PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS
OCTOBER 11, 2026
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THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ORANGE ■ OCCATHOLIC.COM
FAMILIES FLOURISHING PAGE 5 PICTURED AT A RECENT DONOR EVENT ARE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: FR. PATRICK MOSES, SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR OF THE LIFE CENTER OF SANTA ANA AND PASTOR OF OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS CATHOLIC CHURCH; TAIRA AND BABY JADE; MEGAN MORRIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER AND BETH HEALY, BOARD CHAIR. PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN MORRIS
1776 A Legacy of Tradition 2026
OCTOBER 11, 2026
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CONTENTS CELEBRATING 20 YEARS AT OUR LADY OF LA VANG
The multicultural parish celebrated a trilingual Mass on Aug. 15 for more than 2,000 attendees.
MATER DEI WATER POLO PLAYERS MAKE A SPLASH IN SPAIN
The three Monarchs on the Women’s Youth National team brought home bronze medals.
POLISH TRADITIONS TAKE CENTER STAGE AT ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL
The St. John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda recently celebrated its 47th annual Dożynki, or Polish Harvest Festival.
AROUND OUR DIOCESE
Masses for Thanksgiving and public safety personnel and a benefit concert are among community recent events.
OC CATHOLIC RECIPE SWAP
Beat the heat with this cool vintage salad.
WORLD MISSION SUNDAY
Fr. Christopher Heath writes about World Mission Sunday, Oct. 18.
ROMANCE OF THE MISSION
The annual benefit gala drew nearly 500 guests for the evening themed “A Legacy of Tradition”.
TRUST GOD’S WILL
Setbacks and second thoughts are natural.
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 Sr. Director of Marketing: 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.
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To report sexual abuse by clergy or church personnel please call: 1 (800) 364-3064 Healing and Hope After Abortion: 1 (800) 722-4356 New Hope Peer-to-Peer Support Line | Mon - Fri 7:30 AM - 9:30 PM | Sat - Sun 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM: 1 (714) NEW-HOPE or 1 (714) 639-4673 BÁO CÁO LẠM DỤNG TÌNH DỤC Nếu bạn là nạn nhân bị lạm dụng tình dục bởi một linh mục/ tu sĩ hay một thành viên trong Giáo Hội gây ra, xin hãy gọi và báo cáo cho Giáo phận ở số điện thoại miễn phí sau đây: 1-800-364-3064, và đồng thời báo cáo cho nhà chức trách địa phương. 본당내의 성적학대 신고 성직자나 성당 사목을 대표하는 관리자에 의한 성적 학대의 피해자 인 경우, 교구청의 무료 신고 전화 번호, 1-800-364-3064 및 관할 지역 법 집행 기관에 전화하십시오.
DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
SACRAMENTS
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Live the spirit of Jesus — Pope Leo XIV
PHOTO COURTESY OF YOLANDA CASTILLO CARRILLO
READER CALL-OUT
My First Communion was celebrated at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Los Angeles in 1953. l remember the day fondly.
SAINT PROFILE
EDWARD THE CONFESSOR
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1005-1066
T. EDWARD REIGNED AS king of England from 1042 to 1066. Biographers describe his natural gifts of patience, caution, and flexibility, which equipped him for effective governance. Edward defended the country from external enemies and protected his authority from his internal opponents. Thus, in 1066 he left his successor a country that was more peaceful, united, and stable that it was when he became king. Edward showed his holiness in his care for the poor and generosity to the church. He was also known for his miracles. For example, water in which he had washed his hands healed people of skin diseases and epilepsy. Edward was so popular that for a long time he was celebrated as a patron saint of England. C
—Yolanda Castillo Carrillo OLG La Habra OC Catholic is looking for photos of our readers receiving their Holy Sacraments. Baptisms, First Communions, Weddings — we want to see your special day! Please include a brief description of the photo and why it is special to you. Include your name and home parish, and send to: editor@occatholic.com
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
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PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
GALATIANS 4:2224, 26-27, 31–5:1; PSALM 113:1B-2, 3-4, 5A AND 6-7; LUKE 11:29-32
GALATIANS 5:1-6; PSALM 119:41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48; LUKE 11:37-41
GALATIANS 5:18-25; PSALM 1:1-2, 3, 4 AND 6; LUKE 11:42-46
EPHESIANS 1:1-10; PSALM 98:1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4, 5-6; LUKE 11:47-54
EPHESIANS 1:11-14; PSALM 33:1-2, 4-5, 1213; LUKE 12:1-7
EPHESIANS 1:15-23; PSALM 8:2-3AB, 4-5, 6-7; LUKE 12:8-12
ISAIAH 45:1, 4-6; PSALM 96:1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10; 1 THESSALONIANS 1:15B; MATTHEW 22:15-21
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DIOCESAN NEWS
FAMILIES FLOURISHING BY MEGAN MORRIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LIFE CENTER OF SANTA ANA
