2025 Diocesan Inservice

Each year, Catholic school staff from across the Diocese come together for a day of inspiration, recognition, prayer and celebration. This year, over 300 dedicated teachers, administrators and support staff gathered at Central Catholic High School in Modesto. Friends mingled over breakfast and then listened to a distinguished leader in Catholic education, Kevin Baxter, who inspired them to serve with joy!

"I slept and dreamed that life was joy
I awoke and saw that life was service.
I acted, and behold, service was joy."
-Rabindranath Tagore

He reminded educators of a quote by Pope Francis, who said that the Catholic Church grows by "being a community that attracts people to God's love through actions and authenticity, rather than by trying to convince through arguments." Service brings joy by enriching both us and others, strengthening our communities with hope and love.

Followed by the speaker, the group walked over to St. Stanislaus church where Bishop Cotta celebrated Mass. Six pastors, Fr. Adrian Cisneros (St. Stanislaus, Modesto), Fr. Ernesto Madrigal (Our Lady of Fatima, Modesto), Fr. Gustavo Ramirez (St. Luke, Stockton), Fr. Mark Wagner (Presentation, Stockton), and Fr. Yesobu Banka (St. Anthony, Manteca).

The Catholic Schools' Office was pleased to present 61 teachers with catechetical certificates, both basic and renewal. We also celebrated 890 years of commitment to Catholic education, honoring staff and faculty for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 50 years of service!

The Diocese of Stockton is truly blessed!