September 28, 2026
On September 26, the Diocese of Stockton joyfully celebrated the ordination of six men to the Permanent Diaconate at the Cathedral of the Annunciation. Presided over by Bishop Myron J. Cotta, this beautiful celebration marked the beginning of a new chapter of service, ministry, and discipleship for these newly ordained deacons.
Please join us in congratulating:
🔹 Deacon Michael Balogh, assigned to St. Bernard Parish, Tracy
🔹 Deacon Gabriel Casillas, assigned to Church of the Presentation, Stockton
🔹 Deacon Leopoldo Fuentes, assigned to Sacred Heart Parish, Turlock
🔹 Deacon Antonio Hernandez, assigned to St. Mary, Stockton
🔹 Deacon Jose Murillo, assigned to St. Gertrude Parish, Stockton
🔹 Deacon John Zamora, assigned to St. Stanislaus Parish, Modesto
As they begin their ministry of Word, Liturgy, and Charity, let us keep these newly ordained deacons and their families in our prayers. May God bless them abundantly as they answer His call to serve the people of the Diocese of Stockton.
Congratulations, Deacons! We are grateful for your faithful "yes" to God's call.
Please join us in congratulating:
🔹 Deacon Michael Balogh, assigned to St. Bernard Parish, Tracy
🔹 Deacon Gabriel Casillas, assigned to Church of the Presentation, Stockton
🔹 Deacon Leopoldo Fuentes, assigned to Sacred Heart Parish, Turlock
🔹 Deacon Antonio Hernandez, assigned to St. Mary, Stockton
🔹 Deacon Jose Murillo, assigned to St. Gertrude Parish, Stockton
🔹 Deacon John Zamora, assigned to St. Stanislaus Parish, Modesto
As they begin their ministry of Word, Liturgy, and Charity, let us keep these newly ordained deacons and their families in our prayers. May God bless them abundantly as they answer His call to serve the people of the Diocese of Stockton.
Congratulations, Deacons! We are grateful for your faithful "yes" to God's call.
The Diocese of Stockton gathered at the Cathedral of the Annunciation on September 27 for the annual Red Mass, a longstanding tradition that invokes the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon those who serve in the legal profession and public service. The liturgy brought together judges, attorneys, civic leaders, and members of the faithful in prayer and reflection.
During the celebration, the Diocese's prestigious St. Thomas More Award was bestowed upon Mr. Albert Ellis, founding partner of Hakeem, Ellis & Marengo, in recognition of his distinguished legal career, professional excellence, and faithful witness to the values of justice, integrity, and service. The award honors individuals who exemplify the virtues of St. Thomas More, patron saint of lawyers and public servants, through their commitment to both faith and the common good.
During the celebration, the Diocese's prestigious St. Thomas More Award was bestowed upon Mr. Albert Ellis, founding partner of Hakeem, Ellis & Marengo, in recognition of his distinguished legal career, professional excellence, and faithful witness to the values of justice, integrity, and service. The award honors individuals who exemplify the virtues of St. Thomas More, patron saint of lawyers and public servants, through their commitment to both faith and the common good.
On September 19, the TCP -Thriving Catholic Parishes / Parroquias Vitales Program was launched at Saint Edward Church. The TCP program is a dynamic, holistic, and continuous ministry empowering Hispanic/Latino teens, young adults, parents and ministers to place youth and young adults as a priority in the mission of the parish. Special attention to a post-confirmation stage with single young adults. This program is a collaboration with Instituto Fe y Vida, Offices of Hispanic Ministry, HY and Young Adult Ministry, Saint Edward, St. Gertrudes, St. Mary of the Assumption, and the Cathedral. We thank Fr. Martin and St. Edward Church for hosting the first session and providing a delicious lunch.
On September 19, Bishop Myron J. Cotta presided over the Eucharistic celebration at the Joseph J. Artesi II Migrant Family Center, French Camp.
