On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, our gospel reading reminds us of the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. These two holy women join together in rejoicing. Each in her own way, was chosen by God for a special vocation as mothers. Each responded in faith to the Lord’s call. Together they praise God for the goodness and greatness of the Lord.
As we move closer to our celebration of the birthday of our Savior, we too are filled with joy. We recognize that we too have been called by God. We are called to imitate Mary and Elizabeth in their motherhood. As St. Francis of Assisi said: “We are mothers of Christ when we carry him in our heart and in our body by divine love and with a pure and sincere conscience. We give birth to him through holy works, which should shine forth as an example for others.”
We give birth to Jesus again when we share what we have with others, when we engage in holy works of charity towards those who have less than we do. Like St. Francis says, this action shines forth as an example to others. We teach by our example and the witness of our lives that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. Through his Incarnation, Jesus has become human like us. Through him we come to know that we too are children of God.
Take some time in this last week of Advent to prepare in a spiritual way. Quiet moments of prayer, partaking of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, reading the biblical stories of Christmas, spending time with a lonely person – these are only a few ways that we can make our final preparations for Christmas.
May Jesus be born in us once again. May Jesus, the Light of the World, shine into our dark world with a radiance that comes from within each of us. Let us rejoice in being called children of God.
In addition to the 4:00 pm Mass in the church on Christmas Eve (which is already full), there will be a 4:00pm Mass outside on the covered court at the school.
In case of inclement weather, the schedule will be updated on Wednesday, December 23. Any changes will be announced in this newsletter.
Christmas Eve
2:00 pm Family Mass (outside on covered court)No Reservations
4:00 pm Overflow (outside on covered court)No Reservations
6:00 pm – English in the church (RESERVATION REQUIRED) **
8:00 pm – Spanish in the church (RESERVATION REQUIRED) **
10:00 pm – Bilingual in the church (RESERVATION REQUIRED) **
Christmas Day (NO reservations)
7:30 am – English in the church
9:00 am – English in the church
11:00 am –English in the church
1:00 pm – Spanish in the church
** To avoid overcrowding,reservations will be required for those attending the Masses on Christmas Eve in the church.
Reserved places are limited to 400 persons per Mass. This applies to the indoor Christmas Eve Masses only.
The Diocese of San Diego has requested parishioners to comply with the California mask mandate for indoor activities. Therefore, those attending indoor events at St. Patrick Parish (indoor Masses, Bingo, etc.) are asked to wear face masks. We also ask you to bring your own face mask with you. Thank you for understanding.
Protocolo para el uso de cubrebocas
La Diócesis de San Diego pide a los feligreses en nuestra Diócesis que observen el protocolo para el uso de cubrebocas de California para las actividades en espacios cerrados. Por lo tanto, aquellos que asistan a un evento bajo techo en la Parroquia de San Patricio (misas, bingo, etc.) están obligados a usar un cubrebocas. Les pedimos que traigan su propio cubrebocas. Gracias por su comprensión.
Advent Penance Services
Advent is an appropriate time to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The following opportunities are available in North County this week:
Monday, December 20 at 6:30 PM
St. Mark Parish, San Marcos
Wednesday, December 22 at 6:30 PM
St. Mark Parish, San Marcos
Confessions will also be heard here at St. Patrick’s on Wednesday at 8:30 and 6:00 pm.
Sunday, December 26 is the Feast of the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus. It always follows right after Christmas and reminds us that Jesus was born into a loving human family. It is a good day to come to Mass as a family and ask the Lord to bless our families.
Our Masses on December 26 follow the usual Sunday schedule: 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am (all in English), 1:00 pm in Spanish, and 5:00 pm in English.
Newsletter and Bulletin Schedule
Our next issue of the email newsletter will be published on Wednesday, December 23. Due to the Christmas holidays, there will be no newsletter the week following Christmas. The next issue of the email newsletter will be January 7.
The deadline for submissions for the printed Sunday bulletin of December 26 is December 19. The deadline for the Sunday bulletin of January 2 is December 23.
Some Augustinian Nuns Strive to Become a Seed of Hope and Change
Calabria is a beautiful land, rich in history, but also affected by many forms of pollution. A group of Augustinian nuns have launched a project that aims to address these problems and become a seed of hope and change. The Superior of the convent says the garden will help reconnect with the essentials in life.
This video has English subtitles.
Year-End Giving
As the end of the year moves into sight, you might think about making an end of the year donation to St. Patrick Parish. Click on the link for the most up to date information. It includes new information that relates to the CARES Act. It is relevant if you itemize or not.
Please remember to log in to your Online Giving account to make sure your payment method is up to date and your gifts are being processed.
You can also set up your Christmas or Year-End gift with Online Giving.
For help with forgotten passwords, please contact Online Giving technical support at 800.348.2886, ext. 2.
Click on the Online Giving icon below to create or access your account.
We appreciate your support!
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.
In which gospels do we find narratives about the birth of Jesus?
How many times is Mary named in the Gospel of John?
Who said that the Son of God became human so that human being might become children of God? (Hint: it’s not from the Bible.)
Who is given credit for starting the custom of putting up a creche (nativity scene with figures of Mary, Joseph, et al.)?
