There are three things happening this week that should be of concern for us as Catholics. I want to comment briefly on each of them.
Monday, January 18 is Martin Luther King Day, a national holiday. Dr. King has inspired generations of Americans to work for justice and an end to discrimination. Events of this past year have highlighted the fact that racism is still present in our society. We also need to be reminded that the means to achieve equal opportunity for all needs to be through action that is peaceful and nonviolent.
On Tuesday, January 20 our nation will celebrate the inauguration of a new president. Regardless of how you voted, I encourage you to read what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says about authority in our society. (cf. CCC 1897-1904) In particular, note the following:
The authority required by the moral order derives from God: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore, he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment."
The duty of obedience requires all to give due honor to authority and to treat those who are charged to exercise it with respect, and, insofar as it is deserved, with gratitude and good-will. Pope St. Clement of Rome provides the Church's most ancient prayer for political authorities: “Grant to them, Lord, health, peace, concord, and stability, so that they may exercise without offense the sovereignty that you have given them. Master, heavenly King of the ages, you give glory, honor, and power over the things of earth to the human children. Direct, Lord, their counsel, following what is pleasing and acceptable in your sight, so that by exercising with devotion and in peace and gentleness the power that you have given to them, they may find favor with you.” (CCC 1899-1900)
On Friday, January 22 we observe a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. This day has been set aside by the Bishops of the United States to mark the 48th anniversary of the Supreme Court that legalized abortion in the United States. In addition to prayer, we recommit ourselves to any efforts to protect unborn children and to influence the leaders of our nation in this regard. We also need to strive to provide help to women both before and after the birth of their children.
The three events of this week call for a response from Catholics. In addition to prayer, we need to work for the protection of human life from conception to natural death, as well as to protect the dignity of all living persons who suffer discrimination and prejudice. This is called working for the common good. We must strengthen our resolve to use nonviolent and lawful means to achieve these goals.
This Monday we honor the memory and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-68) He was a leader in the civil rights movement in the 1950-60s. He challenged the bastions of discrimination and organized efforts to end segregation. He was assassinated in the prime of his life.
We have this holiday to remind ourselves of the need to continue the work he began. The article below is an excerpt of a speech he gave in 1967. Reading this now on his remembrance day can remind us how far we have come and how much we have yet to do.
Believe it or not, Ash Wednesday is only about a month away (February 17). Of course, due to Covid-19 we will have to do things differently this year. The parish staff is already making plans. You can help us by answering the brief survey below. Thanks!
You may have noticed the discussion in recent weeks about the “morality” of Catholics receiving the Covid vaccine produced by Pfizer or Moderna. There is a lot of misinformation out there and it is confusing to well-meaning Catholics. The attached article gives a clear and concise assessment from the point of view of Catholic morality.
The bottom line is: get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible.
After taking a break, our Showers of Blessings is reopening on Tuesdays beginning on January 26 from 7:30-11:30 am. The medical clinic will be coming back then too. There is a real need for this service in the community.
All proper protocols will be observed to decrease the possibility of contamination. Volunteers are needed to assist with food and clothing distribution as well. For further information, contact Chris Durnan at 760-533-7139.
Let There Be Peace on Earth
In these disturbing and fearful times, we need to pray to God for the gift of peace. How appropriate it is that this rendition of that popular song is sung by the Voices of Hope Children’s Choir.
Funeral for Rafael Cordova
As mentioned last week, our beloved friend and parish staff member Rafi Cordova died suddenly on January 2, 2021. His Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, January 23 at 1:00 pm on the covered court of the school. His family will be present to receive your condolences beginning at noon.
As a reminder, social distancing must be observed and face masks must be worn by all people during the entire time they are on the premises. Out of respect for the family and to protect their health and safety, please refrain from embracing or shaking hands. All Covid-19 protocols will be in place.
Funeral de Rafael Cordova
Como les compartía la semana pasada, el 2 de enero de 2021, Rafi Cordova, nuestro querido amigo y miembro del personal de la parroquia murió repentinamente. Su funeral se llevará a cabo el sábado 23 de enero a la 1:00 pm en el patio de la escuela. Su familia estará presente para recibir sus condolencias a partir del mediodía.
