BREAD OF ANGELS
JANUARY 4, 2026
PAGE 12
THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ORANGE ■ OCCATHOLIC.COM
WITH CITY APPROVAL, VISION FOR CRISTO REY’S NEW HOME UNFOLDS PAGE 5 STEPHEN HOLTE, PRESIDENT OF CRISTO REY ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, AND KARELYN ROBERTS, PRINCIPAL OF CRISTO REY ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, SHOW PLANS FOR THE FUTURE HOME OF THE SCHOOL. PHOTO BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
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JANUARY 4, 2026 POSE R U ITH P W E SION V S R I E M S W IN GRO
CONTENTS
7 9 10 13 14
SMCHS SETS HIGH BAR
During the fall semester 48 students signed college athletic agreements, with that number expected to rise to 80 by the end of the academic year.
LEADERSHIP IN OC CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Christ Cathedral Academy eight-grader Ethan Baroldi stands out from his peers.
A FRIENDLY SOCCER GAME
Diocese priests and seminarians take their friendly "rivalry" from the court to the soccer field.
SPREADING CHRISTMAS JOY AT REGINA RESIDENCE
Students, alumni and members of St. Bonaventure Girl Scout Troop 2256 brought the true spirit of Christmas to the Regina House in Orange.
CONTEMPLATING THE WONDERS OF HIS LOVE
As the calendar flips, our thoughts turn to resolutions, new beginnings, goals and accomplishments.
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 Executive Editor: Jarryd Gonzales Managing Editor: Patricia Mahoney, editor@occatholic.com News Ideas: editor@occatholic.com Delivery Problems: occatholicsupport@occatholic.com
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DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
ROSARY BEADS
“
We…are invited to find quiet and restful moments…
”
— Pope Leo XIV
SAINT PROFILE JOHN NEUMANN
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1811-1860
NATIVE OF BOHEMIA, JOHN entered the seminary and was nearing ordination when he departed for the United States. He joined the Redemptorists and served as a priest in New York, Maryland and Pennsylvania. In 1852 he was named the fourth bishop of Philadelphia. He founded more than 50 churches and greatly expanded Catholic education. John had a fondness for immigrants and knew six languages. His pastoral zeal was evident up to his last moments of life. He collapsed and died in the street at age 48. C
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNETTE ALDAY
READER CALL-OUT
This is a display in our home of all the Rosaries that my husband and father of our children, Al R. Alday, prayed with during Adoration as he battled with ALS. —Annette Alday, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Huntington Beach. If you would like to share a photo of your Rosary Beads with our readers, please send a photo and brief description (include your name and parish) to: Editor@occatholic.com C
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
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PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
1 JOHN 3:22–4:6; PSALM 2:7BC-8, 10-12A; MATTHEW 4:12-17, 23-25
1 JOHN 4:7-10; PSALM 72:1-2, 3-4, 7-8; MARK 6:34-44
1 JOHN 4:11-18; PSALM 72:1-2, 10, 12-13; MARK 6:45-52
1 JOHN 4:19–5:4; PSALM 72:1-2, 14 AND 15BC, 17; LUKE 4:14-22
1 JOHN 5:5-13; PSALM 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20; LUKE 5:12-16
1 JOHN 5:14-21; PSALM 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6A AND 9B; JOHN 3:22-30
ISAIAH 42:1-4, 6-7; PSALM 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10; ACTS 10:34-38; MATTHEW 3:13-17
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FEATURE
WITH CITY APPROVAL, VISION FOR CRISTO REY’S NEW HOME UNFOLDS BY GREG MELLEN
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REAMS COME IN ALL forms. They may seem hard to envision in the afternoon light slanting into a hollowed out former office building, but they are coming into focus. By fall, the now cavernous 60,000-square-foot building will be bursting with the shouts, dreams and ambitions of the students and staff at Cristo Rey Orange County High School. A little more than two years after it launched in 2023, the Catholic school is on the doorstep of a permanent campus. The inaugural class of students who enrolled as freshmen will have a chance to enjoy a senior year in brand-new digs. As President Stephen Holte and Principal Karelyn Roberts went on an informal walkthrough, they let their imaginations loose. Holte, who in college considered STEPHEN HOLTE, PRESIDENT OF CRISTO REY ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, AND KARELYN ROBERTS, PRINCIPAL OF CRISTO REY ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, DISCUSS PLANS FOR architecture as a possible future, could THE FUTURE HOME OF THE SCHOOL. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE see the class and meeting rooms in his mind’s eye. He pointed out where light will flow into the lobby through stained glass windows once the school chapel is built. “I can see it for sure,” Holte said. “This is beyond our wildest dreams. Our plans for the school were bold and audacious, and this exceeds them.” Meanwhile, Roberts wandered over to a corner area. “This is where my office will be,” she shared. Although she can’t exactly imagine how the completed school will look, Roberts said, “I can hear it. I can hear the joyful noise of conversations and laughter.” Although these were momentary fanciful flights, they won’t be for long.
