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Rosary Beads
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
JUNE
22, 2025
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
Managing Editor: Caitlin Adams
ROSARY BEADS
READER CALL-OUT
I found this Rosary washed up in the surf while walking along Sunset Beach. The smoothed crucifix and Miraculous Medal suggested that it had been tumbling in the waves for quite a while. The day I found this Rosary had been a stressful one, and I took it as God’s not-so-subtle nudge to seek peace in prayer, especially in the Rosary. Whenever I use it, I say a prayer for its previous owner.
—Joanna Ronan, St. Angela Merici Catholic Church in Brea
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
GENESIS 12:1-9; PSALM 33:12-13, 18-19, 20 AND 22; MATTHEW 7:1-5
“ Divisions and polemics in the church do not help anything.”
— Pope Leo XIV
SAINT PROFILE
ALOYSIUS GONZAGA 1568 - 1591
BORN TO A NOBLE ITALIAN FAMILY, Aloysius served as a page in Spain and Italy. His father opposed a religious vocation, planning instead a military career for his oldest son. But Aloysius joined the Jesuits in Rome in 1585, taking his vows two years later. His health had been compromised by kidney disease, but he served in a Jesuit hospital opened in Rome when plague struck the city. He died of plague while ministering to the sick. St. Robert Bellarmine, his spiritual director, said the young Jesuit’s austere religious practices and penances were so extreme that others should not follow them. Canonized in 1726, Aloysius later was declared protector of young students and patron saint of Catholic youth.C
PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK
TUESDAY
ISAIAH 49:1-6; PSALM 139; ACTS 13:22-26; LUKE 1:57-66, 80
WEDNESDAY
GENESIS 15:112, 17-18; PSALM 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9; MATTHEW 7:15-20
THURSDAY
GENESIS 16:1-12, 15-16 OR GENESIS 16:6B-12, 15-16; PSALM 106:1B-2, 3-4A, 4B-5; MATTHEW 7:21-29
BEARING FRUIT IN HOPE: OUR GRADUATES TRANSFORM THE WORLD
THERE IS SO MUCH JOY and excitement surrounding graduation season! From cap and gown ceremonies to proud family celebrations, the OC Catholic School Community is celebrating another remarkable class of graduates. As we honor our Class of 2025, we are grateful for the many blessings that God has given us through these extraordinary young men and women.
One of the hallmarks of our Catholic schools is the special communities that are created and the transformative relationships that are formed. Our graduating seniors have been both recipients and creators of these communities. They have been mentored by faith-filled teachers and staff, and in turn, they have mentored younger students, led service projects and built bridges across differences. As they prepare to leave our schools, they carry with them not just diplomas, but the deep bonds and values that will sustain them throughout their lives.
Our mission in the Diocese of Orange is clear: We create disciples of Christ. Through faith formation, academic excellence and acts of service our students transform the world. This year’s graduates are living proof of this mission fulfilled. They have excelled academically, with many heading to prestigious universities and meaningful careers. More importantly, they have grown in faith and demonstrated their commitment to service through countless hours of volunteer work, leadership in campus ministry and advocacy for social justice.
As we celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope, proclaimed by Pope Francis, I am filled with tremendous hope for our future because of these graduates. They understand that their Catholic education was not just about personal achievement
but about preparing them to be missionary disciples in whatever path they choose. Whether they become doctors, teachers, engineers, artists, parents or leaders in any field, they will carry with them the values and vision they received through their Catholic education.
The fruit our graduates will bear extends far beyond their own success. In a world that often feels divided and uncertain, they offer something different: hearts formed by the Gospel, minds trained to seek truth and hands ready to serve. They have learned that authentic leadership means following Christ’s example, and that true success is measured by how we contribute to building God’s kingdom here on earth.
During this Jubilee Year of Hope and beyond, I am confident that our graduates will continue to be disciples of hope to all they encounter. Through their academic excellence, deep faith and commitment to service, they are ready to transform our world. C
Please note that OC Catholic will not be printing a paper edition on the following Sundays: July 20, July 27, Aug. 3, Aug. 10
The print edition will return weekly starting August 17. In the meantime, go to occatholic.com for important news and updates from the Diocese of Orange and stories of faith and community.
The Sunday OC Catholic newspaper is a FREE addition available to all Sunday Orange County Register print subscribers and is also available at parishes across Orange County, thanks to the Diocese of Orange and valued OC Catholic advertisers.
