“Every vocation in the Church is at the service of holiness.
Some however, such as a vocation to the consecrated life,
is at the service of holiness in a thoroughly unique manner.
It is to this vocation that I invite everyone to pay particular attention by
intensifying your prayers for them.” 
-- St. John Paul II, Message for 39th World Day of Prayer for Vocations

The consecrated life is based upon the example of Christ (poor, chaste, and obedient), serving as a visible sign in this world of the Kingdom of God to come.  Women and men live out their Christian faith as members of a larger group known as a religious community. The consecrated life is integral to the life of the Church and is at the very heart of
the Church’s mission in the world.  It is not only a help and support, but also a precious essential gift to the People of God (Vita Consecrata, n.3).

Those living the consecrated life are women and men religious who have professed the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience as a response to God’s call to be of service to the people of God and a sign of God’s love.  The Diocese of Stockton has been blessed from its beginning with men and women serving in our parishes and schools. 

Some religious communities serve God through meditation, prayer and solitude.  These groups are know as contemplative or “cloistered” orders.  Women who belong to this type of religious community are called nuns and the men are called monks.  The Diocese of Stockton is blessed to have two contemplative orders of women who pray daily for the needs of the diocese. 

Other religious communities are known as “active” or Apostolic orders/congregations.  These are active in the world, serving others in a variety of ministries/apostolates.  Women who belong to this type of a religious community are called Sisters and the men are called Brothers unless they are ordained priests.     
 
Other forms of consecrated life include those called to be hermits to live in seclusion from the world, in solitude, prayer, and penance, in praise of God and for the salvation of others.   Another form is that of consecrated virgins who dedicate their lives to God while continuing to live in the world.  They continue with their career and ordinarily live independently.      
 
Each religious order or congregation has its own special charism which forms its identity and mission.  The charism envisioned by the founder or foundress is the motivation of the spirit that is the heart of the religious order or congregation.  Some orders and congregations, such as the Franciscans, focus on serving the poor.  Others, such as the Dominicans, are preachers and teachers.  Due to the variety of charisms, each religious order or congregation has a unique identity, mission, spirituality, and set of guidelines for living out their charism. 

On Thursday, April 11, 2019, the Diocese of Stockton celebrated the Chrism Mass.  Every year the Bishop honors the dedicated service of our Sisters and Priests who celebrate 25 Years or more of Consecrated Life and Priesthood. On that evening, seven Sisters/Nuns from our diocese were recognized for their service to the Church, universal and local.  Congratulations and thank you to the Jubilarians for their faithfulness to God’s call!
                                                     .  
                                              Sr. Sharon Mello, SHF, 65 years    
   
                                     
   Sr. Wanda Billion, MSC, 50 years                   Sr. Marlene Sylas, FC, 50 years                       
    
                                           
  Sr. Angelamaria DeLeo, MSC, 40 years        Sr. Adela Graciano, RCSCJ, 35 years 


        

  Sr. Michelle Nguyen, OCIST, 25 years            Sr. Margaret J. Homa, 25 years
                                                                                      Photo not available
                                        

                        All Praise and Honor to God!