CLEARING THE WAY
In November, the Santa Ana City Council unanimously approved plans CONTINUES ON PAGE 6
KARELYN ROBERTS AND STEPHEN HOLTE POSE FOR A PHOTO AT THE CONSTRUCTION SITE. J A N U A R Y 4 , 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
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FEATURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
BRYAN IBARRA, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF SLATER BUILDERS, ANSWERS QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS. PHOTO BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
To report sexual abuse by clergy or church personnel please call: 1 (800) 364-3064 Healing and Hope After Abortion: 1 (800) 722-4356 New Hope Peer-to-Peer Support Line | Mon - Fri 7:30 AM - 9:30 PM | Sat - Sun 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM: 1 (714) NEW-HOPE or 1 (714) 639-4673 BÁO CÁO LẠM DỤNG TÌNH DỤC Nếu bạn là nạn nhân bị lạm dụng tình dục bởi một linh mục/ tu sĩ hay một thành viên trong Giáo Hội gây ra, xin hãy gọi và báo cáo cho Giáo phận ở số điện thoại miễn phí sau đây: 1-800-364-3064, và đồng thời báo cáo cho nhà chức trách địa phương. 본당내의 성적학대 신고 성직자나 성당 사목을 대표하는 관리자에 의한 성적 학대의 피해자 인 경우, 교구청의 무료 신고 전화 번호, 1-800-364-3064 및 관할 지역 법 집행 기관에 전화하십시오.
to transform part of the SOCO Harbor office park in the city’s Southwest corner off Harbor Blvd. into a new permanent campus. By receiving a conditional use permit for the property, purchased by the school for $20 million, Cristo Rey cleared the last major administrative hurdle. In the fall, the school will move from the cozy confines of its current 23,000-square-foot home, a former elementary school at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Santa Ana. In addition to the large building formerly occupied by INSPYR Solutions, a tech company, the school will occupy a floor in an adjoining building. The office park is a nine-acre campus with four buildings that are home to a wide array of national and high-end local businesses. This could be key, as Cristo Rey, whose motto is “The School That Works,” offers and requires students to be employed in work-study programs as part of its curriculum. “This property is unique with possibilities,” said Holte, who will be surrounded by potential school partners for the student workforce. Although the building that will house the school is only a husk right now, Bryan Ibarra of Slater Builders, which is handling the multimillion-dollar renovation, said work will “move quickly,” now that all debris has been removed.