BY DR. ERIN BARISANO, SUPERINTENDENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
DR. ERIN BARISANO ADDRESSES THE CLASS OF 2025 DURING SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL’S GRADUATION ON MAY 30. PHOTO BY KIERNAN COLIFLORES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
PARTING IS BITTERSWEET: ST. NORBERT BIDS FAREWELL TO GRADUATING CLASS
BY BRITNEY ZINT
PROCESSING UP THE NAVE in candy red robes and mortarboard hats, the eighth-grade class of St. Norbert Catholic School celebrated their graduation to high school in their parish church on May 23 before a crowd of family, friends, balloons and flowers.
But the 27 students of the Class of 2025, some of whom have been at the parish school for nine years, weren’t the only ones saying goodbye that night. Saying farewell were some families whose only, or final, child would be leaving the school were also honored at the ceremony.
“Graduates, God has a plan for each of you,” said Fr. John Moneypenny, pastor of St. Norbert. “The next four years of high school, continue to dream, find what you like to do, try lots of things while keeping Jesus as the center and always desire to
love him more and more each day. High school is the time when God will continue to let you understand the dreams He has for you.”
One of the graduates, Benett David Hansen, was the last of four children to go through St. Norbert. He, like his brothers and father before him, will move on to Servite High School. The Hansen family was one of many honored at the ceremony. The family has been a part of St. Norbert school family the longest: 22 years.
“We’ve been here many years and I’m so happy that we’ve been a part of this community for so long,” said mother Mikki Hansen, a graduate of Rosary Academy.
“All of our children have grown up to be faith-filled. It’s given us exactly what we wanted in a school.”
For many of the graduates, they are moving on after nine years at the parish
CONTINUES ON PAGE 7
TOGETHER WITH ST. NORBERT CATHOLIC SCHOOL GRADUATES ARE ADRIANA HOLGUIN (LEFT), EIGHTH-GRADE TEACHER; FR. JOHN MONEYPENNY, PASTOR OF ST. NORBERT CATHOLIC CHURCH; JOSEPH CICCOIANNI, SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AND MARIAN QUIROZ, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL.
GRADUATES MARK THE MOMENT WITH A TRADITIONAL CAP TOSS. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
ALEXA BAUZON (LEFT) AND FRANCESCA FLORES ADDRESS THE ATTENDEES. IN THE FALL, ALEXA WILL ATTEND MATER DEI AND FRANCESCA WILL ATTEND ROSARY ACADEMY.
school. During her graduation remarks, eighth-grade teacher Adriana Holguin took her students back through some highlights. They made applesauce and Play-Doh in preschool and read about the adventures of Flat Stanley in first grade. They prepared for First Communion in second grade and faced the COVID-19 pandemic in third grade, being forced to go home and finish the school year online, Holguin said.
Then they came back to school in fourth grade but were split in two with some learning online. Their teacher made sure they sanitized their hands every 30 minutes. It wasn’t until fifth grade that their education returned to normal, but through all of it, the 2025 graduating class “stayed gold,” Holguin said.
“Throughout all of these moments you have lived out the pillars of St. Norbert Catholic School: truth, service, family and
peace,” she said.
Principal Joe Ciccoianni said in his speech that he hoped that their four years of high school would be amazing, that they would go on to college and make their dreams come true.
“But even more than this,” Ciccoianni said, “that your faith and trust in God grows and deepens. And that in your life, His dreams for you will come to fruition.”
Francesca Flores, who was named Outstanding Graduate, said she and her classmates were ready to move up to high school, but that it was hard not to look back at the “unforgettable memories” at St. Norbert.
“Even though we are going to different high schools, we’ll always share our connections to St. Norbert,” Flores said. “Whether it’s field trips, class moments or the East Coast expedition, we’ve created lasting, core memories and inside jokes.” C
OH, WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN!
ST.
BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC SCHOOL GRADUATES CLASS
OF ‘25
BY MADISON ZUÑIGA
THE 2025 EIGHTH-GRADE
class of St. Bonaventure Catholic School in Huntington Beach was recognized during a special graduation Mass on May 30.
Presided by Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen, the graduating Mass served as the culmination of a busy week for the eighth graders, after they participated in a ‘Passing of the Light’ prayer service, a day
at Disneyland, an awards ceremony and a retreat.
