ROSARY ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE
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Monday, October 27, 2025 | 5–8 PM | 1340 N. Acacia Ave
Fullerton CA 92831
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THE TEN
SEPTEMBER 21, 2025
CONTENTS
Santa Clara de Asís parish aims to “Reclaim Sundays” with the TEN program.
BISHOP KEVIN VANN BLESSES SITE OF NEW SHROUD OF TURIN MUSEUM
KEEPING TRACK
Fr. Chris Heath invited diocesan archivists from around the country to tour the cathedral on Aug. 28 and offer advice on keeping records.
CRISTO REY’S DRAFT DAY
The Orange County High School held its annual Draft Day at Angel Stadium.
I AM CONGRESS
A special blessing for the new “The Shroud of Turin: An Immersive Experience” museum took place on Sept. 8. 13
14
Musician Anna Betancourt is one of the many featured presenters at the upcoming I AM CONGRESS to be held in October.
“WHATEVER YOU DID…”
The good we do or fail to do to others is the good we do or fail to do for Jesus.
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
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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
My husband Jay designed this Rosary and had it made for me for our 50th anniversary.
The first decade of red crystal beads is in memory of the deceased; the last decade of blue crystals for intention of the sick; the other three decades are birthstone crystals of us, our sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, our parents and our siblings. I love how it helps me be intentional in prayer!
—Mary Wilson, St. Edward the Confessor Parish, Dana Point.
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
“ Peace is built in the heart and from the heart.”
— Pope Leo XIV
SAINT PROFILE
MAURICE AND COMPANIONS
C. 3RD CENTURY
IN 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
READINGS FOR THE WEEK PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE,
MONDAY
EZRA 1:1-6; PSALM 126:1B-2AB, 2CD3, 4-5, 6; LUKE 8:16-18
TUESDAY
EZRA 6:7-8, 12B, 14-20; PSALM 122:1-2, 3-4AB, 4CD-5; LUKE 8:1921
WEDNESDAY
EZRA 9:5-9; TOBIT 13:2, 3-4A, 4BEFGHN, 7-8; LUKE 9:1-6
THURSDAY
HAGGAI 1:1-8; PSALM 149:1B-2, 3-4, 5-6A AND 9B; LUKE 9:7-9
FRIDAY
HAGGAI 2:1-9; PSALM 43:1, 2, 3, 4; LUKE 9:18-22
SATURDAY
ZECHARIAH 2:5-9, 14-15A; JEREMIAH 31:10, 11-12AB, 13; LUKE 9:43B-45
SUNDAY
AMOS 6:1A, 4-7; PSALM 146:7, 8-9, 9-10; 1 TIMOTHY 6:11-16; LUKE 16:1931
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARY WILSON
ALIEN LIFE AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH: IS THE TRUTH OUT THERE?
BY LOU PONSI
ASYMPOSIUM HOSTED BY
Our Lady of Guadalupe parish in La Habra examined the possible existence of extraterrestrial intelligence in the universe, and if such alternate forms of intelligence do exist, how should these nonhuman life forms impact the Catholic faith?
Titled “Theological Implications of Alien Life,” the Aug. 30 event was the first of three symposiums hosted by the parish.
The symposium featured individual talks from three expert speakers, followed by a panel discussion and then a question-and-answer segment with the audience.
“This is a neat question of things that are perhaps a little strange and numinous to show that the Catholic Church isn't afraid of the weird,” said Fr. William Goldin, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. “We are happy to talk about anything that is good, true or even strange.”
Bishop Kevin Vann was in attendance and delivered a blessing before the symposium got underway.
Along with the sincere discussions on the topic, a light-hearted portion of the symposium was a tinfoil hat competition, where guests tapped into their creativity to craft hats from tinfoil supplied at each table.
Guests could also play the role of bartenders and mix alien-themed cocktails, using supplies provided at each table.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Paul Thigpen, a theologian and author of more than 60 books.
Also speaking was Dr. Tikhon Pino, an Orthodox theologian and author whose work explores many different aspects of Eastern Orthodox theology.
