Volume 19, Number 5 ~ April 2017

Jesus has risen— He is alive.

We are called to be alive with Him.

His Resurrection means that we have a lot of work to do.

Rejoice - Christ Is Alive! by Sister Julia Fonseca, FHIC

As we recall the greatest mysteries of our faith during Holy Week, my thoughts turn to Jesus, the Risen Lord. He is alive! Although this is a well-known topic to many, perhaps the Holy Spirit will lead us to a reflection that might be beneficial to all who believe in the words of our Profession of Faith when we say: “For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suf- fered death, and was buried. and rose again on the third day in accordance with Scriptures.” True faith concerning the Resurrection of Jesus teaches that he truly died, that is, his soul was separated from his body, and his body was in the grave for three days, and that then by his own power his body and soul were united once more, never again to be separated. Although this is a strictly supernatural mystery, there are some elements in it which come within the category of sense expe- rience — death, burial, the empty tomb, appearances, etc. — and in this sense it is a demonstrable fact and one which has been verified. Jesus Christ’s Resurrection completes the work of redemption. For just by dying he endured all evil to deliver us from evil, so he was glorified in rising again to advance us towards good things, according to Romans 4:25 which says that “{He} was handed over to for our transgressions and was raised for our justification”. Christ is alive. This is the great truth which fills our faith with meaning. Jesus, who died on the cross, is risen. He has triumphed over death; he has overcome sorrow, anguish and the power of darkness. “Do not be amazed!” was how the angels greeted the women who came to the tomb. “Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised; he is not here.” (Mark 16:6). “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad.”(Psalm 118:24). Easter is a time of joy – a joy not confined to this period of the liturgical year, for it should always be present in the Chris- tian’s heart, for Christ is alive. He is not someone who has gone, someone who existed for a time and then passed on, leaving us a wonderful example and a great memory. No, Christ is alive, Jesus is the Emmanuel: God with us. His Resurrection shows us that God does not abandon his own. He promised He would not: “Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15) And he has kept his promise. His delight is still with the children of women and men. Through Baptism and the other sacraments, a Christian becomes part of the redemptive mystery of Christ, part of his death and resurrection: “You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12). If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Let us rejoice and be glad, for the Lord is truly risen. Alleluia! May the Risen Lord grant each and everyone a Blessed Easter.

Dear Portuguese Heritage Night Friend:

“In the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we all have a place of refuge.” This is the theme for the upcoming Portuguese Heritage Night which will take place this year on October 27, 2017 at New Bethany Residential Care and Skilled Living Facility. Greetings and best wishes for God’s abundant blessings upon you and your family under the loving protection of the Immaculate Mary. We are planning an event that will highlight the devotion of the Portuguese people who call upon Mary as the “Soberana Rainha de Portugal.” There will be an image of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, coming from Fatima, whose beauty is beyond compare and it will be auctioned at the closing of the event, as the most precious and valuable item. SAVE THE DATE and spread the news with your friends. This event will take place at New Bethany Residential Care and Skilled Living Fa- cility 1441 Berkeley Dr., Los Banos, 93635. For more information, please call (209) 827-8933.

Catholic Television KNXT Streaming LIVE on the Internet at: www.KNXT.tv Programming Highlights NEW ON KNXT-TV

Solemn Mass of Palm Sunday from Rome with Pope Francis Apr. 9 - 12:00 pm Easter Vigil Mass from Rome with Pope Francis Apr. 15 - 12:30 pm Easter Mass from Rome with Pope Francis Apr. 16 - 12:00 pm

BNSIC Easter Vigil Mass Apr. 15 - 5:00 pm

2 April 2017 Central California Catholic Life EASTER IS CELEBRATION The Seven C’s of Laudato Sí by Jim Grant, Director Social Justice Ministry Diocese of Fresno February 20, 2017, was indeed an historic day for the Diocese of Fresno! His Eminence Cardinal Peter Turkson, Prefect of the newly instituted Dicastery for Integral Human Development not only visited us, but he blessed hundreds of clergy and parishioners from across the dio- cese gathered at Holy Spirit Church in Fresno with a masterful summary of Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Sí: On Care for our Common Home, based on seven words, all beginning with the letter C! 1. Continuity: Laudato Sí is a social encyclical in line with and repeat- ing principles and insights previously taught by Popes Leo XIII, St. John XXIII, Blessed Paul VI, St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI. 2. Collegiality: Besides citing traditional papal teaching, Pope Francis breaks new ground by quoting Bishops’ Conferences often in the encyc- lical. This collegial approach of teaching with his brother bishops con- firms their writings and supports their local actions at the same time. 3. Conversation/Dialogue: The Encyclical is a passionate call for an open and enlightened conversation between reason and religion, between His Eminence Cardinal Peter K. A. Turkson science and faith. 4. Care: So important to the encyclical that it is included in its very title: “Care for our Common Home”. Instead of a task, the Pope sees it as solidarity, tenderness, a loving desire, a commitment that comes from seeing the cry of the poor and the cry of the environment as one and the same, inseparable. 5. Conversion: Nothing will change without a complete global and ecological conversion, based on a profound and personal change of heart. The way to achieve this is through educating ourselves to ecological citizenship. 6. Citizenship: Only when everyone realizes and appreciates the in- timate relationship between humanity and the environment will we take the necessary action to save the planet. 7. Contemplation: The encyclical opens with a prayer and closes with two, reminding us that creation is a sacrament of God’s loving activity in the world.

Cardinal Turkson with Rt. Rev. Eric Vawter Menees, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin and our Bishop Armando X. Ochoa

Holy Cross Sisters have a long-term connection with Bishop Ochoa and Cardinal Turkson Cardinal Turkson when he was archbishop of Cape prepare to bless the participants present Coast, Ghana

Central California Catholic Life April 2017 3 St. Francis Parish School Celebrates Life The Fresno Diocese 50th Anniversary Mass in the High Desert by Kay Nowatzki, Jr. High Religion teacher by Fr. Kris Sorenson, Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, California City, and All throughout the year, but espe- St. Joseph’s, Boron, and Vicar Forane of the High Desert Region cially during Sanctity of Life Month, St. Francis Parish School in Bakersfield During World War II, Japanese Americans around the country were forced to remembers the significance of respect- relocate to relocation camps for the duration of the war. Entire families were up- ing life in all stages: from the moment rooted, businesses and homes lost, and lives were thoroughly disrupted. On top of conception to natural death. Younger of this, they lived in barracks-type buildings and took their meals in mess halls. students have listened to stories that It was pretty much run like a prison camp. There is a famous relocation camp marvel at the beauty of life from books called Manzanar in the High Desert of the Eastern Sierra just north of Lone such as, Before You Were Born by Joan Pine, which housed the Japanese from the southern California region. Thou- Lowery Nixon, and Dr. Seuss’ Horton sands were relocated there. Among them were several hundred Catholics. These Hears A Who. The entire junior high Catholics were able to receive the sacraments by means of a religious priest participated in a national novena for the who made the trek to this center each Sunday. They had their own small chapel. “Legal Protection of the Unborn;” sixth There are still a few individuals alive today, now in their 80s and 90s, who were graders have written prayers and poems part of that community. accompanied by illustrations reflect- This is just a bit of background on Manzanar, but the intent of this article is ing pro-life values. Seventh graders not to provide a detailed history. Anyone can easily look up this history on the wrote prayers creating a montage of internet. What I would like to explain is how I came to identify this location for Internet images that represented quotes the Diocese of Fresno’s 50th anniversary Mass, which will be held May 18 at 11 from famous proponents of life. The am, and what has been planned to this point. eighth graders wrote letters and position As Vicar Forane for the High Desert region, along with the other vicars, I statements to members of Congress in was tasked with finding a rural location for the Bishop’s Mass in honor of the support of the “Life at Conception Act,” Diocese of Fresno’s 50th anniversary. Ideally, the Bishop desired a remote or among other issues. These youth are rural location, away from parish churches, and central enough where a large very informed and wanted to share their viewpoints and reasons to advocate for proportion of the Catholics in the region could attend. Also desired was cover life as future voters of America. from the elements, restroom facilities, and the like. The junior high also participated in a poster contest to advertise the Fish Fry I kept turning this over and over in my head. Where can I find such a loca- for Life Dinner on March 3, held annually at the St. Francis Church Hall. The tion in the High Desert? We don’t have farms and ranches like the valley. We students earned prizes for their art and the proceeds of the fundraiser dinner have cities and sand, and not much in between. Once we get out of the cities, benefited Right to Life Kern County. St. Francis students volunteered to work we are in very remote places with few facilities. At one point, Death Valley at the Fish Fry dinner as “drive through” runners, table setters, drink pourers, seemed like a possibility. I kept pondering and praying, and then out of the blue trash detailers, or any other job necessary for the success of the evening. It was the name “Manzanar” popped into my head! I had not even considered that as a a fun night for the families and the whole community while enjoying a fabulous possibility. This idea seemed to just come out of nowhere. I presume this idea is meal for a good cause. divine inspiration as a response to my prayers on this matter. As Catholic families, it’s important to focus on building pro-life virtues I was a little skeptical about how they would respond to my inquiry about the in our children no matter what age. We have a responsibility to promote the Bishop of Fresno coming to their facility for a big Mass, but I made some calls. beauty of every human being made in the image and likeness of God. I ultimately spoke with Dominic Papia who is a ranger at this Federal historic site. To my pleasant surprise, he said such an event is allowed, and we made an appointment to meet on January 5th. I invited a Knight of Columbus gentleman from the Ridgecrest Assembly, Ted Firme, to meet with us. The Knights will be very involved with this Mass at Manzanar. At our meeting, we took a brief tour of the grounds, and scouted a couple possible locations for the Mass. One possibility is an outdoor area near the cemetery, and the other is inside a recreated mess hall. As of today, the consen- sus seems to be the mess hall is the ideal venue. The climate, even in mid-May can be unpredictable in the High Desert. It could be hot even in May and also very windy. We do not anticipate a problem going over room capacity, as many people will be busy with school and work. The room should be able to hold many individuals comfortably. The Knights will provide porta-potties, chairs, water and snacks, and other logistical support. They also will provide directions to people and assist those that are mobility challenged. They also will provide a picnic-style lunch in the hall at Santa Rosa parish in Lone Pine after the Mass for those interested. I have been in touch with the Japanese Catholic community in LA who are planning to send a delegation to attend the Mass. They are thrilled about this Mass at Manzanar! They will invite the survivors to join us, though there may be few as it is getting harder for many of them to travel. It would be very special, however, if we can have at least a couple of Manzanar survivors to be with us at this special Mass. Fr. Jim Dowd, the chaplain at China Lake NWS in Ridgecrest, will provide music, along with a musician from the LA Japanese Catholic community. I have not worked out all the liturgical details yet as to who will lector and serve, and such. I must still do quite a bit of planning and coordinating yet. But this is where we stand as of early March. I have invited Fr. Joel from the St. Therese shrine in Tecopa as well as Fr. Phil Llanos from Edwards AFB. All of the priests in our area have told me they plan to attend. This special anniversary Mass we have planned has everyone I have spoken to very excited! The Bishop and Msgr. Dreiling have been extremely enthused about this location! It does not check off every box on the Bishop’s wish list, but it sure checks off the history box! The logistics are a challenge, but what an exciting location! Manzanar is in our diocese! Our diocese has some fascinating history and how thrilling to have a Mass at one of the most important locations in the country. May God bless us in putting together this historic Mass! This is the traveling mobile chapel that Bishop Ochoa will be using for Masses in various areas throughout our Diocese.