“I’m very excited,” said Fr. Vincent Pham, pastor of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. “This is a very joyful celebration for the eighth graders, all 55 of them. They are very good boys and girls, very fine young men and women or faith and such good role models… they are the pride of the parish.”
Before the noon Mass, the eighth graders processed to “Pomp and Circumstance” through a cheering aisle of their fellow St. Bonaventure students. From TK to seventh grade, the younger students applauded and waved signs with encouraging messages as they sent off the eldest among them to new educational experiences.
“It is a special community, it is a very active community—everyone is involved,” said Dr. Richard Yoon, principal of St.
BENETT HANSEN POSES WITH HIS FAMILY. HE IS THE LAST CHILD IN HIS FAMILY TO GRADUATE FROM ST. NORBERT—THE FIRST GRADUATED 22 YEARS AGO. PHOTO BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
ELLA MORADKHANI WELCOMES FAMILIES AND GUESTS WITH HER SALUTATORIAN SPEECH DURING THE GRADUATION CEREMONY. PHOTO BY ALAN
Bonaventure Catholic School. “I think this parish and this school, more than any of the others I’ve seen, has that tight knit sense of family that is interwoven between everything. It is a special place.”
The experiences of parent Timarie Shrum encapsulate just how special the school can be. Shrum herself is an alum of St. Bonaventure, and the school has been a home to her family for 14 years.
“It’s surreal,” Shrum said. “It hasn’t hit me yet. I haven’t apparently come to terms with it being the end of the road at this community. I went to school here; I had all my sacraments here. All of my kids have had all their sacraments here as well.”
With her eldest daughter in college and middle daughter in high school, Shrum has seen how their early Catholic education has borne fruit over the years.
“Raising your kids in an environment where we all have the same base of morals and values, it’s such a lovely and enriching environment for them. I just feel like they all have an underlying love and respect for each other.”
Eighth-grade valedictorian Kailah Tsai reflected on her time at St. Bonaventure after attending for 10 years.
“I honestly have made lifelong friends,” she shared. “I’ve been able to receive an amazing education… I’m able to learn more about my faith, about God and what He’s done for us.”
As valedictorian, her message to her graduating class is to “keep believing in God, keep striving to do your best in everything you do and you’ll accomplish amazing things.”
Out of the 55 graduating students, 80% will continue on with Catholic high schools.
“That’s a very good sign,” said Fr. Vincent. “When they go to Catholic school, chances are they will continue to be strong in their faith, and when they are strong in their faith there is a good chance to having a good influence on other students.”
Embodying the St. Bonaventure colors of their mascot, the “Saints” stood tall in caps and gowns of red and white as they
ST. BONAVENTURE
marched with their peers to Mass. Inside, they were welcomed by family, friends and Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen.
Bishop Nguyen welcomed the graduating class after the procession and addressed them directly in his homily.
“You’ve reached what is probably the greatest goal of your lives so far, and you’re
ready for whatever lies ahead,” he said.
He offered them images of an oak tree and an eagle.
“Wherever you will be, whatever you will achieve and whoever you will become, remember your roots,” he said.
He reminded that “if the joy and delight of youth are to be forever yours, you must
find a way to dream, to hope and to believe in tomorrow.”
Bishop Nguyen concluded, “I pray that whatever you’ve learned from this parish and this community will help you to develop your roots in Jesus Christ. May the Holy Spirit be the wind beneath your wings of dreams.” C
BISHOP THANH THAI NGUYEN AND FR. VINCENT PHAM ARE WITH THE CLASS OF ‘25. PHOTO BY VANESSA FREI, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & ENROLLMENT
THE GRADUATES ERUPT IN CELEBRATION, TOSSING THEIR CAPS HIGH OUTSIDE ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC CHURCH.
LUKE HARRINGTON POSES WITH BISHOP THANH THAI NGUYEN AFTER RECEIVING HIS DIPLOMA. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
STS. SIMON & JUDE STUDENTS GO TO WASHINGTON
ANNUAL SCHOOL TRIP WITH A TWIST
BY BRITNEY ZINT
FOR MANY PRIVATE SCHOOLS, the eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C. is a rite of passage before heading off to high school. But merely sightseeing around the nation’s capital didn’t feel like enough for one parish school. Their student body needed to live their Catholic faith through service.
