Diocese of San José Catholic Schools Welcome New Principals School Year ’23-’24

Aug 15, 2023

Nichole Calabio
Principal,
Saint Victor School, San Jose

Nichole Calabio has been a part of the St. Victor School community since 2014. She began her career at SV as a teacher and has served as the school’s Vice Principal for the last three years. She holds master’s degrees in Curriculum & Instruction and Special Education and a bachelor’s degree in Biology. She feels humbled and excited to serve as the principal at St. Victor School in the upcoming school year.

Victoria Hinkle
Principal,
St. John Vianney School, San Jose

Victoria Hinkle was educated in a Catholic School in the Philippines where she graduated with a master’s degree in Child and Family Psychology. After teaching in the same Catholic School for ten years, Victoria immigrated to California and served the Diocese of San Jose for 22 years as teacher, Vice-Principal, and Principal at St. Victor School. She is very excited to serve her new school community, St. John Vianney School, and continue her commitment to forming young minds and hearts in Catholic education.

Robert Keller
Principal,
Saint Joseph Mountain View, Mountain View

Robert holds a Masters in Education and Social Studies Teaching Credential. Robert did this in an online program at the University of Phoenix while raising his two daughters. He attended Catholic high school, at Cardinal Newman, located in Santa Rosa where he was born and raised. He relocated to the San Jose area about ten years ago. Robert has spent five years teaching social studies and religion to middle schoolers at St. Joseph Mountain View. He is excited to transition into leadership this year as the principal at St. Joseph Mountain View.

Catherine Kogura
Principal,
Saint Clare School, Santa Clara

and a JD from Santa Clara University School of Law. She earned a Certificate in Catholic School Leadership and Master’s in Educational Leadership, both from Santa Clara University, while teaching and serving as an administrator at Saint John Vianney Catholic School. Immediately prior to joining St. Clare School, Mrs. Kogura served in the Department of Catholic Schools as one of three Directors of Instruction. She is married with two adult children. Mrs. Kogura feels blessed to have the opportunity to lead the Saint Clare School Community.

Dr. Cheryl Palladino
Principal,
Saint Joseph of Cupertino, Cupertino

My name is Dr. Cheryl (Cheri) Palladino, and I am excited to join the Diocese of San Jose! Previously, I served as a Coordinator of English Language Arts and an Inclusion Training Specialist where I worked with diverse PreK-12 schools, districts, and other partnerships in equity, inclusion, and continuous improvement. I have over 20+ years of experience in education as an ELD professor, elementary and middle school teacher, and ELA/ELD/Literacy coach. I have extensive experience and knowledge of Dyslexia, Special Education, Social-Emotional Learning, and UDL research and implementation.

Nicole Sabbatini
Principal,
Saint Justin School, Santa Clara

Nicole Sabbatini is a devoted educator with over 21 years of Catholic school experience. During her 19-year tenure at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic School, she taught various grades and held numerous leadership roles within the Diocese of San Jose. Nicole’s commitment to professional growth is evident in her pursuit of a master’s in educational leadership through the University of Notre Dame. With a multiple subject CLAD Credential and a master’s degree in education with a focus in Science and Technology, along with a Business Degree in Marketing and Finance, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Recently served as vice principal at St. Justin School, she is eagerly looking forward to taking on the role of principal for the 2023-2024 school year, driven by her passion for education and extensive expertise to lead with excellence.

Darlene Sanchez
Principal,
Most Holy Trinity School, San Jose

Darlene Sanchez has served in Catholic schools in the Diocese of San Jose for the past ten years. Most recently, in the role as vice principal at Most Holy Trinity School, and previously as a teacher at St. Patrick School. Prior to teaching in DSJ, her career in education began at a public school district in San Jose. She is committed to student learning and values the development of the whole child and believes this is best achieved in collaboration and partnership with others. Darlene received her Bachelor of Arts from San Jose State University and Master of Arts in Teaching from Santa Clara University. She is currently enrolled in the Remick Leadership Program at the University of Notre Dame.

Melissa Sidebotham
Principal,
St. Catherine School, Morgan Hill,

Melissa brings over 25 years of experience in education, a Masters in Educational Leadership from San Jose State University, as well a Bachelors in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University to her role as principal. She taught at St. Catherine as the middle school Science and Language Arts teacher for a number of years before moving into administration with Spring Education. Her return to the cherished institution of St. Catherine is one she eagerly embraces. Melissa is dedicated to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and fostering a warm and inclusive environment, which aligns with the values upheld by our parish community.

Bishop’s Statement on resuming reception of Holy Communion under the form of the Precious Blood

Jun 20, 2023

Download Statement pdf

 

We recently celebrated the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. We also continue to foster devotional and formational activity in our multi-year National Eucharistic Revival. With this in mind – and having discussed with pastors the advisability of resuming reception of Holy Communion under the form of the Precious Blood – beginning July 1, 2023, the Precious Blood of Christ may be offered at Masses in the Diocese of San José for reception by the faithful.

