Dear St. Francis Parents,

As many of you may know, our beloved former Director of Campus Ministry, Stephen Tholcke, passed away last week. For 19 years, Stephen faithfully served St. Francis High School, first as Retreat Director and then as Director of Campus Ministry. Through his leadership, he and his talented team guided our students in ministry leadership, retreats, service projects, and the coordination of prayer services and liturgies.

Stephen retired in July 2024 after 42 years of ministry and service in the Diocese of Sacramento. He was a shining light in our community, leaving a profound and lasting impact on the students, families, and colleagues he encountered each day, along with the alumnae who interacted with him through various campus ministry activities and Kairos retreats. His unwavering faith, kind spirit, and deep love for our Troubadour family will be dearly missed.

Knowing that many of our faculty and staff will be attending his service on Tuesday, April 29th, St. Francis High School will be closed on this day to allow our community the opportunity to honor his life and legacy.

We ask that you keep Stephen’s family and loved ones in your prayers during this time of sorrow. May we find comfort in the promise of eternal life and in the love of Christ, which Stephen so beautifully embodied.

“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

With prayers and gratitude,

Elias Mendoza
Principal