November 2, 2026
A new diocesan Records Retention Policy and Schedule was recently promulgated and will take effect on November 29. Fr. John J.M. Foster, J.C.D., Episcopal Vicar for Temporal and Canonical Affairs, and Dyan Hollenhorst, Chancellor, presented a workshop at St. Bernadette Parish in Stockton on Thursday, October 29 to introduce the new policy, highlight key provisions, and answer questions.
A second workshop will be held Saturday, November 7, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Modesto. This session offers another opportunity to learn about the policy and prepare for its implementation. Those responsible for maintaining records in parishes, schools, and other diocesan entities are encouraged to register for the workshop at this link: Records Management and Retention Workshop Our Lady of Fatima: Saturday, November 7, 2026 – Fill out form
A second workshop will be held Saturday, November 7, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Modesto. This session offers another opportunity to learn about the policy and prepare for its implementation. Those responsible for maintaining records in parishes, schools, and other diocesan entities are encouraged to register for the workshop at this link: Records Management and Retention Workshop Our Lady of Fatima: Saturday, November 7, 2026 – Fill out form
Preparations for the 2026 Diocesan Celebration to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe are underway. Parish representatives and the organizing committee met on October 28 to discuss plans.
The group also heard from the Most Reverend Daniel Flores, Vice President of the USCCB, on the One Tilma, One Heart initiative in preparation for the 500th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
As part of the three-phase plan, Bishop Cotta is inviting the faithful to join him on
December 6 at the Diocesan Procession and Mass at the Arena, where he will receive a replica of the Tilma. All parishes are invited. For information, contact the Office of Hispanic Ministry at hispanicministry@stocktondiocese.org or by phone at: (209) 466-0636.
To learn more about the One Tilma, One Heart initiative, visit: Intercontinental Guadalupan Novena | USCCB
Click here to view the flyer.
The group also heard from the Most Reverend Daniel Flores, Vice President of the USCCB, on the One Tilma, One Heart initiative in preparation for the 500th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
As part of the three-phase plan, Bishop Cotta is inviting the faithful to join him on
December 6 at the Diocesan Procession and Mass at the Arena, where he will receive a replica of the Tilma. All parishes are invited. For information, contact the Office of Hispanic Ministry at hispanicministry@stocktondiocese.org or by phone at: (209) 466-0636.
To learn more about the One Tilma, One Heart initiative, visit: Intercontinental Guadalupan Novena | USCCB
Click here to view the flyer.
On Wednesday, November 4, parishioners, community members, alumni, and friends are invited to participate in the SEEDS Scholarships Day of Giving—a 24-hour online fundraising event supporting students at the Diocese of Stockton’s 11 Catholic elementary schools.
Your support will help fund student scholarships, opening the door to Catholic education for more families who desire it.
Whether you're passionate about Catholic education, investing in future leaders, or sustaining the mission of the Church, this is an opportunity to make a difference. Every contribution helps create opportunities for students to grow in faith, knowledge, and service at one of our schools.
Donations are tax-deductible, and convenient payment options are available.
Please help spread the word and join us in making a difference on November 4!
Donate to SEEDS Scholarships
Your support will help fund student scholarships, opening the door to Catholic education for more families who desire it.
Whether you're passionate about Catholic education, investing in future leaders, or sustaining the mission of the Church, this is an opportunity to make a difference. Every contribution helps create opportunities for students to grow in faith, knowledge, and service at one of our schools.
Donations are tax-deductible, and convenient payment options are available.
Please help spread the word and join us in making a difference on November 4!
Donate to SEEDS Scholarships
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 for Synod Corner #13.
Español: Oprima aquí para el Rincón del Sínodo #13.
English: Click here for Synod Corner #13.
Español: Oprima aquí para el Rincón del Sínodo #13.
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 November's Monthly Blessing - Blessing of Food
Click here for November's Monthly Blessing - Blessing of Food
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 for Vocations
- NEW National Vocations Awareness Week, Nov. 1-7, 2026.
National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood & religious life, Married life, and consecrated life through prayer and education.