Pastors should ensure that an adequate number of Communion ministers is available. Pastors should also properly instruct the faithful for the reception of Holy Communion under both species. Namely,

  • In each Eucharistic species, the Consecrated Hosts and the Precious Blood, the Lord Jesus offers himself completely to the faithful. The Lord Jesus is present body and blood, soul and divinity under the appearance of bread and wine.
  • Receiving Holy Communion under both species is a fuller sign of participation in the Sacred Mysteries of the Lord’s death and resurrection. This fuller sign is a response to the Lord’s commands to “take and eat” and “take and drink”.
  • Members of the faithful with pre-existing health concerns or flu-like symptoms should refrain from receiving Holy Communion from the chalice. Those with flu-like symptoms should remain home as a preventive measure.
  • The faithful are encouraged to continue the practice of frequent handwashing. Pastors are encouraged to have sanitizer available for communion ministers and the faithful before receiving Holy Communion.
  • Ministers are encouraged to continue the practice of cleaning the vessels with soap and water following the Mass.

The chancery will monitor the situation when the flu season arrives and make precautionary adjustments to this protocol as needed. We will also monitor the situation of any other infectious diseases that may arise.

May we continue to hear the Lord beckoning us to the Eucharistic table, that we may be nourished by his Word and Sacrament.

Most Rev. Oscar Cantú
Bishop of San José

CCC Responds to Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Being Honored in CA State Legislature

Jun 6, 2023

As the State has now greenlighted prejudiced acts of discrimination, we ask that Californians rise above the legislature’s divisive behavior and instead seek to treat each other with the love, integrity, and dignity that every person deserves.

We are in sorrow and disbelief that California legislators paid tribute to a prominent member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (SPI), a group that openly commits acts of hate, misogyny, and discrimination against Catholics, our women’s religious orders, and against Christianity.

California is usually eager to condemn acts of hate, but today they chose to elevate them. Lawmakers praised a member of a group that actively disrupts our Masses, events and even steals our sacred Eucharist. SIP holds events that ridicule our sacraments with names so crass we will spare repeating them.

Our Catholic women religious voluntarily devote their entire lives to caring for immigrants, orphans, and those in poverty, working in hospitals and hospices, and stepping in to provide a way for those who would otherwise go without. They gladly serve others and remain in prayer even for those who openly disparage them. Our Sisters should be recognized for their selflessness, not ridiculed and denigrated.

Compounding our distress is the fact that the Sisters of Mercy previously owned the very land where the annexed portion of the Capitol building sits. There is a statue on the Capitol grounds to recognize their contribution. And today, the State chose to support the desecration of their selfless acts and those who follow in their legacy.

As the State has now greenlighted prejudiced acts of discrimination, we ask that Californians rise above the legislature’s divisive behavior and instead seek to treat each other with the love, integrity, and dignity that every person deserves.

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New Clergy Assignments effective July 1, 2023

May 15, 2023

In order to serve the people of God and following extensive consultation with the Clergy Personnel Board over the last few months, Bishop Oscar Cantú has made the following new clergy assignments effective July 1, 2023 unless otherwise indicated.

Office of Pastor

Rev. Vincent Tinh Dang – from parochial vicar of Saint Frances Cabrini in San Jose to pastor of Saint Thomas of Canterbury in San Jose

Rev. Hao Dinh– from vicar general and chancellor to full-time pastor of Church of Ascension in Saratoga

Rev. Justin Le – from pastor of Saint Maria Goretti in San Jose to pastor of Our Lady of La Vang in San Jose

Rev. Andrew C. Nguyen – from pastor of Saint Thomas of Canterbury in San Jose  and director, Office of Vocations to pastor of Saint Maria Goretti in San Jose

Rev. John Poncini – from pastor of Saint William and Saint Nicholas in Los Altos to pastor of Saint Leo the Great in San Jose

Rev. Reynaldo Sarmiento – from parochial vicar of Church of the Ascension in Saratoga to Pastor of Saint Francis of Assisi in San Jose

Rev. Matthew Stanley – from pastor of Saint Francis of Assisi in San Jose to pastor of Saint William and Saint Nicholas in Los Altos

Office of Parochial Vicar

Rev. Johannes Busch – from serving in his home Diocese of Mainz, Germany to parochial vicar of Saint William and Saint Nicholas in Los Altos

Rev. Jonathan Cuarto – parochial vicar of Sacred Heart of Jesus in San Jose, while continuing as chaplain at Valley Medical Center

Rev. Andrey Garcia – from parochial vicar of Saint Lucy in Campbell to parochial vicar of Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph in San Jose

