February 9, 2026
The 38th Hispanic Youth Congress was celebrated at the Cathedral of the Annunciation under the theme “Proud to Be a Young Catholic.” Nearly 500 teenagers from across the Diocese came together to worship, listen to inspiring talks, and joyfully celebrate their faith.
The 5th Annual Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass was celebrated on Saturday, February 7, at St. Luke Parish in Stockton. Bishop Myron J. Cotta was the principal celebrant with Fr. Gustavo Ramirez, Pastor of St. Luke, and 3 other priests concelebrating. Married couples from across the diocese reaffirmed their marriage covenant and received the blessing of their union from Bishop Cotta. Following the Mass, couples were invited to a cake reception with opportunities to take photos with the Bishop and visit information tables from marriage-related ministries.
To facilitate a deeper understanding of the Final Document for a Synodal Church: Communication, Participation, Mission, each week the Synod Corner will divide this document into sections for reflection, aiding in the continuation of our Synodal journey. To learn about the Synod, click on the image above.
This week's edition will contain a reflection titled "The Ministry of Women in a Synodal Church."
Please click here to see a 5-minute video promoting CRL's Thriving in Rural Ministry Retreats for rural pastors. The video provides a clear, succinct summary of the experience of rural pastors who have been on the retreat. Please share it with anyone you think might be interested.
To visit Catholic Rural Life website, click on the image above.
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.
Upcoming events from our Ministries
Office of Evangelization and Faith Formation
- NEW Save the Date / Reserva la Fecha - Catechist Formation Day 2026 / Dia de Formación de Catequistas, St. Bernard's Holy Family Center, Tracy, Sat. Aug. 22.
- The 2026 Franciscan Catechetical Institute webinars are open for registration for their new courses. For more information click here.
- National Marriage Week - Feb. 7-14/World Marriage Day-Feb. 8. The observances of National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) and World Marriage Day (Sun., Feb. 8) are an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting and the family. We must prioritize this sacred celebration of love and emphasize the beauty of building a strong and dedicated life together. This year's (2026) theme from National Marriage Week USA is "Together with a Purpose."
Office of Life and Dignity
- Catholics at the Capital -Igniting a Faith that Serves - March 25, at the Plaza of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Sacramento, CA. Register today & join California's Bishops and Catholics from throughout the state for a day of prayer, worship, and advocacy.
Office of Hispanic Ministry
- Certificado en Ministerio en Familia Hispana. Comenzará el lunes, 23 de feb. a las 6:30 p.m. y tendrá un duración de seis meses. Modalidad: Calses por Zoom los lunes 6:30 p.m. y 5 sábados híbridos en el campus de la Universidad de Santa Clara, CA. Dirigido a equipos de ministerio prematrimonial, de misniterios con familias hispanas, directores de formación. Para incribirse visite Certificado de Ministerio de la Familia Hispana.
School of Ministry
- The Center for Sainthood Studies – Certificate Program - Join the intensive 6-Day Certificate Program, Feb. 15-21. at Vallombrosa Center, 250 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park, CA. Register today and advance the cause of holiness in America. For more information: info@sainthoodcenter.com.
Events from our Parishes and Community
- Valentines Bingo: Raffles, 50/50, cash prizes, Sat., Feb. 14 at St. Edward Church, Stockton. Games start at 5 p.m.
- San Valentín Cena y Baile: En la Parroquia de San Miguel, Stockton, el 21 de feb., 6 p.m. Para mas información, comuniquese con la oficina parroquial al 209-931-0639.
- The St. Patrick's Sonora Chapter of the Young Ladies Grand Institute (YLGI) 79 Patricia is holding a pancake breakfast. Please join us at Applebee's Grill and Bar, 851 Sanguinetti Rd., Sonora, on Feb. 21, from 8-10 a.m. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased by calling Evelyn at (530) 239-5012.
- 2026 Lent Mission - Work your Salvation: Presented by Fr. Wade Menezes, CPM, at St. Frances of Rome, Riverbank, Feb. 23-26. Mission Conferences, Confessions and Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
- St. Michael's 35th Annual Crab Feed: Sat., March 7, starts at 6 p.m with no host cocktails, at FMC Hall at St. Michael Church.
- 2026 Misiones de Cuaresma: Con el P. Rito Guzman MSPS, en la Parr. St. Frances of Rome, Riverbank, a las 7 p.m. Dos temas, del 10-11 de marzo, Virtudes Escenciales para la Cuaresma y Vida Espirtual. 12 y 13 de marzo, El Corazón Divino y Humano de Jesucristo.
- St. Luke 2026 Crab Feed: All you can eat crab, pasta, salad and dessert. Sat. Mar. 21 at St. Luke's Gymnasium, Stockton. Doors open at 5 p.m. To purchase tickets, click here.
Events from nearby Diocese
With hearts full of gratitude and hope, the Diocese of Monterey looks forward to the Installation Mass of Bishop Ramón Bejarano, which will take place on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 12 p.m. PST.
While attendance at the Installation Mass is limited and by invitation only due to space constraints, we are grateful to be able to share this celebration more widely so that the faithful may participate prayerfully from wherever they may be.
The Installation Mass will be livestreamed on the diocesan website at www.dioceseofmonterey.org/installation.
The Installation Mass will be livestreamed on the diocesan website at www.dioceseofmonterey.org/installation.
For more information click here.
Saint of the Day
Click image below
Pope's February Prayer Intention:
For children with incurable diseases.
"Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope."
~ Pope Leo XIV~