OC CATHOLIC - JANUARY 28, 2024

JANUARY 28, 2024

SINGING FOR THE POPE

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THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ORANGE ■ OCCATHOLIC.COM

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2024

"CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: UNITED IN FAITH AND COMMUNITY" PAGE 8 BLESSED SACRAMENT TEACHER PHUONG PHAM AND HER FOURTH GRADE CLASS ARE PICTURED AT THE SCHOOL’S WESTMINSTER CAMPUS ON JAN. 11. PHOTO BY RENNE ENRIQUEZ/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

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JANUARY 28, 2024

CONTENTS

6 UKRAINIAN TENNIS ACE TELLS HER STORY Veronika Zarovna’s life was turned upside down last year.

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THE TRANSFIGURATION

Christ’s fourth and final manifestation demonstrated His true appearance as the Son of God.

14 CELEBRATING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

This week is dedicated to recognizing the students, families and staff who make our community unique.

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: Monsignor Stephen Doktorczyk Editor: Patricia Mahoney, editor@occatholic.com News Ideas: editor@occatholic.com Delivery Problems: occatholicsupport@occatholic.com

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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.

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GUEST COLUMN

UNITED IN FAITH AND COMMUNITY: CELEBRATING THE IMPACT OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION

BY DR. ERIN BARISANO, SUPERINTENDENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS FOR THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

and... explain to them the doctrine of the Church" (Pope S WE CELEBRATE CATHOLIC John Paul II, 1982). Through Schools Week, it is important religion classes, prayer, sacto reflect on the significance ramental preparation and of Catholic education in our participation in the liturgical Diocese and in the lives of our stulife of the Church, our students dents. The theme for this year's Catholic are nurtured in their faith and Schools Week, "Catholic Schools: United encouraged to live as disciples in Faith and Community," beautifully of Christ. captures the essence of what our Catholic In addition to faith forschools strive to achieve. mation, Catholic schools also One of the key aspects of Catholic prioritize strong academics. education is the formation of students' The Church recognizes the faith. Our Catholic schools play a vital importance of education in role in helping students grow in their re- preparing students for their lationship with God and in their underfuture roles in society. Pope standing of the teachings of the Church.

Paul VI emphasized the need As Pope John Paul II stated, Catholic for Catholic schools to adapt school teachers "bring [students] to a to contemporary conditions reverence and knowledge of God’s word and cater to the needs of the

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DR. ERIN BARISANO

times (Pope Paul VI, 1965).

Now more than ever, our world needs young people with integrity and a strong moral compass. By providing a well-rounded education that combines academic excellence with a Catholic worldview, our

schools equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their chosen paths.

Furthermore, Catholic schools instill in students a sense of service and social responsibility. Our schools are called to be a light in the world, reaching out to those in need and promoting social welfare. Through service projects, outreach programs and a curriculum that emphasizes social justice, our students learn the value of compassion, empathy and making a positive difference in the world.

Catholic schools are not CONTINUES ON PAGE 13

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The Diocese of Orange, through OC Catholic newspaper, presents local, national and world news about the Catholic Church. Our intention is to give our readers access to a variety of perspectives in order to help them to process the information within the framework of our Catholic faith, but also to better understand the perspectives of those with opposing viewpoints. We hope that ultimately our readers will be better equipped to have constructive conversations that further the growth of the Catholic Church.

DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

AROUND CAMPUS

cannot truly witness to the God of love “ Weunless we are united among ourselves ” — Pope Francis

SAINT PROFILE

THOMAS AQUINAS

1225 – 1274

PHOTO BY STEVE GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

CHRIST CATHEDRAL ACADEMY Donor: Available The Pastoral Center lower level, and first and second floors, are home to Christ Cathedral Academy. The school serves children from preschool-age through eighth grade. C

