Pope Francis has accepted Bishop Gerald Barnes’ letter of resignation, signaling the start of Bishop Alberto Rojas’ ministry as the third Ordinary Bishop of San Bernardino.
SAN BERNARDINO– Exactly 25 years to the day after Bishop Gerald Barnes was appointed to be the second Bishop of San Bernardino, the Vatican announced that his retirement has been accepted by Pope Francis and his successor, Bishop Alberto Rojas, now assumes leadership of the nation’s fifth largest diocese. A statement released by the Vatican Press Office early Monday morning declared that “the Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the Diocese of San Bernardino, United States of America, presented by Bishop Gerald Richard Barnes. He is succeeded by Bishop Alberto Rojas, until now coadjutor of the same diocese.” The announcement automatically triggered the installation of Bishop Rojas as the Ordinary Bishop of the Diocese of San Bernardino. An Ordinary Bishop assumes full responsibility for the teaching, sanctifying, and governing of a diocese, and reports only to the Holy Father. Bishop Rojas was announced as the Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese on December 2, 2019. A Coadjutor Bishop works alongside the Ordinary Bishop for a period of time before succeeding him upon his retirement. “In God’s name and forever grateful, I begin my ministry in the Diocese of San Bernardino as Ordinary Bishop,” Bishop Rojas said in a recorded message to the faithful released Monday. “While continuing to listen and learn more about our large and diverse Diocese, I would like to build on the momentum that is clearly present here.” Per Church law, Bishop Barnes submitted his letter of resignation to Pope Francis last June 22, his 75th birthday. He had been informed by the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, that his time as Ordinary Bishop of San Bernardino would be extended up to a year beyond his retirement age. Bishop Barnes released a statement Monday on his retirement, expressing gratitude for his years leading and working with the local Catholic community. He now holds the title Bishop Emeritus of San Bernardino. “Thank you for all you have shared with me,” he said. “Thank you for your prayers, your support, the sharing of your gifts and for your constructive criticism. “I move on now to retirement and with you I greet our new leader, Bishop Alberto Rojas. May he experience the joy, the faith and the hope that our Diocese has to offer, and may we all continue to impact family, neighborhood and society with the Gospel so that people’s lives are filled with hope.” At the time of his retirement, Bishop Barnes was the longest serving bishop in a single diocese in the United States. A native of East Los Angeles, he served as a priest in the Archdiocese of San Antonio for 17 years before returning to Southern California to become the first Auxiliary Bishop of the young Diocese of San Bernardino in 1992. Three years later he succeeded Bishop Phillip Straling to become the second Ordinary Bishop in the history of the Diocese. Under Bishop Barnes’ leadership, the Diocese of San Bernardino became nationally recognized for its development of adult faith formation and education programs, the integration of diverse cultures into the life and leadership of the local Church, and for the implementation of comprehensive policies and actions to address and prevent the sexual abuse of minors by clergy and lay church employees. Bishop Barnes also has played a prominent role in the U.S. Catholic Church’s advocacy for comprehensive reform of federal immigration law. He served as Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee of Migration and Refugee Service from 2004-2007. Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, offered praise and prayers for both bishops on the day of the announcement. “I want to personally thank Bishop Barnes for his ministry, and I wish him many happy years of prayer and service as he continues his priestly ministry in his retirement,” Archbishop Gomez said in a statement. “As he begins his new ministry, I entrust Bishop Rojas to the tender heart of Our Lady Guadalupe. May she watch over him and help him in his mission to share the love of God and his mercy.” Bishop Rojas takes the reins of the Diocese after a tumultuous year caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. The 93 parishes of the Diocese have been unable since March of 2020 to hold Mass in their churches at full capacity. This has interrupted the traditional flow of income to the parishes and the Diocese – the weekly collections taken at Mass. As a result, some parishes and Catholic schools have had to lay off employees and the Diocese has instituted a weekly furlough program to cut costs. In his message, Bishop Rojas acknowledged the difficulties facing the Diocese as he begins his time as Ordinary Bishop. He said the dynamism of the people of the Diocese and his own experience of faith will help carry the Diocese. “In my years of ministry, from the seminary days to serving as priest and then as a bishop in Chicago, I have encountered many new challenges,” he said. “I have always trusted in God’s plan for me to serve His Church, and that He will give me all that I need to do his work. When I reflect on this, I have