SEPTEMBER 20, 2026
THE HAIL MARY PASS
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THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ORANGE ■ OCCATHOLIC.COM
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CONTENTS BACK TO BASICS WE WILL NEVER FORGET ROSARY BREAKS GROUND BLESSED FULTON SHEEN ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST BLESSES NEW GYM LIVING THE MAGIS THIS SCHOOL YEAR CHRIST CATHEDRAL ACADEMY PRESCHOOL BUILDS A JOYFUL FOUNDATION FALL IS IN THE AIR
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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
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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
PRAYER SPOT
“ PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNE LOURTHUNAYAGAM
May Mary, Help of Christians, always support our journey…
SAINT PROFILE
READER CALL-OUT
In our family's prayer spot, we keep the Bible and a Jesus picture surrounded by saints, angels and rosaries. The prayer spot is special because my family and I pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy together daily.
— Pope Leo XIV
MAURICE AND COMPANIONS
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C. 3RD CENTURY
N THE FIFTH CENTURY, St. Eucherius of Lyons described the legendary martyrdom of Maurice and the Theban Legion, comprised of Christians from Upper Egypt. Maurice was first officer of the legion, sent by Emperor Maximian to Switzerland to put down some rebellious Gauls. When Maximian ordered the soldiers to sacrifice to Roman gods, Maurice and his legion refused. The outraged emperor ordered “decimations” in which one of every 10 men was killed; when the remainder still would not worship Roman gods, Maximian had other soldiers massacre the entire legion of 6,000. Though the number may be exaggerated, a martyrdom of some Christian soldiers seems believable. Maurice is a patron saint of all armies, the Swiss Guard and Austria. C
—Anne Lourthunayagam, St. Columban Catholic Church, Garden Grove. Do you have a favorite prayer spot? 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
EPHESIANS 4:1-7, 11-13; PSALM 19:23, 4-5; MATTHEW 9:9-13
PROVERBS 21:1-6, 10-13; PSALM 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44; LUKE 8:19-21
PROVERBS 30:5-9; PSALM 119:29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163; LUKE 9:1-6
ECCLESIASTES 1:211; PSALM 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 AND 17BC; LUKE 9:7-9
ECCLESIASTES 3:1-11; PSALM 144:1B AND 2ABC, 3-4; LUKE 9:18-22
ECCLESIASTES 11:9— 12:8; PSALM 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 AND 17; LUKE 9:43B-45
EZEKIEL 18:25-28; PSALM 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9; PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11; MATTHEW 21:28-32
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FEATURE
THE HAIL MARY PASS BY LOU PONSI
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N OCT. 13, 2013, in a key matchup between Trinity League rivals Orange Lutheran and Servite, the Friars found themselves down by six points with eight seconds remaining in the game. Friar quarterback Travis Waller dropped back and heaved a deep, high-arching “Hail Mary” pass into a cluster of players in the end zone, and Equanimeous St. Brown leaped high above the scrum and came down with the ball for a game-tying touchdown as the clock expired. Andrew Acosta nailed the extra point to give Servite the 2013 victory, sending the crowd on the Servite side of the Cerritos College stadium into a frenzy while the Orange Lutheran side of the field fell silent. “It was clearly the most exciting thing I’d ever seen,” recalled Servite PA announcer Tim Brundige, who is in his 36th season announcing Friars football and basketball games. “You knew you lost the game and then all of a sudden, boom, you’re the winner. It was a pivotal point for us that season.” Both St. Brown and Waller went on to play in college and the NFL. Ironically, St. Brown, brother of NFL wide receiver and Mater Dei grad Amon-Ra St. Brown, played college football at Notre Dame, where the Hail Mary prayer first became intertwined with the sport more than a century ago.
‘WE NEED A MIRACLE’
On Oct. 28, 1922, Notre Dame was trailing 3-0 in the second quarter against Georgia Tech when Fighting Irish guard Noble Kizer is said to have turned toward his teammates in the huddle and said, “Boys, let’s have a Hail Mary.”
Two plays later, Notre Dame’s Elmer Layden scored on a 4-yard run to put the Irish ahead. Kizer repeated the Hail Mary request on another Fighting Irish possession in the fourth quarter, and quarterback Harry Stuhldreher scored to clinch the victory, 13-3. Multiple published accounts of the game reported a quote from Kizer, who said, “That Hail Mary is the best play we’ve got.” In 1935, the phrase resurfaced in a showdown between Notre Dame and Ohio State — a contest that was dubbed the “Game of the Century.” After Bill Shakespeare’s dramatic 19yard touchdown pass to Wayne Miller in the game’s final seconds gave the Fighting Irish an 18-13 victory, Fighting Irish coach Elmer Layden — as reported by the Chicago Tribune and the Associated Press — used the term in his postgame comments, referring to the winning throw as a “Hail Mary” play. Over time, the phrase shifted from an actual prayer to a familiar idiom meaning “we need a miracle,” and eventually to the modern definition as a low-probability desperation pass in the final seconds of a game.
