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
의한 성적 학대의 피해자 인 경우, 교구청의 무료 신고 전화 번호, 1-800-364-3064 및 관할 지역 법 집행 기관에 전화하십시오.
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
Rosary Beads
JUNE
1, 2025
OC CATHOLIC RECIPE SWAP
Ron Kuzlik shares a cucumber salad recipe that dates back to 1500s Poland.
Blessed Sacrament parish hosted the Giving Gala fundraiser.
The Pacific Symphony's Class Act school program introduces children to classical music.
Premieres, prayers and priests playing hoops.
OF THE LORD IS NOT GOODBYE Jesus' ascension was not a departure, but an eternal communion.
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
not
the implicit endorsement of the Diocese of Orange or SCNG Custom Content.
ROSARY BEADS
READER CALL-OUT
This handmade prize was found in a small quaint shop in Torremolinos, Spain. A treasure found in what was once a small fishing village in Costa del Sol. Very fond memories of our vacation visit, but none less than the delight in finding this ready-to-display treasure. —Armen Lopez, St. Juliana Falconieri parish, Fullerton.
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
MONDAY
ACTS 19:1-8; PSALM 68:2-3AB, 4-5ACD, 6-7AB; JOHN 16:29-33
“ Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and with each other, let us go forward.”
— Pope Leo XIV
SAINT PROFILE
VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY FIRST CENTURY
THIS FEAST COMMEMORATES the three-month visit of Mary with her elderly cousin Elizabeth during Mary's pregnancy with Jesus and Elizabeth's with John the Baptist. The story appears in the first chapter of Luke's Gospel. It recounts Elizabeth's Spirit-filled greeting, acknowledging Mary as “the mother of my Lord,” and Mary's beautiful response, the Magnificat, which begins, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.” Introduced by the Franciscans in 1263, the feast became universal in the 16th century. The cousins' visit has been depicted by many artists over the centuries. An especially tender “Visitation,” painted by Mariotto Albertinelli and considered his masterpiece, is on display at the Uffizi in Florence, Italy. C
PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK
TUESDAY
ACTS 20:17-27; PSALM 68:10-11, 20-21; JOHN 17:1-11A
WEDNESDAY
ACTS 20:28-38; PSALM 68:29-30, 33-35A, 35BC36AB; JOHN 17:11B-19
THURSDAY
ACTS 22:30; 23:6-11; PSALM 16:1-2A AND 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11; JOHN 17:20-26
FRIDAY
ACTS 25:13B21; PSALM 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20AB; JOHN 21:15-19
SATURDAY
ACTS 28:16-20, 30-31; PSALM 11:4, 5 AND 7; JOHN 21:20-25
SUNDAY
ACTS 2:1-11; PSALM 104; 1 COR. 12:3B-7, 12-13; JOHN 20:1923.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ARMEN LOPEZ
STANDIN’ IN THE (PAL) HALL OF FAME!
PAROCHIAL ATHLETIC LEAGUE
INDUCTS NEW MEMBERS
BY LOU PONSI
THE 2025 INDUCTEES INTO the Parochial Athletic League (PAL) Hall of Fame include a professional football player, Olympic water polo official, vice president of a women’s professional soccer team, a professional beach volleyball player and a longtime PAL basketball coach.
The induction ceremony took place following the 6th Annual Parochial Athletic League Golf Tournament held May 13 at the Tustin Ranch Golf Club.
PAL gives students attending faithbased K-12 schools within diocesan boundaries the opportunity to play competitive sports in an environment guided by Christian principles, sportsmanship, responsibility, respect and teamwork.
To qualify for the PAL Hall of Fame, inductees had to have attended a Catholic or Christian school within a PAL League.
Candidates must be PAL athletes who went on to enter professional sports as a player or administrator, went on to become an Olympic athlete or official, or coached in the PAL program for at least 10 years.
The PAL Hall of Fame was established in 2022 as a way of honoring athletes, coaches and supporters who have made significant contributions to the league.
“We strive to make afterschool sports accessible to each and every one of our students,” said Russ Smith, director of
elementary athletics for the Diocese of Orange. “Some of our athletes over the years have gone on to do great things in sports.”