A NEW BRAND
Cristo Rey Orange County is one of the newer members in a national network of 41 independently owned career-focused, college-preparatory schools that make up the Cristo Rey Institute. Launched in 1996, the network has become, Holte said, a “proven national brand with proven results.” It was established under the authority of the pope to participate on behalf of the Catholic Church. Although not operated by the Diocese of Orange, the Santa Ana school works closely with the Church. Open exclusively to area students
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from low-income working-class families, Cristo Rey offers a visionary educational model that combines a rigorous academic curriculum with a real-world Corporate Work-Study Program. Through the extracurricular program, students report to part-time jobs at least five days a month. They use a portion of their earnings to help fund their education while gaining professional experience. Students are also mentored by professionals at work. With more than 60 corporate partners from fields including health, business, technology, law and finance, students are exposed to a vast array of practical and cutting-edge possibilities and career pathways. Holte says the school plans to add 100 more partner companies by the time the 2026-27 class graduates to ensure every student has an opportunity for a high-quality work-study job. Another school saying is, “If you can’t see it, you can’t be it.” For many students the mere exposure to professional environments can open opportunities and concepts that were outside anything in their frame of reference. As an example, Roberts and Holte tell a story of a student working at a hospital owned by a corporate partner. While at work, the student met a surgeon on site who invited him to view a surgery. Now, the student, who is considering nursing, has been exposed to another potential path. For the time being, Cristo Rey Orange County, home of the Crocodiles, looks forward with unrestrained enthusiasm. “This new campus will allow us to serve twice as many students, who will become the business and community leaders of tomorrow,” Holte said. “We are eternally grateful to our families, donors and the City of Santa Ana for believing in the Cristo Rey model and supporting our mission to empower young people by helping them attain the education and workplace experience they could otherwise only dream about.” C
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FEATURE
SMCHS SETS HIGH BAR FOR COLLEGE SPORTS ADMISSIONS BY GREG MELLEN
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FTER RETIRING AS SPORTS editor for the Los Angeles Times, Mike Hiserman joined the staff at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, where he thought he’d take it easy coaching freshman baseball. Little did he know his tenure would morph into a program and position created five years ago with the founding of the Recruiting Support Program. With the guidance of Hiserman, the current associate director of college relations, the school has implemented online recruitment tools and information to emerge as a top school in placing its student-athletes in college programs. In the fall semester, Santa Margarita had a record 48 students sign college athletic financial aid agreements, formerly known as letters of intent, to play for colleges and universities ranging from athletic powerhouses such as USC to academic bluebloods such as Harvard, as well as lesser-known NCAA Division III and NAIA schools. By the school year's end, Santa Margarita is expected to have about 80 students signed to college athletic programs, the large majority at Division I schools. The Catholic high school’s success is even more remarkable because it comes at a time when the face of college sports has been transformed by the transfer portal, which allows a free flow of experienced college athletes swapping schools, NIL (Name Image and Likeness) rules, changes in communication rules and condensed evaluation periods. So, while participation rates in colleges and universities continue to climb, particularly for women, the minefield high school athletes must navigate to reach college programs has never been more difficult. “I think I would have been lost,” said Tommy Volz, a senior who will attend
IN THE FALL SEMESTER, SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL HAD A RECORD 48 STUDENTS SIGN COLLEGE ATHLETIC FINANCIAL AID AGREEMENTS, FORMERLY KNOWN AS LETTERS OF INTENT, TO PLAY FOR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts and run track after thinking he would have had to abandon his college athletic goals. “I didn’t have any sense of guidance.” Volz said he was blind-pitching to elite programs such as Alabama, before Hiserman helped him hone his search. This led to Holy Cross, which is still an NCAA Division I school in the less competitive yet respectable Patriot League. It also fulfilled other goals Volz had of being located near family in New England, where he was raised, and being at a Catholic school. Volz said his older brother, Ben, a former sprinter at Santa Margarita, did not avail himself of the recruiting program and instead went to Boston College with academic aid only. “I think he kind of regrets it now,” Tommy Volz said. Phil Blanchard, whose son Luke is a junior baseball player for the Eagles, said Hiserman and the program are invaluable in helping guide his son through the recruiting process.
TOMMY VOLZ, A SENIOR AT SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, WILL ATTEND THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS IN MASSACHUSETTS AND RUN TRACK.
