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
29, 2025
CONTENTS
7
10
12
14
BLESSED SACRAMENT BEGINS RENOVATION
The Westminster parish will have a new retablo, expanded sacristy and air conditioning.
LEADERSHIP IN OC CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
St. Joseph Catholic School eighth-grade grad Samantha Pham will attend Rosary Academy in the fall.
ST. NORBERT PARISH HOSTS LUAU
The Knights of Columbus co-hosted the event, featuring authentic food and entertainment.
SEEKING ANSWERS IN THE QUESTIONS OF GOD
The search for truth means understanding the questions being asked.
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
ADVERTISING
Director of Custom Content: Caroline Wong, cawong@scng.com
SCNG CUSTOM CONTENT
Managing Editor: Caitlin Adams Art Director: Ryann Beveridge
Delivered weekly to parishes and homes throughout Orange County, Calif., Orange County Catholic is published by SCNG Custom Content, a division of Southern California News Group that offers content development and design expertise to businesses and nonprofit institutions. The Orange County Catholic editorial staff and editorial council are responsible for the content contained herein. Events and products advertised in Orange County Catholic do not carry the implicit endorsement of the Diocese of Orange or SCNG Custom Content.
ROSARY BEADS
READER CALL-OUT
This large Rosary (pencil in photo to show scale) was presented as an appreciation gift to my mom, Rose, by the Women's Council of St. Angela Merici in Brea in 1969. Mom served as council president for many years during the early days of the parish. In addition to her regular full-time job, mom tirelessly led the Women's Council to help raise funds for the new church building by producing various events including special dinners and impressive musical variety shows in which she also performed. Mom loved this Rosary, and it was proudly displayed on our living room wall for decades. I treasure it now in my home in honor of my mother and our Blessed Mother!
—Kevin Rafferty, St. Norbert Parish, Orange
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 18:1633; PSALM 103:1B-2, 3-4, 8-9, 10-11; MATTHEW 8:18-22
“ Peace begins with each one of us.”
— Pope Leo XIV
SAINT PROFILE
IRENAEUS CIRCA 125-202
THIS EARLY CHRISTIAN THEOLOGIAN passed on the apostolic tradition to a new generation as he helped evangelize France. Born in Asia Minor, possibly at Smyrna, Irenaeus was taught by St. Polycarp, a pupil of St. John the Apostle. Sent to Gaul as a missionary, he served as a priest under St. Pothinus of Lyons, a martyr whom he succeeded as bishop of the large market city on the Rhone. Irenaeus continued to spread the Gospel and opposed the gnostic heresy, writing a five-book treatise that is extant. During a 20-year episcopate, he spoke the language of Gaul instead of his native Greek, and worked hard to identify with his people. Little else is known about his life or death.C
TUESDAY
GENESIS 19:1529; PSALM 26:2-3, 9-10, 11-12; PSALM 130:5; MATTHEW 8:23-27
WEDNESDAY
GENESIS 21:5, 8-20A; PSALM 34:7-8, 10-11, 1213; JAMES 1:18; MATTHEW 8:28-34
THURSDAY
EPHESIANS 2:19-22; PSALM 117:1BC, 2; JOHN 20:29; JOHN 20:24-29; FRIDAY
GENESIS 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67; PSALM 106:1B-2, 3-4A, 4B-5; MATTHEW 11:28; MATTHEW 9:9-13
SATURDAY
GENESIS 27:1-5, 15-29; PSALM 135:1B-2, 3-4, 5-6; JOHN 10:27; MATTHEW 9:14-17
SUNDAY
ISAIAH 66:10-14C; PSALM 66:13, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20; GALATIANS 6:14-18; COLOSSIANS 3:15A, 16A; LUKE 10:1-12, 17-20; LUKE 10:1-9
PHOTOS COURTESY OF KEVIN RAFFERTY
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD AND BASKETBALL
SEMINARIANS TAKE PRIZE AT THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL GAME
BY LOU PONSI
THE ENTHUSIASM, NOT to mention the decibel level, blaring through Mater Dei High School’s Meruelo Athletic Center on June 13 for the annual priests versus seminarians basketball game rivaled that of the many high-profile Monarch basketball games played in the building over the years.
And the effort put forth by both teams didn’t disappoint the 2,000 or so fans that packed the gym. The crowd is believed to be the largest in the 10-year history of the contest.
