RSVP by September 15. Mail checks payable to ODCCW c/o Susan Navarrete, 14245 Utrillo Dr., Irvine, CA 92606 Or contact Susan at 949-345-9130
Brothers of St. Patrick Benefit Dinner
Saturday, October 4th at 6 pm
St. Vincent De Paul Parish Hall 8345 Talbert Ave Huntington Beach, CA 92646
All are welcome to enjoy a Tri-Tip steak & chicken dinner, dancing, music, & an evening with the Brothers to support their ministry in Southern California
Tickets are $40 each Save $50 and purchase a table for 8 at $270
Call 714 897 8181 to reserve the tickets or visit: https://brothersofstpatrick.com/benefit-dinner/
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ORANGE
SEPTEMBER 14, 2025
“LATER, DUDES”
JSerra seniors participate in the tradition of painting their assigned parking spots.
MISSION BASILICA SCHOOL GETS NEW PLAYGROUND
Msgr. J. Michael McKiernan blesses the new playground for the San Juan Capistrano School.
A PLACE TO PLAY
St. Joseph Catholic School in Placentia blesses a new play structure.
FORMING DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic School unveils a new statue of the Blessed Mother.
FORMING FAITH-FILLED MEN
Servite High School hosts its annual Freshman Formation Weekend.
ANCHORED IN CHRIST’S LOVE
Superintendent Dr. Erin Barisano welcomes students to the 2025-26 school year.
“OFFER IT UP”
What does it mean to offer up our faith in trying times?
COUNTY CATHOLIC MISSION STATEMENT
The Orange County Catholic Newspaper seeks to illuminate and animate the journey of faith for Catholics within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange – building solidarity among the faithful and inviting a deeper understanding and involvement in the mission of Christ – through the timely sharing of news, commentary and feature content in an engaging, accessible and compelling format.
ORANGE
COUNTY CATHOLIC
The Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange Diocese of Orange Pastoral Center, 13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove 92840
Publisher: The Most Reverend Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of Orange
Director of Custom Content: Caroline Wong, cawong@scng.com
SCNG CUSTOM CONTENT
Managing Editor: Caitlin Adams Art Director: Ryann Beveridge
Delivered weekly to parishes and homes throughout Orange County, Calif., Orange County Catholic is published by SCNG Custom Content, a division of Southern California News Group that offers content development and design expertise to businesses and nonprofit institutions. The Orange County Catholic editorial staff and editorial council are responsible for the content contained herein. Events and products 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 Rosary shows the Caravaca cross which we acquired on our trip to Caravaca de la Cruz in Spain. Notice the cross has two cross beams and the beads are replicas of clam shells.
—Therese Van Nguyen, St. Bonaventure Parish in 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
“ Now is the time for dialogue and building bridges.” — Pope Leo XIV
SAINT PROFILE
CATHERINE OF GENOA 1447-1510
CATERINA FIESCHI WANTED TO be a nun like her older sister, but instead was married at 16 to Giuliano Adorno. Their arranged union was not happy for Caterina; her husband had a child with his mistress and wasted much of their fortune. But in 1473 Caterina had a vision of Christ carrying his cross which changed her life. Thereafter, she devoted her life to prayer and caring for the poor in the slums of Genoa, Italy. Giuliano also changed, becoming a Franciscan tertiary. They both worked at the largest charity hospital in Europe, with Caterina advancing from volunteer to director. She also wrote about mysticism and was canonized in 1737.C
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
1 TIMOTHY 2:1-8; PSALM 28:2, 7, 8-9; JOHN 19:25-27
TUESDAY
1 TIMOTHY 3:1-13; PSALM 101:1B-2AB, 2CD3AB, 5, 6; LUKE 7:11-17
WEDNESDAY
1 TIMOTHY 3:1416; PSALM 111:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; LUKE 7:31-35
THURSDAY
1 TIMOTHY 4:1216; PSALM 111:78, 9, 10; LUKE 7:36-50
FRIDAY
1 TIMOTHY 6:2C-12; PSALM 49:6-7, 8-10, 1718, 19-20; LUKE 8:1-3
PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK
SATURDAY
1 TIMOTHY 6:13-16; PSALM 100:1B-2, 3, 4, 5; LUKE 8:4-15
THE UNIFORMS WERE NEW, the shoes unscuffed. The backpacks did not yet have a layer of detritus at their bottoms. All the glue sticks had caps, every desk had a name tag and in Teresa Santana’s kindergarten classroom, the Play-Doh and dinosaurs were out and ready for play.
