Deacon Donald and Sylvia Rodgers

DEACON DONALD & SYLVIA RODGERS
2017 Bishop's Awards Honoree

“Our faith is the single most important part of our married life and in raising our children.”

Don and Sylvia have shared their love of God with the people of the Diocese of Stockton for many years. “Our faith is the single most important part of our married life and in raising our children.”

Sylvia was born in Oakland, CA, and attended high school in Fresno. Her dad was a farm labor contractor, so her dad and mother moved and lived in many places before settling the family of nine in Stockton.

Don lived in South Stockton for 32 years, 21 with his parents and 11 with Sylvia. They met at Stockton College in 1955. Sylvia graduated in 1957. Don earned his degree in Civil Engineering from Sacramento State and his graduate degree in counseling from Chapman. Sylvia was a 4-H teacher while her children were home. Don and Sylvia have four children: Don II, Susie, Daniel, and Margie. Don II passed away from leukemia at age 43, and the family established a scholarship in his name at St. Mary’s High School, for those who need financial assistance to attend the school. All the Rodgers children attended St. Mary’s, as did their father. In fact, all of Don and Sylvia’s 15 grandchildren have attended St. Mary’s or Central Catholic.

After serving several years in lay positions at Good Shepherd, Don felt a calling to serve in a deeper way. “It was more of an evolution than an enlightenment.” He was ordained a Deacon on May 21, 1991, and is now retired from the Diocese of Stockton. He served as pastor of the Mission of the Good Shepherd, the family parish since 1972.

Don organized faith formation, RCIA programs, and home visitations. He organized fund raising events for charities and for church construction projects. He also owned Rodgers Construction and Engineering, based in Stockton, for many years. He turned the business over to his son Dan, and Sylvia retired from the business three years ago. They now keep busy with their 75-acre almond farm in rural Manteca. They also have 14 great grandchildren to enjoy and upcoming nuptials, as four of their grandchildren are engaged. Don’s single most gratification is seeing the faith alive in his children and their families.

Sylvia received her calling when she was a young mother and was asked to help with a summer program. She became a Catechetical teacher and has taught for the past 40 years, which the Diocese recognized. Sylvia taught confirmation classes for 20 years, baptismal for 25 years, and RCIA for 15 years. She was also a cantor for 25 years and is a Eucharistic minister.

Don’s advice for young people is to be true in God as He is true to you. Build your faith by receiving the Bread of Life often and attending weekday Mass when possible. He recommends quiet time and listening. “Pray always.”

Sylvia recommends learning about our Catholic faith: “the more you know and learn, the more you will know what a beautiful religion Jesus gave us.” Amen.