SAN BERNARDINO—When she began her career, Patricia Vesely never envisioned herself leading the Catholic schools system for one of the nation’s largest dioceses. In fact, she never even saw herself as a school principal.

 But Vesely was called, literally, to a career in Catholic school administration that uncovered gifts and talents that enriched the lives students, families, teachers and fellow administrators.

By Marge Bitetti

SAN BERNARDINO—“Put your finger on a map any where you point your finger, there is someone with the same blood type as you. The world is getting smaller and that affirms that we are all neighbors.” 

SAN BERNARDINO—The Annual Diocesan Awards were presented on May 18 at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, San Bernardino.

 In addition to the Papal Award (see related article), the St. Bernardine Award, Our Lady of Guadalupe Award and St. John Paul II Youth Award were also given.

SAN BERNARDINO—Lay ministers in the fields of catechetics, administrative support and social outreach were recognized on May 18 with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a layperson in the Church by the Vatican.

 It was the third year in a row after a lengthy break that the Diocesan Awards Ceremony included recipients of the Papal Award.

SAN BERNARDINO—With Catholic schools in the United States seemingly at a crossroads, Sam Torres isn’t afraid to say that it’s time to break the traditional mold in order to revitalize and grow the system in the Diocese of San Bernardino.

MURRIETA—Catholics in the Temecula Valley who were brought up in the Anglican tradition have become part of a Roman Catholic community under the jurisdiction of a non-territorial diocese created specifically for those who share that background.