YUCAIPA—With the passage of an immigration reform bill in the U.S. Senate in June, Diocesan advocacy efforts on the issue over the summer have focused on Congressional representatives.

 Members of Congress who represent districts in the Diocese were invited to a special Mass, Aug. 31, at St. Francis Xavier Cabrini where Bishop Gerald Barnes preached about the present opportunity for comprehensive immigration reform and the need for policy makers to act.

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO—For the participants of Musicians’ Day, the annual event proved to be more than just a day of singing. It was a day of spiritual renewal. 

 About 500 singers, musicians and liturgists from parishes in the diocese came to the Pastoral Center on July 20 for the annual Musicians’ Day event offered by the Diocesan Office of Worship. Presenters included Jaime Cortez and Bob Hurd, well known composers, liturgists and speakers.

GRAND TERRACE—For the third year in a row, Bishop Gerald Barnes has accepted seven new men to Blessed Junipero Serra House of Formation. They entered Serra House at the end of August to begin their studies as seminarians for the Diocese of San Bernardino.

By Mary Huber

 California Senate Bill 926 which promised gender equality and income opportunity came and went. Authored by Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla (D-Concord) and sponsored by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, this legislation would have authorized financial compensation for the harvesting of women’s eggs for the purpose of scientific research. 

 While working its way through the State Legislature with stealthy precision, the bill appeared to sail under the radar. But it could not circumvent the watchful eyes of the California Catholic Conference, women’s health groups and the Center of Bioethics and Culture. Bonilla’s bill ultimately failed because Governor Jerry Brown vetoed it on August 13. 

By Deacon Michael Jelley

SAN BERNARDINO—Did you ever wonder whom to contact at the Diocesan Pastoral Center (DPC) to get the answer to a question or advice on a problem? You’re not alone! 

 Beginning last September, through a series of nine workshops, employees and clergy, including priests, pastoral coordinators, religious, deacons, pastoral associates, parish administrative staff, secretaries and receptionists, as well as all new Diocesan Pastoral Center employees were invited to learn about the purpose and functions of every department and office in the DPC. 

By Elena Klopfer

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC—Working in the Missions Office for the Diocese of San Bernardino allows me to be mindful of the Missions worldwide. The continuous flow of donations from parishes and schools benefit the various missions throughout the world. 

 Recently I had the privilege of going on Mission to the Dominican Republic, where I experienced missionary work whole heartedly. I joined a small group from Houston, Texas and we were led on a Mission Experience by Sister Lisa Valentini, MSC.