“With the Cross, Jesus unites Himself to the silence of the victims of violence, those who can no longer cry out…  with the Cross, He is united to families in trouble, those who mourn the loss of their children, …But the Cross of Christ invites us also to allow ourselves to be smitten by His love, teaching us always to always look upon others with mercy and tenderness, especially those who suffer, who are in need of help, who need a word or a concrete action which requires us to step outside ourselves to meet them and to extend a hand to them.”(Pope Francis, World Youth Day, Río 2013) 

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

 Diocesan seminarian Dan Rogers was named out of hundreds of nominations to a list of 30 young adult Catholics in the U.S. highlighted for their impact on society. 

 The list was released by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) a Catholic campus outreach ministry. FOCUS wished to highlight young adults who are impacting the Church and world through service and leadership in various aspects of life.

SAN BERNARDINO—Did you know that eligibility for Medi-Cal has been expanded to include a greater number of families in need of healthcare?

 Expanded Medi-Cal now covers eligible adults – no longer just children. Low-income families with higher household incomes than in the past may also now qualify for Medi-Cal. 

 If eligible, depending on your income, you and your family may be eligible for this free or low-cost health coverage. You may be eligible for Medi-Cal if you answer YES to the following questions:

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO—Sister Rebecca Zapien has been a teacher for most of her life. She continues her passion for promoting education and faith formation in her new role as the program coordinator for the Ministry Formation Institute’s Spanish Coordinator of Ministries Formation Program (CMFP). 

By Marie Widmann

VICTORVILLE—Victorville City Council Member Angela Valles stood in the strong desert sun describing the moment that she, as a 16-year-old, revealed to her Catholic parents that she was pregnant. 

 Valles’ pregnancy led to her dropping out of high school and becoming homeless for a time. 

By Mike Shawver
Director, Office of Social Concerns

 Ash Wednesday is March 5 and the start of our Lenten journey towards Easter. I encourage you and your parish community to participate in CRS Rice Bowl sponsored by Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the international humanitarian outreach of the Catholic Church. 

 Now is the time to order your FREE rice bowl materials in English and Spanish, so that they arrive before Ash Wednesday at www.crsricebowl.org/order.