By Marie Widmann

MONTCLAIR—Father Scott Nguyen walked briskly the morning of May 17, sprinkling holy water passionately into every room—examination rooms, laboratories, operating rooms. 

 Sister Chilee Okoko, D.M.M.M., Director of the Diocesan Department of Life, Dignity and Justice, had to practically run to keep up with the Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, stopping with him every few minutes to refill the holy water. Fr. Nguyen blessed room after room, pausing at times to ask “Did I remember to bless that one?” and returning to make certain he had not missed a space.

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO—Priests, deacons and diocesan seminarians participated in a workshop on domestic violence May 9 at the Diocesan Pastoral Center. The workshop aimed to provide the clergy with tools to help build a healthy physical and mental community. 

 The workshop examined the cultural, psychological, legal and pastoral perspectives of domestic violence. 

 This Father’s Day weekend parishes will once again have the opportunity to support the retired diocesan priests with a special collection. With living and healthcare expenses continuing to grow, the Diocese of San Bernardino looks to alleviate the financial hardships many retired priests face. 

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO—Auxiliary Bishop Rutilio del Riego recognized parish and diocesan ministers, members of the larger community who support the work of the Church and outsanding youth at the annual Diocesan Awards blessing held on May 20 at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, San Bernardino.

 The St. Bernardine Award is given to church employees with at least 10 consecutive years of employment, who have significantly impacted the local church through leadership or service. 

By Mike Shawver

SACRAMENTO—On April 29 in Sacramento, 25 people from the Diocese of San Bernardino joined with Catholics from all over the state of California for the annual Catholic Advocacy Day gathering. They met with members of the California State Senate and California State Assembly to be a powerful voice for public policy issues of concern to the Catholic Church in California. 

SAN BERNARDINO—“There are so many obstacles to just make it to the end of the month.” 

 It was a sentiment echoed by many participants who experienced Catholic Charities San Bernardino-Riverside’s first Poverty Simulation for students and faculty in the School of Social Work at California State University, San Bernardino.