On March 3, The Knights of Columbus of Barstow, parishioners, families and friends of St. Joseph and St. Philip Neri parishes gathered in thanksgiving for the deacons of Barstow. A “Deacon Appreciation Dinner” was celebrated for Deacon Don Burgett and Deacon Margo Saenz at St. Joseph’s Noonan Hall for nearly 50 years of combined service to the diaconate. Deacon Don and Deacon Margo and his wife, Martha, had their picture taken with current and retired firefighters from the Barstow Fire Dept. (Front row) Deacon Margo Saenz, retired Battalion Chief Stephen King, retired fire chiefs Dale Milligan and Deacon Don Burgett, Martha Saenz (Back row/standing) Capt. Robert Clemmer, Fire Chief Rich Ross, Engineer Travis Espinoza.
St. Thomas Parish celebrates 110th anniversary
By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer
RIVRESIDE—February 10 marked the beginning of the 110th anniversary year for St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Riverside. Father Joseph Felker, pastor, regular supply priests and jubilant parishioners gathered to celebrate the milestone for the parish with a Mass and reception.
Our Lady of Fatima statue to tour Diocese
The national pilgrim statue of Our Lady of Fatima will be visiting several parish communities throughout the diocese in February and March. The Statue travels around America under the sponsorship of the World Apostolate of Fatima, USA. For a detailed schedule, please contact your local parish.
Communal wedding draws large crowds at Queen of Angels parish
By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer
RIVERSIDE—Coinciding with World Day of Marriage, 45 couples received the sacrament of matrimony in a pair of ceremonies at Queen of Angels Parish in Riverside on February 9.
“After being together all these years, I am happy to finally make it official,” said Patricia Felix, a newlywed from Queen of Angels. “It feels good to have God’s blessing upon us.”
St. Anthony youth learn about poverty first-hand
By Alana Bell
SAN JACINTO—St. Anthony parish, San Jacinto, hosted its Sixth Annual Fast-A-Thon service project, where 42 youth participated in a 30-hour fast to raise awareness of the problems of poverty and homelessness.
2000 Hail Marys – Prayer plays central role for ministry
By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer
CHINO—For 12 years Rose Avila and Maria Avila have led a group of faithful Catholics in a monthly spiritual exercise of praying the Hail Mary 2,000 times in a single day to end abortion, for the souls in purgatory, for vocations and a host of other petitions. Inspired after reading a book on prayer, the two friends have worked to share their love of prayer with St. Margaret Mary Parish and the greater community.