October 19, 2026
After years of faithful service to the Diocese of Stockton, Sr. Wanda Billion is retiring from her role as Director of Formation for the Permanent Diaconate at the Pastoral Center. Throughout her ministry, she has been a dedicated mentor, teacher, and spiritual guide, helping to form countless men preparing to serve the Church as permanent deacons. Her commitment to fostering faith, leadership, and servant ministry has left a lasting impact on the diocesan community.
We are deeply grateful for Sr. Wanda’s wisdom, dedication, and unwavering support of the Permanent Diaconate program. As she begins this new chapter, we offer our heartfelt thanks for her many contributions and pray that God may continue to bless her with health, joy, and abundant peace in retirement. Her legacy of service and formation will continue to inspire future generations of deacons and lay leaders throughout the Diocese of Stockton.
We are deeply grateful for Sr. Wanda’s wisdom, dedication, and unwavering support of the Permanent Diaconate program. As she begins this new chapter, we offer our heartfelt thanks for her many contributions and pray that God may continue to bless her with health, joy, and abundant peace in retirement. Her legacy of service and formation will continue to inspire future generations of deacons and lay leaders throughout the Diocese of Stockton.
Seminarian Michael Kelly served as the speaker for the third session of the Diocesan Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) training on October 10, 2026, at the Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Stockton, California. His presentation focused on the Period of the Catechumenate and the Period of Purification and Enlightenment, highlighting these important stages in the OCIA journey of faith.
The primary resource persons for the OCIA training are Michael Schmitz and Father John J. M. Foster, J.C.D., while the School of Ministry provides logistical support to ensure the smooth conduct of the sessions.
Let us continue to accompany Michael Kelly with our prayers and support as he responds with courage, generosity, and an open heart to God’s call to the priesthood. Let us also pray that God will inspire more men to discern and embrace the call to ordained ministry in our Diocese.
The primary resource persons for the OCIA training are Michael Schmitz and Father John J. M. Foster, J.C.D., while the School of Ministry provides logistical support to ensure the smooth conduct of the sessions.
Let us continue to accompany Michael Kelly with our prayers and support as he responds with courage, generosity, and an open heart to God’s call to the priesthood. Let us also pray that God will inspire more men to discern and embrace the call to ordained ministry in our Diocese.
On Saturday, October 17, nearly 200 candidates from 16 parishes throughout the Diocese gathered at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Surrounded by family members, sponsors, clergy, and parish communities, these adults publicly affirmed their faith and were strengthened by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This joyful celebration reflected the vibrant faith and ongoing formation taking place across the Diocese, as candidates completed their journey of preparation and took an important step in their Christian discipleship.
The Diocese rejoices with our newly confirmed brothers and sisters and offers prayers for their continued growth in faith and service to the Church.
The Diocese rejoices with our newly confirmed brothers and sisters and offers prayers for their continued growth in faith and service to the Church.
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
Stay connected with the Synod journey in our diocese! The Synod Corner provides updates, reflections, and resources to help us continue walking together in faith, listening to one another, and participating in the life and mission of the Church.
English: Click here.
Español: Oprima aquí.
English: Click here.
Español: Oprima aquí.
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 Liturgy & Worship
- NEW All Souls’ Day –Join us on November 2nd at our Catholic Cemeteries for Mass for the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. For schedules and resources on our Catholic practice of praying for the dead, please visit: https://stocktondiocese.org/all-souls
- Instituto Hispano/JST. Líderes Custodios de la Magnífica Humanidad. Explora el impacto de la IA en la fe y descubre recursos prácticos para el servicio pastoral. Únete a una Comunidad de acompañamiento y Estudio Pastoral sobre la Encíclica Magnifica Humanitas. 7 sesiones de estudio, oración y diálogo participativo. Fecha de Inicio: jueves 29 de octubre de 2026.
Modalidad: Online. Clases virtuales por Zoom de 6 a 8 p.m. (PST). Jueves: 29 de octubre, 19 de noviembre, 10 de diciembre, 14 de enero, 04 de febrero, 25 de febrero, 18 de marzo.
Inscripción: $25 USD
Regístrate aquí y haz clic en el enlacede abajo para ir al formulario: https://slate.scu.edu/register/magnificahumanitas
(Selecciona la opción "Workshop $25") Para mayor información o dudas sobre el proceso de registro, comunícate con nosotros al (510) 549-5020 o escríbenos a jstinstitutohispano@scu.edu. - Guía práctica parroquial de CLINIC. Apoyando a los inmigrantes en tiempos de necesidad. Versión en español en este enlace: Parish Toolkit - Español.pdf
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. Parish Toolkit Supporting Immigrants in a Time of Need.2026.0410.pdf
Office of Catholic Charities
- Low-Cost Mental Health Counseling. Take care of your Mental Health, services are available to individuals, couples, children, youth, and elderly regardless of race, age, gender, religion, ethnicity, economic status or sexual orientation. For more information contact Alma Torres at 209-369-6947.
- Asesoramiento a bajo costo de salud mental. Cuida tu salud mental. Abierto a todos, los sevicios estan disponibles para personas, parejas, ninos, jovenes y ancianos, independientemente de su raza, edad, genero, etnia, situacion economica u orientacion sexual. Para mas informacion comuniquese con Alma Torres al 209-369-6947.
- ¡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.
Office of Marriage and Family Life
- Join the Catechetical Institute for a FREE 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.
Franciscan Institute Guild webinar series.
- 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.
- 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
Events from our Parishes and Community
- St. Luke Elementary Boots and Brews: There will be Music, Food, Drinks and Raffles on Oct. 24, 6 to 10 p.m. For Tickets click here. For more information on being a sponsor click here. To make a donation click here.
- Christian Life Program: Couples for Christ at St. Anthony's Parish in Manteca invites Couples, Single Men and Woman, Widows and Widowers, every Sat. from Oct. 24 to Nov. 14 from 1:30 - 4 p.m.
- 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.
- Un Día con Jesús Misericordioso: Parroquia de San Eduardo y el Apostolado de la Divina Misericordia les invita. Jueves, 5 de Nov., de 10 a.m. a 6:30 p.m.
- Tree Lighting Celebration: Sat. Dec. 12, after the 5 p.m. Mass. St. Luke Church Shine a Light Fundraiser. Honor someone special with a colored bulb to decorate St. Luke's 21 ft. Christmas tree. Click here to place your bulb order.
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~