Parent Letter Faith Reflection
Each year as I read through the 7th grade’s essays it’s always interesting to see what common thread weaves through them. This year is no exception - there are some things many of our essayists say again and again about Bishop Barnes. I will not give it away now, you will have to enjoy the essays over the course of time to see what that common thread is. All I will say for now is to say that as the episcopal transitions develops over this year please remember that these essays were written in Sept and won’t reflect most of these changes.
As we walk through this year of transition here is a reflection by Nancy Levin that can help us in this time of waiting: Honor the space between no longer and not yet.
Bishop Barnes Retirement
by Alyssa
There is an age requirement for everything. An age requirement to be an adult, to drink, to go on certain rides, and to retire. In California most people retire at 62, but when you are a bishop in the Roman Catholic Church you are required to retire at age 75. Sadly, next June, Bishop Gerald Barnes will turn 75.
On December 20, 1975, Gerald Barnes was ordained a priest by Most Reverend Francis J. Furey for the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Texas. In 1989 he was given the title Monsignor. On January 1992 Pope Saint John Paul assigned Monsignor Barnes to be auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of San Bernardino. Four years later, on March 12, 1996 he was appointed head bishop of our diocese. He has then served for the last 23 years, baptizing and confirming, blessing families, serving Masses, and fixing Catholic related problems.
I would like to thank Bishop Barnes for being a very active Catholic and for serving the whole diocese and its 1.7 million Catholics. Although he is retiring he will always stay a bishop, monsignor, and priest.
“Amar Es Entregarse - Love Is the Total Giving of Oneself.”
Episcopal motto - Bishop Gerald Barnes
God bless,
Mrs. Alhadef
Campus Minister
5th Grade Aide/4th Grade Religion