Bishop blesses Franciscan sisters' new novitiate
San Fernando Auxiliary Bishop Gerald Wilkerson blessed the new novitiate of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in Northridge Dec. 8, the day of the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The sisters' first novitiate was opened in Los Angeles by Archbishop John J. Cantwell in 1931 and later transferred to the San Fernando Valley in 1954. The new grounds and buildings are located on Louise Street in Northridge.
The newly-elected Superior General of the Franciscan Sisters, Mother Maria de la Paz Ulloa, former Provincial Superior of the California Province was among those attending the celebration along with several Franciscan sisters from Mexico and a large number of family members, friends and neighbors.
Concelebrating with Bishop Wilkerson at the liturgy following the blessing were: Franciscan Father John Vaughn, Carmelite Father Thomas Nelson, Father Jesse Galaz, Father Samuel Ward and Father John Paul Sauter, from Arizona. The Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception run the Mother Gertrude Balcazar Home for Senior Citizens in San Fernando.
Chaminade HS holds annual Women in Sports Day
Chaminade College Preparatory in West Hills held its annual Women in Sports ceremony Feb. 8 attended by a gym-full of the school's Eagle athletes. Los Angeles Dodgers' vice president and assistant general manager Kim Ng and Los Angeles Sparks co-owner Kathy Goodman encouraged the students to follow in their footsteps and beyond.
After the keynote talks, Chaminade awarded its honorees of the day: Maureen (LeCocq) Ground, Ramona Shelburne and Nick Nickols. Ground played both volleyball and softball during her four years at Chaminade. She was the Chaminade Most Valuable Player all four of her high school years and received a full athletic scholarship to Stanford where she attended the NCAA Regionals every year.
Shelburne, another softball star, was a four-year starter at Stanford. She began her media career at Sports Illustrated for Women and currently is a general assignment reporter and local columnist for the Los Angeles Daily News.
Nickols, retired Chaminade girls' field hockey coach, was instrumental in guiding the team to the top of the standings in the Sunset league every year, including a championship in 2006.
Providence HS to compete in Solar Cup
Thirteen students from Providence High School in Burbank are building a solar powered boat to compete in Solar Cup 2008, sponsored by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
A first-time Solar Cup participant, Providence is the only high school in Burbank competing. The school received financial support from Burbank Water and Power, which donated $3,500 to fund the project.
During the six-month educational program, participants learn practical application of engineering, science, math, problem-solving skills and management and conservation of green resources as they build a solar powered boat. The boats will be entered in a competition May 16-18 in two events: one for sprint and the other for endurance. Additionally, different competitions will test each team's ability to design their solar boats for maximum energy efficiency, as well as speed.
The Providence boat, named "The Kubashaikh" after co-moderators Jeff Kubasak and Ilyea Shaikh, has been assembled from pre-cut marine-grade plywood and painted and sealed. Students are now working on the motor and propeller.
"It really means a lot to be involved with such a unique project," said senior Sarah Lohman. "It's challenging at times, but worth it."
Crespi HS hosts Carmelite Provincial Council
Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino was the site of the annual Provincial Council meetings in late January.
Crespi Carmelite's board of directors, finance committee and development boards met with council members during an evening meeting at the Airtel Plaza Hotel (owned by 1963 alum Jim Dunn), where guests heard an update of the school's capital campaign.
They also were given an overview of the next project: an athletic field enhancement project that will bring the nearly 50 year old facilities up to par with other schools in the area. The project calls for an artificial playing field for football, lacrosse and soccer; and new Tartan Track and collegiate level batting cages.
Comedian brings 'Lighten-up' act to St. Clare
Character-actor, Doug Brummel, will bring his one-man show, "Lighten-up," to St. Clare of Assisi Church in Canyon Country Feb. 24 at 6:47 p.m. Appearing during a church whole community celebration with proceeds benefiting parish World Youth Day 2008 pilgrims, Brummel will perform his "cast of characters" aimed at helping all generations incorporate their faith into everyday life.
"Bringing everyone together to celebrate the gifts of our faith and our family life…that's what it's all about," says Brummel, who has brought his wise and witty characters to over 700 communities in nearly every state in the U.S. The event is open to people of all faiths. Tickets are $19.47 and $14.47. For further information, contact Nancy Fishwick, (661) 298-8627. St. Clare parish is located at 19606 Calla Way. |