With faith in the promise of the Resurrection, the Diocese of Sacramento mourns the passing of Deacon Jaime Garcia, who entered eternal life on July 20, 2026, at the age of 80.

Deacon Jaime was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate in 2003 for the Diocese of Oakland, where he began his ministry before later serving the Diocese of Sacramento for more than 19 years. Through his ministry of Word, charity, and service, he faithfully proclaimed the Gospel and accompanied the People of God with generosity and devotion.

Please join us in praying for the eternal repose of Deacon Jaime's soul and for the consolation of his wife, Barbara, his family, friends, and brother deacons.

With faith in the promise of the Resurrection, the Diocese of Sacramento mourns the passing of Deacon James Chatigny, who entered eternal life on July 19, 2026, at the age of 96.

Ordained to the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Sacramento in 1985, Deacon James faithfully served the People of God for more than 20 years. Through his ministry of Word, charity, and service, he lived his vocation with generosity and devotion, offering faithful witness to Christ throughout his years of diaconal ministry.

Deacon James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen, who entered eternal life on July 17, 2026. Please join us in praying for the eternal repose of Deacon James and for the consolation of his family, friends, brother deacons, and all whose lives he touched.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Americans on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This semiquincentennial marks that defining moment in the history of the United States of America, July 4, 1776, that gave enduring voice to the ideals of liberty, equality, the pursuit of happiness, justice and democratic self-government. 

For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have worked together to carry these principles forward - through sacrifice, service, innovation and civic participation. This anniversary stands as an invitation not only to celebrate the nation's remarkable journey, but also to reflect upon the responsibilities that the sons and daughters of this country bear to one another, and to the generations who will inherit the nation that is being shaped today.