For over 60 years, Rosary has empowered the mind, body, and spirit of the young women we
FAITH SERVICE COMMUNITY SISTERHOOD
A Catholic High School for Young Women
7
MARCH
16, 2025
CONTENTS
ENCORE!
Students from Rosary Academy and Servite High School have collaborated on the Trinitas Arts Conservatory since 1988.
12
PLAYING AND PRAYING
Christ Cathedral hosted a kickoff event for a new program aimed at children ages 2-5.
Rosary Beads
If you would like to share a photo of your Rosary Beads with our readers, please send a photo and brief description.
14
A LENTEN REFLECTION
Fr. Christopher celebrated Mass and presented a talk for the Serra Club at the Msgr. Salmon Center.
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.
Include your name and parish to: editor@occatholic.com
ROSARY BEADS
READER CALL-OUT
The Rosary was a gift from my son, David Burke. He got it when he visited the Vatican during his trip to Rome a few years ago.
—Elizabeth Burke, St. Vincent de Paul parish, Huntington Beach
If you would like to share a photo of your Rosary Beads with our readers, please send a photo and brief description (include your name and parish) to: editor@occatholic.com C
“ We have to learn to let ourselves be cared for…to let ourselves be cared for by God.”
— Pope Francis
SAINT PROFILE
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
DANIEL 9:4B-10; PSALM 79:8, 9, 11 AND 13; LUKE 6:36-38
TUESDAY
ISAIAH 1:10, 1620; PSALM 50:8-9, 16BC-17, 21 AND 23; MATTHEW 23:1-12
WEDNESDAY
2 SAMUEL 7:4-5A, 12-14A, 16; PSALM 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 AND 29; ROMANS 4:13, 16-18, 22; MATTHEW 1:16, 18-21, 24A
THURSDAY
JEREMIAH 17:510; PSALM 1:12, 3, 4 AND 6; LUKE 16:19-31
PATRICK C. 389-461
THE PATRON OF IRELAND, this bishop was born in Roman Britain, kidnapped at 16 by Irish raiders and sold into slavery in Ireland. He was a lonely shepherd for six years before escaping and returning home. But his dream of converting the Irish pagans propelled him to priestly studies in Gaul (now France), and about 432 Pope Celestine I consecrated him bishop and sent him to Ireland. For nearly 30 years he preached tirelessly, made countless converts, founded monasteries and established the primatial see at Armagh. Toward the end of his life he made a 40-day retreat in Mayo that gave rise to the famous ongoing Croagh Patrick pilgrimages. Stories of him using the shamrock to explain the Trinity and driving snakes from the island are legend. C
FRIDAY
GENESIS 37:3-4, 12-13A, 17B-28A; PSALM 105:16-17, 1819, 20-21; MATTHEW 21:33-43, 45-46
PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK
SATURDAY
MICAH 7:14-15, 18-20; PSALM 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12; LUKE 15:1-3, 11-32
SUNDAY
EXODUS 3:1-8A, 13-15; PSALM 103: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 11; 1 CORINTHIANS 10:16, 10-12; LUKE 13:1-9
PHOTO COURTESY OF ELIZABETH BURKE
PILGRIMS OF HOPE
BY STAFF
EACH YEAR, THE CATHOLIC Church celebrates World Day of Consecrated Life on the Solemnity of the Presentation of the Lord. St. John Paul II established this celebration in 1997 and invited the Church to give thanks for the gift of consecrated life. It is also a day for consecrated and religious to renew their dedication to the Lord and give thanks for God’s faithfulness in their lives and the history of their institutes.
In the Diocese of Orange, Bishop Kevin Vann celebrated Mass with over 100 consecrated men and women from various religious communities and forms of consecrated life at the Christ Cathedral on Feb. 1. He gave thanks for the faith-
ful witness of those who gathered with him and honored religious sisters who were celebrating religious jubilees. The following religious sisters are celebrating significant jubilees of religious profession this year:
Celebrating 50 years: Sr. Joanna Rosciszewska, CSJ (Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange).
Celebrating 60 years: Sr. Sharon Dempsey, OP (Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose) and Sr. Diane Hejna, CSJ (Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange).
