By Elena Klopfer

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC—Working in the Missions Office for the Diocese of San Bernardino allows me to be mindful of the Missions worldwide. The continuous flow of donations from parishes and schools benefit the various missions throughout the world. 

 Recently I had the privilege of going on Mission to the Dominican Republic, where I experienced missionary work whole heartedly. I joined a small group from Houston, Texas and we were led on a Mission Experience by Sister Lisa Valentini, MSC.

Diocesan Director of Hispanic Affairs Petra Alexander received national recognition for her ministry when she was named Outstanding Diocesan Director of Hispanic Ministry. Alexander received the award at the Annual Convention of the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors of Hispanic Ministry in Las Vegas, NV on Aug. 28 (pictured with Alexander is Fr. Paul Campbell and Teresa Locke of Loyola Press who presented Alexander with her award). The award included a $2,000 gift from Loyola Press, most of which will benefit the Hispanic Affairs ministry of the diocese.

   While the great recession made it more difficult to raise money for new church construction over the past five years, the need for more worship space in many parishes has only increased.

 Now, with early signs of economic recovery in the region and a new diocesan design template that significantly lowers construction costs, several parishes are making headway in their efforts to build new churches, education centers and multi-purpose spaces. In all, 21 parishes are proceeding with plans for major new construction or renovation.

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

THERMAL—Waiting for a group of religious sisters to appear from the sky blue coach bus parked in front of a gas station in Thermal, a group of supporters chanted and held signs calling for comprehensive immigration reform. 

 Taking a slight detour on their way to San Diego, the nationally known “Nuns on the Bus” tour stopped at Thermal on June 14 to tour mobile home parks and speak with residents there.

By Petra Alexander

RIVERSIDE—The presence of Cesar Chavez was felt throughout downtown Riverside on June 8. The long anticipated monument in his honor was unveiled to the public at an event that was filled with hope. 

 Recalling Chavez’s Catholic roots and spiritually-animated leadership, the event began at 7:30 a.m. with a Mass presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Rutilio del Riego, and concelebrated by Monsignor Gerard Lopez, S.T.L., V.G. and Father Alfonso Durán, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Riverside.

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO—Three diocesan offices welcomed new leaders in July. Michael Shawver joined the Pastoral Center in the Social Concerns Office, Paulina Espinoza moved from the Office of Worship to lead the Office of Evangelization and Adult Faith Formation and Dr. José Antonio Medina began as director of the Office of Continuing Formation of Priests.