Let us pray for our seminarians and all vocations! 🙏 - Save the Date – For Patrick Germann and Joshua Lesan's Transitional Diaconate Ordination at Sacred Heart Church in Turlock, Jan. 9, 2027, at 10 a.m. and Presbyterate Ordination at St. Stanislaus Church on June 12, 2027, at 10 a.m.
- NEW Women’s Retreat for Healing after Abortion, a time for spiritual renewal, peace, and confidential healing in God’s mercy. Spanish Retreat: Nov. 13-15, English is Dec. 4-6. To register or for more information: Call: 415-614-5567; Email: projectrachel@sfarch.org or click on the link above for more information.
- NEW November is National Restorative Justice Month and International Restorative Justice Week. Learn more by joining this November 3-4, for a special two-day virtual webinar series in observance of National Restorative Justice Month. RSVP Today: 2026 Restorative Justice Webinar Series.
- NEW Stop the spread of the abortion pill! Learn more and take action to save lives: respectlife.org/abortion-pills. Sample bulletin messages & more (in EN & SP)
- NEW We are excited to invite seniors to our upcoming Digital Literacy Workshop on Sat., Nov. 7! Space is limited to only 20 participants, so we encourage individuals to register. To register click here.
- Change lives today! Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Stockton invites you to join our Kindness Collective Program and make a difference, register today or request more information at (209)593-6113 or visit our website ccstockton.org.
- ¡Cambia vidas hoy mismo! El Programa Colectivo de la Bondad de Caridades Católicas de la Diócesis de Stockton te invita a formar parte de nuestra comunidad y hacer la diferencia. Regístrate hoy o solicita más información al (209) 593-6113 o aprende más en nuestro sitio web en https://www.ccstockton.org/kindesscollective.
- ¡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.
- 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.
- 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 Marriage and Family Life
- Join the Catechetical Institute for a FREE webinar series
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 - 5:00pm WST - Temptations to Suicide: Helping Someone Who is Struggling
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 - 25:00pm WST - What Does It Mean to be a Woman in the Order of Love?: Reminding Women of Their Great Dignity
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 - 5:00pm WST - Faithfully and Creatively Utilizing Digital Tools for Evangelization, Teaching, and Community Building
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 - 11:00pm WST - Christmas: Myths, Mistakes, and Meaning
Thursday, November 19, 2026 - 5:30pm WST - Under the Influence: Psychological and Sociological Perspectives on Sexual Attraction
Tuesday, November 24, 2026 - 5:00pm WST - (In Spanish) - La importancia de oración según San Ignacio (The Importance of Prayer According to St. Ignatius of Loyola)
You may sign up for all sessions or only those of interest to you at 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- One Nation Under God: A Fundraising Concert in support of "Church for Tomorrow" and celebration of America's 250th Anniversary, at St. Anthony Church, Manteca, CA, on Fri., Nov. 20 at 6 p.m.
- Nacimiento Viviente: Obra Teatral Biblica en la Parroquia de San Estanislaus, Modesto, CA, el 28 y 29 de noviembre y el 19 y 20 de diciembre en la Parroquia de la Presentacion de la Virgen Maria, Stockton, CA. Puertas se habriran a las 5 p.m.
- Christmas Gift Fair: Finish your shopping early! Bake Sale, Gift Baskets, Raffle, White Elephant, Lunch and Cash Drawing. Sat. Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at St. Parick's Parish Hall, Sonora, CA.
- Young Adult Mass: Young adults (ages 18-39-years-old) are invited to join the Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary for an evening liturgy and communion on Nov. 21. After the mass, all are invited for some refreshments, games, and a bingo mixer. Fr. Mark will be the celebrant, and Deacon Gabriel will be the homilist. If you have any questions, please reach out to Kristine Alarcon at youthandya@presentationchurch.net or 209-320-5718.
- 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 November Prayer Intention:
For the proper use of wealth.
"Let us pray for the proper use of wealth, that not succumbing to the temptation of selfishness, it may always be put at the service the common good and solidarity of those who have less."
~ Pope Leo XIV~