Smith served 30 years as a teacher at Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic School and has been in charge of PAL since 1998.
Under his guidance, PAL now offers a total of 10 sports in 38 schools throughout the academic year, with thousands of participants.
While most of the 38 participating schools are part of the Diocese, it is not a requirement, Smith said.
The 2025 PAL Hall of Fame inductees are:
DANTE PETTIS, NFL WIDE RECEIVER
St. Edward Parish School and JSerra Catholic High School.
Pettis earned numerous accolades as a multi-sport athlete in football, basketball and track and field at JSerra and still holds the Orange County record for the long jump (23 feet, six inches).
He earned a full scholarship to play football for the University of Washington, where he set the record for punt returns for a touchdown (9).
Pettis was the 44th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and went on to play
for the San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants, Chicago Bears and is entering his second year with the New Orleans Saints.
Pettis was unable to attend the ceremony, but his father, Gary Pettis, a former Major Leaguer for the Angels, Tigers, Rangers and Padres accepted the award on behalf of his son.
Pettis read a letter submitted by Dante. It read, in part:
“One of my favorite memories was having my dad coach me in basketball. That was something really special, something my friends and I still talk about today. And it only happened because of PAL.
“PAL gave me a foundation. It taught me how to work hard, how to handle adversity, how to win with humility and lose with grace. I learned how to be a great teammate and how to lead with character in the face of adversity.”
JUSTYNE FREUD, VICE PRESIDENT, SAN DIEGO WAVE FÚTBOL CLUB
Sts. Simon & Jude and Mater Dei High School.
Freud was a multi-sport athlete at Sts. Simon & Jude before going on to play soccer for four years at Mater Dei, where she received numerous honors, including
Trinity League MVP, first team selection from the Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Times, and Mater Dei Athlete of the Year. She went on to play soccer at Oregon State University, helping the program earn top 10 rankings. Freud went into the business side of professional sports and is currently the head of marketing and public relations for the San Diego Wave FC.
She has helped the Wave draw 22,000 fans per game.
“I just appreciate every single person that got me here,” Freud said. “I think I'm forever grateful for PAL, for Mater Dei, for Oregon State for allowing me to thrive in a position, but also just learn the different areas and life skills that I think leads me to today.”
TOM FERRARO, COACH
Coached basketball at Sts. Simon & Jude for 12 years, staring in 1993.
Coaching has allowed Ferraro to instill values such as teamwork and discipline on to future generations and remains one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.
“I really think this is an incredible honor. I guess it's more for longevity. You know, when you have five children, four boys and a daughter, you get to coach many years. I enjoyed those 14 years more than anything. I enjoyed being with my family, my children, their friends and classmates. And it made me a better person, I hope. And I hope I did the same for them.”
RUSS SMITH, DIRECTOR OF ELEMENTARY ATHLETICS, WELCOMES EVERYONE TO THE MAY 13 PAROCHIAL ATHLETIC LEAGUE HALL OF FAME CEREMONY AT THE TUSTIN RANCH GOLF CLUB. PHOTO BY STEVEN GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
FEATURE
JENN MCCALL, OLYMPIC WATER POLO OFFICIAL
St. Bonaventure Catholic School and Rosary Academy.
McCall has the distinction of becoming the first female referee to represent the U.S. in water polo in the Olympics.
She played multiple sports from fifth through eighth grade at St. Bonaventure and lettered in water polo, golf and swimming at Rosary.
McCall went on to play water polo at the University of Pacific and then USC.
She began officiating water polo and eventually began officiating at international competitions.
“To be celebrated not just as a multi-sport athlete, but also as the first female referee to represent the United States in the Olympics is something I could have never imagined when I first stepped onto the field or into the pool,” McCall said. “It was St. Bonaventure that I developed not only my academic
skills, but the resilience, discipline and teamwork that have served me throughout my life.”
WHITNEY PAVLIK-LEVECKE, AVP VOLLEYBALL
St. Catherine of Sienna School and Mater Dei High School
Pavlick-Levecke excelled in multiple sports during her years at St. Catherine before attending Mater Dei, where she played basketball and volleyball, earning multiple accolades for both sports.
