Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

About Fr. Mark (excerpted from his 2018 “How I became a priest” article for St. Joseph’s Church):

“I attended 6:30 am Mass every day at Presentation Parish before my classes at Lincoln High School.  I also tried to do a daily holy hour in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, following the famous recommendation of Bishop Fulton Sheen.  As the only young man in the Legion of Mary group,   I was “blessed among women” at meetings.  As a high school foreign exchange student in France, I discovered that most French people are non-practicing Catholics, who were amazed that I wanted to attend daily Mass.  By bicycle, I went to countless wonderful churches! Attending Delta College for two years, I played on the soccer team and gradually began to lose interest in becoming a priest.  Next, I studied journalism at Chico State University, becoming a disc jockey for a campus radio station.  I also attended parties and chased girls (but God prevented me from catching any!)  Throughout, I was not able to drown out the voice of God calling me to the priesthood.  I felt unfulfilled and resumed my practice of daily Mass and holy hour, and decided to enter the seminary.  When I told my roommates about my decision, they said it was “cool,” and I found out that some of them were Catholic.  After two years of college seminary, I was sent for five years of theology study in Rome. This was a blessing, as I was able to visit the shrines of Europe and the Holy Land.  I received a theology degree from the “Gregorian University” and a license degree (S.T.L.) in moral theology from the “John Paul II Institute for Studies of Marriage and Family.”   Upon finishing my studies, I returned home and was ordained a priest by Bishop Donald Montrose on September 24, 1988.”

Fr. Mark is pleased to return to his “home parish” and looks forward to serving the parishioners of Presentation Parish.

I am Fr. Vijaya Yemparala, a Catholic priest with 18 years of priestly ministry. I am dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating the sacraments, and serving God’s people with compassion and faith. I served for ten years in India before ministering for five years in the Diocese of New York. I also served in the Diocese of Stockton at St. Stanislaus Parish, Modesto, and St. Anthony’s Parish, Hughson.

I am known for Scripture-centered preaching, drawing on the rich tradition of the Catholic Church to make God’s Word relevant to everyday life. I am deeply passionate about biblical teaching, spiritual formation, and helping people grow in their relationship with Christ through prayer, the Eucharist, and confession.

Guided by the Blessed Virgin Mary and strengthened by the grace of the priesthood, I continue to serve the Church with humility, joy, and dedication, striving to lead others closer to Jesus Christ through faithful preaching, compassionate pastoral care, and a life of faithful service.

I am Fr. Mathew Issac, a priest of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and blessed to have served 23 years in the priesthood. For the past 10 years, I have been the Chaplain and Athletic Chaplain at St. Mary's High School, Stockton accompanying students, faculty, coaches, and athletes in their faith - spiritual and personal journeys. My vocation to the priesthood took root in 1996 while serving alongside St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) and her Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta. That transformative experience of witnessing Christ in the poorest of the poor inspired me to dedicate my life to God and His people. Since then, my ministry has been guided by the Salesian spirit of gentleness, humility, optimism and compassionate service, striving to help others encounter God's love in their everyday lives. I believe that holiness is found in everyday life through kindness, patience, and faithful service. Excited to be here at the Church of Presentation. Live Jesus!

Rev. Fr. Al Delgado

Rev. Dr. Bill Brennan: william-brennan@sbcglobal.net

Rev. Mr. Mike Navarec, Sr.: deaconmike91011@gmail.com