October 5, 2026
As we celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment, we give thanks for the many ways God's love is reflected through all of creation. Families gathered with their beloved pets for the annual Blessing of the Animals, asking God's protection and care upon these faithful companions who bring joy, comfort, and unconditional love to our lives. Inspired by St. Francis' deep reverence for all living creatures, this special tradition reminds us of our call to be grateful stewards of God's creation and to cherish the gifts entrusted to us.
To read more about the Blessing of the Animals click on the Catholic Rural Life link below.
To read more about the Blessing of the Animals click on the Catholic Rural Life link below.
This October, Bishop Cotta invites us to reflect upon USCCB's Respect Life Prayer and Action guide, prompting us to deepen our commitment to the dignity of every human person. As we observe Respect Life Month, let us prayerfully reflect on his message and put our faith into action by supporting and advocating for life at every stage. We encourage all the faithful to use this reflection as a resource for prayer, reflection, and concrete acts of love and compassion throughout October.
Click below for the Prayer Guide
Click below for the Prayer Guide
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 October's Monthly Blessing - Blessing of Animals
Click here for October's Monthly Blessing - Blessing of Animals
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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 Mental Health Ministry.
Click below to watch video
"Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses."
~ Pope Leo XIV~