You Shall Love... Week 42 - Friday, October 23, 2026

St. Patrick Parish News & Updates

October 23, 2026 | Issue 42

Pastor’s Reflection

Thirtieth Sunday in

Ordinary Time

This Sunday’s readings invite us to reflect on the foundation of our Christian life: love. When a Pharisee asks Jesus which commandment is the greatest, Jesus responds without hesitation: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Then He adds, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mt 22:37-39). These two commandments are inseparable and summarize the entire Gospel message.

In a world often marked by division, competition, and self-interest, Jesus reminds us that love is not simply a feeling but a way of life. To love God with our whole being means placing Him at the center of everything we do. It means trusting Him in moments of uncertainty, seeking His will in prayer, and allowing His Word to guide our decisions. Genuine love for God transforms our hearts and changes the way we see others.

The first reading from Exodus reveals God’s special concern for the vulnerable. He commands His people not to mistreat the foreigner, the widow, or the orphan. These individuals represented the most defenseless members of society. God identifies Himself with those who suffer and promises to hear their cries. This message challenges us today. The measure of our faith is not found merely in our prayers or religious practices but in the way we treat those who are struggling, lonely, marginalized, or in need.

Saint Paul, in the second reading, praises the Thessalonians for their faithful witness. Despite experiencing hardships, they received the Gospel with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit. Their example demonstrates that authentic discipleship is visible in action. Faith becomes credible when it is expressed through love, service, and perseverance.

As Catholics, we are called to examine whether our love for God is reflected in our daily interactions. Do we show patience toward family members? Do we forgive those who have hurt us? Do we take time to assist those in need? Sometimes the greatest acts of love are found in simple gestures: a listening ear, a word of encouragement, a visit to someone who is sick, or a prayer offered for another person.

As we celebrate this Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, let us ask the Lord to deepen our love for Him and for one another. When love becomes the center of our lives, we become true disciples and witnesses of Christ in the world.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, teach us to love You with all our heart, soul, and mind. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we may love others as You have loved us. May our words and actions reflect Your mercy and compassion every day. Amen.

Blessings always,

Fr. George G. Perez, CJM

Annual All Souls Day Mass

On Monday, November 2, we will celebrate our annual Mass for all those who have died in the past year. It will take place in the church at 7:00 pm. Invitations have been sent to the family members of our deceased parishioners, but everyone is invited to this celebration.

Word of the Week: Aggiornamento

Aggiornamento is an Italian word that means "bringing up to date" or "updating.” Pope St. John XXIII made the term famous in the 1960s when he used it to describe the modernization and spiritual renewal of the Roman Catholic Church which was the purpose of the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). It also recalls an old Latin expression: ecclesia semper reformanda (the Church must always be renewed/reformed).

Catholics Increase Worldwide as Number of Priests

Edges Upward

Ahead of World Mission Sunday (last week), the Vatican’s Fides news agency released the 2026 Church Statistics report, recording a rising number of Catholics on every continent, more priests, and fewer religious sisters and major seminarians.

Read about this here...

Our own Bishop shares his story of being a refugee and how it shaped his life and ministry.

Share Your Blessings, Strengthen the Church

Many Catholic families support their parish, school, or ministry through donor-advised funds, appreciated stocks, mutual funds, and other investment assets. Donating appreciated securities may help you avoid capital gains taxes while supporting the Church's mission. To receive potential tax benefits, securities are generally transferred directly to the charitable organization and must be accepted according to the organization's gift policies. Always seek professional tax and financial guidance before making a charitable gift.

"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart."

(2 Corinthians 9:7)

Showers of Blessings Annual Clothing Drive

Showers of Blessings will be holding a clothing drive the weekend of November 7 and 8. There will be volunteers on the patio before and after all the Masses. Our need for clothing and toiletry items continues to grow as we are averaging almost 80 guests every Tuesday.

While we greatly appreciate your donations, we only need the following items:

Men’s new or gently used jeans (especially waist size 30,32,34) up to size 40
Men’s NEW BOXER BRIEFS (with a fly) and T Shirts
Men’s new or slightly used shorts, shirts, hoodies and jackets
Women’s new or gently used jeans, shirts, hoodies and jackets
Women’s NEW underwear sizes S – XL
Women’s new or slightly used Bras (regular or sport)
New or gently used shoes for wearing on the street for both Men and Women (please no high heeled shoes)
New or slightly used belts for Men and Women
Travel size toiletries

Sleeping bags and Backpacks are ALWAYS in demand.

Monetary DONATIONS are ALWAYS appreciated and accepted.

We sincerely appreciate all your donations and kindness as we continue expanding this ministry within our parish. We are ALWAYS looking for additional volunteers to serve in many different capacities.

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 credit card information is up to date.

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

Make your contribution to our ACA fund 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.

Which sacrament is considered the gateway to all the other sacraments?
What is the essential action of the priest or deacon in the Sacrament of Baptism?
Which words must be spoken for a valid Baptism?
Who can baptize in cases of necessity?
What is the name of oil used for anointing at Baptism?

Feel free to email Fr. Ron with ideas for future Catholic Trivia questions rmbagley@yahoo.com

Answers to Catholic Trivia here!

YouTube channel here...

Give to Your Church here...Online Giving

Read prior newsletters here

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A

First Reading

Exodus 22:20-26

The Lord teaches that compassion ought to be shown to the alien and to the poor.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 18:2-4,47,51

The Lord is our strength.

Second Reading

1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10

Paul tells the Thessalonians that their conversion to the Lord has been an example to all believers.