That’s what happened for Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic School’s eighth-grade class when they went on their first-ever class trip in May to our nation’s capital. The eight students who elected to jump into the service-oriented adventure found themselves providing local “food desert” communities — classified as having limited access to food — with fresh and healthy options.
“We can go, and we can see all the sights and things like that, but they had a whole other perspective added to it by being able to serve and lean into the Catholic social teaching aspect,” said chaperone Andrew Watson, who serves as the school and parish business administrator. “I think it made the sightseeing and history more impactful.”
Vice Principal Erin Watson, who is married to Andrew, said it was her vision to create an overnight trip for the graduating students and have a service element included. But she was also hearing parent requests to have Sts. Simon & Jude start hosting D.C. trips.
After talking it over with Andrew, they decided to combine the two ideas: a mission trip in the capital.
“At that point I was like, yes, that’s what we should be doing, said Erin Watson. “We should be taking the classic eighth-grade D.C. trip but actually making it oriented for a Catholic school and having the service element.”
Changing the traditional trip into a mission service was quite a change, said parent Erin Stuart, whose son Evan went to D.C. But ultimately, the students came back with lasting memories of an amazing experience.
“This mission trip wasn’t just different,” she said. “It truly challenged the eighth graders, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones and engage with the community in meaningful ways.”
Parent Christa Weber, whose 13-yearold daughter Lily participated in the trip, agreed that the service element was the best way to wrap up their daughter’s Catholic education.
The students volunteered at a food pantry, Martha’s Table, assembling grocery bags of healthy ingredients alongside recipe cards. These bags were then sent to local schools for students to take home and cook a healthy meal with.
“It was pointed out to us that the typical student there might have one school lunch as their only meal of the day and the rest would be candy and soda they can pick up
EIGHTH GRADERS LUCAS, LILY, EOIN, RYAN, JAMES, EVAN BENJAMIN AND AIDAN GET CAUGHT IN THE RAIN DURING A SCHOOL TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C. PHOTO COURTESY OF STS. SIMON & JUDE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
at the grocery store,” Andrew Watson said.
Lily Weber and her classmate Eoin Kerr, 14, noted how the idea of people struggling to access healthy food isn’t new. But for it to happen in the nation’s capital felt surprising. The experience changed both of their perspectives on food.
“It’s definitely a gift,” Lily Weber shared. “I’ve always known that food isn’t something that appears on your table — it’s something that you need to work hard for. That really did open my eyes to the idea that it’s not just one place that’s struggling. It’s everywhere, and you can see it in any economy. It’s not going to go away.”
For Kerr, that first service day they walked out and he was shocked to see how high the need was.
“I didn’t realize there was going to be that many,” he recalled. “When we were finished packing food and coming out, there was a line almost going out the door.”
The students continued their service preparing the soil at a Franciscan monastery that grows fruits and vegetables for its community, and at a Catholic Charities organization that distributes boxes of frozen food and bags of fresh food.
The trip created space for many conversations amongst the students about food scarcity, insecurity and gratitude, said Andrew Watson.
“We were able to have these great conversations about how much easy access we have to restaurants and food, and even their parents giving them the money to go buy whatever they want,” he said. “It was definitely a very valuable perspective for them.”
While the students volunteered their time in the mornings, they also saw the iconic sites in the afternoons, like the Lincoln and Washington memorials, the National Mall and the National Museum of Natural History. They also had a private tour of the Capitol Building and attended Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. They also ventured to more quirky locales, like the International Spy Museum, which was a favorite. C
STS. SIMON & JUDE CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS LILY AND BENJAMIN HELP PACKAGE FOOD FOR THOSE IN NEED DURING A MISSION TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
EIGHT-GRADE STUDENTS AT STS. SIMON & JUDE CATHOLIC SCHOOL VOLUNTEERED TO PACK GROCERY BAGS OF HEALTHY FOOD TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO THOSE WHO LIVE IN FOOD DESERTS IN WASHINGTON, D.C. PHOTOS COURTESY OF STS. SIMON & JUDE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
GRADUATING EIGHTH GRADERS AT STS. SIMON & JUDE CATHOLIC SCHOOL HELPED WORK IN A FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GARDEN AT A FRANCISCAN MONASTERY THAT PROVIDES FOOD FOR THOSE IN NEED.
