"Ephphatha", and more from Fr. Ron Week 36

St. Patrick Parish News & Updates

September 6, 2024 | Issue 36

A Word from the Pastor

September 6, 2024

"Ephphatha," meaning "be opened," is a profound call that resonates deeply within the context of contemporary faith. This term, spoken by Jesus during the healing of the deaf-mute in this Sunday’s gospel (Mark 7:31-37), serves as a significant invitation for believers today to open themselves to God, His Word, and to one another. Let me highlight three ways:

Openness to God and His Word - The command "Ephphatha" is not merely a historical event but a timeless invitation for all Christians. Pope Francis emphasizes that this call is directed not only to the deaf man but to every believer and the Church itself. It urges Christians to be open to the Word of God and to the mission of evangelization. This openness is essential for witnessing and proclaiming the Gospel, as a closed heart leads to isolation and a lack of true Christian identity.

Pope Benedict XVI also highlights that at Baptism, each believer receives the "Ephphatha" of the Spirit, enabling them to hear God's voice and communicate with Him. This sacramental moment marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith, where believers are called to grow in their relationship with God and to share that relationship with others.

The Role of Community and Communication - The healing of the deaf-mute illustrates the importance of community and communication in faith. Jesus took the man aside, away from the crowd, to perform the healing, which signifies the personal and intimate nature of God's interaction with individuals. This act serves as a reminder that faith is not just a private affair but is meant to be lived out in community. The Church is called to be a space where believers can listen to one another and to God, fostering a culture of dialogue and communion.

Moreover, the act of listening is emphasized as a priority in the Christian life. Pope Benedict XVI notes that listening to the Word of God is essential for ecumenical commitment and for the growth of faith. This listening leads to a deeper understanding of God's will and encourages believers to share their experiences and insights with others, thereby enriching the community of faith.

A Call to Action - The "Ephphatha" command also serves as a call to action for Christians today. It challenges them to reflect on their openness to God's call and their willingness to engage in the mission of the Church. Pope Francis encourages believers to ask themselves whether they truly love the Lord enough to want to proclaim Him and to bring others to Him in prayer. This self-reflection is crucial for fostering a vibrant faith that actively seeks to share the joy of the Gospel with the world.

As we hear the Lord’s command to “be opened,” let us open our ears, our hearts, our lives to the Lord’s call to greater commitment.

In one Heart,

Fr. Ron

rmbagley@yahoo.com

Diocesan Institute

The Gospel of Luke

Fr. Azam Mansha, CJM – Wednesdays, October 9-November 13

9:00am – 11:30am

St. Patrick Church

Course flyer here...

Coffee with St. John Eudes!

Who is St. John Eudes? If you’re interested in learning more about St. John Eudes and Eudist spirituality, join the Eudist Fathers and Associates for a monthly “Coffee with St. John Eudes” on the 2nd Friday of each month.

The next gathering will be held next Friday, September 13, 9:00 AM. Fr. Azam Mansha, CJM will share about the Admirable Heart of Mary.

If you’re interested in joining "Coffee with St. John Eudes" or have further questions, email Fr. Azam Mansha, CJM:at azamvianney@eudistsusa.org

Meals for Our Priests

Please pray for Carl Nishihiri, the cook for our parish priests. Carl has served our priests for many years and is quite sick at the moment. He will not return to us for a while.

In the meantime, we are looking for parishioners who might make a meal for the priests and drop it off at the parish office. If you would like to do that, call the parish office to find out what dates are available. Our office staff can help you with the details.

From your parish priests: Thank you very much!

40 Days for Life

Opening Prayer Vigil: Saturday September 21 at 9:30 am

1964 Via Centre, Vista, near In & Out Burger

Bring a friend, share hope and pray for God’s grace.

Prayer Campaign: September 25 - November 3 – 7 am to 7 pm

Ruah Adonai Breath of God Bible Study

Join now for 2024-2025 as we study in two parts. Now Is the Time of Mercy! Divine Mercy In the Second Greatest Story Ever Told is a dramatic 10-session journey featuring popular speaker Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC., …who weaves a tapestry of wonder and beauty from the threads of the dramatic history of Poland, the transformative message of St. Faustina Kowalska.”