In what is arguably a minor upset, it was the seminarians who came away with 58-52 victory over the priests.
Along with giving fans a chance to see the Diocese of Orange priests and seminarians outside of traditional settings, the game serves as a fundraiser for diocesan vocations.
“I've coached a lot of games in this gym, and I felt like this is probably the biggest game that I've coached here,” said Dr. Richard Yoon, the seminarians coach and former Rosary Academy basketball team coach.
Dr. Yoon guided the Royals to multiple championships over his 30-plus years at the school, before becoming principal of St. Bonaventure Catholic School in Huntington Beach for the 2024-25 academic year.
“It's amazing that our diocese can come together like this,” shared Dr. Yoon. “No matter what, basketball game or not, the fellowship and the relationships and the cause is so important. And that's why we're all here, raising money for the seminarians to do what they need to do and I’m just grateful I could be part of it.”
quarter and kept the momentum going with another three-pointer early in the second to give the seminarians a 24-9 lead.
Dr. Yoon didn’t rule out the possibility of returning to coach in next year’s game.
“Maybe,” he said. “Anything they want me to do, I'm in.”
The seminarians came out fast, hitting five three-pointers in the first quarter to take a 21-9 lead and then five more three-pointers in the sec -
ond to take a 38-20 lead at the half. Seminarian Alan Hoetker of St. Timothy parish in Laguna Niguel scored a team-high 19 points and was named MVP of Team Seminarian.
Seminarian Hoetker hit a three-pointer from half-court as the buzzer sounded to end the first
“I think the biggest thing about it is that we finally had the players that we know we could play with,” said Seminarian Hoetker, who was playing in the game for the third time. “The priests are always very competitive. I think the big help is that we had Carlos Tobon from the Diocese of Los Angeles Seminary as assistant coach and then Coach Rich really made a difference.”
The seminarians cooled off in the third quarter, enabling the priests to open the quarter on a 16-5 run to get to within six points.
In the fourth quarter, Fr. Wayne Adajar, parochial administrator of St. Pius V Catholic
THE DIOCESAN SEMINARIANS CELEBRATE THEIR WIN ON JUNE 13. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
FRATER ATHANASIUS BASIL INMAN IS LOOKING LIKE MICHAEL JORDAN AS HE LAUNCHES IN THE AIR DURING THE ANNUAL PRIESTS VERSUS SEMINARIANS BASKETBALL GAME.
Church in Buena Park, hit a three pointer and Fr. Michael Fitzpatrick of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Irvine followed with a basket to get the priests to within three at 50-47.
But the seminarians withstood the run, holding the priests to five points over the final four minutes.
“They played some defense,” said Fr. Brandon Dang, administrator of Corpus Cristi parish in Aliso Viejo and one of the original organizers of the game. “They ran a few plays and they got us in the first half. They were making all these shots. All we could do was just smile and laugh.”
Fr. Brandon said he is thrilled to see how popular the game has become since its first contest in 2015.
“The energy was there and for me feeding off of the crowd too, I was yelling and screaming,” Fr. Brandon said. “It brings together both of the loves of my life. When I was growing up, it was God and basketball. Bringing that together and leaving it all out there.” C
FEATURE
AN ENTHUSIASTIC CROWD CHEERS DURING THE BIG GAME. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
FR. WAYNE ADAJAR CALLS A PLAY AT HALF COURT.
FR. BRANDON DANG’S FAMILY CHEERS HIM ON DURING THE ANNUAL BASKETBALL GAME.
THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE SEMINARIANS, ALONG WITH THEIR COACH DR. RICHARD YOON, ASSISTANT COACH CARLOS TOBON AND FR. CHEEYOON CHUN, DIRECTOR OF PRIESTLY VOCATIONS IN THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE.
BLESSED SACRAMENT PARISH BEGINS RENOVATION PROJECT
BY BRADLEY ZINT
BLESSED SACRAMENT parish in Westminster recently started a renovation project that willbring several changes, including a new retablo and much-needed air conditioning.
The project will also include an expanded sacristy (from 569 square feet to 919 square feet) that has been completely renovated with an ADA-compliant bathroom, new cabinetry and a new vestment area.
Construction began in May, with Fr. Anthony Hien Vu giving a blessing that helped kick off the project, and is expected to be finished by late November.
