We Come to Give Thanks, and more - Week 41

St. Patrick Parish News & Updates

October 10, 2025 | Issue 41

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Pastoral Reflection

Today’s Gospel opens with a simple, heartfelt plea: “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” Ten lepers stand at a distance, crying out for mercy. They suffer not only from disease but also from loneliness, shame, and rejection. Yet, Jesus hears them. He always listens to those who are hurting.

During Jesus’s time, leprosy damaged the skin, caused a terrible smell, and led to social isolation. But even today, there are types of “leprosy” that wound the heart rather than the body. Some people bear emotional wounds — the pain of criticism, gossip, or betrayal that destroys their dignity. Others carry within them the “odor” of resentment, anger, or bitterness, which makes life heavy and relationships hard. And some feel excluded, forgotten, or made to feel they don’t belong — sometimes even within their own families or faith communities.

Nevertheless, Jesus approaches all these sufferings. He seeks to restore what has been broken, heal what sin or hurt has damaged, and reunite us in communion. His healing isn’t just physical; it touches the deepest parts of our hearts.

When the ten lepers were healed, only one returned — and that was a Samaritan, someone considered an outsider. The Gospel reminds us that gratitude and faith aren’t limited to the most religious or to specific groups. The Samaritan’s heart recognized God’s presence in his healing, and he came back to thank Him.

Thus, faith isn’t just about belonging to a structure or movement. It’s a personal relationship with Jesus. It’s about recognizing God’s mercy and responding with gratitude.

The word Eucharist means thanksgiving. Every time we gather for Mass, we’re invited to do what the Samaritan did — to return to the Lord and say, “Thank you.” Perhaps we’ve taken our blessings for granted. Maybe we’ve been healed in ways we no longer notice. Today calls us back to gratitude, to return to the Eucharist, to fall at Jesus’ feet and give thanks.

Some might say, “Father, the Mass feels long,” or “the priest doesn’t inspire me.” I understand. But we don’t come for the priest; we come for Jesus. We come to give thanks, to recognize that everything we have — our life, our family, our faith — is a gift.

Life is brief, brothers and sisters, but when lived with gratitude, it becomes full and beautiful.

Let us be the one who returns. Let us come back to Jesus, back to the Eucharist, back to thanksgiving, and not leave until the final blessing.

Fr. George G. Perez, CJM

Installation of Our New Pastor

This Saturday, October 11 at the 4:30 pm Mass, our new pastor Fr. George Perez, CJM will be formally installed as pastor of St. Patrick Parish.

We are pleased to welcome Bishop Felipe Pulido, Auxiliary Bishop of San Diego, who will preside at the Rite of Installation. There will be a reception on the patio following Mass. All are invited to participate and pray for Fr. George.

The Story of the Ten Lepers

This Sunday’s gospel explained for children.

Advertising Parish Events in the Newsletter

In order for parish events to be listed in this newsletter, the representative of the parish organization or ministry needs to send the information directly to Fr. Ron at rmbagley@yahoo.com

Sending it to Lisa for the bulletin does not mean that it will be included

in the newsletter.

In his first major document, Pope Leo XIV reminds us that the poor are the heart of the Gospel

Read article here...

Clothing for Showers of Blessings

Showers of Blessing will be holding a clothing drive the weekend of October 25 and 26. There will be volunteers on the patio before and after all Masses. Our need for clothing items continues to grow as we are averaging almost 70 guests every Tuesday.

We would greatly appreciate any of the following items:

Men’s new or slightly used jeans (especially waist size 30,32,34)
Men’s new boxer briefs and T shirts
Men’s new or slightly used shirts and jackets
Women’s new underwear and bras ( regular and sports bras)
Women’s new or slightly used jeans, shirts and jackets
New or slightly used shoes for both men and women
Additionally sleeping bags and backpacks are always in demand.

We sincerely appreciate all your donations and kindness as we continue this growing ministry within our parish. DONATIONS are ALWAYS appreciated and accepted.

Learn more about us: Showersofblessingscarlsbad.com

The Knights of Columbus will be collecting items for the Annual Fall Food Drive to benefit Catholic Charities,

St Patrick Parish Food Bank and Showers of Blessings.

This food drive will last 3 weeks - October 4 - 26.

The main donation station will be located by the front door of the Parish Hall, look for the Knights of Columbus pop up tent as well as the church patio. Knights will be there to accept your donations of non- perishable food items

(NO GLASS containers)

along with cash /checks. Checks must be made payable to Catholic Charities.

For your convenience scan the QR code on the above to make a monetary donation online. The Knights will be

available to help with any heavy items or answer any questions.