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ROM A NOBLE ITALIAN family, Thomas D’Aquino entered the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) in 1244 against his families wishes. He studied under St. Albert the Great, who later stated that Thomas was his best student. He became a master of theology in 1256. In addition to writing much of the music for the Corpus Christi procession that was instituted in 1264 (which we chant to this day during exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and benediction), he taught, preached and wrote profusely, producing the monumental “Summa Theologica.” At one point, he had five secretaries to whom he dictated what would become deep but understandable theology. The only theologian’s name to appear in the Code of Canon Law, St. Thomas’ thinking became enormously influential in later centuries (and to this day). He was canonized in 1323 by Pope John XXII and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Saint Pius V, also from the Order of Preachers, in 1567.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

2 SM 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13; PS 3:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; MK 5:1-20

2 SM18:9-10, 14B, 24-25A, 30–19:3; PS 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; MK 5:21-43

2 SM 24:2, 9-17; PS 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7; MK 6:1-6

1 KGS 2:1-4, 1012; 1 CHRONICLES 29:10, 11AB, 11D-12A, 12BCD; MK 6:7-13

MAL 3:1-4; PS 24:7, 8, 9, 10; HEB 2:14-18; LK 2:2240

1 KGS 3:4-13; PS 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14; MK 6:30-34

JB 7:1-4, 6-7; PS 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; 1 COR 9:16-19, 2223; MK 1:29-39

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FEATURE

TENNIS ACE VERONIKA ZAROVNA’S JOURNEY FROM WAR-TORN KYIV TO MATER DEI

BY LOU PONSI

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EFORE HELPING THE MATER Dei tennis team win its second consecutive CIF-USTA Southern California Regional title and first ever CIF state title this season, Veronika Zarovna had been on a monthslong journey from country to country and continent to continent.

It began in spring 2022 in her native Ukraine, where the then 16-year-old fled from Kyiv to Poland, then to Denmark and then to the U.S., where she landed in Orange County.

Along the way, some kind-hearted individuals entered Zarovna’s life, seemingly at just the right time.

In February 2022, Zarovna was living with her grandparents in Kyiv.

She was being homeschooled and playing a high level of club tennis.

Then life took a sudden turn.

Russia invaded Ukraine and remaining in her homeland was risky.

“I had to leave because it was too dangerous, and there was no future for me there in Kyiv,” Zarovna said.

With little more than a bag of belongings, Zarovna took a train to Poland, where circumstances led her to a refugee camp, alone.

Enter Jakob Illeborg, a well-known Danish journalist and news correspondent, who also happened to be a huge tennis buff and was friends with Zarovna’s coach in Ukraine.

After Illeborg and his wife learned about Zarovna’s situation, the couple purchased a plane ticket to fly her to Denmark.

“My whole journey started from there,” Zarovna said.

Illeborg and his wife went on to become Zarovna’s legal guardians and arranged for the teenager to attend a combination high school and tennis academy

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MATER DEI TENNIS PLAYER VERONIKA ZAROVNA IS PICTURED AFTER THE MONARCHS CAPTURED THE CIF STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN FRESNO IN NOVEMBER. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DEBBIE SHAFFER

MATER DEI TENNIS PLAYER VERONIKA ZAROVNA AND MATER DEI TENNIS COACH DEBBIE SHAFFER.

where she improved both her English and tennis skills.

In a first-person account for a Danish newspaper, Illeborg wrote: “Helping Veronika is certainly one of the more meaningful things I've done in my relatively long life. Veronika is lucky because she has her tennis and therefore something to care about in the midst of a difficult time.”

During her six-month stay in Denmark, another series of serendipitous events unfolded.

Illeborg was on an airline flight to Italy and happened to be sitting alongside Marta Gray, who happened to be a huge tennis fan and just happened to be a close friend of Mater Dei tennis coach Debbie Shaffer.

As they chatted during the long flight, Illeborg told Gray about Zarovna’s situation.

Naturally, Gray then shared Zarovna’s story with Shaffer.

“My friend called me from Italy and tells me the story about Veronika,” Shaffer said. “And she said, ‘you have to help her.