Pavlik-Levecke made her AVP debut in 2007 and was named AVP Rookie of the Year in 2008.
She earned three consecutive AVP Manhattan Beach Open championships from 2011 to 2013 and was named AVP Best Offensive Player of the Year in 2016.
Pavlik-Levecke returned to Mater Dei where she now serves as director of family relations and assistant Varsity Beach Volleyball coach.
“Tonight, just isn't about my journey,” Pavlik-Levecke said. “It's a reflection of the people, places and values that shaped me. It was at St. Catherine, where I first discovered my love for sports and the joy of being part of something bigger than myself. That
foundation led me to Monterey High School, a place that would change the course of my life in more ways than one. I was blessed with incredible coaches, supportive teammates and a community that believed in me, even when I didn't truly believe in myself.” C
GARY PETTIS, RIGHT, FATHER OF 2025 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE DANTE PETTIS, ACCEPTS HIS AWARD ON BEHALF OF HIS SON, WHO COULD NOT BE IN ATTENDANCE, FROM RUSS SMITH DURING THE PAROCHIAL ATHLETIC LEAGUE HALL OF FAME CEREMONY AT THE TUSTIN RANCH GOLF CLUB. PHOTO BY STEVEN GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
OC CATHOLIC RECIPE SWAP
MIZERIA (POLISH CUCUMBER SALAD)
INGREDIENTS
THIS SALAD ORIGINATED IN Poland during the 1500s. The name comes from the French word misère, (meaning poverty or squalor) and most likely is a result of the disdainful attitude of the Polish aristocracy towards this traditional peasant dish.
In spite of its simple, humble beginnings, mizeria has become a beloved dish in Polish cuisine and is often served alone as a refreshing salad or together with main dishes.
—Ron Kuzlik, contributing writer for OC Catholic
■ 2 cucumbers
■ Salt
■ 1/2 cup sour cream
■ 2 tbsp. vinegar
■ 1 tbsp. finely cut chives or green onions
■ 1 tbsp. finely cut fresh dill
■ 1 tsp. sugar
■ 1/2 tsp. salt
■ 1/4 tsp. black pepper
DIRECTIONS
Peel and slice cucumbers lengthwise and remove the seeds. Slice as thin as possible, no more than 1/8 inch. Spread out the slices and sprinkle with salt. After 20 minutes pat and press with a paper towel. Combine the sour cream, vinegar, chives, dill, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Chill in the refrigerator.
SMACZNEGO!
(Pron. “smahch-NEH-goh”)
That is, “Bon Appetit!” Enjoy! C
PHOTO BY RON KUZLIK
A NIGHT OF GIVING AT BLESSED SACRAMENT
BY BRITNEY ZINT
PARENTS, PARISHIONERS and community members of a Westminster Catholic school came together on May 10 for a night of dinner, dancing and providing their support for the children.
Blessed Sacrament Catholic School hosted its annual Giving Gala, held at the Mile Square Golf Course banquet center in Fountain Valley, that was highlighted by a photo booth, poker and blackjack tables as well as a silent and live action.
“It’s just a great way to get together with both the church community and fellow parents — and have a fun night the day before Mother’s Day,” said parent Michael Odoco, who served on the gala committee.
The school’s principal Debra Daniel said she appreciates the partnership with the parish church community and hopes the gala further facilitates her and parish administrator Fr. Anthony Vu’s vision.
“I would love for them to be able to see us as not church and school,” Daniel said. “We’re all one, supporting each other.”
Blessed Sacrament parishioner Linda Muller attended the Giving Gala with a group from Catholic Daughters of America. Although she doesn’t have children, she said she supports the school because of its students. She sees them at daily Mass with their teachers and they are always polite and respectful.
“They run a tight school there,” Muller said. “The students are really polite and they truly believe in respecting each other. There’s a lot of that and they’re good kids.”
The students themselves contributed to the fundraiser by working on a grade-level item for the silent auction, such as the third graders writing a cookbook. The live auction included school-based prizes (like front row seating at graduation or free dress Friday for the next school year) as well as big-ticket events like professional sporting games and wine tastings.
