About Church of the Presentation · Stockton, California
Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a large, bilingual Roman Catholic parish in northwest Stockton, California, part of the Diocese of Stockton. Founded in 1952, today it serves a diverse community with seven Sunday Masses (including a Spanish Mass), daily Mass, an elementary school, a rich roster of lay ministries, and a strong online presence via livestreamed Masses on Facebook and YouTube. Its mission: "a welcoming Catholic faith family responding to the varied spiritual needs of our diverse community," calling parishioners to be disciples and stewards of the Gospel. Currently led by Pastor Rev. Fr. Mark Wagner — himself a Presentation parishioner in his youth — with Parochial Vicars Fr. Sudhakar Manda and Fr. Madhu Appanapalle (both Heralds of Good News), the parish is preparing for a major interior renovation in summer 2026.
- Established
- 1952
- Patron
- Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Rector
- Rev. Fr. Mark Wagner
- Diocese
- Diocese of Stockton
Why belong here
Church of the Presentation welcomes families into one of Stockton's largest Catholic communities with seven Sunday Masses (including one in Spanish), daily Mass, abundant confession and Eucharistic Adoration hours, and a parish school serving K-8. Parishioners enjoy the sacramental ministry of the parish — marriage, baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, and funeral services — along with ministries spanning four stewardship pillars: Formation (RCIA/OCIA, Bible studies, Religious Education, Vacation Bible School), Service (Knights of Columbus, Legion of Mary, Food Pantry, Family Promise, St. Vincent de Paul, Respect Life), Liturgy (choir, altar servers, lectors, Extraordinary Ministers), and Community (Daughters of Isabella, Italian Catholic Federation, Presentation Seniors, parish bazaar). Members are remembered in the daily prayers for the people and benefactors of the church and are invited to share their gifts in a parish that has proclaimed the Gospel continuously for more than 70 years.
Mass times at Church of the Presentation
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday, 5:00–5:45 PM
- Wednesday, 5:00–5:45 PM
- Friday, 5:00–5:45 PM
- Saturday, 9:00 AM
Adoration times
- Monday, 8:00–10:00 AM (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament)
- Tuesday, 8:00–9:00 AM
- Wednesday, 8:00–10:00 AM
- Thursday, 8:00–9:00 AM
- Thursday, 5:30–7:30 PM
- Friday, 8:00–10:00 AM
Our History
Founded in March 1952 by Rev. John F. Quinn to serve the growing Catholic population of northwest Stockton, the parish began in the old Five-Mile House on Pacific Avenue at Rivara Road before moving to its current Benjamin Holt Drive site in 1953. The first church was completed at a cost of $130,000; the first Mass was celebrated on Pentecost Sunday, May 24, 1953; and the formal dedication came on February 4, 1954, by the Most Reverend Hugh A. Donohoe, Auxiliary Bishop of San Francisco. A devastating fire destroyed the original church in November 1999, and a much larger church was built on the same site, dedicated in November 2001 by Bishop Stephen Blaire of Stockton.
- Established: March 1952
- Founding Pastor: Rev. John F. Quinn
- First church Mass: Pentecost Sunday, May 24, 1953
- Formal dedication: February 4, 1954, by Bishop Hugh A. Donohoe
- Original fire: November 1999
- New church dedicated: November 2001, by Bishop Stephen Blaire
- Early facilities: convent, parish hall, rectory
Meet Our Clergy
The parish is led by Pastor Rev. Fr. Mark Wagner, who grew up at Presentation Parish as an altar boy and Legion of Mary member, and who was ordained by Bishop Donald Montrose on September 24, 1988. He is assisted by two Parochial Vicars from the Missionary Society of Heralds of Good News (HGN): Fr. Sudhakar Manda (ordained April 19, 2010) and Fr. Madhu Appanapalle (ordained April 19, 2012). The parish is also served by Deacon Rev. Dr. Bill Brennan and Deacon Rev. Mr. Mike Navarec, Sr.