great joy and hope for our future together sisters and brothers!” An Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Chicago for eight years prior to coming to San Bernardino, Bishop Rojas began his ministry in the Diocese in February 2020. Despite the emergence of the pandemic just a month later, Bishop Rojas established a leadership presence in the Diocese throughout 2020, traveling to parishes to celebrate weekend Masses, confirming thousands of young Catholics during the summer months, ordaining permanent deacons and, recently, Transitional Deacon Ian Hollick. Bishop Rojas also established a strong digital presence in his first year in the Diocese. Along with Bishop Barnes, he offered a weekly livestreamed Mass from the diocesan seminary during the months that local churches were completely closed; he led a livestream of the Re-Consecration of the Diocese to the Blessed Virgin Mary; released video recordings of himself praying the Rosary, offered video messages of encouragement (along with Bishop Barnes) regarding the pandemic; and released weekly multi-media reflections during the Season of Advent. Bishop Rojas was born in Aguascalientes, Mexico and emigrated to the United States in 1994 to complete his seminary formation at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois. He was ordained a priest in 1997, working in parish ministry and then as a teacher at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary. He was ordained a bishop in 2011, serving Episcopal Vicar in Vicariate III and then Vicariate I. He has fulfilled a number of key assignments on national committees for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) including Hispanic Affairs, Liturgy, Catholic Home Missions and, most recently, as lead bishop for Region VII of the V Encuentro, a reflection and dialogue of the U.S. Church on the growing prominence of Hispanics in the Church. |
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Get in the Christmas Spirit! Christmas Carols from the latest sing-along:
White Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Little Drummer Boy, Winter Wonderland & Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
https://paularaul1.smugmug.com/Sing-Along-1214-Short
White Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Little Drummer Boy, Winter Wonderland & Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
https://paularaul1.smugmug.com/Sing-Along-1214-Short
Christmas Concert Links
https://paularaul1.smugmug.com/2020-Virtual-Christmas-Concert-Joyful-Noise/2020-Virtual-Christmas-Concert-Part-1/n-t9kVMG
https://paularaul1.smugmug.com/2020-Virtual-Christmas-Concert-Joyful-Noise/2020-Virtual-Christmas-Concert-Part-2/n-B89NmX
https://paularaul1.smugmug.com/2020-Virtual-Christmas-Concert-Joyful-Noise/2020-Virtual-Christmas-Concert-Part-2/n-B89NmX
Trunk or Treat 2020
Thank you to all the volunteers who were there this evening and to those who donated candy. The event was a huge success because of you all. Parishioner, school and community families all showed up in numbers to drive thru our Parish Trunk or Treat. We had over 30 trunks, some were fun and others a bit spooky, but they were enjoyed by all.
Fr Tim said "What we did tonight brought joy to families, created a healthy and fun environment for our children. It seems everything is going down, but our community is not going down with the rest. We are going up! Your love and supports to our community are truly blessings. Thank you those who help us to build our community. God sees what you’re doing and He will bless you abundantly."
Jennifer Straite our school PTG President and parishioner said, "Does St Joseph know how to throw a party or what?!"
The event was sponsored by the Community and Parish Life Commission. As the event ended plans for next years Trunk or Treat were already being talked about!
Fr Tim said "What we did tonight brought joy to families, created a healthy and fun environment for our children. It seems everything is going down, but our community is not going down with the rest. We are going up! Your love and supports to our community are truly blessings. Thank you those who help us to build our community. God sees what you’re doing and He will bless you abundantly."
Jennifer Straite our school PTG President and parishioner said, "Does St Joseph know how to throw a party or what?!"
The event was sponsored by the Community and Parish Life Commission. As the event ended plans for next years Trunk or Treat were already being talked about!
Downloadable Prayer Booklet also available below.
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Folleto de oración descargable también disponible a continuación
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Brothers and sisters in Christ, today we celebrate the feast of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of our Parish. We were ready for a great celebration, yet God has other plans.
Saint Joseph gives us a great lesson in what faith means. For him, faith meant that he had to trust the voice of God that spoke to him in his conscience. That's right, he trusted what the angel spoke to him in the dream. His human condition would have been to question that dream and wonder if it had really happened? If that child had truly been begotten by the Holy Spirit?
