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.

The vigil will be held on Thursday, April 3 in Sacred Heart Church from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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. 

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.

Pope Francis invites us to be “pilgrims of hope” during this Jubilee Year. Being pilgrims of hope should be part of the nature of being Christians. Jesus offers us the fundamental, saving hope of eternal life. To follow Jesus means to walk with him as well as walk like him, trusting he will lead us to our eternal home in the Father’s house.