You know everyone. You could help her.’”

So, Zarovna flew across the Atlantic and across the country to Orange County.

But with her arrival, there were plenty of uncertainties.

Where will she live? Where will she attend school? Is Mater Dei an option?

To attend Mater Dei, certain conditions had to be met including proficiency in English.

Zarovna was able to meet the require-

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ments and in fall 2022, the tennis standout enrolled in Mater Dei as a junior.

For logistical reasons, a stay with her first host family didn’t work out.

Through connections within the tennis community, Zarovna found her way to the home of Janet and Mike Michels of Huntington Beach, where she has lived to this day.

The Michels have been like parents to Zarovna.

They’ve helped her acquire a driver’s license and recently, Janet Michels has been guiding Zarovna through the complicated process of applying for college, where the tennis standout will almost certainly receive a scholarship offer.

“I think she's an amazingly inspiCONTINUES ON PAGE 7

FEATURE / CATHOLIC FAMILY LIFE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

rational and resilient person,” Janet Michels said. “I just think of me doing the reverse, going to a country where I didn't speak the language, and I just wouldn't have been able to balance as well as she has.”

From being homeschooled in Ukraine, Zarovna has thrived in a more traditional high school environment at Mater Dei, where she gets to represent her school at tennis matches.

“So, here it's so fun to go to matches,” Zarovna said. “I really like to be part of the team, play for the school and represent the school. It's really nice.”

Zarovna has also endeared herself to Mater Dei and to her teammates, who chose her as one of the team captains.

She willingly switched from playing singles to doubles this season in order to give her team the best chance to win, Shaffer said.

“She really did a great job with making everyone feel included on the team,” Shaffer added. “The thing I love about Veronika is her energy, especially in tennis. She's all in. She's a bigtime competitor out there. She wants to win for her coaches and her team.”

She is also one of the loudest-cheering members of the student section at other Mater Dei athletic competitions and leaves an impression on nearly everyone she meets.

“She has a glowing personality,” Shaffer said. “Every single administrator on this campus knows Veronika.

They adore her.”

For her achievements on and off the tennis court, Zarovna was just named Monarch of the Month for January.

Mater Dei gives the award each month during the school year to honor a young man and young woman for their overall character, citizenship, academic excellence, community service as well as extra and co-curricular achievements. At the end of the school year, Mater Dei selects a Young Man and Young Woman of the Year. C

MANIFESTATION OF CHRIST’S DIVINITY: THE TRANSFIGURATION

BY DANIELLE TAYABAS

This is the fourth article of a four-part series during January, which focuses on the Manifestation of Christ’s Divinity.

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HE CATHOLIC CHURCH celebrates the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on Aug. 6. At the Transfiguration Jesus appeared in the glory of His identity as Son of the Father. In this magnificent mystery Jesus reveals the glory of God’s kingdom and the glory of God’s power.

From the day Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, the Master “began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things…and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Peter scorns this prediction, nor do the others understand it any better than he. In this context the mysterious episode of Jesus’ Transfiguration takes place on a high mountain, before three witnesses chosen by himself: Peter, James and John. Jesus’ face and clothes become dazzling with light, and Moses and Elijah appear, speaking “of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem.” A cloud covers him and a voice from heaven says: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 554) For a moment, Jesus discloses His divine glory, confirming Peter’s confession. He also reveals that He will have to go by way of the cross at Jerusalem in order to “enter into His glory.” Moses and Elijah have seen God’s glory on the Mountain; the Law and the Prophets have announced the Messiah’s sufferings. Christ’s Passion is the will of the Father: The Son acts as God’s servant; the cloud indicates the presence of the Holy Spirit. “The whole Trinity appeared: the Father in the voice; the Son in the man; the Spirit in the shining cloud. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 555)” Let us enter into the presence of the Holy Trinity as did Peter, James and John and humbly prostrate ourselves in our hearts before God’s majesty. Then listen attentively to each Person of the Holy Trinity say to us “rise!” Lovingly look each One of Them in the eyes and rest in Their embrace of love, comfort and healing. Let this intimate moment melt away our sinful and false self so that we can live in our true dignity and identity as a chosen child of God. Here are some scriptural passages we can pray and contemplate as we ask the Holy Trinity to transform and transfigure us from sinners into saints…from darkness into His Glorious Light! C

