MECCA—Farmworkers and their families in the Eastern Coachella Valley now have a place to take refuge from the heat and toil of their work, thanks to a pair of Catholic laywomen who have served in the area for decades.

 On October 11, Bishop Gerald Barnes blessed the Mecca Comfort Station, the latest addition to the Galilee Center located there. The station features showers, restrooms, a laundry room and a community room.

By Father Javier Gonzalez-Cabrera 

 Together with Jesus Christ you can dream the impossible and make it happen for the glory of God. With our Lord Jesus Christ at our side, we have whatever is needed to dream and to make that dream a reality. Whatever it takes, it is possible with Him! With boldness and great determination, St. Paul gives witness to this declaration as he states: “I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Also, the Apostles believe this to be true as they proclaimed that by themselves, they could do nothing, but together with our Lord Jesus Christ they could do great things. 

By Marciano Avila

 In November of 2014, Proposition 47 was passed with 59 percent voter approval. Amongst other things, this proposition reduced felonies to misdemeanors for certain offenses where the value of the offense does not exceed $950. These offenses include shoplifting, grand theft, receiving stolen property, forgery, fraud, writing a bad check and possession of most illegal drugs. The law applies to those who are currently incarcerated; as well those who have been released back into their communities. 

By David Okonkwo

 Celebrating Black Catholic History this month in this country at this time is a difficult bite to chew when you consider all the recent killings of black people by black people, supremacist ideology, gangs, police, street violence and even violence in a church, like we witnessed in Charleston, South Carolina.

 The holidays should be a time of cheer, warmth, family, and togetherness. However, for some individuals the holidays are a time of sorrow and escalated feelings of hopelessness. Catholic Charities is busy preparing hot meals and food baskets to bring struggling families some comfort during this season. Through our Holiday Meal Program we can serve struggling families a hot Christmas meal and holiday food baskets, without which many might otherwise go without.

 The annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection will be held Dec. 12-13 in the Diocese of San Bernardino. Now in its 28th year, the appeal is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) and offers support for senior Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests whose communities lack sufficient retirement funding. Some 33,000 women and men religious past age 70 benefit.