The Honorable Stephen Blaire, bishop of the Diocese of Stockton, has named the Rev. Jerry Brown to temporarily take over the post recently vacated by the Rev. Chad Wahl who stepped down as pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish this past week.

The appointment will be effective until Christmas, after which the bishop is expected to name a permanent replacement. The Rev. Brown is currently the diocesan administrator, for which he was hired, until the middle of January. He is from a diocese in Oakland, starting in his new job last weekend.

In a published letter to his parish family, the Rev. Wahl explained the reason behind his decision to leave his post.

 "After much prayer and discernment," he stated, "I have decided to step down from my position as Pastor of St. Anthony’s Church this weekend. With God by my side, I am taking sufficient time to pray and discern what God has in store for me."

He went on to explainn that "a decision this big is not easy to make. I want to assure you it was not based upon any dissatisfaction with St. Anthony Parish or its community. I have been going through a process of discernment for some time regarding my life and what God has in store for me in the future."

The official announcement was made during the Mass in observance of the Immaculate Conception holyday on Wednesday, Dec. 8.

"I have been blessed beyond measure as your Pastor at St. Anthony Church. I will forever be grateful for the support of Bishop Myron Cotta. It was because of his faith in my competence that allowed me to take over the honorable position of your Pastor here at St. Anthony; a position that has afforded me the opportunity to fulfill my life’s purpose. We all have purpose in life and God leads us down each path as we place our faith in him," Wahl further explained.

He added, "I am grateful for the parish staff and volunteers who have supported me and helped this parish to flourish. The wonderful families and individuals of this parish continue to inspire me."

"He grew not just spiritually but "professionally as your Pastor and value the grace and kindness you have shown me," he added.

"I am honored and grateful to have witnessed how you have supported each other in good times and in difficult times. I recognize and appreciate the support you have offered me and St. Anthony these past years. Thank you for holding me and this community close in your prayers.

He is encouraging parishioners to continue the work we have started together, stay focused on Jesus, and remember me in your prayers as I will remember you in my prayers."