June 27, 2022
Photos of the Week:
After 30 years of hard work and service at the Chancery/Pastoral Center for the Diocese of Stockton, Monsignor Richard Ryan will be retiring. Diocesan staff gathered June 22, 2022 at St. Michael's parish to share stories and celebrate the good work of Msgr. Ryan. May God bless you on your new journey.
Office of the Bishop:
Catholic Rural Life
June - Blessing of the Land
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. Its goodness thrives in the forests and fields; every plant emerges from it.
Do we take for granted how precious and fragile the land is? How grateful we should be! Only in rich soil do roots grow deep; if we deplete the soil, we risk everything. Our lives and the great variety of life on the earth depend upon the land and its vitality.
Let us thank God the Creator: He shares this land with us as a promise of His goodness, now and for eternity.
Bishop Cotta's Official Statement of the Dobbs Case
June 24, 2022
“Today is a day to give thanks. This is the day the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice!”
“Today is a day to give thanks. This is the day the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice!”
I welcome the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobb’s v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which has affirmed The Church’s belief that life is precious and should be protected. This has been our prayer, the Church’s prayer, for the last 50 years. As this decision has come down on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, and tomorrow the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, this is an answer to the many prayers and sacrifices that have been offered.
The Diocese of Stockton is proud that for 60 years, we have supported women, children, and families and those in crisis pregnancies, supporting families by providing resources, mental health support, and advocating for increased social services.
As we, recently, have inaugurated the beginning of the National Eucharist Revival, let us offer our Masses for the intention of reparation for the death of 60 million + unborn children who were not given the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
While I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision and the countless lives that will be saved because of it, we , as the Diocese of Stockton will look to increase our work to protect EVERY life and support California’s women, children, and families.
May the Light of the pierced and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, continue to pierce the darkness of our day and age as we grow in our love for the Eucharist and live our lives as Eucharistic People.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.
+Bishop Cotta
Office of Media & Communications:
Did You Know?
We are grateful for the years of dedicated service to our diocese. Wishing Msgr. Ryan good health and much happiness in retirement!
Office of Hispanic Youth & Young Adult Ministry:
Upcoming Learning Opportunities
If anyone has questions or would like more information on any of those events they can contact the Hispanic Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office (209) 466-0636, Jose Lopez or Marcela Pacheco.
Office of Hispanic Ministry:
Conference for Parents Highlights
On June 17 and 18, about 300 people attended the Conference for Parents held at Sacred Heart Parish in Turlock. The conference was offered to conclude the Year of the Family Amoris Laetitia proclaimed by Pope Francis. Some of the topics were focused on what Amoris Laetitia states on # 260: “Families cannot help but be places of support, guidance and direction, however much they may have to rethink their methods and discover new resources. Parents need to consider what they want their children to be exposed to, and this necessarily means being concerned about who is providing their entertainment, who is entering their rooms through television and electronic devices, and with whom they are spending their free time.” Pope Francis states: “it is more important to start processes than to dominate spaces” when it refers to parents educating their children. (AL# 261)
Spanish Marriage Encounter, Movimiento Familiar Cristiano, Catholic Charities, and Stanislaus County Behavioral Services made presentations on the services they offer to families.
Office of Life & Dignity/Restorative Justice Ministries:
Upcoming Training
For more information on the upcoming training click HERE.
Apply for the Pacific Time Zone Cohort HERE.
For more information about the program, please contact:
or
Diocese of Stockton Restorative Justice Liaison: Deacon Fidel Carrillo, Jr. at fcarrillo@stocktondiocese.org
School of Ministry:
Starts Soon - Understanding the Sacraments - Enroll Now!
July 18 - August 21, 2022 (5 - week course)
This course is offered in both English and Spanish.
Check out Dayton’s VLCFF website
Last day of online registration: July 13, 2022.
Último día de inscripción en línea: 13 de julio de 2022.
Contact:
The School of Ministry
209-466-0636
Office of Permanent Diaconate Formation:
Candidate Canonical Retreat
The Candidates for September Ordination, spent a full 5 days in quiet reflection from June 12 to June 17. The time was beautiful on the grounds of Christ the King Retreat Center in Citrus Heights under the direction of Fr. Jerry Brown and several Deacons who joined and shared their experiences. God is good. Blesssings to all as we await the big day in September. Pray for our four Candidates.
Upcoming Event:
All Invited to Attended Upcoming & Potluck
The Single, Divorced, Widowed and Friends Ministry of St. Bernadette's parish is hosting a Social & Potluck and invites those in the diocese to attend. Come and enjoy an afternoon of fellowship. For more information please contact Maria Chadburn at 209-465-3081 or at Pastoralassistant@saintbernadettes.org.
Office of Evangelization & Faith Formation:
Retreat Highlights
On June 17, the annual Parish Catechetical Leader retreat, offered by the Office of EFF, was held at St. Joachim’s in Lockeford. It was for DRE’s, CRE’s, RCIA coordinators, Youth directors, Deacons & wives, principals, and anyone who teaches the faith in the parish. This year Deacon Stephen Valgos was the retreat master. The topic was “Post pandemic care of the minister with the help of the Holy Spirit”. The participants were very happy at the end of the retreat saying “it was exactly what they needed to move forward from the challenges of the pandemic”.
Prayer
