By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO—In his annual State of the Diocese address, Bishop Gerald Barnes applauded the good works he and Auxiliary Bishop Rutilio del Riego have observed over the past year, and challenged parish communities to focus on ministry to families. 

By Deacon John Barna

 It would seem at first glance that the Office of Catholic Cemeteries would be filled with death, grief and depression; but nothing could be further from the truth!

 True, on any given day we hear from families who have experienced a great and terrible loss. But, as we visit with these beautiful “caregiver saints,” we discover many awesome moments of grace. 

 In 2002 the Netherlands implemented a law giving individuals the right to end their own life with a doctor’s approval when they are suffering unbearably. Neighboring Belgium did the same.

By Petra Alexander

 There’s good news for the communities of San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The government of Guatemala will open a new consulate in our area and appointed Billy A. Muñoz as Consul of San Bernardino; Ms. Ana Leticia Pineda will be the Vice Consul and Luis Enrique Santos, Third Secretary. The new consulate will be located at 330 Street “D” No. 120 in the City of San Bernardino. 

By Anna Hamilton
Associate Director, Office of Restorative Justice

 When a person is lost to a sudden death, we find ourselves ill prepared to deal with the conflicting emotions of grief which arise. Only, it is not just families affected by loss. There is a powerful ripple effect that impacts many people and every encounter of the loss leaves a memory of sadness and other powerful emotions. 

SAN BERNARDINO—For the second time in 15 months, the Vatican’s Synod of Bishops is seeking the input of Roman Catholics around the world on matters of marriage and family, this time for the upcoming Ordinary Synod that convenes in October.