With faith in the Risen Lord, the Diocese of Sacramento mourns the passing of Monsignor Russell G. Terra, who entered eternal life on October 19, 2026, at the age of 90.
Born in Sacramento on February 26, 1936, Monsignor Terra was ordained to the priesthood on June 9, 1962, at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament by Bishop Alden J. Bell.
Throughout his priestly ministry, Monsignor Terra served in parish ministry, Catholic education and diocesan leadership. His early assignments included the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, St. Charles Borromeo Parish and Bishop Armstrong High School in Sacramento.
From 1968 to 1981, he served as diocesan Director of Religious Education, helping establish the diocesan religious education office and develop the Aquinas Center to support faith formation throughout the Diocese. In 1977, Pope Paul VI named him a Chaplain of His Holiness, granting him the title of Monsignor.
In 1981, Monsignor Terra was appointed pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Redding, where he served for more than two decades. His ministry emphasized parish community, liturgical life, Catholic education and service to those in need. Following his retirement, he was named Pastor Emeritus of St. Joseph Parish and continued to assist with parish ministry until a few months ago.
The Diocese gives thanks to God for Monsignor Terra's many years of faithful priestly service and asks the faithful to pray for the eternal repose of his soul and the consolation of his family, friends and all those he served.
Funeral Arrangements
Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, October 30, 2026, at 11 a.m.
St. Joseph Parish
2040 Walnut Avenue, Redding, CA 96001
Most Rev. Jaime Soto, Bishop of Sacramento, presiding
Rite of Committal
Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 9 a.m.
St. Joseph Cemetery
4075 Eureka Way, Redding, CA 96001
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
Portions of this obituary were taken from a biography of Monsignor Terra which was written by, then Diocesan Archivist, Fr. John Boll in June 2016. Fr. Boll's biography can be read in full on the Diocese of Sacramento's Archives Page.