A Word from the Pastor

September 22, 2023

This coming week, all ordained priests ministering in the diocese of San Diego are invited to the annual Convocation of Priests. Fr. Azam and I will join our brother priests for this event in Temecula on September 25-27. It is part of our ongoing formation as priests. The Church reminds us that our formation did not end at our ordination.

Ongoing formation plays a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of priests in their ministry. It helps priests to continually grow and develop in their understanding of their vocation and mission as ministers of Christ in the Church. Through ongoing formation, priests are able to deepen their awareness of their share in the Church's saving mission and the seriousness of their obligation to preach the Gospel and be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God.

Ongoing formation encompasses various dimensions, including human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral aspects. It helps priests to live out their identity and ministry in the Church and for the Church, enabling them to become doers of the Word and to live in love. By deepening their faith and understanding of who they truly are as ministers of Christ, priests are able to exercise their ministry with fidelity and generosity, even in the face of difficulties and fatigue.

During our annual Convocation of Priests, we will have time to pray together, to socialize, to listen to talks, and to share with our bishops and brother priests. The featured speaker for this year’s convocation is Most Rev. George Thomas, Archbishop of Las Vegas. He will give five conferences over the three days. We will also take the opportunity to have a celebration with those priests who are observing their Silver and Golden anniversaries of ordination.

The three days of the Convocation will close with a special Evening Prayer on Wednesday, during which we will pray for our two new auxiliary bishops: Rev. Michael Pham and Rev. Felipe Pulido. Also during this liturgy, Cardinal Robert McElroy will bless their pontifical insignia: pectoral cross, crozier and ring.

On Thursday, September 28, Fathers Pham and Pulido will be ordained as bishops by Cardinal McElroy at St. Therese of Carmel Church. Co-consecrators will be Bishop Joseph J. Tyson of Yakima, WA, and Bishop John P. Dolan of Phoenix, AZ. Many bishops and priests will concelebrate. Due to the number of people expected, it is a ticketed event and only those with tickets will be admitted to the church. Others will be directed to the parish hall. It will also be  livestreamed on the homepage of Diocesan website at www.sdcatholic.org. The whole Diocese rejoices in the gifts these new bishops bring to the pastoral care of our Church.

In conclusion, I assure you that we, your priests and bishops, appreciate your prayers and support. It is only by the grace of God that we are able to exercise the ministry to which we have been called. Please pray that God will continue to give us this grace.

In one Heart,

Fr. Ron 

To send an email to Fr. Ron Bagley, please use [email protected]

Other addresses may not work.

Season of Creation

The Season of Creation is an ecumenical observance that occurs every year. It starts September 1, the Day of Prayer for Creation, and ends October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology beloved by many Christian denominations. The Catholic Church has been a part of this observance since 2015.

Saints Francis and Clare had a relational understanding of creation. All creatures, from the smallest to “our Sister, Mother Earth,” were sisters and brothers, part of the very family of God. Because of this, Francis was named the patron saint of ecology by Pope John Paul II. 

Following this tradition, St. Bonaventure developed a theological and spiritual vision that acknowledged all creation as emanating from the goodness of God, existing as a “footprint” of God, and leading us back to God if we are able to “read” nature properly. He spoke of creation as the first book that God wrote. 

Choose some natural wonder: a leaf, a sunset, a flower, a stately tree, an animal, or the beach. Remember: Jesus said “consider the lilies,” not look at them or smell them, but reflect on them. What does it show you about God?

The heavens are telling the glory of God,

And all creation is shouting for joy!

Come, dance in the forest, come, play in the field,

And sing, sing to the glory of the Lord!

- Marty Haugen

RCIA Is For You If You Are:

• an adult (18+) who has never been part of a formal religion 
• an adult who was baptized in a faith tradition other than Catholicism 
• an adult who received some but not all of the sacraments 
• an adult who was raised in another faith and now wishes to become Catholic

We are now forming a new group of catechumens and candidates. The English group will meet on Sunday mornings. This is a change from our meeting date in the past. We will invite the English group to attend the 9:00 am Mass together and then stay for another hour of formation after the Mass.



Those in the English group can sign up or seek further information by contacting Fr. Ron at [email protected] or 760-729-2866 or our coordinators Brick and Rebecca Langford at [email protected]

Ruah Adonai to Resume Bible Study on October 4

A Biblical Walk Through the Mass (5 sessions) “The Mass is nothing short of amazing. Through it, we encounter God in the most intimate way possible as we hear him speak to us in the Liturgy of the Word and as we receive him Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Holy Eucharist.” Watch a video clip here 

Prophets: Messengers of God's Mercy (10 sessions) “God sent prophets at critical times to call the people back to their covenant relationship. Prophets proclaimed the consequences of continued sin, called people to repentance, and declared God’s faithful love. They also spoke of the future to shed light on current events and to reveal God’s plans and purposes.” Watch a video clip here. 

Ruah Adonai - Breath of God Bible Study is open to men and women. No previous bible study experience needed. Our mission is to know, to love and to serve God. We meet Wednesdays from 8:30 am to 10 am in the Parish Hall to view an engaging video presentation followed by a lively group discussion and fellowship. For more information contact Kelly Le Berthon at [email protected]

Sunday Collection for 9/17/2023

 Envelope Collection     $5,706.00

 Plate Collection              $8,982.00

 Online Giving     $13,225.88

     Total Collection: $27,913.88

  We are grateful for the generosity of all of our parishioners and visitors.

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.

1. Who was the first Pope who supported the rights of workers to organize to promote just working conditions?
2. Which other 20th century pope wrote an encyclical specifically on the dignity of human labor?
3. What is the name of the encyclical written by Pope Francis about the need to care for creation?
4. What was the encyclical written by Pope John Paul II that teaches about the sacredness of all human life from conception to natural death?
5. Do you know some examples of Catholic teaching about engagement in war (moral principles or rules of engagement)?

Feel free to email Fr. Ron with ideas for future Catholic Trivia questions [email protected]