Alberto Rojas By the Grace of God and Favor of the Apostolic See Bishop of San Bernardino
Having before our eyes the good of the people of San Bernardino and taking into consideration the signs of the times have carefully considered the following:
A parish is a definite community of the Christian faithful established on a stable basis within a particular church (diocese). The bishop is responsible to erect parishes as the needs of the faithful require. It is also the responsibility of the bishop to alter the configuration of parishes as conditions and circumstances warrant.
In 2006, after studying the needs of the diocese, it was determined that the parishes of Resurrection in Fontana and St. Thomas More in Rialto would be merged into a new parish, St. John XXIII. The parishes were suppressed, and the new parish of St. John XXIII was canonically erected as an amalgamation of the two parishes on July I, 2006. The parish was to construct a new site for worship in the city of Fontana onı land provided for that purpose. However, the city grew and the area around the land was developed in such a way as to make the land no longer suitable for a place of worship. At the same time, the community, despite diligently working to come together as one unified parish, have been challenged by the fact that the two sites are in two different cities with two very different regional needs and concerns. With no current plan to build on a new location, the discussion has continued with two locations in two different cities, is it feasible to erect a new parish in Rialto to address the specific needs of that city going forward.
After consultations with the communities involved and with those who have been charged with their pastoral care, we are more than ever convinced that the time is right to proceed with the establishment of this new parish for the pastoral good of the people. The opinions of those concerned have been heard. The matter was presented to a plenary session of the Diocesan Presbyteral Council April 3rd, 2025. The Council was consulted as to the establishment of a new parish in the city of Rialto, and were unanimous in their belief that this is necessary and proper at this time in the history of the Church of San Bernardino.
It is also determined that the current rectory on Sierra Avenue will be sold. The two parishes will utilize the rectories at each site. And monetary assets will be distributed in an equitable way between the two parishes.
After careful study and fruitful discussion regarding the current demographics and pastoral care the Catholic Faithful in San Bernardino County, California, it is now deemed necessary to form a new territorial parish in the city of Rialto within the Diocese of San Bernardino. Therefore, after having sought and heard the counsel of the Presbyteral Council of the Diocese of San Bernardino on April 3, 2025, and in accordance with the norms of Canon 515, §1-3 and by testimony of this document, I hereby erect the territorial parish of Saint Thomas More in Rialto, California and appoint the Reverend Father Anthony Waturuocha as its administrator.
The territorial boundaries for Saint Thomas More, Rialto, are as follows:
Northern Boundary: Interstate 15 to Glen Helen Road
Eastern Boundary: Cajon Creek Wash along the railroad tracks
Southern Boundary: West Baseline Road
Western Boundary: Linden Avenue, north along Lytle Creek to Interstate 15.
Having done all things necessary according to the norms of law, the parish of Saint Thomas More in the Diocese of San Bernardino is formally established and canonically erected with all privileges, rights, faculties, and obligations which parishes of the Diocese have and wish it to be considered as such by all.
I direct that this decree be promulgated on the Diocesan Website on May 27, 2025, and given to the Reverend Cletus Imo and that this information be communicated to the parishes of the area prior to the date of erection. Also, prior to the date of erection, Reverend Anthony Waturuocha is given my permission to make any necessary arrangements for the preparation of ministry in the name of the parish.
The erection of Saint Thomas More, Rialto, as a territorial parish is to become effective Tuesday, July 1, 2025, nothing to the contrary withstanding.
Given this 27th day of May in the year of the Lord 2025.