The wooden retablo with integrated lighting and various detailing is being
crafted by the San Diego-based Wood & Iron Factory, Inc. It will also feature saints and be located behind the altar.
Great care is being made to match the retablo with the design style already in the parish, said Charles Kluger, principal with Kluger Architects, the Los Angeles-based firm heading the project.
“We’ve been really sensitive to the historic architecture of the church,” Kluger said.
Kluger Architects is a longtime partner in the Diocese of Orange for some 20 years, having worked at St. Anne in Seal Beach, Rosary Academy in Fullerton and, recently, on the retired priest residence for St. Kilian in Mission Viejo and school gym at St. John the Baptist in Costa Mesa. C
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
thoại miễn phí sau đây: 1-800-364-3064, và đồng thời báo cáo cho nhà chức trách địa phương.
CONCEPTUAL GRAPHIC OF WHAT
FR. ANTHONY HIEN VU GIVES A BLESSING ON MAY 24 THAT HELPED KICK OFF BLESSED SACRAMENT’S RENOVATION PROJECT. PHOTO BY YUAN WANG/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
DIOCESE OF ORANGE WELCOMES
NEW PRIEST
BY RON KUZLIK
DEACON OLIVER Coughlin was ordained a priest of Jesus Christ on June 7 by Bishop Kevin Vann in the presence of family, friends, dozens of fellow priests and hundreds of the faithful at Christ Cathedral.
The Rite of Ordination was celebrated during the Mass, immediately following the Liturgy of the Word and before the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Many ancient rituals were followed during the ceremony. First, Deacon Oliver was presented to Bishop Vann where the bishop examined Coughlin about his intentions to serve as a priest.
In his homily, Bishop Vann reminded Deacon Oliver that, “The life and ministry of a priest is to make sure that the path of those who love God follow that path and stay on that path so that we can find the way to the Lord.”
The homily was followed by Deacon Oliver promising his obedience to Bishop Vann and his successors.
Next, during the Litany of Supplication, the congregation prayed for the candidate as he lay prostrate before the altar.
Deacon Oliver then knelt in front of the altar during the Laying on of Hands where Bishop Vann placed his hands on his head, signifying the imposition of the Holy Spirit and the bestowal of authority for the priesthood. The priests in attendance then laid their hands on his head in a similar fashion.
Bishop Vann then offered the Prayer of Ordination while invoking the Holy Spirit.
The newly ordained Fr. Oliver Coughlin was then vested, that is, clothed in the stole and chasuble, identifying him in his new role as a priest, by Fr. John Boles and
Fr. Luke Mata.
Bishop Vann then anointed the hands of Fr. Oliver followed by the Handing Over of the Bread and Wine and afterwards the Exchange of the Sign of Peace.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist continued at the conclusion of the Rite of Ordination.
In attendance for the ordination were Fr. Oliver’s parents and several of his siblings.
“It was a moving and beautiful ceremony,” said his father, Frank. “We were overjoyed to see him so happy and deeply grateful to all the people who came out to support him.”
His mother, Katharina, shared: “Words cannot adequately express the joy we have
in our hearts seeing our son ordained a priest for the Diocese of Orange. Praise be to God!”
Fr. Oliver was born and raised in Orange County into a large Catholic family. The second oldest of seven siblings, has two brothers and four sisters.
Growing up, he attended St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Costa Mesa and La Purísima Catholic Church in Orange. He is a graduate of Servite High School. After entering the seminary, his home parish has been St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church in Anaheim.
Prior to entering the seminary, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from UCLA and a juris doctor from Notre Dame Law School.
After working as a litigation attorney for a period of time in Chicago, Fr. Oliver continued his discernment to become a priest of Jesus Christ.
“Several things inspired me to discern the priesthood including the example of holy priests that I’ve had the blessing to know during my life, especially as a young adult,” Fr. Oliver shared.
He served as a transitional deacon at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church for the past six months since his deaconate ordination Dec. 14.
His first Mass was celebrated at St. Vincent de Paul on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, the day after his ordination.
“I enjoyed the opportunity of giving
THE ORDINATION MASS OF FR. OLIVER COUGHLIN WAS CELEBRATED ON JUNE 7 AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL.
regular Sunday homilies as a deacon,” he shared. “It is one thing to read and study Scripture in seminary for personal devotion or for class, and quite another thing to reflect on Scripture from one's lived experience ministering at a parish, reflecting on how God's word speaks today to the lives of those to whom one ministers.”