4 April 2017 Central California Catholic Life Getting to Know Your Diocese – Part IV Pastoral Experience: Getting to Know Our Diocese by Scott Alston, Diocesan Archivist by Robert Grizzell, Seminarian - College IV

As the 20th century began, our diocese was still a part of the Diocese of I started this pastoral experience Monterey-Los Angeles under the leadership of Bishop George Montgomery during my last year at Assumption (1896-1903). Bishop Montgomery was the first American-born Bishop of the Seminary in San Antonio, TX as diocese, the previous four being from Mexico or Spain. Bishop Montgomery I was finishing up my Bachelor’s was followed by Bishop Thomas J. Conaty (1903-1915) and then by Bishop degree in Philosophy. I mentioned John J. Cantwell (1917-1947) who presided over the canonical establishment to Fr. Dan Avila, Vocation Director of the Diocese of Monterey-Fresno on December 3, 1922, the ceremonies being of the Diocese of Fresno, the im- held in Fresno’s Saint John the Baptist Cathedral. portance, I felt, to get to know the After 1896, when Saint Anne’s in Porterville was erected, there was a nine- diocese and that so far in my studies year interval during which no new churches were built. Finally, in 1905 Saint I didn’t have a fair amount of experi- Aloysius in Tulare and Saint Joseph in Los Banos were constructed and conse- ence in getting to know the Diocese crated. These two parishes were followed by Saint Anthony of Padua in Reed- of Fresno, even so much as to rep- ley (1906), Saint Joseph in Bakersfield (1907), Saint Paul the Apostle in Coalin- resent it in other places around the ga (1907), Saint Alphonsus in Fresno (1908), Saint Anthony in Atwater (1909), country. As I reflected upon the fact Saint Peter the Apostle in Lemoore (1912), Saint Joseph in Selma (1913), Saint that I was entering theology and had Columba in Chowchilla (1918), Saint Mary in Taft (1918), Santa Rosa in Lone at least five more years left in forma- Pine (1919), Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles in Gustine (1919), Saint John the tion to the possibility of becoming a Evangelist in Wasco (1919), The Shrine of Saint Thérèse (originally Our Lady priest, the seriousness of my discern- of Victory) in Fresno (1919), Saint Mary of the Miraculous Medal in Delano ment became real. (1920), and Saint Mary/Saint Katherine in Sanger/Del Rey (1922). His Excellency Bishop Ochoa The Diocese of Monterey and Fresno was established by Vatican decree on and Fr. Dan Avila sent me to have a pastoral semester in the diocese known as June 1, 1922 and as noted earlier, the ceremonies of canonical erection were Diocese 101. During this time of getting to know the diocese, I would be work- held in December 1922 at what is now the cathedral. Initially, the diocese had ing in various areas of the Pastoral Center as well as assist at St. John’s Cathe- no appointed bishop leaving Archbishop Cantwell as Administrator until July dral in which I was in residence. At the Pastoral Center, I worked at the Office 31, 1924 at which time Bishop John B. MacGinley (formerly bishop of Nueva of Formation and Evangelization, Office of Properties, Vocation’s Office, and Caceres in the Philippines) was installed by Archbishop Cantwell as the first the Tribunal. My time at the Office of Formation and Evangelization was very bishop of the Monterey-Fresno diocese. The new diocese consisted of the fruitful. I learned so much of what goes on behind the scenes of the diocese and twelve California Counties of Fresno, Mariposa, Merced, Tulare, Kings, Kern, the importance of working with the people. The people that are in the various Madera, Inyo, Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz. It en- offices in the Pastoral Center are some of the nicest and friendliest people I have compassed 43,714 square miles (extending from the Pacific Ocean on the west ever met and got a chance with whom to work. to the Nevada border on the east). There were approximately 75,000 Catholics Although my primary areas of focus during my time at the Office of For- registered in the forty-seven parishes. Seventy-two secular/order priests served mation and Evangelization were on the Youth and Young Adult ministry and the parishes in addition to twenty-nine missions and twenty-nine stations. There the Hispanic ministry, I did my best to help out wherever I could with all the were fifteen religious orders of men and women represented in the diocese, be- ministries. I assisted with the World Marriage Day put on by the Family Life ing in charge of the seventeen grade schools, seven high schools, a hospital, an ministry, I helped with paperwork and organization with the V Encuentro in orphanage, retreat centers and more. There were 3,892 students in the twenty- concordance with the Hispanic ministry; I represented the School of Ministry four schools. at the Rite of Election in Merced, CA; and I helped update information and go The next installment will begin with how the diocese of Monterey-Fresno to vicariate meetings with the Youth and Young Adult minister. By helping all became the first diocese in the world dedicated to Carmelite Saint Thérèse of the these ministries, I was able to travel around the diocese and truly get to know its Child of Jesus, our Patroness, and Fresno’s Our Lady of Victory being renamed geographical boundaries, as well as to get to know the people of God. The im- in her honor. It is partly a story of Bishop MacGinley’s quick thinking and ac- portant lessons I learned upon working in the diocese will truly affect the way tion. The secondary patron, Saint Columba, will also be discussed. I will serve the diocese, currently as a Seminarian and God willing, one day as a priest. The work that the Pastoral Center does cannot be easily done by one Pianist Composer Delights Inmates at SATF/SP person, but it takes a well-managed team to run it and keep it moving. by Rosa M. Guembe, Catholic Chaplain, Corcoran I can’t thank Father Dan and Bishop Ochoa enough for this experience, but I also would like to thank Ms. Hernandez, Mr. DuRivage, and Ms. Ruiz for their On Monday, November 21, 2016, two groups of inmates on “C” yard were supervision and their help in forming a pastoral seminarian. I, God willing, will invited to attend a “Thanksgiving Concert” by pianist and composer Eric go to Mount Angel to continue my theological studies, but the pastoral semester Genuis who, accompanied by cellist Desiree Miller, violinist Christina Wong I had this year will greatly impact the way I will serve the Diocese of Fresno for and opera singer Elizabeth Tredent, delighted the participants with spectacular the rest of my life. music. They performed pieces such as “Rebellion”, composed for his teenage chil- dren, “Panis Angelicus” or “Bread of Angels”, closing up with “Here I Am”, a beautiful duet expressing a deep father-daughter relationship in difficult times, delivered with such a powerful and intimate beauty, that was able to engage the participants in a delicate and emotional way. It was a time to dream and feel beyond the cement walls and be transposed to a world of love and beauty. Many participants expressed the fact that they had never been exposed to this type of music before. One of the participants said, “It was something I couldn’t have imagined having the pleasure to ever listen to in my life.” It wasn’t only the music that was inspiring but also Mr. Genuis’ description of what was going on in his personal life that motivated him to compose every piece. As they were going back to their housing units, many participants ex- pressed their gratitude to Mr. Genuis and the rest of the musicians telling them “their music was so beautiful that it will remain in their hearts for a long, long time.” The three pictures were taken inside the prison, but following the law, showing none of the inmates’ faces.

