By Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes

 It’s been said that change is the only constant in life. Still, many of us struggle with change, whether it’s a new school, a new job, our children leaving home or a difficult circumstance that takes us away from a place, or a person, that has brought us comfort. In many ways this struggle occurs in the life of our Church. 

By Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes

 Taken from Bishop Gerald Barnes’ address at the Combined Vicariate Meeting with the parishes of the San Bernardino Pastoral Region on February 5.

 In the midst of celebrating who we are as families, the opportunity that’s given to us, we cannot lose sight of the many challenges that our families are facing today. We can celebrate without dismissing the pain the reality that our people live. I want to mention some of these tensions and there are many.

By Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes
Bishop of San Bernardino

 As we celebrate Christmas, the birth of our Savior, so much of the season draws us to family. We are inspired by the Holy Family and enriched by recounting their difficult and dangerous journey to the humble surroundings into which God was made flesh among us. We bring it to life each year in Las Posadas, Simbang Gabi and other cultural depictions.

By Most Reverend Gerald R. Barnes

 I am in the midst of perhaps the busiest time of my year, aka, Confirmation Season. It is truly a joyous and life giving experience for me to offer this Sacrament to so many thousands of people, as they become fully initiated in our Catholic faith. But with the size of our Diocese and the sheer number of people who are to be confirmed, it is a schedule that takes a fair amount of stamina. 

By Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes

 Greetings to you in this new year, 2015. Not too long ago we celebrated the hope and joy of our Savior’s birth at Christmas. Just around the corner is Lent, when we take our spiritual inventory and resolve to move closer to God in anticipation of the Resurrection of his Son at Easter.

By Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes

 In his Letter to the Romans, St. Paul presents a dramatic invitation for us to offer ourselves, body and mind, as a living sacrifice, “holy and pleasing to God.”