St. Angela Merici Parish School in Brea opened its doors on Aug. 19 for the first day of school. Music played as children lined up to get their pictures taken with chalkboard signs stating which grade they were starting. Parents sipped coffee, reuniting with other families
as everyone buzzed with that back-toschool feeling.
“The first day of school is just the jitters that everyone gets,” said Principal JoAnn Telles. “Everyone’s a little nervous and excited, but it’s a different feeling.”
She added: “We haven’t gotten into the swing of things, and yet it’s just like anxiety, but happiness. Last night I had butterflies. I’ve been doing this for 25 years and I still get nervous.”
For parents dropping off their children for kindergarten, the day is a milestone, said Tiffani Martin, mother of a kindergartener, first-grader and third-grader. Dropping her daughter off in Ms. Santana’s kindergarten classroom brought tears, even though it went well.
“She did great,” said Martin. “She walked right in there. She practically ran. She’s ready.”
Martin and her husband, Kyle Martin, have been preparing their children for back to school this summer. They had
CONTINUES ON PAGE 6
STEVE AND MARINA CORONA PHOTOGRAPH THEIR SON, MICHAEL, ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL AT ST. ANGELA MERICI PARISH SCHOOL. PHOTOS BY SCOTT SMELTZER/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
ROBIN DA SILVA, 6, LEFT, ARIA EDUALINO, 6, CENTER, AND KAIA PEREZ-ACOSTA, 6, POSE FOR A PHOTO FOR THEIR PARENTS ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.
DEBBIE FELIX, THE TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN TEACHER, AND HER AIDE, ANGEL ROMERO, GIVE INSTRUCTIONS TO THEIR CLASS DURING THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.
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
lots of talks about their friends and teachers, what they were looking forward to and what it would be like, said Kyle Martin.
“I’m excited,” he said. “It’s a big step. It just seems so quick.”
For 5-year-old Harper Kahler, she was feeling good about starting kindergarten. She attended St. Angela’s last year for TK [transitional kindergarten] and was most excited to “play on the playground.”
Harper is the oldest child of Scott Kahler, and for him the day had mixed emotions.
“It’s nerve-racking and exciting at the same time,” he said. “It’s exciting to see her grow and also grow in her faith. It’s a little nerve-racking too, her being the first child for us. It’s always hard to move on.”
The first day of school isn’t the first time students are meeting their teachers, though. St. Angela’s hosted a meet and greet the previous week to help nervous students prepare. TK teacher Debbie Felix, whose students are brand new to campus, said the event usually does the trick.
“I really want the children to transition in well,” Felix said. “I want to see
happy faces instead of tears. The children feel more relaxed, they’ve already recognized faces, certainly my face, my aide’s face and then many friends.”
In Felix’s class, all the families were welcomed in. The students put their thumbprints on the “Initiation Wall” to welcome them to the St. Angela’s family. Pictures were taken and a book on second families read before parents said their goodbyes.
Over in the kindergarten classroom, students put away their backpacks, stacked their lunches and added their water bottles to the collection before taking a picture with their family and settling down to an activity with a friend or two. Santana said they will introduce themselves, take a mini tour of the campus, go over classroom rules and regulations, and make a first day hat.
The first day is fun, Santana said, but she hopes they leave the day with one important lesson.
“That God loves them, that He is a loving and forgiving God,” she said. “Of course, the academics come, but primarily I want them to know that they have a loving and forgiving God and just learning about His good news and His message.” C
NANCY NAPOLI, LEFT, CUTS A HEART OUT OF PAPER FOR AVEA ACUESTA, 5, ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL AT ST. ANGELA MERICI PARISH SCHOOL. PHOTO BY SCOTT SMELTER/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
“LATER, DUDES”
BY MIKE ZINN
HIGH SCHOOLS ACROSS the Diocese of Orange are steeped in meaningful traditions and JSerra Catholic High School is no exception.
On Aug. 9, the Class of 2026 participated in its first major tradition of senior year.
The day began with the traditional “Senior Sunrise” at Strands Beach in Dana Point. Afterward, the seniors made their way to JSerra for the lottery, which determined the student order for picking their parking spots.