- Pastor: Rev. Fr. Mark Wagner
- Parochial Vicar: Rev. Fr. Sudhakar Manda, HGN
- Parochial Vicar: Rev. Fr. Madhu Appanapalle, HGN
- Deacon: Rev. Dr. Bill Brennan
- Deacon: Rev. Mr. Mike Navarec, Sr.
Parish and School Staff
Behind the clergy is a full administrative, music, formation, and facilities staff. The Pastoral & Social Services office is led by Parish Co-Administrator Eren Bongcaron. Adult Formation is coordinated by Lucy Soldati; Liturgy by Dr. Katherine Andrews (per recent parish bulletins) and others; Music by Minister of Music Victor Victorino, Choir Director Errol Respicio, and Accompanist Robert Hull. Faith Formation for Children & Youth is directed by Sandra Gonzalez, with Veronica Maldonado assisting. Youth and Young Adult Ministry is led by Sr. Marie-Pauline B. Nguyen, MTG.
- Parish Co-Administrator: Eren Bongcaron
- Administrative Assistant / Receptionist: Abigail Orrison; Cindy Gonzalez (Receptionist); Laurie Franco
- Adult Formation Coordinator: Lucy Soldati
- Minister of Music: Victor Victorino
- Choir Director: Errol Respicio
- Music Accompanist: Robert Hull
- Director of Faith Formation for Children & Youth: Sandra Gonzalez
- Religious Education Assistant: Veronica Maldonado
- Catholic Youth and Young Adult Minister: Sr. Marie-Pauline B. Nguyen, MTG
- Facilities Supervisor: Ed Hendrickson
- Facilities Scheduling / Parish Data: Juanita Chavez
- Communications: [email protected]
Our Mission and Vision
The parish mission: 'We are a welcoming Catholic community called by God to live out the message of Christ in love and service to all people. As a parish, let us proclaim the Gospel of Christ to our community in word, deed, and truth.' The parish vision: 'As disciples of Jesus Christ and good stewards, we are all called to use our gifts for the Kingdom of God.' The parish describes itself as 'a welcoming Catholic faith family responding to the varied spiritual needs of our diverse community' where 'we encounter God and challenge ourselves to be disciples and stewards of the gospel values.'
- Welcoming Catholic community
- Proclaim the Gospel in word, deed, and truth
- Disciples and stewards of the Gospel
- Use our gifts for the Kingdom of God
Becoming a Parishioner
Parishioners are those who either live within parish boundaries or have registered based on weekly Sunday Mass attendance at Presentation. Members enjoy the sacramental ministry of the parish — including funeral or memorial services, marriage, and the Sacraments of Initiation for their children — are remembered in the daily prayers for the people and benefactors of the church, are invited to all spiritual and educational events, and are invited to participate in parish ministry and the weekly electronic or envelope offertory. Registration is available online via the parish website or by filling out a yellow form available in the Ministry Center and the back of the church.
- Online registration form on the parish website
- Yellow paper forms in the Ministry Center and back of church
- Return via collection basket or Ministry Center drop-off
- Office contact for address changes: (209) 472-2150
Faith Formation and Religious Education
Children and youth faith formation is directed by the Director of Faith Formation for Children & Youth, Sandra Gonzalez, with support from Religious Education Assistant Veronica Maldonado. The parish offers ongoing religious education for grades K-8, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA / RCIA) for adults, Adult Confirmation preparation, Bible studies, Vacation Bible School, and youth and young adult ministry led by Sr. Marie-Pauline B. Nguyen, MTG.
- Religious Education (Grades K-8)
- OCIA / RCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)
- Adult Confirmation Preparation
- Adult Formation (Bible Studies)
- Vacation Bible School
- Youth Group and Young Adult Ministry
Pillar of Formation — Continuous Conversion
The parish stewards formation as a 'continuous conversion.' Catechism and religious education volunteer roles are central: Catechism Aide and Teacher for K-8 and High School, Religious Education Office Help, Infant Baptism Preparation Teachers and Hosts (English and Spanish), Marriage Enrichment, Religious Vocation Committee (Serra Club), and RCIA team members help adults enter the Church at Easter.
