The Installation

of The Most Reverend

Myron J. Cotta

as the Sixth Bishop of Stockton

by

The Most Reverend Salvatore J. CordileoneArchbishop of San Francisco

in the presence of

The Most Reverend Christophe PierreApostolic Nuncio to the United States of America

His Eminence Roger Cardinal MahonyArchbishop Emeritus of Los Angeles

and the Hierarchy of the Catholic Church

Thursday, the Fifteenth of MarchTwo thousand eighteen

St. Stanislaus Catholic ChurchModesto, California

His Holiness Pope Francis

The Most Reverend Christophe Pierre Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America

The Most Reverend Salvatore J. Cordileone Archbishop of San Francisco

Metropolitan of the Province of San Francisco

The Most Reverend Myron J. Cotta, D.D. Sixth Bishop of Stockton

Biography of His Excellency

The Most Reverend Myron J. CottaBishop Cotta was born March 21, 1953 of Portuguese heritage, and grew up on a dairy farm in the Merced County community of Dos Palos. He attended public and Catholic schools in Dos Palos and graduated from Dos Palos High School. He attended West Hills Junior College before entering St. John’s College Seminary in Camarillo, California. He completed his undergraduate studies and went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Divinity from St. John’s. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Fresno on September 12, 1987.

He served at St. Anthony Parish in Atwater and the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Laton, and was Pastor of Our Lady of Miracles in Gustine from 1992-1999. He also served the Diocese of Fresno as Vicar General, Moderator of the Curia, Vicar of Clergy, Director of Continuing Education of the Clergy, Supervisor of the Safe Environment Program, and Director of the Propagation of the Faith. He was named Chaplain to His Holiness in 2002 and Prelate of Honor in 2009.

In 2010, upon the death of Bishop Steinbock of Fresno, then Msgr. Cotta was elected by the Diocesan College of Consultors as the Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Fresno. He served as administrator until February 1, 2012, when Bishop Arman-do Ochoa assumed leadership of the Diocese of Fresno.

On January 24, 2014, it was announced that His Holiness, Pope Francis, named Msgr. Cotta as the Titular Bishop of Muteci and Auxiliary Bishop of Sacramento. He was ordained on March 25, 2014 and served the Diocese as both the Vicar General and Director of Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Affairs. He was also instrumental in overseeing prison and jail ministry in the diocese. Within the Catholic Conference of California, Bishop Cotta has served as a member of the Restorative Justice Committee and a RECOPS liasion.

On January 23, 2018, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, announced that Pope Francis had appointed Bishop Cotta to be the sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Stockton. Bishop Cotta is scheduled to be installed on Thursday, March 15, 2018.

Coat of ArmsEscudo de Armas

Brasão de Almargem do BispoPhù Hiệu

The episcopal heraldic achievement of the bishop’s coat of arms is composed of a shield, with its charges (symbols), a motto scroll and the external ornaments. The shield, which is the central and most important feature of any heraldic device, is described (blazoned) in 12th century terms that are archaic to our modern language. This description is done as if being given by the bearer with the shield being worn on the arm. Thus, it must be remembered, where it applies, that the terms dexter and sinister are reversed as the device is viewed from the front.

By heraldic tradition, the arms of the diocesan bishop are joined to the arms of his jurisdiction, seen in the dexter impalement (left side) of the shield. In this case, these are arms of the Diocese of Stockton.

They are composed of an upper blue portion, which is to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. On this blue field are displayed a gold (yellow) lozenge (diamond) which is charged with a red cross to represent the Lord Jesus Christ in both His Divinity and in His Humanity. The lozenge is placed between two silver (white) angel wings to represent the Archangel Gabriel who announced the Incarnation and thus it refers to the Annunciation, titular of the Cathedral Church in Stockton. The chevron of black and silver vair and the gold star, on the red background of the lower portion of the design, are symbols that are retained from the “Stockton” family device. Thus, their use honors Commodore Stockton, for whom the See City is named.

For his personal arms, seen in the sinister impalement (right side) of the shield, His Excellency has retained the arms that he adopted at the time that he was selected to receive the fullness of Christ’s Most Holy Priesthood, when he was named to be an Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Sacramento.

