GRAND TERRACE—Members of the healthcare community gathered at Christ the Redeemer Parish, Grand Terrace to celebrate the annual White Mass on Oct. 19.
It was the second straight year that the diocese offered this special liturgy after it had not been held for over a decade. About 340 people attended, an increase over last year’s total, according to Sister Chilee Okoko, Director of the Ministry of Life, Dignity and Justice for the diocese and a chief organizer of the White Mass.
By Jacqueline Carey-Wilson
RIVERSIDE—More than 100 members of the Inland Empire legal community and their families gathered at the 24th Annual Red Mass, which was held at Saint Francis del Sales Catholic Church in Riverside on October 7.
The Red Mass is celebrated to invoke God’s blessing and guidance in the administration of justice.
By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO—When Celia Zelaya Saravia’s son was diagnosed with autism, she looked into finding or creating a support group for families who have children with special needs.
From there Amigos Unidos was born. The ministry currently holds a monthly Mass in Spanish, helps families prepare their children to receive the Sacraments of Initiation and holds informational sessions.
By Amanda Alexander
SAN BERNARDINO—Beginning January 1, 2015 undocumented persons in California will be able to apply for a California driver license. AB 60, which was signed into law in October 2013 by Governor Brown, allows undocumented residents to legally drive in California if they can show documents proving California residency, complete the driver license application, pay the fee associated with the application, and pass the driving tests.
By Ana Garcia
SAN BERNARDINO—Nearly 600 ministry leaders, including pastors, parish staff and members of the Coordinator of Ministries Formation Program (CMFP) and Diaconate Formation Program, attended the Fall Pastoral Conference at the Diocesan Pastoral Center on October 17-18.
This year’s conference, themed “Becoming an Evangelizing Parish,” was led by two Paulist priests: Father Kenneth Boyak and Father Bruce Nieli, who both emphasized the importance of becoming “missionary disciples” in the Church.
By David C. Okonkwo
November is the month chosen by the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus to celebrate black people and their contribution to the Catholic Church in particular; approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
