By Judge Michael Sachs
Special to the BYTE

 Drug Court is a specialized criminal court. Defendants who have been convicted multiple times for drug offenses are referred there as a “last chance” to stay out of prison. Successful graduates of drug court will have their cases dismissed so long as they complete their program. Their program includes completing at least five Narcotics Anonymous meetings a week, attending group counseling sessions and regular drug testing. Failure to successfully complete any of these tasks may lead to prison time and disqualification from the program.

SAN BERNARDINO—The local Church continued to explore the impact of mental health challenges experienced by many community members, this time at the semi-annual Court-Clergy Conference held at the Diocesan Pastoral Center on September 18.

By Natalie Romano

 You might be sick of high temperatures and the summer sun but diocesan leaders say, ‘let there be light!’

 That’s because the Pastoral Center is joining a growing list of local parishes that are harnessing the region’s abundant sunshine to power its facilities. 

 The Diocese broke ground on its Solar Energy Project on August 16th. The construction consists of 1,011 solar panels designed to produce more than 543 kilowatts of energy. The panels will be installed on a new carport that includes two charging stations for electric vehicles. Additionally, drought tolerant plants and decomposed granite will replace some traditional grass landscaping.

By Sister Hortensia Del Villar, S.A.C.

 The Diocese of San Bernardino will be celebrating its Third Annual Care for Creation Day with a special focus on promoting the Pastoral Statement on the environment by the Catholic Bishops of California: “God Calls Us to Care for Our Common Home.” (Click here for event flyer)

Court-Clergy Conference

 This semi-annual collaborative event of the Diocese and the Superior Court of San Bernardino will take place at the Diocesan Pastoral Center on Wednesday, September 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The theme of the Conference is “Mental Health, Families and Clergy in the San Bernardino County Court System.”

Second straight large class of permanent deacons Ordained 

By Malie Hudson

CHINO HILLS—The Ordination of 12 men to the Permanent Diaconate drew 2,000 people to St. Paul the Apostle Church in Chino Hills on August 24.