Chrism Mass Scheduled for April 6
SAN DIEGO — The Diocese of San Diego’s Chrism Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 6, at Good Shepherd Church.
The Chrism Mass is the annual liturgy at which the diocesan bishop consecrates the sacred chrism and blesses the oils that are distributed to parishes and used throughout the year in sacramental celebrations.
These include the oil of the catechumens, which is used to prepare and dispose catechumens for baptism; the oil of the sick, which is used to anoint those who are ill, that they might be comforted in their infirmity; and the sacred chrism, the perfumed oil that is used to anoint the newly baptized and to sign those to be confirmed. Sacred chrism is also used to anoint the hands of priests and the heads of bishops at their ordination, and for the dedication of churches and altars.
The Chrism Mass is concelebrated by the priests of the diocese, as a sign of the bond with their bishop. During the liturgy, they publicly renew the priestly promises they made at their ordination. In past years, more than 100 priests have concelebrated.
Parish representatives carry the holy oils from the Chrism Mass to be received in the parish either before the celebration of the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday or at another appropriate time. This is an opportunity to catechize the faithful about the effects of holy oils and chrism in the Church’s sacramental life.
Expect Changes at Some Holy Week Liturgies
SAN DIEGO — The pandemic may be winding down, but Catholic faithful can still expect a few changes at some of the Holy Week liturgies out of concern for public health.
Masses on Palm Sunday, April 10, will be observed as usual. The commemoration of the Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem, including the blessing and distribution of palms, may be celebrated using one of the three forms given in the Roman Missal, at the discretion of the pastor.
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 14, will also be unchanged. The washing of feet, which is optional, may be celebrated at the discretion of the pastor. The Mass and the transfer of the Blessed Sacrament to an altar of repose may be celebrated according to the norms in the Roman Missal.
The changes begin during the Good Friday liturgy, April 15, where the assembly will not venerate the cross individually, as they typically do with a kiss, but rather in one communal act, according to norms laid out in the Roman Missal.
At the Easter Vigil, which can be celebrated after 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, immersion baptisms may not take place, even in churches with large, recirculating baptismal fonts. Baptisms must be celebrated with a pitcher and bowl, with the pouring of fresh water over the head of each person to be baptized.
San Diego Youth Day to Be Held in April
SAN DIEGO — San Diego Youth Day, a daylong conference for Catholic teens, will be held on Saturday, April 23, at Cathedral Catholic High School. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sponsored by the diocesan Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry, San Diego Youth Day includes talks by nationally and locally recognized Catholic speakers, engaging presentations, a thematic park with fun activities, the chance to meet other young Catholics, praise-and-worship music, the sacrament of reconciliation, and a Mass with Auxiliary Bishop Ramón Bejarano as the principal celebrant.
All parishes are invited to register their Catholic youth. The cost to attend is $35 per person. Registration closes Friday, April 8.
For more information, visit sdcatholic.org/office-for/youth-ministry.
Birthline Launching Mother’s Day Campaign
SAN DIEGO — “Love Another Mother,” a spring fundraising campaign by Birthline of San Diego County, Inc., gives San Diegans the opportunity to honor all mothers, especially the most vulnerable.
Founded more than 40 years ago, Birthline provides free diapers, children’s clothing, food and more, as well as referrals for various services, to pregnant women and families with children age 6 and younger. Many of its clients live below the poverty line.
Supporters of the “Love Another Mother” campaign can honor their own mother or a special mother in their life simply by making a donation to Birthline this Mother’s Day.
Each donation will sponsor a Mother’s Day gift bag that will include: a Walmart gift card, a Mother’s Day plant for their home, and an indulgence care package of soaps, toiletries and cosmetics.
For more information, visit birthlineofsandiego.org or call (858) 270-2491.
Parish-Based Scout Troop Celebrates 75 Years
LA MESA – Boy Scouts of America Troop 51 is celebrating its 75th anniversary of Scouting at St. Martin of Tours Parish.
Troop 51 was originally chartered in La Mesa in 1921 and has been continuously chartered at St. Martins of Tours Parish since April 2, 1947. In 2020, a girls’ troop was added to provide opportunities for boys and girls ages 11 through 17.
The troop will celebrate its anniversary with a Mass and dinner party on Saturday, April 23, at St. Martin of Tours. For more information, email troop51anniversary@gmail.com.
Troop 51 is a youth-led troop whose active schedule includes at least one overnight outdoor activity each month. Outings include activities such as camping, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, fishing, kayaking, rafting, biking, horseback riding, sailing, sporting events and skiing.
The troop’s weekly meetings are held at 6:30 p.m., Tuesdays, in the parish hall. Visitors are always welcome.
For more information about Troop 51, visit https://lamesa51.mytroop.us/home or email stmartinstroop51@gmail.com.
