By Pam Lucero

 “For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35

 Water had always been a problem in Kibingekito, Uganda. 

SAN BERNARDINO—Asian Pacific Catholics are an important thread in the multicultural fabric of the Diocese of San Bernardino and, indeed, the Universal Church. The time has come for the Church as a whole to better understand the realities of these cultures, according to recent efforts of the U.S. Bishops.

SAN BERNARDINO—With the beginning of the ministerial year July 1, several changes in Diocesan departments and offices have been announced.

MES Director

 Maria Covarrubias has been named Director of the Ministry of Educational Services (MES) for the Diocese. She has served as interim director since March when Mary Jansen left the position. The MES Department includes the Offices of Catechetical Ministry, Catholic Schools, Charismatic Renewal, Young Catholics, Campus Ministry, and the new Office of Marriage and Family Life.

SAN BERNARDINO—With a stroke of the pen on June 27, Bishop Gerald Barnes made official a new Priest Pension Fund that is intended to provide a measure of financial security for diocesan priests in their retirement.

By Sister Marilu Covani, SP

 Our recent Diocesan Theme has been Siempre Adelante—“Always Forward.” As the Coordinator of the V Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino ministry, I am inviting you to keep alive this process in your parishes, homes, neighborhoods and the many peripheries that have been visited. 

SAN BERNARDINO—39 ministers graduated from the diocesan Continuing Ministry Formation Program (CMFP) on June 23 at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino.

 The CMFP program is a three to five year enrichment program as well as a credential programs for coordinators of ministries to prepare them to serve the Church as lay ecclesial ministers supporting the pastor or pastoral coordinator in enacting the parish and diocesan vision.