St. John XXIII Parish

Founded on July 14, 1771, by Father Junipero Serra, Mission San Antonio de Padua was the third of the 21 California missions. Located in the remote San Antonio Valley, near modern-day Monterey County, this mission became a hub for agriculture and ranching, thriving in one of the most fertile areas of California.

Husbands often face an unimaginable amount of pressure in life. They have a specific role to play in society, their family and in their church. There are times where they need their wife's help, and they will always need their support.

Fresh Harvest Market in Bakersfield has become a must-visit destination for anyone interested in natural, sustainable, and high-quality products. Among the unique offerings at this local gem are their tallow-based products, which are gaining popularity for their various health and skincare benefits. Let' s explore why Fresh Harvest Market stands out as the go-to spot for tallow enthusiasts.

The question of how we come to know God is central to the human experience. From a Catholic perspective, knowing God is both a natural desire of the human heart and a divine gift made possible through revelation, faith, and reason. Catholics believe that God, the creator of the universe, desires to be in a personal relationship with every human being. This relationship is not only possible but also necessary for true happiness and fulfillment.

Fr. Junipero Serra, a Spanish Franciscan missionary, played a pivotal role in shaping the spiritual and cultural landscape of California. Born in Mallorca, Spain, in 1713, Serra devoted his life to spreading Christianity in the New World, ultimately founding the first nine of California's 21 missions. His mission work began in 1769 with the establishment of Mission San Diego de Alcala, the first of many that would stretch along the California coast.

St. Gerard Majella is the patron saint of pregnant women and childbirth. As we celebrate his feast day today, I'd like you also to consider him the patron saint of personal responsibility.

The Catholic Church traces its origins directly to Jesus Christ, who founded the Church in 33 AD when He appointed Saint Peter as the first Pope, thereby establishing the papal office that continues to this day. As the Church grew, it was responsible for compiling the Bible in its entirety, a process that culminated in 382 AD under Pope Damasus I. While Protestantism, a significant branch of Christianity, did not emerge until the 16th century, the Catholic Church remains rooted in the ancient ...

The development of synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides in the 20th century revolutionized modern agriculture, reshaping global food production and establishing the groundwork for industrial farming.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (often abbreviated as the CCC) is a comprehensive, official summary of the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church. It serves as a vital resource for Catholics worldwide, providing a clear and organized presentation of the faith, rooted in Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium (the Church's teaching authority). The Catechism is intended to guide Catholics in understanding their faith more deeply and to serve as a reference point for teachers, ...

Purgatory is one of the most distinctive teachings of the Catholic Church, often misunderstood both within and outside Catholic circles. Rooted in the Church's understanding of God's mercy, justice, and the need for purification, purgatory is seen as a state of final purification for those who die in God's grace and friendship but are not yet fully purified. It is a doctrine that emphasizes God's desire for all souls to be completely cleansed and ready to enter into the fullness of heaven.