He added: “The community at St. Vincent de Paul is wonderful. It has been such a blessing to minister with Fr. Kevin, Fr. David and the parish staff. I have learned so much from them in these last few months.”
Fr. Oliver’s first priestly assignment will be as paro-
chial vicar at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Huntington Beach.
“I am very excited about my new assignment as parochial vicar at St. Bonaventure beginning in July,” Fr. Oliver said.
St. Bonaventure’s pastor Fr. Vincent Hung Pham is equally pleased.
"St. Bonaventure parish and I are very grateful that Fr. Oliver Coughlin is assigned here.”
Fr. Pham added: “For his ordination Mass, hundreds of us came to celebrate with him. In my conversations with him, I learned that he is eager to start his priestly ministry at St. Bonaventure. He is a man of prayer, wisdom and dedication." C
LITANY OF SUPPLICATION, THE CONGREGATION PRAYS FOR THE CANDIDATE AS HE LAYS PROSTRATE BEFORE THE ALTAR.
DURING THE LAYING OF THE HANDS, FR. KEVIN SWEENEY PLACES HIS HANDS ON OLIVER COUGHLIN’S HEAD, SIGNIFYING THE IMPOSITION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE BESTOWAL OF AUTHORITY FOR THE PRIESTHOOD.
DURING
PHOTOS BY KAYLEE TOOLE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
FR. OLIVER COUGHLIN BLESSES THE FAITHFUL FOLLOWING HIS ORDINATION MASS CELEBRATED ON JUNE 7.
LEADERSHIP IN OC CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
SPOTLIGHT ON: SAMANTHA PHAM, ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL, SANTA ANA
BY MIKE ZINN
HAVING SPENT HER entire academic career at St. Joseph Catholic School, recent eighthgrade graduate Samantha Pham knows the campus very well. Pham calls St. Joseph “my home away from home.” She has also built a close relationship with the staff and teachers from her years at the Santa Ana school. Principal Sonia Ramirez has known Pham since preschool. She calls Pham “reliable, humble and hardworking.”
Ramirez also praised her leadership skills.
“She can probably run the school,” joked Ramirez. “She is the go-to person, helping with a wide range of tasks, from assisting with new student orientation to operating the scoreboard during athletic events. She does everything with a smile.”
Pham is strongly interested in and proficient in all her academic subjects, but she lists math and science as her two favorite subjects. These subjects fit appropriately with her interest in becoming a pediatrician. Pham also “stretched herself” by taking an online math course from the Arizona State University extension program.
Pham was also involved in many extracurricular activities. She served on the yearbook team, student council president, volleyball team manager and she is also an altar server.
Eighth-grade teacher Lauren Guillen recalled Pham’s role in this school year's winter concert series. She ensured everyone was fed, assisted with costumes
CATHOLIC SCHOOL
and prepared.
“She is a mother figure to students by being kind and caring about their well-being,” added Guillen.
Pham will attend Rosary Academy in the fall. She received a four-year, full scholarship from Hope Ignites, a nonprofit organization serving over 1,200 young people in the United States and Latin America. At Rosary, Pham hopes to continue her strong academic performance and become involved in clubs, AP classes, student council, campus ministry and the Student Ambassador program, assisting with potential new student campus tours.
When asked what she liked best at her school, Pham said, “the bonds created among students and teachers. Everyone is comfortable. Also, the teachers are very supportive, offering tutoring assistance after school.”
Pham calls the teachers at St. Joseph’s, “my role models.”
When asked how all St. Joseph students can be everyday leaders, she responded: “Set a positive example for the younger students, especially in church. Teach the younger students to pay attention to the Mass and respond when appropriate.”
Samantha Pham has made a strong mark on St. Joseph’s family members. She follows her motto of embracing Catholic education to become a better person for yourself and others. C
SPARTAN RUN CELEBRATES SJB VICTORY!
A LITTLE SACRIFICE, A LOT OF FUN
BY STAFF
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
Catholic School celebrated its best-ever Jog-a-thon with its annual student body Spartan Run. If students and their families reach the established fundraising goal for the year, the entire student community gets to charge through a specially designed obstacle course of fun and excitement. But the event wouldn’t be complete without the school’s Spartacus-like priestly figure leading the way through towering climbs, tunnels of rain and rivers of mud.
