By Annamaria Ortiz

 Growing up I always had an admiration for priests. A few years ago I remember reading His 

Holiness Pope Benedict XVI’s letter announcing the Year for Priests. And something that stood out to me was this quote by St. John Vianney, the Curé d’Ars: “O, how great is the priest! … If he realized what he is, he would die…”

PALM SPRINGS— Continuing a 10-year tradition, the staff and students of St. Theresa School in Palm Springs celebrated a very moving prayer service in remembrance of the events of September 11, 2001. 

 Students carried candles and presented them before a picture of Barbara Keating, a St. Theresa parishioner who perished in the attacks. Candles were also presented to remember those who lost their lives at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania that day. Palm Springs Deputy Fire Chief John Allen spoke to the students about the courage of the firefighters, police officers, and medical personnel who bravely gave their lives in an effort to save the lives of those buried in the World Trade Center buildings. 

RIVERSIDE—Notre Dame High School held its first ever Career Day and Second Annual College Fair on September 11th. During the day, every student was able to see presentations on careers in the medical field, engineering, psychology, technology, and law enforcement to name a few. Students followed their normally assigned schedule and were given the opportunity to network, meet, and speak with local, parent, and alumni professionals in their field. It also opened the doors for students who were interested in internships and job shadowing. 

SAN BERNARDINO—For the past decade, Aquinas High School Staff, Associated Student Body Leaders (ASB) and the students themselves have been welcoming eighth graders onto their campus for a week of getting future freshman excited about all that Aquinas High School has to offer. 

 “Making the Most of High School Week” continued September 17-21 as over 200 students visited the Aquinas campus.

PERRIS—St. James Catholic School kicked off their new school year as “faith-filled Catholics.” Father Edmund Gomez, pastor, in conjunction with Principal Camile Lara began the 2012-2013 school year with a prayerful greeting to the students, parents, staff, and faculty at a morning assembly. St. James Catholic School welcomed new families to their faith family. The short assembly was followed by a procession for a personal blessing of each classroom, the students and teachers by Fr. Gomez. 

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

PALM DESERT—Music, Eucharistic adoration and spirited talks enlivened the almost 300 youth present at the inaugural San Bernardino Diocesan Youth Day held Aug. 3 and 4 at Xavier College Preparatory High School in Palm Desert.

 Sponsored by the Ministry with Youth Office, the youth day served as a closing event for the Year for Youth that was proclaimed by Bishop Gerald Barnes last August.