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OR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, The Life Center of Santa Ana has been building Christ-centered relationships with families at risk of abortion and providing the real support needed to choose life. While our mission has remained the same, the ways we care for our families have grown and evolved, much like a strong tree—deeply rooted in Christ, with branches that continue to grow and provide even more meaningful support. The Life Center has grown into a beautiful ministry of love, both an extension of the Church and a bridge back home to her. Although we provide practical support like diapers and wipes, The Life Center of Santa Ana is not a Pregnancy Resource Center. We are a Catholic Pregnancy Care Center guided by the Holy Spirit. He told us years ago that diapers don’t save babies. Christ-centered relationships do. Today, we put that love into action through free pregnancy testing, accurate information about their options, ultrasounds at our provider, practical assistance and incentivized virtue-based parenting programs for teen and young adult mothers and fathers. We have seen the fruits of the Holy Spirit at work with 189 babies born under our care in 2025. Praise the Lord, Jesus’ little children are being born! All our programs have a bigger purpose: Family Flourishing. From the very first phone call, through intake and consultation, through our parenting programs, mentoring and postpartum care, we are working to strengthen the “Five Pillars of Family Flourishing”: Faith and Community, Family Stability, Health and Wellness, Education and Future Goals,
and Parenting and Life Skills. We have also seen, firsthand, the heartbreaking reality that the families we serve often face challenges far beyond what practical assistance can address, causing a mother to feel that abortion is her only option. Our response must continue to be one of putting our faith into action. A relationship that says I will walk alongside you. I am with you. Twenty-eight years ago, Pope John Paul II addressed the Italian Pro-Life Movement and said: “. . . where concrete support is offered... women are able to make the sense of love, life and motherhood triumph within them.” That is what we try to do —turn fear into triumph! Almost two years ago, we prayerfully took a bold step and launched our Benevolence Grant. The grant works alongside our parenting programs and mentoring to help strengthen those Five Pillars and move families toward flourishing. Through the grant, vulnerable women are moving from being abortion-determined, to becoming adoption-minded or to making the courageous decision to parent their baby. The grant helps remove some of the financial pressure women are carrying so they can begin making decisions from a place of hope instead of a place of fear. *Angel (name has been changed for privacy) was just 20 years old when she told us that she knew abortion was wrong but, overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty, she was too afraid to move forward with her pregnancy. Today, because of the support provided through the grant, Angel is triumphant! She speaks beautifully about how that number one pillar, Faith and Community, has CONTINUES ON PAGE 6
TAIRA SHORTLY AFTER GIVING BIRTH TO BABY JADE. PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN MORRIS O C T O B E R 11, 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
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TAIRA AND SOME OF THE OTHER MOMS IN ONE OF THE LIFE CENTER OF SANTA ANA’S PARENTING PROGRAMS. PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN MORRIS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
never been so strong. From the moment *Nikki’s parents found out she was pregnant, they perpetuated shame, blaming Nikki for ruining not only her own life, but the lives of her family members. Nikki gave birth to her daughter just five weeks ago, and she is back at college, working so hard on her Education and Future Goals pillar. Taira, another grant recipient, recently spoke at our annual Share Your
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Treasure event. “Finding out I was pregnant before my wedding brought an incredible amount of guilt and shame for me,” she shared. “It felt like I had failed God. The weight of it all became overwhelming and I honestly didn’t know how I could continue with the pregnancy. In my darkest moments, I thought about terminating the life of my baby.” Taira added, “I needed to know I had someone in my corner who saw something in me that I could no longer see for
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myself — someone to come alongside me and remind me I wasn’t alone. “For me, that was The Life Center of Santa Ana. With ongoing mentoring, their team gave me the confidence, emotional support and encouragement I needed to look forward to the future with hope instead of fear.” Beyond the parenting programs, the Center helped cover Taira’s hospital expenses and provided her with monthly financial support through a grant while she was on unpaid leave.