CLUTCH TIME
On Dec. 28, 1975, the colloquialism solidified itself as part of everyday football vernacular after Dallas quarterback Roger Staubach launched a last-second, 50-yard touchdown pass to Drew Pearson to defeat the Minnesota Vikings, 17-14, in a divisional playoff game. The Associated Press reported Staubach saying, “I closed my eyes and said a Hail Mary.” Then there was Doug Flutie’s famous Hail Mary pass in a game between Boston College and Miami on Nov. 23, 1984. SERVITE'S EQUANIMEOUS ST. BROWN MADE THE RECEPTION OF SERVITE'S SUCCESSFUL HAIL MARY PASS. PHOTO CONTINUES ON PAGE 6
COURTESY OF SERVITE HIGH SCHOOL
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FEATURE
A BRONZE STATUE COMMEMORATING DOUG FLUTIE’S 1984 “HAIL MARY” PASS STANDS IN FRONT OF BOSTON COLLEGE’S ALUMNI STADIUM. PHOTO BY PATTY MAHONEY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
With six seconds remaining on the clock and the Eagles trailing 45-41, Flutie scrambled away from the defense and launched a desperate 64-yard pass into the wind. The ball flew over the Miami secondary and dropped cleanly into the arms of Gerard Phelan, in the end zone after time had expired for a walk-off touchdown. The throw cemented his Heisman Trophy win that season. Over his three-plus decades coaching high school football, Mater Dei coach Raul Lara has seen successful Hail Mary plays multiple times. “We’ve definitely had Hail Mary plays work for us over the years, including situations at the end of a half,” said Lara, who guided the Monarchs to a CIF Southern Section Division 1 title and state championship in his first season at Mater Dei in 2024. “When it works, it’s just an incredible feeling. There’s so much excitement because everyone knows it’s a low-percentage play, and then suddenly your guy comes down with the ball. The players and fans go crazy. It’s a pretty ecstatic feeling.” There have been multiple other successful Hail Mary plays at every competitive level. Among the most notable is a play
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SANTA MARGARITA HEAD COACH CARSON PALMER WATCHES THE TEAM DURING THE PREGAME WORKOUT AT THE SEASON-OPENING GAME AGAINST MISSION VIEJO AT TRABUCO MATER DEI HEAD COACH RAUL LARA YELLS OUT INSTRUCTIONS DURING THE GAME HILLS HIGH SCHOOL IN MISSION VIEJO ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2025. PHOTO BY LEONARD AGAINST CENTENNIAL IN SANTA ANA ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2024. PHOTO BY PAUL ORTIZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER/SCNG RODRIGUEZ, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER/ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
involving Carson Palmer, former Arizona Cardinals quarterback and current coach of Santa Margarita Catholic High School’s CIF State champion football team. During a Jan. 16, 2016, playoff game between the Green Bay Packers and Palmer’s Cardinals, the Packers’ Aaron Rodgers threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to Jeff Janis as time expired, thus forcing overtime. Palmer opened the extra period by finding Larry Fitzgerald uncovered on the right side. Fitzgerald tore through the Packers’ defense for 75 yards. Two snaps later, Palmer shoveled a short pass to Fitzgerald for a touchdown, giving Arizona a 26-20 victory. But instead of being remembered as a Hail Mary, Palmer’s last-second pass was
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coined by ESPN as the “Hail Larry.” Palmer summed up Fitzgerald’s night simply: “As simple a word as ‘special’ is, it describes him probably the best.”