Known for his bestselling books, Pino served as a public voice on faith, history
Intelligence and the Catholic Faith: Are We Alone in the Universe with God and Angels?”
He also cited and paraphrased the words of St. Thomas Aquinas, who said one of the most noble and wondrous questions about nature is whether there is one world or many. And by that, he meant multiple inhabited worlds.
Careful consideration of the question of extraterrestrial intelligence in the light of Christian faith can enrich our understanding of God, His redemption plan, the universe and ourselves, he said.
“The possibility that extraterrestrial intelligence exists is no threat to the Catholic faith or wider Christian faith,” Thigpen said. “We can remain faithful to the Church's magisterial teaching of accommodating, that is, making room for, that possibility.”
Based on his comments, Pino appears to have a more cautious view on the topic.
The author and scholar, who holds degrees from the Catholic University of America, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, and a PhD from Marquette University, said that while humanity may not be physically at the center of the universe, humans are spiritually, morally and purposefully at the center.
“This I believe, ultimately, is what 2,000 years of Church tradition has taught us,” Pino said. “Not because we have failed to keep up with science. We’re always going to be behind the times.”
and national identity, blending theological perspectives with artistic storytelling.
The final speaker was Fr. Thomas Davenport, O.P., a Dominican priest and Stanford-trained physicist whose ministry connects faith and science. Throughout his talk, Thigpen referenced his book, “Extraterrestrial
Pino referenced the teachings of St. Gregory of Nazianzus, a fourth-century bishop, who lived during a time when the Church was articulating its most important doctrine, particularly the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, the unity of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
SEAN HOLMAN TAKES A SELFIE DURING OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE (LA HABRA) PARISH’S “THEOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS OF ALIEN LIFE” EVENT. PHOTO BY SCOTT SMELTZER/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Rosary Beads
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
Pino said.
“Gregory is the person who gave the Church a clear emphasis that the Holy Spirit is not just some spiritual thing or some spiritual substance or energy,” Pino said. “The Holy Spirit is God Himself, the Lord and giver of life, worshipped and glorified with the Father and the Son.”
Fr. Davenport acknowledged the possibility of such beings but stressed the need for caution and acquiring ample evidence before drawing any definitive conclusions.
"In theological reflection, for better or for worse, there is flexibility,” said Fr.
Davenport, who is a faculty member at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. “And we can, and should, apply our best theological reflection to the world as we understand it.”
“I'm going to really…hold off. Just in the sense of, there is so much fascinating and complex truth about just the nature of human perception, the nature of optical perception.”
Future symposiums at Our Lady of Guadalupe include one titled “The Theological Implications of Ghosts and the Four Last Things,” scheduled for Nov. 1, and “The Theological Implications of Exorcisms and Deliverance,” scheduled for Jan. 31. C
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.
번호, 1-800-364-3064 및 관할
ATTENDEES OF THE AUG. 30 EVENT ALSO ENJOYED ALIEN-THEMED TREATS AND DRINKS. PHOTOS BY SCOTT SMELTZER/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
FR. THOMAS DAVENPORT, A FACULTY MEMBER AT THE PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS IN ROME, SPEAKS DURING
THE TEN
BY MIKE ZINN
WHEN FR. MICHAEL
Nguyen began his assignment at Santa Clara de Asís parish in Yorba Linda back in 2023, he had many fresh and innovative ideas. A collaborative effort with staff members ensued, and Mass quickly emerged as the central area of focus.
The tagline, “Reclaim Sundays” summed up the direction he wanted to proceed.
“We have fallen into the trap of just going to Mass, one hour accomplished and check mark, done,” shared Fr. Michael.
“The TEN is where people intentionally choose to come to worship at Mass and stay for community, fellowship and formation.”
The first task that needed to be accomplished to create this new Mass experience was changing two Mass times. The Sunday noon Mass was moved to Sunday at 5 p.m. to accommodate a new 10 a.m. Sunday Mass. With this change in place, plans could be made to accommodate the anticipated larger attendance at “The TEN”.
The current parish hall and surrounding area were transformed into various indoor and outdoor seating areas. The inside transformation included expanding the back area of the hall to accommodate additional seating. However, it was the outside seating area that required tents, TV monitors, blankets for cold days and
other amenities to make this experience comfortable and welcoming.