Taira’s story beautifully illustrates what Family Flourishing looks like when practical support is joined with relationships, mentoring, encouragement and faith. We currently have five previously abortion-vulnerable mothers triumphantly being supported with the Benevolence Grant. This is what it means to turn fear into triumph: to walk with women and families so they know they are not alone, they are enough and they are deeply beloved. C
DIOCESAN NEWS
MATER DEI WATER POLO PLAYERS MAKE A SPLASH IN SPAIN BY LOU PONSI
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HREE MATER DEI WATER polo players spent part of their summer on one of the sport’s biggest stages, representing the United States at the 2026 World Aquatics U18 Women’s Championships in Spain. Senior Maggie Ryan, junior Paige Segesman, and 2026 Mater Dei graduate Kirra Pantaleon, now a freshman at Stanford, were members of the USA Water Polo Women’s Youth National Team that took home the bronze medal at the competition held Aug. 16–23 in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Spain. Team USA was among 20 national teams from around the world to qualify for the prestigious tournament. “It was definitely exciting because you get to visit another country,” Ryan said of the experience. “And you get to play with players you’ve always competed against.” The U18 squad had won five matches in a row before losing to Australia, 14–10, in the semifinals. Team USA then bounced back to defeat Hungary, 8–7, in the third-place match. Pantaleon, a two-way attacker, scored three goals in the semifinal loss against Australia, scored twice in the victory over Hungary, and scored five goals in Team USA’s 18–6 victory over Croatia in an earlier round. Ryan, a senior and USC commit, played center defender, and scored three goals to keep Team USA close in a 16–11 loss to Spain in an earlier round. Segesman, a junior center, anchored the offense inside, drawing defenders, creating scoring lanes for teammates and continuing her steady year-to-year improvement. She scored twice in the semifinal match, and she scored a goal in the team’s 14–2 victory over China in the opening round.
2026 MATER DEI GRADUATE KIRRA PANTALEON, NOW A FRESHMAN AT STANFORD, WAS A MEMBER OF THE USA WATER POLO WOMEN’S YOUTH NATIONAL TEAM THAT TOOK HOME THE BRONZE MEDAL AT THE COMPETITION HELD THIS SUMMER IN SPAIN. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL
MATER DEI SENIOR MAGGIE RYAN, ALSO A MEMBER OF THE USA WATER POLO WOMEN’S YOUTH NATIONAL TEAM IS SHOWN DURING A HIGH SCHOOL MATCH.
“It’s a pretty special moment,” said Chris Segesman, Mater Dei’s girls water polo coach and Paige Segesman’s father. “For them to represent not only themselves and their families, but Mater Dei High School and Mater Dei girls water polo … it’s a massive honor.” The travel itself added to the overall experience of international competition. The journey to Spain stretched more than 14 hours, followed by a short hop
to Tenerife. Players packed Trader Joe’s snacks, electrolyte drink packs, and portable muscle recovery devices called “Fireflies” to aid post-workout muscle recovery. Team USA was also drawn in by the intensity of the fans in its match against Spain, described by Paige Segesman as the toughest match of the tournament, albeit a proud, confidence-boosting moment.
“I really enjoyed Spain,” Paige Segesman said. “The atmosphere was crazy. I liked the physicality with other teams. I think it just made me a better player.” Training was more rigorous on the national team, especially in the weeks prior to departure, compared to typical training sessions at Mater Dei. Team USA trained twice a day for three hours, scrimmaged against the senior national team athletes and spent long evenings studying film. Mater Dei’s typical training schedule involves weights, two-hour pool sessions, with occasional double days. Once in Tenerife, the team played six matches in about a week, so sessions were shorter and focused. The tournament was not the first time Ryan, Segesman and Pantaleon represented their country in international competition. All three played in the Under-16 cadet World Championships in Turkey two years earlier. Even abroad, the Mater Dei players carried their high school habits with them — consistency, discipline and a sense of representing something larger than themselves, Chris Segesman said. “The team mantra for Mater Dei is team, family, tradition,” said Segesman, himself a former U.S. National Team center back and 2004 Olympian. “And all three players carried those principles with them to Spain.” Chris Segesman, who has also coached boys water polo at Mater Dei along with the girls program, said the international trips often become more meaningful in hindsight. Wearing USA gear, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with teammates and hearing the national anthem before the opening match are moments that live on, he said. “The athletes may not fully appreciate the magnitude now, but they will,” Chris Segesman added. C
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DIOCESAN NEWS
