SAN BERNARDINO—When Jeanette Arnquist took a seat on the newly created diocesan Human Concerns Commission in 1986, social justice ministry here could have been likened to a mustard seed.
True to Jesus’ metaphor about the expansive power of faith, the ministry has blossomed over the past 25-plus years and Arnquist’s steadfast work and leadership is a key reason why. She retired from her position as director of the diocesan Ministry of Life, Dignity & Justice on June 22. She was known as an outspoken advocate of the poor and disenfranchised, as noted by many who paid her tribute during a retirement celebration at the Diocesan Pastoral Center on June 21.
Parishes across the nation were called to take part in a “Fortnight for Freedom,” a 14-day period dedicated in support of religious freedom, from June 21 to July 4. Proclaimed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the fortnight gave the Catholic faithful in the Diocese of San Bernardino an opportunity to reflect on religious freedom through prayer, novenas and public witness.
WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a victory for the cause of the immigrant, President Barak Obama issued an executive order June 15 that grants “deferred action” to certain qualified undocumented young people who are between the ages of 16 and 30. This deferred action grants a relief from deportation for a period of two years, enabling the young person who qualifies to acquire a Social Security number and a work permit. This particular deferred action can be renewed but does not grant a path to citizenship for the undocumented person or any of their family members.
SAN BERNARDINO—The best way to predict the future is to invent it, and Catholic Charities San Bernardino-Riverside is doing so by investing in the next generation of non-profit human service professionals who will carry forward the mission to provide compassionate and competent care to the most vulnerable families in our local communities. 
SAN BERNARDINO—Inspired by her son and called to serve as an advocate for the disabled and their families, Anna Maria Cruz spearheaded a venture to have a key statement offered by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops translated into Spanish.
GRAND TERRACE – Serra House supporters, seminarians, priests and diocesan bishops, including the diocese’s first bishop, reflected on the history and evolution of Blessed Junipero Serra House of Formation at an open house and evening of prayer on May 24.