BALTIMORE, MD—The Mexican American Catholic College (MACC) honored Bishop Gerald Barnes with the San Juan Diego Leadership Award in Hispanic Ministry on Nov. 17. 

 MACC Vice Chair Rev. Jeff Pehl and Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller presented the award, a beautiful crystal eagle, during the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) General Assembly in Baltimore, MD. 

 What choices would you make if you had little time or money to spare? Could you live a month in poverty? Close to 100 participants explored these questions together at a Catholic Charities Poverty Simulation on November 17th at the Diocesan Pastoral Center. 

By Petra Alexander

 The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a direct road, without curves, that connects us with God’s mercy. 

SAN BERNARDINO—Renowned Catholic writer and speaker Father Ron Rolheiser, O.M.I., helped more than 230 priests and deacons prepare for the Year of Mercy when he facilitated the Clergy Day of Prayer on the subject Dec. 2 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in San Bernardino.

By Natalie Romano

RANCHO CUCAMONGA—“It’s glorious! It’s like getting married all over again.”

 But this time John Cruz didn’t put on a wedding ring. Instead he donned a sacred stole and became a deacon.

 Building a Mercy Cross, feeding and clothing the poor, making a pilgrimage, setting up a 24-hour confessional and organizing a Marian feast.

 These are just some of the activities expected in the Diocese of San Bernardino during the Year of Mercy, which begins on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8. The Diocese will begin the Jubilee with an Opening Mass celebrated by Bishop Gerald Barnes at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino on that day.