The annual conference recognizes leaders who put people first.
THE CAMINO SCHOOL’S CLASSICAL EDUCATION
The program’s focus on literature and poetry ties in with faith education.
The families impacted by the L.A. wildfires receive support from the community.
The new school program is showing student improvement.
ENTER INTO THE SACRED TRIDUUM
This weekend we celebrate the three holiest days of the year.
ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC
MISSION STATEMENT
The Orange County Catholic Newspaper seeks to illuminate and animate the journey of faith for Catholics within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange – building solidarity among the faithful and inviting a deeper understanding and involvement in the mission of Christ – through the timely sharing of news, commentary and feature content in an engaging, accessible and compelling format.
ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC
The Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange Diocese of Orange Pastoral Center, 13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove 92840
Publisher: The Most Reverend Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of Orange
Director of Custom Content: Caroline Wong, cawong@scng.com
SCNG CUSTOM CONTENT
Managing Editor: Caitlin Adams Art Director: Ryann Beveridge
Delivered weekly to parishes and homes throughout Orange County, Calif., Orange County Catholic is published by SCNG Custom Content, a division of Southern California News Group that offers content development and design expertise to businesses and nonprofit institutions. The Orange County Catholic editorial staff and editorial council are responsible for the content contained herein. Events and products advertised in Orange County Catholic do not carry the implicit endorsement of the Diocese of Orange or SCNG Custom Content.
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THE ORANGE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION’S CONFERENCE ON BUSINESS & ETHICS: CELEBRATING ETHICAL & MORAL LEADERS
BY LOU PONSI
THE ANNUAL ORANGE Catholic Foundation’s Conference on Business & Ethics celebrates the accomplishments of leaders in the areas of business, education, community service and religious life who, through their work and service, embrace tenets of Catholicism.
The conference also serves as a major fundraiser for the Diocese of Orange Catholic Schools Fund and School Tuition Assistance Endowment.
Through a generous outpouring of support, the 2025 conference, held March 19 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Irvine, raised more than $900,000.
This year’s conference also coincided with the Feast of St. Joseph – the feast day when Catholics honor St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus and the husband of Mary, Jesus’ mother.
In a written statement to conference organizers and attendees, Bishop Kevin
Vann encouraged everyone to “share with one another how your faith shapes the way you love and serve, following the example of St. Joseph.”
HONOREES
Sr. Johnellen Turner, the mission advancement associate for the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, was presented with the 2025 Farmers & Merchants Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given to an “individual, couple, or organization who has made a significant contribution to the community within the Diocese of Orange.”
Throught her 50 years of service to Catholic education, Sr. Johnellen has held leadership roles at St. Callistus Catholic Church in Garden Grove and St. Catherine’s Academy in Anaheim, where she served for 17 years.
In her acceptance speech, Sr. Johnellen expressed gratitude to the individuals and groups who have touched her spirit along the way.
Sr. Johnellen talked about the importance of entering religious life despite its declining popularity.
“Religious life is not the most popular choice for young women anymore,” she said. “We are pretty counter-cultural, but we're strong.”
She also thanked the attendees for operating their businesses in accordance with Christian principles.
"I am moved with a sense of gratitude,” Sr. Johnellen said. “You are here because you are ethical and moral leaders in your companies and in our world, because of
your choice to lead with your heart and to trust in your God.”
The Bishop’s Award for Exemplary Business Integrity, awarded to “business leaders who have demonstrated ethical practices in all aspects of their lives,” was presented to Joe Baldo, founder of Higher Ground Youth & Family Services, and to Jim Snyder, chief executive officer at Tidemark Real Estate Services.
After retiring from a career in corporate communications, Baldo sought opportunities that would allow him to serve people
JIM WAHLBERG, THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR THIS YEAR’S ORANGE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION’S CONFERENCE ON BUSINESS & ETHICS, ADDRESSES ATTENDEES. PHOTO BY LISA RENEE
BISHOP KEVIN VANN WITH THE BISHOP'S AWARD AND FARMERS & MERCHANTS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD HONOREES (FROM LEFT): JIM SNYDER; SR. JOHNELLEN TURNER, O.P.; JOE BALDO. PHOTO BY DEAN MACHIN
He was transferred to a minimum-security prison and eventually made his Confirmation into the Catholic Church.