Central California Catholic Life April 2017 5 An Evening with Matt Maher and Audrey Assad The Charter for the Protection of Children submitted by Brian Kravec and Young People Holy Spirit Parish and Possibility Productions invite you to an in- submitted by Bianca Blanchette, Safe Environment Director timate acoustic concert with Matt Maher and Audrey Assad featuring special guest, John Tibbs. Since 2002, the bishops of the United States have carried out their Matt Maher ministries to protect and heal in all dioceses and eparchies through the Matt Maher, an eight-time implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young GRAMMY nominee, has People. The Charter directs action on the following matters: written or co-written five No. -Outreach and healing to victims and survivors 1 radio singles. Maher has -Prompt and effective responses to allegations of abuse penned songs recorded by -Cooperation with public authorities Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Third -Removal of offenders from ministry Day, Matt Redman, Hill- -Safe environment training programs for clergy, employees, volunteers, song, Casting Crowns, Jesus and children that include information on prevention, identification, and Culture and Bethel among response and reporting of abuse others. -Background checks for all clergy, employees, and volunteers that have Maher was invited to regular contact with children lead worship for crowds of -An annual audit of dioceses and eparchies to ensure compliance with thousands in Yonkers, New Charter guidelines. York, when Pope Benedict The Church is the Body of Christ. All members of the Church are XVI visited the United States linked to one another. We all have a responsibility to ensure the safety in April 2008. In 2013, Maher had a career highlight performing “Lord of children in our parishes, schools, families, and local communities. I Need You” in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in front of Pope Francis and a Here are ways you can help keep children safe. Develop appropriate and crowd of three million people. He has garnered multiple radio successes loving relationships with your children. Teach your children safety and writing and recording songs including “Lord I Need You” for which he healthy boundaries. Know who has access to your children. Learn the was awarded his first RIAA Gold certification. warning signs of abuse. Report abuse to the appropriate authorities. Audrey Assad As always, the goal of the Safe Environment office at the Diocese of In 2015, Matt and Audrey Assad shared the stage in downtown Phila- Fresno is to keep children safe and protected. The Diocese of Fresno is delphia as part of the World Meeting of Families. They also performed committed to ensuring that when your child is in our care in parish pro- together in 2016 at World Youth Day in Poland for tens of thousands of grams or in Catholic Education that their safety is of utmost importance pilgrims from around the globe. and priority. To know more about what your parish and school is doing Audrey Assad is highly regarded as the top Catholic Christian fe- and how you can be part of creating and maintaining a safe environment, male artist in the United States. Audrey is an award-winning musician, contact the Diocese of Fresno Office of Safe Environment at 559-493- singer, and songwriter. Lauded by the New York Times, she’s a multiple 2882 or visit us online at www.dioceseoffresno.org. Dove Award nominee and iTunes Christian Breakthrough Album of the Year recipient. Earlier this year, Assad released her five-star acclaimed and No. 1 selling album, Inheritance, a collection of hymns and original songs that pays homage to Assad’s childhood heritage and to her Catho- Los Estatutos para la Protección de Niños y Jóvenes lic faith. She calls her music “soundtracks for prayer” and releases it on Fortunate Fall Records. A partir del año 2002, los Obispos de los Estados Unidos han llevado John Tibbs a cabo sus ministerios para proteger y sanar en todas las diócesis y epar- Coming off the heels of a nationwide tour with Matt Maher in 2016, quías a través de la implementación de los Estatutos para la Protección de Tibbs is excited to bring a unique performance to both new and familiar Niños y Jóvenes. Los Estatutos dirigen la acción de las siguientes mane- places. “My hope is that I can create music that connects people to Jesus ras: – both Christians and those who may not identify with Christianity. I -Alcance y sanación para las víctimas y sobrevivientes want to make music that moves people, and I hope that it honors God.” -Respuestas rápidas y efectivas a las alegaciones de abuso Save the Date -Cooperación con las autoridades públicas Plan to attend An Evening with Matt Maher and Audrey Assad, -Quitar de su ministerio a los ofensores Friday, August 18, 7:30pm, at Holy Spirit Parish in Fresno. Visit www. -Programas de entrenamiento del ambiente seguro para el clero, los holyspiritfresno.org or phone 559-434-7701 for tickets and event details. empleados, voluntarios, y niños, que incluyan la información sobre la Citizens of Clovis prevención, identificación, la respuesta y el reporte del abuso by Maya Safadi, Freshman, San Joaquin Memorial High School -Investigación de los antecedentes para todo el clero, los empleados, y voluntarios que tengan un contacto regular con los niños In this great city we share, we have all worked hard and contributed -Una auditoría anual de las diócesis y eparquías para asegurar el to the well-being of the community. You are all a great group of people cumplimiento de las guías de los Estatutos. committed to building the kingdom of God here in our town. The work La Iglesia es el Cuerpo de Cristo. Todos los miembros de la Iglesia you have done is already wonderful. Your faith has shown in your ac- están conectados unos con los otros. Todos tenemos una responsabilidad tions. The kindness and hospitality of everyone is a great and very posi- de asegurar la seguridad de los niños en nuestras parroquias, escuelas, tive characteristic. The dedication to the many churches in town is a step familias, y comunidades locales. Aquí están unas maneras con las cuales in the right direction. Most of the community worships God, and values pueden ayudar para mantener seguros a los niños. Desarrollar relaciones their religion highly. Continue this good work! apropiadas y cariñosas con sus niños. Enseñar a sus niños la seguridad y However, as in everything, there is room for improvement. We can los límites saludables. Saber quiénes tienen acceso a sus niños. Aprender all make more room for God in our lives. Perhaps we can find ways to las señales de precaución del abuso. Reportar el abuso a las autoridades go to church more often, or organize spiritual events for the community. apropiadas. Getting together for fun, inspiring religious events is a wonderful way to Como siempre, la meta de la oficina del Ambiente Seguro de la Dióce- help focus on God. This is something Clovis lacks, but can be accom- sis de Fresno es mantener a los niños seguros y protegidos. La Diócesis plished. We also have a lack of focus on our faith in day-to-day life. Our de Fresno está comprometida a asegurar que cuando su niño(a) está bajo everyday decisions should be guided by God. We can all try to be more nuestro cuidado en programas de la parroquia o en la Educación Católica, devout. Another significant area to improve would be in charity. Many su seguridad es de la mayor importancia y prioridad. Para saber más charitable organizations do exist in Clovis, but most are small and not acerca de lo que su parroquia y escuela está haciendo y cómo puede usted very well-known. If we all work together, we can grow these programs, ser parte para crear y mantener un ambiente seguro, comuníquese a la and start some new ones; this effort could help a lot of people! If, as a Oficina del Ambiente Seguro de la Diócesis de Fresno Office al 559-493- community, we cut back on a small part of our personal spending, and al- 2882 o visítenos en el Internet en www.dioceseoffresno.org. locate it to the church or charity, it would go a long way towards our goal of building the kingdom of God! All of these things have undeniable benefits. A more spiritual life is a happier, healthier, and better life. If we all strive to live out the Gospel, we will find ourselves in an even greater Clovis!

6 April 2017 Central California Catholic Life St. Therese Mission Celebrates the Feast of the Holy Infant by John Menichelli, St. Therese Mission Administrator, Staff Volunteer

The Feast of Santo Niño was celebrated at the St. Therese Mission, located in Tecopa, California, on January 29, 2017. Nearly 200 pilgrims journeyed to the Mission’s third annual Feast, with some coming from as far away as the Philippines and New York, as well as from the neighboring communities of Pahrump, Las Vegas, and Henderson. The solemn high Mass was followed by traditional Sinulog dances and music, and everyone enjoyed the plentiful of- ferings of Filipino and American food. The St. Therese Mission celebrates the Feast of Santo Niño the last Sunday of January each year. We hope to see you there next year. The Feast of the Holy Infant Jesus, known in the Philippines as the Feast of Santo Niño de Cebu, is celebrated in January of each year by over three million people who make the pilgrimage to Cebu City to pay homage to the child Jesus. The Feast has its roots in the 16th century voyage of the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his efforts to Christianize those islands. Magellan and the members of his expedition, on a voyage to find a westward route to the Spice Islands, reached the Philippines in 1521 and became the first Europeans to reach the Philippine archipelago. Magellan befriended the local ruler of Cebu, Rajah Humabon. Shortly after Magellan’s arrival, the Rajah, his queen Hara Amihan, and approximately 500 others were baptized as Christians. Following his baptism, Rajah Humabon took the Christian name of Carlos (after Charles V, Magellan’s patron), and his wife took the name Juana (after Joanna of Castile, Charles’ mother). Magellan gave Carlos and Juana three gifts: an image of Mary, a cross (Magellan’s Cross), and the image of the Holy Child (later known as Santo Niño de Cebu). Shortly after the baptism, Magellan was killed in a failed assault against a local chieftain known as Lapu-Lapu. The next Spanish expedition, led by Miguel López de Legazpi, arrived in Cebu 44 years later, in 1565. Legazpi’s efforts at a peaceful colonization were rejected. Legazpi opened fire on Cebu and burnt down the coastal town. In the ruins of the town, one of Legazipi’s men found the image of the Santo Niño, unharmed, in a pine box. The survival of the statue was seen as a miracle by the Spaniards, who named their settlements “Villa del Santisimo Nombre de Jesús” (Town of the Most Holy Name of Jesus). The image of the Santo Niño and Magellan’s Cross are the oldest surviving Catholic relics in the Philippines. A church, which is said to be the oldest parish in the Philippines, was built to house Santo Niño on the spot where the image was found. Blessed Paul VI elevated the church to the status of Minor Basilica on its 400th anniversary.

