By Ken F. Sawa
Catholic Charities CEO

SAN BERNARDINO—For over ten years, I have frequently driven to the Catholic Charities Administration Office on D Street in San Bernardino to get caught up on work early on Saturday or Sunday mornings. Every time I would drive up D Street from Baseline, I would notice the surprising number of poor people wandering the neighborhood streets at 7 a.m. 

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO—Parish leaders are invited to reflect on their level of outreach to deaf Catholics in the “Witnesses of the Gospel for a Culture of Encounter with the Deaf” workshop on Aug. 8 at the Diocesan Pastoral Center. 

 Parish leaders, including pastors, pastoral coordinators, deacons and directors of catechetical ministry are encouraged to attend. 

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO—Catechists were presented with some new items for their ministry tool box during the inaugural Catechist Summer Institute in June. 

 The Office of Catechetical Ministry first thought of offering a summer institute for directors and coordinators of catechetical ministry two years ago. They began offering online learning opportunities, and later organized the summer institute with an emphasis on the ongoing formation of catechists. 

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

RANCHO CUCAMONGA—Deacons, wives and widows from the diocese gathered for the annual diaconate celebration held June 21 at Sacred Heart Church in Rancho Cucamonga. 

 The annual diaconate celebration is an opportunity for the diaconate community to gather to reaffirm the promises made at their ordination. The celebration included a Mass and reception.

By David Okonkwo

RIALTO—It was a hot muggy Saturday afternoon when we gathered to celebrate the Juneteenth event at St. John XXIII Church in Rialto. The Ladies Auxiliary of Knights of Peter Claver court arrived early as they preplanned to hold their meeting there, so they did not miss any of the functions they provide for the Juneteenth celebration. The jazz band ran a little late but were able to set up just in time. The cook for the day, Carl Jones, manned two grills and the air was filled with the smell of hamburger meat sizzling.

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO—After suffering hardships and setbacks and navigating through nearly 15 years of formation and preparation, Kien Kieu finally stood in front of his family and friends to offer his life in service to the Lord. 

 With his promise of obedience, anointing and consecration, he became the newest member of the priesthood for the Diocese of San Bernardino.