By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL—About 175 pilgrims from the Diocese of San Bernardino took part in the World Youth Day festivities July 23-28 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From catechesis and concerts to prayer, reflection and messages from Pope Francis, the Diocesan pilgrims embraced the spiritual journey that aimed to strengthen their faith.
At the annual Opening Schools Mass, held this year at Sacred Heart Church, Palm Desert on Aug. 23, Catholic school teachers and staff with 25 or more years of service received special recognition. From left to right, Karen Salabaj (Sacred Heart, Rancho Cucamonga – 25 yrs), Joan Jackson (St. Edward – 30 yrs), RoxAnn Venute (St. George – 25 yrs), Kathy Kothlow (St. Francis de Sales – 35 yrs), Sister Mary Laura Rembold (St. Francis de Sales – 45 yrs), Carmelita Duarte (St. Francis de Sales – 30 yrs), Sister Kathleen Cleary (St. Margaret Mary – 35 yrs) and Carol LaFond (St. Francis de Sales – 25 yrs). Not pictured, Barbara Booher (Notre Dame High School – 25 yrs), Lois Tompkins (St. Margaret Mary – 25 yrs) , Annette Wendling (St. Margaret Mary – 35 yrs).
By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO—A spirited theme song, a little Portuguese and a blessing from the Bishops sparked excitement for the upcoming pilgrimage to World Youth Day. Pilgrims traveling to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil gathered at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino for the World Youth Day Send-Off Mass on June 30.
RIVERSIDE—Notre Dame High School announced the 2013-2014 Partners in Christ Scholarship recipients. The Partners in Christ Scholarship is a joint, merit-based scholarship awarded by Notre Dame and participating parish pastors. The $1,000 scholarship is given to an incoming Notre Dame freshman who matriculated from one of the high school’s K-8 partner schools.
By María José García
This year, I had the blessing to attend World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro in the company of millions of Catholics! I was part of the diocesan group of 41 people who traveled to San Jose Dos Campos, a city nearby Sao Paulo for a missionary week prior to going to Rio de Janeiro.
By Kathleen Hurtt
UPLAND—Sunscreen, water and laughter combined with a lot of planning and hard work led Michaela Larson to remind us that we all have something to give, if we only use our God-given talents!