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS AT OUR LADY OF LA VANG PARISH the surrounding area. “Today we celebrate with deep N THE HEART OF ORANGE gratitude to God and look back on what County sits a thriving parish that is God has done for our community,” said home to a flourishing Vietnamese Bishop Nguyen. Catholic culture, a devoted HisUnder the leadership of Fr. Joseph panic community and English-speaking Son Nguyen, the parish’s first pastor, faithful. Our Lady of La Vang’s recent Our Lady of La Vang was founded in 20th anniversary celebration showcased 2004 in a small, rented house a few what unites all Catholics: The Holy Mass blocks from its current location on and the Eucharist. South Harbor Boulevard. Building More than 2,000 gathered on Aug. progressed quickly, and the permanent 15 for a special outdoor trilingual church was dedicated in August 2006. Mass celebrated by Bishop Thanh Thai The parish continued to grow with Nguyen beneath the canopy of a replica a bold vision — not only for a church of the Shrine to Our Lady of La Vang in and support buildings, including offices Vietnam. Co-celebrants included Our and a hall, but, most importantly, for a Lady of La Vang pastor Fr. Kiet Anh Ta shrine to Our Lady of La Vang, repliand a group of priests and deacons from CONTINUES ON PAGE 9 BY MEG WATERS
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THE FAITHFUL GATHERED ON AUG. 15 FOR A SPECIAL OUTDOOR TRILINGUAL MASS CELEBRATED BY BISHOP THANH THAI NGUYEN IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF LA VANG PARISH'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY. PHOTO BY YUAN WANG/DIOCESE OF ORANGE.
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DIOCESAN PAGE HEADING NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
cating the original shrine in the Hải Lăng District of Quảng Trị Province in central Vietnam. By August 2024, the parish had dedicated the shrine, a new hall, and office buildings. Parishioner Tuan Pham, who serves on the finance committee, has been part of the parish’s growth since its earliest days. “While Our Lady of La Vang is the patroness of Vietnamese Catholicism,
she is the mother of us all,” Pham said. “Our parish is very diverse, with more than 4,500 registered families including a large contingent of English- and Spanish-speaking parishioners, as well as Vietnamese-speaking parishioners. Most parishioners come from the Santa Ana area. “This country is a melting pot,” added Pham, “but religion is so important in carrying our culture forward. It is hard to immigrate if you do not have your
religious roots with you to help you assimilate and stay grounded. To build this parish, all the cultures had to work together. We worked hand in hand. Everybody brought their God-given talents to serve the Church.” The evening also featured a reception, dancing and entertainment. Our Lady of La Vang is a very active parish, with 34 adult Vietnamese ministries, 17 Hispanic ministries and eight English ministries. Children’s education
programs are offered in three languages, and the parish also offers an English-language program and Eucharistic Youth Ministry. In 1798, Our Lady appeared to a desperate Catholic community that had fled persecution and taken refuge in the forests of Vietnam. Offering comfort and hope then, Our Lady of La Vang continues that mission today in the heart of Orange County, drawing together all who remember her love and kindness. C
OUR LADY OF LA VANG PARISH CELEBRATED 20 YEARS BENEATH THE CANOPY OF A REPLICA OF THE ORIGINAL SHRINE IN VIETNAM. PHOTO BY YUAN WANG/DIOCESE OF ORANGE O C T O B E R 11, 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
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DIOCESAN NEWS Vegas, Los Angeles and Yorba Linda displays. First was a cultural exhibition POLISH TRADITIONS TAKE CENTER Las performed in authentic Polish costumes "Heritage: Polish Patterns & Colors of a guest Bulgarian folk ensem- the Past" and the special "250 PL-US STAGE AT ANNUAL HARVEST FEST alongside ble. Friendship" exhibition to commemorate BY RON KUZLIK
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HE ST. JOHN PAUL II Polish Center in Yorba Linda celebrated its 47th Annual Dożynki, or Polish Harvest Festival the weekend of Sept. 19-20. Highlights included dancing, a live
concert series, family activities, a cash raffle and of course, traditional Polish foods and beer were featured including pierogi (filled dumplings), gołąbki (stuffed cabbage rolls), bigos (hunter’s stew), kielbasa (Polish sausage) and a variety of Polish pastries. Folk dancing groups from Phoenix,
Local bands delivered an eclectic mix of alternative, folk and rock 'n' roll featuring the Warner Express Band, Illunis with White Slope, and Derek Day & iLL Eagles, bringing a high-energy blend of R&B, soul, punk and pop to the stage. Activities included children’s games, arts and crafts as well as two historical
ST. JOHN PAUL II POLISH CENTER IN YORBA LINDA CELEBRATED ITS 47TH ANNUAL DOŻYNKI OVER THE WEEKEND OF SEPT. 19-20. PHOTO BY SCOTT SMELTZER/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