GIVING GRADS A HAND
BY LOU PONSI
THE ANNUAL “CLAP-OUT” at St. Joachim Catholic School in Costa Mesa gives the entire school population the chance to celebrate and honor its graduating eighth graders.
This year’s clap-out took place on June 5, with St. Joachim’s 29 graduates skittering through two wide lines formed by students from preschool to seventh grade in the school’s courtyard and exchanging high-fives with their school along the way.
A swarm of parents, snapping cell phone photos the whole time greeted the graduates at the end of the brief jaunt.
Then there were more photo ops as the celebrated students posed for group shots with their friends.
From there, families drove off in vehicles decked out with streamers and balloons.
There was an awards dinner that night and the graduation Mass the next day.
“I think it’s a huge way of celebrating these kids and what they’ve given back to their community and their school,” said Brandi Willard, mother of graduate Giavanna Willard.
The festivities were bittersweet for some parents, who’ve watched their children advance from preschool to eighth grade at St. Joachim and forming close friendships with other families along the journey.
“It’s families that have been together for 10-plus years that are now going
their different ways,” said Melanie Cornejo, mom of graduate Reese Cornejo. “So, it’s not just a junior high graduation, it’s the end of a lifetime of friendships and community that’s been built at this amazing school and church.”
For parents and students, the fact that St. Joachim is a small school is a blessing, allowing for festivities such as the clapout to take place.
“Well, it’s a really small community, so I think ev -
CONTINUES ON PAGE 12
GRADERS FROM ST. JOACHIM CATHOLIC SCHOOL
ST. JOACHIM HOSTS CLAP-OUT
AS EIGHTH GRADERS FROM ST. JOACHIM CATHOLIC SCHOOL PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHOOL’S ANNUAL CLAP-OUT, PARENTS CAPTURE THE FESTIVITIES WITH THEIR CELL PHONES.
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
eryone kind of knows each other,” said graduate Nate Allison, who served as eighth-grade class president. “It’s really well put together and everyone is like family. It creates a really great community here.”
Many of the graduates are going on to Mater Dei, Servite and JSerra high schools and will re-unite with their St. Joachim classmates while making new friends.
“I’m also excited to go to a new school where there’s new people that I haven’t met,” Reese Cornejo said.
Lindsay Grimm, mother of graduate Lila Grimm, was experiencing her second clap-out, having a child who graduated from St. Joachim last year.
With a fifth grader attending St. Joachim, Grimm will experience graduation festivities for the third time in three more years.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on being a small school,” she said. “You have parents of non-eighth graders who come out send off all of these eighth graders and come together as a community.”
She added: “This truly shows what St. Joachim is all about.” C
ST. JOACHIM CATHOLIC SCHOOL’S ANNUAL EIGHTH-GRADE CLAP-OUT TOOK PLACE ON JUNE 5. PHOTO COURTESY OF PRINCIPAL KELLY BOTTO
FOUNDATION OF FAITH
ST. CECILIA CELEBRATES BACCALAUREATE MASS
BY LOU PONSI
THE GRADUATING eighth graders from St. Cecilia Catholic School in Tustin were celebrated for their achievements and encouraged to continue growing their faith as they go on to high school and proceed through life.
The heartening words were delivered by Fr. Michael Khong, St. Cecilia’s parochial administrator, during the school’s annual Baccalaureate Mass on May 28.
“You are graduating from this school today, but you are not done yet,” Fr. Michael said. “Hopefully, throughout the time that you studied at this school, it helped you to have a good foundation of your Catholic faith. Continue to practice your faith and learn more.”
The Baccalaureate Mass, which was one of multiple graduation-themed events at St. Cecilia, provided the opportunity for parents and family members, teachers, clergy and the entire parish community to honor their graduates.
“I felt really sad, but it seems really exciting to move on to the next chapter,” said graduate Adrian Vitug, who is at-
tending high school at Mater Dei. “Going to Mass to end it was really just happy and holy. It was a nice way to end my time at St. Cecilia.”
Graduate Yustina Moussa said she’ll always think of St. Cecilia as a second home.
“We’re all together,” said Moussa, one of the salutatorians. “It’s a strong faithful place here. I will definitely take that feeling with me.”
Rosemary Ho, mother of graduate Luke Ho, the class co-salutatorian, said she was grateful for the journey that Catholic education has provided to
her children.
