February 1, 2021
Photo of the Week:
Pope Francis declared in 2019 that the Third Sunday in Ordinary time be devoted to the celebration, study and dissemination of the Word God. Being reminded of the importance and place the Word of God has in our Catholic life, we are encouraged to strengthen the bonds of our own faith and work at praying for Christian unity. While this is one day in a year, there are so many occasions during the year that we can celebrate the amazing grace of the Word. On January 24, 2021, 5 men were Instituted as Lectors at the 11:00 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Stockton.
During the Rite of the Institution of Lector, the men are called forward and the Bishop commissions them to be proclaimers of the Word. This is symbolized by the men placing their hand on their Bible as the Bishop says: “Take this book of Holy Scripture and be faithful in handing on the word of God, so that it may grow strong in the hearts of people”. These powerful words for the Candidates echoed throughout the faithful gathered. The Candidates were accompanied by their wives and several friends and family. We wish these men the strength and courage to proclaim God’s Word as they continue along their journey toward their ordination.
Congratulations: Joseph Bui, John Sablan, Victor Rodriguez, Michael Tippett and Stephan Tran. Keep these men in your prayers as they continue to live out God’s call in their journey.
The Diocese of Stockton Celebrates
Black History Month:
Office of the Bishop:
Bishop Cotta's Memorandum on COVID-19 Vaccinations
Please view the below memorandum from Bishop Cotta regarding the COVID-19 Vaccines.
Anniversaries
Catholic Rural Life
Birth is an elusive mystery: an everyday occurrence in nature and rural life that is nonetheless marvelous to behold. Its wonder and splendor are fresh with each new entrance into creation. At the appointed time, a universal labor of intense energy opens the womb of Nature’s gateway and ushers into the world an innocence and hope that is always a gift.
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:
Diocese of Stockton Podcast Network
The Diocese of Stockton is proud to introduce its very own podcast network. The network is the faithful's one stop shop to hear what's going on around the diocese. Series and shows featured on the podcast network will be informative, engaging stories on people, ministries and parishes from around the diocese.
Voices of Ministry is the first original series from the diocesan podcast network. The series introduces listeners to Diocesan Pastoral Staff and Parish Representatives as they discuss how their work positively impacts the diocese. Ep. 1 of the series is on Evangelization & Faith Formation and features Grace Garza Ayala, Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation for the Diocese of Stockton and Joanna McCormack, Director of Religious Education for St. Joachim in Lockeford.
Voices of Ministry is the first original series from the diocesan podcast network. The series introduces listeners to Diocesan Pastoral Staff and Parish Representatives as they discuss how their work positively impacts the diocese. Ep. 1 of the series is on Evangelization & Faith Formation and features Grace Garza Ayala, Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation for the Diocese of Stockton and Joanna McCormack, Director of Religious Education for St. Joachim in Lockeford.
School of Ministry:
Cycle 2 of Faith Formation Courses to Begin
The School of Ministry invites everyone to register in Cycle 2 of the University of Dayton’s Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation courses. Cycle 2 runs from February 21 to March 27, 2021. The following are the courses open for registration:
Bible Basics /Los Básicos de la Biblia- recommended for ITM participants
New Testament/Nuevo Testamento- recommended for TLM participants
Registration period for Cycle 2 is from Jan 6 to February 17, 2021.
Note: The School of Ministry and University of Dayton VLCFF Partnership is open to ALL in the Diocese of Stockton. Aside from the courses mentioned above, Cycle 2 offers other courses for on-going formation. For more information, please call the School of Ministry office at 209-466-0636 or email at som@stocktondiocese.org.
To learn more about Dayton’s VLCFF, visit the following links: https://youtu.be/VzQQJRHQRIo (English video); https://youtu.be/CYZ1mGmTjW8 (Spanish Video).
Family & Respect Life:
National Marriage Week
(Feb. 7th - 14th)
Life & Dignity:
International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking
(Feb. 8, 2021)
With Pope Francis’ encouragement, the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and the International Union of Superiors General designated February 8th as an annual day of prayer, reflection, and awareness against human trafficking. On this day, the faithful across the world join together to support, remember, pray for, and be in solidarity with those affected by human trafficking. February 8 also coincides with the Feast Day of St. Josephine Bakhita. To commemorate this important day, please join the Coalition of Catholic Organizations against Human Trafficking, * the Catholic Health Association of the United States, ** and The John J. Brunetti Human Trafficking Academy at St. Thomas University College of Law for a prayer service, survivors panel, and mass.
Prayer
