Reflections on 2025

God provides.

Homily #281: "God is With Us & St. Joseph"

 

10 a.m. Mass

(#281b)

8 a.m.

(#281a)

Photo credit: "Joseph with the Child and the Flowering Rod" By Alonso Miguel de Tovar - Flickr, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32904868

RIP Rufina Jaron, Mother of Pastor Fr. Glenn Jaron

At our parish, the pastor's mom, Rufina, and the deacon's wife, Amy, died around the same time.

+ Eternal rest grant unto the soul of Rufina, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.  May her soul and the souls of all the faithful department, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

 

* * *

POST-SCRIPT

(2/11/2026)

Thank you, Helen Dris, for this copy.  This is Fr. Glenn's homily on the 40th death day anniversary of his mom :

Good morning to all of you.

I am grateful for the privilege of greeting you today, the people of God, the members of this Church. Today is a very meaningful and emotional day for me.

Today, we remember the fourth anniversary of the passing of my mother, Rufina.  At the same time, we celebrate my 35th year as a priest. And as I remember my mother, I also remember my father, who passed away five years ago. In a very special way today, I hold both of them in my heart and offer them to God in prayer.

Last January 19, while I was in the Philippines with my classmates, Father Resty and Father Dice, we marked this milestone together. But today, I am especially grateful that God allows me to celebrate it here with you, my parish family.

In today’s Gospel from Mark, we hear how Jesus sends out the Twelve two by two. He gives them authority over unclean spirits and instructs them to travel lightly, to depend on God, and to remain focused on their mission. And what was their mission?

They went out and preached repentance, they drove out demons, and they anointed the sick and healed them.

This Gospel reflects the very heart of the priestly ministry.

A priest is configured to Christ the Good Shepherd. He is not ordained for himself. Like the apostles, he is sent—sent to continue the mission of Jesus.

That mission continues through the sacraments.

In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the priest proclaims repentance and God’s mercy.

In the Anointing of the Sick, he brings Christ’s healing presence.

In the Holy Eucharist, he feeds God’s people with the Body and Blood of Christ.

For 35 years, this has been my mission—hearing confessions, anointing the sick, celebrating marriages, offering the Eucharist day after day, and walking with people through their joys and their sufferings.

I have experienced the beauty of the priesthood in a very complete way—serving the poor through our ministries, especially Mensa Christi, comforting the sick, and sharing life with you not only as your pastor, but as your brother.

But every vocation has a beginning.

No priest comes from nowhere.

Behind every priest is a family, a story, and very often, a sacrifice.

I still remember when I was about to graduate from high school. My parents were talking about my plan to enter the seminary. I heard my father ask my mother, “Why priesthood? There are other courses.”

But my mother simply said, “Let us allow him to choose what he wants.”

Those simple words changed my life.

She allowed God’s plan to unfold.

My desire to become a priest began even earlier, when I was an altar server. I accompanied priests to barrios and mountain chapels to celebrate Mass. I saw their simplicity, their dedication, and their love for the people. A seed was planted in my heart.

My mother was a catechist. My father supported her fully. Both were Cursillistas, and our home was truly a home of faith.

I remember one beautiful family tradition. Whenever someone had a birthday, very early in the morning—while it was still dark—our family, together with members of the Cursillo community, would gather and sing the mañanita. It was simple, joyful, and filled with love.

That was the environment where my vocation was nurtured.

Today, as we mark the fortieth anniversary of my mother’s passing, I realize even more deeply how much she shaped my priesthood. She prayed, she supported the Church, and she shared my vocation in her own quiet way.

Every Mass I celebrated, every confession I heard, every anointing I gave—her influence was there.

I also remember my father. Over time, he became one of my strongest supporters. He loved being known as “the father of the priest.” It gave him great joy.

Sometimes he would attend Mass wearing one of my clerical shirts—without the white collar. He did not need the collar. For him, the shirt alone was enough. It was his quiet way of saying, “My son is a priest.”

That simple gesture spoke of his love, his pride, and his faith.