The new configuration is working, with an average attendance of approximately 900 parishioners. An all-time high of 1,200 attendees was reached in April, which was not on Easter Sunday.
Again, in anticipation of this larger attendance, volunteers were solicited to assist with a variety of tasks. A welcoming committee was formed, along with parking assistance and set-up and tear down teams.
A meal is provided after Mass, and in many instances, funded directly by parishioner donations.
Two key components that were also planned were a contemporary music element for the Mass, set up coordinated by members of Fr. Michael’s family and a
post-Mass faith formation program called Connect. After Mass, another “quick response” team of volunteers transforms the hall in a matter of moments into three separate classrooms for Connect.
The program is offered approximately every two weeks and is divided into three groups: children, youth and adults. The integration of adults, along with children and youth, is an essential aspect.
“Children aren’t just dropped off at Faith Formation,” said Fr. Michael. “The parents stay and are participating as well.” Fr. Michael explained The Ten like this: “The TEN is similar to a meal; the main entrée is the Mass, the dessert is faith formation, fellowship and community.”
He added, “Jesus said ‘Come and see.’ The TEN says ‘Come and stay.’” C
A MEAL IS PROVIDED AFTER THE TEN MASS AND IS FUNDED DIRECTLY BY PARISHIONER DONATIONS.
YOUNG VOLUNTEERS WELCOME PARISHIONERS TO MASS AT SANTA CLARA DE ASÍS PARISH IN YORBA LINDA. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SANTA CLARA DE ASÍS PARISH
PARISHIONERS GATHER FOR FELLOWSHIP FOLLOWING THE TEN MASS AT SANTA CLARA DE ASÍS PARISH.
BISHOP KEVIN VANN BLESSES SITE OF NEW SHROUD OF TURIN MUSEUM
BY BRADLEY ZINT
ON SEPT. 8, BISHOP KEVIN
Vann, accompanied by Bishop Timothy Freyer and Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen, blessed the construction of a new Shroud of Turin museum that will be opening this fall at Christ Cathedral’s Richard H. Pickup Cultural Center.
The 10,000-square-foot museum, called “The Shroud of Turin: An Immersive Experience,” will feature up-to-date information about the Shroud, its history, scientific studies and more. Through 360-degree theaters, new sacred art and Shroud replicas, visitors will have a greater knowledge and appreciation of the storied artifact, which is purported to be the burial shroud of Jesus Christ.
“The Shroud of Turin: An Immersive Experience” is being co-presented by the Diocese of Orange and Othonia, an international team of specialists exploring the mystery of the Shroud of Turin. Pre-sale tickets are on sale now for the museum, which opens to the public on Nov. 19. Visit ShroudExperience.com to learn more and follow the museum Instagram and Facebook.
The blessing was livestreamed and is available on the diocese’s YouTube account, @OrangeDiocese.
“This is going to be something like
you’ve never experienced before … we truly believe this will answer, for many, many people: Who is the man of the Shroud?” said Terry McGaughan, president of the Resurrection Center at Christ Cathedral, the nonprofit that is running the privately funded museum.
“This will help young people connect the dots about our faith by looking through the lens of the Shroud,” added Nora Creech, Othonia’s North American president.
Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., who heads the Magis Center of Reason and Faith, gave a brief talk about the unique properties of the Shroud: how it contains real human blood, has no paint or dyes of any kind, depicts crucifixion wounds that match Gospel descriptions, can be carbon dated to 1st-century Jerusalem and even contains evidence of a radiation event.
He called the Shroud of Turin “the most scientifically tested relic in the world,”
one which offers enormous potential for evangelization.
“It’s got supernatural explanation, the power of the Resurrection just written all over it, and written into the Shroud,” Fr. Spitzer said. “Science is not contradicting it; it’s basically revealing it."
Bishop Vann remarked how the Shroud of Turin, and by extension Christ Cathedral's museum about it, “reminds us that yes, Jesus lived and died and rose, and yes, He is still with us … it’s an exhibition of faith.”