The second half of the year, we will study the Gospel of Luke, The Story of Salvation Fulfilled by Ascension Press. Saint Luke was a physician, prolific writer and traveling companion of Saint Paul. The Gospel of Luke includes unique parables like the Good Samaritan, the rich man in Lazarus, and the prodigal son. This coming liturgical year is the year of Luke, so this will reinforce what we hear at Holy Mass.

Beginning Thursday, October 10 at 8:30 am, participants will meet every week to view an engaging video presentation, followed by a lively group discussion and fellowship. Ruah Adonai is open to men and women.

Registration for Divine Mercy study will be the weekend of September 14 and 15. Join us on the Church patio after Mass!

Bach Fugue

J.S. Bach's Fugue in G-minor BWV 578 performed by Charlie Brusquini. Recorded in Kristine kryrka, Falun, Sweden in august 2018.

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

(OCIA) is a formation process which leads adults into full communion with the Catholic Church. It begins in September and culminates with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil (April 19, 2025). The sessions are held every Sunday (except holiday weekends) after the 9:00 am Mass.

Who should enroll in this?

Those who have not been baptized and want to be Catholic
Those who were baptized in another Christian denomination and now wish to become Catholic
Adults who never celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation

All of these people form a community that learns and grows together in the faith as they journey together. While it includes information and learning about the teachings of the Church, it also aims to help the participants grow in faith, become more prayerful and experience Christian community. Participating in the 9:00 am Mass prior to the Sunday sessions is an important part of this formation and is an expectation for participants.

To enroll for OCIA, send an email to: rmbagley@yahoo.com

Fr. Ron will reply to set up a personal interview. If you have questions, contact Fr. Ron at the parish 760-729-2866 x309

Marriage Help!

October 4-6, 2024

Not willing to let go of your marriage? Many couples continue to struggle in a marriage but are not willing to give up on each other. There is hope.

Retrouvaille is a program designed to help struggling marriages regain their health. It helps a husband and a wife rediscover or re-awaken the love, trust and commitment that originally brought them together.

For more information about an upcoming Retrouvaille Weekend program for couples, call 951-259-9474 or visit our website by clicking the box below.

Learn more here...

RETROUVAILLE- REDESCUBRIR

Para Matrimonios en Crisis

Septiembre 20-22, 2024

Si están sufriendo en su matrimonio, si no existe una comunicación significativa, o si han considerado la separación o el divorcio, Retrouvaille (Redescubrir) los puede ayudar.

Para más información, hablen al 619-423-0182

o visite nuestro sitio Web

Haga Clic Aquí:

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.

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.

How many Corporal Works of Mercy does the Church list?
Can you name the Corporal Works of Mercy?
How many Spiritual Works of Mercy are there?
Can you name the Spiritual Works of Mercy?
Which of them have you done recently?

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

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.

Masses are available on our website www.stpatrickcarlsbad.com

We have a YouTube channel where we have daily and Sunday Masses.

YouTube channel here...

Answers to Catholic Trivia here!

Online Giving

Read all of Fr. Ron's newsletters here

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B

First Reading

Isaiah 35:4-7a

Isaiah prophesies about God’s vindication.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 146:7,8-9,9-10

A song of praise to God

Second Reading

James 2:1-5

James teaches that there is to be no partiality within the Christian community.

Gospel Reading

Mark 7:31-37

Jesus restores a man’s hearing and speech.

Background on the Gospel Reading

Today we continue to hear the Gospel of Mark proclaimed. In today’s reading, Jesus heals a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment. This is a story about Jesus’ healing power, and in it we find clues about our understanding of sacrament. We are struck by the physical means used to heal the man, the use of spittle and touch. The Church continues to celebrate the sacraments using physical means. In the Sacrament of Baptism, water and oil are used to show the power of the Holy Spirit. In the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, we are anointed with holy oil on the forehead and the hands. In the Eucharist, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. We are a sacramental people who believe that God’s grace is given to us through these physical signs.

