By Bishop Gerald Barnes
Eight months ago our Diocese was traumatized by the mass shooting that took place at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, claiming 14 lives and forever altering the course of so many others left behind.
Pope Francis’ exhortation recovers the person of Christ
By Most Reverend Gerald R Barnes
“It’s complicated.”
This is a deflective phrase we sometimes use in conversation when we are asked about something we find painful or embarrassing.
Showing God’s mercy to all who seek us is good customer service
The following is an excerpt from Bishop Gerald Barnes’ address at the Combined Vicariate Meeting on February 11 at St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Parish, Yucaipa.
By Most Reverend Gerald Barnes
And so Pope Frances gives us the Year of Mercy, a year to reflect on that part of our identity. A year to look at how we ourselves, in the times of problems and chaos, have been touched by God’s Mercy. A year to show gratitude for all that God has given us, especially during the difficult times in our lives. We do that, personally, but we also do that as a parish, as a school, as a diocese. We are called to reflect on how we as a community have shown God’s Mercy to our sisters and our brothers. How do we do that in our service and in our ministry to others?
Greet moments of change with gratitude and trust
By Bishop Gerald R. Barnes
Beginning with the moment he called Peter and Andrew to follow him in ministry, the Lord Jesus did not hesitate to ask those he encountered to embark on a new path in their life. Those many moments throughout the scriptures, from Peter to Zacchaeus to the woman at the well to Paul, inspire us to be open to the transformation that Jesus offers us in our own lives.
Jesus calls us to unity in this time of division
“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Those in Consecrated Life continue to be missionary and prophetic
By Bishop Gerald Barnes
Pope Francis dedicated the special Year of Consecrated Life to run through World Day of Consecrated Life, celebrated in the Church on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Feb. 2, 2016. This past year was meant to call attention to religious life, for those interested in responding to God’s call, but also for the Catholic faithful to learn more about what it means to live a consecrated life for the Church and to pray for those following it