In his New Year’s letter to priests of the diocese, Bishop Jaime Soto again affirmed his commitment to caring for the victims of clergy sexual abuse and to atoning for the sins of the past. This atoning, Bishop Soto said, is a lifetime commitment, and is central to our responsibility as Catholics.

“I want to assure each of you personally that my focus remains steadfastly on the well-being of the victims of sexual abuse and the safety of all God’s people who put their trust in our parishes, schools and programs,” Bishop Soto said.

The following is a summary of how our diocese puts that responsibility into action.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) reports that an estimated 20 percent of U.S. Catholics divorce at sometime in their lives and roughly a quarter of these petition for annulment. In petitioning they seek mercy and relief from the bond of failed marriage to be free to marry again in the Catholic Church, return to a full sacramental life (if already remarried), or live peacefully once again following a traumatic or abusive marriage. Is it possible to find mercy and healing in this way?

Here, Catholic Herald magazine shares two stories of individuals who journeyed through divorce and sought annulments. They found new, merciful lives in Christ.

Beginning Friday, March 19, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, everyone is invited to share in a special devotion to Saint Joseph every Friday at 9:00am on the diocesan Facebook, YouTube, and website.

Over seven Fridays*, Bishop Soto and deacons throughout the diocese will provide opportunities to pray and reflect on the Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys of Saint Joseph. The devotional series will continue through the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker on Saturday, May 1 with the final Friday being May 7.

*Please note: The series will pause on Good Friday.