Now both of them are gone, and I miss them deeply. But today, in this Mass, I entrust them to God’s mercy. As they supported my priesthood on earth, I trust that they now intercede for me in heaven.

One of the most beautiful aspects of the priesthood is healing.

In the confessional, I have seen tears turn into peace.

In hospital rooms, fear turn into trust.

In the homes of the sick and elderly, loneliness turn into hope.

The priest does not heal by his own power.

Christ heals through him.

When a priest says, “I absolve you,” it is Christ who forgives.

When a priest anoints the sick, it is Christ who touches the wounded body and the anxious heart.

That is the mystery and the gift of Holy Orders.

So today, I thank God—for the gift of my vocation, for 35 years of priesthood, for you, the parish community, for your prayers and support, and especially for my parents, whose faith made my priesthood possible.

I miss them, but I believe that death is not the end.

In Christ, it is a passage to eternal life.

Lord, embrace my mother and my father in Your loving arms.

Reward them for their faith, their sacrifices, and their love.

In the Gospel, the apostles were sent out with almost nothing, trusting only in God.

That is what priesthood has been for me—

a lifelong journey of trust, service, and healing.

Amen.

 

Christmas 2025; RIP Amy Peregrino, Wife of Deacon Bobby Peregrino

 

Daughter Blessed by Priest on Her Birthday

Passed Life/Health License Exam (Nov. 2025)

 

Dennis Purificacion has been in education administration, training and certification for 20+ years.  He is a multiple award-winning classroom teacher and taught thousands of students from elementary level to high school and adults.  He is married to Tove Ann and is currently raising 8 kids; his wife, Tove Ann, had 3 miscarriages.  Dennis holds multiple degrees (University of San Francisco magna cum laude & Santa Clara University cum laude) and a doctorate in education administration.  He enjoys sci-fi and superhero movies.

Dispatched by VPD 911 to 2 Homes Requesting Catholic Chaplain

 

Homily #280: Preparing for Christmas with St. John the Baptist

                                    Elijah Fed by the Raven by Giovanni Girolamo Savoldo, c. 1510

10 a.m.

(includes true story assisting VPD as police chaplain)

8.a.m.

Attacks on religious liberty increase, say cardinal, papal foundation | USCCB https://www.usccb.org/news/2025/attacks-religious-liberty-increase-say-cardinal-papal-foundation 

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Attacks on religious liberty increase, say cardinal, papal foundation

Respect for religious freedom "protects the inner sanctuary of the conscience" and "fosters vibrant communities where people of different faiths can live together, contribute to society and engage in constructive dialogue without fear of persecution," the Vatican secretary of state said.

Cindy Wooden

Cindy Wooden

October 21, 2025

Attacks on religious liberty increase, say cardinal, papal foundation

Members of a delegation from Aid to the Church in Need, a papal foundation, give Pope Leo XIV an advance copy of their annual report on religious freedom during a meeting in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican Oct. 10, 2025. The report was released Oct. 21. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

ROME (CNS) -- Religious freedom is not only a fundamental and essential human right, "it is also a pathway to truth and deeper communion with God and neighbor," said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state.

However, religious freedom is severely restricted in 62 of the world's 196 countries, affecting around 5.4 billion people; "in other words, almost two-thirds of the world's population lives in countries where serious violations of religious freedom take place," the cardinal said.

Cardinal Parolin was citing information contained in the 2025 Religious Freedom Report compiled by the papal foundation Aid to the Church in Need and released Oct. 21 during a conference at Rome's Augustinianum Patristic Institute.

The fact that the 2025 report runs 1,248 pages, the largest in its 25-year history, "indicates that violations of religious freedom are increasing year on year," the cardinal said.

The report, covering the period of Jan. 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2024, found that "grave and systemic violations, including violence, arrest and repression, affect more than 4.1 billion people in nations such as China, India, Nigeria and North Korea." 

Cardinal Pietro Parolin speaks to reporters

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, speaks with the press after the presentation of the 2025 Religious Freedom Report compiled by the papal foundation Aid to the Church in Need and released Oct. 21, 2025, during a conference at Rome’s Augustinianum Patristic Institute. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

Speaking to reporters after the event, Cardinal Parolin cautioned against considering all attacks on Christians in Nigeria as signs of religious persecution.