The shield is divided into two main portions by an inverted chevron. Above the chevron, on a blue field, is a golden (yellow) ancient Greek amphora, an earthen-ware vessel used for the transport and storage of fluids, such as oil. This amphora is emblazoned with the letters “SC,” that form the classic abbreviation for the church’s sacred, holy oil known as “Sacred Chrism.” This composition is employed because the bishop’s first name, Myron, is the Greek word for chrism.

The line of division of the shield, the inverted chevron, is reminiscent of a carpenter’s square thus honoring the bishop’s second baptismal patron, Joseph, the foster-father of Jesus and husband of Mary.

Below the chevron, on a gold (yellow) field are three blue letters: an “I,” a “H” and a “M.” These stand for the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to whom Bishop Cotta has very special devotion. Because there is no specific arrangement of this monogram for Mary, it is rendered here as would be on other pieces, where the more important name, like the surname, is enlarged and placed between the smaller initials, as for Christian or personal names.

For his motto, His Excellency, Bishop Cotta uses the phrase, “GRAÇA E MISERICÓRDIA,” which translates, “Grace and Mercy,” for this sums up all that God’s relationship with his people is all about. To reflect the bishop’s heritage, as an Azorean, the motto is rendered in Portuguese.

The achievement is completed with the external ornaments that are a gold (yellow) processional cross that extends above and below the shield, and a pontifical hat, called a galero, with its six tassels, in three rows, on either side of the shield. These are the heraldic insignia of a prelate of the rank of bishop by instruction of the Holy See.

Deacon Paul J. Sullivan

Gathering MusicPreludio de la Celebración

Thánh Ca Mở ĐầuPrelúdio Musical

Entrance of Priests and DeaconsEntrada

Đoàn Nghi Lễ Tiến RướcEntrada

The Assembly remains seated.

In order to preserve the solemn character of this Celebration,

you are requested to refrain from flash photography or moving from your seat to take pictures.

Please turn off all electronic sounding mechanisms.

Para preservar el carácter solemne de esta Celebración,

se le pide abstenerse de usar el flash fotográficoo de moverse de su asiento para tomar fotografías.Favor de apagar todos sus aparatos electrónicos.

Introductory Rites

Entrance Chant / Canto de entrada / Ca Nhập Lễ / Cântico de Entrada Laudate, Laudate Dominum Christopher Walker

Greeting / Saludo / Lời Chào / Saudação Archbishop: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All: Amen.

Archbishop: Peace be with you. All: And with your spirit.

Archbishop Cordileone greets all present and introduces the Apostolic Nuncio.

The Assembly is seated.

Rite of Installation Rito de Instalación / Ngh Lễ Nhậm Chừc / Rito de Instalação

Reading of the Apostolic MandateArchbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America reads a translation of the Apostolic Letter from His Holiness Pope Francis appointing Most Reverend Myron J. Cotta as the Sixth Bishop of Stockton.

Inspection of the Apostolic MandateArchbishop Pierre presents the Apostolic Letter to Bishop Cotta.Bishop Cotta shows the Apostolic Letter to the College of Consultors and all present.

Acceptance of the Apostolic MandateArchbishop Pierre asks Bishop Cotta if he is willing to serve the people of the Diocese of Stockton in the tradition of the Apostolic faith of the Church.

Bishop Cotta: With faith in our Lord Jesus Christ...the spiritual needs of this local Church.

All applaud. Seating of the BishopArchbishop Cordileone and Archbishop Pierre approach Bishop Cotta and lead him to the chair (cathedra). The Bishop receives the crozier and is seated as the Bishop of Stockton.

All applaud.

Greeting of the Bishop Representing the entire local Church, members of the clergy, religious and laity come forward to greet Bishop Cotta. In the name of all, they pledge their respect, cooperation and support in his ministry as Shepherd of the Church in Stockton.

PriestsRev. Chad Wahl and Rev. Misael Avila

Permanent Deacons and WivesDeacon Tom and Sherrill Ciccarelli

Cloistered NunsMother Lourdes Guerra, RCS and Sr. Adela Graciano, RCS

Consecrated Religious SistersSr. Isabel Abril, EFMS and Sr. Ann Venita Britto, FC

Pastoral Center StaffDoug Adel, Beverly Alonzo and Digna Ramirez-Lopez

Diocesan Pastoral CouncilDave Trojacek and Mary Lima

Diocesan Finance CouncilPaul Schaefer and Maria Stokman

Diocesan Review Board Deacon Tom Driscoll and Doug Wilhoit

Young Ladies InstituteJeannette Borges and Kathleen Stehli

Knights of Columbus Ken Rose and Don Marcetti

Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre H.E. Sir Thompson Faller and H.E. Lady Mary O’Brien

Serra International John Misiak and Carol Quijada

Catholic CharitiesElvira Ramirez and Don Geiger

Catholic Healthcare Sr. Abby Newton, O.P.

