The Diocese of San Bernardino is a community of believers in Jesus the Christ called to impact family, neighborhood, and society with the gospel so that people’s lives are filled with hope.
The community does this through charity, education, formation and outreach services. One of the largest resources to help fill the community with hope is through the annual Diocesan Development Fund (DDF).
“As we continue to celebrate the Eucharistic Revival in our national church, we experience the joy of the Eucharist as the source and summit of our Catholic faith. Our local church, in the spirit of love and charity, has been a beacon of light, a source of comfort, and a refuge for many of our Brothers and Sisters. One way that the faithful of our diocese provides this source of Hope is through the annual support of the DDF annual appeal,” Bishop Alberto Rojas said in his video message for this year’s campaign.
The theme of this year’s DDF is, “The Bread of Life to be our source of Hope.” This theme comes during the National Eucharistic Revival, which began in 2022 and is occurring throughout the United States. The revival aims to renew the Church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.
With the Eucharist as the source of our faith and our Catholic community as the beacon of hope, the 2024 DDF hopes to reach its goal of $5.17 million to support the ongoing efforts of spreading the Gospel and filling lives with hope.
The 2024 DDF will be a resource for:
- Seminarian Education Fund: 31%
- Hospital Chaplains: 16%
- Catholic Charities: 12%
- Ministry Formation Institute: 10%
- Office of Ministry with -Young Catholics: 10%
- Office of Catechetical Ministry: 5%
- Office of Life, Dignity & Justice: 4%
- Campus Ministry: 3%
- Office of Marriage and Family Life: 3%
- Office of Vocations: 3%
- Office of Social Concerns: 2%
- Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral: 1%
“In my position, I am incredibly blessed to witness all of the incredible things happening throughout our Diocese,” said David Dolores, the Senior Development Officer for the Diocesan Office of Mission Advancement. “As a donor, you help expand our outreach programs, support those in need, and strengthen the spiritual foundation of our Diocese.”
Last year, thanks to the generosity of parishioners to the DDF, the Diocese made history by ordaining seven men into the priesthood, the largest ordained class in its history. In addition, there are currently 20 seminarians in formation for the priesthood.
“I am filled with gratitude and hope knowing these men will be serving our diocese for years to come,” Bishop Rojas said.
Hospital Chaplains will also benefit from this year’s DDF. Father Chrisantus Ekwebelan, Hospital Chaplain at Kaiser Permanente Moreno Valley Medical Center, shared the importance of the Eucharist in healthcare and for healthcare professionals.
“It is from the Eucharist that we draw the strength and impetus to go on mission, especially to the sick, bringing the Love of God and His Christ to them,” Fr. Ekwebelan said.
The Diocesan Ministry Formation Institute (MFI) will also be assisted as a part of the 2024 DDF. The MFI, founded in 1997 by Bishop Emeritus Gerald R. Barnes, serves the diocese and its parishes by providing quality education and formation to adults, those seeking personal faith enrichment, ministerial leadership, and those inquiring about Permanent Diaconate.
“The formation I received from the MFI program was great,” said Veronica Quiroz, MFI student and wife to Deacon Jose Rene Quiroz.
Any donation made to the 2024 DDF will help resource diocesan ministries that help uplift the community through education, formation, outreach and charity for those in need. With the Eucharist as the source of our faith, may the generosity for the DDF help advance the community’s mission to fill lives with hope.
‘We recognize more than ever that the bread of life is our source of Hope,” Bishop Rojas said. “Let us unite in generosity and gratitude. May the Lord bless you abundantly for your generosity and may our Catholic Community continue to be a source of Hope and inspiration in your lives. Thank you so much and may God bless you and your families.”