“He has a genuine desire to find the right fit for athletes,” Phil Blanchard said. Blanchard said Hiserman, with his background observing athletes for decades in sport journalism, is a good evaluator of talent and matching an
athlete’s skills with certain college programs’ values. “He knows what’s realistic and how to pursue that without squelching dreams,” Phil Blanchard said, adding that HiserCONTINUES ON PAGE 8
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FEATURE his recommendations. “In the last three years, better than one in six of our students (16-17%) have secured four-year support for spots in athletics,” said Hiserman, referring to the entire senior classes at SMCHS. This far outpaces national averages where about 8 million high school students compete in sports annually. “Overall a little over 7% of high school athletes (about 1 in 13) go on to play a varsity sport in college and less than 2% of high school athletes (1 in 57) go on to play at NCAA Division I schools,” according to ScholarshipStats.com. This is because, “coaches are now more likely to recruit experienced players from the transfer portal to fill immediate needs, which reduces opportunities for high school recruits,” Hiserman said. Hiserman downplayed his effect, saying it’s the quality of Santa Margarita’s sports programs, coaching and strong academics that make its athletes an easy sell. “Coaches know this is a school of rigor,” he said. “The quality of athletes is a tribute to Santa Margarita.”
versity; Manoah Faupusa, Arizona; Ty Swanson, USC.
THE LIST
GIRLS SWIMMING (2)
BASEBALL (8)
Brody Schumaker, Texas Christian; Chase Marlow, University of San Diego; Andre Owens, Oklahoma State; Warren Gravely, Notre Dame; Noah Darnell, Harvard; Tyler Unter, Claremont; Vincent Milo, Trinity University (Texas); SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL’S CAMRYN LEGENY WILL ATTEND UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY TO PLAY SOFTBALL Adam Cypriano, Trinity University IN THE FALL. PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (Texas). CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
on her wish list. man urges kids to “go for the brass ring, “I really showed out and they offered but have alternatives.” me a scholarship after that camp,” she Camryn Legeny, a senior with the said. SMCHS's softball team, will attend Utah Volz said his friends in Connecticut State University to play softball in the had never heard of such a program and fall. She said Hiserman helped her fill out resorted to YouTube videos for guidance. information, post videos and provided However, Phil Blanchard said Histips on summer sports camps to attend erman is able to provide the kind of to gain notice. individual advice that athletes can’t get It was a softball camp in Utah that got elsewhere. Hiserman also maintains relaLegeny noticed by Utah State, a school tionships with college coaches who trust
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BOYS’ BASKETBALL (3)
Brayden Kyman, Washington State; Kaiden Bailey, Georgia Tech; Drew Anderson, Oregon State.
FOOTBALL (11)
*Jonah Smith, UCLA; Trent Mosley, USC; Simote Katonanga, USC; Dash Fifita, Arizona; Niniva Nicholson, Arizona State; Jayden Crowder, USC; Alekisanita Holani, Sacramento State; Logan Hirou, UCLA; Trace Johnson, Tulane Uni-
BOYS LACROSSE (3)
Kevin Ratzlaff, Westminster University; Max Katz, Manhattan University; Andrew Mravle, Westminster University.
GIRLS GOLF (2)
Veronica Man, UC Irvine; Angelina Tao, Dartmouth.
GIRLS LACROSSE (2)
Alexaundra Szczuka, Rider University; Taylor Mielke, Colorado Mesa.
GIRLS SOCCER (4)
Peyton Trayer, North Carolina – early enrollee; Cora Fry, Tennessee – early enrollee; Emily Nunez, St. Mary’s; Jastel David, Utah.
BOYS SWIMMING (4)
Darren Nguyen, Claremont; Sonit Joshi, Case Western Reserve; Bennett Korner, Xavier; Carson Eich, Pomona-Pitzer. Hannah Campbell, San Diego State; Sophia Zhu, Johns Hopkins.
SOFTBALL (4)
Camryn Legeny, Utah State; Payton Stowasser, George Washington; Clarissa Stayrook, Columbia; Zoe Xanthos, Wellesley.
GIRLS TENNIS (2)
Emily Gao, Claremont-McKenna; Grace Kersenbrock, Pomona-Pitzer.
BOYS TRACK & FIELD (1) Tommy Volz, Holy Cross.