Father Farrell Named Laudato Si Fellow
SAN DIEGO — Father Emmet Farrell, diocesan director of Creation Care Ministry, has been named a Laudato Si Fellow at the University of San Diego.
The honor was bestowed in recognition of the priest’s work to promote the message of “Laudato Si,” Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical on environmental stewardship and care for creation.
A reception in his honor was to be held on Thursday, March 31, at USD, where Father Farrell would be greeted by noted environmentalist Dr. Mitchell Thomashow and presented with a copy of Dr. Thomashow’s study “To Know the World: A New Vision of Environmental Learning.”
It is USD’s hope that Laudato Si Fellows, like Father Farrell, will form a community of committed scholars dedicated to reversing climate change and making the dangers of environmental degradation known to the academic and general community.
Widowed, Divorced Invited to Healing Weekend
OCEANSIDE – Beginning Experience, an almost 50-year-old international ministry that helps the widowed, divorced and separated move beyond grief, will hold its next weekend retreat April 29 to May 1.
The retreat will be held at Prince of Peace Abbey in Oceanside. Its organizers promise a supportive and caring environment with others that are going through or have gone through the same experiences.
The fee covering individual rooms, food and materials is $300. However, scholarships are available for those in need.
For more information, call (858) 748-2273 in English or (330) 607-8774 in Spanish.
Bishop Dolan to Address Mental Health Conference
LOS ALTOS, Calif. – Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan and Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, will be among the presenters at the inaugural Mental Health Ministry Conference.
The theme for the event, which will be held from May 19 to 21 at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Los Altos, is “Building a Culture of Community: Equipping Leaders for Mental Health Ministry.” The conference is co-sponsored by the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability, and the California Catholic Conference.
Participants will be able to connect with others in ministry from around the country, hear from experts, and share resources and best practices.
A virtual option is available for individuals who are unable to attend in person. This option will include access to keynotes and panel presentations, but not breakout sessions.
For more information, including ticket prices, and to register, visit https://bit.ly/MHCONF2022.
Santee Parish Presents 60th Anniversary Gala
SANTEE – Guardian Angels Parish will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a semi-formal gala on Saturday, June 18, in Cathedral Catholic High School’s theater.
The evening will be filled with fun, silent and live auctions, food, and live music for dancing. Proceeds will benefit the Blessed Carlo Acutis Youth and Young Adult Building, which is being constructed on the back lot of the church property.
The parish is seeking community sponsors to support the gala. In addition to the $10,000 Presenting Sponsor, the committee is seeking Dinner, Entertainment, Beverage, Auction, Marketing, Centerpiece and Table Sponsors.
Each sponsorship level comes with its own benefits. For instance, major sponsors receive priority seating at the gala, publicity for their business prior to and during the gala, as well as their business and/or name added to the donor plaque in the Blessed Carlo Acutis Youth and Young Adult Building.
Donations for the silent or live auctions are also being accepted, and donors’ names will be included in the event program, as well as during the auction on the bid and description sheets.
Gala tickets can be purchased at GuardianAngelsSantee.org. For more information about being a gala sponsor, donating an auction item, or purchasing a seat, call (619) 548-2864. Sponsorship commitments are requested by Friday, April 15. Pre-sale seats go on sale Friday, May 6.
Mask Mandates Eased for Schools
SAN DIEGO –With the number of COVID-19 cases dropping as the Omicron wave recedes, state and San Diego County authorities lifted the mandate to wear masks in K-12 public and private schools on March 11.
“At the Diocese of San Diego, the decision to require masks will be up to individual school principals and pastors, and depends on local conditions across a vast diocese,” said John Galvan, director of the diocesan Office for Schools, in a statement released the preceding day. “Some schools will continue to have a mask requirement, while others will not.”
Parents seeking additional information are encouraged to reach out to their child’s school.
“Words cannot express how grateful we are to parents and schools for the hard work and cooperation that has been required to keep our students and teachers safe, and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our schools,” Galvan added.
Mater Dei Welcomes New Principal
CHULA VISTA — Aarón González has been appointed the next principal of Mater Dei Catholic High School.
For González, who will step into his new role on July 1, the appointment means a return to his alma mater. He is a member of the 1990 graduating class of Marian Catholic High School, whose legacy is carried on today at Mater Dei Catholic.
He has served for the past 16 years at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP) in a variety of positions, including varsity golf head coach, social studies teacher, director of athletics, assistant principal and, most recently, interim assistant head of school. He also spent several years on the faculty of St. John of the Cross Catholic School in Lemon Grove.
González, who is working on a master’s in Education and holds bachelor’s degrees in History and Political Science, all from the University of San Diego, will be visiting the Mater Dei Catholic campus periodically before his start date to get to know the school community.
