly at the center of my life? Am I willing to carry my cross and follow Him? Do I recognize Christ in those I meet each day? May the Lord give us the grace to place Him above all else, to welcome Him in others, and to live faithfully as His disciples.

Blessings always,

Fr. George G. Perez, CJM

Our 250th Birthday

The 250th anniversary of the United States (the Semi quincentennial) is important because it marks a rare milestone for a constitutional republic. At 250 years, the U.S. has operated under the same form of government and Constitution longer than many other modern republics, serving as a prominent model for democratic governance worldwide. Adhering to our Constitution has made us strong and will keep us strong.

This milestone anniversary prompts a nationwide reflection on the core principles of the Declaration of Independence. First and foremost, is the belief that all individuals are inherently born with basic rights that cannot be taken away or surrendered. These include the rights to "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" Likewise, we hold to the principle that all individuals are created equal. While the historical application was not always strictly applied, the principle set a moral and legal standard for human rights and civil liberties that continues to influence the nation. As an imperfect society, we continue to discover ways to protect those who have no one to advocate for them.

Celebrating these principles that have united our nation for 250 years also prompts us to recommit ourselves and our elected leaders to maintain and strengthen these rights for all people without exception.

Happy Birthday, United States of America!

Word of the Week: Exegesis

Exegesis is the process of critical analysis used to uncover the original, intended meaning of a written text of the Bible. Rooted in the Greek word exēgeisthai (meaning "to explain" or "to lead out"), it requires looking at grammar, historical context, and literary style to understand what an author truly meant.

A Note from Fr. Ben

Many thanks to all those who wrote to me to wish me a Happy Birthday.

God bless you,

Fr. Ben

Venezuela

We pray for the people of Venezuela who are suffering from devastating earthquakes. Venezuela has Eudist priests, seminarians and associates. We also have a parish in Caracas. One seminarian was hurt but everyone else seems to be ok. Our parish church in Caracas was heavily damaged. Let us support our brothers and sisters with our prayers.

Inside of Eudist parish in Venezuela after the earthquake

Saints Peter and Paul

The Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul (June 29) to honor the two foundational pillars of Christianity. The day commemorates their martyrdom in Rome, celebrating how their combined ministries to Jewish and Gentile communities united to form the foundation of the universal Church.

While they had distinct backgrounds and ministries, the Church honors them together for several key reasons: first, both apostles were martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero. Tradition places Peter's crucifixion and Paul's beheading in the capital city, making them the spiritual "co-founders" of the Church in Rome and its first bishops/leaders.

Secondly, Christian tradition considers them inseparable. Peter was the chief Apostle to the Jewish people, and Paul was the great Apostle to the Gentiles. Together, their work symbolizes God’s universal message of salvation.

Finally, their differing paths highlight the diversity of the early church. Peter was an original disciple and fisherman, while Paul was an educated, converted persecutor of Christians. Celebrating them side-by-side shows that Christ's message reaches all walks of life.

Six-week Summer Bible Study with Acts

The Good News of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit enabled Jesus’ followers to continue what Jesus has initiated: reconciliation, inclusion of outcasts, and care for the needy. God’s plan of salvation unfolds first through Jesus, then through the Church.

In small groups we will discuss how the Holy Spirit guided the early church through unexpected growth, including suffering, and how he might call us to serve others and our community with his powerful help.

Join our study.

It will be held in the parish center with evening and a morning session;

6 Monday evenings; 7:00pm – 8:30pm; beginning July 13.

6 Wednesday mornings: 9:30am – 11:00am, beginning July 15.

$ 15 booklet fee.

Kyrie eleison

We all know the meaning of the Greek words kyrie eleison and Christe eleison. This simple chant with its complex harmonies offers a moment of reflection on the mercy of God.

Stopped by Police for Speeding

This priest teaches us that relationships are very important.

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 credit card information is up to date.

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

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.

Who was the first Catholic bishop in the United States, appointed in 1789?
What was the first Catholic university established in the United States?
Which anti-Catholic political party rose to prominence in the U.S. during the 1850s?
Who was the Spanish Franciscan priest and missionary who is credited with establishing the Franciscan Missions in California?
Which U.S. saint, canonized in 1975, was the first person born in the United States to be declared a saint?