Catholic education at St. Cecilia has helped her family maintain a strong faith and helped to raise their children in a modern world that comes with many distractions, Ho said.
“I’m just very proud,” she said. “I’m very blessed. I’m very grateful. We’re able to focus on what’s important and that’s his education, his faith, his love for God. And that is the greatest gift that we can ever give our kids.”
As the school choir sang “Our God is Here,” the Mass began with the 32 graduates filing in, two-by-two, through the center aisle of the church, taking their seats in the first two pews closest to the altar.
The offertory hymn, performed during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, was “Open My Eyes Lord.”
The choir sang “Oceans” during Communion and “Go Out, Go Out” as the processional song.
“St. Cecilia really knows how to celebrate this next phase in these young people’s lives,” said Lisa Heppelmann, mother of graduate Ava Heppelmann, who started her educational journey at St. Cecilia as a preschooler. “And they do it
in a beautiful way. And so, sitting through the Mass, it was just a beautiful moment to reflect on the incredible years she’s had here. This is a school full of awesome kids and wonderful parents. And over the 13 years that we’ve been here, we’ve made a lot of memories with the people that you see here today.”
Ava’s father, Larry Heppelmann, said his greatest joy has been seeing his daughter blossom from a shy, introverted girl to realizing she possesses the courage to be a leader.
Ava and her family benefited from smaller size of St. Cecilia, he said.
“It’s a small intimate school,” Larry Heppelmann said. “So, you form relationships with parents, sometimes the faculty, and it’s something you don’t get in a larger school. And adding the religious component to it that we’re all the same faith and we’re all heading in the same direction.”
During his homily, Fr. Michael referenced the Bible verse John 16:12-14, reminding the graduates that there is always more to learn.
“Our Lord Jesus said, ‘I have much more to tell you, but you cannot hear it now. I will send the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of truth will lead you and guide you.’” C
ST. CECILIA CATHOLIC SCHOOL CHOIR PERFORMS DURING THE MAY 28 BACCALAUREATE MASS. PHOTOS BY LOU PONSI/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
DURING THE BACCALAUREATE MASS, GRADUATING STUDENTS ARE CELEBRATED AND BLESSED PRIOR TO THEIR COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY.
STEEPED IN TRADITION
ST. IRENAEUS CELEBRATES
EIGHTH-GRADE PARALITURGY
BY MIKE ZINN
FOR APPROXIMATELY 40 years, St. Irenaeus Catholic School in Cypress has sent off its eighthgrade class with the traditional paraliturgy celebration. Held on June 4, parents, family, parishioners and the rest of the student body were also in attendance.
So now faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)
This message from Corinthians was a prevalent theme of this year’s paraliturgy. Readings and petitions — significant because of their relevance to this specific class — were presented. One reflection was particularly heartfelt, as the student recalled the paraliturgy from his firstgrade year and realized he would no longer see his assigned “buddy” who was leaving the school.
The eighth-grade girls performed the liturgical dance to the music of “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman” causing a flurry of cameras to capture this beautifully choreographed moment.
The entire eighth-grade class then shared reflections on their time at the school. Starting with those students who entered the school in TK and proceeding to the present, students shared their memories, spoke of their outstanding teachers who taught and mentored them and discussed the impact of Jesus in their lives and the entire school experience.
The entire student body participated in the commissioning ceremony. In this ceremony, each class was asked a different commissioning question, such as, “Will you pray often and for each other?” They were then asked by the eighth-grade students, “Will you follow us?” They then
replied in unison, “Yes, we will.”
As the graduating class exited the church, their schoolmates formed a tunnel for them to pass through. During this culminating event, called ‘Honor Guard,’ the eighthgrade students — with huge smiles, tears, and high fives —made the walk across campus.
The paraliturgy event is steeped in tradition. The school’s assistant principal, Angela Burke, participated in this event when she
ST. IRENAEUS STUDENTS REFLECT AT THE BAPTISMAL FONT AS THEY PREPARE TO ENTER THE EIGHTH-GRADE PARALITURGY CEREMONY. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
graduated some four decades ago.
“This event connects graduates from St. Irenaeus over the years,” she said. “Much has changed, of course, but at its core is thanking to God and the community for many years of support.”
Eighth-grade teacher Jessica Tarian was closely involved with the planning of this year’s paraliturgy.
