For those with mobility issues, a wheelchair is a vital, necessary part of life that offers hope and freedom. Wheelchairs are also a costly piece of equipment that many can't afford.

Seeking to bridge that gap, the San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the Knights of Columbus recently hosted "Wheelchair Sunday" to help raise funds to purchase and distribute wheelchairs to underprivileged populations.

Held at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Pasadena, parishioners at each Mass were told about the Wheelchair Foundation, the non-profit international organization that supplies wheelchairs to those in need (to date, almost 600,000 wheelchairs have been distributed worldwide). A short video describing the program was also screened. Parishioners learned that every $75 donated to the foundation would be matched.

The result? Parishioners raised nearly $22,000 for the cause.

The Knights have been partners with the foundation several years ago but this is the first time they have directly approached a parish asking for contributions. Father Gerard O'Brien, pastor, saw the video recently and was determined to bring the message to a wider audience.

Since its involvement with the foundation, the KofC have raised more than $17,000 which encompasses 30 separate councils. With Wheelchair Sunday donations being the second highest contribution by any chapter in the entire State of California, organizers are setting even higher goals.

"This is just the beginning. We hope that the success we saw at Assumption can be duplicated in parishes throughout the San Gabriel Valley, and who knows, maybe the rest of the State," said Dan Moberg, KofC Wheelchair Committee chairman. "We are committed to this partnership. It will continue until every man, woman and child in the world who needs a wheelchair, has a wheelchair."

De La Salle Christian Brothers profess final vows
Three men, including a former Cathedral High School student, professed final vows as De La Salle Christian Brothers in a Sept. 2, liturgy at Mont La Salle in Napa. The trio begin their novitiate year with an intensive communal year of study, work, prayer and discernment, already experienced in Lasallian education and mission.

Brother Christopher Patiņo, 23, graduated from Cathedral in Los Angeles and the University of Arizona. During college and after graduation he worked on the staff of San Miguel High School in Tucson, serving most recently as director of admissions.

"The vocation of a Brother of the Christian schools is one of radical faith, radical commitment and radical hope," declared Brother Patiņo. "The vocation of a Christian Brother today is a call to live radically and above all trust in God for the sake of the salvation of young people through education, especially the poor."

The others taking vows were Brothers John Luczkowski, 26, of Philadelphia, and Peter Nguyen, 29, of Maryland. "All three of our new Brothers have committed themselves to a year of deepening the name 'Brother in light of Jesus' call in the Gospel to welcome the name of Christ that is within others and themselves," said La Salle Brother James Joost, principal of La Salle High School of Yakima, Wash.,

The Brothers of the Christian Schools, founded by Saint John Baptist de la Salle in 1680, have as their mission "to provide a human and Christian education for the young, especially the poor." In the U.S. are more than 100 Lasallian schools and apostolates.

'Families on the Rock' at upcoming Petrus
Families are encouraged to attend an upcoming Petrus Program "Families on the Rock" on Oct. 13 from 6-9 p.m. at St. Joseph's Center in Alhambra.

These monthly Catholic youth meetings are broadening its range with family programs that combine teaching, praise, worship, live bands, Eucharist adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Petrus is sponsored by the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Scared Heart of Los Angeles.

St. Joseph Center is located at 507 N. Granada Ave., Alhambra. For information, call (626) 289-0223 or email petrusyouth@yahoo.com.