Citing local church sources, the cardinal said much of the violence in Nigeria "is not a religious conflict, it is more of a social conflict, for example between herders and farmers."

And where Muslim extremists are attacking Christians, he said, they also attack Muslims who disagree with them. "These are extremist groups that make no distinctions in pursuing their goals. They use violence against anyone they consider an opponent." 

Cover of the 2025 Religious Freedom Report

The cover of Aid to the Church in Need's 2025 Religious Freedom Report is seen after it was presented in Rome Oct. 21, 2025. (CNS photo/ACN International)

Aid to the Church in Need listed another 38 countries -- including Egypt, Ethiopia, Mexico, Turkey and Vietnam -- as nations where "religious discrimination" is common. The foundation said that in those countries "religious groups face systematic restrictions on worship, expression and legal equality. While not subject to violent repression, discrimination often results in marginalization and legal inequality."

In Mexico, as well as in Haiti, the report said, "organized crime is a key driver of persecution or discrimination" with priests and other church workers being kidnapped or murdered and house of worship and sacred objects being desecrated in "an atmosphere of blatant impunity" as the government fails to stop the drug cartels and criminal gangs.

Speaking at the presentation of the report, Cardinal Parolin focused on the Catholic Church's support for the religious freedom of all people, no matter their faith, and on the upcoming 60th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council's Declaration on Religious Freedom.

The council's support for religious liberty was "a call to action based on the council's belief that God himself has made known to mankind the way in which men are to serve him and thus be saved in Christ," the cardinal said.

And while all people have a "moral obligation" to seek the truth, Cardinal Parolin said, no one can be compelled to do so. 

"One must and can only respond in one way: freely, that is to say, out of love, with love, not by force, because Christianity is love," the cardinal said. 

Cardinal Pietro Parolin speaks at report presentation

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, speaks about the 2025 Religious Freedom Report compiled by the papal foundation Aid to the Church in Need and released Oct. 21, 2025, during a conference at Rome's Augustinianum Patristic Institute. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

On a personal level, he said, religious freedom "protects the inner sanctuary of the conscience, the God-given compass that guides ethical and spiritual choices."

And, he said, on a collective level "it fosters vibrant communities where people of different faiths can live together, contribute to society and engage in constructive dialogue without fear of persecution."

The 2025 Religious Freedom report found that "religious nationalism is on the increase, fueling exclusion and repression of minorities. National identity is increasingly shaped by ethno-religious nationalism, eroding minority rights."

"In India and Myanmar," for example, it said, religious nationalism "drives persecution; in Palestine, Israel, Sri Lanka and Nepal, it fuels discrimination."

The report also found that "religious persecution increasingly fuels forced migration and displacement," with victims around the world fleeing "violence, discrimination and the absence of state protection."

Aid to the Church in Need credited the Vatican's 2018 provisional agreement with China's communist government for "signs of improvement" for the country's Christians but noted that improvement applied only to Christians belonging to government-recognized Christian organizations.

Catholic priests and bishops continued to be arrested or detained for not joining the Catholic Patriotic Association, and in many parts of China anyone under the age of 18 is prevented from attending church or a church-sponsored event, the report said.

With the arrest and exile of bishops and priests, the confiscation of church property and the banning of religious processions and other public celebrations, the situation in Nicaragua also is highlighted in the book.

"During the period under review, hostility toward churches intensified, severely violating the fundamental right to religious freedom," it said.

Aid to the Church in Need also called attention in the report: to "a sharp rise in antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate crimes," including in Europe and North America; arson attacks on churches in Canada; and vandalism or desecration of churches in the United States.

 

# # #

Solidarity with the Bishops and Faithful of Africa Amidst Ongoing Conflicts | USCCB https://www.usccb.org/news/2025/solidarity-bishops-and-faithful-africa-amidst-ongoing-conflicts

WASHINGTON - “We reiterate our solidarity with the bishops and faithful of Africa, as they offer the world a profound witness of respect for human life and dignity amidst ongoing conflicts,” said Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace. 