Some, however, see in this Gospel an image of the proclamation of the good news of Jesus to the Gentiles. The geographic references tell us that Jesus is journeying through Gentile territory. Jesus had previously visited this region and healed a person possessed by a demon. Jesus was already famous there, which explains why people brought the deaf man to him. The story that precedes this reading in Mark’s Gospel sets the stage. Jesus encounters a Gentile, a Syrophoenician woman who asks him to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Jesus engages her in a dialogue about not feeding to dogs the food intended for children. Jesus is struck by the woman’s great faith when she replies that even dogs eat the food that falls from the table, and he heals her daughter immediately. The faith of this Greek woman compels Jesus to respond to her plea.

Mark shows that Jesus’ own mission affirms the early Church’s mission to the Gentiles. This was a significant issue to the early Christian community, which found that the good news of Jesus took root and spread quickly among the Gentiles. Yet there is an irony in the story of healing that Mark tells. Jesus gives the man the gift of speech, but then tells him not to use it. Jesus asks that the news of his healing power, which is evidence of his identity as the Messiah, not be spread. This is a recurring motif in Mark’s Gospel and is sometimes called the “messianic secret.”

Whatsoever You Do

The message of the Corporal Works of Mercy is put to music in this old favorite by Willard Jabusch.

Family Mass

Our next Family Mass will be on Sunday September 15 at 9:00 am.

Come bring the whole family.

The Knights of Columbus

Invite our parish and friends to our annual Oktoberfest

celebration

September 28th from 5:00 - 8:00pm in the Paris Hall

They will have traditional German food and beer, German music and a raffle.

$20.00 per person, kids 10 and under are free

Tickets will be on sale on the church patio after all the weekend Masses or at the parish office during the weekdays.

Hope you can join us!!

Religious Education Preschool to 8th Grade

We are here to support parents in forming their children in the Catholic Faith and to engage families in our parish community where we worship and grow together in faith.

The online registration of sacramental preparation and faith formation for children age 3 to 8th grade is open. Visit the Parish Religious Education website:

Religious Education info here...

You will find general information about the program and learn what we offer for early faith formation, sacramental preparation and classes for students as they continue after their First Communion.

For more information and to register in person, please contact our office at 760-729-8442 or MDornisch@stpatrickcarlsbad.com

Blessings. Margit Dornisch

Religious Education and Family Ministry

Un Saludo de

parte del Diacono Miguel,

“Le llevaron entonces a un hombre sordo y tartamudo, lo apartó a un lado de la gente, le metió los dedos en los oídos y le tocó la lengua con saliva. Después, mirando al cielo, suspiró y le dijo: “¡Effetá!” (que quiere decir “¡Ábrete!”). Al momento se le abrieron los oídos… y empezó a hablar”. (Evangelio San Marcos 7:31-37) En este 23 Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, escuchamos el milagro de Jesús que cura al tartamudo. Sólo puede imaginarme lo que pudo ver sentido el tartamudo cuando ve a Jesús que se le acerca, ve a Jesús mover los labios, lo ve que mira hacia el cielo, mete su dedo en los oídos y le toca la lengua con su saliva, y empieza a oír a Jesús y el ruido que le arrodea. Y por primera vez empieza a hablar. Que gran experiencia y bendición para este tartamudo. En nuestro bautismo el sacerdote/diacono hace esta oración mientras que toca los oídos y la boca, “El Señor Jesús que hizo oír a los sordos y hablar a los mudos, te conceda a su tiempo escuchar su palabra y profesar la fe, para alabanza y gloria de Dios Padre”. Pero algo pasa en nuestras vidas que no permite que esta oración se cumpla en nosotros. ¿Qué pasa? La falta de Dios en nuestro hogar. La falta de amor y el respeto nos afecta. Quizás el ego, la idolatría, falsos dioses, temor, odio y otras cosas que influyen cómo nos miramos, cómo miramos a otros y al mundo. Pero, Dios nunca se cansa de buscarnos. El Señor desea curarnos y sanarnos, quiere tocar esos espacios dentro de nosotros que necesitan ser sanados. Dejémonos ser tocados y creer en su palabra. Veamos a Jesús como el tartamudo.

“La Eucaristía y nuestra llamada a la misión, Parte II ” Haga clic aquí:

Viviendo Nuestra Fe: “Las Obras Espirituales De Misericordia”. Haga clic aquí:

Otra Reflexión: “Jesús cura al Tartamudo” Haga clic aquí:

Detente

Hablemos de Effatá

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:

rmbagley@yahoo.com

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