“This is the culmination event of the students’ careers,” she shared. “It is an opportunity to share lessons with other students and pass the torch to the seventh graders.”
St. Irenaeus’ principal, Stella Costello, said the event “is an opportunity for students to show gratitude towards their teachers and classmates.”
Erika Olivas, parent of eighth grader Kamila, said, “we appreciate the traditions of the school and how they form the students’ Catholic education.”
The importance of Catholic school education is evident every day but especially is in such events as the eighth-grade paraliturgy. Students, teachers and staff work together to create a memorable and impactful experience that graduating students will hold with them forever. C
ST. IRENAEUS
STUDENTS GATHER IN A CEREMONIAL GROUP HUG AFTER THE EIGHTH-GRADE PARALITURGY.
THE EIGHTH-GRADE CLASS POSES FOR A PHOTO ON THE STEPS OF ST. IRENAEUS FOLLOWING THE PARALITURGY CEREMONY. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE
ATER DEI CELEBRATED ITS graduation on May 31 at the Bren Events Center on the campus of the University of California, Irvine. Photos by Jeff Antenore/ Diocese of Orange
anta Margarita Catholic High School graduated its class of 2025 on May 30 at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Photos by Kiernan Coliflores/Diocese of Orange
SERVITE CELEBRATED ITS GRADUATING class on May 30 at Friends Church in Yorba
Photos by Everett Johnson/Diocese of Orange
Linda.
OSARY ACADEMY HELD ITS graduation May 23 at the Karcher Center on the school’s Fullerton campus. Photos by Kiernan Coliflores/Diocese of Orange
JSERRA’S GRADUATION WAS HELD on May 31 on the San Juan Capistrano school’s varsity football field. Photos by Ian Tran/Diocese of Orange
THANKSGIVING AFTER COMMUNION
BY JOAN PATTEN, AO
THE HEALING OF THE ten lepers in Luke 17 is a familiar story. Jesus responds to their plea for mercy and heals them, yet only one returns to offer thanks. When Jesus asks, “Where are the other nine?” (Lk. 17:17), He is not simply seeking gratitude. Rather, He reveals that healing was only the beginning of what He desired to give. Jesus longed for a deeper and lasting relationship with each of them and with us today.
To nurture this relationship, we must remain open to God’s presence and the many ways He pours His love into our lives. Reflecting daily on His gifts fosters gratitude, which brings joy, freedom and strengthens our relationships. Gratitude is more than acknowledging blessings. It is an invitation to grow closer to the Giver.
The Mass is a prayer of thanksgiving. Through the prayers of the priest, we are led into worship, praise, supplication and grat itude. When we approach the altar for Holy Communion, we offer ourselves and welcome Jesus into our hearts. Yet, how often do we mentally check out before Mass ends, already planning the rest of our day?
This moment invites reflection. Will we be like the nine lepers who, after receiving healing, walked away? Or like the one who returned, recognizing the presence of Jesus and responding with thanksgiving?
The saints offer us another way to live. Instead of rushing out after Communion, consider remaining a few minutes in silent prayer. This simple act of stillness deepens our encounter with Jesus and allows us to respond with love to the One who has given Himself to us. Take ten minutes after Mass to thank Jesus for His many gifts, especially His Real Presence within you. Offer thanks not only for joys but also for trials, disappointments and suffering. Ask the
Father for the grace to believe that Jesus is all you need and that there is nowhere else you would rather be. These moments of surrender can shape your day and help you become more present to others.
If you have young children and cannot stay long, lead them in a brief, spontaneous prayer of thanksgiving. This helps instill in them the habit of gratitude after Communion. You might also consider traditional prayers such as the Anima Christi, Padre Pio’s “Stay With Me,” or St. Thomas Aquinas’ post-Communion prayer. Whatever form your prayer takes, know that offering your grateful heart to Jesus is a beautiful and consoling gift to Him. Remaining with Him allows His grace to take deeper root in your life as you go out to be His witness in a world that seeks His Presence. C
PHOTO BY OLIVIA SNOW ON UNSPLASH
Prayer for Students
Lord our God, in your wisdom and love you surround us with the mysteries of the universe.
Send your Spirit upon these students and fill them with your wisdom and blessings.
Grant that they may devote themselves to their studies and draw ever closer to you, the source of all knowledge. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
—www.usccb.com
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