Central California Catholic Life April 2017 7 Anniversaries of Our Clergy and Religious Priest Anniversaries Rev. John Fluetsch June 29, 1991 May Rev. Msgr. Nathaniel Ndiokwere, June 29, 1975 Rev. Joseph Heffernan May 1, 1965 Rev. Msgr. Patrick McCormick June 29, 1975 Rev. Msgr. Daniel Lopez May 1, 1963 Rev. Angel Sotelo June 29, 1991 Rev. Msgr. Ron Royer May 1, 1958 Rev. Henry Williams June 30, 1978 Rev. Msgr. Ray Dreiling May 3, 1975 Rev. Steve Bulfer May 5, 1973 Deacon Anniversaries Rev. Dominic Rajappa May 6, 1992 May Rev. Jesse Venzor May 10, 1980 Rev. Guillermo Preciado May 11, 2002 Rev. Mr. Jim Arnold May 14, 2007 Rev. JesÚs Del Ángel May 13, 2000 Rev. Mr. Ronald Bourne May 15, 1999 Rev. Msgr. Stephen Frost May 14, 1977 Rev. Mr. Clyde Davis May 15, 1999 Rev. Msgr. Leslie Shenoy May 14, 1976 Rev. Michael Cox May 15, 2010 Religious Anniversaries Rev. Isaque Meneses May 15, 2010 May Rev. Ignacio Villafan May 15, 1999 Rev. Doug Walker May 15, 1999 Sr. Natalie Donola, PDDM May 5, 1947 Rev. Gerald Hartz May 16, 1959 Sr. Astrida D’Cruz, FHIC May 24, 1940 Rev. Pedro Olmos May 16, 1978 Sr. Celestina Mary Faletoi, SN May 24, 1998 Rev. Alex Chavez May 19, 2012 Sr. Lucille Carreau, DHS May 31, 1963 Rev. Santiago Iriarte May 19, 2012 Sr. Maria Imelda Lobo, FHIC May 31, 1962 Rev. Mark Maxon May 19, 2012 Rev. Rod Craig May 21, 1977 June Rev. David Reed May 21, 2005 Sr. M. Bernardita Nudalo, FDZ June 2, 1989 Rev. Alfredo Arias May 22, 2004 Sr. Dorothy Bushnell, IHM June 5, 1960 Rev. Robert Borges May 22, 2004 Sr. Rosalie Rohrer, IHM June 5, 1960 Rev. Efrain Martinez May 22, 2004 Sr. Goretti Perez, RAD June 14, 1970 Rev. Jose de Jesus Reynaga May 22, 2004 Rev. Dan Avila May 23, 1987 Congratulations to Bishop Armando Xavier Ochoa, D.D., Rev. David Greskowiak May 23, 2009 whose 30th anniversary of Episcopal Ordination was on February 23, Rev. Iván Hernández Melchor May 23, 2009 2017. May God grant him many graces and blessings as he continues as Most Rev. Armando Ochoa May 23, 1970 bishop of the Diocese of Fresno. Rev. Guadalupe Rios May 23, 2009 Below we see our Bishop with some of his priests. Rev. Richard Smith May 23, 1998 Rev. Eric Swearingen May 23, 1987 Rev. Kris Sorenson May 24, 2008 Rev. James Dowds, CSsR May 25, 1985 Rev. Joachim Cheon May 26, 2001 Rev. Salvador Gonzalez, Jr. May 26, 2001 Rev. David Enriquez May 27, 2006 Rev. Paul Kado May 27, 2006 Rev. Craig Plunkett May 27, 2006 Rev. Michael Andrade May 28, 2016 Rev. Angel Gonzalez May 28, 1952 Rev. Juan Maldonado May 28, 2016 Rev. Cesar Solorio May 28, 2016 Rev. Guadalupe Vargas May 28, 2016 Rev. Timothy Cardoso May 29, 1983 Rev. Msgr. Scott Daugherty May 29, 1983 Rev. Rodolfo Esmero-Carcueva, SMQA May 29, 1992 Rev. Msgr. Gilbert Meyer May 30, 1942 Church in Fresno Rev. Jorge Robles Cuevas May 30, 2015 by Bruce Blau Rev. Joaquin Arriaga May 31, 1997 The Stephen Ministry at Holy Spirit Church in Fresno has been in existence Rev. Raul Diaz May 31, 1997 for almost ten years. It is a ministry that brings Christ’s love for emotional and spiritual support to those who are experiencing some of the worst events June in life…..death of a loved one, bitter divorce, serious illness, drug addiction, Rev. Albert Mello June 1, 2013 loneliness and so many other crises that tug at ones’ mind and soul. To date, our Rev. John Schmoll June 1, 1985 trained Stephen Ministers have supported the priests and deacons in the Fresno community, with over 12,000 hours of one–on-one ministry to those in need of Rev. Francis Simeone June 3, 1961 support. These one-on-one weekly spiritual encounters may go on for months, Rev. Raul Sanchez-Flores June 4, 2011 if not years. The positive transformation of the care receivers over time has Rev. Carlos Serrano June 4, 2011 been miraculous. Rev. Dennis Alvernaz June 5, 1971 St. Stephen Ministry is Christ caring for people through people. It is part of Rev. Michael Burchfield June 5, 1993 an International Christian Organization that provides professional training to Rev. John Gracey June 5, 1993 leaders of the local Stephen Ministry organization. In turn, those trained leaders Rev. Loren Blessing June 6, 1981 bring training to parishioners that are called to this ministry. Currently, we have Rev. James Catalano, OSJ June 6, 1981 some 40 trained ministers and eight leaders all assisting over 40 people in need Rev. Msgr. Harvey Fonseca June 6, 1992 of support at three Catholic churches in Fresno. Care receivers to whom we Rev. Msgr. Nicolas Herrero June 7, 1959 minister, are experiencing various stages of grief, emotional crises, or experi- Rev. John Warburton, OSJ June 7, 1980 encing painful transitions in their lives. Some of the care receivers are in long- term care facilities. Rev. James Rude, SJ June 10, 1964 Please know that Stephen Ministers are an extension of the personal, con- Rev. Msgr. Richard Urizalqui June 11, 1977 tinued support of the parish priest and deacon. They bring the love of God to Rev. Steven Peterson, OSJ June 12, 2004 people, by praying with them, listening and offering them friendship, and a Rev. James Gallas, SJ June 13, 1962 shoulder on which to lean on. St Stephen Ministry emphasizes Christ as the Rev. Michael Moore June 21, 1997 cure-giver and the Stephen Minister as the caregiver. If your parish is interested Rev. Antero Sanchez, MSC June 27, 1965 in more information about Stephen Ministry and how it can support your parish, Rev. John Bruno, RCJ June 29, 1974 contact Hazel 559 299-3279 or Bruce 559 917-9011; [email protected].

8 April 2017 Central California Catholic Life Bishop’s Scout Mass Celebrates Ten Years Are You Called to Be a Deacon? by Michale Phillips, DFCCS Chair by Deacon John Sousa, Director of the Permanent Diaconate The Diocese of Fresno Catholic Committee on Scouting hosted the first Diocesan Scout Mass in 2007 at Sacred Heart Church, Fresno. A deacon is ordained and commissioned by the bishop to minister to Bishop John T. Steinbock, in 2008 moved the Mass to St. John’s Cathe- the needy and the poor, and to be a minister of Word and Sacrament. Men dral. Since then, the Scout Mass has been celebrated at the Cathedral on who are between the ages of 32 and 58, married or celibate, who have the first Saturday of February. completed or are in the process of completing a qualified lay formation For ten years Catholic Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and American Heri- program, and feel they may have a vocation - a “calling” by God to serve tage Girls have been awarded their Catholic religious emblems during a Him as an ordained permanent deacon - are invited to contact the Office special scout Mass celebrated by the Bishop. This year, Most Reverend of the Permanent Diaconate for further information. The first step could Bishop Armando X. Ochoa celebrated Mass for 43 scout awardees and be to check the diocesan diaconate web page at their families. Four Girl Scouts from Visalia were also recognized and www.dioceseoffresno.org/permanent-diaconate. honored with outstanding community service. A new class starts once every three years. Applications for the next In addition to scout awardees, two adult scout leaders received class will be available for three months beginning October 2017. Those awards. Both Maria Brown and Jeff Fulfer of Bakersfield received the who miss this cycle will have another opportunity in October of 2020. Bronze Pelican Emblem denoting the tender care of our scouting youth As part of the application process, two years of lay formation are re- by an adult who gives of themselves for the development of the youth quired. For those who have not had two years of lay formation, the time as Christian leaders. Someone who witnessed their significant contribu- to apply is now. Please call the Office of Formation and Evangelization at tions to our scouting youth nominated Maria and Jeff for the St. George 559-488-7474 to register. Emblem. They were nominated by an individual and selected by an For additional information, please call the Office of the Permanent appointed committee. To receive the St. George Emblem, adult leaders Diaconate at 559-493-2840. We’re in the office Tuesdays and Wednes- demonstrate an outstanding involvement in the spiritual development days. Otherwise please leave a message. You can also contact us by email of Catholic Scouts. Under the guidance of Maria and Jeff, seven Boy at the following email addresses: Scouts from Bakersfield completed the Ad Altare Dei emblem require- ments. Both also demonstrate the Catholic faith as active leaders in their Deacon John Sousa, Director of the Permanent Diaconate local parish and as members of the Catholic Committee on Scouting. [email protected]

Deacon Charles Reyburn, Assistant Director of Formation [email protected]

May God bless you as you discern a possible vocation to the Diaconate!