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250 years of United States independence. Dożynki (pron. doh-ZHIN-kee), dates to the Middle Ages, celebrating the gathering of crops and an end to the agricultural year. Large landowners and rich farmers organized the celebration to reward the field laborers. The word comes from Polish roots meaning “to cut down or reap” or “last sheaves.” But Dożynki is more than a simple celebration of the harvest. It’s a celebration of community and hard work combined with gratitude and thanksgiving to God. This local cultural and social event was first organized in 1978 by Krystyna Zagorski and Maria Romanski. Because the small community of Polish immigrants and Polish Americans did not yet have their own center in Yorba Linda, the inaugural event took place at Rosary High School in Fullerton. The Dożynki Festival has been held at the Polish Center in Yorba Linda following its founding in 1983. Since that time, the festival has grown to be the largest celebration of Polish culture and heritage in the Southland. Fr. Zbigniew Frąszczak, SVD, is originally from Ostrow Wielkopolski, Poland, near Poznan, located about halfway between Berlin, Germany, and the Polish capital city of Warsaw. He has been in the United States for over 20 years and is the current director of the St. John Paul II Polish Center. “The Dożynki Festival is an important tradition for Poles to celebrate life and to thank God for the gifts of the Earth,” he shared. “It is also a wonderful way to share our culture with our neighbors of various nationalities from both near and afar.” According to event coordinator Kazia Kmak, the success of the festival is dependent upon the hard work and coorCONTINUES ON PAGE 11
DIOCESAN NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
THE ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL FEATURED MASS, DANCING AND POLISH FOOD. PHOTOS BY SCOTT SMELTZER/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
dination of a team of over 100 volunteers working on a variety of teams including marketing, public relations, setup, food, decorations, and even first aid, stage, sound, lighting and signage along with games and fun zone for the kids. Sponsors include individuals and local businesses, including Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko Council #9599 of the Knights of Columbus, Confirmation Youth Group, students from the Helena Modrzejewska
Polish School, as well as members from Club Żywiec and the Totus Tuus Choir. Kmak estimated that over 4,000 people attended this year’s festival. Proceeds from the festival benefit various religious and cultural projects at the St. John Paul II Polish Center including upgrades to the current building and property. For more information, visit polishcenter.org C
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DIOCESAN NEWS
AROUND OUR DIOCESE BY STAFF
Bishop Vann said, adding: “Let us all pray that we might be faithful to whatBLUE MASS ever God asks of us, even in the midst of The diocesan Blue Mass recognizing challenging circumstances. But be faithful the faith and sacrifice of public-safety because, as we know, the Lord is with personnel took place at Christ Cathedral us — as Fulton Sheen taught us — and on Sept. 27. Now in its fifth year for the live that out, every day of our lives. Give Diocese of Orange, members of police witness to that, just as he did, and then we departments, firefighters and other can become that messenger, to prepare the first-responder units came with their way for Christ in other people’s lives.” families. The Mass also included a blessing of The tradition of the Blue Mass dates to the cathedral’s Year of Hope Cross, which 1934 at St. Patrick Parish in Washington, was part of our diocese’s celebration of the D.C. It has since expanded to become a worldwide Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year national event. from December 2024 to January 2026. The cross was specially designed for the dioTHANKSGIVING MASS cese and contains various symbols specific Bishop Kevin Vann presided over a to Orange County, such as an orange tree Thanksgiving Mass on Sept. 24 at Christ and St. Junípero Serra (founder of Mission Cathedral recognizing the beatification San Juan Capistrano). of Blessed Archbishop Fulton Sheen, the influential American televangelist. Bishop BENEFIT CONCERT Vann remarked how he used to watch A capacity crowd, multiple standing Archbishop Sheen’s “Life is Worth Living” ovations and more than $22,000 raised broadcast while growing up in Illinois, for education marked the success of the where Sheen was also from. Sandiwaan Benefit Concert “Salamat, “And [Archbishop Sheen] really gave Nag-Aawit” held this summer at the a heroic witness, many times of his life,” Poong Jesus Nazareno Filipino Catholic
THE DIOCESAN BLUE MASS WAS CELEBRATED AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL ON SEPT. 27. PHOTO BY SCOTT SMELTZER/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
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A THANKSGIVING MASS WAS CELEBRATED ON SEPT. 24 AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL TO RECOGNIZE THE BEATIFICATION OF BLESSED ARCHBISHOP FULTON SHEEN. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Center in Anaheim. The audience gathered to learn about Sandiwaan director Fr. Benigno’s work in the Philippines, where a Society of the Divine Word priest and Alternative Learning System teachers address the needs of school dropouts, from the Tondo slums to farming and Indigenous families in the Cordillera mountains. Opening with Fr. Peter’s prayer and
welcoming remarks, the concert blended classical music, opera, jazz, American standards and beloved Filipino songs in support of Sandiwaan’s educational mission. By evening’s end, organizers had exceeded their fundraising goal while raising awareness of education’s role in expanding opportunities for disadvantaged youth in the Philippines. —by Sean Le Van
THE SANDIWAAN BENEFIT CONCERT “SALAMAT, NAG-AAWIT” WAS HELD ON AUG. 16 AT THE POONG JESUS NAZARENO FILIPINO CATHOLIC CENTER IN ANAHEIM. PHOTO COURTESY OF SEAN LE VAN
FEATURE
OC CATHOLIC RECIPE SWAP MOM'S CABBAGE SALAD
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HIS SALAD HAS BEEN on my holiday table for as long as I can remember.