Below is a list of most requested items. As always, any donation is appreciated. Your community appreciates your participation and generosity! Vivat Jesus!

Size 3 & 4 disposable diapers
Baby wipes
Non-perishable rice beans
Trail Mix
Yogurt cups (unrefrigerated)
Fruit cups
Juice boxes
Mini-raisin boxes
Bottled water
Canned meat

Natalie Myers Clothing Drive

Natalie Myers, a senior that attends J-Serra high school from St. Patrick Parish, is holding a clothing drive before and after all Masses on the weekend of Nov. 8 and 9. People may drop off gently used clothing items in the parish hall where Natalie and core team members of our Justice and Service task group will be set up to receive them. St. Pat's Youth Ministry appreciates your support ahead of time.

Knights Of Columbus ANNUAL TOOTSIE ROLL DRIVE

The Knights will be on the church patio after all the Masses next weekend October 18 & 19. All donations will help support People with Intellectual Disabilities, who need your support!

First Corinthians: The Church and the Christian Community-

Begins this Week

The conflicts of the early Christians in Corinth are in many ways similar to our struggles today as Christians. They, too, witnessed division, scandal, immorality, persecution and other trials. In First Corinthians: The Church and the Christian Community learn how St. Paul addressed these struggles by introducing the Corinthians to God’s greatest gift–the Eucharist.

Ruah Adonai Breath of God Bible Study will begin First Corinthians: The Church and the Christian Community on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 8:30 am in the Parish Center. Participants will meet every Thursday to view an engaging video presentation followed by a time of lively group discussion and fellowship. For more information or to register contact Lisa Albers at lalbersphone@gmail.com or

Kelly Le Berthon at kelly.leberthon12@gmail.com

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 payment method is current and your donations are being processed.

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

Donate to ACA here...

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.

Can you name the five joyful mysteries of the rosary?
Can you name the five sorrowful mysteries of the rosary?
Can you name the five glorious mysteries of the rosary?
Who added the five luminous mysteries of the rosary?
Can you name the five luminous mysteries of the rosary?

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

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C

First Reading

2 Kings 5:14-17

Naaman is cleansed of his leprosy and chooses to serve the God of Israel.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 98:1,2-3,3-4

Rejoice! The salvation of God is made known to all.

Second Reading

2 Timothy 2:8-13

Those who remain faithful to Christ will share Christ's glory.

Gospel Reading

Luke 17:11-19

Jesus heals 10 lepers, and one, the Samaritan, returns to give thanks.

Background on the Gospel Reading

Today we hear about how Jesus, continuing on his journey to Jerusalem, heals 10 lepers. This story is a lesson about faith and reminds us that faith is sometimes found in unlikely places. Ten people afflicted with leprosy cry out to Jesus. Struck with pity, Jesus heals all 10. However, only one is described as glorifying God and returning to thank Jesus. The one who returns is a Samaritan, a foreigner. In the Jewish circles in which Jesus lived, Samaritans were looked down upon because of the differences between the two communities in their observance of Judaism. It is significant, therefore, that Jesus commends the Samaritan for his faith, which has been his salvation. Throughout Luke's Gospel, faith is found in surprising places.

Another lesson for us in this Gospel has to do with salvation. All 10 of the lepers were given the gift of healing, but in his gratitude to God for this gift, the Samaritan found salvation. Our salvation is found in recognizing the gifts we have been given and knowing to whom we must offer our thanks.

Feast of St. Luke

This short video gives an overview of the life and work of St Luke whose feast the Church celebrates on October 18.

The ladies of the Altar Society are having a Bake Sale on the church patio this Sunday, October 12. Plan to stop by their table and check out the delicious items they have prepared.

Family Mass

Our next Family Mass will be this Sunday, October 12 at 9:00 am in the church.

Come and bring the whole family.

Blood Drive

Save the date! As part of our commitment to our community, St. Patrick Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus are hosting a Blood Drive on Sunday, October 26 from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM.

Give Thanks to God

This Sunday’s gospel reminds us to be thankful. This children’s song is fun for kids and adults. The lesson is important for all of us.

Christmas Boutique - Mark Your Calendars

The Altar Society will be holding their annual Christmas Boutique the weekend of November 22 & 23. By summer's end, you most probably have inventoried your youngsters' possessions of toys, stuffed animals and books that no longer interest them. Here is how we, the Ladies of the Altar Society, can help you find a home for these treasures. Donate them for our Christmas Boutique and we will find a new home for them. We are also looking for gently used household items, particularly Christmas decor that you no longer use. Items can be dropped off at the church office Monday thru Friday from 8:30 to 12:30 and 1:30 to 4:30.

