With faith in the promise of the Resurrection, the Diocese of Sacramento mourns the passing of Deacon Llewllyn “Mike” Urick, who entered eternal life on Sept. 5, 2026, in Alabama at the age of 80.

Deacon Mike was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Sacramento on June 10, 2000, and served the Diocese for more than 21 years. His ministry included many years of service at St. Basil the Great Parish in Vallejo, where he was known for his faith, his humor and a memorable preaching voice that, as his family recalls, could fill the church.

The September/October issue of Catholic Herald is now available online here: SAC0926 | Catholic Magazines. This issue focuses on veterans, their faith amid conflict and respect life issues.

In this issue, Bishop Soto beautifully calls to mind the words of the Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address and the depth they carry in light of the sacrifices made by men and women in the military. Father Michael Vaughan shares his own experience in the Gulf War which led to his conversion, the priesthood and his new role as chaplain for the Army National Guard.

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.