March 17, 2020 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, After consultation with our presbyterate council and listening to our government and public health officials regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), effective today, March 17, 2020 through April 12, 2020 (Easter Sunday), I am suspending the celebration of all public (Sunday and daily) masses in all counties of the Diocese of Monterey. I make these changes for the sake not only of the health and safety of our parishioners, but for the sake of the common good of all society. Please keep in mind these changes are temporary and I invite you to embrace this sacrifice of our treasured Eucharistic celebrations as a Lenten penitential sacrifice of the Catholic people for the sake of all, in charity, to slow and eliminate this virus, as a threat to the life of all our people… St Junípero Serra and Our Lady of Bethlehem, pray for us! Your brother in Christ, +Most Reverend Daniel E. Garcia Bishop of Monterey
AMA 2020 Today, we unite with Christ with our Catholic brothers and sisters throughout the Diocese of Monterey to consider our gifts to the 2020 Annual Ministry Appeal. This is an opportunity for us to be good stewards of God’s gifts, as we Grow in Faith, sharing with other Catholics, our treasure and our blessings. Acting together, rooted and grounded in love, we support the ministries that no single individual or parish can offer by themselves. Your gift IS a gift. Every gift, regardless of size, is vital to the success of the 2020 Annual Ministry Appeal. You can also give securely online at www.dioceseofmonterey.org/giving.
The program of making packages for the Military last Sunday was very good; we made more than 190 packages thanks to the great generosity of all of you working together. It was a symbol of Christian unity and the sensitivity of men and women in our country for troops away from family and the nation. Thank You!!! Pray for all the militaries!