The American Bishops have declared next Monday a day of prayer with a focus on the plight of refugees and migrants. This will will take place across the United States on December 12, 2016, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

The recent reports of hate mail and threatening comments received by those following the Muslim faith here in the Valley and elsewhere in the United States is a cause of great concern for all people of faith as well as all those who treasure and hold sacred our God-given rights and dignity which is enshrined in our Constitution. (more)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: As Advent begins, our minds and hearts are drawn toward Bethlehem. Let us imagine ourselves on a four-week journeyapproaching Bethlehem step-by-step, reflecting along the way what and Who awaits us there. (Click title for remainder of message)

On Thursday, December 15, 2016, the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno, Bishop Armando X. Ochoa, will open a Year of Grace commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the diocese with Mass at 7:00 pm in St. John’s Cathedral in Fresno. All are welcome to this celebration and to join us in our year-long journey remembering “who we have been, who we are, and who we are called to be” as the Community of Faith in the Diocese of Fresno. The general theme for the 50th Anniversary year is: “SIEMPRE ADELANTE – Keep Moving Forward!”

“The California Catholic Conference of Bishops is extremely disappointed that Proposition 62, which would have ended the use of the death penalty in the state, was not successful.  In this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, it would have been the fitting culmination of a year-long call to live out the Works of Mercy. “While it is disappointing that Proposition 66 prevailed and the death penalty was upheld, we give thanks for the passage of Proposition 57, and that restorative justice will be a focus in California’s prisons. This is a significant milestone in recognizing the dignity and worth of every human being, no matter how flawed. We look forward to the good works that will come as a result of this new law." (Click title for full text)

USCCB President Archbishop Kurtz: "We, as citizens and our elected representatives, would do well to remember the words of Pope Francis when he addressed the United States Congress last year, 'all political activity must serve and promote the good of the human person and be based on respect for his or her dignity.' Yesterday, millions of Americans who are struggling to find economic opportunity for their families voted to be heard.  Our response should be simple: we hear you.  The responsibility to help strengthen families belongs to each of us." (Click title for full text)

Did you know that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno will be celebrating its fiftieth (50th) anniversary on December 15 in 2017? This article is the first in a series that will pre-date that celebration by providing readers with a brief historical overview of not only the first 50 years of our Diocese, but a look back to the earliest Catholic presence in what is now the eight county thirty-six thousand square mile eighty-seven parish Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno.

Recognizing our past, reflecting on our present with an eye to the future is at the heart of our journey that moves us from the Jubilee Year of Mercy and into the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Diocese of Fresno. Our theme, “Siempre Adelante – Keep Moving Forward”, reminds us that the actions we take today should lead us to growth and a fruitful future, as we celebrate the history of our rich and fruitful heritage.

"We invite all people to conscientiously participate with dignity, civility and respect for others. This may indeed be the “narrow gate “ of the Gospel of this past Wednesday, October 20, but let us  do so with constant prayer, and to place our faith in Him who is our hope and our salvation."

Diocesan Social Justice Director Jim Grant briefly explained Catholic teaching on the death penalty in a story on Fresno Channel 30 (ABC) regarding Proposition 62. This would abolish the death penalty and is supported by the Catholic Bishops of California.

Governor Brown has signed AB2590, the Restorative Justice Act, into law. This measure, strongly supported by the California Catholic Conference aims to shift the priority in criminal sentencing from punishment to public safety.

San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone is calling Californians to vote for Proposition 62 and against Proposition 66. Prop. 62 would end the death penalty in California, while 66 is intended to speed up executions.

It is a busy time here in the Diocese of Fresno and you can read about it all in the latest issue of Central Calfornia Catholic Life.

The inaugural gathering of "Faith in the Valley" is set for Saturday, September 10th from 11am to 2pm at Fresno Convention Center

In response to countless inquiries from people asking how they can help victims of the extensive flooding in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, monetary donations are now being received on their website. If you would like to make a donation please follow the instructions at www.diobr.org.

The Diocese of Fresno was found to be compliant with The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People for 2015. Every year, the Diocese is responsible for providing an accounting of how well we follow the requirements which are outlined in this charter from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).  The audit entails gathering reports on the number of clergy, employees, and volunteers who have unsupervised contact with children from all of the 89 parishes/missions and the 22 Catholic Schools in our Diocese, and whether they meet certain requirements.

Dominican Sister Nancy Murray (big sister of comedian Bill Murray) brings her one-woman play, “Catherine of Siena: a Woman for Our Times” on Sept 10, 7:00 pm at the Good Shepherd Catholic Parish Center, Visalia CA.

There is a great deal of excitement at the Office of Catholic Education as we begin the 2016-2017 school year. This year 9 schools will have new leaders and 62 new teachers have joined the fulfilling ministry of Catholic education. Members of the Fresno diocese can be proud of our 19 elementary schools; two high schools and one stand alone preschool. These schools educate 6,000 students in the faith with an emphasis on academic excellence and inclusion. (click title above for more)

Punishment for its own sake is never an adequate response to crime - Brings common sense to juvenile court proceedings - Victims must have a central place in our justice system

You can follow along on our WYD page, our Facebook and Twitter feeds, and KNXT.