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Vito Mistretta Obituary
MISTRETTA, Msgr. Vito
Born Jan. 27, 1917 in Brooklyn, NY. Passed away Oct. 13, 2009 in Roseville, CA. Entered priesthood March 21, 1942 in Sacramento and retired February 1, 1990. Beloved founder of Holy Family Parish in Citrus Heights. Family and friends are invited to attend Holy Family Parish, 7817 Old Auburn Road, Citrus Heights, on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009 at 7:30 PM for a Vigil Service, and Mass of Christian burial Monday, at 11:00 AM. Entombment Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by
Chapel of the Valley
916-797-1448
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Memories and Condolences
for Vito Mistretta
William Keevers
October 14, 2014
At this time, after the 5th Anniversary of Monsignor Mistretta's passing from this veil of tears, I recall Mrs. Audrey Frank's dream about the Holy Family parish Church, from a time when she resided nearby in Citrus Heights: Mrs. Frank dreamed she was keeping vigil all night in Holy Family parish Church. She heard the most ungodly uproar outside: Screaming, cursing, banging and scratching, of dark entities which were created good but unalterably chose evil, hideous forms trying to break into Church. But the Real Presence of Jesus Christ, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, along with His mother Mary, within Holy Family parish Church, along with the prayers and sacrifices of Monsignor Vito Mistretta, kept those entities unworthy of mention well at bay outside the walls. Mrs. Frank recalled that Monsignor Mistretta rebuilt the high altar of Holy Family parish Church, with many cubic yards of steel reinforced concrete, so that the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass should have to be conducted with propriety and dignity, high above the heads of the laity.
http://troydavidpowers.blogspot.com/2009/10/monsignor-vito-francis-mistretta-1917.html
INSIGHTS INTO LIFE AND FAITH BY FATHER TROY DAVID POWERS
A sharing of pastoral, priestly, personal, spiritual, social, and political, insights and commentary on contemporary, and historical, life, and faith, experiences. Anonymous Comments to any of my blog posts will not be published, or acknowledged; only deleted. 'Come out of the darkness and into the sunshine'. I put my name to what I blog, be honest, and "fear not", and do the same yourself...........fr.tdp
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
MONSIGNOR VITO FRANCISCO MISTRETTA : 1917 - 2009; REST IN PEACE.........
I have just received a telephone call from the retired Secretary-Bookkeeper of Holy Family Parish, Citrus Heights, Louise Bartridge, informing me of the death last night of Monsignor Vito F. Mistretta. Msgr. Mistretta was 92 years old. A native of Brooklyn, New York, where he was born on January 27, 1917, he was ordained a Priest of Jesus Christ for the Diocese of Sacramento, California on March 21, 1942. He was Assistant Pastor of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, from 1942-1946; and then Assistant Pastor of St. Rose Parish, Roseville, from 1946-1949. At that time the Roseville Parish included a Mission, in the neighboring community of Citrus Heights. In October 1949, Bishop Robert J. Armstrong appointed 32 year old Father Mistretta, Founding Pastor of the then newly created parish of Holy Family, Citrus Heights. And as a result he remained the founding Pastor for more than 40 years, retiring in February 1990. Developing the parish plant on Old Auburn Road off Sunrise, on acreage that was until then an olive orchard, Father Mistretta procured as the first church a chapel from the World War Two base, Camp Kohler. That chapel was the temporary parish church for the sixteen years, until the permanent parish church edifice was built and dedicated in 1965, one of the first two churches built in our Diocese after the Second Vatican Council. From 1956 onward, a string of priests were assigned to either live in residence or serve Holy Family Parish as associate pastors. I was the very last of the associate pastors to serve under Msgr. Mistretta, as my first assignment after priestly ordination, July 1, 1987 - September 25, 1988. His last, "young puppy", so to speak...Today, 60 years after the parish's founding and nearly 20 years after his retirement as founding Pastor, Holy Family is now the most populous geographic parish in the Sacramento Diocese, as Citrus Heights city and unincorporated area inclusive, has a total population in excess of 103,000 people, according to the 2000 census. On Thanksgiving weekend 2000, it fell to me to become Msgr. Vito Mistretta's third successor as Pastor of Holy Family Parish, following in not only in his footsteps as founding Pastor, but those of my two other predecessors, Father Simon Twomey and Father John Cantwell. I gladly returned to Holy Family as Pastor and happily served the Citrus Heights Catholic-Christian community of believers as its local shepherd, from November 24, 2000 - June 27, 2005, when my diabetes and a medical leave cost me my pastorate...Father Mistretta had been Pastor of Holy Family for 30 years in 1979, when he was named a Right Reverend Monsignor, by Pope John Paul II. He was at that time 62 years old and continued to serve as Pastor of Holy Family for more than a decade longer, until he retired at age 73; 40 years and 4 months, after the parish began. Upon his death last night, Msgr. Mistretta has been a priest of the Sacramento Diocese for 67 years, 6 months, and 22 days...His funeral arrangements are pending and I await word as to the day and time, considering I will be present if it occurs after this Saturday when I return to Sacramento from my 8 week kidney transplant hiatus in Phoenix, Arizona. I have just spoken with my colleague Father Benedict DeLeon from the Priests' Study Days at Christ the King Retreat Center in Citrus Heights. He said no arrangements for Msgr. Mistretta's funeral rites have been announced yet. As we prepare to bid Vito Mistetta farewell and commend his eternal soul to Almighty God, I acknowledge and appreciate the priestly service he rendered the Catholic people of Citrus Heights, Roseville, and the Cathedral parishes, as one of less than 70 American born priests ordained for the Diocese of Sacramento, in our 123 year history. Eternal Rest Grant to Him O Lord, and Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him. May He Rest In Peace...Alleluia !! Amen !!.........Fr. Troy Powers
Nikki Ratliff-Melgoza
July 6, 2010
My brother and I attended Holy Family in the 1980's and remember Msgr. Mistretta fondly. He was a force to be reckoned with if you were "bad" but was also very loving and a great influence on all of the children. He used to come on to the black top and hide us under his "cape". We loved him very much!
