By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

CHINO HILLS—Throughout her formation and upbringing, Alexandra Ramirez wanted to serve the Church, but was not sure how to do so. 

 After receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation last year, she says she felt free and able to embrace ministry life at the parish.

LUCERNE VALLEY—An estimated 3,000 people from the dioceses of San Bernardino, Orange, San Diego and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles gathered to witness the dedication of the new chapel at St. Joseph Cistercian Monastery in Lucerne Valley on May 5. Bishop Gerald Barnes presided over the dedication of the chapel for the Vietnamese community of Cistercians, a Catholic order of enclosed monks.

 Among the 7,000 young pilgrims headed from the United States to World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, about 170 are from the Diocese of San Bernardino. 

 According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), groups from the United States comprise the third largest national delegation of pilgrims going to the 28th World Youth Day this year slated for July 23-28. About 40 U.S. bishops are expected to participate in the event.

SAN BERNARDINO—The diocese has established a toll free hotline that allows church employees in parishes, schools and ministry groups to report ethical violations they have witnessed. 

 The types of violations that can be reported through the hotline include theft or fraud, accounting or financial irregularities, questionable fundraising practices, harassment or discrimination, violence or threatening behavior, and violations of laws, policies and regulations.

COLTON—Auxiliary Bishop Rutilio del Riego spoke of the “steep price of freedom” while paying tribute to both deceased and living military veterans at a Memorial Day Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery in Colton on May 27.

SAN BERNARDINO—On May 10, Catholic Charities was honored as the Community Partner of the Year at the Celebration of Excellence for Cal State University, San Bernardino’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences’ 2013 Hall of Fame Induction. The ceremony was held at the Santos Manuel Student Union Events Center.