Bishop Zaidan’s full statement follows:

“We reiterate our solidarity with the bishops and faithful of Africa, as they offer the world a profound witness of respect for human life and dignity amidst ongoing conflicts. 

“In 2025, millions of our brothers and sisters on the African continent live displaced from their homes and communities, forced to flee due to conflict, religious and ethnic persecution, economic hardship and environmental crises. Cycles of deadly violence and resulting humanitarian crises continue to claim thousands of innocent lives in Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, and throughout the Sahel region. Due to the rise of extremist violence, Christians, Muslims, and other people of faith are increasingly targeted by campaigns of mass killings, abductions, and forced displacement. We remember, in particular, the hundreds of Christian civilians massacred in recent weeks and months in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and northern regions as well as in eastern Congo.

“We pray that government officials and people of all faiths may work together to bring lasting peace, justice, and security to the continent. We also reaffirm that lifesaving and life-affirming international assistance funding is a crucial complement to these efforts. The Catholic Church and the U.S. government have a shared responsibility to promote the international common good and respect for human life by contributing to international humanitarian and development assistance. 

“In fraternal unity with the church in Africa, we ask Our Lady Queen of Peace to comfort all those afflicted by violence and grant all people of goodwill the courage to build peace both in their local communities and across borders. As our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has said, ‘May every community become a “house of peace,” where one learns how to defuse hostility through dialogue, where justice is practiced and forgiveness is cherished.’”

### 

Happy 75th Birthday, Mom!!!

 

Homily #278: St. Michael v. Lucifer (Repentant Sinner v. Pharisee)

 

278a

Archangel Michael Defeats Satan, painting by Guido Reni (between 1630-1635)

Homily #279 for Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe (Includes Particular Judgment & General Judgment)

 #279a

(10 am Mass)

 

Free Financial Education Seminar Hosted by My Wife

 

Despedida for Fr. Jose Peping, MSP

 

Provided Aid & Comfort for Family of Teenager at Vigil

 

https://www.twinchapelsmortuary.com/contact-us/facilities-and-directions

Funeral Mass Homily #277 for Sharon Dearing Cizauskas (Oct. 2025)

 

"He said to me, 'My grace is enough for you, for in weakness power reaches perfection'" (2 Cor. 12:9).

 

"Charlie & the Chocolate Factory" Musical Performance

 

Taught Baptism Prep Class

Ace

Sage

Homily #276: "Thank God Through the Mass: An Attitude of Gratitude Leads to Beatitude"

 

Homily #276: "Thank God Through the Mass: An Attitude of Gratitude Leads to Beatitude" (8 a.m. & 10 a.m.)

Homily #275 on Hell

Homily #275b (10 a.m.)

Homily #275c (5 p.m.)

 

"Three Women" (Edmund Blair Leighton / John William Waterhouse)

2003 Published by ArtBeats, Inc.  Distributed by New York Graphic Society Publishing Group.  "Three Women" Edmund Blair Leighton / John William Waterhouse.  77123

Artwork of Mary by Daniela Catubig

 

Talk by Bishop Michael C. Barber on St. John Henry Newman, Doctor of the Church

 

Homily #274 for Exaltation of Holy Cross (Cross of Christ Takes What is Evil & Brings About a Greater Good)

Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025

8 a.m. Mass

Baptized 9 with Homily #273 Proclaiming Jesus & Making Disciples with Story of Salvation

 

One of baby girls lost a shoe, so I placed the shoe on the baby and called her "Cinderella" and reminded the people that as newly baptized, she is a "Princess" or "Princess Cinderella" of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Mom's NASA Award Ceremony

"Virtues: Christ, You and the Jubilee Year - Pilgrims of Hope" (Homily #272)

 

5 p.m.

Altar Server Recognition Mass, St. John's Church, Folsom, CA

 

25th Ordination Anniversary of My First Theology Teacher, Fr. Anthony Hernandez (Aug. 17, 2025)

Aug. 17, 2025

From my kids to Father

 

message/mensaje from new DDCM chair; open nominations; update on catechetical guidelines

 Hello everyone,

That was a great and productive meeting this week! Thank you to one and all, especially those who help put together a successful week.