Gospel Reading

Matthew 22:34-40

The Pharisees continue to test Jesus with a question about the greatest commandment.

Background on the Gospel Reading

This week’s Gospel follows close behind the Gospel read last Sunday. It is the last of three questions put to Jesus by Jewish religious leaders who are trying to trick him into saying something that might get him arrested. This reminds us that the context for today’s reading is the mounting tension between Jesus and the religious leaders in Jerusalem.

The Herodians and the Pharisees asked the first question, which was about taxes. The Sadducees asked the second question, which was about the Resurrection (see Matthew 22:22-33). The third question, considered in today’s Gospel, is asked by a Pharisee who asks Jesus about the greatest of the commandments.

The question requires Jesus to interpret the Law of Moses. The Mosaic Law consists of the Ten Commandments and many additional rules, numbering over six hundred. Adherence to the Mosaic Law, for a devout Jew, is an expression of faithfulness to God’s covenant with Israel. The ranking of the Commandments was regularly debated among the teachers of the Law.

Jesus answers the Pharisees’ question with a two-fold summary. Jesus says that all of the commandments can be summarized in two commandments: love God and love your neighbor. Both of these were central elements of the religious tradition Jesus learned from his Jewish community. Indeed, these continue to be central aspects of contemporary Jewish religious understanding. Jesus’ response to his questioners proposed an integral connection between these two aspects of the Jewish Law. Love of God finds its expression in our love for our neighbor.

The Greatest Command

This song echoes the words of this Sunday’s gospel. It is a song that is taught to children, but the Littleton Church offers this beautiful version in four-part harmony.

Love (in a round)

Once again, here is a song that echoes this Sunday’s gospel and is sung acapella and, in a round.

Last Weekend for

Advent Food Drive

The Knights of Columbus will be collecting items for the Annual Food Drive to benefit:

St Patrick Parish Food Bank, Showers of Blessings, and Catholic Charities

See the flyer here for more information...

Catholics Should Vote

in Elections

The Catholic obligation to vote comes from the Church’s teaching on responsible citizenship and the moral duty to promote the common good. The clearest and most authoritative source for this teaching is the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which explicitly states that voting is a moral duty.

The Catechism teaches that citizens must contribute to society in truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom (CCC 2239). It then states: “Submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one’s country.”

This is the foundation: voting is not just a civic privilege, but a moral responsibility rooted in charity and justice.

Statement of Most Reverend Michael Pham Bishop

of San Diego

Immigration Enforcement in San Diego

Read about it here...

Reflexión del Párroco

XXX Domingo Ordinario

Las lecturas de este Trigésimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario nos conducen al corazón mismo del Evangelio: el amor. En el Evangelio de san Mateo (22, 34-40), un doctor de la Ley pregunta a Jesús cuál es el mandamiento más importante. La respuesta del Señor es clara y profunda: “Amarás al Señor tu Dios con todo tu corazón, con toda tu alma y con toda tu mente”. Y añade inmediatamente: “Amarás a tu prójimo como a ti mismo”. En estos dos mandamientos se resume toda la Ley y los Profetas.

Jesús nos enseña que la verdadera religión no consiste únicamente en cumplir normas o practicar ritos externos. La esencia de la vida cristiana es una relación de amor con Dios que se refleja en el amor hacia los demás. No podemos decir que amamos a Dios si ignoramos las necesidades de nuestro prójimo. Del mismo modo, nuestro amor al prójimo encuentra su fuerza y su sentido en el amor que recibimos de Dios.

La primera lectura, tomada del libro del Éxodo, nos recuerda la sensibilidad de Dios hacia los más vulnerables: el extranjero, la viuda y el huérfano. En el pueblo de Israel, estas personas carecían de protección y recursos. Por eso Dios pide a su pueblo que las trate con justicia y compasión. Este mensaje sigue siendo actual. Hoy también encontramos personas que sufren soledad, pobreza, discriminación o abandono. Como discípulos de Cristo, estamos llamados a escuchar su clamor y a responder con generosidad y misericordia.

En la segunda lectura, san Pablo felicita a la comunidad de Tesalónica porque acogió el Evangelio con alegría, aun en medio de las dificultades y persecuciones. Su testimonio se convirtió en ejemplo para muchos creyentes. Esta actitud nos recuerda que la fe auténtica se manifiesta en obras concretas de amor y perseverancia. Cuando vivimos el Evangelio con fidelidad, nos convertimos en una luz para los demás.

En nuestras familias, parroquias y comunidades, el Señor nos invita a examinar cómo estamos viviendo este mandamiento del amor. ¿Ponemos a Dios en el centro de nuestra vida? ¿Somos pacientes y comprensivos con los demás? ¿Sabemos perdonar las ofensas y tender la mano al necesitado? Muchas veces, los gestos sencillos son los que mejor reflejan el amor cristiano: escuchar con atención, acompañar a quien sufre, visitar a un enfermo o brindar una palabra de esperanza.

Que en esta semana renovemos nuestro compromiso de amar a Dios sobre todas las cosas y a nuestro prójimo como a nosotros mismos. Así seremos verdaderos discípulos de Cristo y testigos vivos de su amor en el mundo.

Oración

Señor Jesús, enséñanos a amarte con todo nuestro corazón, con toda nuestra alma y con toda nuestra mente. Llénanos de tu Espíritu Santo para que podamos amar y servir a nuestros hermanos con generosidad, humildad y alegría. Haznos instrumentos de tu paz y testigos de tu amor. Amén.

Bendiciones siempre.

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

Read our Sunday Bulletin here

Surf our website