FR. ROBERT SPITZER SPEAKS TO A REPORTER FOLLOWING THE BLESSING OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITE OF THE NEW SHROUD OF TURIN MUSEUM. PHOTOS BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
BISHOP THANH THAI NGUYEN AND TERRY MCGAUGHAN, PRESIDENT OF THE RESURRECTION CENTER AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL, TAKE IN EXHIBITS ON DISPLAY DURING A SPECIAL BLESSING OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITE OF THE NEW SHROUD OF TURIN MUSEUM.
PAT POWERS, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE RESURRECTION CENTER AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL, SPEAKS ABOUT “THE SHROUD OF TURIN: AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE” WHICH WILL OPEN ON NOV. 19 AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS.
BISHOP KEVIN VANN (WITH DEACON MODESTO CORDERO AND FR. DAVID MORENO TO HIS LEFT) OFFERS A BLESSING AT THE SITE OF A NEW MUSEUM DEDICATED TO THE SHROUD OF TURIN.
BISHOP TIMOTHY FREYER BLESSES THE SITE OF THE UPCOMING “THE SHROUD OF TURIN: AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE” WHICH WILL FEATURE UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHROUD, ITS HISTORY, SCIENTIFIC STUDIES AND MORE.
KEEPING TRACK
BY MEG WATERS
KEEPING TRACK OF THE sacramental life of the faithful — births, marriages, ordinations and deaths — is such an essential component of diocesan responsibilities that Canon Law requires bishops to maintain these records. Undoubtedly, without the Church’s record-keeping, genealogical research as a cottage industry would be much more difficult.
In Europe and the Middle East, ancient cathedrals, monasteries and particularly the Vatican, hold many of the written historical records of the modern era. Some of the oldest churches in the United States are Roman Catholic, with the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine dating to 1565, and the Basilica of San Jose in Puerto Rico established in 1528.
Our own Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano was established in 1776. Still, it was not under the auspice of a formal diocese until 1840, when it was under the Diocese of Both Californias. In 1849,
Alta California became the Diocese of Monterey. In 1922, the Diocese of Los Angeles separated from Monterey. Finally, in 1976, exactly 200 years after St. Junípero Serra established the Mission San Juan Capistrano, the Diocese of Orange separated from Los Angeles.
Compared to many other Catholic dioceses, Orange is in its infancy, yet it still has an archival lineage that includes a large part of local and state history.
Fr. Bill Krekelberg was appointed the first diocesan archivist. Although that wasn’t his training, he was an avid historian. He assembled everything from official papal documents, records of the establishment of Orange County parishes, to a moon rock that was gifted to the diocese. He passed in 2024, leaving behind 1,800 cubic feet of paper records, cultural objects, news clippings and memorabilia.
When Fr. Chris Heath was appointed archivist in 2021, he was taking on a considerable challenge.
“I had to figure out how to make it all work,” said Fr. Chris. “And I was concerned that I was doing it wrong.”
He added, “I was finally able to hire somebody who actually has a degree from UCLA in Archival Studies. When
I laid out the collection to Daniella Mosqueda, I said, ‘Is this okay?’ Because the last thing I want is for someone to look at all this stuff and say, 'What was he thinking?' when I retire. I wanted to leave things in a better shape than I found them.”
Together, the two have been mapping a path to what will someday be a museum-quality diocesan archive. However, that requires time, money and a significant amount of learning.
As providence would have it, the Society of American Archivists held its annual meeting at the Anaheim Hilton this summer, so Fr. Chris and Mosqueda
seized the opportunity to learn more by inviting about 20 diocesan archivists from around the country to tour the cathedral on Aug. 28 and offer advice. According to Fr. Chris, “This was a great opportunity to ‘pick the brains’ of our peers in other dioceses.”
He added, “We are also learning about how they collect, record and preserve history.”
With October being American Archives Month, the Diocese of Orange will join nearly 200 dioceses from coast to coast in celebrating its history and the significant impact it has had on the American story. C
A GROUP OF VISITING DIOCESAN ARCHIVISTS TOUR THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS ON AUG. 28. PHOTOS BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
FR. CHRIS HEATH, DIOCESE OF ORANGE ARCHIVIST, GIVES GUESTS A TOUR OF THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS ON AUG. 28.
