By Father Joseph Paradayil
(Aptos, California – September 15, 2026) – Dear Friends, Benefactors, and Well-Wishers of Camp St. Francis,
As we begin a new school year, I am pleased to share some updates from Camp St. Francis and to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support.
A Joyful and Successful Summer Season
We have concluded a very successful Summer Season 2026, filled with activities for young people—boys and girls—organized by the Salesians, other religious orders, and various organizations.
All of these programs were designed to support the growth and nourishment of the soul, mind, and body, helping to form young people into what St. John Bosco envisioned as “good Christians and honest citizens.”
Throughout the summer, the joyful sounds and energy of young people filled Camp St. Francis. Approximately 850 young people used our facilities from June through mid-August, benefiting from the various summer programs.
It was heartening to see young people leave camp with tears in their eyes, carrying cherished memories and the friendships they had formed, while already hoping to return next year.
Cursillo and Retreat Programs
Following the summer programs, three different Cursillo groups held their annual four-day events at Camp St. Francis for men and women. The Cursillo Movement, an apostolic movement of the Roman Catholic Church, helps people deepen their Christian faith and live that faith more fully in their daily lives.
Beginning in mid-September, our weekdays will be filled with programs from Camp Sea Lab, a marine science education organization in the Monterey Bay area that offers outdoor education programs for junior high school students.
We will also welcome several Catholic schools for weekday retreats. Throughout the year, confirmation students and adult groups continue to use Camp St. Francis for retreats, days of prayer, and other faith-formation activities.
Retaining Wall Project
Thanks be to God, we have begun the long-awaited retaining wall project, an important initiative first undertaken by Br. Mike Heberts in 2017.
I am especially grateful for the tireless efforts and follow-up of Peter Copriviza, who worked closely with the architect, the County, and the contractor-selection process. We were able to secure the necessary permit and award the project to Durden Construction.
Construction began on August 17. This is a challenging and much-needed project, and we are grateful that the work is moving forward on schedule. We hope to see it completed on time.
I would like to place on record my sincere gratitude to every individual and organization that has generously contributed to this project—whether through financial gifts, large or small, or through the gift of time, talent, and other resources.
Your generosity is helping to preserve and strengthen Camp St. Francis for generations to come. In a fitting and lasting way, those who have supported this project will be remembered here at Camp St. Francis, with their names engraved so that they may be remembered in prayer by all who use this facility for years to come.
Annual Mass and Dinner
Our annual Mass and Dinner was held on August 30, with Fr. Joe Nguyen, our new Provincial, presiding at Mass.
We were especially blessed and delighted by the presence of our new Provincial and Br. Tom Mass, whose presence added much joy to the occasion.
Several of our neighbors, friends, and well-wishers joined us for the celebration. I am deeply grateful to everyone who participated, volunteered, worked behind the scenes, and helped organize the event and make it such a wonderful success.
I know that some of you were unable to attend because of prior commitments. Please know that you were missed and remembered with gratitude.
Thank you to everyone. Your presence, support, and friendship mean a great deal to me and to all of us Salesians.
Sunday Evening Mass
Please join us for Sunday evening Mass at Camp St. Francis.
October — Mass at 5 p.m.
- Sunday, October 4
- Sunday, October 18
November — Mass at 4 p.m.
- Sunday, November 1
- Sunday, November 15
With Deep Gratitude
My sincere gratitude also goes to the Advisory Committee, Finance Committee, and Facilities Committee for your continued support and guidance.
I extend a special word of thanks to all our staff and volunteers who work tirelessly at Camp St. Francis. Your dedication, generosity, and commitment make it possible for this place to continue serving young people and the wider community.
Finally, thank you to all of you—our friends, benefactors, neighbors, and well-wishers—for your continued support and encouragement of Camp St. Francis.
You are partners in our mission of serving young people and helping them grow in faith, character, and community. Because of your generosity and commitment, Camp St. Francis continues to be a place where young people can encounter friendship, faith, joy, and God’s presence.
With heartfelt gratitude and prayers for you and your families,
Thank you, and God bless you!
Warm regards,
Father Joseph Paradayil
Camp St. Francis