The Giving Gala is the school’s biggest
fundraiser of the year, said gala co-chair Octavio Corona. This year, Blessed Sacrament is hoping to raise enough to implement new campus safety measures as well as do updates to the different playgrounds for preschool up to eighth grade, Corona said.
“God willing we raise enough, but if not, we will keep working,” Corona said.
Last year, Blessed Sacrament tried to raise money for a full-perimeter exterior fence, but it was too expensive, said Daniel. They are continuing to work on security though by raising money for an interior fence with a secure gate;
LINDA MULLER, LEFT, SCANS A QR CODE TO BID ON AN AUCTION ITEM DURING BLESSED SACRAMENT’S GIVING GALA HELD ON MAY 6. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
FR. ANGELOS SEBASTIAN TRIES HIS LUCK AT THE BLACKJACK TABLE.
the need is “critical,” Daniel noted. Odoco agreed that security is of the utmost importance for the school community.
“With everything that is going on in the world today, I think security is one of the first and foremost things parents are concerned about,” Odoco said, who has a son in kindergarten and a daughter in fourth grade.
While $200,000 for the interior fence is being raised, the school also wants to update and renovate the different playgrounds by fixing tetherball poles, updating handball courts, painting play features on the asphalt and modernizing the preschool playground flooring — “different places around the school that need love and attention,” Corona said.
This is the school’s second Giving Gala since the coronavirus pandemic. Past fundraisers have allowed Blessed Sacrament to modernize and replace student technology, update sports equipment and complete different beautification projects on campus, Corona said.
Kindergarten teacher Xenia Jeske, who has taught everything from preschool to second grade over the last 45 years, applauded the community’s continuing generosity.
“It means a lot,” Jeske said. “It gets hard sometimes and people are very supportive. They try to do whatever they can.”
She shared: “It adds up for us and it works out. We’ve always had what we needed.” C
FR. ANTHONY VU POSES FOR A GROUP PHOTO DURING AT THE BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL GIVING GALA ON MAY 10. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
MICHAEL SELBERT, LEFT, AND PRINCIPAL DEBRA DANIEL RECOGNIZE THOMAS DAM, 2025 DONOR/ SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT FOR HIS HARD WORK AT BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL.
INSPIRATIONAL CATHOLIC WOMEN
BY LOU PONSI
AS A CHILD OF MEXICAN immigrants, Irene Tienda-Raumbaut and her family experienced many hardships including the unexpected death of her mother at a young age, the death of her brother who was killed in a car crash, living in poverty and experiencing discrimination.
These experiences have served as motivation for Tienda-Raumbaut, a parishioner at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Irvine, to fight for those who have been wronged, experiencing discrimination and people who are “just doing everything they can to survive” and “to be there for those who are feeling alone and abandoned and just needing someone to console them and spend time with them.”
Tienda-Raumbaut was among 21 women who were honored for serving their parishes and communities by embracing the “heart of Mary” at the annual Inspirational Catholic Women benefit dinner held May 16 at the Arboretum on the Christ Cathedral campus.
Honoree Rosie Muñoz, a parishioner at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Irvine for more than 20 years, was recognized for her service to the bereavement ministry, as well as other ministries and acts of service.
Muñoz said she performs service as a gift to Jesus.
“He's just been my rock,” Muñoz said. “So, I'm dedicating myself to him by whatever I can do for the ministry.”
The event was hosted by the Catholic Charities Auxiliary, a group that supports Catholic Charities of Orange County through outreach, fundraising and community service.
Funds raised support one of Catholic Charities most vital programs, the New
Hope Counseling Services, which provides support to children in Orange County Catholic Schools.
Through its Human Dignity Curriculum, an initiative designed to “affirm the intrinsic value of every individual, the program empowers children to understand and respect their own dignity and that of others, promoting a culture of empathy, resilience and support,” said Ellen Roy, executive director of Catholic Charities of Orange County.”
Many schools in the Diocese don’t have the resources to hire a counselor or have only enough funding to hire a part time counselor, said Fr. Mike Rizzo, chairman of the board of Catholic Charities of Orange County.“There are many more children who are in need of care who do not get it at our schools, and they need it,” Fr. Rizzo said. “For them to be fulfilled in their lives, for them to feel loved, for them to feel at home in their schools, comfortable in their schools, in a learning environment where they can actually learn, they need this counseling. And they're in our schools to be formed in their faith, to be formed in their academics, to be formed socially.”
