By John Andrews
Editor
SAN BERNARDINO—Six years ago Sister Sue Reif, O.S.F., was sitting at her computer in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, New Mexico when an email came through from her friend, Sister Suzanne Jabro, about an intriguing new ministry opportunity in a place called San Bernardino.
“They’ve got lots of prisons, lots of violence happening and no money,” Sr. Sue remembers with a chuckle, quoting her friend. “They need a Franciscan. You’d be perfect.”
By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer
GRAND TERRACE—Philip Kirk was in the car with friends driving around Chicago one day when he received a call from Sister Sarah Shrewsbury, O.S.C., Diocesan Director of Vocations, that he had been accepted.
Following a brief conversation, he was congratulated by his friends with cheers and applause.
By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer
GRAND TERRACE—Around 80 young adults reflected on their spirituality during the Hearts on Fire retreat held July 18-19 at Blessed Junipero Serra House of Formation in Grand Terrace.
The retreat, led by a team of Jesuits from the Apostleship of Prayer, introduced the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and offered practical ways to connect faith and daily life.
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.