THE SEASON AHEAD
With the high school football season underway, and the Trinity League portion of the schedule getting underway on Oct. 2, perhaps one or more of the games featuring league rivals will end with another Hail Mary play. In the meantime, here’s a look at the 2026 Trinity League, which is once again loaded with nationally ranked teams and future NCAA Division I players. Santa Margarita, the defending CIF Southern Section Division 1 and CIF State Open Division champions, Mater Dei and St. John Bosco remain the
league’s center of gravity, but Orange Lutheran, JSerra and Servite all have enough talent to pull off upsets at any time. The Eagles are the state’s No. 1 team in multiple polls. Mater Dei is ranked No. 4 in the state and No. 2 in Orange County behind the Eagles. The Lancers are No. 9 in the state and No. 3 in the county. JSerra is No. 17 and No. 5 in the state and county, respectively, and Servite is No. 13 and No. 6 in the state and county, respectively. Key matchups involving county teams include: Mater Dei vs. Santa Margarita (Oct. 2), Mater Dei vs. Servite (Oct. 15), Orange Lutheran vs. Mater Dei (Oct. 23) and Orange Lutheran vs. Santa Margarita (Oct. 30). C
DIOCESAN NEWS
BACK TO BASICS
LA PURÍSIMA’S PRESCHOOL FOCUSES ON PLAYBASED LEARNING BY BRITNEY ZINT
“The research shows that with playbased, that’s really where children learn,” NE ORANGE COUNTY said Claudia Danzer, Pax Christi AcadCatholic school is rethinking emies’ head of instructional excellence. preschool — trading screens “They’re able to play with each other and and worksheets for something able to experience the world around them. 3-year-olds do best: play. We have all the different play areas for La Purísima Catholic School in Orange them to experience life like they would as spent the summer reimagining its prea grown-up, but at their age-appropriate school program, eliminating electronic level.” SAINT ESCAMILLA SMILES WHILE ASSEMBLING A PAPER CRAB ART PROJECT AS SCHOOL STAFFER DIANA ADAN devices and worksheets and instead impleThe class will utilize The Creative Cur- SUPERVISES. menting a curriculum designed to meet riculum and serve as a pilot program for the unique needs of its young students: Pax Christi Academies, a coalition of five play-based learning. O.C. Catholic schools. Principals and edThe preschool now utilizes station ucators from other local Catholic schools rotations to give its students hands-on, also came to the open house to learn more investigative learning opportunities about the new play-based model. in pre-literacy, pre-numeracy, science “It’s a new wave of the Holy Spirit doing and social studies. The Orange school’s great things here at the school, and I’m preschool hosted an open house on Aug. fortunate enough to be a part of it and to 10 for new students to meet their teacher witness what the good Lord will do for and see how the program has changed. It our school,” said La Purísima’s principal, was also an opportunity for prospective Aaron De Loera. “Because ultimately, it’ll parents to learn more. be for the benefit of our families and our students.” The decision to eliminate electronic devices was in response to the increasing FOUR-YEAR-OLD ISABELLE CADMAN SITS INSIDE A PLAY GROCERY STORE SET AS HER EIGHT-YEAR-OLD BROTHER, JACOB usage and dependence on CADMAN, AND MOTHER, ANA CADMAN, POSE WITH A MINIATURE SHOPPING CART DURING THE OPEN HOUSE. technology that has grown since the COVID-19 panprogram. She spent many years working brought her TK daughter and third-grade demic, said Dr. Christina in La Purísima’s daycare and was excitson to the open house. Cadman said she Arellano, president of Pax ed at the opportunity to spearhead the likes the change to play-based learning Christi Academies. classroom. and delaying introduction to technology. “Devices are not bad; “When they offered me the position “I think children should stay away they are just not developand they told me about The Creative Cur- from devices as long as they can,” she said. mentally appropriate in this riculum and about it being play-based, I “Eventually, yes, because that’s how sociclassroom,” added Danzer. was super excited because I’ve seen it in ety’s working right now. Everything’s on a A new teacher, Samantha the works,” Larios said. device, a phone. But I think that hands-on, Larios, was hired to fulfill The biggest benefit to play-based play-based is good for children.” the new program’s mission. learning Larios sees is children learning Parents interested in enrolling their CHILDREN RIDE TRICYCLES ALONG A PAINTED OUTDOOR TRACK COMPLETE Larios is a recent graduate from real-life situations and how to solve students in La Purísima’s preschool class WITH MINI TRAFFIC SIGNS AT LA PURÍSIMA CATHOLIC SCHOOL’S PRESCHOOL who completed her teacher problems, she said. or finding out more can call the school at OPEN HOUSE HELD ON AUG. 10. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE training in a play-based La Purísima parent Ana Cadman (714) 633-5411. C
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NATIONAL NEWS
WE WILL NEVER FORGET
A
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In him was life, and that life was the light of all
mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and
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the darkness has not overcome it.
BY STAFF
S WE COMMEMORATE THE 25th anniversary of the September
John 1:4–5
11, 2001, attacks — a day that forever changed our country — let us pause in prayer for the 2,977 lives lost and the thousands who were injured on that tragic day.
Let us also continue to pray for all those whose lives were forever changed by
the attacks and who continue to carry their effects today. May we remember the victims, honor the heroes and keep their families in our prayers. May we never forget. C PHOTO BY JACK COHEN ON UNSPLASH
Savoring our Faith 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 Disclaimer: Only high resolution photos will be considered for publication in the print edition of OC Catholic. Orange County Catholic, the Diocese of Orange and Southern California News Group reserve the right to publish all submitted materials, including recipes, photos and personal anecdotes. Photos become the property of the Diocese of Orange and may be used for publication in OC Catholic or by the Diocese of Orange for print or online publication or social media purposes. Only recipes submitted by parishioners living in the Diocese of Orange will be considered.
