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.

 Catholic Charities San Bernardino-Riverside plans to expand its Refugee and Immigration Services throughout Indio, Ontario, Moreno Valley, and Riverside. These vital services will include: assistance with citizenship applications and classes; family reunification; refugee resettlement; Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA); interpretation; and other immigration services already offered at its San Bernardino office.

 With an estimated 19% of the U.S. population suffering from some kind of mental illness, the Diocese of San Bernardino has begun an organized effort to look at the issue and help those in ministry confront it.

 Last November, at the request of Bishop Gerald Barnes, Sister Chilee Okoko, DMMM, director of the Diocesan Ministry of Life, Dignity and Justice, formed a Behavioral Health Committee consisting of diocesan ministers and mental health care professionals. 

By John Andrews
Editor

FONTANA—The Diocese of San Bernardino took center stage in the closely followed national story of children and families fleeing violence in Central America for the United States when St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fontana welcomed 46 migrants for temporary relief on July 10.

 The former convent at St. Joseph served as a transition center for 32 children and 14 adults who received food, water, clothing, access to showers and assistance with contacting loved ones throughout the United States. Catholic Charities workers helped them identify bus routes that would take them to family and saw them off at local Greyhound stations.