Msgr. Robert P. Walton, a beloved priest of the Diocese of Sacramento for 51 years, died on March 18. He was 76. He resided most recently at the Priests' Retirement Village in Citrus Heights.

Bishop Jaime Soto will preside at a funeral Mass on Friday, April 4 at 1 p.m. in Sacred Heart Church, located at 1040 39th St. in Sacramento. A reception will follow the Mass at Sacred Heart School, located at 856 39th St. (across the street from the church). The committal will be held following the reception at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, located at 7101 Verner Ave. in Citrus Heights.

Msgr. Walton retired on June 30, 2022, after serving as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish for more than 20 years, from Feb. 6, 2002 to June 30, 2022. 

Bishop Jaime Soto made the following statement upon the death of Msgr. Walton:

Father Vincent O'Reilly, a beloved priest of the Diocese of Sacramento for more than 62 years, died on March 22. He was 88. He resided most recently in Vacaville.

Bishop Jaime Soto on March 22 celebrated Mass to recognize the altar servers in the northern part of the Diocese of Sacramento who serve at their local parishes.  

More than 300 servers and family members came to the Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Redding where servers were given a certificate of service of one, two three and more years. Each parish nominated a “altar server of the year” from their parish and they received a personnel recognition from Bishop Soto.

Afterward, the participants and family members enjoyed a reception in the parish hall and had a chance to mingle with fellow servers from other parishes. The reception was hosted by the Knights of Columbus Councils in the area.