Celebrating 70 years: Sr. Hildegard Dittrich, CSJ (Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange), Sr. Judith Fergus, CSJ (Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange), Sr. Anne Hennessy, CSJ (Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange), Sr. Ellen O’Leary, CSJ (Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange), and Sr. Christine Schleich, CSJ (Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange).
Celebrating 80 years: Sr. Rose Marie Redding, CSJ (Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange).
The Poor Clare Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament also celebrated 60
years of their establishment in the Diocese of Orange.
At the conclusion of the Mass, Joan Patten, AO, Delegate for Consecrated Life, asked everyone to continue to pray for holy vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.
After the Mass, the consecrated men and women gathered with the Bishop’s
Office clergy and staff for dinner in the Cultural Center. Fr. Angelos Sebastian, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Orange, reflected on the Jubilee Year of Hope.
“The theme for this sacred year, ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ is especially fitting for us as consecrated people,” he shared. “It
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ANNUALLY CELEBRATES WORLD DAY OF CONSECRATED LIFE ON THE SOLEMNITY OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD.
is a theme that invites deep reflection, reminding us of our identity as a pilgrim people—baptized and consecrated to be bearers of hope.”
Fr. Angelos offered three points for reflection regarding the Jubilee Year.
REDISCOVERING THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN OUR LIVES
The Jubilee Year offers us an opportunity to renew our awareness of God’s presence. As consecrated individuals, we constantly seek God in and around us, drawing strength and purpose from that awareness. However, our calling goes beyond seeking—we are also invited to become the presence of God for those searching for Him. As pilgrims of hope, let us not only recognize Christ’s presence within us but also reflect His love and light to the world. May our witness bring hope to those in need, allowing them to see Christ truly alive in us.
RENEWING OUR HOPE IN
GOD’S PROMISES
St. Paul reminds us in Romans 5:5, “Hope does not disappoint us, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” Our hope is firmly rooted in the living God, who remains faithful to His promises. As pilgrims, we are not mere wanderers; we are journeying toward our ultimate home—the Kingdom of God. Scripture and history are filled with examples of those who trusted in God’s promises, even when they seemed distant or impossible. Abraham, our father in faith, held onto hope despite the improbability of God’s promises. As consecrated people, we, too, must anchor our trust in the Lord, encouraging others to do the same.
BECOMING A SIGN OF HOPE FOR OTHERS
The world is filled with people searching for hope and meaning, burdened by suffering and uncertainty. When life’s struggles obscure their vision, they often lose sight of their purpose and their
journey toward God. In these moments, they look to us for guidance and encouragement. As those who seek and embody God’s presence and trust in His promises, we are called to be beacons of hope. In my ministry as a priest, I have had countless opportunities to bring hope to those grieving or struggling with life’s
challenges. Our pilgrimage gains greater significance when we become a source of light and hope for others.
Fr. Angelos ended the reflection with a blessing and encouraged the consecrated men and women gathered to be “Pilgrims of Hope” so as to be Christ’s light for others. C
BISHOP KEVIN VANN CELEBRATED MASS AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL IN HONOR OF WORLD DAY OF CONSECRATED LIFE.
JUBILARIANS: SR. JUDITH FERGUS, CSJ, SR. SHARON DEMPSEY, OP, SR. DIANE HEJNA, CSJ, SR. CHRISTINE SCHLEICH, CSJ, AND SR. HILDEGARD DITTRICH, CSJ. PHOTO BY JOAN PATTEN
BISHOP TOMOTHY FREYER GIVES A BLESSING FOLLOWING MASS ON FEB. 1. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
ENCORE!
THE SPOTLIGHT SHINES ON TRINITAS CONSERVATORY
BY MEG WATERS
SINCE 1988, THE WOMEN of Rosary Academy and the men of Servite High School have collaborated on a theater program showcasing the performing arts and student talents. Called the Trinitas Arts Conservatory, the program consistently stages an entire season of award-winning productions.
This year’s season is well underway. In November, audiences were treated to “Peter and the Starcatcher,” a musical play by Rick Elice based on a novel by Dave Berry and Ridley Pearson. The play centers on the backstory of Peter Pan.