Several members of the counseling team were recognized at the dinner.
Roy praised the efforts of the Hew Hope Counseling Services and the women who were honored.
“When you think about all the incredible things that are going on around the Diocese and how these women contribute to it, it's just amazing,” Roy said.
Honoree Arlene Zonni, a parishioner at St. Anne Catholic Church in Seal Beach, said she derives her inspiration to serve from the love of Christ and by the example of Mother Teresa.
ELLEN ROY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ORANGE COUNTY, SHARES THE SIGNIFICANCE AND HISTORY OF THE LEGACY AWARDS. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
MARTHA SCHNIEDERS, SECOND FROM LEFT, AND BRIDGETTE ROGERS, SECOND FROM RIGHT, RECEIVE THE LEGACY AWARD DURING CATHOLIC CHARITIES’ INSPIRATIONAL CATHOLIC WOMEN EVENT.
FEATURE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
“She was just one person,” Zonni said. “And I look at all the good that she did in the world, and she would say to us, ‘Be the one. Be the one that makes the difference.’”
God’s love must be shared, not kept inside, Zonni said.
“You’ve got to let it out,” she shared. “You’ve got to get out and share it with everybody in big ways and in small.”
INSPIRATIONAL CATHOLIC WOMEN 2025
Mimi Brehmer, Orange County Cursillo
Lynn Campbell, St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Yorba Linda Fabiola Castillo, St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, Dana Point
Sandra Charlesworth, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Placentia
Evangeline Crabtree, St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Yorba Linda
Christa Crafts, St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, Dana Point
Cathy De Guzman, Holy Family Catholic Church, Orange
Colby Gray, St. Edward the Confessor
Catholic Church, Dana Point
Betty Kuhn, St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, Huntington Beach
Lilly McHenry, San Antonio de Padua del Cañon Catholic Church, Anaheim Hills
Linda McMahon, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ladera Ranch
Rosie Muñoz, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Irvine
Elsa Ortega, St. Kilian Catholic Church, Mission Viejo
Toan Thi Pham, Christ Cathedral, Garden Grove
Tess Quiaoit, Diocese of Orange San Jose Filipino Ministry
Tracey Rocha, St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Yorba Linda
Nancy Shanafelt, Christ Cathedral Parish, Garden Grove
Irene Tienda-Raumbaut, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Irvine
Lydia Yostanto, San Antonio de Pauda del Cañon Catholic Church, Anaheim Hills
Linda Ziemba, St. John Neumann Catholic Church, Irvine
Arlene Zonni, St. Anne Catholic Church, Seal Beach C
SANDRA CHARLESWORTH, RIGHT, ONE OF THE HONOREES, AND HER ESCORT ARE WELCOMED WITH APPLAUSE. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
FR. MIKE RIZZO, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ORANGE COUNTY, OFFERS WORDS OF INSPIRATION DURING THE EVENT.
BETTY KUHN, CENTER, ONE OF THE HONOREES, IS JOINED BY FELLOW PARISHIONERS AND FRIENDS FROM ST. BONAVENTURE PARISH IN HUNTINGTON BEACH.
SCHOOLS
A SYMPHONY OF SOUND
BY BRITNEY ZINT
AFTER A YEAR OF GIVING his time, knowledge and music, Pacific Symphony oboist Ted Sugata received a big thank you from students at Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic School.
The Huntington Beach campus hosted its Bravo Assembly on May 5, which was the students’ penultimate experience in their season as a Pacific Symphony Class Act school. Throughout the year, the students have learned about classical music and Ludwig van Beethoven, all based on the theme of “Revolutionary.”
“Today is a special day as we share what we have learned and discovered about the incredible composer Ludwig van Beethoven,” said the school’s vice principal Erin Watson during the Bravo Assembly.
Class Act, part of the Pacific Symphony’s Education and Community Engagement Department, is an elementary partnership program that increases awareness, education and involvement in classical music. Some of the Sts. Simon & Jude children also got to visit the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa for a youth concert with the Pacific Symphony.
