Young Adults Reflect on the Diocese’s Young Adult Assembly

“I’m not as alone as I thought I was” is an echoing sentiment that resonates for me and others who attended. It would help to share resources and have more robust support systems, especially at a diocesan level, for new ministry groups to thrive and for established groups to be strengthened. Many in my group at the Assembly mentioned “communication, collaboration, and consistency” as a theme. -Jessica Lynn, student; Saint Martin of Tours

Usually, I operate under the thought of “hope is not a strategy;” however, when you’ve long felt that nothing can be done, that flicker of hope is a lifeline. I’m happy it is there for me to grasp on to because I believe that the future of the Catholic Church and our diocese is worth fighting for. I was happy to have left the Assembly with some new friends. -Nicole Gomes, Event Planner, Saint Christopher

I was most struck by our closing activity as we joined our reflections together on wooden blocks to form the Jerusalem Cross. In this moment, I could see the hopes, joys, and sorrows of so many Young Adults being united with the Cross of Christ who continues to journey with us on the road to spiritual renewal in our diocese. -Jason Vu, student; Our Lady of La Vang

Ministries

Identify essential parish and school ministries and the staff needed to fulfill these ministries

In parishes and schools, the People of God can expect:

• The essential ministries and staffing to be present in every parish and school.
• The people running the essential parish and school ministries (clergy, religious, lay staff, and volunteers) are well-trained and supported to fulfill their roles.

The diocese will support parishes and schools by:

• Forming a Diocesan Reorganization Committee of the clergy, principals, and lay leaders with relevant experience in restructuring, finance, parish and school operations, strategic planning, compensation, facilities, canon law, and real estate.
• Utilizing members of the Diocesan Reorganization Committee to propose essential ministries based on community needs and demographics and how best to provide these ministries, whether at a parish, school, or diocesan-wide level.
• Collaborating with members of the Diocesan Reorganization Committee to propose multicultural parish, school, and chancery staffing models (including paid and volunteer positions) to fulfill all essential parish and school ministries effectively.
• Assessing the talents and gifts of all clergy, lay staff, and volunteers and developing a training model to ensure all clergy, lay staff, and volunteers have the proper skills to serve our mission effectively.
• Reviewing and updating the process for assignments for clergy and employees to align with the goals and objectives of the Pastoral Plan.

Young Adults Speak

The diocese held its first Young Adult Assembly on Sept. 21 at Archbishop Mitty High School in response to the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, Renewed in Christ, Together in Mission.

Since the assembly, I have realized that young adults are not as far away from the Church as I initially thought. Having openness and leading my life with a level of transparency in terms of my faith has shown me the affinity even strangers have toward faith. -Emaela Talavera Valdez; Graduate Student, Church of the Resurrection

Everyone at my table expressed a hope for the Church: that young adult Catholics feel invited to participate in the Church and that the Church recognizes that their voices matter. I am optimistic that my community at Saint John Vianney can be a space to collaborate on young adult events. We have brainstormed a worship night, but we also recognize that we have the energy and space to host fellow young adult Catholics in the Bay Area. -Elizabeth Sarah Ekman, Religious Studies Educator and Campus Minister, Saint John Vianney

Compensation

Establish a just and competitive compensation model for the cost of living in Silicon Valley

In our parishes and schools, the People of God, especially clergy, religious, and employees of the diocese, can expect:

• A compensation model that provides just and competitive total compensation for all clergy, religious, and lay employees of the Diocese of San José.
• Greater job satisfaction, fewer staff turnovers, and chances for continuing education to further grow in expertise in their respective fields.

The diocese will support the clergy and employees at parishes and schools by:

• Forming a Compensation Committee of clergy, principals, and lay leaders with relevant compensation and employee benefits experience.
• Researching to determine each staff position’s market value in Silicon Valley (for-profit and non-profit organizations).
• Establishing a sustainable model that provides a just and competitive total compensation for each paid position identified in the staffing models.

Towards a Diocesan-Wide Perspective

When Bishop first addressed the delegates at the diocesan synod general assembly in January 2023, he urged them to dream big for the diocese, igniting a sense of inspiration and motivation. We are now actively working on prioritizing and implementing these recommendations, with a focus on restructuring the diocese and taking a mission-based approach towards spiritual renewal. This approach holds the promise of significant spiritual and structural renewal if we adopt a missionary mindset in our renewal.

It’s crucial that we shift from the previous parish-centered approach to a broader perspective, where the achievement of diocesan goals becomes our primary focus. This new way of thinking not only allows us to accomplish far-reaching pastoral objectives but also underscores the integral role each of you plays in this collective endeavor. -Deacon Eric Simontis is the Chief Financial Officer for the Diocese of San José and a deacon and parishioner at Saint Michael Parish, Livermore.

Organization

Reorganize parishes, schools, and the chancery to better support our mission

In our parishes and schools, the People of God can expect the fruits of reorganization to be:

• Our parish and school communities overflowing with the compassion, joy, and love of Jesus Christ.
• Moved by the Holy Spirit, each person, transformed through God’s grace, acknowledges the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, where they experience the compassionate healing of our merciful Lord.
• Thus, empowered and emboldened by the Holy Spirit, all go out joyfully to bring God’s healing love to a broken world.