Como recordatorio, se debe observar el distanciamiento social y todas las personas deben usar máscaras durante todo el tiempo que permanezcan en las instalaciones. Por respeto a la familia y para proteger su salud y seguridad, absténgase de abrazar o estrechar la mano. Todos los protocolos Covid-19 se mantienen en vigor.
The First Thing Mother Teresa Did Every Morning
This simple prayer serves as a daily reminder of the need to “pray always” as a way to focus on our relationship with the Lord.
Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children
The over 60 million abortions since the 1973 decisions of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton reflect with heartbreaking magnitude of what Pope Francis means by a “throwaway culture.” However, we have great trust in God’s providence. We are reminded time and again in Scripture to seek the Lord’s help, and as people of faith, we believe that our prayers are heard.
The Church has designated a special day of prayer and penance, called the "Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.” In all the Dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 shall be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion.
As individuals, we are called to observe this day through the penitential practices of prayer, fasting and/or giving alms. At St. Patrick’s on January 22, at all of our Masses on this day (7:00 am, 8:00 am, and our recorded Mass), we will do the Votive Mass for Giving Thanks for the Gift of Life. Try to join us for Mass either in person or online.
Upcoming Lenten Bible Study with Isaiah 40-55: Build a Highway for God
God has a message of hope. It came in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. Understanding Jesus as the heart of God’s message we might take a lesson from the early Church: after Jesus’ death and resurrection the Church turned to the book of Isaiah. Its poetic prophecies in chapters 40-55 provided rich insights into the significance of Jesus and how to speak hope into discouraging circumstances. Isaiah spoke to the hearts of early Christians. Let him move you as we journey together through Lent.
The 6 week study begins Monday, February 15, Time: 6:45 pm-8:30 pm
We will meet via Zoom conference – more details to come soon.
We Need a National Examination of Conscience
Bishop Robert Barron comments on the violent events we have seen lately and calls for a national examination of conscience.
Online Giving Reminders
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Stained Glass Window Returns
Last year the stained glass window behind the tabernacle in our church sustained some minor damage. In the midst of the Covid shutdown, it took a long time to get it repaired. For the last several months the glass panels were removed, repaired and cleaned. A new protective glass was installed on the outside. We discovered that the old plexiglass on the outside had become weathered and yellowed. The net result is that our window is back and looks brighter and more radiant than ever. Special thanks to Greg Gomolka from Experience Glass/Gomolka Design Studio here in Carlsbad, for his expertise!
"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 are the names of the four major basilicas of Rome?
In which two gospels does Jesus teach the prayer we call the Our Father or Lord’s Prayer?
Is the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (Eudist Fathers) a religious order?
What does the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) say about “limbo”?
What is another name for the cardinal virtue of fortitude?
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.
A prayer of commitment to follow the will of the Lord.
Second Reading
1 Corinthians 6:13c–15a,17–20
Paul reminds the Corinthians that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
Gospel Reading
John 1:35–42
John the Baptist recognizes Jesus as the Lamb of God, and Jesus receives his first followers.
Background on the Gospel Reading
Although the liturgical season of Ordinary Time begins this week, today’s reading continues with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord, which concludes the Christmas season. Today’s reading from the Gospel according to John immediately follows John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus and his identification of Jesus as the Lamb of God. Having been baptized by John, Jesus begins to gather followers. The first followers sought out Jesus because of the testimony and witness of John the Baptist.
We are familiar with the title that John the Baptist uses for Jesus—the Lamb of God. We hear it weekly at the fraction rite during Mass. For those who heard John the Baptist, however, this title recalled key themes from the Old Testament. It alludes to the paschal lamb offered as a sacrifice when God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, the event that is commemorated by the Jewish Passover celebration. The designation also recalls the prophet Isaiah’s description of the suffering servant of Israel. In using this name for Jesus, John the Baptist predicts Jesus’ passion and death and the new interpretation of Passover that will begin with Jesus’ Last Supper.
We learn in today’s reading how Jesus’ first followers were gathered. The first two, Andrew and another man, were followers of John the Baptist. After hearing John’s testimony, they became followers of Jesus. During their time with Jesus, the details of which are not specified, Andrew and the other followers came to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. Andrew then brings his brother, Simon, to Jesus. Immediately, Jesus gave Simon a new name, calling him Peter, which means “rock” in Greek. The renaming of Simon to Peter is reported in all four of the Gospels.
