By Elise Harris

VATICAN CITY (CNA/EWTN News)—The importance of youth to both the present and future of the Church will be probed in the next world-wide Synod of Bishops.

 The theme for the 2018 50th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, “Young People, the Faith and the Discernment of Vocation,” was announced in October of last year. The preparatory document for the synod has been released, indicating that young people will play an active role in both the preparation and the discussion.

 The foundation of the Christian life is laid by the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

 Confirmation celebrates the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the baptized which increases and deepens our baptismal grace.

By Allyson Escobar 

 Newly-initiated and confirmed Catholics have a duty and responsibility to continue their faith formation, deepening their understanding of the mystery of the Church, during a period known as mystagogia. 

 On Sunday, June 18, the annual Collection for Retired Diocesan Priests will be conducted at parishes throughout the Diocese.

 Not to be confused with the Annual Retirement Fund for Religious, the Collection for Retired Diocesan Priests assists local retired diocesan priests in need.

By Malie Hudson

RIVERSIDE—A team of over 30 behavioral health specialists and medical professionals treated 263 parishioners during a free clinic held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Riverside on April 30. 

 When Father Paul Schmidt, SVD, told his fellow Sir Knights of Monsignor Flanagan Assembly 0059, Riverside, that it had been almost 10 years without a U.S. flag flying over the nearby Divine Word Seminary Retreat Center, they were determined to correct this situation as a part of their patriotic duty.