“It's based on the idea of the traditional Spartan Race,” said Fr. Damien Giap, the school's rector, spiritual guide and sports challenge enthusiast. “The annual event is known for its challenging terrain of mud, water and exciting obstacles like climbing walls and water balloon fun zones. It’s all age-appropriate and the kids love it!”
Having achieved their goal of $100,000, dedicated dads and moms transformed SJB’s field into a dynamic fun and safe obstacle course for all the community’s children. The funds will be used to help finish construction of the school’s new gymnasium which is scheduled to be completed in Spring of 2026.
“This event has become a school tradition,” said Principal Paula Viles. “It’s important to let the students and their families celebrate the exceptional victory of this year’s fundraising goal. Our families are working hard to bring the dream of our gymnasium to reality, but no one more so than our spiritual guide, Fr. Damien. When the Lord calls, he responds, whether it's finding major donors or simply rolling in the mud. He truly is our campus hero.” C
SAMANTHA PHAM GRADUATED FROM ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL CLASS OF ’25 AND WILL ATTEND ROSARY ACADEMY THIS FALL. PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. JOSEPH
FUNDS RAISED WILL BE USED TO HELP FINISH CONSTRUCTION OF THE SCHOOL’S NEW GYMNASIUM WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED IN SPRING OF 2026.
FR. DAMIEN GIAP, THE SCHOOL'S RECTOR, GETS INTO THE SPIRIT OF THE SPARTAN RUN.
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC SCHOOL CELEBRATED THIS YEAR’S JOG-A-THON FUNDRAISER WITH ITS ANNUAL STUDENT BODY SPARTAN RUN. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC SCHOOL
A REFLECTION ON IMMIGRATION BY ARCHBISHOP BROGLIO
WASHINGTON — “As your shepherds, your fear echoes in our hearts and we make your pain our own. Count on the commitment of all of us to stand with you in this challenging hour,” said Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), addressing the surge in immigration enforcement actions. He offered a reflection on behalf of the bishops of the United States and acknowledged that while law enforcement actions to preserve order and ensure community security are necessary for the common good, we cannot turn a deaf ear to the anxiety and fear in communities.
Archbishop Broglio’s reflection follows:
Just before the opening of the special assembly of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, it seems appropriate to give voice to a profound concern in the hearts of the Shepherds of the Church in our Country.
When he spoke to the young people of Chicago this past weekend, Pope Leo XIV reminded us that at the heart of the Christian faith is an invitation to share in the communion of life and love of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the first community and based completely on love. The Holy Father also challenged us to be a sign of hope by making the world a better place.
legal status for our immigrant brothers and sisters, together with the growing denial of due process to them, is injurious to human dignity and is a considerable factor in the breakdown of the rule of law. Likewise, unfounded accusations against Catholic service providers, who every day endeavor to provide critical support and care to the most vulnerable, contribute to societal tensions and a growing climate of fear.
Considering Pope Leo’s message, no one can turn a deaf ear to the palpable cries of anxiety and fear heard in communities throughout the country in the wake of a surge in immigration enforcement actions. Law enforcement actions aimed at preserving order and ensuring community security are necessary for the common good. However, the current efforts go well
beyond those with criminal histories. In the context of a gravely deficient immigration system, the mass arrest and removal of our neighbors, friends and family members on the basis of immigration status alone, particularly in ways that are arbitrary or without due process, represent a profound social crisis before which no person of good will can remain silent. The situation is far from the communion of life and love to which this nation of immigrants should strive.
The many actions of protest throughout the country reflect the moral senti-
ments of many Americans that enforcement alone cannot be the solution to addressing our nation’s immigration challenges. While protest and dissent can be a legitimate expression of democratic participation, violence is never acceptable. At the same time, it is good to remember Pope Francis’ admonition that ‘without equal opportunities the different forms of aggression and conflict will find a fertile terrain for growth and eventually explode’ (Evangelii gaudium, 59).
The chronic lack of opportunities for
On behalf of my brother bishops, I want to assure all of those affected by actions which tear at the fabric of our communities of the solidarity of your pastors. As your shepherds, your fear echoes in our hearts and we make your pain our own. Count on the commitment of all of us to stand with you in this challenging hour.
I acknowledge those in our Catholic service and community organizations working to promote the common good by binding up the wounds of the afflicted. Let those motivated by the urgency of the current moment to work for just and humane solutions to these immigration challenges know of the cooperation and goodwill of the Catholic Bishops of our country.
—Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, President, USCCB C
ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY BROGLIO CONDUCTS AN EASTER SUNDAY MASS AT THE BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION IN WASHINGTON, SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2020. BROGLIO OF THE MILITARY SERVICES, WHO OVERSEES CATHOLIC MINISTRIES TO THE U.S. ARMED FORCES, WAS ELECTED TUESDAY, NOV. 15, 2022, AS THE NEW PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS. (AP PHOTO/JOSE LUIS MAGANA)
THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF HAWAII FILL THE AIR AT ST. NORBERT PARISH
BY RON KUZLIK
ST. DAMIEN OF MOLOKAI
Knights of Columbus Council 15733 and St. Norbert Catholic Church in Orange celebrated their annual “Let’s Luau” authentic Hawaii-style feast on Saturday, June 14.
On the menu was roasted Kalua pork, Hawaiian chicken, white rice, Hawaiian macaroni salad and crispy cabbage and a selection of beverages including the island favorite, Mai Tai.
Entertainment was provided by Lokelani’s Rhythm of the Islands, a Polynesian dance group based in Huntington Beach, playing music and performing dance routines, including a special appearance by a Hawaiian fire dancer.
In addition, there were raffles of gift baskets, a television and an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe that was made and donated for the occasion.
Dan Lucas is a Brother Knight who has served as Past Grand Knight, chapter president and currently serves as the advocate for Council 15733. He is the event coordinator for “Let’s Luau” and led a team of volunteers for the Knights of Columbus Council, plus folks from the Cursillo group and even seventh-grade students and parents who helped served the meals and cleaned up afterwards.
“Back in 2018, we were searching for ideas to get people involved,” said Lucas, “and, at the same time, raise money for the parish and school.”
Lucas was born in Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii and lived there until he went to college at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo. He remembers how he and classmates used to hold luaus to celebrate birthdays and other events and also just for fun.
“Unfortunately, it costs a lot of money to experience a real Luau, so this is a way for everybody to share and have fun for a fraction of the cost,” he shared.
Fr. John Moneypenny, pastor of St. Norbert Catholic Church, was delighted with the success of this year’s feast.
“Ohana is the key,” Fr. Moneypenny said. (Ohana is the Hawaiian word meaning family).
“This is the reason we celebrate our annual Luau at St. Norbert.”
He added: “The collaboration of local families and businesses brings people from the entire community together to enjoy an evening of music, food, dancing and togetherness.”
According to Lucas, there were over 340 people in attendance for this year’s “Let’s Luau.”
All the proceeds from the event benefitted St. Norbert parish projects, St. Norbert Parish School’s youth programs, Christian Services and assistance to those with intellectually disabilities.
“We even help to partially subsidize a trip for the incoming eighth graders to go to Washington, D.C., every
SUNIGA LEUIS, LEFT, AND VINCENT PHAM HELP PREPARE A ROASTED PIG FOR AN AUTHENTIC HAWAIIAN-STYLE FEAST TO RAISE FUNDS FOR ST. NORBERT CHURCH PROJECTS.
KEOLA ASUEGA ENTERTAINS THE CROWD WITH A FIRE BATON DURING A HAWAIIAN-STYLE FEAST AT ST. NORBERT CHURCH’S FAMILY & YOUTH CENTER RAISING FUNDS TO SUPPORT ST. NORBERT CHURCH PROJECTS. PHOTOS BY STEVEN GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
year.,” Lucas added. “It’s all for a great cause, and all the volunteers are even rewarded for their hard work and dedication with an authentic Hawaiian meal.”
Incidentally, the local council is named after Fr. Damien De Veuster, a Belgian priest who ministered for 16 years to a leper colony in Molokai, Hawaii, from 1873 until his death in 1889.
For more information on St. Norbert Catholic Church and St. Damien of Molokai Knights of Columbus Council 15733, go to: https://stnorbertchurch.org/knights-of-columbus C
ETHAN ADEVA, LEFT, AND AIDEN DAUGLASH, BOTH 13-YEAR-OLD STUDENTS FROM ST. NORBERT CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN ORANGE, SERVE DINNER TO THE GUEST DURING A HAWAIIAN-STYLE FEAST.