33 migrant young people received the Sacrament of Confirmation. The young people and their families came from six migrant family centers associated with the following parishes: St. Anthony (Hughson), Sacred Heart (Patterson), St. Joachim (Lockeford), St. George (Stockton), and St. Mary (Stockton).
Special thanks to Rev. Jery Brown from St. Joachim, Lockeford & Rev. Chris Varghese from St. George, Stockton, for concelebrating with the bishop.
Like Bishop Cotta always says, “Our Beautiful Outdoor Cathedral.” It’s always a pleasure to be present and go out to meet the church outside for our migrant workers, who do so much for us”.
On September 19, Bishop Myron J. Cotta presided over the Eucharistic celebration at the Joseph J. Artesi II Migrant Family Center, French Camp.
33 migrant young people received the Sacrament of Confirmation. The young people and their families came from six migrant family centers associated with the following parishes: St. Anthony (Hughson), Sacred Heart (Patterson), St. Joachim (Lockeford), St. George (Stockton), and St. Mary (Stockton).
Special thanks to Rev. Jery Brown from St. Joachim, Lockeford & Rev. Chris Varghese from St. George, Stockton, for concelebrating with the bishop.
Like Bishop Cotta always says, “Our Beautiful Outdoor Cathedral.” It’s always a pleasure to be present and go out to meet the church outside for our migrant workers, who do so much for us”.
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 Marriage and Family Life
- NEW Pray and Give Thanks for Healthcare Workers at the Annual White Mass on Oct. 15, 2026, at 5:45 p.m. at St. Joseph Parish - 1813 Oakdale Road Modesto, CA, 95355.
- NEW Join the Catechetical Institute for a FREE 7-part webinar series focusing on The Natural Sexual Attraction of Man and Woman and its Proper End! You may sign-up for all sessions or only those of interest to you. First session is Thursday, Oct. 1st, 2026, at 9 a.m. - REGISTER
- 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.
- Diocesan Choir and Schola – The Diocesan Festival Choir sings for major liturgical events in the diocese. Join us Saturday, October 3rd at 9:30am the Annunciation School auditorium for an introductory rehearsal as we begin to prepare for upcoming ordinations and the Chrism Mass. We will be having simple, low-pressure auditions at that time for the director to get an idea of the voices available. The Diocesan Schola is made up of more experienced singers and supports major events with more difficult pieces and sings on its own for smaller liturgies throughout the year. We will also be holding auditions at that time for those interested. For more information and to RSVP, please visit: https://stocktondiocese.org/musical-resources.
- 2nd Annual Sacred Music Stockton Workshop- October 23-24. All who are involved in music ministry (or interested in learning more) are invited to join us at St. Mary’s in Oakdale for prayer, learning, and fellowship. Register by October 14th! To learn more, please visit: https://stocktonsacredmusic.regfox.com/sacred-music-stockton-2026-
- October is Respect Life Month: Resources • Poster • Prayer Card • Novena • Respect Life Month Action Guide (action ideas & more!) • Respect Life Reflection • Graphics • Homily Helps for Respect Life Sunday • Pro-Life Articles.
- Respect Life Sunday 2nd Collection (October 3 & 4) for Office of Family & Respect Life. Your generosity supports the efforts of the Diocesan Office of Family & Respect Life Ministry.
- Stockton 40 Days for Life Fall Campaign & Opening Rally - September 24 (9:30 am-11:30 am) at Camanche Shelter, Micke Grove Regional Park. CLICK HERE FOR FLYER AND MORE DETAILS.
- 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
- 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.
- Bunco Game Day: Presented by YLGI 79 Patricia, Sat. Oct. 17 at St. Partrick's Parish Hall. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $20, includes Potato Bar, Luncheon & Bunco.
- Rosary Social: With the Eucharistic Franciscan Missionary Sisters. Open to ladies ages 15-14. Make a Rosary with the sisters, ask about their Religious Life and get to know how Mary is their model of fidelity. Oct. 25 at St. Anne Church, Lodi, CA.
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~