Faith in Stanislaus Pastor Wayne Bridegroom

Instituto Fe y VidaJosé María Matty Cervantes and Aurora Macias Dewhirst

Institute of Catholic Spirituality and Spiritual DirectionSr. Maria del Pilar Fandos Arenas, VDMF andSr. Ellen Hess, VDMF

Madonna of Peace Renewal Center John Powell

Catholic Elementary SchoolsAustin Hannink and Gabriella Sanchez

Catholic High SchoolsJosh Corsiglia and Ellon Madill

Newman MinistryJacob Campbell and Consuelo Hernandez

Marriage Encounter Gerardo y Martha Cibrian and Art and Cindy Bouthillier

Adoradores Nocturnos Jesus Arteaga

Apostoles de la PalabraAdan Avila

CursillosManuel Quintana

Teams of Our LadyNoelia and Jorge Sousa

Charismatic Renewal Movement Deacon Bill Brennan and Rev. Jose Domingo Ruiz

Immaculate Heart Catholic Radio Station Joseph Nesta

Unidos por Cristo y Maria Radio Station Raquel Andrade

Collect / Oración Colecta / Lời Nguyện Nhập Lễ / Oaração Coleta

1. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great

glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father.

2. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,

Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,

you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us,

you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer, you are seated at the right hand of

the Father, have mercy on us.

3. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father.

Signing of the ActaThe Chancellor, Sr. Barbara Thiella, SNDdeNamur, signs the Acta as witness that the Installation of the Bishop has taken place.

Gloria / Gloria / Kinh Vinh Danh / Glória Marty Haugen, Storrington Mass

Liturgy of the WordFirst Reading / Primera Lectura / Bài Đọc I / Primeira Leitura Jeremiah 17:5-10

Thus says the LORD: Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings,who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the LORD.He is like a barren bush in the desert that enjoys no change of season,But stands in a lava waste, a salt and empty earth.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD.He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream:It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green;In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit.More tortuous than all else is the human heart, beyond remedy; who can understand it?

I, the LORD, alone probe the mind and test the heart,To reward everyone according to his ways, according to the merit of his deeds.

Lector: Palabra de Dios. All: Te alabamos, Señor.

Responsorial Psalm / Salmo Responsorial / Thánh Vịnh Đáp Ca / Salmo Responsorial Psalm 89 Owen Alstott

Second Reading / Segunda Lectura / Bài Đọc II / Segunda Leitura Romans 12:3-13

Brothers and sisters: By the grace given to me I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than one ought to think, but to think soberly, each according to the measure of faith that God has apportioned. For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another.

Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let love be sincere; hate what is evil; hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality.

Hermanos: Porque en virtud de la gracia que me ha sido dada, digo a cada uno de vosotros que no piense más alto de sí que lo que debe pensar, sino que piense con buen juicio, según la medida de fe que Dios ha distribuido a cada uno. Pues así como en un cuerpo tenemos muchos miembros, pero no todos los miembros tienen la misma función, así nosotros, que somos muchos, somos un cuerpo en Cristo e individualmente miembros los unos de los otros.

Pero teniendo dones que difieren, según la gracia que nos ha sido dada, usémoslos: si el de profecía, úsese en proporción a la fe; si el de servicio, en servir; o el que enseña, en la enseñanza; el que exhorta, en la ex-hortación; el que da, con liberalidad; el que dirige, con diligencia; el que muestra misericordia, con alegría.

El amor sea sin hipocresía; aborreciendo lo malo, aplicándoos a lo bueno. Sed afectuosos unos con otros con amor fraternal; con honra, daos preferencia unos a otros; no seáis perezosos en lo que requiere diligencia; fervientes en espíritu, sirviendo al Señor, gozándoos en la esperanza, perseverando en el sufrimiento, dedicados a la oración, contribuyendo para las necesidades de los santos, practicando la hospitalidad.