Sts. Simon & Jude was one of 13 schools in Orange County to be chosen to participate in the program this school year, thanks to Watson, who knew about Class Act from her previous school.
“When I came here, we had a wonderful music teacher, but we didn’t have exposure to the classical symphony,” she said.
At the Bravo Assembly, each grade shared works of art, academic study and even did a performance piece to showcase what they had learned about Beethoven and classical music. They also thanked Sugata.
“That was an incredible presentation, and I want to say I’m deeply honored to be your first Class Act musician, and to see all the creativity today onstage. I was very impressed,” said Sugata. The assembly began with the transitional kindergarten students sharing how they learned about high and low notes. Then they made cards with music stickers and buttons on them, and finger-painted music notes.
“Thank you for teaching us about Beethoven,” one TK student said to Sugata. Other grades wrote about and drew how Beethoven’s music made them feel. Some created a paper quilt with their imaginings while hearing Beethoven’s “Pastoral” symphony. Another grade made a timeline of Beethoven’s life and counted time signatures — a musical term for how beats are divided and measured. The third-grade students lined up black folding chairs in front of their classmates and performed a body percussion performance of Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5.”
For his year of instruction, Sugata began with a lesson for each grade on Beethoven. A woodwind quintet came to the parish one night in January for the Class Act Family Night. Along with Sugata’s oboe, there was a flute, clarinet, bassoon and French horn.
The Class Act program was a great learning experience overall, said eighth-grader Katie Nguyen. The 13-yearold said she enjoyed interacting with the musicians, learning more about music and about history.
“It helped me appreciate classical music more and understand the beauty and depth of it,” Nguyen said.
Her classmate James Moretti, who plays the saxophone, said he knew a bit about Beethoven but grew in his respect for him. The German composer famously became deaf by the end of his life but continued to write masterpieces anyway.
“It made me appreciate it so much more, because I learned all about the struggles he had to go through to write his music,” said Moretti, 14. C
FIRST-GRADE STUDENTS PRESENTED A PAPER QUILT THEY CREATED WITH WORKS OF ART BASED ON LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN'S "PASTORAL" SYMPHONY AT A BRAVO ASSEMBLY ON MAY 4. PHOTOS COURTESY OF STS. SIMON & JUDE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
STS. SIMON & JUDE CATHOLIC SCHOOL'S THIRD GRADERS PERFORMED A BODY PERCUSSION ROUTINE TO LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN'S “SYMPHONY NO. 5” AT A BRAVO ASSEMBLY.
FIFTH-GRADE STUDENTS CREATED A TIMELINE OF LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN'S LIFE AND PRESENTED IT AT STS. SIMON & JUDE CATHOLIC SCHOOL'S BRAVO ASSEMBLY.
AROUND OUR DIOCESE
BY STAFF
“OUR LADY AT THE CENTER” PREMIERE
“Our Lady at the Center,” a new documentary presented by the OLLV Foundation and Diocese of Orange, held its community premiere in Fountain Valley on May 17. The premiere was the film’s second, following another held at Christ Cathedral on May 11.
More than 400 people from around the country came to the Saigon Grand Center event, which was highlighted by a screening of the film and red carpet with a special backdrop.
PRAYER VIGIL FOR THE POOR AND VULNERABLE
A Prayer Vigil for the Poor and Vulnerable was held during Holy Week on April 17 at Christ Cathedral’s Garden of Gethsemane. Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen presided over the vigil, which was organized by the Diocese’s Office of Life, Justice & Peace.
Rejoice and be glad for you are not forgotten. Great will be the treasure that awaits you now in heaven. Rejoice and be glad for you are not forgotten. Blessed and beloved are you.
For more information visit https:// cacatholic.org/news/good-news-for-thepoor-and-vulnerable/
“Our Lady at the Center” tells the story of Our Lady of La Vang — the 1798 Marian apparition significant to the Vietnam ese Catholic diaspora — as well as the La Vang shrine and Marian Gardens at Christ Cathedral.
Future screenings of the film are in the works in Orange County. Visit attheCenter.com for available updates.