VISITING DIOCESAN ARCHIVISTS GATHERED ON AUG. 28 AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS TO DISCUSS THE PROCESS OF DIOCESAN RECORD KEEPING.
CRISTO REY’S DRAFT DAY
BY LOU PONSI
CRISTO REY ORANGE County
High School kicked off the 2025-26 school year in its traditional celebratory fashion – holding its annual Draft Day.
Held Aug. 29 at Angel Stadium, with the green grass on the expansive baseball field serving as a backdrop, Draft Day is festive event where Cristo Rey students take the stage in front of cheering relatives and supporters after being “drafted” by one of the 60 corporate partners in attendance.
The signature event exemplifies Cristo Rey’s work-study model allowing students from largely underserved communities to receive a quality Catholic education.
Cristo Rey’s corporate work study program enables students to gain valuable professional experience while earning a portion of the cost of their education.
Every student is placed in a professional job, where they spend five full days a month during business hours, all four years of high school, allowing them to earn nearly half of the cost of their education.
At the same time, the students will
have built a professional resume before graduating high school.
Cristo Rey families pay an average of $1,000 a year in tuition, with donors bridging the gap.
Entering its third school year since establishing a school in Santa Ana, Cristo Rey has 212 students, up from 140 last year and 69 students in its inaugural year.
The goal is to have 400 students, said Steve Holt, founding president of Cristo Rey Orange County.
“We are committed year-round to supporting and providing awesome opportunities for our students,” Holt said.
“We believe that talent is universal, and opportunity is not. And so, our students are so excited to have the opportunity to show you what they can do with your high expectations and your high levels of support.”
The Catholic high school on West McFadden Avenue in Santa Ana is Cristo Rey’s first in Orange County and one of 41 Cristo Rey schools across the country. The national network chain of schools began in Chicago in 1996.
The network of schools has collectively graduated more than 31,000 students with a 93% college enrollment rate.
“Cristo Rey made it possible for me to get this education,” said junior Justin
the firm. “I think this is a really good model. I didn't have this type of experience in high school so I think it's great for kids to get hands-on experience that will put them above their competitors coming out of high school looking for jobs.”
When his twin son and daughter were graduating from eighth grade two years ago, Frank Ferguson was looking for a school more suited to their needs.
After researching, he settled on Cristo Rey.
Rosales, who transferred to Cristo Rey at the start of his sophomore year and performed his work-study in the cancer center at Providence St. Joseph Hospital.
“I thought this was really good experience for me,” he shared.
This year, Rosales was selected to do his work study at Sperry Commercial Real Estate.
“Many students like me don't have the opportunity to have this real work experience,” the student said.
The Law Office of Juan Laguna drafted Cristo Rey students for the second year in a row.
“We always like to give back and so some of these people wouldn't have this opportunity, just given their situation,” said Joseph Laguna, whose father owns
“It was important that I try to find a Catholic environment,” Ferguson said. “I interviewed a lot of places and then we zeroed in on Cristo Rey, solely because of its work program.”
While his son opted to attend public high school for his sophomore year, his daughter Mika wanted to return to Cristo Rey.
“My daughter was very shy,” Ferguson said. “It took about six or eight weeks when we started to see a personality change. She was a leader. She was talking. And she was getting great comments from the work-study program. By the end of the year, she was a different person. I don't have enough good things to say about the quality of the people who are administering the program at Cristo Rey.” C
CRISTO REY STUDENTS CELEBRATE THE SCHOOL’S ANNUAL DRAFT DAY HELD ON AUG. 29 AT ANGEL STADIUM. PHOTOS BY ART CORDERO
FAMILIES AND FRIENDS CHEER ON CRISTO REY STUDENTS DURING THE ANNUAL DRAFT DAY EVENT.
CRISTO REY STUDENTS ARE “DRAFTED” BY ONE OF THE 60 CORPORATE PARTNERS IN ATTENDANCE OF THE SCHOOL’S ANNUAL DRAFT DAY HELD AT ANGEL STADIUM.
