Father Benedict DeLeon, a beloved priest of the Diocese of Sacramento for 39 years who served as pastor of several parishes, died unexpectedly on Aug. 18 at the Priests’ Retirement Village in Citrus Heights. He was 65.

Bishop Jaime Soto will preside at a funeral Mass for Father DeLeon on Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Church, located at 8720 Florin Road in Sacramento. Bishop Emeritus William K. Weigand will be the concelebrant. A reception will follow the Mass in the parish center. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery, located at 6509 Fruitridge Road in Sacramento.

A vigil service will be held on Monday, Aug. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Paul Church. Visitation will begin at 5 p.m.

Novena will be prayed at St. Paul Church starting on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 6 p.m.

The Office of Family and Faith Formation is pleased to announce Ministry Days 2019: "Go, Make Disciples: Co-Responsibility for the Mission of the Church" at St. Francis Catholic High School in Sacramento on Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28.

​Ministry Days is the largest gathering of ministers, catechists and Catholic school teachers in the Diocese of Sacramento. The event is an excellent opportunity to network with others who serve our parishes and schools.

Inspirational keynote talks will be given by Holy Names University professor Dr. Velma Richmond, physician Dr. Bennet Omalu, and Fr. Eduardo Fernandez, SJ of the Jesuit School of Theology. More than 75 workshops will be offered in English and Spanish.

Registration for Ministry Days is now open and can be completed online through our website:

Following is the text of a letter to the faithful of the Diocese of Sacramento issued July 24 by Bishop Jaime Soto,

Dear Friends in Christ

Please join me in opposing the provision of abortion on university campuses in California and praying for the protection of infants and young college-age women from the scourge of abortion.