The Diocese of Monterey has announced that Bishop Richard J. Garcia of Monterey died July 11. He was 71. He had been diagnosed three months ago with Alzheimer's disease. He was named the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Monterey in 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI.

In a statement, Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento said "The news about the death of Bishop Richard Garcia is heartbreaking for all those who knew his strong embracing affection. The clergy, religious and people of the Diocese of Sacramento join with our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of Monterey, as well as the family of Bishop Garcia, to mourn the passing of this beloved pastor and dear friend. May the many fond memories of his jovial bearing and tender manner bring us comfort as we commend the kind soul of Bishop Garcia to the merciful arms of Jesus, the Good Shepherd."

At the instruction of Bishop Jaime Soto, the Office of Worship sent the following memo dated Thursday, July 5, to all clergy:

In light of the fires burning in Yolo, Napa, and Lake Counties, please remember in your prayers all those affected, especially the fire fighters and those who’ve been evacuated. Fires are an unfortunate but common occurrence in the western United States this time of year. Much of our Diocese is located in rural areas where wild fires are a normal part of life, but that doesn’t make them any less distressing. Please keep all those communities affected by fires in your prayers this summer. Included are sample intercessions you may use.

Suggested intercessions:

On Saturday, June 30, Bishop Jaime Soto ordained twenty-seven men to the Permanent Diaconate during a Mass in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento.

In remarks at the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Soto told the new deacons, "Each of you, my brother deacons, has responded to the personal call of the Lord Jesus. He has called you with a brother’s affection. With a shepherd’s care, Jesus has brought you to this altar of charity so that your diaconal charity will only have one source, the water and blood that flow from His Sacred Heart. From this altar, taste and see the goodness of the Lord. From this altar take and share this goodness from the Lord. As ministers of the cup always remember from where the sacred chalice has drawn its grace."