March 30, 2025

Dear People of St. Patrick Parish,

Today, we begin the Fourth Sunday of Lent and should take some time to see how we are doing in our spiritual lives this Lent. There is still time to work on getting our sins forgiven, trying to stop sinning and to grow closer to our all-loving God. We should look at our Rice Bowl and see if the Bowl is starting to really get full.

The Gospel of Luke, about the parable of the Prodigal Son gives us so many things to reflect on, pray over and maybe make some changes in our lives, starting today.

Let us reflect on whether we are like the father, the older Brother or the younger son in the Parable today.

Can we relate to a all-forgiving Father who truly loves His Sons?

Are we like the younger son, who messed up, but saw mistakes and tries to act better?

Or are we like older son who refuses to forgive his brother, hurts his fathers’ feelings and prefers to have everything the way he wants.

Diocese of Oakland Ministries of Hope 2025 Bishop’s Ministries Appeal that needs each of us to raise the goal of $3 Million, to provide more than 70 vital programs throughout the Diocese. St. Patrick Parish goal is the same as last year $42,400.00. Thank God, we went above our goal last year and received $7,498.00 back to the Parish from $49,898.00.

Let’s do our share in our giving and also pray for the Diocese to reach its goal. Yes, as people of Faith and Hope, we are especially Pilgrims of Hope and expect God to bless our Diocese of Oakland and our beloved Parish of St. Patrick.

God Bless,
Fr. Larry Young
Your Pastor