Update (Jan. 6, 2022): A news brief announcing Auxiliary Bishop Ramón Bejarano’s participation in an upcoming panel discussion, titled “Reflections on Practical Ecumenism: Stories of Spiritual Care from the San Diego Convention Center’s Teen Migrant Shelter,” has been deleted. Originally scheduled for Jan. 19, the event has been postponed to a later date because of concerns about the recent spike in COVID infections.
Rivera Steps Down as Young Adult Ministry Director
SAN DIEGO — Patrick Rivera, who served as director of the diocesan Office for Young Adult Ministry for six years, stepped down from that role on Dec. 1.
A search is currently underway for his successor. Those interested in applying for the position should send their cover letters and resumes to mhabana@sdcatholic.org.
Rivera, who was born in Ventura, Calif., and grew up south of Nashville, Tenn., joined the diocesan staff on July 6, 2015, taking leadership of the office that supports parish-based young adult ministries and organizes diocese-wide events for young adult Catholics, such as the Young Adult Christmas Gala every December and the Diocesan Young Adult Mass every August.
His tenure overlapped with the diocese’s Young Adult Synod, a formal consultation of young adult faithful throughout the diocese that was conducted in the fall of 2019. In all, about 240 young adults from diverse backgrounds participated in the synod, which yielded 30 proposals to facilitate greater young adult involvement in the life of the Church.
Jan. 22 Is a Day of Penance
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 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.”
‘Late Night Catechism’ Combines Comedy with Catechesis
OCEANSIDE — A participatory theater experience that describes itself as “part catechism class, part stand-up routine” is coming to Mission San Luis Parish in Oceanside.
“Late Night Catechism” features an actress as a habited religious sister and the audience as the students in her religion class. In previous shows, “Sister” taught about the saints, venial sins and other topics. In “Late Night Catechism 3: Til Death Do Us Part,” she presents humorous lessons about matrimony and last rites, including her own wacky version of “The Newlywed Game.”
The performance will take place at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 21, in the parish’s Serra Center. Food will be on sale at 5 p.m., and the doors will open 6 p.m.
Tickets are $40 per person for general admission and $70 per person for the “premiere package” that includes front-section seating and admission to an hors d’oeuvre reception in St. Francis Hall after the performance.
Purchase tickets online at www.sanluisreyparish.org, via telephone at (760) 757-3250, or in-person after weekend Masses.
Parish Hosting Suicide-Prevention Training
RANCHO SANTA FE — Do you know the warning signs of suicide? Would you know what to say or do if you suspected someone was suicidal?
Learn the answers to these and other questions during a QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) Gatekeeper Training session on suicide prevention.
The training will take place from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, at Church of the Nativity. The event will take place in the parish hall, located at 6309 El Apajo Road, Rancho Santa Fe 92067.
Register at NatMHMinistry@gmail.com.
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 Peñasquitos.
Sponsored by the parish’s Hearts of Fire Ministry, the event runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Dates in 2022 include: Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 11, 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.
