Dear Brothers and Sisters, I am appalled, as with many of you, at the recent news of the Mayor of New York City and the Governor of Virginia! It is never a choice to take innocent life. Infanticide should not be an option. This nation needs to wake up! We, Bishops and Clergy, need to reinforce the teaching of the Church on the sanctity of life. Catholics, young and old, must be formed by the Gospel of Jesus. As St. Paul says, “We must take on the mind of Christ.” ... Click on the photo to read the complete message.

Beginning on February 19, the weekday Mass schedule will change to 6:00 PM to be held in the church, instead of the previous 7:00 AM in the rectory.

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.

Registration is open for classes in preparation for Confirmation, or for adults desiring any other Sacrament. The classes will start on January 24, 2019. Register at the Parish Office during regular office hours, Thursdays through Tuesdays from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A donation of $50 is requested to register.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, We begin a new Liturgical Year with the “season of expectation,” Advent. The four weeks of Advent is a time for us to slow down and to take time to reflect upon the season as we prepare for the Great Feast of Christmas. As we prepare, and make straight the way for the coming of the Lord, let us ponder the role of Our Lady during this month of December. On December 8, we acknowledge her Immaculate Conception. On December 12, we call to mind her heavenly visit to St. Juan Diego as Our Lady of Guadalupe on the hill of Tepeyac... Click on the photo to read the complete message.

My Dear People of God: The USCCB - United Catholic Conference of Bishops - will be convening November 11-15, 2018 for their annual General Assembly in Baltimore. Top priority will be the discussion of episcopal accountability. The U.S. Bishops will be making critical decisions in response to this current crisis. Click on the photo to read the complete message.

Dearest Brothers and Sisters, Our nation has once again been victimized by a horrendous act of violence and hatred in the tragic shootings at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Violence as a response to political, racial or religious indifference cannot be tolerated and we must not return evil for evil... Click on the photo to read the complete message.

As Catholics, we firmly believe that God has a plan for our lives! He calls some to marriage, some to the priesthood, and others to religious life. Some remain as generous single people. Fully living our own vocations—and teaching young people how to discern God’s call—is a serious duty, but also a joyful one... Click on the image to read more.

My Dear People of God, Beginning with the first day of November, our attention is drawn to our relationship with the Church Triumphant, the Saints. Every time we proclaim our faith at Mass, as we pray the Creed, we proclaim our belief in the “communion of saints.” The lives of the Saints serve as models for us... Click on the photo to read the complete message.

Fr. Jorge will be on a Pilgrimage to the Vatican and several Sanctuaries in Europe with his brother Fr. Jairo Román, and some parishioners of Saint Joseph on October 3-26. During this time, the Parish and Missions will be attended on the first week by Fr. Chan Woo Lee, and the 2nd and 3rd weeks by Fr. Alvaro Araque. Also during this time, the Parish Office will be closed.

The budget of the Diocese of Stockton for this year is $2,300,000 to cover expenses on education and formation of Seminarians, Deacons, Catechists, various Pastoral Ministries including immigrant services, etc. Every Parish of the Stockton Diocese contributes according their ability. St. Joseph Parish needs to raise $23,245. As of September 4, we have reached 81% of our assessment. Remember that every dollar you give is going to be used to build the Kingdom of God. Click on the image to read more about the Bishop's Ministry Appeal, or go to the Online Giving page to contribute.

Dear Father Roman: Thank you again for the most gracious welcome when I came for your Installation as Pastor and Confirmation, and in particular, for the very generous gift which will be used for charitable purposes in the Diocese. After consultation with the Priest Personnel Board, I am pleased to inform you that you will be incardinated into the Diocese of Stockton as of Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at 12:00 noon. I congratulate you on joining the Presbyterate of our Diocese and I look forward to the years ahead of your priestly ministry in the Diocese of Stockton. I pray for an abundance of God´s grace as you continue to carry out your priestly ministry in Mammoth Lakes. In the Peace of Christ, Most Reverend Myron J. Cotta. Roman Catholic Bishop of Stockton

During the month of September, parents may register their children for the First Communion CCD classes in the Parish Office on Saturday, Sunday, or Tuesday evenings from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Please bring the child's baptismal certificate and a donation of $50 for class expenses. The classes are taught at St. Joseph Church in Spanish only. By registering your children you agree to participate in the Sunday Mass as a family and to participate once a month in Fr. Jorge’s faith formation talks. Registration for RCIA and Confirmation classes will be announced at a later date.

The devastating news of the revelations of sexual abuse over the past 70 years in regard to several Dioceses in Pennsylvania has had a gut wrenching impact on all of us. As a member of the clergy, and as your Bishop, I have experienced a variety of emotions this week: anger, outrage, shame, disheartening frustration – enough is enough! ... Click on the picture to read the complete message.

It has been reported that criminals are hacking into personal email accounts and sending out various fraudulent messages using stolen identities requesting iTunes gift cards be sent to someone you may know. Do not respond to this hoax. Never send out personal information, credit card numbers, gift cards, or anything of value via an email without first thoroughly vetting the destination. Change your email password immediately if you have been hacked. Always be alert for the possibility of fraud when you receive any email that is in any way suspicious.

Following the Footsteps of Saint Paul: You are invited to join a pilgrimage with Father Jorge Roman to Turkey, Greece, and Italy from October 19 to November 3, 2018. The cost is $2,975.00 plus airfare. Reserve your place for $500.00 Click on the image for more information.