DIOCESAN PAGE HEADING NEWS
INVESTING FOR THE FUTURE: ROSARY BREAKS GROUND BY LOU PONSI
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HE NEW LEARNING, innovation and athletics center currently under construction on the campus of Rosary Academy has been designed to expand opportunity where it matters most, enabling generations of young women to learn, pray, form friendships and serve. Scheduled to open in September 2027, the two-story, 12,000 square-foot building will house an Innovation & Robotics Center, dedicated athletic and training spaces, a culinary arts classroom, and spaces for mentorship, retreats and mission-driven formation, Rosary officials said. An elevator will ensure the building is ADA-compliant. But there are benefits beyond brickand-mortar, said Shawna Pautsch, Rosary’s head of school, during the official groundbreaking and dedication ceremony held Aug. 26 in the center of campus. Pautsch framed the project as a collective dream of prayers, hard work and sacrifice. “We gather not simply to break ground on a building project, but to celebrate faith, generosity, vision and the future of Rosary Academy,” Pautsch said. “We are planting our hope, we are planting opportunity, we are planting a future for generations of young women. The foundation of Rosary is not concrete or steel. Our foundation is Christ.” Bishop Kevin Vann was present to bestow his blessing on the construction site. But before Bishop Vann imparted his blessing and asperged (sprinkled) the grounds with holy water, he shared his own sentiments regarding the project and the benefits of single-sex education. “This is an evening for us to be grateful,” Bishop Vann said. “Because I’ll tell
BISHOP KEVIN VANN ATTENDED ROSARY ACADEMY’S GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY ON AUG. 26 AND BLESSED THE CONSTRUCTION SITE. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
attend or will attend the academy. Tracey Irving, a parent of 2012 and 2015 Rosary graduates, was anxious to serve on the fundraising committee. “I just believe that what girls get out of single-sex Catholic education is amazing,” said Irving, who attended an all-girls Catholic high school in Missouri. “I knew I wanted that for my two daughters. And I wanted it available for the future.” Annie Bertocchini Grand, a 2002 Rosary graduate, has two daughters in seventh grade and one in fifth grade. All three are future Royals, which motivated Bertocchini Grand to participate on the fundraising committee. “For me it was important, because my girls will experience this,” she said. “It is important for my husband and me to see Rosary thrive and grow.”C
you, as I go around the country and see various places, not many dioceses can say they still have the possibility of single-sex Catholic education for high school students, for girls and for boys. It’s just not always around anymore. So, we’re grateful that we have Rosary.” Rosary is among the diocesan high schools that offer multiple academic pathways to prepare students for specific careers, and the new building features four pathway-aligned classrooms supporting these career-connected curricula. The culinary arts classroom launches Rosary’s eighth pathway, adding to medical, engineering, computer science, sports medicine, law, performing arts and leadership pathways. Funding for the $10 million project has come from the Empower Rosary Capital Campaign, which was launched in April with a goal of raising $15 million. The total raised to date is $9 million. SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN SEPTEMBER 2027, THE TWO-STORY, 12,000-SQUARE-FOOT BUILDING WILL HOUSE AN INNOVATION & ROBOTICS CENTER, DEDICATED ATHLETIC AND TRAINING SPACES, A CULINARY ARTS CLASSROOM, AND Many who donated to the project are SPACES FOR MENTORSHIP, RETREATS AND MISSION-DRIVEN FORMATION. Rosary alumni or have children who S E P T E M B E R 2 0 , 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
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GUEST COLUMN
BLESSED FULTON SHEEN, PRAY FOR THE MISSION CHURCH! BY FR. CHRISTOPHER HEATH, DIRECTOR OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE MISSIONS OFFICE
ment as a bishop, adding more weight to his message to serve the Church’s central purpose — to spread the Good News. He N SEPT. 24, the Catholic personally supported the missions with Church will raise to the the proceeds of his television programs, altars a man who many older and many of his books are still generAmericans remember from ating income for the Pontifical Mission radio and television: Archbishop Fulton Society to this day. J. Sheen. Because of his involvement in Sheen wrote 73 books and articles, the Mission Church and his connection many of his talks were recorded and to the Diocese of Orange, I offer you this VENERABLE FULTON J. SHEEN, PICTURED IN AN copied for worldwide production on article about the man we will call Blessed UNDATED PHOTO, IS REMEMBERED AS ONE OF THE cassette tape, and he was a sought-after MOST INFLUENTIAL AND INNOVATIVE EVANGELISTS IN Fulton. speaker until his health declined in the AMERICAN HISTORY. GROUPS FROM ACROSS THE U.S. ARE PLANNING PILGRIMAGES TO ST. LOUIS FOR THE Born to an Irish-descended family in late 70s. His TV programs are still rerun SEPT. 24, 2026, BEATIFICATION OF ARCHBISHOP SHEEN. El Paso, Illinois, on May 8, 1895, Sheen on EWTN and Trinity Broadcasting. OSV NEWS PHOTO/SHEEN FOUNDATION discerned his call to the priesthood and In 