Gospel Acclamation /Aclamación del Evangelio / Tung Hô Tin Mừng / Aclamação ao Evangelho Marty Haugen

Gospel / Evangelio / Bài Đọc Phúc Âm / Evangelho John 12:11-18

En aquel tiempo, Jesús dijo a los fariseos: “Yo soy el buen pastor. El buen pastor da la vida por sus ovejas. En cambio, el asalariado, el que no es el pastor ni el dueño de las ovejas, cuando ve venir al lobo, abandona las ovejas y huye; el lobo se arroja sobre ellas y las dispersa, porque a un asalariado no le importan las ovejas.

Yo soy el buen pastor, porque conozco a mis ovejas y ellas me conocen a mí, así como el Padre me conoce a mí y yo conozco al Padre. Yo doy la vida por mis ovejas. Tengo además otras ovejas que no son de este redil y es necesario que las traiga también a ellas; escucharán mi voz y habrá un solo rebaño y un solo pastor.

El Padre me ama porque doy mi vida para volverla a tomar. Nadie me la quita; yo la doy porque quiero. Tengo poder para darla y lo tengo también para volverla a tomar. Éste es el mandato que he recibido de mi Padre’’.

Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus, Christ.

Please remain standing until the Bishop has blessed the assembly with the Book of the Gospels.Favor de permanecer de pie hasta que el Obispo bendiga la asamblea con el libro de los Evangelios.

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Lenten Gospel Acclamation

Text: ICEL, © 1969, 1981, 1997Music: Storrington Mass, Marty Haugen, © 2010, GIA Publications, Inc.

Homily / Homilía / Bài Giảng / Homilia

The Most Reverend Myron J. Cotta, D.D.

Prayer of the Faithful / Oración Universal / Lời Nguyện Tín Hữu / Oração dos Fiéis

For the shepherds of our souls, especially the Most Reverend Myron Cotta, that they may have the strength to govern wisely the flock entrusted to them by the Good Shepherd,

For peace among nations, that, delivered from all turmoil, the peoples may serve God in freedom of heart,

For our brothers and sisters who suffer, that they may trust in the Lord,and wait for His light, For ourselves gathered here, that, by faith and devotion, we may remain in the Father’s love,

For all who are sick, especially for June Frances Etchebarne, for all children who suffer, and for their families who care for them, that they may be strengthened by our love and care of them,

For all who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection, that the Lord may welcome them into the light of his face,

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Preparation of Altar and Gifts / Preparación del Altar y de las Ofrendas / Chuẩn Bị Bàn Thánh / Preparação dos Dons

Before You I Kneel (A Worker’s Prayer) McDonald/Bach

May we live the gospel of Your grace,Serve Your purpose in our fleeting days,Then our lives will bring eternal praise

And all glory to Your great name.

Eucharistic Prayer / Plegaria Eucarística / Kinh Nguyện Thánh Thể / Oração Eucarística

Preface / Prefacio / Lời Tiền Tụng / Prefácio

Holy, Holy Marty Haugen, Storrington Mass

Amen Marty Haugen, Storrington Mass

Mystery of Faith Marty Haugen, Storrington Mass

Communion Rite The Lord’s Prayer / Oración Dominical / Kinh Lạy Cha / Oração do Pai Nosso

Sign of Peace / Signo de la Paz / Chúc Bình an / Sinal de Paz

Lamb of God / Cordero de Dios / Lạy Chiên Thiên Chúa / Cordeiro de Deus Marty Haugen, Storrington Mass

Communion Song / Canto de Comunión / Ca Hiệp Lễ / Cântico de Comunhão

Pescador de Hombres Cesáreo Gabaráin

Please remain standing until all have received communion.Favor de dejarse de pie durante la comunión.

Many and Great Ricky Manalo

Ubi Caritas Bob Hurd

Hymn of Praise Holy God, We Praise Thy Name GROSSER GOTT

Concluding RiteBlessing / Bendición / Nghi Thức Ban Phép Lành / Bênção

Dismissal / Despedida / Ra Về / Despedida Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee HYMN TO JOY

After the Installation, the assembly is invited to a reception at the Mark Gallo Health and Fitness Center

at Central Catholic High School.

Installation Committee

In GratitudeWe are grateful for the presence of all the bishops, priests, deacons,

religious, Knights and Ladies, music ministers, liturgical ministers, ecumenical guests, and the faithful who are able to be here for this celebration.

Thank you to Reverend Ramon Bejarano, Deacon José Reyes, Jose Ramirez, and the entire community at St. Stanislaus for your welcome and support.

Thank you to Jim Pecchenino and the Central Catholic High School Faculty, Staff and Students for your amazing hospitality.

Thank you to our generous donors and partners from throughout the Diocese, the many volunteers, the Diocesan staff members,

the various ministers from throughout our parishes, and the staffs of the Dioceses of Sacramento and Fresno

who made this celebration possible.

Reverend Monsignor Richard RyanMrs. Virginia MeagherMs. Alicia Alcantara

Mr. Doug AdelSr. Wanda Billion, M.S.C.

Mr. Tom ButlerMs. Carmen EspinozaMr. Joseph DonderoMrs. Kim Fuentes

Mrs. Jo Anne Garcia-JonesMrs. Marian Graham

Sr. Rosa Hernandez. M.G.S.P.S.Mr. José Lopez

Mr. Victor MitreReverend Luis Navarro

Mrs. Digna Ramirez-LopezMr. Jim PeccheninoDeacon José Reyes Mrs. Helen Roddy

Mr. David SpringerDeacon Gregory Yeager

Ministers

Most Reverend Myron J. Cotta, D.D., Bishop of Stockton

Most Reverend Salvatore J. Cordileone, Metropolitan Archbishop of San FranciscoMost Reverend Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America

Most Reverend Stephen E. Blaire, Bishop Emeritus of Stockton

Most Reverend Michael C. Barber, SJ, Bishop of OaklandMost Reverend Joseph V. Brennan, Auxiliary Bishop of Los AngelesMost Reverend Tod D. Brown, Bishop Emeritus of OrangeMost Reverend Edward W. Clark, Auxiliary Bishop of Los AngelesMost Reverend John S. Cummins, Bishop Emeritus of OaklandMost Reverend Thomas A. Daly, Bishop of SpokaneMost Reverend John P. Dolan, Auxiliary Bishop of San DiegoMost Reverend Timothy E. Freyer, Auxiliary Bishop of OrangeMost Reverend Richard J. Garcia, Bishop of MontereyMost Reverend William J. Justice, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of San FranciscoMost Reverend Patrick J. McGrath, Bishop of San JoseMost Reverend John C. Nienstedt, Archbishop Emeritus of St. Paul and MinneapolisMost Reverend Thanh Thai Nguyen, Auxiliary Bishop of OrangeMost Reverend Armando X. Ochoa, Bishop of FresnoMost Reverend Rutilio J. del Riego, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of San BernardinoMost Reverend Carlos A. Sevilla, SJ, Bishop Emeritus of YakimaMost Reverend Jaime Soto, Bishop of SacramentoMost Reverend Robert F. Vasa, Bishop of Santa RosaMost Reverend Daniel F. Walsh, Bishop Emeritus of Santa RosaMost Reverend William Weigand, Bishop Emeritus of Sacramento Priests of the Dioceses of Stockton, Fresno, and Sacramento Priest friends of Bishop Cotta

His Eminence Roger Cardinal Mahony, Archbishop Emeritus of Los Angeles

Reverend Monsignor John Foster, J.C.D.Reverend Thomas Orlando

Sr. Barbara Thiella, SNDdeNamur

Celebrant

Installing Prelates

Principal ConcelebrantConcelebrants

Participating PrelateCardinal’s Chaplains

Chancellor

Reverend Monsignor Richard Ryan, J.C.D.Reverend Monsignor John Armistead, S.T.L.Reverend Misael AvilaReverend Ramon BejaranoReverend William KraftReverend Joseph MaghinayReverend John Peter PragasamReverend Brandon WareReverend Chad WahlReverend Mark WagnerReverend Sam West

Deacon José Reyes, Deacon Gregory YeagerPermanent Deacon Community of the Diocese of Stockton

Mrs. Virginia Meagher, Ms. Carolyn CanoMr. David Springer, Mr. Dennis Taricco

Mr. Adrian Cisneros, Mr. Ryan FranciscoRev. Mr. Jesus Hernadez, Rev. Mr. Rene JaureguiRev. Mr. David Lopez, Mr. Joseph MalinisMr. David Panduro, Mr. Eric PatrickMr. Erik Pereira, Mr. Manuel Rodriguez

Mrs. Margarita ReyesMr. António Carvalho

Mr. Paul BalestracciSr. Azucena Espinoza, E.F.M.S.Mrs. Connie MadrugaMs. Noemi EwaltMs. Mercedes HollcraftMrs. Jasmine Pham

Diocesan Festival Choir representingCathedral of the Annunciation Stockton; Church of the Presentation, StocktonOur Lady of Fatima, Modesto; Our Lady of the Assumption, TurlockSacred Heart, Patterson; St. Anne, LodiSt. Anthony, Manteca; St. Bernard, TracySt. Mary of the Assumption, Stockton; St. Stanislaus, Modesto St. Mary of the Annunciation, OakdaleMrs. Helen Roddy, Director and CantorMr. Jason Jeffrey, PianoMr. Hal Willenborg, TrumpetMr. Ken Olson, TrumpetMrs. Karen Sanchez, Flute

College of Consultors

Deacons

Masters of Ceremony

Servers

Lectors

Intercessors

Music Ministers

A Brief History of the

Diocese of Stockton

Catholicism entered the north Central Valley with Spanish explorer Gabriel Moraga, who arrived in September 1806, seeking suitable sites for additional inland missions. Padre Pedro Munoz, his chaplain, is believed to have offered the first Mass in the wilderness that would become the Diocese of Stockton.

With the discovery of gold, prospectors inundated the Motherlode region of the Sierra Foothills, and by 1849 Fr. Arnault erected the first adobe church of the area on what came to be known as “Hospital Hill” in Sonora. Around the same time, Fr. Cian Chan from San Francisco was sent out as pastor to the Chinese community in Chinese Camp.

California, which had previously been part of the Mexican diocese of Ambas Californias, was separated into an American diocese in 1850, with Monterey as the see city. The first bishop was Bishop Joseph Sadoc Alemany, OP. He was accompanied by Fr. Francisco Vilarrasa, OP, who went and visited Stockton. He wrote back to the bishop: “Stockton, no priest, no church. An Irishman had two houses. Gave us one, which we converted into a chapel. On Christmas Day 1850, I said the first Mass and preached.”

With statehood, the land was divided into counties, and in May, 1851, the new country of Tuolumne was named a parish. Another parish was also established in June of the same year that included all of San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties with parts of Amador, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Mariposa, Merced and Tuolumne Counties. French immigrant, Fr. Abbé Dominique Blaive offered Mass in the homes of Charles and Helen Murphy Weber and of Nicholas Den.

Charles Weber donated lots at Washington and Hunter Streets for a church, which Fr. Blaive immediately began to build. The rough structure was replaced in 1861 with a more permanent structure named St. Mary of the Assumption. Sections were constructed as funds were raised, and the structure was not completed until 1913. St. Mary’s is the “mother church” of the northern San Joaquin Valley and the Sierra Foothills, as most parishes in the Diocese of Stockton are offshoots of St. Mary’s. The valley continued to grow with immigrants from Ireland, France, Germany, Mexico, Italy, China, Portugal, and Japan. After the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, settlers from the East began to pour in as well. English-speakers among them tended to consider Spanish-speakers as “foreigners,” no matter how long their ancestors had been in California.

By the 1930’s, Archdiocesan officials responded to the growth and migration of Catholics within Stockton by planning for the building of St. Mary of the Annunciation to the north, and another new parish that would be built to the south and replace St. Mary of the Assumption. St. Mary of the Annunciation was built with enthusiasm and dedicated in 1942, but fund raising was difficult for the other new parish and it was never built. Old St. Mary’s was spared.

On January 13, 1962, the Diocese of Stockton came into existence along with the Dioceses of Santa Rosa and Oakland. Calaveras, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tuolumne Counties were now a local church. In 1966 Alpine County was transferred to the Stockton diocese, adding a sixth county, and making the Diocese 10,023 square miles. The papal document establishing the new diocese speaks of the good earth, the flowers and leaves and star-studded, unclouded skies. It envisions a Church enriched with new dioceses, like young branches springing from the stout tree which is Christ.

At the Installation of Bishop Hugh Aloysius Donohoe as the first Bishop of Stockton, Archbishop Joseph McGucken of San Francisco declared the diocese “now ready to stand on its own…The signs of its maturity have become increasingly evident not only in the historical growth as seen in the See City, where four parishes have become eight, and one school multiplied to six, and a small secondary school has been replaced with a splendid inter-parochial high school. More important [is] the evidence of outstanding Catholic action; of apostolic initiative…springing from the spiritual community, and tailored to fit local needs. One must be impressed with the catechetical expression, the missionary work among the migrants.” St. Mary of

the Annunciation was designated the Cathedral of the new diocese. Shortly thereafter, Rev. Msgr. Robert Pereira was ordained in the new Cathedral as the first priest ordained for the Diocese of Stockton.

