Catholic schools celebrate Opening Mass

Catholic school teachers, students, principals, faculty and staff from around the diocese gathered Aug. 18 for the annual Opening Schools Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, San Bernardino. Father Rafael Partida, Administrator of Our Lady of the Rosary and Episcopal Vicar of the Riverside Pastoral Region of the diocese, was the chief celebrant of the Mass. He prayed that the blessing given to the Catholic school professionals during the Mass would strengthen and support the school communities throughout the year ahead. Also, that same week, many Catholic schools began their new academic year with special Masses of their own and fun activities.