September 14, 2020
Photo of the Week:
This photo is a throw back to the pre-Covid days when we could gather in person, and shows the joy experienced by a group of Cathecists celebrating their certification.
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 our website.
Office of the Bishop:
Faithful Citizenship
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 is a link to resources that are great to pass on to your parish through social media or your parish website.
COVID-19 Update
In an effort to better assist the community and the Diocese of Stockton, Bishop Cotta has assembled a COVID-19 communications task force that is dedicated to communicating resources available to the community. A COVID-19 Update will be published regularly. In the publication, there will be a list of testing sites, food distributions, mental health seminars and resources specific for migrant farm workers. Thank you to Catholic Charities and our community partners for providing these resources.
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.
Catholic Charities:
Catholic Charities Sunday
Catholic Charities Sunday is an annual opportunity to learn more about the work of Catholic Charities in our Diocese. On this Sunday, second collection at all parishes in the Diocese goes towards the great work done by Catholic Charities. This essential collection funds 22 programs that are the backbone of human services in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties, serving more than 19,000 children, families and individuals each year.
While this years' Catholic Charities Sunday will be much different due to the national crisis, know that your support is needed more now than ever. Catholic Charities staff and volunteers remain on the frontline providing service to the most vulnerable and also those affected by COVID-19.
For this reason in addition to the second collection taken in parishes on September 19 and 20, they are also collecting funds throughout the entire month of September. You can donate online at CCstockton.org, or by texting GIVE or DONATE to (209) 497-5136.
For this reason in addition to the second collection taken in parishes on September 19 and 20, they are also collecting funds throughout the entire month of September. You can donate online at CCstockton.org, or by texting GIVE or DONATE to (209) 497-5136.
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.
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.
Diaconate Formation:
Please pray the novena below for these men and their wives. This coming Saturday they will be ordained as deacons for the Diocese of Stockton.
Prayer
