Our Ministerial Team
Reverend Matt Hamasaki
Resident Minister and Interim Rinban
Reverend Matt was born and raised in Berkeley, California. He graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Religious Studies. He continued his education at the Institute of Buddhist Studies in Berkeley. His first assignment was serving in the Central California District. He was assigned to the Sacramento Betsuin in January 2018.
Reverend Patti Oshita
Rev Patti received her Tokudo and Kyoshi in Kyoto, Japan. In 2016, Rev. Patti & Rev, Bob retired from the Sacramento Betsuin and together, they served 4 years as the California State Assembly Chaplains. They fully retired in January of 2021. Although retired from active ministry, she continues to help as a Minister’s Assistant.
Reverend Tim Castle
Reverend Tim is a Kyoshi Minister who has been serving the Sacramento Buddhist Church for many years. He helps with everything at the temple ranging from Scouting Education programs to Bazaar Food booths to the Girl Scout Program!
Reverend Tim is one of the original members of the Sacramento Minister’s Assistant group which was formed in 2003.
He also dedicates much of his time as the head Minister of the Marysville Buddhist Church.
Sensei Keith Kato
Sensei Keith has been a member of the Betsuin since the 1960s. He took a short break for college, work, marriage and starting a family. But he found himself back at the temple as an active member and volunteer.
He received his Tokudo ordination in 2014, and has been a part of the minister’s assistant team since 2012.
Sensei Kelvin Mark
Sensei Kelvin is the newest Tokudo recipient and has been a part of the Minister’s Assistant team for many years.
A long-time Scouter, Sensei Kelvin is a leader of the Venture Crew Scouting program, and has helped keep this vibrant program active at the Betsuin.
Sensei Kelvin can be seen teaching classes, giving Sunday Dharma talks, and helping at our temple throughout the year.
Sensei Grace Hatano
Sensei Grace Hatano completed her Tokudo ordination and has served our temple for 50 years (as of 2022). She oversees the weekly Sunday service schedule and can be found helping the Otoki crew.
She teaches Dharma school and helps with our Metta/Padma award program. Additionally, she teaches weekly exercise and line dancing classes for SBWA members and seniors that are very popular!
Sensei Koichi Mizushima
Sensei Koichi was the Jr YBA advisor from 1996 to 2019.
Sensei Koichi can be seen helping at temple activities and classes, and at various activities throughout the year.
Reverend Carol Castle
Sadly, Reverend Carol passed away on July 3, 2019. She was a Kyoshi Minister who had served Sacramento for many years. She assisted her husband Reverend Tim at the Marysville Buddhist Church. She is also one of the original members of the Minister’s Assistant group formed in 2003. We will miss Carol.