Then the transformations began. What started out as black asphalt became vibrant
pieces of art.
The senior parking spot paint day is a long-standing tradition, according to Principal Eric Stroupe. The event has been an integral part of the start of students’ senior year for about 15 years.
“All students receive a parking spot, if they need one, and artwork must be submitted for approval before the event,” said Activities Director Robby Roberts, who has been facilitating this event for three years.
Paint is supplied to each senior, and friends and families help with the layout and painting.
While seniors were diligently working on their parking spots, a few took time to share reflections and thoughts about this event.
“All of the seniors look forward to this event,” said Mandy Garrett, ASB student body president. “It signifies the start of our senior year, and is a bonding experience for the senior class, families and friends.”
Garrett’s theme revolved around her love for all things Disney related, especially the Disney Channel and Mickey Mouse.
With the Mickey Mouse logo at the bottom left of her space and the handprints of good friends on the bottom right, the wording called out, “I am Mandy Garrett and you are watching me graduate.”
Senior Jack B. said he has looked forward to this event for quite some time.
“I thought about possible designs since my freshman year,” he said, “and started serious design planning in the past two to three weeks.”
His theme is an iPhone image, with text that reads, “Hey Siri, how many days until graduation?”
He also mentioned tailgate parties before home football games, noting that tailgating takes place in the senior parking lot, which provides excellent exposure to all the parking spot designs.
Graham Kitcher, president of the student leadership group Caritas Christi, has memories of involvement with this event from his younger years. Kitcher has two older sisters who attended JSerra. He fondly remembers helping with the painting of their parking spots.
“This is an opportunity to leave a positive mark on the school and say goodbye in a fun way,” he shared.
Kitcher’s parking spot design follows similar themes to his sister’s. He will show an image of Crush from Finding Nemo with Crush saying, “Later, dudes.”
For the JSerra class of 2026, Aug. 9 will always be remembered as a day when the class bonded to transform a blank parking lot into a collision of vibrant colors and personal messages. C
JSERRA’S CLASS OF 2026 PARTICIPATED IN SENIOR PAINT DAY ON AUG. 9. PHOTOS BY NICK DAVIES/ JSERRA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
JSERRA’S SENIOR PAINT DAY
JSERRA’S ANNUAL SENIOR PAINT DAY TOOK PLACE ON AUG. 9.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS HELP SENIORS WITH LAYOUT AND PAINTING DURING SENIOR PAINT DAY.
MISSION BASILICA SCHOOL GETS NEW PLAYGROUND
BY BRITTANY ZINT
SURROUNDED BY 80-YEAR-OLD
brick walls in a former convent garden, family and staff of Mission Basilica School gathered on Aug. 15 to celebrate something new while also honoring their long and rich history.
With a blessing from Msgr. J. Michael McKiernan, for the San Juan Capistrano school, the new was a new playground. But the day was also a chance to reflect upon the historic nature of nearby Mission San Juan Capistrano, the birthplace of modern Orange County.
“We ask that as the children play here, they may continue to grow in their understanding of God’s love, that they may continue to grow in their understanding of joy and the gift of play,” said Msgr. McKiernan. “We ask for almighty God to watch over and bless every child who will play in this place.”
The estimated $275,000 playground will serve preschool children as young as age 2 through transitional kindergarten students. While the ribbon was cut and the equipment blessed, students had to wait until the first day of school on Aug. 19 to try out their new play area.
Mission Basilica School offers an academic preschool program that is play-
based, said Preschool Director Laura Bullock. The renovated space offers areas for imaginative play, tricycles for gross motor learning and sensory tables, explained Bullock, an alumna herself.
“We really value socio-emotional development, and that does happen a lot during unstructured play time,” said Bullock. “It gives them that opportunity to really learn how to grow with other students.”
The new playground is twice as big as the one it replaced which dated back to the 90s, but Bullock, who oversaw its planning and construction, had to work within tight constraints. The campus, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2028, is sitting on historic Native American lands.
This required the work to be overseen by an archeologist and Native American specialist. The area needed to “keep within the natural beauty of the Mission,” Bullock said.
The construction was done with such care and consideration, with Bullock respecting not only the history of the school and the Mission, but the spirit of the community, said Gina Kersten, a Mission Basilica mother and staff member.
