Disabilities ministries focus of upcoming conference
LAKESIDE –– The “All Are One in the Body of Christ” Disabilities Ministries Conference will be held on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish.
Presented in both English and Spanish, it will cover how to minister to parishioners with needs and disabilities. It will include several methodologies, testimonials and practical applications. Those attending both days will earn a certificate in special education.
The English-language conference will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., both Friday and Saturday. The Spanish-language conference will be from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday.
There will be exhibitors representing various organizations, publishers and resources.
The event was organized by the Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry, with the National Catholic Partnership on Disabilities and the advisory team for Ministry with Special Needs from the Diocese of Orange.
Admission is $50, including lunch and materials.
For more information, email ltrent@sdcatholic.org or call (858) 490-8232.
Workshop to explore end-of-life teachings
SAN DIEGO — The Office for Life, Peace and Justice will host “End-of-Life: A Catholic Perspective,” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Jan. 13, at the diocesan Pastoral Center.
The free event will feature a talk by Dr. Charles Camosy, a professor of Medical Humanities at Creighton University School of Medicine. Lunch is included.
Maria Valencia, the diocese’s associate director for Culture of Life, said, “We’re trying to inform the community … so, when they are in a situation like that (involving the imminent death of a loved one), they can make moral decisions.”
For more information, contact cdiaz-romero@sdcatholic.org or (858) 490-8324.
Jan. 22 is day of penance and prayer
WASHINGTON –– For Catholics in the United States, Jan. 22 is a day of penance and prayer in commemoration of the Roe v. Wade decision issued by the U.S. Supreme Court on that date in 1973.
The 7-2 court decision, which was effectively overturned in 2022, established a constitutional right to abortion.
The “General Instruction of the Roman Missal,” no. 373, states: “In all the dioceses of the United States of America, Jan. 22 … shall be observed as a particular day of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion, and of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life.”
In addition to prayer, Catholics should perform an act of penance, such as fasting or abstinence from eating meat.
Ecumenical service looks toward Christian unity
SAN DIEGO — During the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Catholics and Christians of all denominations are invited to attend an ecumenical prayer service.
It will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 22, at Mission San Diego de Alcalá.
“Do You Believe?” is the theme for this year’s celebration. The question comes from Jesus’ conversation with Martha in John 11:26, after He tells her that her brother, Lazarus, will rise. It is a question Jesus asks of all of us.
“Pope Francis reminds us that Christian unity does not require uniformity, but rather a loving harmony in our diversity,” said Father Bradley Easterbrooks, secretary of the Diocese of San Diego’s Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs Office.
Diocese offering intro to creation care
SAN DIEGO — If your New Year’s resolution is to protect the environment, the diocesan Creation Care Ministry is ready to help you.
All are invited to a Creation Care Introductory Workshop on Jan. 22 at the diocesan Pastoral Center, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Participants are welcome to come early and enjoy pizza at 5:30 p.m.
The workshop consists of an overview of Creation Care, exploring the science of today’s environmental crisis through a lens of faith, and a primer on taking action via the Laudato Si’ Action Platform.
The Creation Care Ministry encourages everyone to watch the Vatican’s film, “The Letter,” which presents today’s environmental crisis and its impact upon the poor and vulnerable. It can be viewed for free on YouTube.
Register for the workshop at bit.ly/CCWorkshop22JAN25. For more information, contact Christina Slentz at cslentz@sdcatholic.org.
Retreat offers healing from abortion
SAN DIEGO — Catholic women can find healing from post-abortion grief at a retreat Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 at the diocesan Pastoral Center.
The cost to attend is $60; partial scholarships are available. Housing is available if needed. Group size is limited.
For information or to register, visit RachelsHope.org, call (858) 581-3022, text (858) 752-9378 or email rachels_hope@juno.com.
‘Love Our Priests’ to gather for Mass, potluck
SAN DIEGO — The “Love Our Priests” Prayer Group will gather on Saturday, Feb. 8, at Ascension Parish in Tierrasanta.
There will be a Mass at 10 a.m., followed by a potluck lunch. The special guest will be Father Victor Maristela, associate pastor of St. Michael Parish in Poway, who will share his vocation story.
For more information, email jeanlaskey@outlook.com.
Local teens appointed to national council
CARLSBAD –– Teenagers Hector Saldana, Natalie Myers, Tim Rivette and Valeria Torres –– all from St. Patrick Parish in Carlsbad –– were selected as members of the National Youth Advisory Council.
The council is an initiative of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. According to the ministry’s website, the council is intended to empower youth “to activate their voices and gifts as members of the Church.”
Members began a 14-month term in October 2024. They will attend monthly online gatherings that include prayer, formation and discussion. At the end of their term year, they will attend an onsite gathering at the National Catholic Youth Conference.
Retreat to offer post-abortion healing
The Rachel’s Vineyard ministry is presenting “A Time for Mercy,” a Catholic post-abortion retreat, from Friday, March 28, to Sunday, March 30, 2025.
Organizers promise a safe place to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion. Rachel’s Vineyard retreats are open to women and men seeking healing from an abortion. The retreats are confidential and non-judgmental, offered in the Catholic tradition.
Early registration is recommended, as space is limited.
For more information, visit atimeformercy.org, call (951) 325-7702 or email RVTemecula@verizon.net.
Young adults can network at YCP events
SAN DIEGO — The San Diego chapter of Young Catholic Professionals (YCP) hosts regular events for young Catholics in their 20s and 30s.
Among the organization’s recurring events is its Executive Speaker Series, where a Catholic speaker is invited to reflect on his or her faith and career. There is no cost for admission, and attendees can enjoy free beer, wine and appetizers, as well as time for networking.
YCP San Diego also holds networking happy hours, half-day retreats and other events.
For more information on upcoming events, visit youngcatholicprofessionals.org/chapter/san-diego.
Women welcome to discern together
SAN DIEGO — Women, ages 18 to 35, who feel that God might be calling them to consecrated life are invited to share their experiences and walk with other women in discernment.
Weekly meetings are held at 6:30 p.m., Mondays, at Mission San Diego de Alcala.
For more information, contact Sister Katia Chavez, SJS, at (760) 562-2727 or visit usasjs.org/prayer-request#MeettheVocationDirectors.
Men invited to join ‘Rosary Crusade’
SAN DIEGO — The Men’s Rosary Crusade gathers at 9 a.m., every first Saturday of the month, at the corner of 6th and Laurel in Balboa Park. All men are welcome.
The rosary intentions are for reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, for the conversion of America, for families and for the unborn.
For more information, email draguez@sbcglobal.net or call (619) 920-8363.