Winterfest, which was held in February, was an evening of selected scenes, sonnets and songs from Shakespeare. The students had input on the program, designed by Servite English teacher Josh Edey and former Rosary student Anna
DiCrisi. Also in February, the troupe presented Comedy Sportz , part of a national improvisational theater program that includes audience participation.
“Elf the Musical” is scheduled for April 10-12 and based on a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin. The musical is currently playing on Broadway. It is about a very large elf who embarks on an epic journey from the North Pole to New York City in search of his true identity.
According to Trinitas director Michael Betts, “The students direct most of the scenes, and also learn the mechanics of theater from stage management, lighting, sound and costumes.”
The immersive program allows all students to pursue performing arts based on their talents and interests.
Sami DiCrisi, a junior at Rosary, has been involved in acting and the arts for most of her life. Along with her sister, a recent Rosary graduate, Anna DiCrisi, the two and Mr. Betts shaped the evening’s short takes from Hamlet, MacBeth and Cole Porter’s “Red, Hot, and Blue.”
“We put the whole program together over a four-hour dinner,” recalled
STUDENTS REHEARSE LINES DURING REHEARSAL FOR “ELF THE MUSICAL” WHICH PREMIERES IN APRIL.
SAMI DICRISI, A JUNIOR, RECEIVES DIRECTION FROM MICHAEL BETTS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/PRODUCER OF TRINITAS ARTS CONSERVATORY. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
TRINITAS STUDENTS POSE WITH THEIR TEACHER LEXI CROSS, FAR RIGHT, AFTER CHOREOGRAPHY CLASS AT SERVITE.
SERVITE FORMED MANY OF THE MEN THAT BUILT ORANGE COUNTY
BY MEG WATERS
IN THE FALL OF 1957, Disneyland was only two years old, Interstate 5 had just opened, Knotts was still a berry farm, and the Angels wouldn’t throw their first pitch in Anaheim for four years.
In that year of great expectations, Fr. Maurice Gillespie and a small band of Servite priests from Chicago opened a small high school in Anaheim with a freshman class of 110 young men. But while Servite High School didn’t begin with the flash and fanfare of the surrounding landmarks, the school’s impact has formed many of the men who have been the trailblazers and leaders in Orange County and beyond.
This year, as in years past, Servite alumni, students, teachers and parents gathered to honor Servite’s legacy with the Annual Excellence in Leadership Dinner. The 2025 honorees included Raymond Dunne, former principal, who received the Distinguished Faculty award; the entire class of 1971 received the Brotherhood award; and the Community Leadership award, presented to the Angels Baseball Foundation.
Stephen Walswick ’02, president of Servite, understands the school’s ethos from the standpoint of a graduate and now its leader.
“For the past 68 years, Servite has educated and formed young men to become virtuous leaders in their community,” he said. “We see them go on to serve important roles in every industry: politics, business, medicine and education. Our graduates are recognized as desirable leaders. That is why we see great success among our alumni.”
Rob Hoertz ’72 and his wife Susie (Rosary ’73) co-chaired the event.
“I’ve been involved with Servite alumni and leadership since the 1980s,” recalled Rob Hoertz. “In 2007, the Servite fathers decided to have a lay board of
directors; I chaired the board and served for several years.”
Rob Hoertz has long admired his upperclassmen from 1971.
“That class is unique, and we are still friends today,” he shared. “I remember them as talented athletes in their senior year, I believe they went on to Division One basketball. Since then, as a class they have taken on leadership because of their love for Servite. For years, they have been prodigious fundraisers, and I believe, as a group, they have given more to the school than any other class.”
Several years ago, Mike Freeman, '71, formerly Chief Strategy Officer for WD-40, helped form the Servite Play it
RAYMOND DUNNE.
ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER CARLOS LEON AND SERVITE PRINCIPAL STEPHEN WALSWICK '02 POSE WITH SERVITE STUDENT VOLUNTEERS. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SERVITE HIGH SCHOOL
“You can’t talk about Catholic Education here without mentioning Ray Dunne.”