It's one of our family favorites and just as my mother and aunt taught me how to make it, I have taught my daughter and niece. It's a special salad and a hug to my mom and aunt every time we make it. —Patty Brooks, St. Bonaventure Parish in Huntington Beach.
■ 1 head of cabbage ■ 2 20 oz. cans of crushed pineapple ■ 1 cup of mayonnaise ■ 2 apples of choice (I use Pink Lady apples) ■ 1 bag of mini marshmallows ■ 1/2 cup walnuts or almonds as preferred (optional) *Ingredients can be halved depending on serving size*
DIRECTIONS Rinse the cabbage head under water and then peel two to three layers off the cabbage head. Re-rinse. Slice the cabbage thinly then cut in half to make about 2- to 3-inch slivers of cabbage. Once the slicing is completed, wash the cabbage slivers again and dry on paper towels. While the cabbage is drying, drain the canned pineapple and chop the apples. Add cabbage to a large bowl and put the rest of the ingredients into a mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise, marshmallows and (optional) nuts. Refrigerate until time to serve. Stays fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator. Enjoy! C
PHOTO COURTESY OF PATTY BROOKS O C T O B E R 11, 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
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DIOCESAN NEWS
OC CATHOLIC TRAVEL PHOTO CONTEST SECOND PLACE
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HANKS TO EVERYONE who submitted their summer travel photos with Orange County Catholic! We received submissions from faraway places like Japan and Portugal, as well as destinations closer to home, like Santa Catalina Island and San Luis Obispo. Although the photo contest is paused until next summer, the paper continues to print your OC Catholic Afar submissions all year long. If you would like your selfie with OC Catholic published in one of our weekly issues, please send your photo (include your name, home parish and a brief description) to: editor@ occatholic.com This year’s summer photo contest winners are:
FIRST PLACE
Marianne Vecchione from Our Lady of Guadalupe, Parish in La Habra, is a lay missionary serving in Ethiopia. This is a photo of Marianne at the Catholic church in Assosa, Ethiopia, with the parish priest, Missionaries of Charity, Brothers of St. John and Sudanese Catholic refugees living in Ethiopia.
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The Alcaraz family from Santa Clara de Asís Parish in Yorba Linda proudly displays the Orange County Catholic newspaper in the Vatican Gardens with the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in the background during a family pilgrimage to Vatican City. Pictured left to right: Steve Alcaraz, Caden Alcaraz (Servite High School Class of 2025 and Baylor University student), Danielle Alcaraz, and Carter Alcaraz (Servite High School junior).
THIRD PLACE
The Campopiano family from St. Edward the Confessor Parish in Dana Point traveled to Spain this summer. They visited the holy site of Montserrat to see the black Madonna. Here is Joseph Campopiano holding a copy of OC Catholic.