NYAC Youth Share Their Ghana Experience

On Sunday, November 9, all St. Pat's parishioners are invited to come listen to St. Patrick's National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC) members (Natalie Myers, Tim Rivette, Hector Saldaña, & Valeria Torres) as they share their incredible experience of travelling to Ghana with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) this past August. Questions will be fielded from the audience during the presentation. Additionally, the NYAC youth will have a walk-through exhibit set up so people can take a more detailed look at their experience in Ghana. The exhibit will be open all morning in the parish hall on Sunday November 9. The panel presentation will take place between the conclusion of the 9:00 a.m. Mass and the beginning of the 11:00 a.m. Mass.

Come and hear about the amazing experience of our young people.

Two More St. Patrick Youth Are Selected to Serve on NYAC

As our four previous youth members from St. Pat's Youth Ministry complete their 2024/2025 term for the National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC), we are pleased to announce that two more young people from St. Patrick Parish have been named to NYAC for the 2025/2026 term that will conclude November 2026. The two young people from St. Pat's that have been named to NYAC are Erin Gray and Olivia Rawson. According to the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) the mission of NYAC “is to give a voice to the faith, hope, and love of youth by building bridges and nurturing safe spaces across generations, cultures, and backgrounds. Using our unique gifts and talents we aspire to be an example of joy and unity in the image of God for the young church.” In 2022 the NYAC members were able to travel to Rome and have an audience with Pope Francis. In August of this year, NYAC members travelled to Ghana with Catholic Relief Services. While not guaranteed, it will be interesting to see what Erin and Olivia are able to do as a part of NYAC. St. Pat's Parish thanks them and congratulates them for their service.

XXVIII Domingo ordinario

Reflexión Pastoral

El Evangelio de hoy comienza con una súplica sencilla y sentida: “¡Jesús, Maestro, ten compasión de nosotros!” Diez leprosos se mantienen a distancia, clamando por misericordia. Sufren no solo por la enfermedad, sino también por la soledad, la vergüenza y el rechazo. Sin embargo, Jesús los escucha. Siempre escucha a los que sufren.

En la época de Jesús, la lepra dañaba la piel, producía un olor terrible y llevaba al aislamiento social. Pero incluso hoy existen tipos de “lepra” que hieren el corazón más que el cuerpo. Algunas personas llevan heridas emocionales: el dolor de las críticas, los chismes o la traición que destruyen la dignidad. Otros cargan el “olor” del resentimiento, la ira o la amargura, lo que hace la vida pesada y dificulta las relaciones. Y algunos se sienten excluidos, olvidados o como si no pertenecieran —a veces incluso dentro de sus familias o comunidades de fe.

No obstante, Jesús se acerca a todos estos sufrimientos. Busca restaurar lo que se ha roto, sanar lo que el pecado o el dolor han dañado y reunirnos en comunión. Su sanación no es solo física; toca las partes más profundas de nuestro corazón.

Cuando los diez leprosos fueron sanados, solo uno regresó —y era un samaritano, alguien considerado un extranjero. El Evangelio nos recuerda que la gratitud y la fe no están limitadas a los más religiosos ni a grupos específicos. El corazón del samaritano reconoció la presencia de Dios en su sanación y volvió para darle gracias.

Así, la fe no se trata solo de pertenecer a una estructura o movimiento. Es una relación personal con Jesús. Es reconocer la misericordia de Dios y responder con gratitud.

La palabra Eucaristía significa acción de gracias. Cada vez que nos reunimos para la Misa, estamos invitados a hacer lo que hizo el samaritano: volver al Señor y decir, “Gracias”. Quizás hemos dado por sentadas nuestras bendiciones. Tal vez hemos sido sanados de maneras que ya no notamos. Hoy se nos invita a regresar a la gratitud, a volver a la Eucaristía, a postrarnos ante Jesús y darle gracias.

Algunos podrían decir: “Padre, la Misa se siente larga” o “el sacerdote no me inspira”. Lo entiendo. Pero no venimos por el sacerdote; venimos por Jesús. Venimos a dar gracias, a reconocer que todo lo que tenemos —nuestra vida, nuestra familia, nuestra fe— es un regalo.

La vida es breve, hermanos y hermanas, pero cuando se vive con gratitud, se vuelve plena y hermosa. Seamos el que regresa. Volvamos a Jesús, volvamos a la Eucaristía, volvamos a la acción de gracias, y no nos vayamos hasta la bendición final.

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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