THE ANNUAL PRIESTS VS. SEMINARIANS BASKETBALL GAME
The annual Priests vs. Seminarians
ST. JOHN’S SEMINARY CAMARILLO, CALIFORNIA
ST. JOHN’S SEMINARY NOW OFFERS AN ONLINE M.A. IN PASTORAL MINISTRY PROGRAM
FOR THE LAITY
This program will help lay ministers increase their knowledge of the Catholic intellectual tradition and improve their ministerial skills for the life of the Church. Students will be prepared to work in different areas of ministry and make professional and personal connections with others of the same mind and spirit.
For more information
Email: mapm@stjohnsem.edu or visit www.stjohnsem.edu
Watch a brief video about the program
A studio with professional video, audio, and lighting equipment has been built to produce visually stunning content by our world-class faculty. This studio allows our students to have an enjoyable technological experience.
“OUR LADY AT THE CENTER” FILM DOCUMENTARY PREMIERED IN FOUNTAIN VALLEY ON MAY 1. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
THE 2024 PRIESTS VS. SEMINARIANS BASKETBALL GAME. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
ASCENSION OF THE LORD IS NOT GOODBYE
BY JOAN PATTEN, AO
AN AIRPORT IS A fascinating place to observe human behavior as we wait for our flights. Most of us have experienced the bittersweet moment of saying goodbye to loved ones as they depart from our company. Conversely, reacquainting with those we hold dear after being separated from them fills us with exhilarating joy. Despite modern technology’s attempts to keep us connected, nothing replaces the personal presence of those we love.
Imagine the apostles’ emotions as Jesus took His leave from them on the Mount of Olives, as a cloud hid Him from their sight. They remained gazing intently at the sky until mysterious messengers reminded them that Jesus would return, and they had a mission to embrace (cf. Acts. 1:9-12). Each liturgical year, 40 days after Easter, we celebrate the mystery of the Ascension of Our Lord. The Ascension is not simply about remembering Jesus’ departure from earth but is the celebration of the completion of Jesus’ mission to unite humanity with God. The Ascension is a mystery of the life of Christ that we enter into and receive hope and purpose.
In Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week, Pope Benedict XVI explains that through the Ascension, Jesus brings His human nature into divine glory, revealing our destiny of eternal communion with God. He states, “The Ascension is the moment when heaven and earth are united in Christ, and our humanity is brought into the very life of God” (Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week, 2011). This act fulfills our redemption, as Jesus, in His
glorified humanity, becomes our eternal high priest (cf. Heb. 7:25). Benedict XVI notes that Jesus “always lives to make intercession for us,” offering His sacrifice before the Father for our salvation. Furthermore, Jesus’ departure makes way for the coming of the Holy Spirit, empowering the Church’s mission. Benedict XVI describes the Ascension as “not an absence but a new form of presence,” with Jesus, unbound by time
courage to proclaim the Gospel, we are reminded that we, too, are commissioned to spread the Good News because Jesus is with us. This assurance empowers us to participate in His mission by striving for holiness, frequent reception of the sacraments, acts of charity and trust in God’s grace.
The Eucharist, in particular, unites us with Christ’s sacrifice and presence, forming us as His witnesses. Acts of charity reflect the love of Christ and make Him present to others. Like the apostles, who proclaimed the Gospel with joy and courage, we are called to share the Good News through our words and actions. By embracing our mission, we live with hope, certain that Jesus, our eternal high priest, intercedes for us and remains present.
Although the Ascension of Our Lord into Heaven may seem like a departure, we are assured of His abiding presence. With confidence in His intercession, may we embrace our mission, proclaiming His Resurrection and Ascension, and trusting that He prepares a place for us in eternity.C
and space, universally present through the Spirit (Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week). The Spirit’s outpouring at Pentecost equipped the first disciples and continues to strengthen us today to spread the Gospel.
Unlike a loved one departing from an airport, Jesus does not leave us behind. He promises, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20). Just as the disciples went forth with joy and
PHOTO BY MAURO FOSSATI ON UNSPLASH
OC Catholic Afar
Marcus Lopez and his Confirmation sponsor William Brooks pose with the OC Catholic following Marcus’ Confirmation at Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic Church in Huntington Beach.
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.