BOYS VOLLEYBALL (1)
Blake Herman, Vassar College.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL (1)
Memphis Burnett, UC Irvine. *Denotes reclassified to Class of 2025; is already attending UCLA. C
DIOCESAN NEWS
LEADERSHIP IN OC CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SPOTLIGHT ON CHRIST CATHEDRAL ACADEMY’S ETHAN BAROLDI BY MIKE ZINN
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ECAUSE OF EIGHTH-GRADER Ethan Baroldi’s consistent effort to be kind and helpful to everyone he encounters, he has left a lasting mark on the Christ Cathedral Academy community. “He will leave a large hole in our school when he graduates,” said the school’s principal Julianna Tapia, who calls him a “natural-born leader.” Teacher Lexi Wilcox lists Baroldi’s strongest traits as integrity and trustworthiness. “He does the right thing,” she said, “even when no one is around.” Wilcox said that Baroldi is especially strong in reading and writing, but he excels in all subjects. “He wants to be the best,” she shared. She added that he also enjoys helping his fellow classmates do well, be it in the classroom or on the stage during Drama Club. Baroldi lists his favorite subjects as math and history. “My dad is a big math guy and has influenced me in that subject,” he said. “I also like history; it helps me understand past events.” As president of the Student Council, he facilitates council meetings and assigns tasks to individual council members. He is also an altar server. Outside of school, Baroldi is a five-year member of the Junior Ducks Hockey Club. “My dad played hockey and drew me into the sport,” he shared. Baroldi uses his leadership skills within the hockey team as well. “I try to cheer on my teammates and positively boost morale,” he added.
ETHAN BAROLDI IS AN EIGHTH GRADER AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL ACADEMY IN GARDEN GROVE. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIST CATHEDRAL ACADEMY
Like his father and grandfather before him, Baroldi hopes to attend Servite High School. While there, he hopes to be involved with the club hockey team and campus ministry. Many people have influenced Baroldi’s
life and helped shape his character. “My entire immediate and extended families have been role models in my life,” he said. “Many live close by, and constantly show me how to be a good person.” The traits of kindness and helpfulness
have served Baroldi well in his on-campus and community activities. When asked what he would most like to be remembered for at school, he remarked: “I’d like to be known as a good leader, a good person and that I am kind.” C
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FEATURE
A FRIENDLY SOCCER GAME BY LOU PONSI
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HE FIRST EVER DIOCESE of Orange Soccer Tournament featuring priests and seminarians squaring off on the pitch brought together parish communities for an afternoon of friendly competition and camaraderie. Organized by the Diocese's Office of Vocations, the Nov. 28 match at the St. Jeanne de Lestonnac sports facility in Santa Ana was a way of promoting vocations by showcasing priests and seminarians THE FIRST EVER DIOCESE OF ORANGE SOCCER TOURNAMENT FEATURING PRIESTS AND SEMINARIANS TOOK PLACE ON NOV. 28, 2025. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE in an environment outside of traditional settings, said Fr. Quyen Truong, parochial administrator at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Irvine, who helped organize the event. The match pitted Team Angels vs. Team Saints, with the Angels coming away with a 3-2 victory. “I think it's good to show people that priests and seminarians are human too,” said Fr. Truong, who has played soccer since he was a young boy. “It's good to organize this game to promote vocations.” The tournament also provided an opportunity for seminarians, many of whom were home for Thanksgiving break, to reconnect with their community before returning to school, said Fr. Cheeyoon Chun, director of Priestly Vocations. Participants also enjoyed a meal together prior to the