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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CNS) — Cal Fire officials reported that the death toll had reached 77 in the Camp Fire north of Sacramento, one of the deadliest blazes in the state. The number of people who are missing has reached almost 1,000.

A crowd of about 500 people waited outside Sacred Heart Parish in Prescott on Nov. 4 for a 5 p.m. rededication of their church.

It happened 10 years ago at St. Matthew Parish in Phoenix. Dcn. Catarino Portillo and his wife Julia regularly attended the parish where they served in various ministries and participated in a group Bible study.

The month of November stirs-up the heart as thoughts of a bountiful table set, and a turkey with all the trimmings prepared, attending Thanksgiving Day Mass at the parish and the glimpse of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or a football game all make for a well-planned day.

Growing up in a prosperous French family, Philippine joined the Visitation nuns, but returned to her family during the French Revolution. In 1804 she entered the Society of the Sacred Heart.

For Dcn. Jim Myers, the path to the diaconate was filled with little signs nudging him along the way to ordination.

Quiet time plus stillness does not always equal prayer. A conversation with God can happen with a little bit of wiggle, too.

The fact that his mother prayed the Rosary every day and went Mass frequently was crucial for Dcn. Martín Gallo to listen to the call from God to become a deacon.

Dressed as saints, children from throughout the diocese were reminded of their call to holiness during a special Mass and Vocations Fair at Most Holy Trinity Parish Oct. 28.

“God is always calling us, but seldom do we listen to His voice,” recalled Dcn. Antonio Alvarez. “I finally listened, and today I am a deacon.”