In the exchange between Andrew, the other disciple, and Jesus, we see an example of the usual pattern for first-century Jewish rabbinical schools. Jews sought out rabbis and established themselves as disciples of a particular rabbi. Jesus appears to have been unique in that he sought out individuals, inviting them to be his followers. In the passage that follows, John’s Gospel tells us how Jesus took the initiative in calling Philip and Nathanael.
Jesus asks Andrew and the other disciple, “What are you looking for?” This is a telling question, and one that we might often ask of ourselves. John the Baptist testified to Jesus’ identity, the Lamb of God, using the framework of the Old Testament. Andrew, Simon, and the other first disciples were looking for the Messiah, whom they also came to know as the Son of God. What do we look for and what do we find in Jesus?
Inspire creative ideas to address the cries of our sisters, brothers and Earth itself.
Send forth your Spirit of Love and Unity.
Transform pointed fingers of blame
into hands open in reverence
to receive one another.
Fan into flame the gift of our founding
and let us be known again as a people
united for the goodness, justice and
peace of all people forever. Amen.
Composed by Sister Pat Bergen, CSJ
Diacono Miguel Enriquez
Nuestra meta en esta vida es de tener un trabajo que pueda proveer las necesidades básicas para nuestras familias. Recuerdo una frase usada por un hombre muy popular que se llama, El Piolín, pregunta, “¿A que venimos? ¡A triunfar!” Todos queremos sentirnos que estamos haciendo el bien para nuestra familia, quizás proveyéndoles lo que nos falto a nosotros. En la mañana nos persignamos al subirnos a nuestro coche, que esta bien, pero no nos volvemos acordar de Dios hasta la próxima mañana. Dios es fiel, siempre sale buscarnos y nos espera. En el Evangelio de este domingo, Jesús les pregunta a dos de sus discípulos, “¿Que buscan?”Jesús nos hace esta pregunta a nosotros ahora mismo. Todos deseamos paz y seguridad, pero nos damos cuenta de que la paz y seguridad que ofrece el mundo no es la que buscamos y necesitamos. Jesús, nos da la paz y seguridad. Es Jesús, que quiere demostraste cuanto te ama y junto a El nada te faltará.
Por favor hagan clic en el Video y en Otra Reflexión para ayudarlos en su refección.
Los Angeles Religious Education Congress Goes Online
The LA Congress is a major Catholic educational event that began in the 1950s as a way to help catechists grow in their ability to teach CCD. Since then, it has grown and expanded to become an outstanding way for Catholics from across the US and beyond to receive ongoing formation in the faith. Since 1970, it has taken place in the Anaheim Convention Center. However, due to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, the LA Congress has gone virtual this year.
While that is too bad from one point of view, it opens up the possibility for many more people to participate without leaving the comforts of their home. It will feature keynote speakers and over 50 workshops. Our own Bishop McElroy is one of the keynote speakers but the workshop speakers are nationally and internationally known presenters. There are also a variety of liturgies and prayer services. There is even a special track for youth. Your registration gives you access to all the presentations and events (either live or later on demand).
Here is the great news: you get total access to everything LA Congress has to offer for only $35.00. That is a huge bargain when you consider all that you are getting without having to pay for hotel, transportation, parking, food, etc. It may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
To learn more about this great event, take a look at the LA Congress website by going to LACongress.org. Browse around and see how much LA Congress has to offer. You can also register there.
MENTAL HEALTH CORNER
Grief & Loss
Grief is intense emotional suffering caused by loss. Grief and loss are part of life and are experienced by most of us at some point in life. Grief is natural to human beings and should be organic. Nowadays, many people are experiencing grief during COVID-19 pandemic. Grief is a normal response to loss after a loved one's death. It can also happen through a divorce, loss of a job, loss of a friendship, loss of support. It can also occur in response to the loss of stability when drastic changes happen in our lives. As a society, we all experience a drastic change caused by the pandemic; therefore, we grieve our normalcy. And amid our loss, we can still be supportive when others mourn the death of a loved one. Consequently, it is necessary to identify and respect each stage of grief, understanding that each person's grief is different.
