I will be on vacation in Buffalo from August 9 to 24. I hope you will also have a time to rest this summer. I think we all need it.
St. John Paul II wrote in his encyclical Laborem Exercens (On Human Work, 1981) that we need to look at the book of Genesis to understand the dignity of our work, as well as our inherent need to rest. He wrote:
This description of creation, which we find in the very first chapter of the Book of Genesis, is also in a sense the first “gospel of work.” For it shows what the dignity of work consists of: it teaches that humans ought to imitate God, their Creator, in working, because humans alone have the unique characteristic of likeness to God. Human beings ought to imitate God both in working and also in resting, since God himself wished to present his own creative activity under the form of work and rest.
God clearly shows us through his creative activity that humans were not designed to lead lives of constant work. We each seek a balance in our lives: time for work and time for rest; time to make and create, and time to enjoy family and friends.
Pope John Paul II goes so far as to say that workers have a right to rest. He continues: “In the first place this involves a regular weekly rest of at least one day, and also a longer period of rest, namely the holiday or vacation taken once a year or possibly in several shorter periods during the year.”
In the wake of the delta variant and the dramatic upsurge of cases in recent weeks, we are strongly recommending that parishioners, once again, wear their masks when inside parish buildings. Those who have been vaccinated are encouraged to wear their masks as an act of charity. This request comes from Bishop McElroy and it seems like a prudent recommendation for all of us to heed.
At the same time, it is widely recognized that vaccination is our most powerful weapon against this virus. Many of our parishioners are already vaccinated. If you have chosen not to get the vaccine (for other than health reasons), please reconsider your decision. Not only are you protecting yourself, but you are also helping to bring this virus under control. That also is an act of charity. As you know, vaccination is widely available in our area.
Live Streaming Masses
Just a reminder: the following Masses are livestreamed every week and are available for viewing at our YouTube channel:
Each of these Mass is also available on our YouTube channel for later in the day viewing.
A Special Mass for Survivors of Suicide Loss
The Office of Family Life and Spirituality invites survivors of suicide loss to attend our annual Mass on Saturday, September 4, at 5:00 pm at San Rafael Parish, San Diego. You are invited to bring a photo of a loved one who had died by suicide and place it at a designated table of honor. Auxiliary Bishop John P. Dolan will preside.
St Patrick’s Olde Garage Thrift Store is Re-Opening.
The Olde Garage began in 1994. That is 27 years of dedicated ministry for our parish and community. All the monies received from The Olde Garage is given to the church for parish needs.
Our Thrift Store will be open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. starting SEPTEMBER 13, 2021. Before we can open, however, we need VOLUNTEERS to help. During the shutdown of the last year and a half, many of our dedicated volunteers have either moved out of the area or retired.
Therefore, WE NEED YOU! If you can volunteer 1 day a week, 3 days a week or even one day a month, we could use your HELP. We are asking for both men and women who might have flex hours, who are retired, are stay at home parents, or a school parent to volunteer and support our Olde Garage Ministry. Please call the Parish Office, 760-729-2866, if you can help.
Eat This Bread
This beautiful hymn from the ecumenical community of Taize in France is appropriately performed by the combined choirs of Grace Lutheran Church (River Forest, Illinois) Saint Barbara Roman Catholic Church (Brookfield, Illinois) The conductor is Robert J. Batastini
Baby Bottles for Birth Choice
If you have not returned your baby bottle with your donation for BirthChoice, you may still place it in the black plastic box at the door of the church this weekend. Otherwise, you can drop it off at the parish office during the week. Thank you for your willingness to help.
Fr Richard Rohr, OFM
In this short reflection, Fr. Rohr shares insights on the phrase from the Gospel of Matthew: “the Kingdom of heaven is here.”
"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 an inspiring saint who also won a Nobel Peace prize for her work with the poor in India?
Who are the men in colorful costumes who have been in charge of the safety and security of the pope since 1506?
What is the name of the outer vestment (in the color of the day) that is worn by the priest when he presides at the Eucharist?
What was the name of the young priest credited with the formation of the Knights of Columbus and is now being considered for canonization as a saint?
Which pope finished the Second Vatican Council (in 1965)?
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.
The Lord feeds Elijah, strengthening him for his journey to Horeb.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 34:2-3,4-5,6-7,8-9
A prayer of praise to God for his goodness
Second Reading
Ephesians 4:30—5:2
The Ephesians are encouraged to be imitators of Christ.
Gospel Reading
John 6:41-51
Jesus responds to the murmurs of the crowd, who wonders what he means when he says that he came down from heaven.