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 ruler of Israel is promised to come from Bethlehem.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 80:2-3,15-16,18-19
A prayer for God's salvation
Second Reading
Hebrews 10:5-10
Through his obedience to God's will, Christ consecrated all.
Gospel Reading
Luke 1:39-45
Mary visits Elizabeth, who sings praise to Mary and her child.
Background on the Gospel Reading
On this the last Sunday before Christmas, our Gospel reading prepares us to witness Christ's birth by showing us how Jesus was recognized as Israel's long-awaited Messiah even before his birth. The Gospel turns our attention from the ministry of John the Baptist to the events that preceded John the Baptist's birth. The story of John the Baptist and his parents, Elizabeth and Zechariah, are reported only in Luke's Gospel. Luke pairs the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus, establishing John's early connection to the Messiah.
Our Gospel reading recalls Mary's actions after the announcement of Jesus' birth by the angel Gabriel. Mary goes to visit Elizabeth, her cousin, who is also with child. Elizabeth greets Mary with full recognition of the roles that they and their unborn children will play in God's plan for salvation. If we were to continue to read the verses that follow in Luke's Gospel, we would hear Mary respond to Elizabeth's greeting with her song of praise, the Magnificat. Both women recall and echo God's history of showing favor upon the people of Israel.
In Luke's Gospel the Holy Spirit helps reveal Jesus' identity as God to those who believe. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and sings Mary's praise because she bears the Lord. We sing these words of praise to Mary in the Hail Mary. Even John the Baptist, the unborn child in Elizabeth's womb, is said to recognize the presence of the Lord and leaps for joy.
It is appropriate in this season of Advent that we consider the role of Mary in God's plan of salvation. Elizabeth describes Mary as the first disciple, as the one who believed that God's word to her would be fulfilled. Mary's faith enabled her to recognize the work of God in her people's history and in her own life. Her openness to God allowed God to work through her so that salvation might come to everyone. Because of this, Mary is a model and symbol of the Church. May we be like Mary, open and cooperative in God's plan for salvation.
For many years, our parish has supported Shoes to the World. This Sunday we have the opportunity to donate to this important ministry which brings shoes as well as food to the poor in various parts of the world. This weekend, representatives from STTW will be on the patio to accept donations and answer questions.
For more information about STTW and its work, please see the attached flyer.
$7,368.50 - Amount needed before December 31, 2021
Now, more than ever, your help is needed. We have struggled to meet our assessment in recent years. If we do not meet our Diocesan assessment by December 31, 2021 the parish will have to make up the difference through parish funds.
Your gifts make possible the work that impacts so many in our diocese.
Whatever you can give is most appreciated by the parish and by the many people who will benefit from your donation.
Response Cards are available in the parish office or click the button below.
A sister writes, “Our prayers belong most of all to the generous benefactors whose donations have made this financial assistance possible.” Thank you for supporting last week’s Retirement Fund for Religious collection. Visit retiredreligious.org to learn how your gift supports elderly sisters, brothers, and religious order priests.
Los religiosos expresan su gratitud
Una hermana escribe: “Nuestras oraciones son, sobre
todo para los generosos benefactores cuyos donativos han hecho posible esta ayuda financiera”. Gracias por su apoyo a la colecta la semana pasada para el Fondo para la Jubilación de Religiosos. Visiten retiredreligious.org para aprender cómo su donativo apoya a las hermanas, hermanos y sacerdotes ancianos de órdenes religiosas.
Un Saludo del Diacono Miguel
Isabel llena del Espíritu Santo levantando la voz, exclamo, “¡Bendita tu eres entre todas las mujeres y bendito el fruto de tu vientre!” A leer este texto, podemos captar la alegría de Isabel cuando María entra a su casa. En ese instante, Isabel sabía que Maria estaba embarazada del niño que era el Salvador del mundo. Isabel llena del Espíritu Santo la saluda con esas palabras que todos conocemos cuando recitamos el Ave Maria. Después del saludo Isabel le dice, “Dichosa tú que has creído, porque se cumplirá cuanto te fue anunciado de parte del Señor”. ¿Qué significa esta oración para ti y para mí? ¿Qué significa creer en Dios completamente?Maria creía en Dios y en sus promesas. Y ahora Isabel le confirma todo con su saludo y palabras. Isabel también era una mujer de fe, ella creía que Dios que caminaba con ellos, que Dios sufría con ellos, que Dios que era fiel. María e Isabel nos demuestran esa fe y confianza.
Ahora celebramos el 4º Domingo de Adviento, sólo quedan unos días para la Navidad. ¿Qué es lo que sale de nuestra boca cuando hablamos de relaciones con nuestras familiares o cuando hablamos del prójimo, del futuro, u otras cosas? Por medio de nuestras palabras y acciones, ¿otros reconocerán que él Espíritu Santo habita en nosotros? Pidamos al Señor Jesucristo que nos ayude a ser Templos vivos del Espíritu Santo.
Por favor escuchen a los enlaces proveídos, espero que les ayude en su meditación.
Our parish offices are 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. If need be, the answering service can get in touch with one of our priests quickly- 760-729-2866.
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