GUEST COLUMN
WORLD MISSION SUNDAY 2026 BY FR. CHRISTOPHER HEATH, DIRECTOR OF DIOCESAN ARCHIVES, DIRECTOR OF MISSION OFFICE
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VER THE PAST TWO months I have written a series of articles on the missionary work of the Church. All of this in preparation for next weekend (Oct. 18) — World Mission Sunday! Pope Leo XIV was elected May 8, 2025. In October 2025, he recorded a video for World Mission Sunday. The fact the Pope Leo was willing to record a video message for World Mission Sunday is not only historic, but it also speaks to his own experience as a missionary priest and bishop in Peru. He personally understands the impact of this worldwide support, for he received help for his people through this appeal. As of this writing, we have been told that Pope Leo will again record a message for World Mission Sunday 2026. We were also told that the recording will happen earlier so there is more time to get the video to each country and from there to each diocese, and from here to each parish. The logistics of worldwide communication are more complicated than I ever knew! And my hope is that you will see this message and respond more generously to our second collection than ever before! Not only because the pope is personally invested in its success, not only because he asked you to contribute, but because in your own goodness you know the material needs of the Church in mission lands and because you trust we will put your sacrificial gift to good use. And I remind you of the other reasons that World Mission Sunday 2026 is truly
FR. CHRISTOPHER HEATH IS THE DIRECTOR OF DIOCESAN ARCHIVES AND DIRECTOR OF ITS MISSION OFFICE. PHOTO BY THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
a special event. We have a pope who was a missionary for many years and knows the value of this collection. It’s the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday, taken up in every place where Mass is celebrated, including in the missions that will receive support from us. And we have a new Blessed, Fulton Sheen, recently raised to the altars as an intercessor for the Mission Church. He was director of the Mission Office for the United States 1950-1966. And we have a local connection to him: in 1972 he visited the site that is now our Christ Cathedral campus and preached in Dr. Robert Schuller’s church. Now we honor that presence with a statue on our Cathedral Campus, and a mosaic with his likeness in the St. Callistus Chapel. And we have second class relics of Blessed Fulton, recently discovered in the archives of the Diocese of Orange! I’m praying that our response to World Mission Sunday will be greater than ever! As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our own diocese, we can offer a true gift to the Mission Church in thanksgiving for all those who came here as missionaries in the past and have built up the Church that is now the Diocese of Orange. I’m thinking specifically of St. Junipero Serra and other Spanish
THE BEATIFICATION OF ARCHBISHOP FULTON SHEEN TOOK PLACE ON SEPT. 24, 2026, IN ST. LOUIS. OSV NEWS PHOTO/LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Franciscans, and the many priests and religious who were sent from other places in the U.S., and the many priests who came here from Ireland and Mexico and other lands to serve their people. Also, the Vietnamese community and their priests who came looking for a new life and liberty, and all other immigrants with their clergy and religious who have made southern California their home. Our diocese was truly mission territory for centuries, and now that we are well established, we can help the next generation of Catholics and their missions to
grow into strong places of faith. If you miss the World Mission Sunday collection you can still give! Your parish may have mission envelopes in the pews for a few weeks, and you can put money in that envelope and into the collection basket, it will be forwarded to the Mission Office. If you prefer you can also send a check directly to the Mission Office: 13280 Chapman Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92840. Please note in the memo line “World Mission Sunday.” Blessed Fulton, pray for us! Pray for the missions! C
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DIOCESAN NEWS
ROMANCE OF THE MISSION BY STAFF
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HE HISTORIC GROUNDS OF Mission San Juan Capistrano provided the perfect setting for the annual Romance of the Mission benefit gala. This year’s event, titled “A Legacy of Tradition,” was especially meaningful as the Mission celebrates its 250th anniversary, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of our nation and the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of Orange. Nearly 500 guests attended the Sept. 18 event and joined the Mission Preservation
Foundation to honor the Juaneño Band of Indians, Acjachemen Nation. The Mission’s executive director Mechelle Lawrence Adams reflected on its long and lasting legacy. “In my mind after working here for so long,” shared Lawrence Adams, “the Mission is far more than Fr. Serra ever envisioned. Its history is shaped by every single person that comes here; whether they walk the path or they’re learning from one of our teachers or docents or they’re studying a book or taking a pause to reflect on the beauty of the place…history is transformative; learning about the
MISSION SAN JUAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MECHELLE LAWRENCE ADAMS, HONOREE NATHAN K. BANDA AND MISSION PRESERVATION FOUNDATION PRESIDENT GEORGE O'CONNELL. PHOTO BY LISA RENEE
STILT WALKERS REPRESENTING UNCLE SAM AND THE STATUE OF LIBERTY GREET ATTENDEES OF THE ROMANCE OF THE MISSION GALA HELD ON SEPT. 18. PHOTO BY PATTY MAHONEY