All of these questions, and any other questions that might have arisen in Saint Joseph's mind, could only be answered by faith. But the good news is that faith gives answers. Faith allows us to face the confusions of life with strength, conviction and certainty. Faith opens the door to peace in the midst of uncertainty. It removes fear and replaces it with the joy of knowing that we are following the will of God. Faith works and faith is what we all need in life to survive.
Let us reflect today on the depth of our faith in the face of apparent difficulties. What we are experiencing these days, the uncertainty, the fear, the anguish. Let us follow the example of Saint Joseph. Let God say to us, "Don't be afraid!" God's ways are far above our ways, his thoughts far above our thoughts, his wisdom far above our wisdom. God had a perfect plan for the life of Saint Joseph, and He also has it for us. Let us walk by faith every day and we will see how God also develops that glorious plan in us.
San Jose intercedes for us!! Dcn. Roberto
Saint Joseph gives us a great lesson in what faith means. For him, faith meant that he had to trust the voice of God that spoke to him in his conscience. That's right, he trusted what the angel spoke to him in the dream. His human condition would have been to question that dream and wonder if it had really happened? If that child had truly been begotten by the Holy Spirit?
All of these questions, and any other questions that might have arisen in Saint Joseph's mind, could only be answered by faith. But the good news is that faith gives answers. Faith allows us to face the confusions of life with strength, conviction and certainty. Faith opens the door to peace in the midst of uncertainty. It removes fear and replaces it with the joy of knowing that we are following the will of God. Faith works and faith is what we all need in life to survive.
Let us reflect today on the depth of our faith in the face of apparent difficulties. What we are experiencing these days, the uncertainty, the fear, the anguish. Let us follow the example of Saint Joseph. Let God say to us, "Don't be afraid!" God's ways are far above our ways, his thoughts far above our thoughts, his wisdom far above our wisdom. God had a perfect plan for the life of Saint Joseph, and He also has it for us. Let us walk by faith every day and we will see how God also develops that glorious plan in us.
San Jose intercedes for us!! Dcn. Roberto
Hermanas y hermanos en Cristo, hoy celebramos fiesta de San José, el patrón de nuestra Parroquia. Estábamos listos para una gran celebración, más sin embargo Dios tiene otros planes.
San José nos da una gran lección de lo que significa la fe. Para él la fe significaba que tenía que confiar en la voz de Dios que le hablaba en su conciencia. Así es, confió en lo que el ángel le habló en el sueño. Su condición humana hubiera sido cuestionar ese sueño y preguntarse ¿Si en realidad había sucedido?, ¿Si ese niño había sido verdaderamente engendrado por el Espíritu Santo?
Todas estas preguntas, y cualquier otra pregunta que hubiera surgido en la mente de San José, solo podían responderse por fe. Pero la buena noticia es que la fe da respuestas. La fe nos permite enfrentar las confusiones de la vida con fuerza, convicción y certeza. La fe nos abre la puerta a la paz en medio de la incertidumbre. Elimina el miedo y lo reemplaza con la alegría de saber que estamos siguiendo la voluntad de Dios. La fe funciona y la fe es lo que todos necesitamos en la vida para sobrevivir.
Reflexionemos, hoy, sobre la profundidad de nuestra fe ante las aparentes dificultades. Lo que estamos viviendo en estos días, la incertidumbre, el temor, la angustia. Sigamos el ejemplo de San José. Dejemos que Dios nos diga: "¡No tengas miedo!" Los caminos de Dios están muy por encima de nuestros caminos, sus pensamientos muy por encima de nuestros pensamientos, su sabiduría muy por encima de nuestra sabiduría. Dios tenía un plan perfecto para la vida de San José, y también lo tiene para nosotros. Caminemos por fe todos los días y veremos como Dios también desarrolla ese glorioso plan en nosotros.
San José, intercede por nosotros!!
Dcn. Roberto Villatoro
San José nos da una gran lección de lo que significa la fe. Para él la fe significaba que tenía que confiar en la voz de Dios que le hablaba en su conciencia. Así es, confió en lo que el ángel le habló en el sueño. Su condición humana hubiera sido cuestionar ese sueño y preguntarse ¿Si en realidad había sucedido?, ¿Si ese niño había sido verdaderamente engendrado por el Espíritu Santo?