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a swiss-American psychiatrist, suggested in her book, "On Death and Dying" Five common reactions or stages of grief that most of us experience when grieving:
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance
In his book, "Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief," David Kessler suggests Meaning as the sixth stage of grief.
How to help when others are grieving?
Avoid rescuing or fixing: The grieving person does not need anyone to repair her/him.
Please do not force it: We may believe that pushing them to talk and process their emotions will help, but it is not necessarily true; people need their time to get ready to speak.
Make yourself accessible, offer people space to grieve, and let the person know that you are available when she/he needs you.
Remember that each person copes with loss differently. If you are grieving, allow yourself time to process all of your emotions. When you are ready to talk about all your feelings, look for a friend, a family member, community support, or a mental health professional to talk about it.
On the Fear of Death
By Rabindranath Tagore, Fruit-Gathering, 1916
Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers
but to be fearless in facing them.
Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain
but for the heart to conquer it.
Let me not look for allies in life's battlefield
but to my own strength.
Let me not crave in anxious fear to be saved
but hope for the patience to win my freedom.
Grant me that I may not be a coward,
feeling your mercy in my success alone,
but let me find the grasp of your hand in my failure.
***********
LA ESQUINA DE LA SALUD MENTAL
Duelo y Pérdida
El duelo es un sufrimiento emocional intenso causado por una pérdida. El dolor y la pérdida son parte de la vida y la mayoría de nosotros los experimentamos en algún momento de la vida. El dolor es natural para los seres humanos y debe ser orgánico. Hoy en día, muchas personas están sufriendo durante la pandemia de COVID-19. El dolor es una respuesta normal a la pérdida después de la muerte de un ser querido. También puede suceder a través de un divorcio, pérdida de un trabajo, pérdida de una amistad, pérdida de apoyo. También puede ocurrir en respuesta a la pérdida de estabilidad cuando ocurren cambios drásticos en nuestras vidas. Como sociedad, todos estamos experimentamos un cambio drástico causado por la pandemia; por lo tanto, lamentamos nuestra normalidad. Y en medio de nuestra perdida, todavía podemos ser apoyo cuando otros lloran la muerte de un ser querido. Por lo tanto, es necesario identificar y respetar cada etapa del duelo, entendiendo que el duelo de cada persona es diferente.
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, una psiquiatra suizo-estadounidense, sugirió en su libro, "On Death and Dying" cinco reacciones comunes o etapas de duelo que la mayoría de nosotros experimentamos cuando estamos de duelo,
Negación
Ira
Negociación
Depresión
Aceptación
En su libro, " Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief," David Kessler sugiere el Sentido como la sexta etapa del duelo.
¿Cómo ayudar cuando otros están en duelo?
Evite rescatar o arreglar: La persona en duelo no necesita que nadie la repare.
Por favor, no force: Podemos creer que empujarlos a hablar y procesar sus emociones ayudará, pero no es necesariamente cierto; la gente necesita su tiempo para prepararse para hablar.
Hágase accesible: Ofrezca a las personas un espacio para el duelo y hágale saber que usted está disponible cuando lo/la necesite.
Recuerde que cada persona afronta la pérdida de forma diferente. Si está en duelo, tómese un tiempo para procesar todas sus emociones. Cuando esté listo para hablar sobre todos sus sentimientos, busque a un amigo, un miembro de la familia, apoyo de la comunidad o un profesional de la salud mental para hablar sobre ello.
Sobre el Miedo a la Muerte
Por Rabindranath Tagore, Fruit-Gathering, 1916
Permítanme no rezar para estar protegido de los peligros,
sino para ser valiente al enfrentarlos.
No me dejes suplicar por el alivio de mi dolor,
sino por un corazón para vencerlo.
Permítanme no buscar aliados en el campo de batalla de la vida,
sino en mi propia fuerza.
Que no anhele ansiosamente ser salvo,
sino que espere tener paciencia para ganar mi libertad.
Concédeme que no sea un cobarde,
sintiendo tu misericordia solo en mi éxito,
pero déjame encontrar el agarre de tu mano en mi fracaso.
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:
