In a letter to the faithful of the Diocese of Sacramento that will be distributed in parishes on the weekend of Oct. 20-21, Bishop Jaime Soto announced that he will release to the public and publish on the diocesan website the names of all priests in the diocese who have been credibly accused of abusing children and young people. He will do so with the guidance of a consulting firm known for its expertise in this work.

Following is the full text of Bishop Soto's letter.

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October 18, 2018

Dear Friends in Christ:

WASHINGTON—The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week, November 4-10. This annual event is a special time for parishes in the nation to foster a culture of vocations for the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life. 

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Respect Life Program begins anew each year on Respect Life Sunday, the first Sunday in October. The program is highlighted in liturgies and marked by special events in dioceses throughout the nation and in the Diocese of Sacramento.

Begun in 1972, the Respect Life Program stresses the value and dignity of human life. In addition to new prayers and other resources, the 2018-19 Respect Life Program features six articles highlighting the respect due to each person as a “masterpiece of God’s creation.” The Respect Life Program is a nationwide effort to help Catholics understand, value and become engaged with building a culture that cherishes every human life.