The diocese will support the reorganization of parishes and schools by:

• Utilizing members of the Diocesan Reorganization Committee with solid knowledge of our parishes and schools to support the parish-school reorganization process.
• Conducting an inventory of all parish and school ministries, staffing, operations, and finances.
• Researching and assessing reorganization options and selecting the model best suited to our diocese.
• Proposing, vetting, approving, and implementing groupings of parishes and schools to work toward realizing the Church’s mission.

Understanding Synodality and Structural Renewal

From: For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission, the working English translation of the Italian final document approved by members of the Second Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Oct 26, 2024

30(b). Synodality denotes those structures and ecclesial processes in which the synodal nature of the Church is expressed at an institutional level...These structures and processes are officially at the service of the Church, which must discover the way to move forward by listening to the Holy Spirit (ITC 70.b);

49. ...above all we have experienced that it is relationships that sustain the Church’s vitality, animating its structures. A missionary synodal Church needs to renew the one and the other. 

100. Similarly, it is necessary to have structures and methods for regularly evaluating the exercise of ministry... it allows a way of assisting the minister by highlighting positive aspects of their ministry and bringing to light areas for improvement. 

111. Traditional territorial bonds are being redefined, blurring the borders of dioceses and parishes. Living in such contexts, the Church is called to rebuild community life, to put a face to faceless entities and to strengthen relationships in this milieu. To this end, we must not only continue to value still useful structures; we also need “missionary creativity” to explore new forms of pastoral action and identify concrete processes of care.

114. ...social and cultural developments challenge the Church to reconsider the meaning of ‘local’ in its life and to review its organizational structures so that they can better serve its mission.

Read the full document here: https://www.synod.va/en/news/final-document-of-the-xvi-assembly.html

Funding

Quantify and secure the finances needed to fund the pastoral plan

In our parishes and schools, the People of God can expect:

• Their stewardship being effectively used at financially stable parishes and schools to minister to others and to continue Christ’s mission in the world.

The diocese will support parishes and schools by:

• Utilizing members of the Diocesan Reorganization and Finance Committees to support the financial planning process at the diocesan, parish, school, and chancery levels.
• Preparing a report showing the diocese’s full financial picture.
• Drafting strategic plans for each parish, school, and the chancery.
• Forecasting cash flows for all parishes, schools, and the chancery, giving special attention to the impact of the new staffing and compensation models.
• Developing and implementing a financial plan to fully fund the pastoral plan for at least ten years, emphasizing just compensation, tuition assistance, and future capital needs.

Finance and funding: Why do you give?

Donor Jasmine Fernando on Why She Gives Back to the Diocese

What inspires you to be generous with your time, talent, and treasure with the diocese?

My inspiration for being generous with my time, talent, and treasure comes from how God has prepared me throughout my life. Growing up in a Catholic family in India, I witnessed my mother’s tireless dedication as a kindergarten teacher in a Catholic school, even as we faced financial struggles due to my father’s early passing. Despite having little, she instilled in her children the importance of gratitude and sharing our blessings, no matter how small, with others and with the Church.

Today, it feels providential that I work for the Church. It brings me immense joy and fulfillment to serve in this capacity, surrounded by dedicated and faith-filled people. This sense of purpose and gratitude inspires me to give back and trust in God’s providence, knowing that every small act of generosity contributes to building His kingdom.

Name an instance where you experienced the joy, satisfaction, consolation, or even the fruit of being generous.

When we came to America in 2005, we faced many struggles and sacrifices as we worked hard to build a future for our family.  Over time, we built a stable and fulfilling life, and God blessed us with two wonderful children, a daughter (Sandrine) and a son (Ethan). Instilling in them the spirit of gratitude and faith was always a priority. One of the greatest joys we’ve experienced is seeing the fruit of those values in their lives. For example, our daughter graduated from UC San Diego. Knowing that our sacrifices have helped build a foundation for our children and support our faith community is a source of deep satisfaction and consolation.

How has sharing in generosity as a married couple impacted your faith?

Our journey of generosity as a married couple has deeply strengthened our faith and reaffirmed how good God has been to us. I am truly blessed to have Amudhan as my husband. His simplicity, humility, and respect for me as his wife create a strong foundation for our family life.  Amudhan’s dedication to our parish, as an active member of the Parish Pastoral Council, and his willingness to give his time, talent, and treasure inspire me constantly.  

This shared mission has brought us closer to God and to each other, helping us recognize the abundance of grace in our lives. Together, we’ve learned that generosity is not just about giving, but also about deepening our trust in God’s providence. It has strengthened our marriage and enriched our faith, allowing us to live out our shared purpose with gratitude and joy.

How has giving your time, talent, and treasure transformed your relationship with Christ and your faith?

Giving back in time, talent, and treasure is very important and rooted in our experience of God’s mercy in my life. My family is a testimony to the many blessings we are receiving. I am grateful for the opportunity to work for St. Elizabeth and Father Andy. Our two children are blessed with faith and humbleness. What more can I ask? -Jasmine Deepa Fernando is the Business Manager and a parishioner at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Milpitas where she attends Mass with her family. She loves cooking, home decor, gardening, and traveling.