“Nothing is too big for God,” he said. “Only God can take that guy and turn him into this guy. Only God can take that broken, lost child and turn him into the man that makes films about Mother Teresa.”
Wahlberg closed by thanking the foundation for inviting him to share his journey.
“Thank you for allowing me to witness
the spirit of service that I see here in Orange County,” he said. “I heard people talking about the blessings in their life, in their willingness, in their desire. They feel compelled to share their blessings with others. And that is beautiful.”
The date for the 23rd Annual Conference on Business & Ethics is Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Irvine. For more information visit https://www.orangecatholicfoundation.org/ C
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
in need.
He ultimately found his niche serving troubled youth who were badly in need of support and direction.
Baldo started a small ministry, which grew to become Higher Ground Youth & Family Services.
In 2019, Baldo was approached by the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force to create a human trafficking prevention program, which is now presented to junior high and high school students as well as foster youth and youth in the juvenile justice system.
Baldo is a parishioner at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Yorba Linda.
With 40 years of experience in real estate sales and brokerage, Jim Snyder has orchestrated more than $2 billion of transacted commercial real estate.
As a supporter of Catholic education, Snyder spoke fondly of his years attending St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Costa Mesa and Mater Dei High School.
“And there are two things that have carried on to our business, to our family, really were these,” Snyder said. “One is, do your best. The sisters would always say ‘James, always think, when you're dealing with other people, think about the best in them.’ Think about God in them. And the second thing is, do your best.”
Today, Snyder and his family are parishioners at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point, where he also volunteers as a lector.
He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 12451.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
The keynote speaker of the conference was noted film director, writer and producer Jim Wahlberg, who served as executive producer of the 2022 documentary, “Mother Teresa: No Greater Love” and the 2024 documentary “Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist.”
Wahlberg spoke candidly about his addiction to opioids at age 12 and years spent in juvenile detention, foster care, group homes and prison.
He wound up back in prison where an encounter with Mother Teresa marked a significant turning point in his life.
“Because my head was down, the first thing I noticed was her feet,” Wahlberg recalled. “And I noticed her toes all hunched up. And I looked up a little bit and she had an old granny sweater with holes in it. I saw her face. We did not make eye contact.”
During Mother Teresa’s visit, her words about Jesus dying for him and that he was more than his crimes had a deep impact, Wahlberg said.
THIS YEAR’S ORANGE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION’S CONFERENCE ON BUSINESS & ETHICS WAS HELD MARCH 19 AT THE HYATT REGENCY HOTEL IN IRVINE AND RAISED MORE THAN $900,000. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ORANGE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION
ANABEL G. FROM ST. BARBARA CATHOLIC SCHOOL WAS THIS YEAR’S FEATURED STUDENT SPEAKER.
THE GUEST PANEL ADDRESSES GUESTS OF THE ANNUAL ORANGE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION’S CONFERENCE ON BUSINESS & ETHICS.
LA PURÍSIMA PARISH IS HOOKED ON THE LENTEN FISH FRY
BY MEG WATERS
WITH THE FRIDAY FISH
Fry traditions playing out across the Orange County Catholic landscape, La Purísima parish in Orange proudly puts cultural diversity on the menu.
“A lot of parishes have a fish fry where you pay $15 or so and get a plate,” said Jeff Rice, a city planner, an executive board member for the Santiago Retreat Center and current head of the Orange County Chapter of the Knights of Columbus.
“At La Purísima we have a restaurant with a wide choice of items. It’s not just fried food — the fresh Salmon Limone is poached with a lemon sauce and herbs — it’s really kind of special. We go through a case of fresh salmon every night and we added East Coast oysters on the half shell this year.”
Rice said that at first people were taken aback by the menu.
“The first week, people weren’t sure,”
he said, “but the second week we sold a lot more and last week we sold almost a case.”
For the traditionalists, there are fish and chips or popcorn shrimp. Then there’s fish or potato tacos, Mojarra Frita—fresh Tilapia (including the head), cooked Mexican style or bean and cheese burritos. The Vietnamese community serves fried rice, spring rolls, egg rolls and boba. Rounding out the world tour is pizza, clam chowder and side salads, cole slaw or French fries.