match. “It's just a way for families and the diocese to come together to have a day of TEAM ANGELS EMERGED VICTORIOUS DURING THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE VOCATIONS SOCCER GAME ON NOV. 28, 2025. friendship and fellowship,” Fr. Cheeyoon said. ing on the St. Jeanne de Lestonnac field and play soccer.” from academics to athletics,” he said. “It's While fundraising is not the main when he played for Cypress High School. Now, Salgado plays soccer once a week just a lot of fun.” goal, the event also raises some money for “When I was discerning the priesthood with his fellow seminarians and said it is Fr. Charbel Grbavac, O.Praem, a vocations, Fr. Cheeyoon said. in high school, there was a seminarian one of the highlights of the week. Norbertine priest at St. Michael’s Abbey Seminarian Ivan López Salgado also who was really good at soccer, and I “We enjoy the camaraderie, just using in Silverado Canyon, was also excited to CONTINUES ON PAGE 11 grew up playing soccer and recalled play- thought that I too can be a seminarian our bodies to have the change of pace
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FEATURE
THE SOCCER GAME WAS A WAY OF PROMOTING VOCATIONS BY SHOWCASING PRIESTS AND SEMINARIANS IN AN ENVIRONMENT OUTSIDE OF TRADITIONAL SETTINGS. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
participate. Fr. Grbavac began playing soccer as a boy in his native Croatia and said soccer is the perfect sport to unite communities. He said he likes to use spiritual analogies to connect the sport of soccer to Catholic teachings. Faith and sports can coexist, he said, as long as faith always comes first. “Your body is a temple of the Holy
Spirit,” Fr. Grbavac said. “God gave us a body to glorify him. You want to come and bring Christ to people where they're at. People love sports. Soccer is beautiful because you can play on grass, the beach, indoors and outdoors.” Drawing a red card in soccer is analogous to committing a mortal sin, he said. “In soccer, if you get a red card, you're out of the game,” he said. “If you commit a serious, grave sin that offends God, His
ATTENDEES CHEER ON DIOCESE OF ORANGE PRIESTS AND SEMINARIANS AT THE ST. JEANNE DE LESTONNAC SPORTS FACILITY IN SANTA ANA
grace leaves you. You’ve mortally wounded your own soul. You're out of the game just like with a red card. Like St. John Bosco would say, ‘have all the fun you want, just don't sin.’” Fr. Grbavac also recalled organizing “pray and play” events when he served as associate pastor at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in San Pedro. “Every first Saturday, we do ‘pray and play,’ celebrate Mass at 9 a.m. and at 10
a.m. soccer begins,” he said. “At noon, everything stops. As a family, the community comes together with a potluck meal and we all pray together, and it gives a chance for people to know each other, strengthen each other, take your mind off your suffering, your bills, your duties and to enjoy a day of fellowship in Jesus Christ.” He added: “We’re going to glorify God today with a friendly soccer game.”C
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DIOCESAN NEWS
BREAD OF ANGELS BY MIKE ZINN
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VITAL CORE PRECEPT OF ST. Angela Merici Parish's long and storied history has been a consistent commitment to service. This service heritage extends not only to the members of the parish but also to the surrounding areas of Brea. Many ministries are key components of the St. Angela Merici community, one of those being Bread of Angels, which has been in existence for over 35 years. Bob Duffy leads the ministry and has been involved with it for 18 years. Initially, this ministry operated under
ANA FUTO TENDAI PREPARES VEGETABLES FOR THE GUESTS OF ST. ANGELA MERICI PARISH’S SATURDAY HOSPITALITY. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
BREAD OF ANGELS’ RACHEL LIN, A STUDENT AT ST. ANGELA MERICI SCHOOL, SERVES BAGELS TO GUESTS.
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FROM LEFT: BREAD OF ANGELS’ SELENA PARK, KIARA SUN AND EWA JANICK DISPLAY THE MENU FOR THE DAY.