1.) WARM WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS/OFFICERS: As your new chair, I thought I would send some warm messages, particularly for the 3 dioceses that were not represented/present this week, and give some encouraging words. For my first act, I would like to entrust Region XI DDCM to Inmaculado Corazón de María. May she accompany us together on the journey as missionary disciples during this Jubilee Year on Pilgrims of Hope. We have or will have quite a bit of new DDCM members, so my priority as the new chair is to support new DDCM members and to encourage their regional involvement. I recognize that this requires a little bit more flexibility for your first or even second year in a Chancery trying to have a work-life balance, but let's explore in the upcoming months how we can even revise/reform the bylaws to increase newer member participation. This will also allow people to get to know one another more. I plan to reach out to new members.

2.) UPDATE ON CATECHETICAL GUIDELINES DRAFT: A second priority is to advance the catechetical guidelines. Thanks to Sister Celeste for moving us forward; happily, we were able to edit and approve the draft guidelines document this week. The 3 dioceses that weren't there this week can give their final feedback, if any. Thank you to the 10 dioceses that spent hours revising and editing this draft that you see here. The updated catechetical document draft can be found here: ...

I'm also attaching it as a PDF document for those that wish to print it out. As Sister Celeste from the guidelines committee mentioned, after the 3 dioceses that were not represented give their final input and votes, the hope is that, once unanimous, Sister said that we plan to present the draft to the directors for youth and young adult ministry for their feedback in the fall. The state superintendents will provide their feedback, too. Thank you to Sister for her leadership.

3.) THANKFUL FOR DDCM OFFICERS: For those that missed the presentation of appreciation memorabilia, here is a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpWBWYQT3Y0. As Kevin mentioned, his position in Sacramento has been restructured to project manager and so his term of office ended last Thursday; we look forward to working with his successor. Tish (Monterey) is also leaving DDCM in the fall, and Katie (Orange) retired a month ago. Luis (Orange) received on her behalf. These appreciation certificates that were presented to them are also a way to encourage newer members. As Tish said, it was worth it for her to get involved, even after over 22 years in Chancery ministry.

4.) NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR ELECTIONS: We opened up the nomination process for a new Vice Chair and Secretary. Email nominations of names to me before the end of the month, Aug. 31. I've already received a nomination for Vice Chair. Nominations will close in a couple of weeks on Aug. 31, and we hope to have elections in early September.  

The new Vice Chair needs to be a Director. The Secretary can be either a Director or Associate Director.  

An Associate Director can be on DDCM but with permission of their director/supervisor. The decision is for the local Diocesan director to make about having the Associate at DDCM.  

After these two vacancies are filled, in the fall, let's discuss having an Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer as part of the executive team. I've been on the executive team for 6 DDCM chairs (after serving twice as vice chair and twice as secretary), and I think having these assistant roles where 2 people are involved with certain tasks will keep things moving forward and help developing newer members. This is part of the efforts to gradually involve newer members and give them regional experience on DDCM.

Attached is a group photo that we took while on a nice tour to St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park. Hope you like the photo.

5.) SAVE THE DATES: Gracie (Stockton) will send out the Minutes from this week when they are ready. Thank you for taking notes, Gracie. Please save the dates for the next general DDCM meetings in the Fall 2025: ....

Thank you, everyone. And thank you especially to His Excellency, Bishop Marc of Los Angeles, for accompanying us. Many blessings upon summer and your fall season.

Tu hermano, and your servant,

Dennis

--

Deacon Dennis Purificacion

Director, Department of Religious Education | Diocese of Santa Rosa

985 Airway Court, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

(707) 566-3313 | srdiocese.org

Stay connected with us on The Vine e-newsletter!

