Vallejo Honored Vietnam Veterans, Including Father-In-Law, Ernesto Catubig (Sat., March 25, 2023)

Networking with Band of Believers in Fairfield, CA, on a Friday Evening Teleconference

 

Solano County Sheriff Office (SCSO) Citizens' Academy 2023

Dianne Muth (RIP) Co-Founder of Kolbe-Trinity in Napa: "Born in a Synagogue, Raised on a Chicken Coop, Died in a Garage," But Lived Like a Saint

PJ Sent Cards to Paternal Grandparents

Chaplain's Corner @ Cal Maritime

K9 WALL-E "Kissed" Police Chaplain & HBD Family Dog Chester

When I bent down to pick up K9 WALL-E's play stick to throw it, he kissed me on my mouth.  Nicole took this photo afterwards. 

I got to see K9 WALL-E do an exercise to find illegal substances for the jail, with his handler Officer Kelly.  I gave WALL-E a blessing before I left.

A few weeks ago, I also met K9 Argo.

K9 WALL-E reminds me of my sister's dog, Chester, who is celebrating his 12th birthday today, and loves to play.  HBD, Chester!

Good boys!

Sent Congrats Card to Officer With Newborn

Deacon Gil Parra (RIP): Told Me He Baptized Over 1,000 on My Ordination Day

On my ordination day in 2014, as the candidates were lining up a few minutes before the start of the Ordination Mass outside the cathedral entrance, somebody went up to me and started talking to me. 

I don't remember what we talked about, other than that he did over 1,000 baptisms.  This amazed me and stuck with me ever since.  I told people about it throughout the years, and I would often remember this encounter whenever I was assigned to administer baptisms for little ones.  

In fact, just last week, during the Rite of Election, I was talking to one of the cathedral deacons in Santa Rosa, and I mentioned in passing that I knew a deacon that administered over a thousand baptisms.  He replied he had only baptized six babies, and at that point I said I didn't remember the guy's name.  However, I did remember his face and his kind words to me those many years ago.  

Well, just today, I received a memo from the Sacramento Diocese announcing the death of Deacon Gill at age 87.  He was ordained in 1981, around his late 50s. 

I was grateful that the Diocese included a picture of him instead of just releasing his name because I would not have recognized the name. So when I saw his photo in the memo, I recognized it was him.  

He was the one who spoke to me for a mere few minutes many years ago, yet it has been seared on my mind and heart.

Please say a prayer for his wife, Helen, and his family.

+ Eternal rest grant unto the soul of Gill Parra, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.  May he rest in peace.  Amen.

Thank you, Brother.

"Victory Over Flesh, World & Devil by Prayer, Fasting & Almsgiving (Intro to Spiritual Warfare)" (Homily #226)

(video by St. Catherine's Vallejo, Bro. Rodell)

"Victory Over Flesh, World & Devil by Prayer, Fasting & Almsgiving (Intro to Spiritual Warfare)" (Homily #226a)

2nd Sunday of Lent
by Deacon Dennis Purificacion
Sun., March 5, 2023
(10am & 5pm Masses)

[no prepared text available]