In response to the Sept. 19 statement by the USCCB Administrative Committee, Bishop Jaime Soto said in a statement:

"I welcome the proposals of the Administrative Committee of the USCCB in anticipation of the November plenary meeting of bishops. Much has already been accomplished here in the Diocese of Sacramento. The proposed measures, as well as the discourse it will foster, help us go even further in cultivating safe environments for our children and families. Join me in making supplication to the Lord Jesus for the healing of all victims of abuse and the renewal of the church so that we may be sanctuaries for all God's people."

On Tuesday, Oct. 9, Bishop Jaime Soto will preside at the annual Red Mass in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento. The Red Mass is the traditional gathering of members of the legal profession and elected and appointed officials to invoke the aid of the spirit of God in their deliberations in the year to come.

Following the Red Mass, Bishop Soto will present the St. Thomas More Award to Angela M. Lai at a dinner event at the Sutter Club. Named in recognition of the patron saint of lawyers, the St. Thomas More Award is given to a member of the legal profession in the diocese who has shown integrity in the practice of law, leadership in the community, and faithfulness to gospel values in his or her personal and professional life.