Ad Altare Dei recipients from Bakersfield led by Maria Brown, Jeff Fulfer and Jeff Rasmussen. The Boy Scouts are William Brown, Cory Chianello, James Fulfer, Tiberius Hernandez, Darius Picar, Joshua Rasmussen and Jack Schuyler. Jeff Fulfer with Bishop Ochoa and Scout Chaplain Fr. Gregory Beaumont

Maria Brown with Bishop Ochoa

Light of Christ recipients for Tiger and Wolf Cub Scouts: Jayce Biltz Kaeden Biltz Christopher Boylan Samuel Dubbels Fisher Galan Nicholas Garcia Wylie Lovas Jack Lucas Keagan O’Leary Nathan Origel Samuel Pardun Jude Reinhold Sam Santillian Charlie Underdown Marek Yaksitch Andrew Zaninovich John Zanoni Parvuli Dei recipients for Cub Scouts who have completed the second grade: Girl Scout Community Service Cristian Camou Wesley Linden James Paddock Awards led by Lydia Irwin: Joseph Duran Matthew Lopez Jeffery Pardun Sierra Irwin* Anthony Felipe Daniel Lovas Isaac Patel Litzie Muniz Robert Felipe Nathan Martinez Benjamin Rogado Kelly Owen* Jacob Gaeta Maxx Muldoon Michael Russo Julianna Silva Dominic George Erik Ortiz Benjamin White *Silver Awardees Chase Kirschenmann

Central California Catholic Life April 2017 9 News from the Office of Formation and Evangelization + Noticias de la Oficina de Formación y Evangelización Missionary Discipleship in our Backyard FIVE WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS Discípulos Misioneros en el Barrio CINCO MANERAS DE MANEJAR EL ESTRÉS FAMILIAR Sr. Joanne Bauer, C.S.C., Family Life Coordinator

When we talk about discipleship, most of the time our minds go directly to Family Life Ministry in collaboration with St. Joseph Counseling Center of- people serving and helping the Church in ministry, or who serve the needy. fered in Spanish the first of several workshops, “Five Ways to Manage Stress”, Anyone doing anything related to the Church is seen as being a disciple, at St. Anthony Claret on Feb. 7, 2017. This 1 ½ hour pilot program is cur- especially those for whom their career is also their life’s mission. Working fulltime for the Church becomes a ministry in itself. rently being offered to Fresno Rural and Metro vicariate parishes in either Spanish or English. In the above photos pastor Fr. Art Gramaje welcomes But what about the many people who have secular jobs, but are also living presenters/counselors Rufina Sandoval, MSW, LCSW and Susan Amador, out their faith and their call to serve through their work? Think of the pro- MS, LMFT. fessional chef who donates his/her time to cook for the homeless once a week, or the corner store owner who gives away rosaries to people who El Ministerio de Vida y Familia en colaboración con St. Joseph Counseling seem like they need prayer. Even that store clerk who greets you with an Center ofreció el primero de varios talleres en español, “Cinco Maneras de enthusiastic “Hello”, and as you leave wishes you a blessed day! Manejar el Estrés”, en la Parroquia de San Antonio Claret el 7 de Febrero,

We are looking for your story. Are you someone who works in a non- 2017. Este programa piloto de hora y media está actualmente siendo ofreci- church position, but has found a way to live out your faith daily? Does your do a las parroquias de los Vicariatos de Fresno Rural y Fresno Metro ya sea work involve a work of mercy that brings you closer to God in prayer? Are en ingles o español. En las fotografías de arriba el pastor Padre Art Gra- you able to share the training you received for work with a faith commu- maje dando la bienvenida a los presentadores/consejeros Rufina Sandoval, nity? MSW, LCSW y Susan Amador, MS, LMFT.

Share your story with us! Submit a one to two page testimony of how you live your faith. We would love to feature stories throughout the year in our office newsletter, on Facebook or through our diocesan newspaper. For a submission form, please see the diocesan website, on the Formation and Evangelization page. www.dioceseoffresno.org

Cuando hablamos de discipulado, la mayoría de las veces pensamos en las personas que ayudan y sirven a la Iglesia en el ministerio, o quienes sir- ven a los necesitados. Cualquier persona haciendo cualquier cosa relacio- nada con la Iglesia es visto como un discípulo, especialmente aquellos pa- ra quienes su carrera es también su misión en la vida. Trabajar tiempo completo para la Iglesia llega a ser en sí mismo un ministerio.

¿Pero qué hay de tanta gente que tiene trabajos seculares, sin embargo están también viviendo su fe y su llamado a servir a través de su trabajo? Piensa en el cocinero profesional que dona su tiempo para cocinar para los pobres una vez a la semana, o el dueño de la tienda de la esquina que regala rosarios a la gente que parece necesitar oración. Aun el dependien- te de la tienda que te saluda con un entusiasmado “Hola”, y mientras te marchas te desea que tengas un día bendecido.

Estamos buscando tu historia. ¿Eres alguien que trabaja en una posición que no es de la iglesia, pero has encontrado una manera de vivir tu fe di- ariamente? ¿Tu trabajo involucra una obra de misericordia que te acerca más a Dios en la oración? ¿Eres capaz de compartir el entrenamiento que recibes para trabajar con una comunidad de fe?

¡Comparte tu historia con nosotros! Presenta una o dos hojas de testimonio sobre como vives tu fe. Nos encantaría presentar histo- rias a lo largo del año en el boletín informativo de nuestra oficina, en Fa- cebook o a través de nuestro periódico diocesano. Para obtener un formu- lario de envío, por favor visita la pagina del Formación y Evangelización en el sitio web diocesano. www.dioceseoffresno.org

2017 WORLD MARRIAGE DAY with Msgr. Raymond Dreiling DIA MUNDIAL DEL MATRIMONIO 2017 con Monseñor Raymond Happy Easter Everyone! Jesus Christ is Risen! Dreiling Gloria Garibay, Media Center Secretary

The Easter Season is a time of hope and inner spiritual renewal. Here are some resources that will help us reshape and change our hearts to a deeper understanding of God’s mercy so we can be renewed this Easter!

Lent and Easter Wisdom with Pope Francis

While Lent might feel like it is only about our regrets, suffer- ings, and disappointments, Pope Francis tells us Lent means much more. With great compassion and mercy, he helps us break free of despair. Here we find our greatest hope, lifting us up until Easter arrives. Reflect on the powerful words of Pope Francis and the accompanying Scripture, prayer, and action every day of the Lenten and Easter season.

Hopeful Meditations for Every Day of Easter through Pentecost Are you or someone you By Rev. Warren J. Savage & Mary Ann McSweeny know interested in World Youth Day 2019 in Panama? Our imagination allows us to experience the joy and excitement surround- ing the resurrection of Jesus! Our imagination also opens up a way for us Are you planning on organiz- to understand what it means to be Christian witnesses in the world today. ing a group from your parish to attend?

Tiempo para Dios, por P.J. Eduardo González Please submit your email

Estamos ante la puerta del sepulcro. Hemos llegado…sucios, re- address to the Office of For- vestidos de miedos y de incertidumbres. Con todo, nos sabemos mation and Evangelization amados y abrazados por el Dios misericordioso que nos abre los for the latest information on ojos. World Youth Day!

10 April 2017 Central California Catholic Life News from the Office of Formation and Evangelization + Noticias de la Oficina de Formación y Evangelización

V ENCUENTRO V ENCUENTRO, proclamando la resurrección de nuestro Proclaiming our Lord’s Resurrection with Actions Señor con gestos y obras Brenda Noriega, Hispanic Ministry Coordinator Brenda Noriega, Coordinadora del Ministerio Hispano

The Gospel of Luke gives us an idea of how disciples felt after the crucifixion El Evangelio de San Lucas nos da una idea de cómo se sentían los discípulos of their master, the murder of their beloved and in which they placed their después de la crucifixión de su maestro, el asesinato de aquel en el que de- hopes. After the crucifixion, the disciples probably spent a few days hiding for positaban sus esperanzas y al que amaban. Los discípulos pasaron probable- fear of being persecuted. In those days, they probably talked about the uncer- mente unos días escondidos por temor a ser perseguidos y consolándose los tain future of their communities and consoled each other. If we put ourselves unos a los otros, además de probablemente dialogar sobre el futuro incierto in their shoes, I believe that we will all come to the conclusion that our reac- de sus comunidades. Si nos ponemos en los zapatos de los discípulos, creo tion could not be less bereaved and frightened. que llegaremos todos a la conclusión de que nosotros no reaccionaríamos ni un poquito menos desconsolados y atemorizados. The same feeling of fear and despair is quite tangible nowadays, especially among the immigrants and refugees and those who are persecuted due to Este mismo sentimiento de miedo y desesperanza es bastante tangible hoy their faith. The fear in our communities is undeniable, we only need to pause en día, especialmente entre los inmigrantes y refugiados y aquellos que son our busy life and without prejudices and indifference observe around us and perseguidos por su fe. El miedo en nuestras comunidades por diferentes pay attention to the news in order to realize how much fear and suffering razones es innegable, sólo basta detenernos un poco en nuestra vida ajetrea- there is in our backyard. We will be able to notice the suffering of others by da y sin prejuicios e indiferencia observar a nuestro alrededor y escuchar las doing what Jesus models us on The Road to noticias. Nos daremos cuenta del dolor de otros si hacemos lo que Jesús Emmaus: nos modela en el Camino a Emaús:

“And it happened that while they were con- “Mientras conversaban y discutían, Jesús en persona se les acercó y se pu- versing and debating, Jesus himself drew so a caminar con ellos, pero algo impedía que sus ojos lo reconocieran. Él near and walked with them, but their eyes les dijo: « ¿De qué van discutiendo por el camino?» Se detuvieron, y pa- were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you recían muy desanimados.” (Lucas 24, 15-17) walk along?” They stopped, looking down- cast.” (Luke 24, 15-17) Jesús primero observó a lo lejos y después se acercó. Una vez cerca les pre- guntó sobre lo que hablaban. La primera acción de Jesús es observar y des- Jesus first observed at the distance and then approached. Once near he asked pués preguntar. Jesús no hace ninguna declaración ni comienza a hablarles them about what they were talking about. The first action Jesus took was to de las Escrituras o les revela inmediatamente que ha resucitado. Jesús da el observe and then ask. Jesus makes no declaration or begins to speak of the primer paso de acercarse a escucharlos tomándolos desde donde están, el Scriptures or immediately reveals that He has risen. Jesus takes the first step to listen to them and approaching them taking them from where they are, dolor y desconsuelo. Después, nos relata San Lucas, continúa acompañán- pain and grieving. Then, according to St. Luke, he continuous accompanying dolos y no desaparece de su vista hasta que estos lo reconocen en el partir them and does not disappear from their sight until they recognized him in the del pan. Jesús no desaparece hasta que sus corazones arden “«¿No sentía- breaking of the bread. Jesus does not disappear until their hearts burned mos arder nuestro corazón cuando nos hablaba en el camino y nos explica- within them “Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” (Luke 24, 32) ba las Escrituras?» (Lucas 24, 32). Este partir del pan es un símbolo de comunión, de comunidad. Nosotros This breaking of bread is a symbol of communion, of community. We are somos llamados a imitar a Cristo. Digamos todos ¡Aleluya, Aleluya, el Señor called to imitate Christ. Let us say “Alleluia, Alleluia, the Lord is risen!” Let us resucitó! Digámoslo con nuestras acciones siendo discípulos misioneros al say it with our actions being missionary disciples. Let us say it getting closer acercarnos a nuestros hermanos y preguntarles de qué vienen hablando y to our brothers and sisters asking them “What are you talking about? What acompañándolos en su caminar de fe tomándolos desde donde están. Cree- hurts you? What worries you?” Then, accompanying them in their journey of mos hogares, ministerios y parroquias donde todos se sientan bienvenidos, faith taking them from where they are. Let us build homes, ministries and apreciados y acogidos. parishes where all feel welcome, appreciated, and protected. Una herramienta en nuestra Diócesis para comenzar el aprendizaje para ser A tool in our diocese to begin learning missionary discipleship is the National discípulos misioneros es el Proceso Nacional del V Encuentro. Los equipos Process of V Encuentro. The V Encuentro parish teams from the 43 parishes parroquiales de las 43 parroquias participantes ya han sido entrenados para participating in the process of encounter have already been trained to carry llevar a cabo este proceso en sus parroquias. Cada parroquia tendrá cinco out this process in their parishes. Each parish will have 5 sessions on mission- sesiones sobre el discipulado misionero y nuestro llamado bautismal con ary discipleship and our baptismal call with spirituality based on The Road to una mística basada en El Camino a Emaús. Emmaus. Algunas parroquias como San Judas en Livingston, San Antonio en Atwater Some parishes such as St. Jude’s in Livingston, St. Anthony’s in Atwater, Sa- Sagrado Corazón en Bakersfield y San Antonio de Padua en Reedley comen- cred Heart in Bakersfield, and St. Anthony of Padua in Reedley began their zaron su proceso en Marzo. Más sin embargo, aún hay tiempo para unirse a process with their first session during March. However, there is still time to este proceso de cinco sesiones de aprendizaje sobre el discipulado misionero join the five-session process on missionary discipleship in your parish. Please en sus parroquias. Para ver el calendario de las sesiones de V Encuentro en visit our Diocesan website, www.dioceseoffresno.org, or find us on FaceBook parroquias visite la página diocesana, www.dioceseoffresno.org, o búsque- at "Diocese of Fresno V Encuentro" to find the calendar of the Fifth Encounter nos en FaceBook “Diocese of Fresno V Encuentro”. sessions at your parish or the nearest by you.

Central California Catholic Life April 2017 11 News from the Office of Formation and Evangelization + Noticias de la Oficina de Formación y Evangelización NEWS FROM YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY Neophyte Mass Katrina Flores, Coordinator Josie Longoria, School of Ministry Coordinator Hello Diocese of Fresno. I wanted to tell you about some of the events and The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA, is a treasured part of our projects that have been underway here with Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Easter season. Those received into the Church at the Easter Vigil or during the Easter season will continue their spiritual journey through a period of Vicariate Gatherings post baptismal catechesis or Mystagogy. As fully initiated members of our My goal is to reach out to all of the Youth and Young Adult Leaders in our Church, they now share in the joy of part of a community who welcomes them diocese on a regular basis and have begun having Vicariate gatherings. So far with open arms. we’ve had six vicariate Gatherings and have one more scheduled in April. It is my hope that we can better support each other and share resources/events We invite the neophytes (newly baptized) and newly received and amongst our youth and young adult leaders so that we can better serve our their families to join Bishop Armando X. Ochoa for the Neophyte youth and young adults. The goal is to have these gatherings quarterly in Mass on Saturday, June 24, 2017, 3:00 pm at St. Anne’s Chapel, each Vicariate. Fresno. Following the Mass there will be a reception and opportunity to join in fellowship with Bishop Armando X. Ochoa. One Life L.A. We had approximately 55 people on the bus that made three pickups: For questions concerning the Neophyte Mass please contact Josie Longoria Merced, Fresno, Bakersfield, to head down to One Life L.A. where we met up or Grace Alston at the School of Ministry at (559) 488-7474. with Bishop Armando X. Ochoa and celebrated all life. The music and speak- Misa Neófita ers were incredible as they shared their testimonies of faith and support for life. Josie Longoria, Coordinadora de la Escuela de Ministerios

El Rito de Iniciación Cristiana para Adultos, o RICA, es una parte valiosa de nuestra temporada de Pascua. Aquellos recibidos en la Iglesia en la Vigilia Pascual o durante la temporada de Semana Santa continuarán su trayectoria espiritual a través de un período de catequesis post bautismal o Mistagogía. Como miembros de nuestra Iglesia plenamente iniciados, ellos ahora com- parten en la alegría como parte de una comunidad que les da la bienvenida con los brazos abiertos.

Invitamos a los Neófitos (recién bautizados) y recién recibidos y a sus familias a unirse al Obispo Armando Ochoa en la Misa Neófita en sábado, 24 de Junio, 2017, a las 3:00 pm en la Capilla de Santa Our Diocesan Group Holy Family Youth, Kingsburg Ana, Fresno. Después de la Misa habrá una recepción y la oportunidad de reunirse en camaradería con el Obispo Armando X. Ochoa. Los Angeles Youth Day Para preguntas concernientes a la Misa Neófita por favor contacte a Josie I had the opportunity to check out the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ Youth Longoria o Grace Alston en la Escuela de Ministerios (559) 488-7474. Day. It was wonderful seeing the youth-filled Masses and talks relevant to our young people. I had the opportunity to meet up with four of the five par- ishes that attended: (pictured below in top row) St. Joseph’s in Bakersfield, ROSIE RECOMMENDS… St. Ann’s in Ridgecrest, (pictured below in bottom row) Our Lady of Lourdes Looking for something good to watch on TV or a good book to read? Search in Corcoran, and St. John’s Cathedral that also included youth from St. Pat- rick’s in Merced. no more: just tune in to Rosie Recommends! KNXT-TV is airing short recorded clips of Rosie Hernandez, Director for the Office of Formation and Evangelization, giving recommendations on books and movies for all ages. In addition, more complete recommendations are included in her blog of the same name, found on our diocesan website at www.dioceseoffresno.org/rosie-recommends.

Check out the latest edition, which includes reviews of “Silence”, “The Isle of the Lost: a Descendants Book”, and “Amish Grace”. All three are both book and movie, for different ages and audiences.

If you have any suggestions on books or movies to review, submit them to [email protected].

And make sure to check out what Rosie Recommends!

SAVE THE DATE: Adoremus On Friday, April 21st at 7pm, we will be having a special Adoremus to cele- brate Christ’s resurrection at Easter. Following Adoremus, we will have a social with hors d'oeuvres in the dining hall in the Diocesan Pastoral Cen- ter along with music for dancing. This will also be a bilingual Adoremus, which means the music, Exposition, and Benediction will be done in Eng- lish, Spanish, and of course Latin.