ROBERT RODRIGUEZ WORKS THE GRILL AT AN AUTHENTIC HAWAIIAN-STYLE FEAST WHERE ROASTED KALUA PORK AND HAWAIIAN CHICKEN WERE SERVED. PHOTOS BY STEVEN GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
ROY ASUEGA LEADS FALE POLYNESIA PERFORMERS, FROM LEFT, BRANDON MOORE, NICK RIVAS, MAURO QUIBIN, OFALOTO KUMA AND ROY ASUEGA, AS THEY PROVIDE HAWAIIAN MUSIC DURING A FEAST AT THE FAMILY & YOUTH CENTER.
SEEKING ANSWERS IN THE QUESTIONS OF GOD
BY DEACON KEVIN DUTHOY
WHEN TROUBLED, WE often turn to the Bible for answers. Yet Scripture itself is full of questions— God’s questions. In few but weighty words, these questions provoke thought, prayer, conversation and study. As Pope Benedict XVI wrote in Verbum Domini, Scripture is God’s invitation to encounter, dialogue and to have a relationship with Him. While we rightly look to Scripture for answers, it is often the questions of God that best inform us. Even as a child, Jesus sat among the teachers in the Temple asking questions. In the Gospels, He asks over 300 questions, but directly answers only three of the 183 He is asked. Frequently, He responds with His own questions —highlighting truth, revealing motives and stimulating reflection. Jesus is clearly interested in our faith development that forges our answers. He wants us to own our “yes” to Him.
Jesus never asks a question that didn’t need asking. Contrast that with how we sometimes offer answers to questions no one is asking. His questions bestow intrinsic value upon others, start dialogue and lead people to a greater understanding of God, others and themselves.
Consider a few of the many revealing “God” questions found in Scripture:
“Where are you?” (Gen. 3:9)
After the Fall, God searches for Adam and Eve—and all of us—offering us a way back to the Garden. But like Adam, we hide, resist, hold back. Think of Michel-
angelo’s Creation of Adam, where Adam’s limp arm fails to touch God’s fully outstretched hand. Are we reaching for God?
“Where were you when I founded the earth?” (Job 38:4)
Job demands answers from God, as we often do when life feels unfair. God’s reply doesn’t directly explain suffering but reminds us of his absolute but benevolent sovereignty and our limited knowledge and narrow perspective. God’s humbling question to Job recalls Saint Catherine of Siena’s mystical experience when God told her in four succinct words: “I’m God; you’re not.”
“Why are you terrified? Are your hearts
we languish near the edge of the healing, living water of Jesus without getting wet?
“Do you love me?” (Jn. 21:17)
When Peter responds with his “yes,” Jesus challenges his answer by defining loving Jesus as loving our neighbor in action — “feed my sheep.” How do we love those living by the side of the road in our world?
“Who do you say I am?” (Mt. 16:15) Peter responds with his Holy Spirit-inspired confession that Jesus is the Son of God. But what do we say when Jesus asks us: Why are you following me?
Do we seek answers without understanding the questions? Scripture, prayer, Reconciliation and the Eucharist help us discover not only answers, but better questions — those that lead us to faith, trust, hope and love.
As Jesus asked Martha about Resurrection: “Do you believe this?” (Jn. 11:26) If we’re seeking answers—as we all are—a good place to begin may be yet another question posed by Jesus: “What do you think?” (Mt. 18:12) C
hardened?” (Mk. 4:40; 8:17)
After calming the storm, Jesus questions His disciples’ fear. Despite all they’d witnessed, they still lacked faith. Does fear rule our hearts? Have we accepted the Resurrection?
“If you can!?” (Mk. 9:23)
A desperate father begs Jesus to heal his son—if He can. Jesus echoes back the man’s doubt, challenging his faith. When we pray, do we truly believe God will do what is best for us?
“Do you want to be well?” (Jn. 5:6)
Jesus asks this of a man crippled for 38 years, lying beside a healing pool. Do we even turn to God when we suffer, or do
PHOTO BY ARRON BURDEN ON UNSPLASH
OC Catholic Afar
Janet Tanner is at St. Paul & Holy Rosary Church, one of the oldest Catholic churches in the Archdiocese of New York (established in 1824). Janet was visiting her daughter in Harlem and brought along the OC Catholic.
—Janet attends St. Norbert Catholic Church in Orange.
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.
SUMMER BREAK FOR ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC
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.