September 8, 2026
LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN: As we prepare for the Ordination of six new deacons, we have a new group ready to begin their journey. The new group of seven began their answer to the call. They met for an orientation meeting on August 29, 2026. Their leader, Deacon Juan Vargas, welcomed everyone and shared the ins and outs of the program. There was great enthusiasm. Let us accompany them on their journey, showing our support for them and the Office of Formation.
Bishop Myron J. Cotta was honored to celebrate Mass at the Monastery of Our Lady of La Vang in Thornton on August 30 as the community marked its 9th Anniversary. Surrounded by clergy, religious, and faithful, the celebration gave thanks for six years of prayer, faith, and devotion. May Our Lady of La Vang continue to guide and bless the monastery and all who seek Christ through its ministry.
This year was marked the 9th annual Catechist Formation Day! The event was held at St. Bernard’s Holy Family Center in Tracy with over 375 catechists and faith leaders in attendance. Catechists received excellent tips from speaker Jose Pulido on how to better engage children and parents in faith formation. This event is led by an excellent team of parish directors of faith formation. Thank you to the team for all their work and to all the parish directors and pastors who support the ongoing formation of their catechists!
The Church designates feast days and liturgical celebrations throughout the year to help us reflect on and rejoice in our spiritual journey. Catholic Rural Life is especially attuned to the rhythms of nature and strive to connect the changing seasons with the enduring Word of the liturgy. To that end, Catholic Rural Life has a series of blessings for each month of the year that highlights an aspect of rural life.
Click here for September - Blessing of Change and Letting Go
Click here for September - Blessing of Change and Letting Go
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 Diocese of Sacramento Ministry Days is September 26. Theme: Healing and Hope. The Diocese of Sacramento invites us to look at how we care for one another through the lens of God’s unconditional love. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity for healing and hope. Workshops are available in English and Spanish. For more information & registration click here. Collect hours toward your catechist certification. Click here for information & forms.
- NEW Diócesis de Sacramento Día de Ministerios es el 26 de septiembre Lema: Sanción y Esperanza. La Diocesis de Sacramento nos invita a reflexionar sobre como nos cuidamos mutuamente a través de los lente del amor incondicional De Dios. No se pierdan esta gran oportunidad de sanción y esperanza. Talleres disponibles en español y en ingles. Para mas información y para inscribirse oprime aquí. Junta horas para tu certificación de catequista. Para mas información y para bajar el formulario oprime aquí.
- NEW Archdiocese of San Francisco's Faith Formation Conference October 23 & 24! Theme: Channeling Peace & Justice. Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to celebrate the Jubilee Year of St. Francis and Mission Dolores. Workshops are in English and Spanish. Special track for Youth leaders! Click here for more information. Register today! Attend and collect hours towards your certification. Click here for forms.
- NEW Conferencia de Formación de Fe de la Arquidiócesis de San Francisco 23 y 24 de octubre! Lema: Ser de Paz y Justicia.No pierda la oportunidad de celebrar el Año Jubilar de San Francisco de Asis y la Mission Dolores. Habrán talleres en español y en ingles. Habrán talleres específicos para lideres de grupos juveniles. Inscríbete hoy! Para mas información y para inscribirte oprime aquí. Asiste y a la vez puedes recolectar horas para la certificación de catequista. Para mas información y bajar el formulario oprime aquí.
- The Center for Sainthood Studies – Certificate Program
Join the Intensive 6-Day Certificate Program January 31- February 6, 2027
Location: Vallombrosa Center 250 Oak Grove Ave Menlo Park, CA 94025
Register today and advance the cause of holiness in America.
For more information: info@sainthoodcenter.com
The Certificate program is an intensive week-long course designed to provide participants with an understanding of the theology, history, canon law, and ecclesial practices related to the causes of saints. Sainthoodcenter.com
Office of Life and Dignity
- Stockton 40 Days for Life, Fall Opening Rally – Help women and save babies: September 24 (9:30 am-11:30 am) at Camanche Shelter, Micke Grove Regional Park. CLICK HERE FOR FLYER AND MORE DETAILS.
- USCCB: Take Action to Protect Women and Babies from Abortion Pills. For more information and details visit: Word of Life: Special Edition
Office of Marriage and Family Life
- Is God calling you to be an Engaged Encounter Presenter Couple? Couples validly married for any length of time are encouraged to volunteer. You will receive one-on-one training from another Presenter Couple. Please contact Ed & Laura Mann at mann@stocktonee.org for more information.
- MUST READ for All Catholics employed in Healthcare, All Clergy, those providing counseling for the elderly, those with disabilities, those in crises pregnancies, operators of rehab facilities and residential care facilities.
Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services - Seventh Edition Bishop Myron J. Cotta decreed this document as particular law in the Diocese of Stockton on January 1, 2026.
It is recommended reading for all Catholics. Please see the Caring for the Whole Person Library for more resources on Caring for the Whole Person at end of life.
- Jesuit School of Theology Curso en línea gratuito.
El Arte de la Escucha, fundamentos de la conversación en el Espíritu. Este curso te invita a redescubrir el arte de la escucha — como una forma de abrirte a Dios, a los demás y al movimiento del Espíritu. Inscríbase aquí. - USCCB/JFI. New Resource – Clinic's Parish Toolkit. This toolkit aims to provide immediate steps that parishes and Catholic institutions can take to promote the safety and security of its members and to accompany and support immigrants who have a family member who is detained or threatened by deportation. It includes essential Know Your Rights information for immigrants, emergency preparedness planning resources, and accompaniment and educational resources for parish staff and volunteers. Download resources here.
- ¡Cuidado con el Fraude de Inmigración! Infórmese y protéjase, El Programa de Inmigración de Caridades Católicas de la Diócesis de Stockton los invita a un Taller Gratuito. Cada tercer jueves del mes en Caridades Católicas, Stockton.
Events from our Parishes and Community
- St. Bernard's Parish Fall Festival: Food & Drinks, Games, Little Reno, Silent Auction, Bingo and More! From Thurs., Sept. 10-13.
- Festival de Otoño de la Parroquia de San Bernardino: Habrá comida y bebidas, juegos, Little Reno, subasta en silencio, Bingo y más! Del 10 al 13 de septiembre.
- Cathedral of the Annunciation Inaugural Golf Tournament: at The Reserve at Spanos Park, Stockon, Sep. 11, 10 a.m. check-in, 12 p.m. shotgun start.
- Cursillo Movement Woman's Retreat: Weekend at Marello Youth Retreat Center, Loomis, CA, from Sept. 17 - 20.
- Central Valley Lebanese Festival: Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., 4981 E. Eight Mile Rd., Stockton. Visit cvlebfest.org for more details.
Saint of the Day
Click image below
Pope's September Prayer Intention:
For The Care of Water.
Click below to watch video
"Let us pray for a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it."
~ Pope Leo XIV~