the name Saturday Hospitality. Shortly after Duffy joined, the parochial vicar, Fr. Bill Barman, initiated several key changes, the first of which was renaming the ministry Bread of Angels. Fr. Bill felt this name was a more appropriate description of the ministry's service. He also wanted to change the way the ministry interacted with the people it served. The people who came to the parish on Saturdays for a meal were called “guests,” which gave the ministry a warmer, more welcoming feel—an approach that made the Saturday event feel more like a fine dining experience. When guests arrive, they sign in, leave their belongings in a secure storage room and take a seat. They receive a menu from servers made up of youth volunteers from the parish. Tablecloths and centerpieces further enhance the fine dining experience. After taking an order, volunteers serve the meals on real glass plates with silverware. Meal selections can be customized, further exhibiting that each guest is special, important and has been heard. On any given Saturday, 20 to 30 volunteers get to work. Only 20 youth servers are accepted each Saturday, due to their duties being more specialized. These servers work from 7 a.m. to noon and receive service hours. Other volunteers also start
at 7 a.m. and handle food prep, while others pick up food donations during the week or clean up after the event. Breakfast is served from 8:30 am to 9:30 am. At 9:30 am, a healthy vegetable plate is brought out, followed by a prayer and lunch at 10:30 am. The lunch menu features a wide range of delicious options, including pork chops, baked ziti and tuna casserole. During the meals, guests are encouraged to stay and converse with each other. As part of a partnership with California State University, Fullerton, nursing students volunteer their time by speaking about the importance of good nutrition and hydration and by checking vital signs. Duffy and his wife, Ellen, who is also involved with Bread of Angels, see this ministry as an opportunity to help others in need. Duffy calls the ministry “an opportunity to give service. Anyone could need this program at any time.” When asked what this ministry can mean to the St. Angela Merici community, Duffy said, “It provides an opportunity to do God’s work. It gives us the means to work with our entire community. Most importantly, it allows the youth servers to be converted to a lifetime of service.”C
DIOCESAN NEWS
SPREADING CHRISTMAS JOY AT REGINA RESIDENCE BY VANESSA FREI
of St. Bonaventure Catholic School. Their presence has shaped countless lives, and URING THE ADVENT this visit served as a beautiful reminder SEASON, students, alumni that those bonds do not fade with time and members of St. Bonaven- or distance. Instead, they continue to ture Girl Scout Troop 2256 grow through acts of love, remembrance brought the true spirit of Christmas to and service. life through a heartfelt visit to Regina As students shared the story of God’s Residence in Orange. Their mission was love, they blended the Christmas narrasimple yet profound: to share joy, faith tive with familiar carols. The room grew and companionship with the sisters who quiet as young voices retold the story of call Regina Residence home—especialJesus’ birth, filling the space with reflecly our beloved Presentation Sisters, Sr. tion and hope. Joy followed as students Mary and Sr. Maria, who hold a deep and sang Christmas carols, lifting spirits and enduring connection to the St. Bonaven- bringing smiles to the sisters’ faces. Stuture community. dents also shared handmade gifts, small For generations, the Presentation but meaningful expressions of love and Sisters have played a meaningful role in care that were warmly received. the spiritual and educational foundation “The children bring such light with
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STUDENTS, ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF ST. BONAVENTURE GIRL SCOUT TROOP 2256 VISITED THE REGINA RESIDENCE IN ORANGE DURING THE 2025 HOLIDAY SEASON. PHOTOS COURTESY OF VANESSA FREI
ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS SING CHRISTMAS CAROLS AT THE REGINA RESIDENCE IN ORANGE.