PHOTO BY JOSHUA WORONIECKI ON UNSPLASH

 Meditate on Christ’s Transfiguration: Ask God the Father to transform and transfigure you in His Light of Love. “For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory, ‘This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’” (2 Pet 1:17)  Meditate on Christ’s Passion: Ask Jesus Crucified to show you the areas where you are in sin. Ask for the grace of humility then repent and live in His Light of Truth. “Then he said to all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.’” (Lk 9:23-24)  Meditate on Christ’s Resurrection: Ask the Holy Spirit to transform you into another Christ by the power of His Light of Grace. “All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Cor 3:18)

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FEATURE

WHY I TEACH IN CATHOLIC SCHOOL A FULFILLING JOURNEY AT MY SECOND HOME: BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL

BY PHUONG PHAM, BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL IN WESTMINSTER

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'VE BEEN A PROUD member of the Blessed Sacrament School community for over a decade. As an educator, I have taught Early Childhood and third grade and am currently teaching fourth grade. I cannot express enough how much I love working here.

For 75 years, Blessed Sacrament School has been a strong pillar of the community, and I've been fortunate enough to witness its growth and transformation during my time here. The campus remains as beautiful and resilient as ever.

Education and teaching have always been strong passions of mine. Although I had no prior experience attending or teaching at a Catholic school, I believe it was God's grace that brought me into this wonderful field of Catholic education and being able to teach at Blessed Sacrament School. As a Catholic school teacher, I immediately recognized the ability to focus on each child holistically and help them grow and succeed in their own unique areas.

Teaching in a Catholic school has allowed me to be the kind of teacher I have always wanted to be, giving my students the space to shine and become strong spiritual and academic learners.

Additionally, working in Catholic education has helped me to grow closer to my faith and

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support from parents and vice versa. This connection, rooted in spirituality, physicality and emotionality, is truly wonderful.

As a teacher, I've been privileged to watch my students grow from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. Some have even been in my class multiple times as they progressed through the grades.

When graduation day arrives, I am always filled with pride for the amazing young adults my students have become, and I'm ecstatic to see them embark on their next adventure, knowing they have strong roots. For this reason, it is always an emotional

time to see them leave after years of watching them grow.

Although they may have left the school, they will always be considered Spartans in my eyes.

It's bittersweet!

I feel incredibly fortunate to be a Catholic school educator and have the support of my colleagues and fellow school community members. Working alongside such faithful and dedicated educators who inspire me daily is truly a privilege. Being part of a team like this has been an amazing experience. I’m incredibly grateful that God has put me here. C

WHY I TEACH IN CATHOLIC SCHOOL

BY AMY WILKES, FIFTH GRADE TEACHER, ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC SCHOOL, HUNTINGTON BEACH

PHUONG PHAM ADDRESSES HER FOURTH GRADE CLASS. PHOTO BY RENNE ENRIQUEZ/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE

become more aware of God's presence in everything I do. It's been an incredible opportunity to teach and be a part of a faithfilled community while guiding, supporting and praying with my students on their faith and academic journey.

As an educator, I aim to meet academic standards and objectives while striving to nurture the whole child. It is a privilege to impart values and principles that students can carry throughout their lives. Our school's motto is "Act Justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8)," which I integrate into my lessons daily. Witnessing and modeling these virtues across all subjects brings me immense

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joy. In Catholic education, I am grateful for the opportunity to teach students about God's love and goodness, pray with them and impart Catholic values. I find inspiration in the saints and our ultimate teacher, Jesus Christ. I see Christ in each of my students and hope that they will carry out His mission to bring light and love into the world. My goal is to prepare them to face the world's challenges, fears, anxieties and struggles with the strength and courage that comes from Christ.