1979, Time magazine posthumously went to the seminary in St. Paul, Minlabeled him “God’s microphone” for nesota. He was ordained for the Diocese to television in 1961 with “The Fulton his incredible effectiveness in reaching of Peoria on Sept. 20, 1919 — note his Sheen Program” which ran until 1968, people in all forms of media available in beatification is close to the anniversary of during which he was also the Bishop of his time. his ordination. Rochester. Archbishop Sheen died on Dec. 9, After extensive further studies in In 1950, Sheen was appointed the 1979, at the age of 84 and was buried at Europe, he returned to the U.S. and national director of the Society for the St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. taught at Catholic University of America Propagation of the Faith, ending his After some controversy, Sheen’s remains in Washington, D.C., 1926-1950. He was teaching post at Catholic University but were moved to St. Mary’s Cathedral in ordained as an auxiliary bishop for New continuing his “Life is Worth Living” the Diocese of Peoria. His beatification York in 1951. In 1966 he was the Bishop program. He moved to New York City was approved after a miracle was obtained of the Diocese of Rochester, N.Y., until where the Mission Office was located and in 2019 through Sheen’s intercession for 1969. St. Pope Paul VI named him an where the TV show was taped near St. a stillborn baby who after an hour was Archbishop in 1969, which is the title he Agnes Church in Midtown Manhattan. about to be declared dead and suddenly kept to his death. Sheen took advantage of his many speak- was (and still is) alive. His feast day will While he was a teacher, he began ing engagements and television presence be Dec. 9, the anniversary of his death — participating in a Sunday evening radio to advocate for the Mission Church to the it may compete with St. Juan Diego, the program called “The Catholic Hour” on point that fully two-thirds of all funds visionary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, but I NBC (1930-1950). As a bishop he moved raised worldwide came from the United expect Sheen would defer to Mary whom to television in 1952 on Tuesday evenings States. At the height of his fundraising he loved and served as her priest. where he aired opposite Milton Berle’s efforts more than 10,000 letters with In honor of soon-to-be Blessed Fulton comedy show. “Life is Worth Living” was donations arrived at the national ofSheen, I invite you to do a few things: a huge success, winning Sheen an Emmy fice every day. Sheen created a mission Pray the mission rosary once a week. Award in 1953 and was watched by as rosary so people could intentionally pray Give to the missions as often as you are many as 30 million viewers each week, for missionaries and those they served asked, especially this year’s World Mission mostly non-Catholics. Some claim it was around the world: different colored beads Sunday collection Oct. 17-18. the most widely viewed religious series in representing each of the five continents. Read one of Sheen’s books (personally the history of television! He also improved Mission Magazine, I like his Life of Christ, Seven Last Words, His preaching and making it more engaging and visually ap- and Treasure in Clay, his autobiography) teaching made him one pealing, which also improved the way the Pray for his intercession that he may of the earliest “televan- Church communicated the mission mes- advance to sainthood. gelists.” His show lasted sage. It was this early success as mission An interesting fact: Rev. Robert until 1957. He returned director that helped lead to his appointSchuller, the founder of Garden Grove
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Community Church and later Crystal Cathedral Ministries, claims that it was Fulton Sheen who inspired him to use mass media to evangelize. His weekly “Hour of Power” Sunday television program, broadcast live from Garden Grove Community Church (which we now call the Arboretum) and later from the Crystal Cathedral (which we now call Christ Cathedral), showed the power of the spoken word using the best medium of the time — television broadcasting. Dr. Schuller invited Sheen to the Garden Grove Community Church in March 1972 as a guest on his “Hour of Power” show where he spoke to an overflow crowd sitting in church and outside in cars. Fulton Sheen, pray for us! Pray for the Mission Church! C
ARCHBISHOP FULTON SHEEN, PICTURED IN AN UNDATED PHOTO, IS REMEMBERED AS ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL AND INNOVATIVE EVANGELISTS IN AMERICAN HISTORY. ON MARCH 25, 2026, THE DICASTERY FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS ANNOUNCED THE BEATIFICATION OF ARCHBISHOP SHEEN WILL TAKE PLACE ON SEPT. 24 IN ST. LOUIS. OSV NEWS FILE PHOTO
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DIOCESAN NEWS
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST COMMUNITY GATHERS FOR BLESSING OF NEW GYM BY LOU PONSI