CRISTO REY’S CORPORATE WORK STUDY PROGRAM ENABLES STUDENTS TO GAIN VALUABLE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE WHILE EARNING A PORTION OF THE COST OF THEIR EDUCATION.
ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC SCHOOL PARTNERS WITH HALLOW TO ENRICH PRAYER LIFE
BY VANESSA FREI
ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC
School in Huntington Beach has partnered with Hallow, the number one Catholic prayer app, to deepen the prayer life of its students, families and faculty. The new initiative is already shaping how the school community prays both on campus and at home. St. Bonaventure is also proud to be named Hallow’s first Growth Partner in the Diocese of Orange. The Growth Partnership is a new tier of offerings that includes on-site visits and special perks
for family outreach.
Maria Cyrul, Hallow’s Partner Success Lead, explained, “Our Growth Partnership is a new offering for schools in the 2025-2026 academic year…we are thrilled to have St. Bonaventure as a pioneering partner in faith!”
Hallow provides thousands of audio-guided prayers, reflections, meditations, Rosaries, music and saint stories, all rooted in Catholic tradition. Through the partnership, every member of the St. Bonaventure community now has access to the full library of resources, making it simple to incorpo -
rate prayer into daily routines.
Faculty members have embraced the app in creative ways. Junior high religion teacher Ms. Retrosi begins class each day with a guided devotion and often plays Hallow’s worship music during art projects, creating a prayerful atmosphere for reflection and creativity. A seventh-grade student shared that he uses Hallow both at school and at home to focus on schoolwork and to bring Jesus into his life, which “makes me feel good.”
In the younger grades, Miss Brine’s transitional kindergarten (TK) class uses the app during morning work to help set
the tone for the day with a daily devotion or Gospel story. In fourth grade, Mrs. de Heras recently introduced her class to newly canonized St. Carlo Acutis through Hallow’s content. Students were particularly inspired by his use of technology to share his love for the Eucharist.
One of the most popular features has been the Rosary led by actor Mark Wahlberg, which students find both relatable and inspiring. Traditional devotions such as the Rosary, paired with modern voices, help make prayer accessible for today’s generation.
MRS. DE HERAS’ FOURTH-GRADE CLASS ENJOYS EDUCATIONAL GAMES ON HALLOW TO DEEPEN THEIR FAITH. PHOTO BY VANESSA FREI
I AM CONGRESS
BY STAFF
THE 2025 EUCHARISTIC Congress: I AM: A Beacon of Hope takes place Oct. 17-18 on the Christ Cathedral campus. It is a time to gather, celebrate the Eucharist, and grow and renew our faith. The weekend features dynamic keynote presentations, bilingual tracks, inspiring liturgies and opportunities for spiritual renewal and pastoral growth. It also features sessions for adults and children.
To learn more or to register, visit https:// www.rcbo.org/congress/
Anna Betancourt’s presentation is titled, “La Mú sica Como Faro De Esperanza En La Eucaristía” (Music as a Beacon of Hope in the Eucharist).
Anna is a singer, songwriter, music director, choral director and workshop presenter from Southern California, now based in Ft. Worth, Texas. Her voice can be heard on over 50 popular recordings of contemporary Catholic liturgical music from other composers including Jaime Cortez, Bob Hurd
and Eleazar Cortés. She is former Spanish choir director at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles and Christ Cathedral in Orange County, California. She currently ministers with her husband, Deacon Mike Betancourt, at St. Mark Catholic Church in Argyle, Texas. Her compositions include “Dame Tu Paz,” “No Estoy Yo Aquí” and “Tomaré Mi Cruz.” Anna serves on the board of NPM (National Association of Pastoral Musicians) and serves as a staff member of CLEF (Catholic Liturgical Ensemble Formation).
Other presenters include Dr. Edward Sri, a theologian, author and Catholic speaker and Timmerie Millington, who works as a radio host and Catholic speaker. C
Principal Dr. Richard Yoon praised the partnership.
