Rev. Michael Vaughan
Pastor
fathermichaelvaughan@gmail.com
Allow me to present myself. My name is Fr. Michael Vaughan and I am a convert to the Catholic Faith. I was born in Newport Beach, CA in 1969. I moved to Lodi for elementary school, went to middle school in Woodbridge and high school at JFK in Sacramento. I entered the Army at the age of 18. I served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and had a profound experience of Christ and was baptized. After returning from the War, I entered the RCIA program at Holy Family Parish, Citrus Heights. After a short period of discernment, I entered the seminary with the Legionaries of Christ. I did my seminary studies in Connecticut and Rome. As a religious and later a priest, I did missionary work in Latin America for ten years (seven in Argentina and three in Mexico).
I began serving in the Diocese of Sacramento in 2011. My assignments have been the following: Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Joseph (Sacramento), St. John Vianney, St. Peter (Dixon) and St. Peter and All Hallows. My last assignment was Vicar General and Vicar for Clergy. I feel profoundly blessed in my vocation and to be able to serve at such a wonderful community as Good Shepherd Parish and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School. I have the firm conviction that God’s Providence continues to guide every step of my life and his plans are always those of growth: “All things happen for the good of those who love God” (Rom 8:28).
In this time of uncertainty be assured of my prayers for you. Please reach out if we can assist you in any way. I discovered this quote from St. Francis De Sales which gave me consolation during the war and still does today:
“Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life; rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise, God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms. Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; the same understanding Father who cares for you today will take care of you then and every day. He will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.”
Rev. Joshi Paliakkara
Parochial Vicar
A Warm Greeting to My Dear Parish Family,
It is a great joy and privilege for me to serve as your new Parochial Vicar. On this occasion, I would like to introduce myself and share a little bit of my journey with you. My name is Fr. Joshi Paliakkara. I was born on May 2, 1972, in Kerala, India. I grew up in a loving family with parents, three brothers and three sisters, all of whom now have families of their own. Parents were called to our Heavenly Father.
Guided by a strong desire to serve the Lord, I joined the diocesan minor seminary in Irinjalakuda in 1987 following my secondary education. After eleven years of seminary formation, along with earning my degrees in Philosophy and Theology, I was ordained a priest on January 1, 1998.
Over my 28 years of priesthood, God has granted me the grace to serve in a wide variety of ministries:
Parish Ministry: Served as an assistant parish priest in 3 parishes before becoming a pastor in the year 2000, ultimately shepherding 5 different parish communities.
Seminary Formation & Vocations:
Served for 4 years as Vice Rector of the diocesan minor seminary and as Diocesan Vocation Promoter.
Faith Formation: Served for 3 years as Associate Director of the Diocesan Catechetical Centre.
Healthcare Administration: Served as Finance Director for St. James Super Speciality Hospital, run by our diocese.
Missionary Service: Served for 1 year as a missionary in Kenya, Africa, which was a deeply enriching experience that helped me understand and connect with different cultures and perspectives.
Higher Education: Earned a Licentiate in Pastoral Theology from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome, Italy.
To me, being a priest means being with Jesus, doing the maximum good for others, and spreading the love of God to all who are in need.
I am truly grateful for the love, warmth, and concern you have shown me. Let us walk together to propagate the love of the GOOD SHEPHERD!