The tight-knit community within our school is like family.

Witnessing students and their families at school events and Mass is always a joy. Both faculty and staff receive unwavering

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EACHING AT A Catholic school holds a special place in my heart. From personal conviction, faith integration, values-based education, supportive community and a place for my daughters to attend, I was delighted to join the St. Bonaventure Catholic School community this year.

Coming from public schools, St. Bonaventure allows me to contribute to the spiritual, moral and academic development of students. Not only am I allowed to share my passion for the subject matter, but I’m able to openly talk and teach about our Savior.

One of the primary reasons I teach at St. Bonaventure Catholic School is due to

personal conviction. As someone who loves Jesus and has previous teaching experience in a public setting, I knew I needed to serve by sharing the Gospel and being a light in this dark world. I felt a conviction to get more involved in the process of discipleship. If I can play a part in helping a future generation see how amazing Jesus’ love is for us and how He can change lives, then I want to be a part of such a mission.

Another major reason why I teach at St. Bonaventure Catholic School is the integration of faith into the educational experience.

By integrating faith, I can guide students not only in academics but also in exploring the areas of life, morality and spirituality.

My goal from the very beginning of this school year was that I would take the time to showcase different Bible verses, songs, CONTINUES ON PAGE 9

FEATURE

WHY I BECAME A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

connections to academics and prayers to help students grow in their relationship with Jesus.

This integration has changed the way I go about teaching.

Students are now requesting to pray, celebrate praises when requests are answered, sing Christian songs, live out the values and share the good news of Jesus. Without faith integration, none of this would be possible.

The commitment to values-based education is another aspect of teaching at St. Bonaventure Catholic School. Beyond the pursuit of academic excellence, there is also a focus on character formation. Many of our school’s values put a focus on character formation to create disciples for Jesus. Jesus is the center of our school where we emphasize values such as humility, accountability, leadership, optimism and service.

Through these values, I’m able to demonstrate what this looks like in the learning environment and celebrate when students can showcase these remarkable characteristics.

I teach at St. Bonaventure Catholic School for the sense of community that sets it apart from other schools.

Teaching at St. Bonaventure feels much different than the other schools I’ve worked at as it’s more like a big, supportive family. The school environment fosters a supportive atmosphere where students feel a sense of belonging and encouragement.

Lastly, I teach at St. Bonaventure Catholic School so my own two daughters have a place they can go to

BY TAMARA HINES COPELAND, THIRD GRADE TEACHER AT ST. JOACHIM CATHOLIC SCHOOL, COSTA MESA

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AMY WILKES

grow academically and spiritually.

Through SBS, my daughters are a part of an environment that is uplifting, caring and where they can openly learn and talk more about Jesus. It was important for me as an educator and mother to find a place that would benefit all of us and help us to grow in our faith.

Through teaching at St. Bonaventure Catholic School, my children have witnessed more faith integration and values-based education that I had desired for them.

Teaching at St. Bonaventure Catholic School brings so much joy to me as an educator (and mother) and carries out into the classroom and school community. Through faith integration, values-based education and a sense of community, my profession and calling as an educator are being fulfilled to my God-given potential. These are all the many reasons why I chose and enjoy teaching at a Catholic school. C

BEGAN MY TEACHING career as a public middle school English teacher in 1995. Fast forward six years, and it was time for my firstborn to enter formal education.

I wanted to make a difference and be a light where the greatest need might be. I truly felt called to be Christ in the public school arena and witness a new way of interacting with students. I saw each of my students created in the image of our Creator and knew that God called me to witness a new way—void of sarcasm, belittling statements, unconstructive criticisms and general negativity. I was strict, yet fair and did my best to uphold a Christ-like demeanor during the most challenging times.

It became apparent that I wanted my own children to learn in a certain environment. Even as a young teacher, I knew that I wanted my own children to experience God’s grace out in the open with prayer, song and acknowledgement of the faith that drives all of our decisions and actions.

