December 13, 2021
Photo of the Week:
Saint Jude's Church delegation heads the 41st Diocesan Procession honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe on Sunday December 5th, through downtown Stockton. Twenty-five parishes from throughout the diocese joined in the annual pilgrimage with Blessed Mary of Guadalupe to meet our brothers and sisters and to be with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Office of the Bishop:
Catholic Rural Life
As the daylight hours give way during the month of December, the night calls our attention. Darkness invites us into its mystery, to gaze into its star-filled sky with wonder.
As we watch and wait for the Light during the season of Advent, the darkness of a particular night can be a powerful setting for prayer.
Office of the Vicar for Priests:
On the occasion of the resignation of Fr. Chad Wahl as Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Manteca, Fr. Jerry Brown has generously accepted the appointment by Bishop Cotta as Administrator Pro-tem of the parish. Fr. Brown is a retired priest of the Diocese of Oakland who now lives in Lodi and has helped out in many of our parishes.
Fr. Wahl’s letter to the people of St. Anthony’s can be read on the parish website: https://www.st-anthonys.org
Bishop Cotta has written:
“All transitions are difficult, and those that seem to come suddenly are even more so. With the resignation of Fr Chad Wahl as pastor of St Anthony of Padua Parish in Manteca, I know the parish is faced with a major transition.
“However, after a good deal of conversation with Fr Wahl, and with his own process of discernment, for his well-being and the good of the parish, I have accepted his resignation and assured him of my support in his discernment of the Lord’s will for his future.
“I am grateful for his ministry at St Anthony’s these past five years. And I will accompany him and the parish with my prayer and my support.”
Please keep Fr. Wahl in your prayer, as well as the parish community of St. Anthony.
Synod Weekly Update:
Office of Development:
Priest Retirement Second Collection in Celebration of St. John Vianney
A Great Success!
Office of Hispanic Ministry:
Did you know that Social Ministry is one of the priority ministerial areas that came out of the Fifth National Encuentro process?
This is an opportunity to learn and practice. Register NOW for the 2022 Virtual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering! Justice at the Margins. January 29 – February 1, 2022, Virtual Gathering. Scholarships are available to cover a portion of the registration fee. Apply now! The application deadline is January 10, 2022.
Don’t miss this transformative annual gathering for leaders in Catholic social ministry and advocacy! This year, we will pray, learn, and advocate together on our Catholic vision for the post-pandemic world and call to bring justice to the margins.
CSMG 2022's entire program will be offered bilingually (English and Spanish) and sign interpretation will be available.
This is an opportunity to learn and practice. Register NOW for the 2022 Virtual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering! Justice at the Margins. January 29 – February 1, 2022, Virtual Gathering. Scholarships are available to cover a portion of the registration fee. Apply now! The application deadline is January 10, 2022.
Don’t miss this transformative annual gathering for leaders in Catholic social ministry and advocacy! This year, we will pray, learn, and advocate together on our Catholic vision for the post-pandemic world and call to bring justice to the margins.
CSMG 2022's entire program will be offered bilingually (English and Spanish) and sign interpretation will be available.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Procession and Mass Highlight
On December 5, Mass was held under the Crosstown Freeway in Stockton. Bishop Myron J. Cotta was the presider. Knights of Columbus, SJ Chapter 4th Degree Assembly, escorted Bishop Cotta. The Local Church that goes forth to bring the message of hope of Our Lady to those that suffer: "Am I not here, your mother? Are you not under my shadow and my Protection? Am I not your source of life? Let nothing trouble you or cause you sorrow." (NM #76-77).
Life and Dignity:
Rachel's Vineyard Weekend Bilingual Spanish/English Retreat-
January 21-23, 2022
January 21-23, 2022
Women, men, and couples - anyone affected by pregnancy loss - are encouraged to attend the Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat. This international ministry is a confidential, safe place to share your story and discover God’s heart of compassion and mercy. For more information and to register, click here.
18th Annual Walk for Life
Get ready for the 18th Annual Walk for Life West Coast San Francisco, Saturday January 22, 2022! Event details, click here. Flyers: English & Spanish
Liturgy & Worship:
Christmas Novena
The nine days before Christmas are a time of intense preparation for the coming of the Lord, as can be seen in various cultural traditions such as Simbang Gabi and Las Posadas. The novena begins on December 16th. Prayers for a Christmas novena can be found here: Novena before Christmas : University of Dayton, Ohio (udayton.edu)
Employment Opportunities:
Administrative Assistant – Full-time – Diocese of Stockton
The Office of Evangelization & Faith Formation is seeking a self-motivated, task oriented full-time (35 hours/week), Administrative Assistant. Responsibilities include planning and organizing major diocesan events, working with Office 365, Flocknote, Google, Zoom and Facebook, and typical administrative duties. Good communication and Spanish translation skills are important as this position works with leaders, ministers of the Church and diocesan community members. Interested applicants please submit resume to jobs@stocktondiocese.org
For a complete job description, please click here.
Business Manager - Holy Family Parish, Modesto
The manager will work in collaboration with the Pastor to assure the temporal well-being of the parish. This full-time position, with benefits, directs the administrative functions of the parish including finance, development, stewardship, human resources, technology and facilities. Assures compliance with local, state and federal laws/regulations along with diocesan norms and policies. Click here to read the full job description. Those interested should send their resume and include a cover letter summarizing why you are interested in the position to: padrejuanserna@yahoo.com
Teacher's Assistant - St. Luke Preschool, Stockton
St. Luke Catholic Preschool, located in Stockton, is seeking a qualified, teacher’s assistant to work part-time five days per week. Position is available immediately. Under the supervision of the lead teacher and Site Supervisor, the teacher’s aide is responsible for supporting the teaching staff to implement all components of equality in the preschool program and must provide students a safe and enriching environment to play, learn and grow. We are looking for an energetic, self-motivated, and committed staff member to join our team. This position is required to work effectively with parents, maintain positive staff relations and support the teachers to develop age-appropriate programs for 3–4-year-old children. Minimum Requirements: 12 units in Early Childhood Education and knowledge of Title 22. To apply, please email a resume to preschool@stlukestockton.com or call (209) 465-5368.
Upcoming Event:
SEEK Catholic Conference - Sign-up Today!
All Saints University Parish invites young adults, post high school to 34 years old, in the diocese to attend.
Stanislaus County Interfaith Council:
Learning Opportunity
Deacon Jim Johnson, from Our Lady of Fatima parish, is the Catholic Representative on the Stanislaus County Interfaith Council. Join him and others in this interfaith event.
If you have any questions, please contact Deacon Johnson at 209-524-7421.
For more information about the organization, please visit the Council's website: Stan Co Interfaith Council (stanislausinterfaith.org). They're also on Facebook at Stanislaus County Interfaith Council | Facebook. The Zoom link is available through the Facebook page.
Word of the Week:
Prayer