- Bible Studies
- Catechism Aide/Teacher K-8 & High School
- Infant Baptism preparation (English/Spanish)
- Marriage Enrichment
- Religious Vocation Committee
- Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
- Vacation Bible School
Pillar of Service — Love in Action
Service ministries reach out across Stockton. Practical needs are served through the Food Pantry, Family Promise, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Communion to the Sick, and Respect Life. Parish life is enriched by the Knights of Columbus (Council 10478) — emphasizing charity, unity, fraternity, spiritual growth, and patriotism — the Legion of Mary (with four branches including a Junior Legion and a Spanish-language presidium), the Daughters of Isabella, Italian Catholic Federation, Presentation Seniors, Serra Club, Social Justice Ministry, The Giving Tree, and Fall Fest / parish bazaar volunteers.
- Knights of Columbus Council 10478 (2nd & 4th Wed, 7:00 PM)
- Legion of Mary (4 branches)
- St. Vincent de Paul Society
- Food Pantry
- Family Promise
- Communion to the Sick
- Respect Life
- Social Justice Ministry
- The Giving Tree
- Daughters of Isabella
- Italian Catholic Federation
- Presentation Seniors
- Serra Club
- Media Ministry
- Yard Therapy
- Toddler Time
Knights of Columbus Council 10478
The Presentation Knights (Council 10478) is an organization for Catholic men emphasizing strong spiritual principles. Its parish mission is charity, unity, fraternity, spiritual growth, and patriotism. Through financial and manual support of the church, school, and other ministries, the council has a positive influence across the parish. The council meets at 7:00 PM on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, often hosting the popular $5 parish pancake breakfasts after the 7:00 AM and 8:45 AM Sunday Masses (children 5 and under and Altar Servers eat free).
- Council #10478
- Grand Knight: John Tucker, 209-639-9696, [email protected]
- Meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 7:00 PM
- Hosts pancake breakfast after Sunday 7 AM and 8:45 AM Masses
Legion of Mary
The Legion of Mary is a service and communion ministry. Members make weekly visits to care facilities for seniors, young people at Peterson Juvenile Hall, and mental and general hospitals to deepen the spiritual life of those they visit. Legion members are also available to assist with funeral rosaries. The parish supports four presidia and a Junior Legion.
- Junior Legion (Tuesdays 3:30 PM) — Alice Dickson
- Queen of Apostles Presidium (Wednesdays 10:00 AM) — Mariam Akinnitire
- Our Lady of Light Presidium (Wednesdays 5:30 PM) — Angie Delos Santos / Alice Sepulveda Dickson
- Nuestra Señora de los Milagros Presidium (Tuesdays 6:30 PM) — Josefina Zatarain
Liturgical Ministries
Presentation offers many ways to participate in the sacred liturgy: as a choir member, lector, altar server, or Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist; or behind the scenes washing altar linens, decorating the church environment, or serving on the Altar Society to clean the church for Sunday Mass. The Music Ministry under Minister of Music Victor Victorino, with Choir Director Errol Respicio and Accompanist Robert Hull, leads the congregation in sung prayer at each Mass.
- Choir member
- Lector
- Altar server
- Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist
- Altar Linens ministry
- Altar Society (church cleaning)
- Church Environment / Decorating
Presentation Parish School (K-8)
Presentation Parish School is a ministry of Presentation Parish. Founded in 1965 under Monsignor James Cloherty and originally staffed by the Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM), the school opened with grades 1–4, growing one grade per year until completing K–8. Kindergarten was added in August 1991. The retirement of Sr. Monica Lowry in 1996 marked the hiring of the school's first lay principal, and in 2001 the Sisters of Charity, BVM returned to Iowa; today the school is fully staffed by about 30 lay teachers and staff. It is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Western Catholic Educators Association, and serves about 257 students in a faith-centered setting anchored in diocesan religion standards and California Common Core academics, with art, music, technology, and physical education in all grades.
