March 24, 2025
A group of 40 went on a Pilgrimage for the Jubilee year 2025. Among so many spiritual and grace filled moments, one of the highlights was when EWTN caught up with a few from St. Luke Parish in Stockton, California.
This small group was interviewed as they took time out to pray outside of the hospital where Pope Francis was at Gemelli hospital in Rome. From left to right, Pilgrims are Sr. Mary Jane Arizala, MSC, Talisha Teague, Racquel Garcia, and Tamara Martinez. These Pilgrims of Hope joined so many that are taking time to celebrate the occasion. Blessings on everyone!
To read the article Click here
The 37th Annual Youth and Young Adult Catholic Congress was indeed a remarkable event. It brought together young Catholics from our Diocese to celebrate their faith, engage in meaningful discussions, and participate in spiritual activities.
Bishop Myron Cotta played a pivotal role in the congress, offering inspiring messages and guidance to the attendees. His presence was a source of encouragement and spiritual upliftment.
Overall, the congress was a great success, fostering a sense of community, faith, and spiritual growth among the young participants. It was a time for reflection, learning, and strengthening their connection to their faith.
New - Every Monday, Deacon Mike Wofford from Catholic Charities will have a new reflection to share. To view his current and archived messages, click the image above.
Statement from Bishop Cotta addressing Immigration Policies
Bishop Cotta issued a statement addressing the fear and uncertainty surrounding updated immigration policies and threats of mass deportations, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to standing with immigrant families.
This message offers support, encouragement, and important resources to help navigate these challenges and find reassurance in these uncertain times.
To read the full statement and access resources click here: https://stocktondiocese.org/immigration-statement-and-resources
This message offers support, encouragement, and important resources to help navigate these challenges and find reassurance in these uncertain times.
To read the full statement and access resources click here: https://stocktondiocese.org/immigration-statement-and-resources
Upcoming events from our Ministries:
Catholic Schools Office
- NEW St. Bernard School Principal Position Opening: St. Bernard is seeking a dynamic, energetic, and faith filled principal to help lead K-8 school in fulfillment of its mission and vision.
- Central Catholic High School Teaching Position Openings
CCHS is hiring! They are seeking to fill two full-time math teaching positions and one part-time Spanish teaching position. Please click the links to view the job postings and consider joining their team! - St. Bernard's Kindergarten Information Meeting St. Bernard’s Catholic School invites Tracy-area caregivers interested in their Kindergarten program to an informational meeting on March 25 at 2:30 PM. The school offers a full-day academic program with an option for extended care. For more information, visit st-bernardsschool.org or call 209-835-8018.
Catholic Charities
- Beacon of Hope Gala: All are invited to a Wine and Food tasting event benefiting the programs and services of Catholic Charities at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Modesto, CA on Saturday Mar. 29 at 6 p.m.
Office of Hispanic Ministry
- Curso de Fundamentos Bíblicos para el ministerio. La Oficina de Pastoral Hispana y Loyola Marymount University te invitan a un curso intermedio sobre los cuatro evangelios. El curso es un programa de certificado de manera híbrida: dos sesiones en sábado de manera presencial en Stockton, y las demás virtuales los martes de 6:45 pm a 9:15 pm. Inicia el 29 de marzo. Inscríbete pronto visitando este enlace y para más información:Pastoral Hispana - Diocese of Stockton - Stockton, CA o comunícate a la oficina de Pastoral Hispanica (209) 466-0636 ext. 628.
Office of Life and Dignity
- Word of Life (April & May) - a monthly resource for parishes. It is available in both English and Spanish. Includes: Intercessions for Life, bulletin quotes & art and more…
- The Solemnity of the Annunciation March 25: The USCCB makes available a Blessing of a Child in the Womb - Rite-for-the-Blessing-of-a-Child-in-the-Womb.pdf and the Blessing of Parents before childbirth. Visit respectlife.org/action-guides to review and familiarize yourself with all the resources and materials available to help you celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation. Download any resources you hope to use: bulletin announcements, intercessions, homily notes, the Blessing of a Child in the Womb, and the Annunciation novena, “A Heart Open to God’s Will.”
- Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat April 4-6/Hope Support Group.
- Project Rachel Ministry – Ash Wednesday & Lenten resources to help those who have had an abortion to come home to the Catholic Church.
- Restorative Justice - Mass for Victims of Violence. Wednesday, Mar. 19 at 5 p.m. St. George Catholic Church, Stockton. All are welcome to attend this special bilingual Mass to let the face of Jesus be upon all those impacted by crime and violence. For more information, contact Deacon Fidel Carrillo: fcarrillo@stocktondiocese.org.
Events from our Parishes and Community
- Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord: Mass at the Cathedral of the Annunciation at 6 p.m., Mar. 25.
- 24-hour Adoration & Eucharistic Procession: St. Bernard Church, Tracy. Mar. 28 - 29.
- Encourage, Movie and Talk: Learn about this church apostolate, which supports parents of those who experience same-sex attraction at Church of the Presentation, 6 p.m. movie in Guadalupe Hall, Mar. 30.
- Lenten Recollection: "The Joy of the Eucharist and God's Divine Mercy - The Ultimate Gift of God for Mankind", St. Michael Church, Stockton, on Sat. April 5 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Lenten Marriage Conference: Date with the World presents, Forgiveness and Grace. April 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost $40 per couple (Lunch included).
- Crab Feed: Hosted by Knights of Columbus & Y.M.I., I.P.F.E.S., Portuguese Hall, Tracy, Sat., April 26, 5:30 to 10 p.m.
- Unshackled Freedom in Christ: Presented by Word Ablaze. Fri., June 27, 6-8 p.m. and Sat., June 28 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Cost $50 (*Sat. lunch included).
- The Eucharist: Anchor of Our Hope: Save the date for Sat. Jul. 19, 8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. St. Stanislaus Church, Modesto, CA.
Saint of the Day
Click below
Pope’s March Prayer
For Families in Crisis
Click below
"For families in crisis
Let us pray that broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other’s gifts, even in their differences."
~Pope Francis