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

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A

First Reading

2 Kings 4:8-11,14-16a

Hospitality extended to Elisha will be rewarded.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 89:2-3,16-19

Sing God’s praises forever.

Second Reading

Romans 6:3-4,8-11

Through Christ we are dead to sin but alive in God.

Gospel Reading

Matthew 10:37-42

Jesus outlines the costs and rewards of discipleship.

Background on the Gospel Reading

Today’s Gospel is the conclusion of the instructions and consolations that we have heard Jesus offering to his disciples during the past few weeks. In this passage, Jesus summarizes both the costs of discipleship and its rewards. Once again, our understanding of the Gospel is strengthened by considering the context in which it was written and the perspective of Matthew’s audience.

The conditions of discipleship outlined in Matthew’s Gospel may appear harsh. Yet they underline for us a truth—choosing anything with one’s whole heart has consequences. Choosing life with Christ means that every relationship we have must be understood from a new perspective. For many in Matthew’s community, this choice brought division to their family.

Matthew also outlines the reward of hospitality offered to Jesus’ followers. In today’s Gospel, Jesus explains the difficulties of discipleship yet reveals that those who welcome the disciples have also welcomed him.

Today’s Gospel also highlights for us the importance of hospitality in the Christian life. To welcome another in Jesus’ name is to extend hospitality to Jesus himself. We have many opportunities in our daily life to reach out to others, to be a welcoming presence and a sign of God’s love.

Forever Will I Sing the Goodness of the Lord

John Michael Talbot sings his composition based on Psalm 89.

Annual Catholic Appeal

Our parish has been assessed $110,499.00 for this year's Annual Catholic Appeal.

To date, we have received $75,881.11. Thank you to those of you who have donated!!!

We still need $34,617.89 to reach our goal.

The Annual Catholic Appeal supports vital ministries and services throughout our diocese, including faith formation, vocations, charitable outreach, and pastoral care. We invite all parishioners who have not yet participated to prayerfully consider making a gift. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps us reach our goal and supports the mission of the Church.

Please donate today and help St. Patrick parish fulfill its commitment.

Thank you for your generosity and support!

Make your contribution to our ACA fund here...

Ye Olde Garage

Ye Olde Garage Is Closed for July

Our garage is closed for the month of July. Please do not drop off any items during this month. There is no one around to take them in. Please save your donations until we reopen in August.

Thank you for your support.

Youth Ministry Concert

Join us for our upcoming praise and worship concert Sunday July 26 at 6pm on the school grounds

Details here...

RSVP for concerrt here!

Pope Leo XIV Speaks to Youth

Pope Leo XIV addresses this message to the Steubenville Summer Youth Conferences 2026. But his message on peace and joy as described by St. Francis applies to all of us. It’s about 8 minutes long.

Confirmation Registration

Now Open

Our Confirmation program is a two-year journey! To get started for the 2026–2027 school year, teens must be entering high school (9th grade or higher).

New Students: If you did not participate last year, please register for the Pre-Confirmation Year.
Returning Students: If you completed the first year, please register for the Confirmation Year.

This is the first of three registration tiers our office will offer for the 2026–2027 school year. Tier 1 runs from May 20th through June 30th and offers the lowest registration fee. Please note that fees will increase after June 30th.

Families can register either online or in person. If you prefer to register in person, please contact our office to schedule a time.

PClasby@stpatrickcarlsbad.com or 760-434-3278

Inscricpciónes para la confirmación estan abiertas

¡Nuestro programa de Confirmación es un camino de dos años! Para comenzar el año escolar 2026–2027, los jóvenes deben estar ingresando a la escuela secundaria (high school, 9.º grado o superior).

Estudiantes Nuevos: Si no participaron el año pasado, por favor regístrense para el Año de Pre-Confirmación.
Estudiantes que Regresan: Si completaron el primer año, por favor regístrense para el Año de Confirmación.

Esta es primer nivel de tres niveles de inscripción que nuestra oficina ofrecerá para el año escolar 2026–2027. El primer nivel estará vigente desde el 20 de mayo hasta el 30 de junio y ofrece la cuota de inscripción más baja. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que las cuotas aumentarán después del 30 de junio.