12 April 2017 Central California Catholic Life The Epidemic That Is Affecting Society, Is There Hope for a Cure? Message from Mona Faulkner, Superintendent of Diocesan by Robert Grizzell, Seminarian - College IV Catholic Schools

Did you know that two of the greatest issues affecting our society today Prior to the Lenten season each year, the Office of Catholic Educa- (including our domestic church and Family Life) are pornography and sex traf- tion offers a day-long retreat for all of our Catholic school principals. ficking? This retreat is held at St. Anthony’s Retreat Center in Three Rivers and Porn increased marital infidelity by 300% (WebRoot). The issue with begins at noon on Thursday through lunch on Friday. While it is hard for pornography affects marriage by traumatizing the person, by objectifying the our principals to tear themselves away from their many responsibilities at significant other, making the person an object of pleasure. It’s shocking to think their individual schools, this small bit of time gives each person a chance that this manipulative disease can start in a child’s life at the age of 11. (www. to relax and reclaim some of his or her closeness to God through talks, fightthenewdrug.org) Pornographic material manipulates the minds of people and changes their psyche. Porn affects the way both men and women look at prayer and social time with colleagues. each other. It changes the brain and leads people to use their new way of think- This year, our Retreat Director was Mr. Vernon Robertson. The focus ing to manipulate those around them into a sexual object, which demeans their of his talks was how to pray for our schools, our families and our stu- view of the human person and causes immoral acts to be performed for self dents. In preparation for Lent, young Catholic school children learn about gratification. Porn has such a harmful effect that it also affects people’s rela- sacrifice by giving up something that they really like such as candy. The tionships with their wives, girlfriends, and relatives. older children are taught to perhaps look a bit deeper into the meaning of Porn is also instrumental in the industry sacrifice by offering to give of their time to someone in need, to abstain of sex trafficking. With the porn industry al- from gossiping about a certain person or by including everyone in an ready affecting the attitudes men and women activity. Mr. Robertson, however, shared another way to deepen our rela- have toward each other, porn now challenges tionship with Christ through fasting. their sense of morals to the extent that they Principals took these suggestions home with them and have now are willing to sell their friends, neighbors, or even family into sex for money to buy more shared them with their faculties, parent groups and boards. May each of pornographic material, or to get more sensual us understand the true meaning of Lent and the opportunity we are given, satisfaction from other sources. The truth once again, to grow closer to Christ. lies in the money. With statistics as recent as in the year 2016, a shocking fact is that child porn is a $3 billion industry. Fast from judging others, Feast on the Christ dwelling in them. (TopTenReviews.com) That’s not taking into account the thousands of young Fast from emphasis on differences, Feast on the unity of adults who are induced into the porn industry! Even though child porn is a $3 life. billion industry, porn itself is a global, $97 billion industry, with $12 billion of Fast from apparent darkness, Feast on the reality of light. that coming from the U.S. (NBC News) Could you have imagined that 12% of Fast from thoughts of illness. Feast on the healing power of God. the world’s porn revenue comes from the USA? It is also hard to imagine that, Fast from words that pollute, Feast on words that purify. with the cultural norm of such a hard working society like the United States, Fast from discontent. Feast on gratitude. American citizens can spend more than 4,599,000,000 hours watching porn in 2016 alone. (PH Analytics) With this wide spread epidemic, is there a hope for Fast from anger. Feast on patience. a cure? Fast from pessimism, Feast on optimism. Yes! There is hope and there are Fast from worry, Feast on the Divine Providence. some organizations out there that help Fast from complaining, Feast on appreciation. in the area of porn addiction and sex Fast from negatives, Feast on affirmatives. trafficking. Fight the New Drug has Fast from unrelenting pleasures, Feast on unceasing prayer. received major support from teens, Fast from hostility, Feast on peace. youth, young adults, parents, and Fast from bitterness, Feast on forgiveness. other organizations as well. It has Fast from self-concern, Feast on compassion for others. raised major support in its fundrais- Fast from personal anxiety, Feast on trust. ing to bring awareness of the harmful Fast from discouragement, Feast on hope. effects of porn and to expose the porn industry itself. Fight the New Drug Fast from acts that tear down, Feast on acts which build up. has a program called Fortify: a web- Fast from thoughts that weaken, Feast on promises that inspire. based program of short video lessons Fast from idle gossip, Feast on purposeful silence. and activities designed to educate and Fast from problems, which overwhelm, Feast on prayer that empower individuals seeking to find undergirds. freedom from pornography. It is developed by a team of professionals includ- ing psychologists, neurologists, therapists and other mental health experts. spiritual and physical torture for the adult film stars and the viewers of the films. (www.fightthenewdrug.org) This program, free for teens, can really help with Pornography and sex trafficking is a global phenomenon. It crosses religious, porn addiction. Youth from around the country have been sporting the t-shirts cultural, and geographic boundaries. It ends up hurting children, destroying to support its cause. families, and ruining our future. If you or someone you know is suffering from A second group that is fighting porn and the sex trafficking industry is The the effects of pornography or sex trafficking, don’t be afraid. You are not alone Pink Cross Foundation. It was founded by Shelley Lubben, a former adult film in your struggles. Millions of people are going through exactly what you are star. Shelley founded this organization to help support women and men who are going through. Organizations such as “Fight the New Drug” and “The Pink stuck in the life of prostitution and sex trafficking. Ms. Lubben understands the Cross Foundation” are not miraculous, but they can help us to improve our so- clear connection between pornography and the sex trafficking industry. Porn ciety to eliminate the new drug, establish safer environment, and create a better formulates a false sense of pleasure in the films and establishes a life of pure future for all.

DOUBLE TREE HOTEL – VENTURA ST., FRESNO, CA REGISTRATION FEE: $50/ADULT; $95 MARRIED COUPLES SPEAKERS: FR. BILL CASEY, FR. STAN FORTUNA, FR. CHARLES LUERAS, FR. JOSE ROBLES SANCHEZ, FR. ROBERT BARCELOS (invited)

SEPTEMBER 23, 2017 YOUTH MARIAN EUCHARISTIC CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEE: $25 (includes lunch) EVENTS FOR 2017 STARTS AT 8:00 am ENDS AT 5:00 pm EVERY FRIDAY EXCEPT DURING HOLIDAYS SPEAKERS: FR. STAN FORTUNA, FR. JOSE ROBLES SANCHEZ STARTS WITH THE ROSARY AND CHAPLET OF MERCY AT 6:45 pm ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA - ROOM 23 – MAROA AVE. FRESNO, CA. SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 8, 2017 CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP STARTS AT 7:30 pm SCANDINAVIA, ST. PETERSBURG CRUISE/TOUR ANNUAL HEALING RETREAT SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR: MSGR. PATRICK Mc CORMICK COST VARIES ON TYPE OF CABIN: IA-$3,199 ID-$3,169, OC-$3,579 AUGUST 11-13, 2017 OA-$3,649, BD-$3,879, BA-$3,899 RETREAT MASTER – FR. JAMES BLOUNT, S.O.L.T. ST. ANTHONY RETREAT CENTER – THREE RIVERS, CA. DECEMBER 8-10, 2017 REGISTRATION: $200/DOUBLE OCCUPANCY ADVENT RETREAT ST. ANTHONY RETREAT CENTER – THREE RIVERS, CA SEPTEMBER 23-24, 2017 RETREAT MASTER: TO BE ANNOUNCED MARIAN EUCHARISTIC CONFERENCE COST: $200/PERSON ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY Central California Catholic Life April 2017 13 Does God exist? Resurrection Means Helping Others by Fr. Jim Rude, SJ The Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court St. John’s Cathedral, #2526 Easter is the great day when we celebrate with submitted by Mary V. Harguindeguy so many of our friends. And this means that Lent is a time when we should try to remember all our friends. But there is another more basic thing we have to do. Easter is our celebration of that incredible mo- ment when Jesus rose from death as a human be- ing. So then we have to ask ourselves: Does God exist? Yes! How do I know? God is a reality in my life. How do I know this? Perhaps ironically my sense of hope leads me to believe it, for my sense of hope depends on a number of experiences. I hope for something I know beyond what I know. There are moments of sheer ecstasy in my life. Moments when I could scream to the heavens for the ab- solute delight of one experience or another. And those experiences have to do Items were given to the Rescue Mission Shelter for women with children with my relations with other people, whom I mention now.

Together P and A and M and I are united one in the commonality of our common background and experiences. Together S and S and I have accepted a deep embrace. Together J and J and I can so easily relax in the ease of sharing. Together G and I opened doors of love. Together S and I started low and ended high. Together A and I cooperate in love despite different levels. Together T and M and I work from a sense of love. Together D and I are able to sense an extraordinary affection for one another. Together S and T and I simply thrill at the enrichment of people around us. Together D and D and I watch growth that in some way we are each responsible for and marvel at. Together O and I found open doors of love. All the baby items that were bought Together J and N and I share a love that goes back to high school. Together S and I can agree and disagree in love. Together M and I sit amazed at growth. Together M and M and I rejoice in multiple years of love. Together R and B and I thrill at our differences. Together D and J and I share love that has grown amazingly. Together C and I agree and agree to disagree. Together H and I shared an amazement that is full of love. Together M and D and I have been dazzled with care. Together M and P and I were amazed at the greatness of love. Together G and I were opened to a world of incredible love. Together P and O and I found a creativeness that was amazingly full of love. Together A and I share differences with love. Together T and I worked together in Hollywood where there was much love. Together V and I shared our Hollywood hopes. We were able to buy MANY boxes of diapers Together T and I ended in love despite a beginning. Together R and I share confusions, cooperation and much love. Together J and I shared a wonderful openness to the world of beauty. Together B and D and I are separate and together in love. Together R and I are stunned by creativity. Together W and G and I have worked with so much beauty. Together B and B and I love the town we work in. Together L and L and I admire the work we do. Together E and I found love in a world that was loveless.

