By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO—Faculty and staff from Catholic schools throughout the diocese gathered for the annual Opening School Mass held Aug. 24 at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino. 

 Celebrated by Monsignor Tom Wallace, Episcopal Vicar for the Riverside Pastoral Region, and concelebrated by 12 priests representing different Catholic schools and parishes, the Mass marks the beginning of the academic year for many Catholic schools. During his homily, Monsignor Wallace challenged the teachers to inspire students to have a stronger relationship with God.

RIVERSIDE—In May, Katelyn Allende, a parishioner at St. Catherine of Alexandria, was recognized as one of the Riverside’s 25 ‘most remarkable teens’ for demonstrated leadership ‘in the classroom and beyond’ by the mayor and City Council. 

 A junior at Martin Luther King High School, Katelyn received the honor for her civic activism. 

ONTARIO—St. George School, in Ontario, dedicated its newly renovated playground on June 4. The students, faculty and administration joined with their Pastor, Father Michael Sturn; Michael Lathrop, School Board President; and Austin Conley, Director of Advancement (Office of Catholic Schools) to celebrate the special event with a prayer service led by Student Council President Noah Walton. The new athletic field and Big Toy play structure was blessed and dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel.

By Gina Roquet

SAN BERNARDINO—Aquinas High School welcomed some key physical enhancements to the campus, an increase in enrollment and a surge in foreign exchange students at the start of the new school year. 

 With much gratitude, Aquinas received a grant from the Shea Foundation which enabled the school to completely remodel and update its science lab. The lab now showcases new desks, counters, cabinets, flooring, a water purification system, and a complete new array of updated supplies that were much needed.

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

PALM DESERT—The diocesan Year for Youth will close on a celebratory note with a Diocesan Youth Day that will actually stretch over two days. 

 The Ministry with Youth Office will hold the event at Xavier College Preparatory High School in Palm Desert Aug. 3 and 4. Themed “Sealed in Eternal Faith” the event aims to have youth recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in their hearts so that their faith in God may be strengthened. 

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

BIG BEAR LAKE—Youth leaders gathered at Sa Ha Le Lodge in Big Bear Lake for the 2012 Youth Christian Leadership Training retreat June 25-29. Youth representing parishes throughout the diocese were given the tools to be leaders at their parishes and communities through the activities and events of the weeklong retreat.