By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO—The Office of Worship held its annual Musicians’ Day for parish musicians, choir members, directors and cantors on July 26 at the Diocesan Pastoral Center. 

 Adopting elements and ideas from Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, the day revolved around the theme “Go, and sing out the Joy of the Gospel.” 

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO—The Diocese of San Bernardino’s highly touted lay ministry formation program marked another successful year as 73 people celebrated their graduation from the Coordinator of Ministries Formation Program (CMFP) with a Mass on July 24 at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, San Bernardino. The CMFP program is part of the Ministry Formation Institute (MFI) of the diocese.

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.