May 17, 2021
Photo of the Week:
Pictured above is Bishop Cotta and an award recipient from the 2019 St. Pius X Awards. The awards event recognized faith formation leaders and their service to our diocese. This year's event will be held on June 6th. For more details, click here.
Office of the Bishop:
Anniversaries
Catholic Rural Life
We share in God’s work through our human labor. Work is not drudgery that our Creator has imposed on us, nor is it a penance for our sinfulness. Work is a gift: human participation in the creative activity of God.
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.
Liturgy & Worship:
Memorial Day Mass
Please join Bishop Cotta for Mass at 10am on Memorial Day (5/31), outdoors at San Joaquin Cemetery in Stockton. Please bring your own chair.
Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Monday, May 24th is the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. This memorial was established by Pope Francis in 2018. The Mass formulary is the Votive Mass of Mary, Mother of the Church already in the Missal. There are proper (mandatory) readings, which are not in any one place in the Lectionary. More information on the celebration and PDFs of the readings may be found at stocktondiocese.org/mary-mother-of-the-church.
Marriage & Family Life:
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
Monday, May 17 has been designated International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia by the UN’s development agency, UNDP. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we have the resource to overcome fear and hate – that resource is love! Simply stated by Jesus in His instructions to His disciples after washing their feet: This is my commandment: love one another as I love you (John 15:12). The Catechism of the Catholic Church referring to those with homosexual tendencies directs: They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.
Heavenly Father, as father of all people, we ask for the grace to cast out fear of those we perceive as different from ourselves. Lead us in making our communities and institutions more welcoming to all peoples.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, Pray for us. Amen.
Life & Dignity:
Visitation Novena May 22-30
Invite parishioners to join a Respect Life novena May 22-30 in honor of the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Use one of these graphics and the following sample announcement: Join A Novena for Life honoring the Feast of the Visitation. Sign up at respectlife.org/visitation!
Prayer