God put it upon my heart that our children would be fully formed in Him through a faith-filled education within a Catholic community. It was the best decision we ever made. Both of my children, now adults, have traversed real life with its disappointments and challenges and emerged grateful for their faith communities that stood with them, uplifted them, fortified them

TAMARA HINES COPELAND

and celebrated their blessings.

The bonds of friendship formed in Catholic school have proven invaluable and lain the foundation for adult faith communities and Christ-centered support systems that will last a lifetime.

There is an IT factor that Catholic school children embody and then exude as adults. Catholics are connected to humanity in a way that I have yet to witness in other faith traditions. Catholic school children are bred to be good Samaritans to all marginalized groups and people. Since kindergarten, they have experienced stewardship as a practice and naturally band together to complete successful service projects such as funding other needy communities with walk-a-thons, or collecting gently used coats and blankets for the homeless during winter or coming together with resources and prayer to support a specific family in crisis.

The Catholic charism of charity is universal in its nature and breaks through societal barriers bringing the light of Christ to all. All are welcome at

His table.

I want to be a part of that. I want to be a cog in the wheel that yields faith-filled Catholic school children who go out into the world and do what they know—who innately organize, gather, share, build and heal the world around them.

As a Catholic educator, I have the awareness and understanding that I have been intimately involved in this religious faith formation and I know that this is what I am called to do.

We, as Catholic educators, are involved at the ground level of something infinitely greater than we can imagine. There is no way to know the reach of the good work we do through Catholic education; however, we do know for certain that the work we do positively impacts the world through the children and families we serve. There is a profound fullness in life knowing that God is using us to further His kingdom through his most precious ones, children. This is why I am a Catholic school teacher. C

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DIOCESAN NEWS

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL’S SMARTLAB EARNS HIGH MARKS

BY LOU PONSI

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TUDENTS AT ST. JOSEPH Catholic School in Placentia have been engaging with a high-tech workspace called a SmartLab. As Diocese of Orange schools celebrate Catholic Schools Week, the addition of a SmartLab is one example of the efforts being made by Diocese schools to strengthen students’ faith and learning experiences.

Serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade, SmartLab is equipped with computers and advanced programing, enabling students to learn science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“It gives them ownership in what we do here at school,” St. Joseph principal Amanda Hawley said. “And it gives them the experience to work with somebody, accept critiques, really work on what someone needs and be able to put out something that they can be proud of.”

With 12 workstations that can accommodate up to 24 students, SmartLab enables students to collaborate on hands-on projects focusing on science, technology, engineering and math projects, commonly known as STEM. When combined with art programming, as is the case with St. Joseph Catholic School, the curriculum is often referred to as STEAM. The school acquired the SmartLab through its relationship with Campos EPC, an Engineering, Procurement and Construction company with offices in nearby Anaheim.

When Campos was opening its new Anaheim office in 2020, company administrators were looking to identify a school in the area that they could support with both educational materials as well as engineers to teach and inspire students about their industry, Hawley said.

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In March 2022, Campos engineers installed a SmartLab at St. Joseph.

Shortly after the SmartLab was installed, Bishop Kevin Vann visited St. Joseph to celebrate Mass and bless the new workspace.

SmartLab users utilize elements such as Snap Circuits, K’nex machines, Ozbots and Claymation stop motion video.

In December, Campos engineers returned to St. Joseph and gifted some of the latest SmartLab technology used for media arts, including Go Pros and a robotic camera.

“We wanted to come to have the opportunity to see what you guys have been working on, and perhaps focus on this upcoming year with film arts,” Campos engineer Christien Lindblom told students during his visit. “Science, technology, engineering and math are very dear to our hearts, and we are really happy to be here.”

Campos engineers will continue to visit the school to help students become more proficient in SmartLab. The lab has helped students become more focused and build stronger critical thinking skills that they will take with them into high school and use in all areas of their lives, said St. Joseph technology coordinator James Weiss, who teaches science and STEM classes.

