By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO—Sister Hortensia Del Villar, SAC, has spent the last 14 years ministering to men, women and children in several countries, focusing on the ministry of justice and peace. She brings her experience and passion for advocating on behalf of the voiceless to her new position as director of the Diocesan Office of Social Concerns.
By John Andrews
Editor
SAN BERNARDINO—“If the ‘Big One’ happened at 9 a.m. Mass on Sunday do you know what to do?”
This is one of the first questions posed by Ann Marie Gallant when she visits a parish or Catholic school in the diocese to assess its level of disaster preparedness. Gallant is the director of the Diocesan Emergency Operations Collaborative (E.O.C.), which coordinates the diocesan response to natural and man-made disasters and also helps parishes and schools craft their own disaster plan.
UPLAND—Pagdiriwang 2014 themed “Balik Tanaw” is a Filipino cultural show that represents the Filipino traditions through art and culture. This year the show welcomed a cast of more than 200 from parishes throughout the diocese at Highlander Auditorium, Upland on July 26.
By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO—As the start of a new catechetical year approaches, catechists have been resting, praying and preparing their lesson plans. While seasoned catechists have developed a routine throughout the year, newer catechists and catechetical ministries in transition are relying on the greater community for support.
The Diocesan Office of Catechetical Ministry offered several opportunities for formation and preparation for the new year throughout the summer. Parishes like Our Lady of Hope, San Bernardino welcomed these opportunities as they undergo a period of transition.
Catholic Charities San Bernardino-Riverside plans to expand its Refugee and Immigration Services throughout Indio, Ontario, Moreno Valley, and Riverside. These vital services will include: assistance with citizenship applications and classes; family reunification; refugee resettlement; Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA); interpretation; and other immigration services already offered at its San Bernardino office.
With an estimated 19% of the U.S. population suffering from some kind of mental illness, the Diocese of San Bernardino has begun an organized effort to look at the issue and help those in ministry confront it.
Last November, at the request of Bishop Gerald Barnes, Sister Chilee Okoko, DMMM, director of the Diocesan Ministry of Life, Dignity and Justice, formed a Behavioral Health Committee consisting of diocesan ministers and mental health care professionals.
