January 18, 2021
Photo of the Week:
11 elementary school teachers and principals from our diocese participated in a virtual retreat last week. The retreat was based on St. Ignatius Examen. There were 118 participants and facilitators including the the the Offices of Catholic Schools, Chancellor, School of Ministry and Evangelization and Faith Formation from the diocese.
Celebrating a King
The following was written by the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
(January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968)
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the first observance of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. national holiday. Dr. King's honorable life, selfless service, and impactful legacy serve as an example of Christian love and responsibility.
A spiritually grounded scholar committed to change through non-violence and strategic action, Rev. Dr. King promoted a message and methods that provide an effective road map as our divided country faces challenges on many fronts.
While our celebrations will be different this year, our message and commitment to continuing the work in fulfilling "The Dream" must not waver.
So how can you honor his legacy and work towards making the dream a reality?
- Pray for justice, peace, healing, and love to cover our lives, our country, and our world
- Participate in one or more of the many virtual activities and events taking place online
- Contribute to organizations dedicated to social justice and healing
- Talk to your children, other youth, and young adults about the Civil Rights struggle that continues to this day
- Think, speak, and act as an example of justice, peace, healing, and love
Office of the Bishop:
A Message from Bishop Cotta: Capitol Riots Translated
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Join the Friars and many faithful from Christian denominations around the world for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25, 2021. Abide in My Love…You Shall Bear Much Fruit is the theme for the 2021 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
We invite you to join together as Christians in prayer for unity. Please visit www.atonementfriars.org for more information and an outline of scripture, meditation, and prayer for the entire eight day period.
Our country is in desperate need of unity this year so please join as Christians to pray for unity and peace and an end to this terrible pandemic.
Our country is in desperate need of unity this year so please join as Christians to pray for unity and peace and an end to this terrible pandemic.
Fratelli Tutti
In October 2020, Pope Francis released his most recent encyclical, Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship, in which he commented extensively on the issue of migration. Justice for Immigrants has developed a series of resources highlighting his commentary on this issue, including a discussion guide you can use.
Check out new JFI Fratelli Tutti Resources:
- English Migration Excerpts from Fratelli Tutti
- Spanish Migration Excerpts from Fratelli Tutti
- English Migration Fratelli Tutti Discussion Guide
- Spanish Migration Fratelli Tutti Discussion Guide
Anniversaries
Catholic Rural Life
The start of a new year: a time to renew and get back on track. But before carrying out our resolve for the year, it serves to remember that rest and silence are also valuable.
Catholic Rural Life
Change is natural if not always smooth as we move from one phase of life to another. The month of September brings us a change of seasons: The warmth of summer gives way to mornings with a touch of chill in the air; the evenings come earlier as the days shorten in the rhythm of the season. See the blessings of Change and letting Go by clicking here.
Communications:
2020 Year in Review Translated
Thank you to Deacon Jose Reyes for translating the Diocese of Stockton 2020
Year In Review!
Diaconate Formation:
Five Deacon Candidates to be Instituted Lectors
“The Lector is appointed for a function proper to him, that of reading the word of God in the liturgical assembly. Accordingly, he is to proclaim the readings from sacred Scripture, except for the gospel in the Mass and other sacred celebrations; he is to recite the psalm between the readings when there is no psalmist; he is to present the intentions for the general intercessions in the absence of a deacon or cantor; he is to direct the singing and the participation by the faithful; he is to instruct the faithful for the worthy reception of the sacraments. He may also, insofar as may be necessary, take care of preparing other faithful who are appointed on a temporary basis to read the Scriptures in liturgical celebrations. That he may more fittingly and perfectly fulfill these functions, he is to meditate assiduously on sacred Scripture. Aware of the office he has undertaken, the Lector is to make every effort and employ suitable means to acquire that increasingly warm and living love [7] and knowledge of Scripture that will make him a more perfect disciple of the Lord. “
- Pope Paul VI
The Institution of Lector will take place on Sunday, January 24, 2021, at the 11AM Mass at the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Stockton. Those who will be instituted are Joseph Bui and Stephen Tran (Mary Help of Christians - Vietnamese Center), John Sablan (St. Joseph’s - Modesto), Victor Rodriguez (St. Bernard’s - Tracy) and Michael Tippett (All Saints - Twain Harte). Let us keep these men in our prayers as they prepare for this Rite. We ask blessings on them, their wives and the parishes they will be serving.
Catholic Schools:
St. Mary's High School New Student Applications Now Open
Saint Mary’s High School is now taking applications for the Class of 2025. Do you know of a child entering grades 9 through 11 that shows exceptional promise and character who may have financial need and demonstrated excellence in academic endeavors and extracurricular activities? We offer a program that is need based and provides tuition assistance for Catholic families in San Joaquin County who may need financial aid in order to send their child to Saint Mary’s. Our application for the Class of 2025 is now open and can be located here. Once this application has been completed, families can apply for both tuition assistance and scholarships here. The deadline to apply for both tuition assistance and scholarships is February 1, 2021. For any further questions or concerns, please call 209.957.3340.
Prayer