Background on the Gospel Reading
On this Sunday, we continue to read from the “Bread of Life discourse” found in the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel. Recall that we have been reading from this chapter for the past two weeks and will continue to read from it for another two. Last week, the crowd asked for a sign that would show that Jesus came from God. Jesus replied by saying that he is the sign and the bread of life sent by God. At this point, our Lectionary omits six verses in which Jesus predicts the unbelief of the crowd and further develops his connection with God the Father. In these verses, Jesus says that he was sent by God to do the Father’s will. Jesus promises that those who look upon the Son with faith will find eternal life. Some of these themes are repeated in today’s Gospel reading.
Today’s Gospel begins with a report that the Jews complained about Jesus’ claims regarding his identity. They knew his family, and they knew he was the son of Joseph. They could not comprehend what Jesus meant when he said that he came down from heaven. Jesus responds to the complaints by saying that only those who are chosen by God will recognize him as the one that God sent. This is a recurring theme in John’s Gospel, that God has chosen those who will have faith in Jesus.
In the verses that follow, Jesus talks more about his unity with the Father. He is the one who has seen the Father and, therefore, knows the Father. Those who listen to God will recognize that Jesus is the one sent from God. Those who believe will have eternal life. Jesus concludes with the central element of our eucharistic theology. He promises that the bread of life will bring eternal life to those who partake of it, and he tells us that the bread of life will be his own flesh, given for the life of the world.
In today’s reading, we hear Jesus say again, as he did in last week's Gospel, that he is the bread of life. We also hear Jesus add that he is the living bread. Both of these statements help us understand better the gift that Jesus gives us in the Eucharist. We celebrate this gift of Jesus each time we gather for Mass. We believe that receiving Jesus in the Eucharist will lead us to eternal life.
August 19 is the Solemnity of St. John Eudes. The Eudist Fathers invite to join us for a special Mass to honor our founder. It will take place at. James Parish, Solana Beach at 10:00 am on August 19. Spiritual sharing and tacos will follow the Mass.
Of course, we will have our regular Masses at St. Patrick’s at 7:00 am and 8:00 am on that day in honor of St. John Eudes. Please celebrate with us at any of these Masses.
Psalm 34
“Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.” The beautiful words of Psalm 34 have been set to music by many people. It is used on the 19th and 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time when we hear about the Lord feeding us. Reflect on the beautiful words as you listen to this recent rendition of this psalm as sung by the composer herself.
Children’s Chapel
In the back of our church there is a room that we call the Children’s Chapel (some people refer to it as the “Cry Room” but let’s not use that name). The purpose of the Children’s Chapel is to provide parents with a place to bring young children who do not yet know how to behave in church.
Now that all of our Masses are being celebrated in the church without the benefit of the outdoor acoustics and the normal noise of small children in amplified, we are re-opening the Children’s Chapel.
We just need to set up a few ground rules:
It is intended only for families with small children. Everyone else is to sit in the church.
All those who are in the Children’s Chapel MUST wear face masks.
The capacity of the Children’s Chapel is 14 persons. Once that number is reached, no one else may enter.
Those in the Children’s Chapel should enter the church to receive Holy Communion.
We thank everyone for observing these rules to make this chapel a safe and prayerful space that will help those who really need it.
Diacono Miguel Enriquez
“Sean buenos y comprensivos; perdónense los unos a los otros, como Dios los perdono… Imiten a Dios como hijos queridos”. Escuchamos estas preciosas palabras de San Pablo a los Efesios en la segunda lectura de este domingo. Al reflexionar en sus palabras me imaginé a San Pablo escribiendo sobre un tipo de mesa a esta comunidad rogándoles que sean buenos, que sean amorosos, y perdonen, así como Dios nos ha perdonado. Y ¿qué tan difícil es ser buenos, amorosos y perdonar a otros? ¿Es algo alcanzable? Creo que la mayor parte del tiempo es fácil, pero existen esos “pocos” momentos en nuestra vida, cuando alguien dice algo que nos da la contra y nos hace sentir mal. O cuando miramos a alguien que nos recuerda cuando sentimos que desrespetados o ignorados. Aun en esos momentos difíciles de aceptar, tenemos que escuchar en nuestro corazón y mente las palabras de San Pablo. ¿Por qué? ¡Porque seguimos a Jesucristo! El que nos amó tanto que dio su vida para ti y para mí. Y que sabemos que Jesucristo es la verdadera comida y agua que nos sacia nuestra hambre y sed. Es Jesucristo que nos ve a los ojos y nos asegura que somos de él y él es de nosotros, y que todo va a estar bien.
Por favor haga clic en los enlaces indicados. Espero que les ayude en sus momentos de reflexión.
Our parish offices are now open, Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30 to 4:30pm
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.
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