Fr. Mervin Concepcion

Fr. Mervin Concepcion became Pastor of St. Joseph Parish on July 1, 2017. He was born and rasised in Negros Occidental, the Phillipines. He brings a diverse educational and professonal background to St. Joseph Parish.

He received his bachelor's degree in Philosophy from Christ the King Seminary in Manila and a bachelor's degree in Commerce from the University of Negros Occidental. He later attended the Maryhill School of Theology in Manila and studied with the Montfort Fathers there for nine years. Upon coming to the United States, he studied at the University of California at Davis, and later attended St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park, Californa.  He was ordained by Diocesan Bishop William Weigand upon completing his seminary studies.

In 2000, he joined the sprawling Diocese of Sacramento to supplement the shortage of priests. He was assigned to seven parishes including Elk Grove, Folsom, Amador County, South Lake Tahoe, Weed and Tulellake, his most recent assignment at Maria Goretti Parish in Elk Grove. During this time, he found time to serve in the Cops and Clergy Program with the City of Sacramento Police Department Gang Unit. He also celebrated Mass and heard confessions at the Rio Consumnes Correctional Center.

He is happy to be in Rio Vista and to serve as our pastor and to enjoy the Delta breeze.  He enjoys working with youth and with the Bibile study and small faith-sharing groups. Basketball is his sport.  Gardening and cooking are his hobbies. He has an Easter-bunny costume, and one for Santa Claus, an obvious healthy sense of humor.

Oh yes, Cairo, his little Shih-Tzu, will greet you when you visit the Parish Office. She rules!

Update August 1, 2021 

Little Cairo left this world in 2019 while Fr. Mervin was on vacation. She was a gift to him and a very big part of his life. He misses her company.