In addition to his years at Servite, Dunne was principal at Santa Margarita Catholic High School and helped lead both schools in academic excellence.
“What is special about Servite is that it is the only all-male school in the Diocese,” said Dunne. “Because of that, a powerful brotherhood develops. I have always been amazed and impressed by that. Classmates often become lifelong friends and remain a very tight group. The Class of 1971 is an especially close group — the comradery is wonderful.”
Dunne is often asked about the challenges and opportunities with single-sex education.
“The advantage is there isn’t a lot of distraction during the school day,” shared Dunne. “The Servite boys and girls from Rosary have a lot of social interaction after school. For the boys, there is much more focus in the classroom. Overall, they do a better job because they don’t worry
about the girls being there. However, when the girls come on campus, I notice the boys are spruced up more, their hair combed and they look sharper than usual. Rosary teachers say the same happens when the boys are on campus.”
The Community Leadership award was presented by alumnus Cyrus Fa'amfoe ’24, who is attending Stanford University on a scholarship from the Angels Baseball Foundation. The award was accepted by Dennis Kuhl, chairman of Angels Baseball, board member of the Angels Baseball Foundation and member of Servite’s board of directors.
In a few months, the class of 2025 will graduate as faith-filled leaders. They are stepping off the shoulders of older classmates, and as St. Paul advised young St. Timothy, “Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.” (1 Tim 4:12)
The class of 2025 is well-prepared for their future, wherever it may lead. 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
BÁO CÁO LẠM DỤNG TÌNH DỤC
Forward program. Freeman felt a more personal connection rather than just giving money would be more meaningful for himself, his classmates and hopefully the Servite students. The effort was born with the Class of 1971 engaging with the Class of 2021 throughout their four years at Servite, both classes being the “pioneers” of this project. The program serves to re-connect alumni with Servite
and see the benefits of today’s Servite education, to illustrate to current students the lifelong brotherhood shared by Servite Friars, and to reinforce to both classes the value of a Servite education and a value-centered life.
Rob Hoertz is also an admirer of former principal Ray Dunne as well.
“What he has done for Catholic schools and Catholic Education in Orange County is remarkable,” he said.
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.
성적학대 신고
관할
EVENT CO-CHAIRS ROB '71 AND SUSIE HOERTZ POSE WITH ROB'S PARENTS BOB AND MARGIE HOERTZ. PHOTO COURTESY OF SERVITE HIGH SCHOOL
ROSARY ACADEMY TO CELEBRATE 60 YEARS
BY JENNIFER KANNE SEATON, ROSARY ACADEMY '97
ROSARY ACADEMY, AN all-girls Catholic high school, proudly announces the honorees for the school’s 60th anniversary gala to be held on Sept. 13.
The honorees, who have impacted Rosary for decades, have demonstrated remarkable dedication, leadership and service, embodying the core values of faith, service, community and sisterhood that Rosary strives to instill in its students. The anniversary celebration, a cherished tradition that happens every five years, celebrates the achievements of the honorees and also highlights Rosary’s commitment to nurturing young women who will lead with integrity and compassion.
The 2025 honorees are the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, Cathie Lentz Fryer ’76 and Katie Webb Brundige ’03.
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange have partnered with Rosary since the school’s founding. The sisters live a charism of unity, reconciliation and
service to the “dear neighbor without distinction.” Rosary adopted this charism as its guiding mission and endeavors to teach students to live by the values that flow from it.
Sr. JoAnn Tabor arrived on campus as a literature teacher in 1968, the same year the Rosary main building opened.
“There were probably nine of us sisters there at that time,” she shared. “We were young, and we had a lot of energy. It was fun being with the students and working with them to set new traditions.”
Sr. JoAnn Tabor recently attended a 50th class reunion and talked with some of her former students.
“I couldn’t believe they came up and said they loved English,” she added. “They said the foundation was so good. The quality of education started way back then and really continues today. They’re serious about their studies.”
Sr. JoAnn Eannareno was a math and religion teacher, coach, dean and then principal. She prioritized getting to know the students as
CONTINUES ON PAGE 15
ROSARY ACADEMY CIRCA 1968.
