Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento

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Sacramento — a Spanish word meaning “holy Sacrament.”

Sacramento – a Spanish word meaning “holy Sacrament.”

This place name is a clear example of how the Catholic faith was manifest in early California culture as padres, and the faithful, ventured into alta California, exploring, seeking and teaching.

In their hearts and minds and souls, their faith took a prominent place in the “everyday.” Indeed, their pioneering spirit required a great strength; a strength likely derived from the most holy Sacrament. So much so that they would name a great river “Sacramento,” and then, a promising city and county, and then, the diocese of Sacramento. As their journey led them onward, they were continually renewed by the Blessed Sacrament.

I believe this remains true today some two hundred years after Gabriel Moraga chose to name a river Sacramento. We, too, are pioneers: a faithful people leading the way for those that will follow on this journey — exploring, teaching and living the mysteries of our faith, seeking a deeper spirituality, and witnessing to Jesus by loving one another. For us, too, the Blessed Sacrament is the center of our life in our modern world. We are strengthened and nourished by the most holy Sacrament — the Eucharist — in more than 101 parishes, with the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament at the center. With humility and responsibility we proceed as a community of believers on a shared journey of faith, continually vivified by the Eucharist.

The Diocese of Sacramento is a vast land of physical beauty, and faithful people of cultural diversity. There is sincere devotion among our people to carry forward our Catholic faith in full fidelity to the Church’s teachings. There is also an extraordinary spirit here of striving to live and grow in faith, and, with God’s grace, of responding to new ways to evangelize, catechize, educate, share, and serve.

Today’s Catholic pioneers strive to respond creatively and lovingly to all that is good and holy and giving glory and honor to Almighty God.

The Most Reverend
WILLIAM K. WEIGAND
Bishop of Sacramento