Rice and Frank Micheletti, have cochaired the event for the past 28 years.
“We've been doing this forever,” said Micheletti,a retired Rockwell engineer.
“For many years I chaired, then a couple of years ago Jeff stepped in to take the reins and I co-chair with him.”
There are over 100 adult volunteers and about 80 kids who work hand in hand to make the fish fry a success.
“The first fish fry at the parish was in
JUAN FERNANDO VASQUEZ AND HIS WIFE, LETICIA, SHOW OFF A DELICIOUS FISH PLATE
BISHOP KEVIN VANN STOPS BY LA PURÍSIMA’S FISH FRY FOR A MEAL ON MARCH 28 AND POSES WITH SHELLIE RICE AND FRANK MICHELETTI. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
CHARLES COLEMAN STAYS BUSY WORKING IN THE COOKING AREA ON MARCH 28.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
1998; $11,477 was raised, with a net of $5,738,” shared Micheletti.“In 2024 the
parish sold $91,886 in food and raised an additional $7,526 in sponsorship donations netting $54,068 for the parish.”
Rosa Ramirez, the principal of La Purísima Catholic School, underscores the school's active role in the event.
“The entire student body is involved,” she said. “From setting and resetting the tables to creating placemats, our students play a big part.”
The school's dessert table fundraiser is always a hit, with each class taking turns baking goodies for sale.
“We raise between $2,500 to $3,000 just from the dessert table,” Ramirez added.
The seventh-grade parents also contribute by putting together fantastic raffle baskets to raise funds for the seventh-grade trip to Washington D.C.
La Purísima’s pastor, Fr. Martin Nguyen, is most grateful for the fruits of the parishioners’ labor.
“Fish Fries are a wonderful tradition within the Catholic Church,” he said. “The bigger picture is that we are a family, we are people from all backgrounds, all walks of life and we come here to enjoy this moment as a family.”
He added, “We have been very blessed by this for nearly 30 years. We have 5000 families registered, our church is growing and we’re thriving, the school is growing and thriving too. It is such a blessing for us, especially in this day and age where people often have no sense of belonging. Here at La Purísima, we are a family.” C
FRANK MICHELETTI (LEFT), ROSA RAMIREZ, JEFF RICE AND FR. MARTIN NGUYEN GATHER FOR A GROUP PHOTO. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
education renews human society by forming children into adults with powerful minds and high moral character who will transform the culture from within through the way they love and serve their neighbors, friends and families, the school said.
Headmaster Martin Boles says the Camino School aspires to adhere to the spirit of Opus Dei, an institution of the Catholic Church that was founded in Spain in 1928 by Josemaría Escrivá. Opus Dei, officially recognized within the Catholic Church, aspires to help its lay and clerical members seek holiness in their everyday occupations and societies.
‘OUR CURRICULUM WORKS’
The Camino School has five full-time teachers and an Opus Dei chaplain, Fr. Luke Mata.
Courses include art, music, Latin, literature/writing/language arts, science, history/ geography, math and religion.
A key part of instruction is memorizing and reciting poems, listening to great stories, phonics, spelling, vocabulary and penmanship.
“Our curriculum works,” said Boles, a former corporate attorney who with his wife, Julia, helped to found St. Monica Academy, an independent Catholic classical school for grades 1-12 in Montrose.
“It makes kids smart; it makes them think, it makes
them speak well and they leave school and have a lifelong love of learning,” added Boles, one of whose nine children, Molly, is one of the founding members of the Camino School.
‘BETTER CATHOLICS’
Hailey and Mike Schwalm enrolled their son, Andy, 7, in the Camino School and their daughter, Lucy, is in kindergarten. Molly, 3, is a future student, as is their 9-month-old.
“Our kids are making us better Catholics,” said Mike, noting that Andy has excitedly come home telling his parents about saints he’s learned about.
“They are reading great literature and poetry,” Hailey said of Andy and his classmates. “He’s become a much better reader and is understanding his faith in a new way.”
It’s dismissal time.
A bell is rung, and Boles leads the students in reciting “The Angelus Prayer,” a short practice of devotion in honor of the Incarnation.
Then, as he does every day at dismissal, he declares a parting exhortation:
“Go and be excellent.”