Blessed artifacts were put into the newly poured concrete for St. Junípero Serra, the Virgin Mary, the Holy Spirit and the swallows (the mascot of the school and the
bird San Juan Capistrano is famous for).
Many families came out for the blessing, which was followed by a hamburger and hot dog cookout by the Knights of Columbus. The day was also a chance for children to drop off school supplies before their first day.
Second-grader Brooklynn Bendel won’t get to enjoy the new playground, but she thinks her 2-year-old sister, Jolee “JoJo” Bendel, will.
“It’s really cool and I think JoJo will like the slides, because she likes a lot of
playgrounds,” said Brooklynn.
For their mother, Sarah Bendel, the new playground is just one of many reasons she sends her children to Mission Basilica. Bendel said the staff’s “pure heart” for taking care of children is why she entrusts her daughters to go there.
“They go above and beyond, and I feel like when you are placing your children in someone else’s care, you have to have this level of trust,” she said. “They really do embody Christ-like features when taking care of my kids.” C
BROOKLYNN BENDEL AND HER SISTER, JOLEE BENDEL, OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO PLAY TOGETHER ON NEW PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AT MISSION BASILICA SCHOOL. PHOTOS BY JEFF ANTENORE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
MSGR. J. MICHAEL MCKIERNAN SPRINKLES HOLY WATER WHILE BLESSING A NEW PLAYGROUND AT MISSION BASILICA.
MISSION BASILICA PRESCHOOL TEACHERS AND DIRECTOR LAURA BULLOCK, LEFT, STAND TOGETHER ON NEW PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT DURING A BLESSING ON AUG. 15.
WELCOME BACK!
SCHOOL BELLS RING IN THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
BY OC CATHOLIC STAFF
IT’S TIME TO BREAK OUT the pencils, binders and backpacks. A new school year has officially begun and the Diocese of Orange Catholic schools are ready! Let us pray for our students as they begin another fruitful year of learning and growing. And let us pray for our teachers and staff, that they may continue to guide our children in faith and in trust of God’s unending love. C
KINDERGARTEN THROUGH EIGHTH-GRADE STUDENTS, ACCOMPANIED BY THEIR PARENTS, ARRIVE ON CAMPUS FOR THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.
KAITLIN HOLM TAKES A PHOTO OF HER CHILDREN, THOMAS HOLM, A KINDERGARTENER, AND VICTORIA HOLM, A SECOND-GRADER, IN FRONT OF A WELCOME BACK SIGN AT ST. SERRA CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA. PHOTOS BY JEFF ANTENORE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
HEATHER CAUSEE GIVES A HUG TO HER SON, CAMERON CAUSSE, BEFORE HIS FIRST DAY OF SEVENTH GRADE AT ST. SERRA CATHOLIC SCHOOL.
ST. SERRA CATHOLIC SCHOOL MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHER BECCA HANNA GREETS SIXTHGRADER EMMA ELTRINGHAM AS SHE ARRIVES FOR THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.
A PLACE TO PLAY
BY BRITTANY ZINT
WITH ONLY THREE DAYS left until the first day of school, it was time to bless the new playground and pray over the equipment before the children got down to what they do best: sliding, climbing and having fun.
St. Joseph Catholic School’s students, staff and parents gathered at the Placentia campus for the special occasion on Aug. 21, after the Meet the Teacher and Back-toSchool Night event.
“Children are a gift from the Lord and a joy for families and communities,” said Deacon Bob Alvarado, whose two grandchildren will attend the school this year. “Today, we will ask God to bless this playground where the youngest of us will play, laugh and grow in strength and friendship.”
The new play structure — which is geared for preschoolers, transitional kindergarten (TK) and kindergarten students — features a rope ladder, rock climbing wall, steps, slide and, for the first time ever, shade. The new equipment, which cost about $50,000, replaced the original structure at the school, said Principal Amanda Hawley.
“They need to get outside,” Hawley
said. “They need to play and have fun. Fine motor skills are important inside the classroom and even out here. But the gross motor skills are preparing them for the future grades; it’s setting the foundation so they’re ready to move up to the older grades.”
The different features of the structure give children many options to utilize and build their gross motor skills, said preschool director and teacher Cheri Martinson.
Play is when children develop social-emotional well-being,” Martinson explained.