ROSARY ACADEMY STUDENTS CIRCA 1975. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROSARY ACADEMY
ROSARY ACADEMY STUDENTS CIRCA 1969.
Join OC Catholic’s Recipe Swap!
Sharing recipes highlights the importance of gathering with family, friends and our broader Diocese of Orange faith community.
Please share your favorite recipes, along with your name and parish. Send your favorite seasonal dish, or a recipe that has special meaning to you or your family. Tell us why it’s important to you! Our editors will pick their favorites to be featured in OC Catholic throughout the year.
Submissions must include a photo of the completed recipe. Categories are entrees, appetizers, side dishes, beverages and desserts. Send your recipes and photos to: editor@occatholic.com
PLAYING AND PRAYING AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL
BY MEG WATERS
CECILIA PHAN, coordinator of the Young Adult Ministry and Evangelization for the Diocese of Orange, (30s, Young Couples, Young Families) is a woman on a mission to present the foundations of faith to children under five through play.
“We are great at sacramental preparation,” said Phan, “but seven years of a child's faith life go unaddressed from the time the child is baptized until they start preparing for First Communion. Other than the children’s liturgy during Mass, there often aren’t a lot of ministries for very young families. But this is a crucial time in family life and a dramatic transitional time for discovering who you are and who your child is.”
Phan is concerned that parents often look outside the Church to engage their children during this stage of life.
“Kids can learn and be exposed to faith at a very young age,” she said.
In Matthew 19:14, Jesus was very clear in telling the apostles to permit the little children to come to him, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
Phan is experimenting with giving children a fun learning experience following Sunday Mass, where little ones and their parents can enjoy faith-themed activities, crafts, circle time, story-telling and kid-friendly food. The event is free to attend, while health food options are available for purchase from vendors.
More than 225 children and parents attended the kickoff event held on Feb. 23 in the Cultural Center following family Mass at Christ Cathedral. Spaces were set up with activities and sensory play geared toward children under age 2 to 5, but the children could move around and explore as they wished. The event was themed around God’s creation and the children’s creativity. The fun included painting, toys, face painting and games to reinforce the truth that what “God
created is good, and I am good, too.”
Volunteers from Christ Cathedral parish youth ministry staffed the event. Hunter von Tersh Pohrer and Adrian Pedroza helped set up and poured paint into trays for guests to paint lambs. They chatted with the children and parents about the meaning behind the craft and enjoyed watching the little ones dive into the activity.
“I haven’t done arts and crafts for at least 20 years,” said Pohrer, a Deputy Grand Knight and Youth Ministry member at the Christ Cathedral parish. “But this was a lot of fun for everyone.”
Pohrer said he helped one shy boy paint an elephant, and pretty soon, he was “jumping around and enjoying
THE PLAY AND PRAY KICKOFF EVENT WAS HELD ON FEB. 23 IN THE CULTURAL CENTER FOLLOWING FAMILY MASS AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 himself.”
“His parents were thrilled,” he added. His play station included foam sheep, wooden elephants, rhinos and llamas for painting before heading to Noah’s Arc.
“We had a lot of great feedback; everyone enjoyed themselves,” Pohrer recounted.
“We are really preaching to parents and their children,” said Phan. “We hope this gives parents more tools to take with
them to continue the conversation about faith when they get home.”
The next Play and Pray date is scheduled for June 1 at Christ Cathedral.
For more information and to RSVP, please get in touch with Cecilia Phan at
cphan@rcbo.org, or visit the Play and Pray Date website at https://www.rcbo. org/playandpray/. Donations are gratefully accepted to help grow Play and Pray to include more parishes. C
THE PLAY AND PRAY EVENT WAS THEMED AROUND GOD’S CREATION AND THE CHILDREN’S CREATIVITY.
