If I have learned anything in my dealings with God, it is that He is completely unpredictable, but that His plans turn out better than one can expect. We left Subway with a ham, salami, and cheese sandwich, some Doritos, and a Coke. He didn't want anything even though I offered, but He replied: "I have food that you don't know about" (Jn. 4, 32). We got into the Jeep and I asked Him where we were going. ¨You drive, I'll guide you.¨ With God it's always like that. You never know which way or where He will take you. I never imagined I would end up at St. Joseph’s Parish somewhere I didn't even know existed… Mammoth Lakes.. . Click on the image to read the complete letter.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, The month of June is traditionally known as the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Within this month, we also acknowledge two important Solemnities of the Church: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity and the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. . . Click on the image to read the complete message.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we find ourselves “on the heels” of the recent consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we are reminded that May is dedicated to Our Lady as our Blessed Mother. On Mothers’ Day, the second Sunday of May, we express our love and gratefulness for motherhood. It is a special day when we show our thankfulness for the gift of life, and the love we have received from our mothers throughout our lives. . . Click on the image to read the complete message.
Dear Parishioners and Benefactors: Gasoline has risen to extraordinary prices never seen before and we complain that the price of food keeps going up. We never thought that such a distant war could affect us, just as a virus that emerged in China could affect the entire world. This makes us reflect on the consequences of sin. Yes. My sins impact my neighbor and the world. We have seen the damage caused by the war on the news and it fills us with a feeling of powerlessness to not be able to do more than pray, but the temptation is to think that our prayers are not heard and that praying is useless. We feel abandoned by God. . .Click on the image to read the complete letter.
My Dear People of God, In 1917, Our Lady of Fatima asked the faithful to pray the Rosary for peace in the world as humanity was experiencing the horrors of WWI. She warned that if prayer and penance were not embraced, there would be a more terrible and destructive future war, and it came to pass - WWII. All of this could have been avoided if people would have followed Our Blessed Mother’s peace plan, but it was ignored. The rest is history. . . Click on the image to read the complete message.
On Fridays during Lent, beginning March 4, there will be the prayer of the Stations of the Cross at 5:00PM followed by Mass in Saint Joseph Church at 6:00 PM. There will also be the Stations of the Cross at 7:30 PM in Lee Vining. . . Click on the image to view the Stations of the Cross prayer book in English or Spanish.
Every Thursday during Lent, beginning March 3, at 5:00 PM we will have Adoration and Blessing with the Blessed Sacrament starting at 5:00 PM, followed by Mass at 6:00 PM in Saint Joseph Church. There will also be Adoration in Lee Vining at 7:30 PM.
My Dear People of God, As we celebrate and welcome the New Year 2022, we also acknowledge and celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Diocese of Stockton. Sixty years ago, the Diocese was established on January 13, 1962. It was erected from territories separated from the Diocese of Sacramento and the Archdiocese of San Francisco. . .Click on the image to read the complete article.
The extreme weather the past week has rendered the Church heating system inoperable. With no heat, it is very cold inside St. Joseph Church. Please dress warmly when attending Mass. Note, Masses will continue according to the posted schedule. Repairs to the heating system will be made as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.
Mass celebrating the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be on Friday, December 31, in St. Joseph Church at 6:00 PM (bilingual), followed by Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament with Confessions available starting at 6:30 PM. On Saturday, January 1, there will be Mass at Noon at Our Savior of the Mountains Mission in Lee Vining, and a bilingual Mass in St. Joseph Church at 6:00 PM.
On the Epiphany of the Lord, we celebrate that Jesus was manifest to the World as God, King and Savior for all as the Magi recognized Him and adored Him. In this regard, please bring a toy to St. Joseph Church for a needy boy or girl, and we will distribute them after the Mass on Thursday, January 6 at 6:00 PM.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, ADVENT: Ready or not - Jesus shall come to judge the living and the dead. That is what we believe and profess! He comes in order to restore all things in Himself, in His all-consuming love. So, the question is: Are you and your loved ones ready for his coming? . . . Click on the image to read the complete message.
Recent efforts to perpetuate and expand abortion in state laws have illuminated the deplorable actions of some Catholic public officials and advocates. Their efforts to support and even celebrate such legislation will result in killing many more unborn children, as well as the spiritual and emotional wounding of their mothers and fathers. Advocating for intrinsically evil acts, like abortion, is a serious immoral act – one that involves grave matter, the prerequisite for the commission of a mortal sin. While we can object to the actions of these public officials, we are not able to judge their souls. At the same time, we know there will be a Judgment Day. . .Click on the image to read the complete article by Archbishop Naumann.
In our present time, as missionary disciples, we are called to be a people of prayer. Throughout our Diocese of Stockton, I ask that all families, prayer groups, adorers of the Blessed Sacrament, those participating in the Divine Mercy devotion, Rosary groups, etc. to join me in an intercessory prayer outreach as we- Kneel before the Lord. . .Click on the image to read the complete message.
In October, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month, and the first Sunday of October is designated as Respect Life Sunday. To help support this annual observance, the Diocesan Family & Respect Life Office provides materials and support to help Catholics understand and value the gift of family and human life, while building a culture that cherishes and protects it. The second collection taken on Respect Life Sunday, October 2 & 3, provides an opportunity for all to participate in the Family & Respect Life Ministry, as well as serves as a reminder to parishioners that their support is crucial to our ministry. . . Click on the image to view the video message from Bishop Cotta.
Registrations will be held during the month of September on Wednesdays through Sundays in the Parish Office after the 6:00 PM Mass. Bring a copy of your child's baptismal certificate and a donation of $50.00 at the time of registration.
During the current absence of Fr. Jorge Román, Monsignor Aldolfo Valdivia will be here to celebrate Mass the weekend of September 11-12. Please welcome him.
The California State legislative session will soon resume and to continue work on key bills, including SB 380, the bill to expand physician-assisted suicide in the state. We can’t overstate the importance of defeating this bill which is next up in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Click on the image to read how you can make a difference in helping to defeat SB 380.
A memorandum from the Diocese of Stockton mandates the strict use of face masks. "Please be advised that due to the updated guidance the wearing of face masks will be mandated at Masses and Indoor Parish events effective immediately.". . . Click on the image to read the complete memo.