They are learning how to solve problems, acquiring the language skills to communicate with their peers or with an adult if they need help and they are using their brain differently during play, she said.
“It’s amazing how much more is really going on than just the play,” Martinson said.
Alumna Edith Torres and her husband J.C. Gutierrez attended the blessing with their 4-year-old daughter Juliette Gutierrez, who is starting TK and her second
year at St. Joseph.
“It’s awesome,” Juliette said of her school, “because it has a lot of stuff, like toys.”
For Juliette’s parents, a Catholic education was important for their only child. Although J.C. Gutierrez didn’t attend Catholic school himself, he said he saw the impact it had on his wife’s family, so he wanted his daughter to go to a school that will instill structure, morals and respect for others.
“I wanted her to get some faith formation, which I believe is very important in the early years to give her that foundation and guide her through her adulthood,” Torres said. “It gave me a great foundation of what I wanted in life. I did go to public high school, and it is challenging out there. It gave me the strength to not do certain things that other kids were doing and the confidence to know I was doing the right thing. That’s what we want for her.” C
DEACON BOB ALVARADO POSES WITH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AMANA HAWLEY AND OTHER STAFF MEMBERS IN FRONT OF THE NEW PLAY STRUCTURE. PHOTOS BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
DEACON BOB ALVARADO BLESSES ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL’S NEW PLAY STRUCTURE ON AUG. 21.
THE SHADED PLAY STRUCTURE FEATURES A ROPE LADDER, ROCK CLIMBING WALL, STEPS AND SLIDE.
THE NEW PLAY STRUCTURE IS GEARED FOR PRESCHOOLERS, TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN (TK) AND KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS AT ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL.
A VISIBLE SIGN OF A COMMITMENT TO FORMING DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
BY OC CATHOLIC STAFF
AGENEROUS STS. SIMON & Jude Catholic School family donated a beautiful statue of the Blessed Mother, which was blessed on Aug. 18, in front of students, families and staff.
“Our family holds a deep devotion to our Blessed Mother and believes wholeheartedly in the importance of her presence in every Catholic parish and on every school campus,” said the NguyenCao family in a joint statement.
“For over 20 years, we have been blessed to be part of the Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic community, and now, with our children attending SSJ Catholic School, our devotion has only deepened.”
The hope, according to the family, is that every student who walks the
school grounds feels the loving presence and protection of Mother Mary, and is reminded daily of her intercession, grace and the unwavering love she has for them as they grow in faith, knowledge and service.
The school’s principal, Brett Minter, expressed gratitude for the generous donation and continued support of the school community by families like the NguyenCaos.
“The presence of the Blessed Mother on our school grounds is far more than a statue,” shared Minter. “It is a living reminder of our mission—to lead every child in faith, knowledge and service.”
As a new academic year begins, Minter added, “Her image invites our students, faculty and families to pause, reflect and pray, reinforcing our Catholic identity each and every day.” C
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성적학대 신고
및 관할
PRINCIPAL BRETT MINTER, LEFT, STANDS WITH STUDENTS AS FR. PHILIP SMITH JOINS THE NGUYENCAO FAMILY, DONORS OF THE NEW STATUE.
STUDENTS AT STS. SIMON & JUDE CATHOLIC SCHOOL WALK BY THE NEW STATUE OF THE BLESSED MOTHER ON THEIR WAY TO CLASS. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
FORMING FAITH-FILLED MEN
BY LOU PONSI
AT SERVITE HIGH SCHOOL, the mission of forming boys into faith-filled men and future leaders begins even before the student sits at a desk and opens a book.
The process begins with the question: “Who are you?”
The answer begins to come into focus through an immersive two-day character-building experience known as “Freshman Formation Weekend.”
On July 19 and 20, from the crack of dawn to the onset of darkness, 206 firsttime Friars were challenged physically and mentally, participating in activities
designed to push boundaries, emphasize brotherhood and build character, laying a solid foundation for their time at Servite.
Formation Weekend also lays a spiritual foundation, helping students foster a Christ-centered identity.
Formation centers around four unifying themes to be embraced by students, faculty, coaches, staff, parents and alumni:
Primacy of faith, mastery of self, necessity of the other and centrality of Christ.
Senior Parker Buetow, a Servite Friar since freshman year, said necessity of the other is the theme that has impacted him the most.