For more information, visit thecaminoschool.org C
KRIZIA LIQUIDO SHARES WHY SHE PREFERS THE CAMINO SCHOOL OVER HOMESCHOOLING FOR HER DAUGHTER, LANE. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE
ANDY SCHWALM SHOWS OFF A ROSARY HE IS MAKING TO HIS FATHER, MIKE, WHILE HIS SISTERS PLAY IN THE BACKGROUND.
A LIFELINE OF HOPE FOR 262 FAMILIES IMPACTED BY LA WILDFIRES
BY LORI ROSEHART
AS THE PALISADES AND Eaton wildfires swept through Los Angeles County in January, the start of 2025 took a devastating turn—lives were lost, homes reduced to ashes and tens of thousands left without work. Amid this tragedy, survivors have experienced the Lord’s comfort and provision through the generosity of others—including from the Help LA Fund, established by The Orange Catholic Foundation (OCF) with the leadership of Bishop Kevin Vann and in partnership with the Diocese of Orange.
To date, 262 families and individuals have found a lifeline of hope through grants from the Help LA Fund, including a mother who lost her home while caring for a special needs child and a domestic violence survivor raising her family on a nanny's salary. Also, among those helped are families from St. Andrew Catholic School in Pasadena, who have received tuition assistance to ease the financial burden of Catholic education as they rebuild their lives.
Lana, a St. Andrew Catholic School eighth grader, said her heart instantly dropped when she first returned to her Altadena neighborhood after the fires.
"My house was the only one standing on the entire block,” she said. “I was in tears, thanking God that He protected my family.”
Although their family home remains intact, their garage was destroyed, and they’ve been told it could take six months to a year before they can move back in.
In a statement, the school conveyed heartfelt gratitude for the $35,500 in tuition assistance dropped off during Catholic Schools Week, calling it a "true blessing" that brings hope and stability, ensuring students can continue their Catholic education despite the challenges they are facing. Further assistance was provided to other St. Andrew Catholic School students after the initial check was delivered.
In the coming days, weeks and months, it’s expected many more grant requests will be submitted to OCF by Los Angeles
pastors who are requesting help for the unique needs of their parishioners. Deacon Bernie Ocampo, a philanthropy officer for The Orange Catholic Foundation, and his wife, Pamela, have been volunteering their time to help with various ministries in Altadena. He emphasized that everyone is doing their best, working tirelessly to assist the thousands of displaced Catholic families, many of whom have also lost their source of income.
However, it’s going to take time and a lot of financial support to get everyone back on their feet. Here’s the breakdown: with average rent at about $2,500, plus another $2,500 for food and living expenses, that totals $5,000 a month—amounting to $60,000 a year to support just one family. Helping doesn’t have to feel overwhelming if we follow Jesus’ example—caring for one person, one soul at a time.
What sets the Help LA Fund apart from other collaborative efforts is The Orange Catholic Foundation’s commitment to the principle of subsidiarity. The OCF grants committee and staff are working hand-inhand with LA parish pastors and staff to make a direct impact. Grants amounting to approximately $570,000 have received approval.
To make a difference for more families, give to the Help LA Fund today at OrangeCatholicFoundation.org. OCF’s philanthropy team can help you turn stocks, real estate, business donations or IRA distributions into vital aid for those in need. Contact (714) 282-3021 or info@OrangeCatholicFoundation.org C
parish
EIGHTH-GRADER LANA IS ONE OF SEVERAL ST. ANDREW CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS IN PASADENA TO RECEIVE TUITION ASSISTANCE FROM THE HELP LA FUND. SHE IS PICTURED WITH HER PRINCIPAL JAE KIM AND OCF'S EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, KATHLEEN HURTT. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ORANGE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION
FIRE SURVIVORS IN ALTADENA GATHER FOR MUCH-NEEDED FOOD AND SUPPLIES, A TESTAMENT TO RESILIENCE AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT FROM VARIOUS DONORS, MINISTRIES AND ORGANIZATIONS. PHOTO COURTESY OF DEACON BERNIE OCAMPO
ENTER INTO THE SACRED TRIDUUM
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE THREE HOLIEST DAYS OF THE YEAR
BY REBEKAH VALDERRAMA
TODAY BEGINS THE MOST solemn week of the Liturgical Year, when we enter deeply into the Passion of our Lord. The liturgies are beautiful and those who attend find themselves spiritually edified, even if one is not obliged to attend Mass on Holy Thursday or the Service on Good Friday.