Todas estas preguntas, y cualquier otra pregunta que hubiera surgido en la mente de San José, solo podían responderse por fe. Pero la buena noticia es que la fe da respuestas. La fe nos permite enfrentar las confusiones de la vida con fuerza, convicción y certeza. La fe nos abre la puerta a la paz en medio de la incertidumbre. Elimina el miedo y lo reemplaza con la alegría de saber que estamos siguiendo la voluntad de Dios. La fe funciona y la fe es lo que todos necesitamos en la vida para sobrevivir.
Reflexionemos, hoy, sobre la profundidad de nuestra fe ante las aparentes dificultades. Lo que estamos viviendo en estos días, la incertidumbre, el temor, la angustia. Sigamos el ejemplo de San José. Dejemos que Dios nos diga: "¡No tengas miedo!" Los caminos de Dios están muy por encima de nuestros caminos, sus pensamientos muy por encima de nuestros pensamientos, su sabiduría muy por encima de nuestra sabiduría. Dios tenía un plan perfecto para la vida de San José, y también lo tiene para nosotros. Caminemos por fe todos los días y veremos como Dios también desarrolla ese glorioso plan en nosotros.
San José, intercede por nosotros!!
Dcn. Roberto Villatoro
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
Thank you to all our amazing volunteers, we could not do what we do with you! The evening was filled with great food, prizes, dancing and fellowship!
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2020 New Years Eve Dance
Is there a better way to start of your new year than with your parish family!
A great evening was had by all. This was a sell out event so make sure to get your tickets early next year! |
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Oh the fun and fellowship we have had this past month. Were you part of it?
Day of the Dead Celebration
Veterans Day Flag Raising Ceremony
Trunk or Treat
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St Joseph Parish PicnicOn Saturday, September 15th we had our first Parish Picnic. The Knights of Columbus grilled up some tasty hamburgers and hot dogs. Many parishioners brought delicious foods to share and our Ovejas de Cristo prayer group cooked up some delicious treats to share with our parish family. Senior Adult Ministry sponsored two Bingo sessions. Fun, AC and great prizes made both sessions a great success. More prizes were to be had as Religious Ed. and His Hands provided gifts for hourly door prize raffles. Michael Lopez (parishioner and bulletin advertiser) passed out free chips and candy, and parish staff passed out Popsicles to help keep everyone cool. And speaking of keeping cool, parish staff along with Marriage Enrichment arranged some epic water balloon fights for the kids, over 1600 were used in the fun for battle. Youth Ministry had some crafts and face painting for the kids as well and if that wasn't enough, 6 pinatas were donated by the Divorce Ministry, Spiritual Direction and His Hands ministry, so candy and pinata fun were had by all. The evening was capped off with the drawing for the Ford Fiesta!
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His Hands Back to School Backpack GiveawayThe Back to School Backpack Giveaway was a complete success, thanks to YOU! The day was enjoyed by all, not only did we have the backpack give away but we also had a blood drive, health screenings and free haircuts. Thanks to the volunteers who truly gave of their time, talent and treasure. This event was a great example of the wonderful things we can accomplish by working together! |
DDF APPRECIATION & EXCLUSIVE FR TIM COUNTY BIRTHDAY BASH
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A fun evening of food, fellowship, music and dancing was had by all those who attended the exclusive Fr. Tim Country Birthday Bash. The menu included delicious BBQ chicken and ribs, pulled pork sliders, baked beans and homemade coleslaw. Then the fun really began when we all learned the electric slide, the cupid shuffle and many more dance. Let me tell you, our parish has some talented dancers including our very own Sr. Jocelyn.
Do you want to be of this exclusive VIP list, well just give the parish office a call to find out how. |
Feast of St Joseph Mass with Bishop Barnes
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Thank you to all of you who attended the special celebration of our patron saint, Saint Joseph. It was a beautiful mass that was highlighted with the blessing of our crucifix and stations of the cross by Bishop Barnes, as well as the anniversary celebration of priesthood for Bishop Barnes and Fr Charles Patron.
The evening continued in the Parish Hall with a delicious spaghetti dinner that was made by our Special Events Ministry and Confirmation students, and served by our school Boys Scouts. Entertainment from our St Joseph school students and Tongan Community capped up a special night. |
Volunteer Appreciation DinnerA special evening to celebrate you, our volunteers! It was an evening full of good food, good music, good fun and amazing people.