“I think this one's very integral in my
life because I really rely on my closest friends here at Servite to help me with schoolwork that I might find challenging,” Buetow said. “If I'm having problems with classes, I can always go talk to them and they're always there to support me.”
Buetow said he has talked to Servite graduates who continue to rely on this theme in their lives.
Cole Grothues is one of many Servite freshmen who are following in their family’s footsteps to attend the all-boys Catholic school.
Tapping into the experiences of his father, Eric, a 1989 Servite graduate, and brother Chris, a 2022 graduate, Grothues said he was encouraged to work hard in school, get good grades, listen to teachers, principals and coaches, and avoid getting into trouble.
“They said to keep my grades up and always talk to my teachers about schoolwork,” Grothues said.
Freshman Emiliano Anzo Andrade received valuable advice from his brother Marco Antonio, who graduated in 2023.
“He said always have fun in the formations,” Andrade said. “It’s a hard, difficult school. It might be tough, but you'll get
SERVITE HIGH SCHOOL WELCOMED STUDENTS BACK TO CAMPUS ON AUG. 11. PHOTOS BY VALERIE CASTILLO
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
there.”
Andrade is looking forward to experiencing other Servite traditions, which have come to distinguish Servite from other schools.
Among the most notable is the “asylum,” the moniker given to the student section in attendance at Servite sporting events.
Ranked by OC Varsity as the top student section in the county in two of the past three years, the asylum is a show in and of itself, aside from whatever game is being contested.
OC Varsity reporter Manny Alvarez, who ranks the top student sections in the county, wrote that Servite’s asylum is a dynasty and went “way over the top” in 2024-25.
“They lassoed a horse, they parted the sea, they had a roller coaster, they won a boxing match by way of knockout and they had the mascot from the Anaheim Ducks show up,” Alvarez wrote.
As a member of the Friars soccer team, Buetow said time management has been one of the most important attributes he’s come to
master at Servite.
“Being a student-athlete here has been challenging because I have to honor my academic and athletic commitments,” Buetow said. “But it's also been an opportunity for me to develop those skills for the future in college and beyond.”
David Hill, dean of students and a Servite alum, said he felt strongly about coming back to serve the school that helped shape the person he is today.
“There's a formative process that takes place with our guys in terms of getting them focused on the values that they're going to attain while they're here, and in addition to that, what they're going to use for the rest of their life,” Hill said. “It's real intentional. Our entire freshman class goes through a formational process to understand the value of Servite, the history of Servite, the expectations of Servite, the spiritual growth that you're going to experience here as well and this idea of what true brotherhood really is all about.” C
ANCHORED IN CHRIST'S LOVE: A NEW SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS
BY DR. ERIN BARISANO, SUPERINTENDENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
AS THE SUMMER FADES and we find ourselves entering into the rhythm of a new school year, it is a blessing to open our doors and hearts to our students once again. We have so much for which to be thankful as our Catholic schools throughout the diocese welcome children and families into environments where faith, learning and love intersect.
Our theme this year is “Anchored in Christ's Love.” These words from St. John Bosco guide our theme: “If your students know you love them, they will follow you anywhere.” In an era of uncertainty, digital distractions and shifting cultural values, this theme provides essential stability for our students and families.
As Catholic educators and parents, we have the sacred privilege to help our children understand their identity as beloved children of God. When young people truly grasp that they are intentional creations of a loving Father who knows them by name, they develop an unshakeable sense of worth that transcends peer pressure, social media validation or material success. This divine love becomes their anchor, providing stability in life's storms and clarity in difficult decisions.
By modeling Christ's love through genuine care, patience and investment in each child's growth, we create environments where hearts and minds can flourish. In knowing they are loved—by their teachers, their families and their Creator—students find the courage to embrace their calling and become the saints God destined them to be.
Our commitment to being “Anchored in Christ's Love” directly serves the fundamental mission of Catholic education: to create missionary disciples of Christ. This sacred work unfolds through three essential pillars that define who we are as Catholic schools.
A solid Catholic faith formation is foundational to everything we do. Throughout our schools, students encounter the living Christ
through prayer, sacraments and authentic witness. We don't simply teach about faith—we live it, breathe it and invite our students into a personal relationship with Jesus that will sustain them throughout their lives.