The Triduum (Latin for three days) begins on the evening of Holy Thursday and continues through Evening Prayer on Easter Sunday.
HOLY THURSDAY
One Mass of the Last Supper is foreseen to be celebrated on Holy Thursday evening, though for pastoral reasons (for example, at a tri-lingual parish), sometimes a second Mass might be offered, also in the evening. The priests wear white and, for the first time since the beginning of Lent, the Gloria is sung while bells ring for the last time until Easter.
After the stories of the Passover and the institution of the Eucharist, we hear John's account of Jesus washing the apostles' feet, which we then reenact: the pastor removes his chasuble and ceremonially washes the feet of 12 selected parishioners.
The strangest part of Holy Thursday Mass happens after Communion, when the altar is stripped bare and the priest, the Eucharist, and all the people exit the church. Just as the sacrifice of Jesus didn't end with the Last Supper, so the liturgy of the Triduum has only
just begun.
A Eucharistic procession leads to the Altar of Repose, where you're invited to “watch one hour” with Jesus in the garden, in preparation for the Passion tomorrow.
GOOD FRIDAY
Good Friday is the only day of the year when no Mass is said. The priests enter the church in silence and lie prostrate before the cross.
The liturgy includes the Passion reading from the Gospel of John where, like on Palm Sunday, we participate as the voice of the crowd condemning Jesus. There's a collection of prayers for the Church and the world and, after the Liturgy of the Word, we are invited to venerate a wooden cross.
Finally, the extra hosts consecrated at the Holy Thursday Mass are brought from their Altar of Repose into the church for Communion, then the priests leave as silently as they came. The grand Triduum liturgy continues to another day.
HOLY SATURDAY
On Holy Saturday, like on Thursday,
there is only one Mass in the parish, which takes place in the dark of night, after a bizarrely quiet day. However, likewise, some parishes have a second vigil Mass for language. You may substitute the language immediately above to indicate this reality. The Easter Vigil is probably the longest Mass you've ever been to, so be prepared, but don't be scared off. It's also the most beautiful liturgy you've ever witnessed. Only one Easter Vigil Mass, beginning after sundown, is foreseen to be the norm, though for pastoral reasons, a second Mass is sometimes offered.
The priest consecrates a new Paschal candle, which is lit and brought into the darkness, where “Christ our light” is proclaimed and shared among the faithful, until their hundreds of candles light up the darkness with resurrection glory. The deacon intones the Exsultet, inviting us to rejoice in the night of our salvation.
The Liturgy of the Word includes up to seven readings from the Old Testament, including the story of the Passover which we are celebrating the fulfilment of. Only after these readings do we hear the Gloria again, while all the candles in the church are lit, the altar is dressed, and the bells are rung again in joy of the Easter proclamation we'll hear in the Gospel.
After the Liturgy of the Word, the catechumens and candidates, who've been preparing for months, are baptized or received fully into the communion with the Church and receive the sacrament of Confirmation. These new Catholics finally get to stay for the full Mass and make their first Communion as full members of the Church.
The Vigil Mass concludes as any Easter Mass, with lashings of alleluias, but the weight of the cumulative three-day Triduum celebration imbues it with a joy that you might miss if you skipped the liturgies that are not strictly obliged.
COME TO THE FEAST
Which is why I so strongly encourage everyone to attend as many of these Triduum celebrations as they can. Even if I've had a disappointing Lent, and failed to fully prepare for Easter, I have never come out of a Triduum feeling less than elated and consoled by the grace of the Resurrection. I pray that your Holy Week is similarly blessed. C
PHOTO BY FRANCESCO ALBERTI ON UNSPLASH
OC Catholic Afar
Nestor and Dianne Gatdula recently visited the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona. The chapel is sitting high atop the red rocks in Sedona. The chapel was completed in 1956.
—Nestor and Dianne are parishioners of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Irvine.
We want your photos! Send your pictures of “OC Catholic Afar” — of you, family or friends visiting Catholic churches and other interesting places — to editor@occatholic.com. Please include a brief description of the photo, the name of the person(s) featured in the photo and their home parish.