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OR YEARS, ST. JOHN the Baptist School in Costa Mesa held competitive sports competitions such as volleyball and basketball, along with P.E. classes outdoors, always at the mercy of weather. Rain and extreme heat would force those activities to be shortened or completely canceled. But that won’t be the case anymore. On Aug. 29, the parish and school community gathered for the official blessing and dedication ceremony for St. John the Baptist’s new gymnasium, marking the completion of a project that was a dream for decades. “It’s been many years in the making, and we are here to celebrate, truly to celebrate, the fruits of what happens when a community that loves each other as much as we do, when we work together without ceasing,” said Fr. Louis Hagar, O.Praem., a Norbertine priest from St. Michael’s Abbey, which staffs and administers St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. “It’s a very beautiful thing because all good things are given to us for those who ceaselessly or who persevere in their prayers and in their efforts.” The Right Reverend John Caronan, O.Praem., abbot of St. Michael’s Abbey, performed the blessing and cut the ribbon, granting entry to the gym to all in attendance. Abbot Caronan and Fr. Pascal Bao Nguyen, O.Praem., St. John the Baptist pastor, then blessed the inside of the new gym. “This building is the result of the work of many hands,” said Paula Viles, principal of St. John the Baptist School. “But it is also the result of God’s providence and the faithfulness of a community that continued to believe this dream could become a reality. Today is a day for
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THE RIGHT REV. ABBOT JOHN CARONAN, O.PRAEM., CUTS THE RIBBON AT THE ENTRANCE TO ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST SCHOOL'S NEW GYM WITH CEREMONIAL SCISSORS. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
FR. PASCAL NGUYEN, O.PRAEM., SPRINKLES HOLY WATER ALONG THE PERIMETER DURING THE GYM BLESSING.
STUDENTS AND PARENTS ENJOY THE NEW GYM AT ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST SCHOOL IN COSTA MESA.
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tremendous gratitude.” The idea to construct a gym first surfaced in the early 1980s, shortly after Viles arrived at the school. Families talked about how much a gym would help the growing campus, but the project never moved beyond a vision. Meanwhile, the school continued to host sports outdoors, stage plays in improvised spaces and hold major events wherever room could be found. “We would always joke around that we were the ‘blacktop kids’ whenever we would play other Catholic schools, because most of the other Catholic schools had a gym,” said Phillip DiPietro, father of two boys who attend St. John the Baptist and himself a former student at the school. “Some were smaller, some were comparable, some were bigger, but they all had gyms.” DiPietro recalled the time when assemblies took place in a nearby hall, “which is a very old hall.” Christmas performances had to be held over two nights for lack of space, he said. “So, now I think, depending on how they do it, they’ll probably be able to fit everybody in here,” DiPietro said. In the early 2000s, longtime parishioner and donor Judith Kelly, mother of six former St. John the Baptist students, began organizing support and fundraising efforts. Endearingly called “Grandma Kelly,” her efforts paid off, and when the school held its groundbreaking ceremony in March 2025, Kelly was handed the first shovel in recognition of her years of work. “It’s overwhelming,” said Kelly, describing the joy she felt along with the celebration. “I have three boys and three girls, and they all played sports here.” A bronze plaque recognizing Kelly’s dedication and generosity hangs on the wall in the lobby of the gymnasium. “This day, this afternoon, the dedication, the blessing of this gym building is very, very important for us because it has been a great source of many years of great encouragement and support to make this happen,” Fr. Hagar said. “So, we thank you for all of that.” C
GUEST COLUMN
THERE’S MORE: LIVING THE MAGIS THIS SCHOOL YEAR BY DR. ERIN BARISANO, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS IN THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
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ELCOME BACK TO another school year! Across our 37 Catholic schools, serving over 16,500 students, teachers spent the last few weeks unpacking classrooms while principals greeted nervous preschoolers and confident seniors alike. It is such a blessing to have our families settling back into the rhythm of uniforms, backpacks and morning drop-off lines. It truly is one of my favorite seasons in Catholic education — full of hope, and full of possibility. This year, that possibility has a name. Our theme for our Catholic schools this year is “There’s More: Living the Magis,” chosen to align with the Diocese of Orange’s 50th Jubilee. Last month, thousands of us filled the Honda Center to celebrate five decades of faith in our diocese, and I was moved to see our school communities there witnessing to the difference Catholic education makes in Orange County. That event captured something essential: after 50 years our schools are not resting on what has already been built. There is more. The word “Magis” comes from the Ignatian tradition and simply means “the more” or “the greater.” It is not about doing more for the sake of busyness, but about asking, in every decision, what will bring the greater glory of God — ad majorem Dei gloriam. For our schools, living the Magis looks like this: More than the minimum — in the classroom, where our teachers pursue excellence not for reward or ranking, but as an offering. More than the requirement — in service, where students learn that service hours are not obligations to fulfill but responses to real human need.