As schools, we place a high value on academic excellence. As places of faith and intellect, we challenge our students to develop their God-given talents to the fullest, preparing them not only for future success but for lives of meaningful contribution to society. When we demand excellence in mathematics, literature, science and the arts, we honor the Creator who gifted our students with minds capable of wonder and discovery.
Finally, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ. As such, acts of service transform learning into living discipleship. Through service projects, mission trips and daily acts of kindness, our students learn that their education is not for themselves alone, but for the building up of God's kingdom. They discover that being anchored in Christ's Love means extending that love to others, especially those most in need.
As we begin this new academic year, I invite our entire Catholic community to embrace the theme “Anchored in Christ's Love” as more than just words. Let it be the lens through which we view every challenge, every opportunity and every interaction. When we root ourselves deeply in Christ's love, we find the strength to weather any storm and the vision to see God's presence in all things. C
STUDENTS ENJOY A CHAT ON THE SERVITE SCHOOL CAMPUS. PHOTOS BY VALERIE CASTILLO
DR. ERIN BARISANO, SUPERINTENDENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE. PHOTO BY THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
“OFFER IT UP”
BY REBEKAH VALDERRAMA
WE'RE CATHOLIC! WE don't say, “Where was the last place you saw it?” We say, “Have you prayed to St. Anthony?”
We're Catholic! We don't say, “I'm trying a vegan diet.” We say, “Sorry, it's Friday.”
We're Catholic! We don't say, “Suck it up, Buttercup.” We say, “Offer it up!”
People these days don't react well to “thoughts and prayers.” They say that prayer doesn't change anything, and that telling someone you're praying for them is useless compared to taking whatever “action” is politically popular. I understand where this instinct comes from, but I also think it's a shame to shut down the discussions around the efficacy of prayer. I think it's this same materialist instinct that rejects the reminder to offer up our sufferings and unite them to the cross of Jesus. If your heart isn't softened for it, it can come off as dismissive and unhelpful. But “offering up” our sacrifices is not just a way to “cry a river, build a bridge and get over it.” It's actually the way we become saints.
There's just a rampant misunderstanding of the Catholic doctrines around redemptive suffering. Especially if you're coming from an atheist or worldly viewpoint, it can be hard to grasp the Church's teaching that suffering has its own inherent value.
St. Paul tried to teach this to the Colossians, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church” (Colossians 1:24).
Nothing! And that's the point.
What does that even mean? What could possibly be lacking in the afflictions of Christ?
Jesus's humility — which made God a man, and our brother, and our very food — allows us to participate in his suffering by adding our own to His cross. Like a father allowing His toddler to help Him with car repairs, even though it would be quicker to do it himself, Christ allows us a way to participate in our own salvation, through union with His suffering. That's why every time we encounter
in all the little mundane moments of life. St. Therese called it the “Little Way.” It's also practice for when larger sufferings come. If you cultivate a habit of offering up little things, then you strengthen that “muscle” into a reflex. Finally, when you encounter real suffering — maybe you get sick, or you get injured or you encounter heartbreaking loss or trying circumstances — you'll be ready with a direction to send that opportunity for grace.
Every pain or suffering is a shining jewel in our eventual heavenly crown. Ideally, none of that valuable suffering would go to waste. Every stubbed toe is a drop of grace.
To make it easier to remember, try keeping a list of prayer intentions to offer your sufferings for. Then, when every joy and every sorrow are offered equally up to God, we'll finally be living 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” C
a difficulty, we can unite it to the cross. I tell my children they can “offer it as a present for Jesus.”
But I don't have anything too bad going on in my life right now. Who am I to encourage someone to embrace the heavy cross they've been handed? Well, let's start small. I've got a bit of toothache, the kids have been extra noisy this week and there are ants in the house. If I offer up these little inconveniences and pains, it will draw me a little closer to Jesus each time.
Sainthood is not usually some heroic act of virtue; it's choosing the right thing
PHOTO BY ABEL MARQUEZ ON UNSPLASH
OC Catholic Afar
This was on Sunday, Sept. 7, just after the canonization Mass ended at the Vatican in Rome. I was with a group of 25, half of which were 35 and younger! Just before the photo, Vatican Square was packed with pilgrims there for the canonization of Saints Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati.
— Nancy Shanafelt, Christ Cathedral Parish.
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