In September, we are called to recognize National Suicide Prevention Month, when individuals, organizations and communities nationwide join their voices to amplify the message that suicide can be prevented. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Leading Causes of Death Reports released in 2021, there were nearly two times as many suicides (48,183) in the United States as there were homicides (26,031). In addition, suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10-14 and 25-34, the third leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 15-24, and the fifth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 44. The Catholic faithful, in keeping with Catholic Social Teaching’s respect for all human life and dignity, are encouraged to learn the signs and register for free suicide prevention trainings in both Riverside and San Bernardino County to help save lives.

In honor of National Grandparents Day, Sept. 8, Catholic schools in the diocese welcomed grandparents to campus for a special Mass and celebration. Some of the schools that participated in Grandparents’ Day by celebrating a special Mass were St. Catherine of Siena School in Rialto and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Indio. The grandparents’ Mass included a special blessing over the grandparents and students. The schools cited Pope Francis’ July 2024 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly message in which he wrote, “By remaining close to the elderly and acknowledging their unique role in the family, in society and in the Church, we will ourselves receive many gifts, many graces, many blessings! Let us show our tender love for the grandparents and the elderly members of our families.”

In September, we are called to recognize National Suicide Prevention Month, when individuals, organizations and communities nationwide join their voices to amplify the message that suicide can be prevented. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Leading Causes of Death Reports released in 2021, there were nearly two times as many suicides (48,183) in the United States as there were homicides (26,031). In addition, suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10-14 and 25-34, the third leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 15-24, and the fifth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 44. The Catholic faithful, in keeping with Catholic Social Teaching’s respect for all human life and dignity, are encouraged to learn the signs and register for free suicide prevention trainings in both Riverside and San Bernardino County to help save lives.

In honor of National Grandparents Day, Sept. 8, Catholic schools in the diocese welcomed grandparents to campus for a special Mass and celebration. Some of the schools that participated in Grandparents’ Day by celebrating a special Mass were St. Catherine of Siena School in Rialto and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Indio. The grandparents’ Mass included a special blessing over the grandparents and students. The schools cited Pope Francis’ July 2024 World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly message in which he wrote, “By remaining close to the elderly and acknowledging their unique role in the family, in society and in the Church, we will ourselves receive many gifts, many graces, many blessings! Let us show our tender love for the grandparents and the elderly members of our families.”

Today, the Diocesan Department of Life, Dignity and Justice welcomed clergy, lay persons, parishioners and various advocating organizations for human dignity and justice to the Diocesan Pastoral Center for its sixth conference. The theme of the 2024 Life, Dignity and Justice Conference was, “Exploring the Narratives of Peoples.” The conference kicked off with a prayer and remarks from Bishop Alberto Rojas, who thanked all for attending and acknowledged  the work of the attendees , saying that even, “a small grain of salt, will go a long way” to strengthen and uphold the dignity of the whole person. The keynote address, entitled, “The Interconnectivity of Humanity,” was delivered by Father Pauly Iwuji, PHD, chaplain at the San Francisco Veterans Administration health care system, with over 16 years of experience in hospital ministry. The remainder of the conference included two testimonials, six different topic workshops and a panel discussion.

Today, the Diocesan Department of Life, Dignity and Justice welcomed clergy, lay persons, parishioners and various advocating organizations for human dignity and justice to the Diocesan Pastoral Center for its sixth conference. The theme of the 2024 Life, Dignity and Justice Conference was, “Exploring the Narratives of Peoples.” The conference kicked off with a prayer and remarks from Bishop Alberto Rojas, who thanked all for attending and acknowledged  the work of the attendees , saying that even, “a small grain of salt, will go a long way” to strengthen and uphold the dignity of the whole person. The keynote address, entitled, “The Interconnectivity of Humanity,” was delivered by Father Pauly Iwuji, PHD, chaplain at the San Francisco Veterans Administration health care system, with over 16 years of experience in hospital ministry. The remainder of the conference included two testimonials, six different topic workshops and a panel discussion.

Ministers of Catholic youth and young adults gathered for the 2024 Ministry with Young Catholics Convocation on August 24 at Bishop Barnes Newman Center located at California State University, San Bernardino. The annual convocation is intended for ministry leaders of youth, young adult, and campus ministries as well as for any priests, deacons, religious, and seminarians who accompany and serve young people in diocesan parishes and schools. At the convocation, the attendees spent time with Jesus in Adoration, enjoyed moments of fellowship and faith sharing, and were provided an introduction to the recently published United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) National Pastoral Framework for Ministries with Youth and Young Adults, which was given by Armando Cervantes, Director of Youth and Young Adults in the Diocese of Orange. The no cost gathering also provided updates from our Ministry with Young Catholics.

Ministers of Catholic youth and young adults gathered for the 2024 Ministry with Young Catholics Convocation on August 24 at Bishop Barnes Newman Center located at California State University, San Bernardino. The annual convocation is intended for ministry leaders of youth, young adult, and campus ministries as well as for any priests, deacons, religious, and seminarians who accompany and serve young people in diocesan parishes and schools. At the convocation, the attendees spent time with Jesus in Adoration, enjoyed moments of fellowship and faith sharing, and were provided an introduction to the recently published United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) National Pastoral Framework for Ministries with Youth and Young Adults, which was given by Armando Cervantes, Director of Youth and Young Adults in the Diocese of Orange. The no cost gathering also provided updates from our Ministry with Young Catholics.