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much! Santa visited St. Joseph's
Feel free to send your Santa pictures to the editor if you would like them posted on the parish website. cberry@sbdiocese.org
St Joseph Music Ministry
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2019 NYE Country CountdownOh what fun was had at the parish New Year Eve party! Make sure to be part of this event hosted by the Catholic Daughters next year! We cant wait!
Ministry FairCombined Ministry Meeting - What is your super power (gift)?Our parish ministers gathered for our quarterly meeting. These truly are the superheros of our parish, they go above and beyond! Congratulation to Mary Jo Nichols for receiving our Super Hero of the Quarter award. A great big thank you to Ana Gmeiner for being our guest speaker and challenging us to share our gifts!
Combined Ministry MeetingMinistry Leaders spent the day preparing for the upcoming year. The theme for the Kick Off Meeting was teamwork.
Together Everyone Achieves More The first quarter ministry leader MVP was Dave Banker. Thank you for all your hard work. You go above and beyond to serve your parish community. Our next Combined Ministry meeting is scheduled for November 3, 2018 with guest speaker Ana Gmeiner. Our theme will be, "What is Your Superpower" |
Tongan Community Parish Luau
Thank you to the Tongan Community for hosting a parish luau. It was a wonderful event featuring delicious food, amazing entertainment and most importantly, community. The Tongan Community was joined by many of their brothers and sister in Christ from all over California., it was very touching to see the support the community has. This event raised over $28,000.
If you weren't able to attend this year, make sure you attend next year!
If you weren't able to attend this year, make sure you attend next year!
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Hispanic Heritage Weekend
Hispanic Heritage Weekend Videos - Be sure to attend next years festivities!
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On behalf of St. Joseph’s Parish, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of you who participated in the Hispanic Heritage celebrations this past weekend. The dinner-dance event on Saturday evening was a success and everyone present had a great time enjoying the delicious food, live entertainment, and dancing. Sunday’s afternoon festivities were also a great time to strengthen our parish community, as well as enjoy a variety of traditional Hispanic foods and entertainment. The purpose of these events was not only to fundraise for our parish, but also for our Hispanic brothers and sisters to share their beautiful culture with the greater community and to bring us closer as one family of God. A very special thank you also to the members of the Hispanic community and so many other volunteers for working tirelessly to prepare the weekend’s events: May God bless you and your families
abundantly for your dedicated service to our parish community! Departe de la Parroquia de San José, nos gustaría extender un sincero agradecimiento a todos ustedes que participaron en las celebraciones de la Cultura Hispana el pasado fin de semana. El evento de cena y baile del sábado por la tarde fue un éxito y todos los presentes pasaron un buen rato disfrutando de la deliciosa comida, el entretenimiento en vivo y el baile. Las festividades del domingo también fueron un gran momento para fortalecer nuestra comunidad parroquial, así como para disfrutar de una variedad de platillos típicos. El propósito de estos eventos no fue solo para recaudar fondos para nuestra parroquia, sino también para que nuestros hermanos y hermanas hispanos compartieran su hermosa cultura con la comunidad en general y así estar más unidos como una sola familia de Dios. Un agradecimiento muy, muy especial también a los miembros de la comunidad hispana y a tantos otros voluntarios por trabajar incansablemente para preparar los eventos del fin de semana: ¡que Dios les bendiga a ustedes y a sus familias en abundancia por su servicio y dedicación a nuestra comunidad parroquial! |
Vow Renewal
Ministry Leaders at WorkYour fantastic ministry and liturgical leaders spent their Saturday at a First Aid & Active Shooter training course. It was an informative day with a little bit of fun. Thank you all for continuing to give of your time and talent.
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Parish Open House
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Thank you to Ovejas de Cristo & St Joseph School for making our Vicariate meeting a success! |
DDF Appreciation Dinner - Happy Birthday Fr Tim
Feast Day of St. Joseph
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St. Joseph Catholic Church
877 North Campus Avenue Upland, CA 91786 Phone: 909-981-8110 Emergency Answering Service: 909-377-8612 (Sick Calls) Fax: 909-982-8991 Weekend Mass Schedule Saturday/Sábado Vigil: 4:00pm (English), 6:00pm (Español) Sunday/Domingo: 7:00am, 9:00am, 11:00am (English), 1:00pm (Español), 5:00pm (English) Youth Mass First & Third Sunday 3:00pm Tongan Full Schedule |