My Dear People of God, As we began the month of July, we sadly came together, as family, to offer the solemn funeral liturgy for our beloved Bishop Emeritus, Stephen E. Blaire. The Cathedral of the Annunciation was the perfect setting for us to gather to worship and give thanks to God for Bishop Blaire..... Click on the image to read the complete message.

The Most Reverend Stephen E. Blaire, the fifth bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Stockton in California died June 18, 2019 after a prolonged illness, at his retirement residence at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Modesto. He was 77 years of age. Click on the photo to read the complete obituary.

The Eastern Symphony will present two concerts as part of their 42nd Annual Summer Festival at St. Joseph Church. The concert on Friday, June 28, at 7:30 PM will feature the music of Vivaldi, Southers, and Haydn. The concert on Saturday, June 29, at 7:30 PM will feature the music of Mendelssohn, Mozart, and Brahms. Both concerts are free to the public. Click on the image for more information.

Beginning with the celebration of Pentecost 2019, the Diocese of Stockton will launch a collaborative effort of evangelization by means of prayer. It must be a prayer that is centered, and finds its origin in the Holy Spirit who was given to the Church at Pentecost. This effort is in response to the challenge and invitation of Pope Francis and his predecessors in regard to the “New Evangelization.” ..... Click on the photo to read the complete message.

During the Masses on June 22 - 23, we will have elections for the Parish Pastoral Council. Click on the image to see the list of candidates.

St. Joseph Parish is in great need of a part-time Business Administrator with experience in accounting. Please contact the Parish Office if you have an interest in helping out. Click on the image for more information.

May is traditionally the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a month in which we celebrate May crownings in our parishes and schools. On May 13, the Church acknowledges Our Lady’s first apparition at Fátima in 1917 and on May 31 we honor the visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. It is in the month of May that we express our love and appreciation of the gift of motherhood as we honor our mothers, including our Blessed Mother. As Mother of the Church, Mary protects and intercedes for her children, especially for us, in our present day and age......Click on the image to read the complete message.

Resurrection! Risen Life! Victory over Sin and Death! The Empty Tomb! My brothers and sisters in the Risen Lord: Peace be with you! “Peace be with you,” these beautiful words were the first words spoken by the Risen Jesus to his Apostles. The Lord offers a peace that embraces the whole person: “Shalom!” It’s God’s blessing, his favor and consolation - His Presence- “God with us.” During the month of April, we begin our journey through 50 days of Easter during which time we will celebrate the Resurrection, Ascension and Pentecost. It is the season of hope and of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. For it is the Spirit, with his gifts and fruits, who will empower us to be the people God has called us to be.... Click on the image to read the complete message.

Easter Masses: Easter Vigil at Saint Joseph Church, Saturday, April 20, 8:00 PM. Easter Sunday, April 21 ----- 8:00 AM at Saint Joseph Church; 10:00 AM at Our Lady of the Valley Chapel in Coleville; 10:15 AM at Our Savior of the Mountains Mission in Lee Vining; 12:00 PM at The Infant of Prague Mission in Bridgeport (Spanish); 6:00 PM at Saint Joseph Church (Spanish). Click on the icon for the full schedule of services during Holy Week.

This Lent participate in the Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl, a faith in action program that invites you to encounter anew ourselves, our neighbors, and our God. Use your Rice Bowl and Lenten Calendar daily to guide your Lenten prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Take the Rice Bowl with you and bring in your donations to the second collection on Palm Sunday, April 14. Click on the image for more information.

My Dear People of God, I would like to sincerely thank you all for your kindness and generosity for our recent second collection to benefit our Sisters and Brothers affected by the recent Camp Fire.  Together as a Diocese we were able to collect and to send aid totaling $157,110.62 to our friends in the Diocese of Sacramento.  Your generosity will bring much comfort to them, and assure them that they are not alone.     I ask that you continue to pray for those affected communities and families, and thank you again for graciously contributing to the relief efforts.     May the Lord reward you for your goodness! Bishop Cotta

Our Lady of Guadalupe was declared the Patroness of Americal by Pope Francis. We need missionaries to deliver the message of love and hope to the families who host the pilgrim image of the Virgin in their houses. Every Wednesday during Lent at 5:00 PM, we will offer training to become a missionary. For registration and information, call Marisela Ayala at 760-914-0575.

During Lent, every Thursday we will have a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament at 7:00 PM, and every Friday we will have bilingual Stations of the Cross, in St Joseph Church and both of the Missions at 7:00 PM.

My Dear People of God, The month of March is a very significant month for me. It is the month of my birthday; the month of my ordination as a bishop; and the month of my installation as the Bishop of the Diocese of Stockton. These are all milestones in my life, and my faith journey, for which I am very grateful.....Click on the photo to read the complete message.

When you care enough to give the very best…… give yourself and your spouse a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The next Marriage Encounter Weekends are July 13 - 14, 2019 and September 27 - 29, 2019, both in Modesto. Click on the image for more information.

My Brothers and Sisters, The month of February contains several special celebrations in regard to our Catholic Faith. February 2 is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Also, on this day, we acknowledge the World Day for Consecrated Life. It is a day that we give praise and thanks to God for all the women religious, past and present, who have faithfully served the people of God for many years in our Diocese, and throughout the world. ... Click on the photo to read the complete message.

My Fellow Parishioners, As the Diocese of Stockton emerged from bankruptcy, Bishop Blair appointed a Financial Recovery Task Force to make recommendations that would strengthen the financial future of the Diocese and its parishes. All recommendations were reviewed with The Diocesan Finance Committee and the Consultors. One of the recommendations was to conduct an Offertory Program in every parish. This process will provide some funds to the Diocese through the Service Fee (7%) but much more to the growth of ministries of each parish (93%). Bishop Cotta concurred with the recommendations. We all must address finances as we look to the future. ....Click on the photo to read the complete brochure.

Monday, December 31, 6:00 PM Mass at St. Joseph Church, followed by Holy Hour and Confessions at 7:00 PM....... Tuesday, January 1, 12:00 PM at Our Savior of the Mountains Mission in Lee Vining; 6:00 PM at St. Joseph Church (Bilingual).

Monday, December 24, 4:30 PM at Our Lady of the Valley Mission in Coleville; 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM at St. Joseph Church...... Tuesday, December 25, 8:00 AM at St. Joseph Church; 10:15 AM at Our Savior of the Mountains Mission in Lee Vining; 12:00 PM at The Infant of Prague Mission in Bridgeport; 6:00 PM at St. Joseph Church (Spanish).

We are having a traditional Posada celebration with a Christmas play, candles, songs, piñatas and tamales. It is fun for the entire family. Come join us at Our Savior of the Mountains in Lee Vining on Monday, December 17, at 6:00 PM, or at St. Joseph Church on Sunday, December 23, at 7:30 PM.