CECILIA PHAN (RIGHT) IS THE COORDINATOR OF THE YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY AND EVANGELIZATION FOR THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE (30S, YOUNG COUPLES, YOUNG FAMILIES). PHOTOS BY OF IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
A LENTEN REFLECTION WITH FR. CHRISTOPHER
BY MIKE ZINN
THE SERRA CLUB sponsored a “Lenten Morning of Reflection” on March 1 at St. Cecilia parish in Tustin. The event began with a Mass in the Msgr. Sammon Center, which was an apropos location because Msgr. Sammon was closely involved with the Serra Club as chaplain and pastor at St. Cecilia.
Fr. Christopher Smith, Rector Emeritus at Christ Cathedral, celebrated Mass and was the featured speaker at the event. Fr. Christopher spoke on “The What and the How of Hope.” This topic was a timely introduction for the Lenten season, and the concept of hope, which is at the cornerstone
of Serra Club values.
The Serra Club offers hope to many groups, but none more in need than the diocesan seminarians. The club’s members offer hope by “adopting” a seminarian and being part of their journey with prayers, correspondence, gifts and/or financial support.
Beverly Truzzolino, president of the Serra Club City of Orange, stated, “Area parishioners are also involved in the mission of hope, praying one day a month for priests, seminarians and vocations. Each day of the month someone is praying.”
For this event, approximately 100 parishioners from various local parishes were in attendance. A continental breakfast forti-
CONTINUES ON PAGE 15
FR. CHRISTOPHER SMITH, RECTOR EMERITUS OF CHRIST CATHEDRAL, CELEBRATES MASS AT ST. CECILIA PARISH IN TUSTIN.
ANGIE BRAZEAL (LEFT) AND BEVERLY TRUZZOLINO, BOTH SERRA CLUB MEMBERS, PREPARE TO WELCOME GUESTS FOR THE MORNING LENTEN REFLECTION.
LORETTA CALLOPY (LEFT) AND MARYLE OLIVER PREPARE FOOD FOR THE LENTEN REFLECTION. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
er of Intertwined Inc., a company specializing in event production, social media marketing and room block management. In 2014, Katie and business partner Meghan Clem also started Rising Above Disabilities Camp (RAD) for people of any age with a disability. RAD Camp provides inspiring summer camp experiences for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
individuals. She took on yard duty at lunch as a way to casually visit and see the students in their friendship groups. Sr. JoAnn Eannareno is still in touch with former students and attends reunions.
“The greatest thing is to see what they’re doing,” she said. “They’re wonderful. The whole thing about the dear neighbor without distinction — they’re doing it. It’s amazing to me that while we didn’t preach it a whole lot, somehow, they picked it up.”
Cathie Lentz Fryer ’76 is president of CTA Travel and said her years at Rosary laid the foundation of who she is today.
“The lifelong friendships, the freedom to be who you were; Rosary empowered me,” Cathie said.
As a student, Fryer was involved in the Girls Athletic Association and took on many other leadership roles. As Social Chair her senior year, Fryer oversaw Mother-Daughter, Father-Daughter and Red & Gold. She received the Royalette Award when she graduated.
After graduation, she served on the alumnae board, attended Red Wine & Gold (Rosary's premiere auction) and Red & Gold performances. She was a very involved parent while her daughter Stephanie, who graduated in 2004, was a student.
“Rosary did lay the foundation of who I am today,” Cathie said. “The ability of young women to be in leadership roles is precious and something you can’t replace.”
Katie Webb Brundige '03 is a co-found-
“Although I didn’t realize it at the time,” said Brundige, “I think my participation in the Rosary Day Committee, Red and Gold as a captain and Kairos as a leader all helped me in more ways than I could have imagined. Each of them allowed me to learn very important leadership skills, as well as taught me a lot about project management and event planning. I didn’t realize that I was inching my way forward to running a hospitality company.”
She was introduced to volunteering in the special needs community during her junior year religion class.
“That summer,” she said, “I signed up to volunteer at a summer camp for adults with special needs and I haven’t missed a summer since. So many amazing things in my life started in those years at Rosary.”
Rosary’s last anniversary gala was in 2015, so the school community is excited to gather and celebrate the only all-girls school in Orange County and the remarkable legacy created by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange and Rosary alumnae. We welcome everyone to join us on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 6 p.m. at the JW Marriott to celebrate the past, present and future of our beloved Rosary! www.rosaryacademy.org/ celebrating60 C
fied their hunger and Fr. Christopher strengthened their minds, souls and spirits. The event included a three-part presentation by Fr. Christopher and opportunities for attendees to ask questions and share their thoughts.
