The Most Reverend
Jaime Soto

Ninth Bishop, Diocese of Sacramento

graphic image of Jesus breaking break with disciples

Office of Worship offering liturgical ministry workshops

The diocese’s Office of Worship will offer several regional liturgical ministry workshops in 2010 for ministers of the liturgy in parishes.

The workshops will provide liturgical ministers with ongoing formation and support and help to prepare them for the new translation of the Roman Missal, according to Sandra Holland, director of the Office of Worship.

The half-day workshops are offered at no cost to all laypeople in parishes. Those especially encouraged to attend are liturgy coordinators, liturgy committee members, lectors, musicians, sacristans, extraordinary ministers of Communion, altar server coordinators, liturgical environment coordinators and ministers of hospitality (ushers and greeters).

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World Day of Sick celebrated in cathedral Feb. 20

The Diocese of Sacramento and the Order of Malta in the diocese will host a World Day of the Sick Mass on Saturday, Feb. 20 at noon in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in downtown Sacramento.

Bishop Jaime Soto anoints a woman with oil during the Mass in honor of World Day of the Sick last February in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento.
Paul Gaviglio/Herald file photo

All those suffering from a serious acute or chronic illness, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, chemical dependency, or emotional/mental problems and their caregivers are invited to participate. During the Mass, which honors Our Lady of Lourdes, the sacrament of the sick will be administered. Those receiving the anointing are asked to arrive by 11:30 a.m. for seating.

Bishop Jaime Soto will preside at the service, which will include the Liturgy of the Word, the anointing of the sick, blessing of caregivers, Communion, and blessing with water from the Grotto of Lourdes. The Cathedral Choir will provide music for the healing Mass.

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20th Annual Catholic Appeal to support social services, Catholic education, seminarians and new parishes

The Annual Catholic Appeal provides a way to share with God and His Church a portion of the gifts He has given us. In these challenging economic times, the needs facing our Church are greater than ever before. Together, through the generous support of the 2009 Appeal, 21,000 participants raised nearly $2.5 million in contributions.

We ask for your support again for the 2010 Appeal. Your generosity helps more than 100 social service programs provide people in need with dignity and hope for a better future. You also help fund Catholic education, and the formation and education of our seminarians who are preparing for priesthood in our local parishes. Further, you help fund the establishment of new parishes in highly populated areas. As in years before, 25 percent of collected funds are returned to your parish for its own social service ministries.

Watch for more detail in the month ahead.

Link to more information about the Annual Catholic Appeal

Catholic aid agencies accept donations for Haitian quake

By Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — The following international aid agencies are working with partner agencies and local religious leaders in Haiti and are accepting donations for victims of the Jan. 12 earthquake.

Link to Catholic aid agencis accepting donations for Haitian quake relief

Tell Congress: Remove abortion funding and mandates from needed health care reform

Stay apprised of the health care reform activity as debate continues. Contact your senators and make the moral case for genuine health care reform that will protect the life, dignity, consciences and health of all, especially the poor and vulnerable. Link to the USCCB's health care reform Web site below for more information, and to instantly email congress now!

Link to USCCB's health care reform Web site

Link to past article on the launch of USCCB's health care reform Web site

OTHER NEWS & UPDATES

The Most Reverend Jaime Soto