them,” shared Sr. Mary. “Their visit reminds us that our mission lives on through them. Their joy, their faith and their kindness are the greatest gifts we could receive at Christmas.” For the students, the experience was equally meaningful. Many expressed how special it felt to give their time and talents to those who are homebound, especially during the holidays. One student reflected, “I was nervous at first, but once we started singing, I could see how happy it made the sisters. It felt good knowing we were bringing them joy. It made Christmas feel more real.” Parents who accompanied the group were deeply moved by the impact of the visit. Witnessing their children engage so
compassionately reinforced the importance of service rooted in faith. “This experience reminded me why we chose St. Bonaventure for our family,” shared Jenny Campos. “Children are learning that faith is not just something we talk about, it’s something we live. Seeing them connect with the sisters in such a genuine way was incredibly touching.” As the group prepared to leave, hugs were exchanged, blessings were shared and there was a clear sense that something sacred had taken place. In the quiet halls of Regina Residence, Christmas joy had been shared, faith had been strengthened and a cherished bond between past, present and future Saints had once again been beautifully renewed.C
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CATHOLIC FAMILY LIFE
CONTEMPLATING THE WONDERS OF HIS LOVE: A NEW YEAR REVIEW OF GOD’S ACTIVITY IN OUR HEARTS GOD’S LOVE DRAWS INTO COMMUNION
BY JOAN PATTEN, AO
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HROUGHOUT ADVENT, we were reminded that God is Emmanuel, God with us. Yet the mystery of the Incarnation is not limited to one liturgical season or a historical moment. Jesus promised, “I am with you always, even to the end of time” (cf. Mt. 28:20). God’s abiding presence is the ultimate reality we are meant to experience at every moment of our lives. Throughout the year, God draws near, assuring us of His divine presence, grace and love. As the year ends, many of us review goals, accomplishments and failures, and make new resolutions for growth and success. While self-reflection and self-improvement are commendable, Christians are called to consider greater realities: God’s concrete, immediate activity in our lives. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that creation is journeying toward perfection, guided by divine providence (cf. CCC 302). God governs all things, from the smallest details to the greatest events (cf. CCC 303). God is actively involved in every moment, ordering all things in His love. This reflection redirects our attention from judging our own efforts to the presence of God’s grace, His life in us. Holiness is not primarily what we do for God, but what God does in us and how we respond. As you review this past year, consider: How has God been with me? How have I been with Him? Did I receive or resist His invitations and gifts?
GOD’S LOVE PURIFIES
God’s love purifies us, often during times of trials, so we can be freed from our selfishness and overcome our pride so our will is more aligned with God’s. Disappointments are not punishments, but opportunities to surrender our plans and preferences to the One who loves us
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Ultimately, His love draws us into communion with Himself and others, through prayer, the sacraments and authentic friendships. Every gift of grace, act of mercy and encounter of healing deepens intimacy with the Trinity and unites the Body of Christ. How has His love drawn you into greater communion with Christ and with others this past year? Contemplating the wonders of His love this past year makes us more aware of God’s activity and strengthens our choice to cooperate with His plans of love. As we begin a new year, let us not only make resolutions, but deepen our desire for God’s life in us. He is Emmanuel, God with us, and His love endures forever (cf. Ps. 136:1).C PHOTO BY MARISOL BENITEZ ON UNSPLASH
perfectly. How has His love purified you this past year?
GOD’S LOVE GIVES DIRECTION
God’s love is a light when we feel lost or uncertain. He speaks to our hearts through Scripture, the Christian community, ordinary circumstances and in the stillness of our hearts in prayer. Sometimes His guidance is a bright light that gives great certainty, and other times, it is a gradual revelation that gives clarity for the next step. How has His love given you direction this past year?
GOD’S LOVE REDEEMS AND HEALS
By entering every human experience through the Incarnation and freely offering Himself in suffering on the Cross, Jesus elevates all human suffering and redeems our wounds— moments when we were denied love— by offering us His healing presence that moves gently
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CLASSIFIED ADS and deeply into our pain, resentment, and brokenness. God’s redemptive love gives us the eternal hope that we share in His victory over evil, sin and death, transforming all our fears and setting us free for new life. How has His redeeming love given you new meaning and hope this past year?
GOD’S LOVE FORGIVES AND RECONCILES
God’s love and mercy restore intimacy lost through sin and reconciles divisions within ourselves and with others. Our hearts are moved with wonder and gratitude when we contemplate His merciful love. We participate in His redeeming work when we extend the same forgiveness we have received from God to ourselves and to others. Thus, we become bearers of God’s peace and signs of His unity. How has His merciful love reconciled you to Himself and others this past year?
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OC Catholic Afar
Scott and Theresa Breithaupt visited the Church of San Sebastián de Garabandal in Spain during a three-week pilgrimage in October 2025. The village of San Sebastián de Garabandal is known for purported apparitions of St. Michael the Archangel and the Virgin Mary that are said to have occurred in the 1960s. —Scott and Theresa are parishioners of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in San Clemente.
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. J A N U A R Y 4 , 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
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