August 24, 2021
A Special Note from the Office of Communications:
To the Faithful of the Diocese of Stockton,
We are sorry for the delay in the publishing of the Weekly Update this week. A technical error that hindered publishing occurred while I was out on vacation last week. I hope you continue to enjoy the information in the diocese's flagship publication. Please remember that anyone in the diocese can submit content for the Weekly Update by emailing the content to cmarquez@stoctkondiocese.org.
Best Regards,
Chandler Marquez
Director of Communications
Photo of the Week:
The Vocations Office recently hosted an informational dinner at St. Mary of the Annunciation parish in Oakdale for friends of our Seminarian Education Program. The evening included presentations from Bishop Myron Cotta, our seminarians, and Fr. Cesar Martinez, Director of Vocations.
Pictured above is our current seminarians - Patrick Germann, Akbar Saul Walle Perez and Joshua Lesan, and our four newest seminarians - Javier Elias, Joshua Kong, Josue Montoya, and Noel Pallivathucal who attended the dinner and shared their experiences, joys, and challenges during this journey of discernment with Christ on the path toward priesthood.
Fr. Cesar presented program updates and discussed our plan to educate the faithful throughout our diocese about the Seminarian Education Program, the St. John Vianney House of Formation in Stockton, and the importance of supporting and promoting vocations.
If you would like to learn more about the St. John Vianney House of Formation, promoting vocations, or how to support our Seminarian Education Program, please contact Fr. Cesar Martinez, Director of Vocations at cmartinez@stocktodiocese.org or (209) 546-7620 or Stacy Erickson, Director of Development at serickson@stocktondiocese.org or (209) 546-7648.
To give online, visit: stocktondiocese.org/seminarian-education-donation
Together, As One, we can support our seminarians and ensure future priests to lead and serve our diocese for years to come!
Photos of the Week:
Pastoral Center Staff celebrated an Employee Appreciation event last week at St. Jorge Winery in Acampo, CA.
The Staff Appreciation event was hosted by Vern and Janise Vierra. We are grateful for their kindness and generosity.
Office of the Bishop:
Anniversaries
Catholic Rural Life
From early times, “first fruits” were something special. They were the first taste of a new season’s produce with a promise of more variety and quantity to come. They were the end of a fast from fresh food and from a dwindling amount of last year’s harvest. So “first fruits” were seen as sacred. The best portion was offered as a thanksgiving to the Creator, then shared with those most in need and with each other as a blessing from 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.
School of Ministry:
Mark you calendars:
The 2021-0211 formation programs have been announced
The School of Ministry supports parishes and schools in providing relevant educational opportunities for teachers, catechists, and lay leaders. Having the appropriate formation enables them to be competent ministers and ensures quality pastoral care to those entrusted to their care. In this connection, the School of Ministry is happy to announce its 2021 – 2022 formation programs. They are the following:
Ministry Formation Program:
- Introduction to Theology for Ministry (ITM) through the University of Dayton’s Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF): This course provides lay ecclesial ministers with the essential teaching of the Catholic Church, as well as introduce them to the sacramental and spiritual life of the church. The course provides a basic theological foundation for ministry, and it is the foundational course for all ministry certification in the Diocese. This is a one-year course consisting of seven cycles and starts on October 10, 2021.
- Theology and Leadership for Ministry through the University of Dayton’s Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF). It is an advanced course that further prepares lay ecclesial ministers to be competent and professional leaders and provide an in-depth knowledge of Catholic theology. This is a two-year course consisting of seven cycles each year. This course is a pre-requisite for those discerning the diaconate. TLM starts on October 10, 2021.
Scripture Institute:
- Year three of the Scripture Institute: This course focuses on the study of the Old Testament, particularly the study of the Hebrew prophets, the psalms and other literature of the exile and restoration period. It is great for bible study facilitators, catechists, deacons, or anyone looking to deepen their knowledge on Scripture and enhance their ministry. It starts on September 29, 2021. Most of the classes will be via Zoom.
Specialized Trainings:
- Caring for the Whole Person – The vision of Caring for the Whole Person is a continuum of quality and comprehensive (physical, emotional, spiritual) care for all people of all ages, enhanced through partnerships of health care professionals and institutions with community-based movements. Our Caring for the Whole Person ministry training is designed to equip parishioners to minister as a member of their parish Caring for the Whole Person Ministry Team. This training will start on October 2, 2021.
- Marriage Preparation (English and Spanish)- The purpose of the marriage specialization is to train parish teams to prepare couples for marriage. The schedule of the training will be announced soon.
On-going Faith Formation Online:The School of Ministry in partnership with the University of Dayton provides courses on different topics for personal growth in faith at a discounted rate. Visit https://vlcff.udayton.edu for more information.
For questions call: the Director of the SOM at 209-466-0636 or Isela Quezada, the administrative assistant at 209 -546 -7630.
Liturgy & Worship:
(Re-) Learning the Mass
Part 6 of our series takes a look at the way the Mass is structured as well as the purpose of its four major parts.
Hispanic Ministry:
Aún hay tiempo para inscribirse al retiro del Encuentro Matrimonial, Agosto 27-29.
Vivan un encuentro matrimonial virtual desde la comodidad de su hogar.
La experiencia es un refugio para el corazón que ayuda a escucharse y conectarse más profundamente con su pareja y con Dios.
El Obispo Ramón Bejarano compartirá y acompañará en la reflexión. Inscríbanse lo antes posible comunicándose con Ramona Orta al (209) 679-5387; o via email francisco.ramona.orta@wwme.org
Pope Francis encourages vaccinations against Covid-19.
Pope Francis encourages people to receive Covid-19 vaccine in a global ad campaign. Visit this link to watch the video in Spanish with subtitles in English. https://youtu.be/JWf3Ji11EaU
El Papa Francisco, con seis cardenales y arzobispos del continente americano, en un video en español con subtítulos en inglés, animan a las comunidades a vacunarse contra el Covid-19. Visite este enlace para verlo https://youtu.be/JWf3Ji11EaU
Marriage & Family Life:
Prayer
