Community Invited to Christ The Redeemer Church

Christ the Redeemer Roman Catholic Church in Grand Terrace was established in 1978 and has since been a place available for anyone, offering many opportunities to know God. Pastoral Coordinator José Luis M. Crespo was employed with Pacific Bell Telephone Company until 1998 when he retired early hoping to establish his own business. However, Crespo said he got involved with the Catholic Church in Fontana when he was living in Rialto. When the priest at the Parish passed away, Crespo helped out and six years later, he was employed full time. In 2010, Crespo transferred to Christ the Redeemer in Grand Terrace, where he resides, to serve as pastoral coordinator. Pastoral coordinators are not ordained priests but are asked to run a Parish like a pastor or ordained priest with the assistance of priests. “We’re a very hospital, welcoming church,” Crespo said. “We accept anybody that wants to join us and be a part of our community. We welcome everybody to come, join us and become members of the Parish by registering and involving themselves in the different ministries and helping the Parish. Not only coming to our services but helping and being a part of the service.” Many ministry opportunities are available such as the Social Activities Ministry. Crespo said it was started in 2013 to help bring people together and build community. The team started out by hosting community picnics and now work together to host other events. Christ the Redeemer also has a Religious Education Program for children from kindergarten to 12th grade. The program serves as a way for parents to continue the formation of their children but on a schedule that would not conflict with other commitments. “If there is a child that needs to attend the classes but they can’t do so because they are in school, they have the option at attend our religious education classes.” Classes are in session Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. “Formation of your child does not consist mainly of the big events like first communion or confirmation,” Crespo said. “This is like going to school and we encourage them to enroll from kindergarten to 12th grade and somewhere along the line between those years, they receive their first communion and their confirmation. We need to look at it is a formation.” Christ the Redeemer also has a small Spanish program that was started this year. Crespo said there are four volunteers who are being trained to give the classes and expect it to grow next year. Members of the Parish and others are invited to attend the Sisters of St. Benedict One Day Retreat in Grand Terrace. The retreat will allow participants the opportunity to learn simple techniques to help cope with stress and how to use the light of Christ to make changes. Sr. Joan Marie Sasse O.S.B. hosts the retreat at Srs. St Benedict, located at 12710 Blue Mt. Court in Grand Terrace. “Were blessed that we have her because there are people that do need to attend the retreat, it’s just one day so it’s not something that will take a lot of time out of their lives and she does a good job,” Crespo said. The retreat is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10, 17 or any Saturday in January. A suggested donation of $25 will also include lunch. For more information about Christ the Redeemer Roman Catholic Church in Grand Terrace, please contact the Parish office at (909)783-3811 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Or, visit their website at www.ctrgt.org.com. Mass is offered in English Monday-Friday at 8 a.m., Saturday at 5 p.m., Sunday at 8 a.m and in Spanish Sunday at noon. Christ the Redeemer is located at 12745 Oriole Ave. in Grand Terrace, CA 92313.