Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 

- (1 Peter 4:10-11) 

The Bishop’s Ministry Appeal helps sustain the parishes, programs, and ministries of the Diocese of Stockton through the Bishop’s Ministry Appeal Trust. Once a year, Catholics throughout the Diocese of Stockton are asked to support these ministries by giving to the Bishop’s Ministry Appeal Trust. Their support plays a key role in advancing the mission of the Church both within and beyond the boundaries of their parishes. 

Through collaboration among pastors, volunteers, and staff, strategies have been developed for the Bishop’s Ministry Appeal that will: 

1. Increase parishioner participation 
2. Train Appeal chairperson(s) from parishes to assist pastors in implementing the Appeal plan 
3. Increase Appeal branding and visibility These programs and ministries, along with Diocesan Directors, include: 

Bishop’s Ministry Appeal

Director: Stacy Erickson

• Manages the annual Bishop’s Ministry Appeal Campaign and coordinates efforts of the 35 parishes

Bishop’s Office

Bishop Myron J. Cotta

• Oversees all operations, programs and activities of the Pastoral Center and the Diocese of Stockton

Catholic Schools

Director: Marian Graham

• Provides leadership and support to ensure our schools remain faith-centered and constantly committed to improving the quality of Catholic education

Ministry and Services to Priests

Director: Fr. Brandon Ware

• Provides services, encouragement and ongoing training and education for all priests

Communications

Director: Vacant Position

• Coordinates the overall organization of internal and external communications for the Diocese of Stockton. A major goal is to assure that the presentation of the public image of the local church is marked by our deepest values and beliefs

Deacon Formation

Director: Sr. Wanda Billion, MSC

• Trains, ordains and dedicates Permanent Deacons in service of the Liturgy, the Gospel, Justice and Charity

Diocesan Councils

Director: Doug Adel

• Provides guidance and assistance to parishes through Finance and Pastor Councils

Hispanic Apostolate

Director: Digna Ramirez-Lopez

• Serves as a resource to parishes, lay people, apostolic movements, Diocesan and community organizations serving the Hispanic community

Marriage Tribunal

Director: The Very Reverend John M. Foster, J.C.D.

• Serves as the Church court, hearing cases for the invalidity of marriage and advising the Diocese on matters of canon law

Migrant Pastoral Ministry

Director: Jose Lopez-Ceja

• Responds to the needs of the migrant community in our Diocese identifying needs and supporting parish leaders

Office of Evangelization and Faith Formation

Director: Grace Garza-Ayala

• Works to accompany our parish communities in the effort to better evangelize, form and educate our people in the teaching of the Catholic Faith

Respect Life

Coordinator: Robert Poncini

• Works for the enhancement of human dignity and respect for life from conception through natural death

​School of Ministry

Director: Dominador “Jun” Bombongan

• Forms lay ministers for leadership and service in parishes throughout the Diocese

Seminarian Education

Director: Fr. Cesar Martinez

• Encourages and nurtures the call to priesthood and consecrated life for young men

Social Ministries

Director: Digna Ramirez-Lopez

• Develops and activates committees for service and advocacy in parishes and connects them for joint action on local and state-wide issues

University Campus Ministries

Director: Vacant Position

• Administers, oversees, and fosters communication for all Diocesan ministries and the Newman Ministry of the University of the Pacific

Worship/Spirituality

Director: Michael Schmitz

• Serves as a resource to parishes, clergy and lay people in matters concerning the sacraments and liturgy. Assists RCIA parish coordinators and teams in preparing individuals to become fully initiated into the Catholic Church

Youth & Young Adult Ministry

Director: Jose Lopez-Ceja

• Serves in both English- and Spanish-speaking communities, certifying pastoral leaders and providing spiritual growth opportunities through retreats, missions, and other events

BUILD MY KINGDOM

As disciples of Jesus, we are called to “build His kingdom on earth.” We do our part by sharing the gifts God has given us. Of all the ways to be generous, giving money can be the most challenging — God understands this!

Remember, God has a plan for you, including your finances. Trust that He will provide for all that you need.

• Do you get overwhelmed in your family’s busy lifestyle that occasionally you overlook giving back to God the gifts He has given you?
• Do you place your family’s needs and desires before God’s?
• Do you plan your financial commitments with God first in mind?

BEST PRACTICES

• Plan your giving annually.
• Use your parish’s electronic offertory (if applicable).
• Tithing: Give 5% to your local parish and 5% to greater Church and secular charities.

PLANNED GIVING

• A planned gift provides future support for the ministries of the Diocese of Stockton made possible through your generosity.
• Are you ready to plan your will or trust?
• To request your FREE Estate Planning Guide, please visit us online at www.StocktonDioceseLegacy.org or call (209) 466-0636 for more information on Planned Giving.

“Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly and whoever sows bountifully will reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Corinthians 9:6-7​

To view a worksheet from the diocese, to plan your giving, please check back soon (for a downloadable file).

BMA Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bishop’s Ministry Appeal?

The BMA is an annual campaign to raise funds that support the programs and ministries serving the educational, physical and spiritual needs of the people of the Diocese of Stockton.

Is it important to give to the BMA even though I already give to my parish?

The Diocese takes responsibility for certain specialized ministries and services that no one single parish can provide. 

How do I make my pledge?

Pledge forms are available Online at stocktondiocese.org/BMA (hyperlink to the donation form) By Mail Or at Mass Please make checks payable to BISHOPS MINISTRY APPEAL TRUST  

Why are pledges encouraged instead of one-time donations?

Pledges give you the opportunity to consider larger sacrificial commitments by spreading your donations over an 8-month period.

How much should I pledge?

Your gift should have some sacrificial relationship to your standard of living and God’s generosity and blessings to you and your family. No pledge is too small or large.

What payment methods can I use to make my pledge?

• Cash
• Check
• Credit Card
• Direct Debit (from your checking account)