SAN BERNARDINO—Celebration of Bishop Gerald Barnes’ 25th Episcopal Anniversary continued at an April 29 Theological Symposium offered by the Ministry Formation Institute (MFI) of the Diocese.
Longtime Serra House Rector Sanz steps down, Garcia named successor
By John Andrews
Editor
GRAND TERRACE—Father Jose Sanz, DLP, who saw the diocesan seminarian program through a period of substantial growth and modernization in 21 years as Rector of St. Junipero House of Formation, has left the position but will remain there in a teaching capacity.
Father Jorge Garcia, Vice Rector of Serra House since 2012, has been named the new Rector. The change becomes official on May 8.
Bishop Barnes to receive national award for lay ministry
In the year of his Silver Jubilee, Bishop Gerald Barnes is being honored nationally for one of the hallmarks of his Episcopacy – lay formation.
North Park Elementary School Shooting: Church takes leading role in mourning and healing
SAN BERNARDINO—San Bernardino experienced another tragic act of public violence on April 11 when a man shot and killed his estranged wife and a nine-year-old boy in a San Bernardino elementary school classroom.
The shooting at North Park Elementary School took place less than two miles from Our Lady of the Assumption Parish and School. While the school took immediate precautions to protect students’ safety, the parish offered a place for community, school and civic leaders to grieve and pray together, hosting an interfaith prayer service in the church just hours after the shooting occurred.
Ordination Preview: Rodarte, Sandoval reflect on their path to the priesthood
By Malie Hudson
On May 20, Bishop Gerald Barnes will ordain four men to the priesthood.
In the March issue of the BYTE we chronicled the journeys to the priesthood of seminarians Fidel Rivero and Alwyn Anfone. In part two, we introduce Alex Rodarte and Juan Sandoval. Both men took meaningful steps to pursue their vocation after experiencing a calling to the priesthood in their 20’s.
Andel, Sanchez to receive Papal Award
SAN BERNARDINO—Mary Ann Andel and Estela Sanchez will receive the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross award at the annual Diocesan Award ceremony on May 19 at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral.
The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross award is the highest honor bestowed upon a layperson in the Church by the Vatican.