Pope Francis has declared 2025 “The Jubilee Year of Hope.” This call to action by Pope Francis will engage all Catholics in this special year of reflection, prayer and hope. Fr. Christopher used this call to action to formulate his insightful presentation. He began with a simple reminder to those in attendance. He urged the group to “take time to reflect, especially as Lent approaches, on turning down the heat and letting things simmer in our life.”
“If we do this,” said Fr. Christopher, “the Lord will speak to us.”
He also asked the group to share their hopes for the coming Lenten Season.
“Don’t overcomplicate Lent,” he cautioned.
Fr. Christopher set the tone for his presentation with a quote from Romans
8:24: “For in hope we were saved.”
He added, “As disciples, we are asked to live our lives with hope, with the sense that there is a way out of difficulty.”
Fr. Christopher used baptism as a focal point in the development of hope.
“As people baptized in the death and resurrection of Jesus, we are called to be people of hope,” he shared.
Fr. Christopher also highlighted ways to build a foundation of hope in our lives, which he called “A Formula for Hope.”
Included in this formula are reminders to:
■ Remember that God is with us by remembering when God was with us.
■ Live our Christian lives rooted in remembrance, because remembrance nourishes hope.
■ Look for and acknowledge signs of hope around us.
Fr. Christopher left the group with a simple question, “Who and what are signs of hope for you at this time in your life?”C
FR. CHRISTOPHER SMITH (FRONT LEFT) WITH MEMBERS OF THE SERRA CLUB AT ST. CECILIA PARISH IN TUSTIN.
PHOTO BY ALAN WENDELL /DIOCESE OF ORANGE
CONSTRUCTION OF ROSARY ACADEMY CIRCA 1964. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROSARY ACADEMY
ROSARY ACADEMY WILL HONOR ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A GALA TO BE HELD ON SEPT. 13.
Sami.
The effervescent junior already has a long list of theatrical credits.
“Sami is what we call a ‘triple threat’ in theater,” said Betts. “She can act, sing and dance.”
Sami began acting around age 6 and hasn’t stopped. Recently, she played Ruth Condomine in Noel Coward’s comedy “Blithe Spirit.”
“I think that was the hardest role I ever had,” she said. “I had to sit with it a long time because her language and the time period was so different. Eventually, I understood her in ways I didn’t expect. The way she handled conflict helped enable my voice my more. I felt empowered to have a stance and stand my ground.”
Betts believes that theatrical training has a positive impact on students for
their entire lives — no matter what path they take.
“These kids have to be very connected with themselves and vulnerable,” he shared. “I would have thought this would be difficult for them to do, but they have blown my mind with their talent.”
Connor Pelonis, a junior at Servite, segued from sports to theater and hasn’t looked back.
“I played almost every sport, baseball, football, basketball and volleyball, but I never thought about theater until high school,” he said. “A teacher recommended the Trinitas Arts Conservatory, which launched my interest — I love it more than I ever thought I would.”
For more information on Trinitas Arts Conservatory and to purchase “Elf” tickets (April 10-12), visit https:// www.trinitasarts.org/ C
STAGE MANAGERS CONNOR PELONIS AND ASHLEY HAWLEY TAKE NOTES AT REHEARSAL FOR ELF THE MUSICAL.
PHOTO BY ALAN WENDELL /DIOCESE OF ORANGE
OC CATHOLIC RECIPE SWAP
ST. PATRICK’S DAY/ST. JOSEPH’S DAY RECIPES
IN HONOR OF ST. PATRICK’S Day (March 17) and St. Joseph’s Day (March 19), I’d like to share two recipes that are quick, festive and sure to be hits at your table. You can have dinner and desert in honor of St. Joseph and St. Patrick.
— Patty Mahoney, managing editor of OC Catholic
IRISH TEA CAKE
INGREDIENTS
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup milk
¼ cup confectioners' sugar for dusting Green sugar sprinkles (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees; grease and flour a 9-inch round pan. Cream sugar and butter together in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs. Stir in vanilla.
Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients alternately with milk. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then turn out on serving platter. When completely cool, dust with powdered sugar and (optional green sugar). Serve with fresh berries or whipped cream and a nice cup of tea. Enjoy!
ST. JOSEPH’S DAY SPAGHETTI
INGREDIENTS
1 lb. spaghetti
2 cups breadcrumbs (I used panko breadcrumbs and mixed in Italian seasoning, but you can also make your own)
1/2 cup plus 3 tbs. olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup pine nuts (optional)
5 teaspoons of minced garlic
¼ cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup grated Parmesan Romano cheese
DIRECTIONS
While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tbs. olive oil in a large skillet and add the breadcrumbs. Cook, stirring often, to coat the breadcrumbs with the oil. Continue until the breadcrumbs are lightly browned. Remove from heat and transfer crumbs into a bowl and set aside.
Wipe pan. While pasta cooks, heat ½ cup olive oil and garlic in skillet until fragrant. Add salt and pepper, (optional) red pepper flakes and (optional pine nuts).
Strain pasta and add to sauté pan. Coat well. Transfer to platter and top with grated cheese and parsley. Enjoy! C
TRUST AND HOPE
BY SR. DIANE HEISS, SDSH
HAVE YOU EVER TOSSED a small rock into a tranquil pond? Did you notice the concentric circles spreading outward from the point of impact to the edges? More frequently than we realize, our words and actions have a similar effect on others far beyond the initial impact, in a positive or negative manner. What ripples of hope can we bring, commencing with those nearest us at home or work?
Many, if not most of us, experience darkness or hopelessness at some point. Sometimes we might even identify with the phrase “Abandon all hope, you who enter here” inscribed above the gate of hell in the Inferno of Dante’s Divine Comedy. How utterly terrifying this can feel, and what a devastating toll it can take on our health. The prayer “Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust and hope in you” can serve as a life preserver, asking Jesus to be our constant companion and help us through. We all long for happiness; to love and be loved; to belong. How deeply and personally Jesus loves each of us, and how great is his desire to draw us to himself. He gave His all, enduring terrible torture unto death to enable us to come home to Him and live with Him forever. He will never give up on us, no matter how we feel, so let us turn to Him in hope and trust. We need to do our best to follow Him, trusting in His mercy and forgiveness, for it is Jesus who is our Savior.
When we are baptized and receive the gift of sanctifying grace, God in the greatness of His love infuses the theological virtue of hope into us. In the “Catechism of the Catholic Church,” hope is defined as “the
theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit.” (# 1817)
The subsequent paragraph continues with “The virtue of hope responds to the aspiration to happiness which God has placed in the heart of every man; … it keeps man from discouragement; it sustains him during times of abandonment; it opens up his heart in expectation of eternal beatitude.”
(CCC #1818)
Feelings are transient. Even when it seems as though darkness and hopelessness will never depart, with the gift of hope we can cling to Jesus’ promise “… I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
(Mt. 28:20)
Jesus is called Emmanuel, “God with
Us” and he truly is. A final reason for our hope lies in Jesus’ promise: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. ... I am going to prepare a place for you … And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.” (Jn.14: 1-3)
FOR YOUR FAMILY:
■ Call / visit / send a card to those undergoing a time of inner darkness or discouragement.
■ Plan how your family can more fully live a Gospel lifestyle, bringing a ray of hope and light to others.
■ What positive ripple effect of hope can you have on others? How and when will you do so?
■ Quietly reflect on “How am I being called to bring hope and trust in Jesus to others?”
■ Pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart together. C
CLASSIFIED ADS
PHOTO BY THOMAS KINTO ON UNSPLASH
Moments in our Journey
SUCCESSFUL WARM CLOTHING DRIVE AT ST. IRENAEUS
Five tons of warm clothing were donated to those in need thanks to the overwhelming support of parishioners and the Knights of Columbus at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church in Cypress. The annual Warm Clothing Drive at St. Irenaeus was held in January.
— Submitted by Irv Cuevas
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.