Mariana's Middle School Graduation

 

Benediction for U.S. Military Servicemen Going on Deployment

- Attended Mass with Family

- Benediction for U.S. soldiers 

- Park time with family

- Celebration of Goddaughter's Baptism Anniversary

Baptism

 

Taught Baptism Class for About 2 Dozen

 

Comment on World Youth Days

Commented on EWTN clip on World Youth Day (WYD):

I saw St. JP2 at WYD Denver 1993 and again in WYD Toronto in 2002. He was more beautiful than ever in 2002. At WYD 2002, I proposed to my now-wife at Our Lady's Chapel in St. Michael's Cathedral in Toronto while African bishops were celebrating Mass that morning in the background. We later left to be with the Pope, and I was elated that she said yes. Before flying to WYD Toronto, I got my now-wife's parents blessing, a ring, and a blessing from my pastor who later married us. We stayed in separate rooms and didn't live together until we were married in the Church. We've been in Holy Matrimony for 22 years now, and I've been in Holy Orders (Diaconate) for 11 years raising 8 children (& 3 miscarriages of our little ones in God's merciful arms). I owe alot to the World Youth Days. Im proud JP2 Generation. Thank you for posting this. All for Jesus and Mary!

I Baptized Baby Jude Thaddeus on Our 22nd Matrimony Anniversary

 

Wife's 11th Ordination Anniversary Gift of Mystic Writer

"Remember! Remember! Remember!" (Homily #269 for Corpus Christi)

 

Baptism of Baby Jeremiah with Homily #268

 211) Jeremiah

Taught Baptism Prep Class

 

Baptism of 13 Babies/Toddlers with Homily #267

Thank you, God, for calling these little ones to your Kingdom through the holy waters of Baptism:

198) Aria Felise (During attendance, I called this baby's name last, but she was the first to be presented to me for Baptism, so I said, "The last shall be first."

199) Kaleb Alexander (The godfather spoke to me afterwards, and I gave him and his fiancee a blessing in front of the altar.)

200) Amelia

201) Valerie (newborn)

202) Mona Penelope

203) Zachary Elias

204) Kataleya Klaire

205) Alexandra

206) Isaiah Jude (I called the baby "Prophet and Apostle" since he carries the name of the Prophet Isaiah and the Apostle St. Jude Thaddeus.  Dad told me he himself was named after another person in the Bible, Joshua, and I told him my favorite passage from the Book of Joshua was, "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.")

207) Tahlia Luna (The godfather, Michael, read from the First Letter of Peter.  And we did this to the memory of my former student of mine, Marrianne, his sister, who was killed many years ago.)

208) Liam (toddler for whom I gave extra chrism)

209) Brady Angelo

210) Anastasia

St. Ephren, Deacon, Doctor (Official Teacher) of the Church, Founder of a Theological School

Even though Deacon Ephren's theological school isn't around as such (perhaps it is around but in a different form), it still made a difference to the Church of his time I'm sure.  I pray that MSI likewise made a difference for the Church of our time.  Thank you, Brother Deacon, for your example.  Blessed be God!

MSI gives God thanks for 17 years of service & sunsets in 2025 (Blessed be the Name of the Lord!)

MSI 15th Commencement Exercises (Class of 2024)

Solemnity of Pentecost

June 8, 2025

Dear Friends and Families of the Maris Stella Institute,

Greetings in Christ Jesus Our Lord and Savior! May the power of the Holy Spirit be with you and yours on this glorious Solemnity of Pentecost! Today marks the 17th liturgical anniversary of the founding of the Maris Stella Institute. So, not only Happy Birthday to the Church, but also Happy Birthday to MSI! We give God praise, glory, honor, and thanksgiving for all the blessings bestowed upon MSI since that first day of its existence on the Vigil of Pentecost, May 10, 2008. Today, I have some very important news to share with you.

Firstly, allow me a few moments to reflect upon the past year, for even with less time and less personnel, MSI was able to still operate and offer more programs and activities than in past years. For example, last year in 2024, we were able to use our Koch Foundation Grant, together with the continued prayerful, professional, and material support of our generous donors and volunteers, to operate yet another successful and fruitful year of MSI.