- Address: 1635 W. Benjamin Holt Drive, Stockton, CA 95207
- School phone: (209) 472-2140
- School fax: (209) 320-1515
- Grades: K–8
- Founded 1965 under Monsignor James Cloherty
- Original staffing: Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM)
- First lay principal: 1996 (Sr. Monica Lowry's retirement)
- Sisters of Charity, BVM departed 2001
- Fully accredited by WASC and Western Catholic Educators Association
- Opportunities for parent/grandparent involvement: art or science docent, classroom/library/lunchroom help, Fall Fest, Table Setting Luncheon, Dinner Dance, School Advisory Council
Sacraments at Presentation
Because they have made Presentation their spiritual home, registered parishioners have a right to the sacramental ministry of the parish: funeral or memorial services, marriage, and the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation) for their children. The parish also offers the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA / RCIA), Adult Confirmation preparation, Infant Baptism preparation and host teams in both English and Spanish, and ongoing Marriage Enrichment. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 5:00–5:45 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM.
- Baptism (English & Spanish preparation available)
- First Communion and Confirmation
- Marriage / Marriage Enrichment
- RCIA / OCIA for adults
- Adult Confirmation preparation
- Anointing / Communion to the Sick
- Funeral or Memorial Services (parishioners)
- Confession: Mon/Wed/Fri 5:00–5:45 PM, Sat 9:00 AM
Contact, Office Hours, and Locations
The parish office is reached by phone at (209) 472-2150, fax (209) 472-0541, and email at [email protected], with media inquiries at [email protected]. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. The church physical address is 1515 W Benjamin Holt Drive, Stockton, CA 95207. The Ministry Center (mailing address) is at 6715 Leesburg Place, Stockton, CA 95207. The parish school is at 1635 W. Benjamin Holt Drive, Stockton, CA 95207 (school phone (209) 472-2140; fax (209) 320-1515).
- Parish phone: (209) 472-2150
- Parish fax: (209) 472-0541
- Email: [email protected]
- Media inquiries: [email protected]
- Office hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Church: 1515 W Benjamin Holt Drive, Stockton, CA 95207
- Ministry Center: 6715 Leesburg Place, Stockton, CA 95207
- School: 1635 W. Benjamin Holt Drive, Stockton, CA 95207
Summer 2026 Church Interior Renovation
Beginning Monday, July 6, 2026, the parish is undertaking a major Church Interior Renovation. Painting, restoration of pews, kneelers, and padded-chair cushions, and replacement of sanctuary, confessional, and chapel carpet are planned. During the work: Monday–Friday Masses, Adoration, and Confessions will be celebrated in the Youth Center (Gathering Space for Mass and Adoration; Teen Lounge for Confessions) with the entrance via the school parking lot; Saturday and Sunday Masses, Adoration, and Confessions remain in the church.
- Project start: July 6, 2026
- Includes painting, cushion restoration, carpet replacement
- Weekday Mass/Adoration/Confessions moved to Youth Center
- Weekend schedule stays in church
Getting Involved
Beyond the four stewardship pillars (Formation, Service, Liturgy, Community), parishioners are invited to volunteer at the parish school as art or science docents, classroom or office help, or on fund-raisers like Fall Fest, Table Setting Luncheon, and Dinner Dance, or to serve on the School Advisory Council. New parish ministries are welcomed — parishioners are encouraged to contact the parish office with ideas for getting involved.
- Serve as a parish school art or science docent
- Volunteer in classroom, office, library, or lunchroom
- Help at Fall Fest, Table Setting Luncheon, Dinner Dance
- School Advisory Council
- Contact parish office with new ministry ideas
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. John F. Quinn1952 (founding)
Founding pastor of Church of the Presentation; oversaw construction of the first church and laid the parish's Gospel-centered foundation.
- Rev. Fr. Mark WagnerAssigned by Bishop Myron Cotta beginning October 1 (recent tenure)
Returned to his boyhood parish; previously served in other Diocese of Stockton parishes and was ordained by Bishop Donald Montrose on September 24, 1988.