By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

WILDOMAR—Parishioners at St. Frances of Rome in Wildomar are doing what they can to increase vocations through prayer. With the assistance of the Missionary Sisters of Mary, the parish welcomed the Vocations Cross program that encourages families to pray for and encourage vocations. 

 The Vocations Cross program came to the parish in 2009 after diocesan Vocations Director Sister Sarah Shrewsbury, O.S.C. came to talk to the parish. Sr. Shrewsbury presented the parish with two crosses that were created by seminarians to be used for the program. 

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

ONTARIO—Ending their novena to the Divine Mercy, Catholic faithful representing 10 parishes in the West End Vicariate gathered at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Ontario on April 7  to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday with a procession and Mass with Auxiliary Bishop Rutilio del Riego.

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

VICTORVILLE—Jose Velasco has taken part in the Children’s Liturgy of the Word at St. Joan of Arc parish in Victorville since he was a child. Now as one of the coordinators of the ministry, he and a group of volunteers keep the tradition alive for the next generation. 

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO—Wishing to bring the Gospel message to the masses, the parish community of St. George in Fontana sponsored a day of evangelization May 4 at the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino.

 Presented in Spanish and offering talks, music and prayer, more than 2,500 participated in the day-long event. Several priests were available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation throughout the day.

SAN BERNARDINO—Excitement is building as parishioners of Our Lady of the Assumption, San Bernardino make preparations for their 26th Annual Fun Fair. The one-day Fun Fair, a major school and parish fundraiser, will be held Sunday, May 19 from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. The fair features international foods, live entertainment and auction, game booths, video games, bounce houses, and more. The much-anticipated raffle offers a Grand Prize of $1000, with other prizes of $500, $250. The Fun Fair promises memorable old-fashioned fun for the entire family in a safe and secure environment.

On March 3, The Knights of Columbus of Barstow, parishioners, families and friends of St. Joseph and St. Philip Neri parishes gathered in thanksgiving for the deacons of Barstow. A  “Deacon Appreciation Dinner” was celebrated for Deacon Don Burgett and Deacon Margo Saenz at St. Joseph’s Noonan Hall for nearly 50 years of combined service to the diaconate. Deacon Don and Deacon Margo and his wife, Martha, had their picture taken with current and retired firefighters from the Barstow Fire Dept. (Front row) Deacon Margo Saenz, retired Battalion Chief Stephen King, retired fire chiefs Dale Milligan and Deacon Don Burgett, Martha Saenz (Back row/standing) Capt. Robert Clemmer, Fire Chief Rich Ross, Engineer Travis Espinoza.