All of these moments are special, each different, each so very rich, and yet they only indicate that there has to be more. They are a presence to me of a presence that calls me and pulls me to the fullness of that presence. I know it not. I fathom it in no way. But it is real and it is there. It touches me. It inflames me. It teases me to more. Is this all my imagination? No. It is all too ecstatic to be imagined. It is Here we took baby blankets & bottles to the real. Then there is something, or someone, or Someone who is there and there managing all this. I believe. NICCU (Newborn and Infant Critical Care Unit) I don’t know how not to believe. What else can I say?

Let us celebrate together, all the women and all the men! Items were given to the Pregnancy Center

14 April 2017 Central California Catholic Life St. La Salle School Boys Varsity Basketball Team Won the Championship Easter submitted by Angelita Lazaro Easter

Sunrise Service

A Community worship service will be held A Community worship service will be held outside (weather permitting) at outside (weather permitting) at St. Anthony Retreat Center Congratulations to the Reedley St. La Salle School Boys Varsity St. Anthony Retreat Center 8th grade Basketball team that won the championship in the Parochial 6:30 a.m. Sunday, April 16, 2017 Schools Athletic League (PAL) 46th Annual Tournament held on Febru- 6:30 a.m. Sunday, April 16, 2017 ary 12, 2017. All local Three River Churches and their congregations are Congratulations also to the St. La Salle School Girls Varsity Basket- All local Three River Churches and their congregations are ball team that was awarded the Sportsmanship Award. MVP award was invited to attend. A collection will be taken during the given to Evan Leal, and the All-Tournament awards were to given Hunter invited to attend. A collection will be taken during the Gobby and Henry Colbert. service for the TR Bread Pantry. service for the TR Bread Pantry. Photo Credit: Frankie Leal

Children’s Poverty in Central Valley Following the service a delicious breakfast by Rev. James Torrens, SJ Followingwill be served. the service Donation a delicious of $15 breakfast for I recently ventured to Tulare for the annual Ag Expo, claiming to be the will be served. Donation of $15 for world’s largest annual showcase for everything to do with farm and dairy and adults and $8 for children. ranch. There was a tremendous turnout to view all the advanced equipment Proceeds adults and from $8 the for breakfastchildren. will be along with San Joaquin Valley products. The Expo could not, however, high- Proceeds from the breakfast will be light what still makes the cornucopia possible, its great population of farmhands used for the summer vacation bible school. from Mexico. A majority are indigenous, from Oaxaca and Guerrero states, used for the summer vacation bible school. prized for their love of the earth and the supple handiwork of their women. About 70% of those in the field lack documents. Mass: St. Clair's Catholic Mission, 9 AM Despite the abundance they produce, these farmworkers, including those Mass: St. Clair's Catholic Mission, 9 AM settled in small towns, struggle to feed themselves. Almost half of Latino chil- dren in the Valley live in concentrated poverty (the estimate is 60% for Black Three Ways to Obtain an Indulgence children). Fresno, the aggie capital, ranks just after Cleveland and Detroit for its submitted by www.catholicnewsagency.com percent of populace below the federal poverty level. The fields and many parts of towns are “food deserts,” places without access to real grocery stores. To re- For the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima in spond to hunger, some churches have pantries, and the Community Food Bank Portugal, Pope Francis has decided to grant a plenary indulgence opportunity distributes widely, though its processed food is no bulwark against obesity. throughout the entire anniversary year, which began Nov. 27, 2016, and will end Children’s health, in fact, runs a gamut of stresses, starting with tensions at Nov. 26, 2017. home and gang violence, plus contaminated air and pesticide drift. A quarter of The Executive Secretary of the Rectory of the Fatima Shrine in Portugal, the children have asthma, with visits often to emergency rooms. And one in four André Pereira, explained to CNA that the plenary indulgence can be obtained school sites in the Valley is judged to have unsafe drinking water. Education for during the entire Jubilee Year. There are three ways of obtaining the indulgence, the immigrants lags as well, starting with low enrollment in pre-kindergarten up detailed in a statement on the shrine’s website. to notable deficiency at some secondary schools. To obtain the plenary indulgence, the faithful must also fulfill the ordinary “Urgent” has to be stamped large over the above. These, along with decent conditions: go to Confession and Communion, be interiorly detached from sin, housing, are the developmental needs of those without whom no farming and and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father. ranching in the Valley is conceivable. To such immense needs the Catholics of 1. Make a pilgrimage to the shrine Fresno do respond through admirable charities, and by their strength in religious The first way is for “the faithful to make a pilgrimage to the Fatima Shrine in education, with an ample corps of catechists. But popular education is outside Portugal and participate in a celebration or prayer dedicated to the Virgin.” Catholic reach; the Fresno diocese has but a limited string of schools struggling In addition, the faithful must pray the Our Father, recite the Creed, and to meet expenses. invoke the Mother of God. Now, at this moment, Urgency has to take a back seat to Emergency. The 2. Pray before any statue of Our Lady of Fatima prospect of round-up and deportation of the undocumented has been made real. The second way applies to “the pious faithful who visit with devotion a Presidential purpose, the assault on “lawless chaos,” has spawned incursions of statue of Our Lady of Fatima solemnly exposed for public veneration in any ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) into homes and random grabs of church, oratory or proper place during the days people without papers. Many in the target group fear to step outside home. They of the anniversary of the apparitions, the 13th of are advised, if agents come, “Don’t say a word, don’t open your door a crack each month from May to October (2017), and or the foot will come in.” They avoid buses. Children who are citizens not only there devoutly participate in some celebration or dread the deportation of parents, at school they undergo heckling and bullying prayer in honor of the Virgin Mary.” for being who they are. Regarding this second way, the rector of the Such is the storm blown into the Central Valley. With what response? The Fatima Shrine told CNA that the visit to the new mayor of Fresno, for one, finds he cannot declare a sanctuary city but will statue of the Virgin, “does not necessarily have keep the police from cooperating with ICE. But if the pinch comes, can that be to be only at Fatima or exclusively in Portugal,” counted on in a place rife with prejudice? Meanwhile the Mexicans at peril in but can be done anywhere in the world. a diocese at least 50% Latino, ask, Where is our Church? Scrambling, like ev- Those seeking an indulgence must also pray eryone else, for adequate response. The most immediate one must be to face the an Our Father, recite the Creed and invoke Our crisis from the pulpits, calling attention to it, conveying to individuals a sense of Lady of Fatima. their dignity and agency, encouraging faith in a loving Providence. 3. The elderly and infirm Faith in the Valley (FIV), a collaboration of the local churches, has opened The third way to obtain a plenary indulgence a campaign of Accompaniment and Rapid Response. They want people dar- applies to people who, because of age, illness or ing to look out for one another and acting quickly if there has been an arrest. other serious cause, are unable to get around. They expect the undocumented to be taught their rights, in the churches above These individuals can pray in front of a statue all, and legal help to be made more available. A few churches have decided on of Our Lady of Fatima and must spiritually unite sanctuary in Fresno and more are sought in the whole county. For the Catholic themselves to the jubilee celebrations on the days of the apparitions, the 13th of Church, a participant in FIV, the goal is clear: courageous Catholicism, people each month, between May and October 2017. coming out of the woodwork for generous response to their brothers and sisters They also must “offer to merciful God with confidence, through Mary, their who do such essential work but are yet to enjoy any legal standing. prayers and sufferings or the sacrifices they make in their own lives.”

Central California Catholic Life April 2017 15 In Memoriam Imam Abdl Shadid Muhammad by Jim Grant, Director, Social Justice Ministry, Diocese of Fresno

In the previous Lent edition of Central California Catholic Life (p. 4), Imam A.S. Muhammad wrote an inspiring story on the Muslim American Chaplain Asso- ciation, and why Bishop Armando X. Ochoa was chosen to receive their award for Interfaith Collaboration for his tireless efforts promoting interfaith community relation- ships, and his own direct service to institutionalized persons through chaplains and himself being proactive in serving institutional congregations. Imam Muhammad died suddenly on March 6, and as expected, many family members and Islamic prison chaplains from across the state came to Fresno to honor this beloved champion of Islamic faith and interfaith collaboration. The funeral prayers at the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno were simple and profound, but the burial at the Madera Islamic Cemetery was even more im- pressive. After my friend was laid in his grave, wrapped only in a sheet with no coffin, we all covered him with the dirt that had been extracted, and then an Imam reminded us of our need to remember Abdul Shadid in our prayers and good works so that on the Day of Judgment he will receive the eternal reward he himself believed in and hoped for during his own earthly life. I loved working with Imam on many projects, as recently as the week before his sudden passing, and will miss him dearly. The large interfaith community that was present, led by Bishop Ochoa, showed me once again the power and importance of interfaith collabora- tion, especially in today’s polarized and violent world.

Bishop’s Annual Appeal

Central California Catholic Life is published six times annually by the Roman Co-editors: Sr. Rosalie Rohrer, IHM and Fr. James Rude, SJ Catholic Diocese of Fresno, which comprises the counties of Fresno, Inyo, Kern, 1550 N. Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93703 559-488-7463 Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced and Tulare. E-mail: [email protected];or [email protected] Publisher: Most Reverend Armando X. Ochoa, D.D., Bishop, Diocese of Fresno Diocesan website: www.dioceseoffresno.org

16 April 2017 Central California Catholic Life