By David Okonkwo

RIALTO—The morning sunlight was perfect. The morning dew that settled on the grasses through the night was just drying and the quietness around the grounds longed for some company. We unloaded the truck with all that we brought and quickly began to set up. 

SAN BERNARDINO—When Jeanette Arnquist took a seat on the newly created diocesan Human Concerns Commission in 1986, social justice ministry here could have been likened to a mustard seed.

 True to Jesus’ metaphor about the expansive power of faith, the ministry has blossomed over the past 25-plus years and Arnquist’s steadfast work and leadership is a key reason why. She retired from her position as director of the diocesan Ministry of Life, Dignity & Justice on June 22. She was known as an outspoken advocate of the poor and disenfranchised, as noted by many who paid her tribute during a retirement celebration at the Diocesan Pastoral Center on June 21.

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

 Parishes across the nation were called to take part in a “Fortnight for Freedom,” a 14-day period dedicated in support of religious freedom, from June 21 to July 4. Proclaimed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the fortnight gave the Catholic faithful in the Diocese of San Bernardino an opportunity to reflect on religious freedom through prayer, novenas and public witness.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a victory for the cause of the immigrant, President Barak Obama issued an executive order June 15 that grants “deferred action” to certain qualified undocumented young people who are between the ages of 16 and 30. This deferred action grants a relief from deportation for a period of two years, enabling the young person who qualifies to acquire a Social Security number and a work permit. This particular deferred action can be renewed but does not grant a path to citizenship for the undocumented person or any of their family members.

By Gregory Kirwin

SAN BERNARDINO—The best way to predict the future is to invent it, and Catholic Charities San Bernardino-Riverside is doing so by investing in the next generation of non-profit human service professionals who will carry forward the mission to provide compassionate and competent care to the most vulnerable families in our local communities. 

RIALTO—The Fellowship of Catholic Christian Women will be holding a Women’s Day 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on August 18 at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Rialto. This year’s retreat, “An invitation to the Eucharist,” will include Mass, prayer, music, faith sharing and insights on the Eucharist.