Mario and Paola Martinez, co-directors of the new Diocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life had the honor of taking part in a presentation of the National V Encuentro to Church leaders in Rome last month. Following is their reflection of the trip and their meeting with Pope Francis.

 The Diocese will honor those who work in the healthcare professions at its annual White Mass on Sunday, October 13 at 3 p.m. at Christ the Redeemer Church in Grand Terrace.

 The White Mass also serves as an occasion to honor those who provide health and spiritual care within these professions through a series of awards. This year’s honorees are:

By Zaki Mustafa
Past Grand Knight 13403

 The 2018 Jacket Drive for the Homeless was an incredible success! In addition to providing much-needed jackets to those in need, my wife Loretta and I were blessed to have met so many kind-hearted and caring people who graciously provided assistance and support. 

 David Okonkwo, Director of the Diocesan Ministry to Catholics of African Descent, received the Jim King Community Service Award from the San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation at a ceremony on Sept. 13 at the National Orange Show Events Center. The award is named in honor of longtime Foundation member Jim King to one who goes “above and beyond normal community volunteer and civil services”

 As the registration period began Sept. 16 for the Independent Compensation Program (ICP) for Victim-Survivors of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests, an Oversight Committee formed to ensure the program is properly carried out held a press gathering to discuss their participation. 

 The Diocesan Office of Respect Life and Pastoral Care continued in its efforts to raise awareness of the Catholic pastoral and theological approach to caring for the sick and dying with a conference, “Embracing Our Dying—Preparing for End of Life,” held at the Diocesan Pastoral Center on September 21.