On Saturday, August 1, over 140 lay ministry leaders from across the Diocese celebrated the completion of courses in Catechesis and Pastoral Accompaniment.

Auxiliary Bishop Rey Bersabal presided at the Mass, assisted by Deacon Arturo Arroyo and Deacon Jason Solano. In his homily, Bishop Rey praised the lay leaders for living out the spirit of synodality. Echoing his own call while addressing the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) in Jakarta, Bishop Rey challenged them to be true "bridges and bridge-builders" in their communities.

If you haven’t picked up a print copy of the July/August 2026 Catholic Herald, you can find the digital version here: SAC0726 | Catholic Magazines. This issue focuses on spiritual motherhood and the vocation of women.

In this issue, Bishop Soto recalls a letter he received from a cloistered nun and shares some of her wisdom. Jennifer Havey reflects on her own experience of coming into her personal vocation as a spiritual mother through the spiritual fatherhood of the late Bishop David O’Connell and other mentors in her walk with the Lord. 

With faith in the promise of the Resurrection, the Diocese of Sacramento mourns the passing of Deacon Jaime Garcia, who entered eternal life on July 20, 2026, at the age of 80.

Deacon Jaime was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate in 2003 for the Diocese of Oakland, where he began his ministry before later serving the Diocese of Sacramento for more than 19 years. Through his ministry of Word, charity, and service, he faithfully proclaimed the Gospel and accompanied the People of God with generosity and devotion.

Please join us in praying for the eternal repose of Deacon Jaime's soul and for the consolation of his wife, Barbara, his family, friends, and brother deacons.