05/01/2026
On March 25, students from two local Catholic high schools - Riverside Notre Dame and Temecula St. Jeanne de Lestonnac - were among those from the diocese who traveled to Sacramento for “Catholics at the Capitol,” a day of prayer hosted by the California Catholic Conference (CCC).
It was a powerful witness of faith in the public square on the Feast of the Annunciation as they held a prayerful public rally, a Rosary procession around the Capitol and visited several state legislative offices.
In addition to the Catholic high school students, parish representatives from Holy Spirit, Hemet; St. Catherine’s, Riverside; St. Christopher, Moreno Valley; St. Paul the Apostle, Chino Hills and St. Vincent Ferrer, Sun City and Christ the Redeemer, Grand Terrace were also among the participants from the diocese.
It was an opportunity for Catholics from across California to join California bishops for a sacred day of prayer, worship and unity at the State Capitol. The day’s theme was “Igniting a faith that Serves,” a faith rooted in prayer, strengthened in communion with California bishops located right at the core of the state’s civic life.
“Gathering at the State Capitol, where decisions shaping the lives of millions are made, we offer a different kind of presence: one grounded in prayer, humility, and love of neighbor, standing side by side with our bishops as one Church,” the CCC wrote in its press release.
The day began with speakers, music, and a rally at Cathedral Plaza in Sacramento. Next was a Rosary procession around the State Capitol Building then returning to the Cathedral, where they celebrated Mass with Bishops of California at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. The day concluded with lunch and optional legislative office drop-ins.
The featured speakers were San Jose Bishop Oscar Cantú and Auxiliary Bishop Andres “Andy” C. Ligot, Sacramento Bishop Jaime Soto and Auxiliary Bishop Rey Bersabal, San Diego Bishop Michael Pham and Auxiliary Bishop Felipe Pulido, and Auxiliary Bishop Ramón Bejarano of the Diocese of Monterey.
“It is a day to unite all Catholics, clergy and laity, families and individuals, together with our shepherds in worship and visible hope,” the CCC wrote.