J Maass
March 12, 2010
I met Msgr. Mistretta when I was in 2nd grade at Holy Family. He played a big part in my religious background and was a good friend to our family. I am sorry to hear that the world has lost such a great man. I have great memories of his stern look and then the big smile he would give so you knew he was just kidding around. He will be missed. Jeannette Maass, Las Vegas, NV
Becky Droter-Hollingsworth
February 8, 2010
What can I say about Msgr. Mistretta that we don't already know? I met him when we moved to Citrus Hts and I started 2nd grade at Holy Family. From that day on him and me fought! He was a powerful influence in my life and the life of my family. As much as we fought (both of us stubborn) I always learned something and many of those things are with me today. I loved him, was not scared of him (should have been I guess) and I will miss him!
Rest in Peace Msgr. Mistretta
Agnes L. Walker (Hansel)
October 28, 2009
Msgr. Mistretta was a great man and one I am blessed to have known. He married my first husband and I and even though our marriage did not survive, my respect & admiration for Msgr. Mistretta remained strong. He was a force to be reckeon with at times, but surprisingly gentle when called for. I remember how lovingly he consolded 4 girls when their mother was in the hospital with a brain tumor. How he assured us that she would be fine. I feel it was his strength and strong belief the reason why my mother survived that horrible ordeal. He was and always will be the one I think of and turn to when I am in need. I am certain he is overjoyed being with our beloved Father in Heaven. God Bless you, Msgr. Mistretta!
Kevin Magner
October 24, 2009
Father Mistretta was a person who was instrumental in my walk with the Lord as a child. He was one of the biggest people in the lives of everyone in my family while we attended Holy Family in the 1950's and early 60's. A powerful personality, he could be intimidating, but he knew that so he could also show the loving side of his character. He was an inspiration and a motivator in my life. A great man has passed into glory!
Kevin L. Magner
Tina Hansel
October 23, 2009
Msgr. Was always a fierce presence whom guided his flock at Holy Family with firm hands and a warm heart. I am sure he will be remembered fondly by all whom lives he touched! God Bless
Elizabeth Hansel-White
October 23, 2009
Msgr Mistretta was a shining light in this world. He had a wonderful heart. I have many happy memories growing up in his parish, such as when he led the Bishop thru the CYO haunted house cracking jokes the whole way. When the charismatic movement came to our parish he was very supportive. He taught me to follow my heart & do what is right. This world lost a honorable man, God has gained a wonderous soul.
Michele Smith-McLaughlin
October 23, 2009
I was shocked to hear. I attended Holy Family school from kindergarten until graduation in 1986. Msgr. Mistretta had such a presence around the school. Sometimes intimidating however we always knew he would be there for us. You will be dearly missed. Rest in peace.
Don Rasher
October 22, 2009
I met Fr. Mistretta when I was 10 years old, and our family moved to Citrus Heights. I was one of his altar boys until I was 17, graduated from high school, and entered the military. During my service, he married my wife and I, babtised 3 of our 4 children, (the first one was born out of state), and gave all 4 of them their first communion, and confirmation. He was present throughout most of my life, up to and including the death of our father. We shall never forget you Father Mistretta.
Don Rasher
Penny Breault
October 21, 2009
Msgn. Mistretta Bless you and thank you for all the blessing you have given me and our family. You married my husband and I, baptized our children, was our daughters confirmation sponser, held my hand through troubled times buried my Mother with blessings and prayers and truly a dear friend. We will always remember the memories of our lifetime with you in them. BLESS YOU
Penny and Bob Breault
October 20, 2009
May God bless you. Rest in peace.
Larry and Yvette Mostachetti,
Brookings-Harbor, Oregon
Jeff Brenner
October 20, 2009
MSGR Mistretta was a large part of the Brenner family. Presiding over many baptisms, first communions, marriages and funerals. Thank you so much for always being their. It was a privilege to serve as an altar boy for you. Loretta and Russ will be glad to see you.
Charles Cassani
October 19, 2009
Msgr. Mistretta was a guiding light and good friend to the Cassani Family. Marriages, baptismal, first communions, education and great friendship. He fulfilled his calling masterfully.
Karl Schneider
October 19, 2009
MSGR. Mistretta was involved with the Schneider Family for over 40+ years. I still have fond memories of him. He was and always has been an inspiration to me and my family. I pray for his families loss. Karl D. Schneider
Charlene Morris-Bothmann
October 18, 2009
Rest in peace dear Msgr. You will be missed by many whose lives you have touched over the years. Because my twin sister Sharon and I shared your birthday, you always made us feel special. All the wonderful memories from cathecism classes at the kitchen table in the parish house, to summer camps, CYO was great as well.You definitely made quite an impact in our lives, from our marriages, baptizing our children, and always being there for us
Pam Cummings
October 17, 2009
You meant a great deal to the Towle family. May you rest in peace.
October 17, 2009
A very holy man. We are so blessed and thankful to have visited the Holy Lands with him. He was such a gifted guide for us with wonderful information about the historical, human/divine Jesus. Thank you Monsg. Rest in Peace.
Deacon George and Karen Kriske
Julie Gammelgard
October 17, 2009
Rest in Peace
Marcy and Joe Steen
October 17, 2009
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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