Rev. Seth Kupo – from parochial vicar of Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Morgan Hill to parochial vicar of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Los Gatos

Rev. Robain Lamba – from parochial vicar of Saint William and Saint Nicholas in Los Altos to parochial vicar of Saint Francis of Assisi in San Jose

Rev. Gabriel Lee – from parochial vicar of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Los Gatos to parochial vicar of Saint Joseph of Cupertino in Cupertino

Rev. Dat Luong – from parochial vicar of Saint Maria Goretti in San Jose to parochial vicar of Our Lady of La Vang in San Jose

Rev. Prosper Molengi, CM – from parochial vicar of Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph to parochial vicar of Saint Lucy in Campbell

Rev. Anthony Tan Nguyen – from parochial vicar of Our Lady of Refuge in San Jose to parochial vicar of Christ the King in San Jose

Rev. John Tran Nguyen OFM – from parochial vicar of Our Lady of La Vang in San Jose to parochial vicar of Our Lady of Refuge in San Jose

Rev. Mendie Nguyen – from parochial vicar of Saint Joseph of Cupertino in Cupertino to parochial vicar of Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Morgan Hill

Rev. Truyen Nguyen – from associate director, Office of Youth and Young Adults to parochial vicar of Our Lady of La Vang in San Jose

Rev. Joseph Tran – from parochial vicar of Christ the King in San Jose to parochial vicar of Saint Francis Cabrini in San Jose

Rev. John Hung Vu – from parochial vicar of Our Lady of La Vang in San Jose to parochial vicar of Saint Maria Goretti in San Jose

Rev. Khoa Vu – from parochial vicar of Saint Christopher in San Jose to parochial vicar of Our Lady of La Vang in San Jose

 

Special Assignments

Rev. Andres Ligot, JCD has been appointed vicar general and chancellor, while continuing as pastor of Saint Elizabeth of Portugal in Milpitas

Rev. Roberto Gomez has been appointed director, Office of Vocations, while continuing as pastor of Saint Martin in Sunnyvale

On Leave

Rev. Peter Loi Huynh will be on sabbatical from July 1 until December 21, 2023. Then, he will go on mission in Diocese of Vinh Long from January 1, 2024 until December 31, 2026.

Rev. Steve Kim departing as pastor of St. Leo the Great in San Jose to serve as principal of St. Joseph – Notre Dame High School in the Diocese of Oakland.

Most Reverend Patrick Joseph McGrath

May 8, 2023

June 11, 1945 – May 7, 2023

Bishop McGrath was born in Dublin, Ireland, where he attended Catholic schools of the Sisters of the Holy Faith and Marist Fathers. He entered Saint John Seminary, Waterford, Ireland, in 1964 and was ordained to the priesthood on June 7, 1970, at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Waterford, Ireland, for ministry in the Archdiocese of San Francisco. In 1977, he earned his doctorate in canon law at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome and served as Judicial Vicar of the Archdiocese for nine years. In 1986, he became Rector and Pastor of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, San Francisco. Ordained Auxiliary Bishop by Archbishop John R. Quinn on January 25, 1989, he served the Archdiocese as Vicar for Clergy, Moderator of the Curia, and Vicar for Parishes.

On June 30, 1998, Pope John Paul II named him as Coadjutor to the Bishop of San José. Bishop McGrath was formally received into the Diocese at a Mass of Welcome on September 17, 1998. Upon the retirement of Bishop Pierre DuMaine on November 27, 1999, Bishop McGrath became the second bishop of San José. Bishop P.J. was loved by so many who knew him, and the Diocese was blessed by his Episcopal ministry as our bishop for 20 years until his retirement on May 1, 2019, when he became Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese San José.

Bishop McGrath’s kindness and care for others were the hallmark of his life and vital to his ministry as priest and bishop. He was committed to the work of the Second Vatican Council and to its role in the life of the Church. He had great love and respect for the priests, deacons, religious men and women, and the laity of the Diocese of San José, with whom he worked collaboratively to engender the spirit of the Council of Vatican II. Bishop McGrath worked together frequently with Silicon Valley’s leaders to draw attention and care to causes such as the treatment of immigrants and separation of families at the border; the unjust treatment of DREAMERS who were brought to the U.S. as children; interfaith collaboration; steps to address the harms of clergy sexual abuse; and other matters of social justice and Catholic values.

The bishop used to joke, “You will miss me when I am gone,” and so we do – more than he could imagine.

Bishop P.J. is survived by his brother, Tom; his sisters-in-law, Alacoque and Frances; nieces, Siobhan, Aileen, and Niamh; and nephews, Patrick and Derek, five grandnieces, five grandnephews and cousins and his life-long friend, Msgr. Daniel Whelton, and many, many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Eileen McGrath, and his brother, Sean.