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past can help make us more informed for the future.” A special proclamation was presented to the Tribe by Mission Preservation Foundation Board Chair George O’Connell. The proclamation reaffirmed the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to promoting,
recognizing and preserving the history and contributions of the Juaneño people, the original builders of the Mission. O’Connell thanked the Tribal members in attendance for sharing their heritage and partnership, and “for allowing us to CONTINUES ON PAGE 17
DIOCESAN NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16
GUESTS WALK PAST THE BELL WALL ON THEIR WAY TO DINNER IN THE MISSION'S CENTRAL COURTYARD. PHOTO BY LISA RENEE
continue to learn from your story.” Nathan K. Banda, Tribal Chairman of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation, accepted the honor. “Long before the United States came into existence, our people had our own nation, our own communities, our own governance and our own way of life,” said
Banda. “We are blessed today to still have lineal descendants of that nation—people whose ancestors survived earthquakes, epidemics and generations of hardship. Tonight, I cannot help but think about the hands of my ancestors who helped build this very place…still standing 250 years later.” As the Mission Bell Ringer for the past
15 years, Banda's family has been connected to the parish for more than 11 generations. The night also featured a concert in the Ruins of The Great Stone Church by Tony Award-winner Sutton Foster, patriotic reenactors and stilt walkers representing President Abraham Lincoln, the Statue of Liberty, and Uncle Sam, and gospel choir
Singers of Soul. For a complete listing of gala supporters or for more information about Mission San Juan Capistrano, visit missionsjc. com. To support next year’s gala on Sept. 17, 2027, contact Mechelle Lawrence Adams at (949) 234-1311. All proceeds are directed to education and preservation programming. C
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CATHOLIC FAMILY LIFE
TRUST GOD'S WILL
his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, 'The feast is ready but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main road and invite to the feast whomever you find'” (Matthew 22:5,7-9). It's easy to think this path of radical trust in God's will is a nice option for those brave enough to embrace it. I'm starting to realize that's not the case. His invitations are patient, merciful and never ceasing. But they're not optional. We can't become saints by our own efforts. Reliance on God is non-negotiable. So, I think we're called to be at least a little bit uncomfortable most of the time. It's not the message of peace we'd like to hear, but that message is in the Scriptures: “On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over all nations; he will destroy death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from every face” (Isaiah 25:7-8). God is waiting to console you deeply. What is He asking you to surrender to Him today? C
BY REBEKAH VALDERRAMA
“I
HAVE LEARNED THE secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I can do all things in him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:12-13). It's not every Sunday that every single Scripture reading goes together as well as they do today. "Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side" (Psalm 23:4). If you're in a place in your life where you're questioning God's love for you, His plan for you or your ability to cope with the stresses of your situation. Or if you're trying to work up the courage to follow His will, then today's readings are a blunt reminder to "be not afraid!" As a homeschooling mom of five, I'm at my wit's end most days just trying to maintain my already lowered standards. The harder I try to hold on and control the household, the faster I seem to lose my grip. The house is a disaster. My patience snaps and I become a worse version of myself. Even if the day started with such promise! Letting go of that ideal day feels like a major blow to my self-image and self-esteem. It's yet another reminder that I was never called to do it all on my own strength. God gives me these challenges as an invitation to lean on Him. Maybe you can relate to my struggle to wake up every morning and face the housework. Or maybe you're facing a difficult decision between what's easy and what's right. An invitation to lean on God's mercy, love and providence. “The LORD of
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hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines” (Isaiah 25:6). He doesn't just promise that He'll help you squeak through in the end. He promises to console you like a father, to provide for you lavishly, generously, excessively. Today's Scripture readings speak of the mercy of an infinitely loving father who is just waiting for you to
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accept His loving support. If you say "yes" to His will, He will not just get you through the difficulties, He will lift you up and show you the incredible graces that are only available after you've been through the darkness. But what if it's just too hard? “Some ignored the invitation and went away... The king was enraged and sent
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OC Catholic Afar
Fr. Christopher Heath and Fr. Bao Thai were in St. Louis, Missouri, on Sept. 24 for the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen. Christ Cathedral had a booth at the Sheen Expo at the Dome at America’s Center, where the Mass was celebrated. Archbishop Sheen was officially declared “Blessed,” marking another step toward sainthood. In 1972, nearly 12,000 people gathered at what was then Crystal Cathedral to hear Archbishop Sheen preach during Dr. Robert Schuller’s “Hour of Power” broadcast.
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. O C T O B E R 11, 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
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