Over the years, the missionary work and the apostolic initiative of the Diocese have continued to grow as the population and needs of the Valley grow. The outreach has gone beyond the parishes to the founding of St. Joseph Hospital, St. Mary’s Dining Room, the Port Chaplaincy, Migrant Ministry outreach, and many interfaith initia-tives throughout the Diocese to care for those who are in need. The priests, deacons and laity of the Diocese continue to work to serve others each and every day.

The Diocese of Stockton continues to be representative of California’s diverse culture, including being home to the largest Azorean Portuguese population outside the Azores. New immigrants from the around the world, including the Philippines, Vietnam, South Korea, India, and throughout Mexico, Central and South Ameri-ca continue to enrich our parishes and communities with their faith and culture. With 35 parishes, 14 missions, 98 priests, 57 deacons and 52 religious, the Diocese of Stockton is now home to over 300,000 Catholics, of whom approximately sixty percent are Hispanic/Latino.

Following a Diocesan Synod in 2005-2006, the Diocese has focused on ten key areas to build for the future: Communication, Cultural Diversity, Faith Development, Family Unity, Financial Transparency, Leadership, Liturgy, Social Justice, Welcoming, and Youth Ministry. The Diocese remains committed to its essential ministries and services to meet the needs of the parishioners and others who rely on the Diocese’s ministry, education, and charitable outreach.

The Diocese has been served by five bishops:The Most Reverend Hugh A. Donohoe (1962-1969)The Most Reverend Merlin J. Guilfoyle, J.C.D. (1970-1980)The Most Reverend Roger M. Mahony (1980-1985)The Most Reverend Donald W. Montrose (1986-1999)The Most Reverend Stephen E. Blaire (1999-2018)

We welcome The Most Reverend Myron J. Cotta as the Sixth Bishop of Stockton!

Mission Statement of the

Diocese of Stockton

We, the Catholic people of the Diocese of Stockton,transformed by Jesus Christ through Baptism;

empowered by the Holy Spirit;nourished by the Eucharist;

faithful to the mission of Christ;commit ourselves to be God’s heart of mercy and love,

God’s voice of hope and truth,God’s hands of justice and healing to all people.

Copyright AcknowledgementsPicture of Pope Francis © Catholic News Service. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Laudate, Laudate Dominum, © 1997, Christopher Walker. Published by OCP Publications.

Thanks be to God, © 1989, John Schiavone. Published by OCP Publications.

Gloria, Text: ICEL © 2010. Music: Storrington Mass, Marty Haugen, © 2010, GIA Publications, Inc.

Psalm 89: For Ever I Will Sing. Text © 1969, 1981, 1997, ICEL. All rights reserved. Used with permission.Music: Owen Alstott, © 1977, 1990, OCP.

Lenten Gospel Acclamation. Text: ICEL, © 1969, 1981, 1997. Music: Storrington Mass, Marty Haugen, © 2010., GIA Publications, Inc.

Eucharistic Acclamations, Text: ICEL, © 2010. Music: Storrington Mass, Marty Haugen, © 2010., GIA Publica-tions, Inc.

Pescador de Hombres, © 1979, Cesáreo Gabaráin. Published by OCP Publications.

Ubi Caritas, Text and music © 1996, 2004, Bob Hurd. Published by OCP Publications.

Many and Great, © 1995 Ricky Manalo, CSP. Published by OCP Publications.

Holy God, We Praise Thy Name, Text: 78 78 77 with repeat; Te Deum laudaums; attr. to St. Nicetas, ca. 335-414; Grosser Gott, wir loben dich; tr. ascr. to Ignaz Franz, 1719-1790; tr. by Claarence A. Walworth, 1820-1900. Music: Allgemeines Katholisches Gesangbuch, Vienna, ca. 1774.

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee, Text: 87 87 D; Henry van Dyke, 1852-1933, alt. Music: Ludwig van Beethoven, 1770-1827; adapt. by Edward Hodges, 1796-1867.

All music reprinted with permission under OneLicense.net#A-714947.