principals will come together to reflect on our shared mission across parish and school life. Throughout the year, school leaders will gather in small faith sharing groups to reflect on the question: How is God calling me to lead my school community closer to Him? None of this work belongs to schools alone. It belongs to every parish, every family and every parishioner who has ever donated to a tuition assistance fund,
“Communication & Hard Work is Our Key to Your SUCCESS”
DR. ERIN BARISANO, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS IN THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE. PHOTO BY DREW KELLY/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE
More than what’s expected — in how we treat one another, choosing the generous interpretation of a classmate’s bad day, a kind word to a struggling colleague or the extra patience with a child still learning. More than a school — a community that forms not simply high-achieving graduates, but young people who instinctively ask, “What is the greater good here?” I truly believe that last question is the heart of why Catholic education matters in Orange County today. Our world does not lack access to information or opportunity. It lacks, sometimes, for people willing to ask what the greater good requires of them, and then to act on the answer. Forming those people — young disciples who see that their gifts are meant for something beyond themselves — that is the quiet, daily work happening in our classrooms and hallways, and on our playgrounds and fields this year. You will see this theme woven through our diocese in the months ahead. On Sept. 11, our educators gathered for our annual Educator Convocation at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, where Sr. John Dominic Rasmussen, O.P., spoke on Living the Magis. In November, our pastors and
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attended a school fundraiser, mentored a young teacher or simply prayed for our students. As we begin this Jubilee school year, I ask you to hold our schools in prayer, and to consider where, in your own life, God might be inviting you toward the Magis — the more. Thank you for your continued partnership in the mission of Catholic education in the Diocese of Orange. There truly is more in store for us this year. AMDG! C
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DIOCESAN NEWS
CHRIST CATHEDRAL ACADEMY PRESCHOOL BUILDS A JOYFUL FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN’S FUTURES BY GREG MELLEN
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ATTI ABEYTA WANTS TO build a world “one saint at a time.” In her case she’s not talking about the capital “S” Saints that are the mascots of the Christ Cathedral Academy Preschool, but the small “s” saints, which she calls each child at the school she directs. For the past 30 years, Abeyta has been helping guide children through preschool in the Diocese of Orange, ever since she was appointed to create the preschool at St. Callistus Catholic Church with 17 students in 1996. That school transitioned to Christ Cathedral in 2013. “Preschools are my thing,” Abeyta said proudly. As the preschool director, Abeyta’s “thing” is actually a little of everything: whether it’s directing Francisco, 2, to hurry to the facilities when she notices him doing his “restroom dance,” helping deliver box lunches to students, or comforting a student who is ailing. “We wear many hats,” Abeyta said of herself and the school staff. It is the staff that draws many parents and families to the school — and keeps them coming back. As Wilfred Gelin Jr. picked up his son, Wilfred III, he said the staffers, “have such a loving spirit.” It is why Gelin enrolled his son and before that his daughter, Savannah, who has graduated to Christ Cathedral Academy. “They did really good with her,” he said, explaining that the teachers helped her overcome separation anxiety and be ready for more advanced education. “They are learning how to be educated,” he said of his children. The preschool meets all the California education regulations for preschools. Abeyta said children learn through
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JACQUELINE ARIAS, ASSISTANT PRE-SCHOOL DIRECTOR AND PRE-K TEACHER, GETS EXCITED FOR LEARNING IN THE CLASSROOM WITH HER THREE-YEAR-OLD PRESCHOOL STUDENTS AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL ACADEMY. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL ACADEMY, MS. SORIA (LEFT) AND MRS. QUEZADA (RIGHT) POSE WITH A GROUP OF PRESCHOOL STUDENTS ON THE PLAYGROUND.
WILFRED GELIN AND HIS SON, ALSO NAMED WILFRED GELIN, GIVE A THUMBS UP.