By God’s grace and mercy, MSI was able to provide…

1. for the first time, 1st Sunday Mini Retreats at St. Basil’s Catholic Church in Vallejo, California, from July thru November 2024, where about 50-70 people were served or participated as a whole;

2. 2nd Saturday Adult Basic, Advanced, Master Catechist, & Continuing Formation Classes at Holy Family Catholic Church in American Canyon, from July thru November 2024, where about two dozen were served or participated throughout the year;

3. Regular Online Makeup Classes for Basic, Advanced, Master Catechist, & Continuing Formation Classes via our Webex platform, where a handful of individuals were able to take advantage of and participate in this almost weekly 5-month series of makeup classes. The success and completion of these online classes facilitated the maximum number of graduates and awardees at last December’s graduation, which included 2 MSI Grand Master Catechist Recipients, 1 Master Catechist Candidate/Graduate, and 2 Basic Catechist Candidates/Graduates;

4. A 12-hour Silent Retreat endorsed and jointly sponsored by both the California Knights of Columbus & MSI at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Yuba City, CA, on Sunday, October 13, 2024. At least two dozen individuals were participants for the entire retreat and over a hundred were involved with the parish sponsored Marian procession & Benediction with Fr. Avram Brown, one of our very own faculty members. We also had a total of four priests (Fr. Chuck Kelly, Fr. Fred Kutubebi, Fr. Raj Derivera, and Fr. Ryan Mahar) available to hear confessions during the retreat and one deacon, Deacon John Thoo, who assisted with both leading Liturgy of the Hours as well as the additional exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament;

5. Graduation Mass, Ceremony, and Reception / Faculty & Staff Appreciation Luncheon on Saturday, December 14, 2024, with Fr. Gary Sumpter, Spiritual Director of MSI, as both the Mass Celebrant and Commencement Speaker. Fr. Fred Kutubebi and Fr. Bala Putchakayala were also present and participants in the awarding of graduation diplomas and V-stoles.

Secondly, although we had a very busy and successful formation year last year, it is with a heavy heart that I share publicly that on Good Friday 2025, the Maris Stella Institute Board of Directors voted unanimously to dissolve MSI as a 501(c)3 nonprofit because of 1) a lack of regular, larger, more substantial funding and 2) committed personnel.

I realize that this may come as a shock to some people, but those of us who have been very much involved with the day-to-day operations of MSI the past couple of years have noticed a more urgent and greater need for regular, larger, and more substantial funding as well as regular committed personnel to keep MSI alive and strong. Unfortunately, things have remained largely the same the past couple of years, and it is no longer sustainable to keep MSI operational.

We do not understand why Our Lord permitted this death of MSI, but we place all our trust and confidence in His great love for us and for MSI, who has, always and everywhere, tried to remain faithful to Him and His teachings, to continue His mission “to make disciples of all nations,… teaching them all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). With our eyes fixed on Christ Crucified, and our hearts united with Mary’s at the foot of the Cross, our hope and consolation at this time is in God’s Word from the Book of Revelation: “’He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away.’ The one who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new’” (Revelation 21:4-5). If Our Lord one day calls us to start anew and build an even better Catechism training institute one day, such that the “new MSI” is like MSI in a new, glorified, and resurrected state; then, may it be so, whether here on earth or one day in heaven. But for now, may we be like faithful Job, in his brokenness and pain, and say with one united voice, “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21)! And although MSI as a nonprofit organization is ceasing to exist, the spirit of MSI, consecration to Jesus through Mary, will continue to live on in the hearts of all those touched by MSI. Viva Cristo Rey! Ave Maris Stella!

Thank you for being part of the MSI Community all these years! I especially thank those of you who have given so much of yourselves to MSI through your continued prayers, professional, and monetary support, through your great labor of love for Christ’s mission. I do hope and pray you’ll stay in contact with me by connecting with me on Facebook, Messenger, LinkedIn, and Telegram.

It’s been a joy, honor, and blessing to serve you and journey with you towards our Heavenly Homeland. Let us be saints together!

Your Sister in Jesus through Mary,

Tove Ann

--

Tove Ann Catubig Purificacion, Ph.D.

President

MARIS STELLA INSTITUTE

Your Catechism Training Institute

P.O. Box 10061

American Canyon, CA 94503

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www.marisstellainstitute.org

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