By Vanessa Boekenoogen

RIVERSIDE—On November 3, Catholic Charities held its 22nd Annual “Evening of Hope” Benefit at the Victoria Club in Riverside. 

 Throughout the evening, guests were immersed in the Catholic Charities mission of “providing compassionate social services that respond to the suffering of the vulnerable and those in crisis in our local communities.” Guests were provided the opportunity to support this mission in a number of ways throughout the evening. 

 In addition to a traditional silent auction, “Gifts for Others” allowed guests to directly impact the families Catholic Charities serves. This year’s items included diapers, groceries, laundry detergent, prescription assistance, meal delivery for homebound seniors, supplies for our after-school center, new shoes for children, and many more. These auction items are critical to individuals and families who are in need. 

 Later in the evening, Catholic Charities held its traditional “Paddles for Scholars,” live auction. Guests raised their auction paddles to raise funds for the Catholic Charities’ Higher Education Student Investment Program. These funds are used to support the four distinct components: Social Work Non-Profit Fellowship Program, field placements for up to 20 doctoral, master’s degree, and bachelor level interns at Catholic Charities, “Providing Help, Creating Hope” Community College Scholarships, and Research Projects in partnership with local universities. This auction provides guests the unique opportunity to invest in higher education of students who will be the next generation of social workers, therapists, and case workers in our local communities.

 One of the highlights of the evening was the acknowledgement of the 2012 Catholic Charities’ “Providing Help, Creating Hope” honorees. This year’s honorees were Kim Carter and Arturo J. Alcaraz. Carter is known in San Bernardino for her work as the Founder and Executive Director of Time for Change Foundation. She developed the foundation’s first affordable housing project, the Phoenix Square, which is a seven unit apartment complex for low-income families. Alcaraz, the evening’s second honoree, is known for his distinct work as the Director of Diversity and Human Resources for the Riverside Community College District. In the past Art has served as President of the Moreno Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Riverside Latino Network. Both were honored for their extraordinary work in the Inland counties with a personalized piece of artwork, commissioned by local artist Michael Bernbaum of Riverside.

SAN BERNARDINO—Ameritas College, the newest college of Brandman University, is making a difference in the lives of Hispanic working adults.  Ameritas brings a much needed educational option to our rapidly growing Hispanic community through a combination of a dual language format and an outstanding team of bilingual faculty and advisors experienced in serving the unique needs of Hispanic students.

 The 25th annual collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious will be taken up December 8-9, in the Diocese of San Bernardino. The parish-based appeal is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) in Washington, D.C., and offers financial support for the day-to-day care of over 34,000 senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests.

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

 For years Kateri Tekakwitha’s story has been passed down from generation to generation in hopes that one day the “Lily of the Mohawks” would become Saint Kateri. 

 So Oct. 21 will be a dream come true for many and mark the beginning of a new period of rejoicing for a community with cultural ties to the new saint.

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

BEAUMONT/BANNING—When news first surfaced from Rome that Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha would be elevated to a saint, parishioners at Blessed Kateri Parish in Beaumont and Banning were overjoyed to hear their parish’s namesake would be known worldwide as a saint. As the date for her canonization nears, the anticipation at the parish’s two locations continues to grow.

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

 Excitement over the elevation of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, Blessed Marianne Cope and five others to sainthood has driven Catholic faithful throughout the diocese to join pilgrimages to Rome for the canonization ceremony on Oct. 21. Priests, lay Catholics and even a bishop agree, this is a once in a life time opportunity.