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play but added that there is method to the joyful mayhem as staff help guide kids in their social and emotional development. In the process, the children are also educated, learning shapes, colors, letters and sounds in combination so that they are ready for more formalized education. Each week, lesson plans and learning goals are printed and posted in classrooms and online detailing instruction in language development, math, science and arts, as well as fine motor development, faith formation and social-emotional skills. In addition, each day the teacher posts a note on how the day’s activities went. Every teacher also writes a daily report on what the class covered, such as activities with the popular Mat Man educational character in the Butterfly classroom. As assistant director and teacher of 3-year-olds, Jacqueline Arias said, “Every teacher focuses on every child as a whole.” On a typical Friday the yelps of excitement can be heard from the playgrounds, where the tots have their own space apart from the older children in the academy. This year, the Christ Cathedral Academy Preschool has 88 enrolled students between ages 2 and 4, with about a dozen openings available for 3 and 4-year-olds for the first time since it opened on the Christ Cathedral campus. This is mainly due, Abeyta said, to the state’s implementation this year of free Universal Transitional Kindergarten (TK) for all 4-year-olds and free state preschool programs for income-eligible families. At the Christ Cathedral preschool, in addition to small class sizes and individual attention, with student-to-instructor ratios ranging from 8-to-1 for 2-year-olds to 12-to-1 for 3and 4-year-olds, students get a faith-driven education. There is also financial assistance available for families that qualify. A couple of other ways the Christ Cathedral campus school differs is that it admits 2-year-olds who are still in diapers and require changing. The school is also open from 6:30 a.m. until 6 p.m., giving families a large window in which to drop off and pick up children. And central to it all, is the faith portion. “I’m a cradle Catholic,” Abeyta said. She believes that when children are introduced to the catechesis, or the formal instruction and practices of Catholicism, they will have a solid foundation for life, regardless of their faith journeys. “When they’re doing their prayers with fingers pointed to Jesus it warms my heart,” she said. For more information, visit christcathedralacademy.org or call (714) 663-2330. C
DIOCESAN NEWS
SCHOOL IS COOL DIOCESE OF ORANGE STUDENTS HEAD BACK TO CLASS BY STAFF
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T'S BACK-TO-SCHOOL in the Diocese of Orange, as students embark on a new year of learning, growing and thriving. May God bless them as they continue to learn, discover their unique gifts and grow in faith. C
PHOTOS COURTESY OF OC CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
CONTINUES ON PAGE 17
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Welcome to the 2026 - 2027 School Year! Wishing all of our school communities a year filled with faith, learning, friendship, growth and plenty of joyful memories! occatholicschools.org (714) 282-4254
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DIOCESAN NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15
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CATHOLIC FAMILY LIFE
FALL IS IN THE AIR BY SR. DIANE HEISS, SDSH
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UTUMN IS ON THE calendar, although not in the weather! Leaves on deciduous trees will convert from lush greens to vibrant oranges, reds and yellows (at least in some parts of the country) and then start their graceful descent to the ground as trees allow them to depart, preparing for new spring growth. In a way this can seem like an analogy for our spiritual life. Each of us must let go of certain attitudes, words and deeds, those not in harmony with Christ’s, for new spiritual growth to happen. God has always perfectly known and infinitely loved each of us without exception, understanding our strengths, weaknesses, virtues and sinful tendencies. God deeply desires to work with each of us, drawing us to conversion, helping us shed our death-dealing actions and choices, especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, until we blossom in holiness. This Wednesday, Sept. 23, we celebrate the feast of St. Pius of Pietrelcina, more commonly known as Padre Pio. Born on May 25, 1887, into a poor family in Pietrelcina, Italy, Francisco Forgione was very prayerful as a child; by the age of five he already wanted to serve God. Admitted to the Capuchin Franciscan Friars Minor (O.F.M. Cap.) when he was 15, he was ordained a priest at 23. Six years after ordination he was assigned to a friary in the countryside outside San Giovanni Rotondo, where he remained until his death on Sept. 23, 1968, more than 50 years later. He is buried in the church of Our Lady of Grace in that same town. Pope (St.) John Paul II
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For Your Family: ■ Attend Mass together on Padre Pio's feast day. ■ Receive the sacrament of Reconciliation (go to Confession) soon. ■ Learn about his life (book or online) and become a friend of his. He is always ready to help you. ■ Pray and reflect on this advice from Padre Pio and share how it can help in your spiritual growth: “Pray, hope and don't worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer."
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PHOTO BY AARON BURDEN ON UNSPLASH
canonized him on June 16, 2002. What was so exceptional about him that would cause his canonization a mere 34 years after his death, and which draws over seven million people annually to visit his tomb? Could it be the stigmata (the wounds of Christ on his hands, feet and side) which he received on Sept. 20, 1918, and which remained visible on his body until his death? Perhaps his mystical gifts, such as bilocation (able to be in more than one place at a time), physical healings and prophecies? Probably, although these were all gifts from God which he did nothing
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to earn. His charity was phenomenal, especially in raising funds and founding a major hospital in 1956 to help relieve the sufferings of many. While relieving physical suffering is essential, relieving spiritual suffering through the sacrament of Reconciliation is of far greater import. Padre Pio would spend up to 15 hours a day hearing confessions and reconciling others to our merciful God, who gave him the gift of reading the hearts and souls of penitents. Thus, he helped prepare countless others to enter heaven. C
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OC Catholic Afar
Bryan and Maria Aldape are pictured while on their honeymoon at St. Ignatius in Tokyo, Japan. Bryan teaches music at La Purísima and St. Justin Martyr schools; and is a regular pianist for St. Martin de Porres, Santiago de Compostela, and St. Timothy parishes. Maria is a cantor at St. Anne in Seal Beach. —Bryan and Maria are parishioners at St. Martin de Porres in Yorba Linda.
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. S E P T E M B E R 2 0 , 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
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