“Hallow offers something for every grade level, from TK through eighth grade, while also giving families the tools to extend prayer into their homes,” shared Dr. Yoon. “Its greatest strength is its versatility, as our youngest students can listen to Bible stories, middle schoolers can reflect on daily challenges and parents can join seasonal prayer opportunities. It truly meets families where they are and makes it easier to bring
prayer into daily life, whether at school, at home or even in the car.”
Parent Teresa Nguyen agreed.
“The simple, practical reminders of virtues lay a Christ-centered mindset for the kids and me as we start a new day and on our daily commute to school.”
Pastor Fr. Vincent Pham explained how Hallow helps foster faith formation.
“This partnership ensures that faith formation is not only taught in the classroom but lived daily, fostering confident and faith-filled leaders for the future.” C
MS. RETROSI'S JUNIOR HIGH CLASS UTILIZES HALLOW WHILE WORKING ON THEIR MARIAN ART PROJECT. PHOTOS BY VANESSA FREI
ANNA BETANCOURT
MISS BRINE'S TK CLASS LEARNING AND GROWING WITH GOD THROUGH THE HALLOW APP.
DR. EDWARD SRI
TIMMERIE MILLINGTON
“WHATEVER YOU DID …”
BY SISTER DIANE HEISS, SDSH
M“OMMY, I’M THIRSTY, can I have a drink of water?”
“Dad, can you please help me with my school project?”
“Can you spare some change?”
We have all heard these or similar requests, and it’s highly likely we have made some ourselves. What do they all have in common? Well, these are all related to the KEY THAT OPENS THE GATES OF HEAVEN, and this key is located in Matthew 25: 31 — 40.
Jesus knows and loves each of us individually. He told the story of the Last Judgement to help us understand that He identifies with each of us to such a point that He personally accepts the Works of Mercy offered to our fellow human beings. This means that the good we do or fail to do to others is the good we do or fail to do for Jesus. As a parent, older sibling, relative, friend or parishioner, most likely we don’t consciously think “I’m offering a Work of Mercy” when others come with their needs and requests. Out of the goodness of our hearts, we simply respond to the given situation as best as we can under the circumstances. Jesus will thank us for every act of love: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you …” (Mt. 25:34)
Throughout our Church’s history, saints are noted for the preeminent way in which they lived various virtues. St. Vincent de Paul, whose feast day we celebrate on Sept. 27, was renowned for his compassion, humility, and generosity. Born in 1581, he died in Paris, France, on this day in 1660 at the age of 79. Throughout his lifetime he
served among the poor in Paris as well as collecting funds to start hospitals, assist victims of war and provide for missionaries. Additionally, his charitable works included raising funds to ransom 1,200 galley slaves from North Africa. St. Vincent is the patron of all works of charity. In heaven we will understand how the
seeds of charity we sowed by lovingly responding to the needs of others bore fruit in the future. Approximately two hundred years after St. Vincent’s death, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was founded in 1833 by Blessed Frederic Ozanam at the age of 20 to help the poor and needy in the slums of Paris. This student organization took St. Vincent as their patron, with their work eventually spreading to 150 countries. There are now more than 800,000 members worldwide,
with an additional 1.5 million volunteers helping in their charitable endeavors.
FOR YOUR FAMILY:
There are seven Corporal (pertaining to physical needs) and seven Spiritual (pertaining to the needs of the soul) Works of Mercy. Choose one or two that you will offer and make a concrete plan of when, where and how to do so.
■ Reach out to those in need in your parish or neighborhood.
■ Become a member of one of the service organizations in your parish or school.
■ Participate in clothing drives at church, school or work.
■ Volunteer to help in the Religious Education program in your parish.
■ Contribute to a Thanksgiving or Christmas Basket for a needy family.
■ Offer to help with an event sponsored by your local St. Vincent de Paul Society.
■ Become a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. C
CLASSIFIED ADS
THE FEAST DAY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL IS CELEBRATED ON SEPT. 27. PHOTO BY CNS
OC Catholic Afar
My sister and I had a wonderful trip to Paris, France, and saw some beautiful churches. These are photos of me at Notre Dame Cathedral, the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene and the Sainte-Chapelle.
— Diana Sullivan, St. Bonaventure Parish in Huntington Beach.
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.
