The Holocaust would seem to many junior high students to be a lesson learned in history books, a horrific tale from the past.

 But for about 600 Catholic school students in the Diocese it came vividly to life when they listened to the story firsthand from survivor Jacob Eisenbach on January 29. The 95-year-old retired dentist spoke for about an hour at St. Francis de Sales Church in Riverside. The parish school hosted the talk as part of Catholic Schools Week activities, and 13 other schools sent their seventh and eighth graders to see and hear a part of history.

By Lynne De La Torre

RIVERSIDE—Over 200 young adults gathered at the University of California, Riverside Feb. 15-18 for the seventh annual University Catholic Conference of California (UCCC) retreat, titled, “Come & See.” 

 The student-run Catholic Conference is open to all college students and alumni across California. The conference strives to form missionary disciples, witnesses within their communities and campuses. 

On February 12th, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Riverside hosted their annual Diocesan Spelling Bee. There were ten contestants from various schools in the Diocese. Their efforts and dedication were clearly shown throughout the contest. After 23 exciting rounds, seventh grader Sophia Bernabe, who attends St. George School in Ontario, placed first. The runner-up was Ellison Tolentino, a sixth grader from St. Edward School in Corona. Congratulations to all the participants! 

By Natalie Romano

REDLANDS—Imagine jumping into a playpen full of colorful balls. That’s what artist Cris Olmos wants you to feel when gazing upon his new mural at Sacred Heart Academy in Redlands. On February 25th, the piece was officially unveiled and blessed by Father Erik Esparza, JCL.

 Our Lady of Perpetual Help School’s new debate team hosted and participated in their first NextGen Debate League Tournament on February 9. OLPH students Avery Crousillac, Isabella Reed, and Jillian Brown placed third against teams from five other Coachella Valley schools: Desert Christian Academy, Indio Middle School, Bobby Duke Academy, Desert Ridge Academy, and John Glenn Middle School.

Catholic Schools Week is January 27 through February 2.

Click here to view a special Catholic Schools Week special section.