Las familias pueden inscribirse en línea o en persona. Si prefiere inscribirse en persona, por favor comuníquese con nuestra oficina para programar una cita.

MJimenez@stpatrickcarlsbad.com

o 760-434-3278

Bilingual Catechesis and Family Ministry

2026-2027 School Year

Catequesis Bilingüe y Ministerio Familiar

Año Escolar 2026-2027

Nuestra misión es acompañar a los padres de familia en la formación y transmisión de la fe cristiana de sus hijos, favoreciendo que conozcan a Dios, amen a Jesucristo y vivan conforme a las enseñanzas de la Iglesia. Asimismo, procuramos integrarlos a la comunidad parroquial mediante la oración, la celebración litúrgica y diversas actividades que contribuyan a su crecimiento en la fe.

Ofrecemos Catequesis Tradicional, Acompañamiento para niños de Preescolar, Catequesis Familiar e Iniciación Cristiana de Adultos adaptada para niños.

Para identificar el programa que mejor responda a las necesidades de su familia, le invitamos a hacer clic en el enlace a continuación.

clic aquí...

Notas Pastorales

XIII Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario

En el Evangelio de este domingo, Jesús nos presenta unas palabras que pueden parecer difíciles de comprender: “El que ama a su padre o a su madre más que a mí, no es digno de mí” (Mateo 10, 37). Estas palabras no son un rechazo a la familia ni a los seres queridos. Más bien, Jesús nos enseña cuál debe ser la prioridad en nuestra vida. Él nos recuerda que el discipulado exige poner a Dios en el centro de todo. Cuando Cristo ocupa el primer lugar en nuestro corazón, todas nuestras demás relaciones encuentran su verdadero sentido y equilibrio.

El Evangelio continúa con otra invitación exigente: “El que no toma su cruz y me sigue, no es digno de mí” (Mateo 10, 38). Seguir a Jesús no siempre es fácil. Implica sacrificio, perseverancia y, en ocasiones, sufrimiento. Sin embargo, la cruz no es solamente una carga; es también el signo de nuestra confianza en Dios. Cada vez que elegimos perdonar en lugar de guardar rencor, servir en lugar de buscar nuestro propio interés, o mantenernos firmes en la fe en medio de las dificultades, estamos tomando nuestra cruz y caminando junto a Cristo.

La primera lectura nos presenta a la mujer de Sunem, quien recibió con generosidad al profeta Eliseo. Ella reconoció la presencia de Dios en su mensajero y le ofreció hospitalidad sin esperar nada a cambio. Su bondad fue recompensada abundantemente por el Señor. Este relato nos recuerda que los pequeños actos de generosidad y servicio tienen un gran valor ante Dios. Cuando abrimos nuestro corazón a los demás, estamos abriendo nuestro corazón al mismo Cristo.

Jesús retoma esta enseñanza cuando afirma: “Quien los recibe a ustedes, me recibe a mí.” Como discípulos, estamos llamados no solo a seguir a Cristo, sino también a ser signos visibles de su presencia en el mundo. Cada encuentro con otra persona es una oportunidad para manifestar el amor de Dios. Una palabra de aliento, una obra de caridad o un gesto de compasión pueden convertirse en instrumentos de la gracia divina.

Por su parte, san Pablo nos recuerda en la segunda lectura que, por el Bautismo, hemos muerto y resucitado con Cristo. El Bautismo no es solamente un acontecimiento del pasado; es una realidad que debemos vivir cada día. Estamos llamados a abandonar el pecado y a caminar como hombres y mujeres renovados por la gracia de Dios.

Al reflexionar sobre las lecturas de este domingo, preguntémonos: ¿Ocupa Jesús el primer lugar en mi vida? ¿Estoy dispuesto a cargar mi cruz y seguirlo? ¿Reconozco la presencia de Cristo en las personas que encuentro cada día? Que el Señor nos conceda la gracia de amarlo sobre todas las cosas, de recibirlo en nuestros hermanos y de vivir con fidelidad nuestra vocación cristiana.

Bendiciones siempre.

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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