September 14, 2026
Last week, more than 300 Catholic school staff from across the Diocese of Stockton gathered at the Cathedral of the Annunciation for our annual Back-to-School In-Service: a day of fellowship, formation, faith, and celebration.
Author and theologian Brett Salkeld inspired our community with a fantastic keynote reminding us that our Catholic identity can (and should!) permeate every aspect of a Catholic school. Whether teaching theology, math, science, or art; coaching; serving as an administrator; maintaining our facilities; or supporting our schools in countless other ways, each of us has a role in helping students discover not only what they are learning, but what they are made for.
We then gathered in celebration of the Eucharist at Mass presided by Bishop Cotta and concelebrated by seven of our school pastors.
The day concluded with joyful recognition of educators who have completed their basic or renewal catechetical certification, as well as those celebrating 5 to 40 years of service in Catholic education in our diocese.
We are grateful for the educators and staff who dedicate themselves each day to the mission of Catholic education and to the young people entrusted to their care.
On August 28, at Saint Jude parish hall, Professor Carlos Ayala Ramirez presented a conference on Magnifica Humanitas, On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of AI, the first Encyclical Letter of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. Over 100 attendees joined Father Hamilton as he led the opening prayer. Something to highlight is that Jesus Christ is the supreme example of magnificent humanity. He is the new humanity revealed through his ways of being, his message, and his humanizing attitudes. The event was sponsored by the Office of Hispanic Ministry in collaboration with St. Jude parish.
On Saturday, September 12, the Catholic youth and young adults of Northern California came together at Six Flags for the annual conference of On-Fire. The Diocese of Stockton had representatives from 7+ parishes and St. Mary's High School. We give special recognition to Bishop Myron J. Cotta, who took the time to concelebrate Mass and to the youth of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Lathrop, who had 44 participants, 3 of whom served as readers for the mass.
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 Permanent Diaconate
- NEW The Diocese will celebrate the ordination of six new permanent deacons on Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Annunciation.
- NEW The Red Mass will be held on Sun. Sept. 27 at 9 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Annunciation.
- NEW National Migration Week - September 21-27 “Even Just One of These Children” Mt. 18:5.
- NEW Migration Week Events: Webinars on child migration and mental health for migrant helpers scheduled, covering resilience and coping with detention separation. Webinar Registration - Zoom
- NEW Remember Their Names. Honor Their Lives. Defend Their Dignity. Immigrant Crosses Exhibit: 104 crosses for detained immigrant deaths launched in Chicago, rotating weekly at parishes and campuses for local vigils. https://www.immigrantcrosses.org/
- NEW Archdiocese of Los Angeles is doing a "Ribbons of Prayer" display with migrants' names - Ribbons of Prayer | LA Catholics
- NEW USCCB Resources: Migration | USCCB
- NEW WDMR Toolkit: https://justiceforimmigrants.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-WDMR-Toolkit-1.pdf
- NEW Restorative Justice: Reentry Expo
From Reentry to Restoration: Rebuilding Man, Restoring Families, and Preventing the Cycle - Living in a Fatherless Era
Pre-register today @ www.sfarch.org/reentryconference-expo
Sept. 18, 2026, 8 a.m.– 3 p.m. St. Mary’s Cathedral, San Francisco
Click here for more details. - NEW Respect Life Month, October 2026: Mary, Mother of Life - Parish & School Resources
Office of Marriage and Family Life
- NEW HOPE in TRUTH and LOVE -California Association of Natural Family Planning – CANFP 15th Statewide Conference on Oct 3, 2026, in Carpinteria is OPEN TO ALL.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Hispanic Ministry
- 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
- Cursillo Movement Woman's Retreat: Weekend at Marello Youth Retreat Center, Loomis, CA, from Sept. 17 - 20.
- St. Michael Festival: Come joint the fun of the 122nd Parish Festival on Sun., Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- 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~