September 8, 2020
Photo of the Week:
This Labor Day takes on a special meaning as the pandemic has brought to light how essential our labor force is. Just to name a few, first responders and medical care workers have put themselves at the frontline of the battle against the disease and truck drivers have worked extra hours to make sure essential supplies were still accessible to communities. In his Labor Day statement, USCCB Chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, Bishop Paul S. Coakley writes: "Public reports show, the virus has spread widely among essential workers. As a result, low wage workers, migrant workers, and workers of color, have borne a disproportionate share of the costs of the pandemic. These same workers have been hit particularly hard, and, it is devastating to say, many have paid with their life." Please pray for all essential workers this Labor Day, especially those with poor working conditions and those who were already at a disadvantage before the pandemic.
Office of the Bishop:
Faithful Citizenship
It's that time of year again where we come together as a nation to vote for government officials and laws. The abundance of information to take in can sometimes be so overwhelming that many people shut it out and do not vote. From now until November, Bishop Cotta and the Diocese of Stockton will help provide information on the importance of voting as well information as to where the Church stands on various propositions. Below are some great resources to pass on to your parish through social media or your parish website.
COVID-19 Resources:
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Stockton is ready to help you.
This is a no-cost, 100% confidential service made available to farm and cannery workers in San Joaquin County who have or may have COVID-19.
Together, we can protect ourselves, our loved ones, and those we work with.
Anniversaries
Catholic Rural Life
Change is natural if not always smooth as we move from one phase of life to another. The month of September brings us a change of seasons: The warmth of summer gives way to mornings with a touch of chill in the air; the evenings come earlier as the days shorten in the rhythm of the season. See the Blessing of Change and Letting Go by clicking here.
Vocations:
Meet Our Seminarians
Akbar S. Walle Perez says he is inspired to be a priest because of his burning desire to serve the Lord with all of his heart and serve His church and His people. "During my formation in the seminary, I hope to be able to configure my heart to the heart of Jesus, so that in the future I can be, if God allows me, a priest according to the heart of Jesus," says Akbar. His advice to anyone thinking about becoming a priest is to think about the vocation to the priesthood, and don't be afraid to open your heart to God and let yourself be loved and surprised by him. Afterwards, he will guide your steps.
Office of Evangelization & Faith Formation:
New Directory for Catechesis is here
The new directory provides guidelines for catechesis and presents universal norms to guide pastors and catechists in the work of evangelization. The new directory is essential for pastors, parish priests and directors, lay and religious catechists, deacons, teachers and other ministers who provide faith formation. Purchase a copy at USCCB.org.
(En Espanol) La nueva edicion del Directorio para La Catequesis tambien esta disponible en Español. Visite el sitio web USCCB.org para reservar su libro.
Would you like to hear a summary of the new edition of the directory? For upcoming webinars as soon as next week, click here.
Catechetical Sunday is Sept 20
The theme this year is “I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you.” Catechetical Sunday is the day to call forth and commission catechists for their ministry. Celebrate catechists (and parents too) for their perseverance in passing on their love for the faith, especially during these uncertain times. For prayers, videos and other resources visit the USCCB website.
Diaconate Formation
School of Ministry:
Ministry Formation
The School of Ministry of the Diocese of Stockton in partnership with the University of Dayton, Ohio will be providing their Introduction to Theology for Ministry (ITM) and Theology and Leadership for Ministry (TLM) courses through Dayton's Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF).
Classes will begin on the second week of October. Participants are asked to pre-register through the Diocese before registering at Dayton University. Instructions on how to register on the VLCFF platform will be sent to participants once they are pre-registered. Click here for more information and the pre-registration form.
Classes will begin on the second week of October. Participants are asked to pre-register through the Diocese before registering at Dayton University. Instructions on how to register on the VLCFF platform will be sent to participants once they are pre-registered. Click here for more information and the pre-registration form.
Family & Respect Life:
Ethical Polio Vaccine is Produced
The USCCB Pro-Life Activities and Committee on Doctrine, announced that the FDA recently approved Sanofi Pasteur’s request to switch from using an aborted fetal cell line (MRC-5) to using an ethical animal cell line to produce its polio combination vaccines Pentacel and Quadracel. The drug company has also chosen to discontinue production of its stand-alone polio vaccine, Poliovax, which also used MRC-5 for its production, and to retain another stand-alone polio vaccine, IPOL, that is ethically produced. Furthermore, Sanofi-Pasteur’s ongoing effort to develop a vaccine for COVID-19 also does not rely on cell lines linked to elective abortion.
Prayer
