Teachers to Have Another Round of ‘Faith & Science’ Training
SAN DIEGO — The Diocese of San Diego began implementing the Credible Catholic Faith & Science Curriculum this past school year.
Developed by Jesuit Father Robert Spitzer through his nonprofit organization, The Magis Center, the free educational curriculum includes “seven essential modules” intended to demonstrate to middle school and high school students that faith and science are not incompatible.
Father Spitzer will lead a training session on Saturday, Aug. 6, for Catholic school teachers and catechists who instruct middle school students. Held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Grace Parish in El Cajon, the session will provide an overview of the curriculum’s “True Happiness” module. Attendees will explore how the decision to follow or to reject Jesus’ teachings impacts one’s ultimate happiness.
Last summer, Father Spitzer led a similar training session, during which participants were introduced to Module 2, “Evidence for God’s Existence from Science,” which was the first to be implemented in the San Diego Diocese.
The upcoming training is co-sponsored by the diocesan Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry and the Office for Schools. There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required. For more information, call (858) 490-8234 or visit sdcatholicdisciples.net.
Cristo Rey H.S. Now Part of Torero Promise Program
SAN DIEGO — Qualified students at Cristo Rey San Diego High School will now be able to take advantage of a special admission track opportunity to attend the University of San Diego, with 100 percent of their family’s demonstrated financial need met, through USD’s Torero Promise program.
Launched in 2017, the Torero Promise provides a pathway to college for graduating seniors at one of the 10 participating high schools who have a 3.7 GPA or higher, have taken at least three honors-level courses and have no disciplinary or academic violations. If a student fulfills these qualifications, they receive automatic admission to USD.
USD will also meet 100 percent of the federally demonstrated financial need of the student with a financial assistance package that may include student loans, work study and financial aid.
“Cristo Rey’s unique model allows the school to offer an affordable, Catholic, college-preparatory education to students from traditionally marginalized backgrounds, most of whom will be the first in their family to attend college,” stated Robert Nascenzi, the school’s founding president. “The opportunity for our students to attend USD is a huge step forward in helping the school fulfill its mission, and we are grateful for being included in such a noble program.”
Visit cristoreysandiego.org or phone (619) 432-1899 for more information.
Glee Club Wins at Competition
CHULA VISTA — The St. Rose of Lima Glee Club Program, an after-school performing arts group composed of a select group of fourth- through eighth-grade students from St. Rose of Lima School, won five awards in the Music in the Parks competition May 18 at Universal Studios Hollywood.
The group took first place in the Mixed Middle Show Choir category, first place in the Elementary School Division Show Choir category, and second place in the Middle School Division Show Choir category.
Individually, fifth-grader Gabby Nieves won in the Outstanding Soloist for Elementary category and sixth-grader Yuri Williams in the Outstanding Soloist for Middle School category.
St. Rose of Lima Glee brings theatrical music and dance, vocal improvisation, and modern pop and classical music stylings to the stage and to local schools and parishes. The recent competition was its first time on the competition stage following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Do Prison Ministry from Home with Correspondence Course
SAN DIEGO — If you feel called to prison ministry, it’s possible to answer that call from the comfort of your own home.
Volunteers are needed for a ministry that involves sharing their life experience anonymously with men and women in California prisons who are seeking to restart their lives. Volunteers guide incarcerated men and women as they are enrolled in correspondence courses on Parenting, Anger Management, and 12-step addiction recovery.
For more information, email eereichert@gmail.com or call (619) 203-8973.
Magis Women Presenting Retreats in California, Arizona
Magis Women, a 501(c)3 women’s ministry, will be holding women’s weekend retreats from Sept. 23 to 25 at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Los Altos, Calif., and from Oct. 14-16 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Ariz.
The “Into His Marvelous Light” retreats will invite participants “to encounter the living Christ through prayer, sacrament and loving fellowship and to move together from the darkness of this world’s trials into the marvelous light of God’s love and goodness.”
Registration for the retreat in Los Altos is $375 per person. Registration for the Scottsdale retreat ranges from $350 per person for a double-occupancy room to $445 per person for a private room. The price includes six meals, all retreat materials, opportunity for reconciliation, Mass, and quiet reflection time.
To register, visit www.magiswomen.com.
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: July 8, Aug. 12, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9.
For more information, email olmcheartsoffire@gmail.com.
