March 22, 2021
Photo of the Week:
Pictured above is Bishop Cotta then (age 2) and now. May God bless him as he continues to lead our diocese.
Office of the Bishop:
Chrism Mass
Anniversaries
Catholic Rural Life
Wind: our heavenly companion, sister, conspirito and inspiration. She breezes into woodlands, soars past mountaintops, sweeps over plains and deserts, and skims the oceans. She can come from any direction, sometimes gentle, sometimes harsh, and wanders to the ends of the earth fulfilling her sacred mission. In this blessing, find a breezy area and use a wind chime to draw attention to the wind. Face the wind and revel in its caress, using it to help you pray.
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.
Diaconate Formation:
Learning Sacraments
Despite the pandemic, the diaconal formation is right on track offering the candidates for ordination the opportunity to experience first hand what an infant baptism entails. Deacon Tom Ciccarelli and his wife Sherrill welcomed the five deacon candidates and their wives to St. Patrick’s Parish in Ripon on Saturday, March 13th. The day began with a little instruction on techniques and then each candidate performed a practice baptism including giving a homily for the occasion. Everyone had a part as the wives proclaimed the readings. The group did a fantastic job and the 5 couples in the program served as parents and godparents as each had their turn to baptize the infant doll. The celebrant in this week’s photo is Michael Tippitt from All Saints in Twain Harte. Good job, Candidates!
Vicar for Religious:
National Conference of Vicars for Religious
The National Conference of Vicars for Religious held its annual conference virtually this past week, March 15-17, welcoming the Vicars from all over the US. The theme for this year’s theme was Called to Be Prophets of a Future Not Our Own. The assembly was laced with wonderful speakers addressing the issue and needs of the diverse ministries of the Vicars across the country. Sr. Wanda Billion, MSC, attended as Vicar for Religious Women for the Diocese of Stockton. There were 64 Vicars in attendance.
Life & Dignity:
Respect Life Parish Action Guide for Divine Mercy Sunday
Each year, on the Second Sunday of Easter, the Church celebrates the Sunday of Divine Mercy.
The Sunday of Divine Mercy provides an important opportunity to share Christ’s message of mercy, especially with those who have been wounded by abortion. Resources, including a sample timeline, homily helps, announcements, sample intercessions, and an activity are provided in this action guide to help you spread the message of Divine Mercy with those most in need of healing.
You are encouraged to adapt these resources as needed to fit your specific circumstances. Free downloads and additional electronic resources can be found at respectlife.org/action-guides.
Hispanic Ministry:
How to Overcome the Experience of Grief in a Positive Way
Como superar una experiencia de duelo de forma positiva.
This webinar in Spanish will be held on March 25, 7-9 PM. Presenter is Ernesto Zamora, M. Div. Join through Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/XI.recoss Sponsored by RECOSS, Region Eleven Commission for the Spanish Speaking.
Prayer
