Fr. Benedict DeLeon retired from the Diocese of Sacramento after 38 years of faithful pastoral service. He was the first deacon and priest to come out of St Paul and was ordained by Bishop Quinn on March 22, 1980. His family has been one of our earliest parishioners of the establishment of St. Paul as a parish.

Fr. Ben celebrated his Mass of Thanksgiving at St Paul, his famaly's home parish. He and his siblings; Philip, Daniel, Jane and their families along with all parishioners in attendance, Sunday August 11th at 9am, joined him on this momentous day. Unfortunately, one sibling, Sister Marlene could not make it to California but her prayers and well wishes was with Fr. Ben.

After Mass everyone was invited to a simple breakfast for a morning of good fellowship in the Rev. Nicholas Duggan Hall. Breakfast was supported by the Knights of Columbus and Catholic Daughters, benefactor by the DeLeon Family. As usual, with a DeLeon Family event, it was a grand fellowship experience.

St. Paul is Blessed to have Father Benedict and the DeLeon Family a part of our Faith Community as dedicated parishioners for many generations. They are one of the many families in our parish who we honored and celebrated this past year's, 25th Anniversary with "Our Heritage, Our Legacy, Our Destiny."

Eternal rest grant unto Benedict & Praxedes DeLeon, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.  May their soul and the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen

Click here to view the photos of the Mass of Thanksgiving