Sacramento, Calif., Oct 11, 2007 / 14:11 pm
The Holy Father has appointed Bishop Jamie Soto to be the coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento. He will assist Bishop William K. Weigand in 42,000 square mile diocese and will take over the position as bishop when Weigand retires.
After the announcement from Washington, D.C., Bishop Soto stated, “I am very honored by this appointment as the coadjutor bishop for Sacramento. This new turn of the road on faith’s journey with Christ Jesus fills me with anticipation as well as trepidation.”
Since 2000, Soto has served as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Orange County, assisting Bishop Tod Brown. He was also one of the bishops elected by the USCCB to attend the Fifth Latin American Bishops Conference in Aparecidea (Brazil) in May 2007.
“From the Southern Diocese of Orange, I have admired through the years the work of Bishop Weigand and the extensive pastoral ministry of the Sacramento Diocese,” said Bishop Soto.
Bishop Weigand expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to work beside Bishop Soto in the 103 parish diocese, serving 550,000 Catholics.
“I want to welcome Bishop Soto to the Diocese of Sacramento,” said Bishop William K. Weigand. “I am grateful and delighted by the appointment of Bishop Soto as he joins me to serve the People of God in the Diocese of Sacramento.
“It pleases me to know that I now will have his assistance to help me shepherd this vast 20-county diocese and, in due course, to succeed me. I ask for the prayers of all the faithful, clergy and religious as we prepare to warmly receive Bishop Jaime Soto,” continued Weigand.
The Diocese of Sacramento reports that as coadjutor, Bishop Soto will share pastoral and administrative responsibilities with Bishop Weigand. Upon the retirement of Bishop Weigand, Soto will become the head of the diocese.
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In celebration of Bishop’s Soto’s appointment as Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento, a welcome Mass will be held at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament on Monday, November 19, at 2:00 p.m.