St. Patrick Catholic Community

There is a crisis underway with young men and boys in our country. Excessive online gaming and pornography use has resulted in widespread lack of social skill development, an emerging unhealthy sexuality, a lack of motivation for education and meaningful employment among young men. While taking the perspective of a supportive Christian community, this evening’s reflection will review relevant psychological research and examine some ways to help reverse the problem.

In the first chapter of the Letter to the Ephesians, the author offers a sustained blessing that reveals God’s glorious and lavish grace to all who follow Jesus, who are “in Christ.” In a joyful and hopeful reflection, we will unpack something of the wonder of that message of living “in Christ.”

"Our readings this week celebrate the "Great Light" God provides for those dwelling in darkness, and that Light is Jesus the Christ. We celebrate as well the loving call to discipleship that Jesus gave the early Apostles, and the call we all have received through our baptism into the death and resurrection of Jesus. The joy of discipleship leads us to loving service of others, beginning with the least and the last."

"St Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are focused inwardly, not realizing they belong to a great community at large, the Body of Christ. Paul's words can apply to all Christian communities to expand their mission beyond the church walls. Some examples on how we can be that type of community".

Fr. Eric is extending a special invitation to all parish community members! Come be a part of Fr. Ray Carey's two workshops on January 23 & 24 at 7:00 pm. A frequent and much beloved visitor to St. Patrick, Rev. Raymond P. Carey, Ph.D. is a priest of the Archdiocese of Portland, Fr. Carey serves as a counselor for priests and religious, adjunct professor at Mt. Angel Seminary, consultant for vocation and formation ministers, and as a retreat director and lecturer both nationally and internationally. He holds Master’s degrees in Theology and in Counseling Psychology, and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. These are two must attend evenings!  Click here to download the flyer to share with friends.   

"The Magi give gifts to the new born King. Jesus, Mary and Joseph soon become refugees, fleeing King Herod, who seeks to kill all two year old boys. Why does God allow his Son to be a refugee? Jesus knows what it means to migrate. Who migrates today?" Here is the link to the video shown during the homily. https://youtu.be/VxlKZereog0

The Epiphany is indeed a great Feast, and the joy caused us by the Birth of our Jesus must be renewed on it, for as though it were a second Christmas Day, it shows us our Incarnate God in a new light. It leaves us all the sweetness of the dear Babe of Bethlehem, who hath appeared to us already in love; but to this it adds its own grand manifestation of the divinity of our Jesus. At Christmas it was a few Shepherds that were invited by the Angels to go and recognize THE WORD MADE FLESH; but now, at the Epiphany, the voice of God himself calls the whole world to adore this Jesus, and hear him.

"We can be impatient with God, life, people. Not having patience for God revealing his mystery when we are living in the unknown. Mary, Mother of God, reminds us that she allowed things to unfold in front of her, even though she did not have clarity of the plan. Why are we so impatient with God?"

"Joseph and Mary were engaged to be married when Joseph found out that Mary was going to have a baby. After hearing this news, Joseph decided to call off the marriage. But an angel appeared to him in a dream and told him to stay with Mary and take care of her. The angel said the baby was God’s son and should be named Jesus. This was not at all what Joseph had planned! The angel’s message was so unusual, and would require so much from him, that it would have been easier for Joseph to pretend he didn’t hear it. Instead, he trusted God and did what the angel asked, even though it would change his life." CRS 2016

" John the Baptist from prison sends his follower to Jesus asking if he is the one they have been waiting on or is there another? Jesus answer is so perfect, basically saying looking around and tell me what you see? Blind now see, Lame now walk, deaf now hear... In other words figure it out yourself. Jesus always leaves a fragment in his answers to cause us to believe or trust what he is saying. Notice he does not give us clarity, easy answers. There must be free will on our part to either love God or reject him. It is always our decision."