As the government shutdown continues, thousands of families across Northern California are struggling to put food on the table. Within the 20 counties of the Diocese of Sacramento, more than 550,000 people are projected to lose access to food assistance, amounting to over $105 million in benefits that will go undistributed beginning November 1.

This staggering number includes an estimated 175,000 children and 100,000 seniors, many of whom already live on the margins.

But the Church’s mission endures. In this moment of hardship, the Diocese of Sacramento is calling on the faithful to live the Gospel through concrete acts of mercy, namely to feed the hungry, comfort the anxious, and bring the light of Christ into communities most in need.

A Call to Serve and Support

Deacon William Frederick Bruening, who served the Church as a deacon for 26 years and the Diocese of Sacramento for more than ten years, entered eternal life on October 15, 2025. He was 80 years old.

Bishop Jaime Soto will preside at a funeral liturgy on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Parish, 435 Chestnut Street, Chico, CA. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, 60 Wellington Avenue, Daly City, CA, with the Rite of Committal at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 1500 Mission Road, Colma, CA.

DAVIS — A spirit of joy and unity filled the city of Davis on Sunday, October 12, as more than 250 students, parishioners, and community members gathered for the Jubilee Mass for Young Adults and the dedication of the newly renovated Newman Catholic Center grounds.

The evening began with a Jubilee Mass at St. James Parish, presided over by Bishop Rey Bersabal, who was joined by Fr. Mauricio Hurtado, diocesan vocations director, and Deacon Stephen Tran. In his homily, Bishop Rey reflected on the profound gift of unity that flows from faith and the sacraments.

“In encounter with Jesus, we become one again,” he preached. “In confession we become one, in communion we become one — in all the sacraments, we are united again in Him.” Bishop Rey Bersabal