“(González) brings a collaborative approach to the work of education and I’m very excited to work with him to lead Mater Dei Catholic to even greater heights,” Jesuit Father Joaquin Martinez, president of Mater Dei Catholic, said in a letter to the school community.
Father Martinez also expressed appreciation for the dedication and commitment of Frank Stingo, the current principal of Mater Dei Catholic, whom González will succeed.
“We are grateful to our current high school Principal Mr. Frank Stingo for his years of leadership” he wrote. “His dedicated service to our students, faculty, and staff and his commitment to our mission has truly made a significant impact on the Mater Dei Catholic community.”
Editor’s Note: This item was updated on Sept. 8 to reflect that Gonzalez is working on his master’s degree.
‘40 Days for Life’ to Continue Through April 10
SAN DIEGO — The spring campaign for 40 Days for Life will run from March 2 through April 10.
Undertaken on the same dates in communities around the world, the 40 Days for Life campaign is an effort to protect the unborn through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and peaceful all-day vigils in front of abortion clinics.
The centerpiece of the campaign is a 40-day, round-the-clock prayer vigil on the public sidewalk outside of an abortion clinic. Locally, such vigils are taking place at several locations, including the College Area, downtown San Diego, Mira Mesa, El Cajon, Escondido, Vista, South Bay and the Imperial Valley.
Similar vigils will be happening in hundreds of cities throughout the world, including 50 locations in California this year. More than 20,000 babies have been saved and more than 100 abortion centers closed since 40 Days for Life started in 2007, according to the organization.
Learn more about 40 Days for Life and sign up for vigil hours at www.sdcatholic.org/event/40-days-for-life.
Series Features Talks, Exhibits
CORONADO — Sacred Heart Parish in Coronado will be hosting a Lenten series of free presentations and exhibits.
Sacred Heart Parish will host the “Sacred Cloths of the Passion” exhibit from 1 to 6 p.m., Friday, April 1; there will be a presentation at 7:15 p.m., after Stations of the Cross.
On Saturday, April 2, there will be three “Eucharistic Miracles” presentations: 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.; the exhibit will be open between presentations. The following day, the exhibit will be open from 8:30 to 11 a.m., with the presentation at 12:15 p.m.
For more information on Sacred Heart’s events, call (619) 435-3167.
Notre Dame Club Hosts Events Yearlong
SAN DIEGO — The Notre Dame Club of San Diego’s history spans as far back as 1948.
Since then, the alumni club has expanded to include alumni, their family, friends, and fans of the University of Notre Dame – all 4,715 of them from San Diego.
Like the other 266 Notre Dame Clubs around the world overseen by their Alumni Association, the San Diego Club’s mission revolves around the “6 C’s”: camaraderie, community service, Catholic mission, current students, continuing education, and career connections.
Every year, the club hosts a slew of events in the local community with the goal of being a “Force for Good.” Its whole fall season revolves around its “Season of Service,” with community partners such as Nativity Prep Academy, Casa de los Pobres, Father Joe’s Villages, Operation Dress Code, and the Camp Pendleton Warrior Warehouse.
More information about the Notre Dame Club and its year-round programming can be found on its website, sandiego.undclub.org, and Facebook page facebook.com/ndsandiego.
Women’s Prayer Group Seeking New Members
SAN DIEGO — Women seeking to grow closer to God and deepen their relationship with the Bible are invited to join a women’s prayer/Bible study group conducted via Zoom.
The group, which meets virtually at 6 p.m. every Thursday, offers fellowship and prayerful reading of the books of the Bible.
For more information, call (619) 955-3985.
Catholics Can ‘Encounter’ Jesus Throughout 2022
SAN DIEGO — “Encounter,” a Spirit-filled evening of inspiring music, prayer and Eucharistic adoration, is held on the second Friday of each month at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Rancho Penasquitos.
Sponsored by the parish’s Hearts of Fire Ministry, the event runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Upcoming dates in 2022 include: April 8, May 13, June 10, July 8, Aug. 12, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9.
For more information, email olmcheartsoffire@gmail.com.
Are You a Catholic Mom Who Likes Catholic Books?
SAN DIEGO — The Moms’ Catholic Book Study, formerly known as the Moms’ Bible Study, has been going strong for more than 25 years.
In addition to spiritual reading, the group also offers fellowship and has produced long-lasting friendships.
The group meets at 10 a.m., every Wednesday during the school year, at St. Mary Magdalene Parish.
For more information, visit https://momscatholicbookstudy.weebly.com.
Street Evangelization Brings Gospel to Public Square
SAN DIEGO — St. Paul Street Evangelization is a grassroots, nonprofit organization dedicated to taking the Gospel message to the streets.
Participants in the ministry do this in a non-confrontational way, allowing the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of those who witness their public Catholic presence.
For more information or to get involved, visit streetevangelization.com, call (619) 515-3267 or email scb@procopio.com.
