June 14, 2021
Photo of the Week:
Pictured above is the groundbreaking ceremony for St. Edward's community center. The parish located in Stockton hosted the groundbreaking on Pentecost Sunday following a Mass. Please keep the parish in your prayers as they start construction.
Office of the Bishop:
U.S. Bishops to Meet June 16-18 in a Virtual Format
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will convene their June General Assembly in a virtual format this year in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Both the general assembly and the press conference will be live streamed on the USCCB website and may be accessed by going to: www.usccb.org/meetings
General Assembly:
- Wednesday, June 16: 2:30 – 4:00 PM EDT
- Thursday, June 17: 1:00 – 4:00 PM EDT
- Friday, June 18: 1:00 – 2:30 PM EDT
Press Conference:
- Wednesday, June 16: 4:15 PM EDT
Registration is not necessary to view the livestream the proceedings of the bishops’ meeting (June 16-17-18) or the press conference (June 16). However, access as a participant to the press conference to ask questions of the bishop-panelists will only be granted to journalists who are registered through the USCCB public affairs office.
For the 2021 June General Assembly, this registration replaces the media badge/credentialing system traditionally used by the USCCB for in-person gatherings. Journalists must complete an application that should include signature of their editor or producer verifying their assignment to cover the USCCB meeting. Registration form may be found at: www.usccb.org/mediaapplication
The livestream, as well as news updates, action item votes and tallies, texts of addresses and presentations, and other materials will be posted to www.usccb.org/meetings during the general assembly.
Anniversaries
Catholic Rural Life
Land and life go hand in hand. Our daily bread comes from land as well as much else that sustains us. The land is beautiful for its mountains and plains; its beauty resounds in the canyons and draws. It's goodness thrives in the forests and fields; every plant emerges from it.
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.
Deacon Formation:
Deacon Formation Wraps Up for the Year
On Saturday, June 5, 2021, the candidates in Deacon formation had their last class for the year. The day was hosted by Mary Help of Christians Vietnamese Center in Stockton. Each candidate practiced performing a marriage including giving a homily for the occasion. The photo below is candidate, Stephen Tran, who is performing his practicum. Stephen was assisted by his wife, ThaiTam.
This class cleared the way for a three day retreat for the candidates and their wives. They will be at Christ the King retreat center in Citrus Heights for their days of prayer. At the end of their retreat they will be instituted as Acolytes by Bishop Cotta. Please pray for our candidates and their wives as they move forward in their journey to the Permanent Diaconate.
Marriage & Family Life:
Family & Respect Life Ideas and Resources for Celebrating Father’ s Day
Inspiring Catholic Fathers, honoring St. Joseph
Catholic Father’s Day movement strives to inspire Catholic men to their great and noble call as Catholic fathers by supporting parish efforts to hold annual Eucharistic Processions in June each year. Check out their website here.
USCCB Resources - English
USCCB Recursos - Espanol
Prayer