“It's been so amazing just getting the opportunity to see the kids, because the STEM lab is so different,” Weiss said. “In a normal classroom, it tends to be me giving them information and then they have to absorb it, use it and figure out how it works. Whereas, in here it's not necessarily me being the endall expert on things. It's more that they have the technology and then they are figuring out how to use it. Teaching themselves in a sense, figuring it out for themselves.”

In September, St. Anne Catholic School in Santa Ana also installed a SmartLab, which was partially paid for by John and Barbara Heffernan, who have spent decades supporting the school with monetary and in-kind donations. C

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STUDENTS AT ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN PLACENTIA HAVE BEEN EN­GAGING WITH A HIGH-TECH WORKSPACE CALLED SMARTLAB. PHOTOS BY LOU PONSI/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

SMARTLAB EN­ABLES STUDENTS TO COLLABORATE ON HANDS-ON PROJECTS FOCUSING ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH PROJECTS, COMMON­LY KNOWN AS STEM.

DIOCESAN NEWS

GROWING FAITHFUL LEARNERS LA PURÍSIMA FOSTERS BOTH HEARTS AND MINDS

BY LOU PONSI

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OCCER COACH ERNIE GARCIA is using the sport as a vehicle for fostering Catholic virtues in his players.

Garcia started a soccer program La Purísima Catholic School in Orange, where about 15 students participate in the free program one day per week.

“We go through the fundamentals of soccer … passing, shooting, dribbling,” said Garcia, who is the director of finance for parishes and schools for the Diocese of Orange, along with his volunteer position as soccer coach.

“Halfway through the session, we stop and then we share our faith.”

Character traits such as kindness, courage, teamwork and humility are discussed during the sessions, the coach said.

Garcia cited an example of the willingness of the experienced players on the team to encourage the kids who are playing organized soccer for the first time.

“Seeing their response, it’s been amazing,” Garcia, who plans to expand the program to other diocesan schools and have school teams compete against each other.

La Purísima administrators and teachers want the community to be aware of other programs available to middle school students in which the school’s mission is to shape hearts and minds and bring them closer to Christ.

Students in Bryan Aldape’s music class sing every Friday for school Masses and one Sunday per month for 10 a.m. Mass at La Purísima Catholic Church.

“We don't just try to learn the song and not know what we're singing about,” Aldape said. “We try to know what we're singing about, why we're singing it and who we're singing it to. I try to teach them that the choir’s purpose is not just to do

LA PURÍSIMA CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS COMPETE IN A SOCCER MATCH ON THE SCHOOL’S CAMPUS IN ORANGE. PHOTOS BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

a performance in church. It's just to lead people in worship so we can all worship together.”

Valeria Perry, who teaches science, math and STEM to students in grades 6 through 8, said seeing her students grow within the Catholic faith is among the most rewarding aspects of her job.

As their faith becomes stronger, students look forward to saying prayers attending church on Sundays, according to Perry.

“It’s just amazing,” she said. “And honestly, it’s just a gift that keeps on giving to

me as a teacher. All of these kids are just so kind and caring.”

La Purísima principal Rosa Ramirez said administrators are in the process of unifying the middle school, rather than keeping sixth, seventh and eighth graders separated.

“There's a lot of combined activities that they do,” said Ramirez, whose roots have been implanted in the local community for close to 70 years.

Ramirez attended the school as a child and sent her two children there as well.

“They're learning from each other,”

Ramirez said. “They’re really building that camaraderie amongst each other.”

Eighth graders aren’t looking down on sixth graders, the principal said, but instead are serving as guides and mentors.

“Even though the maturity of a sixth grader is so different from an eighth grader, the eighth grader has all of these gifts that they can then share with the sixth grader,” Ramirez said.

For the past few years, about 80% of La Purísima graduates have gone on to attend Catholic high schools, the principal added. C

J A N U A R Y 2 8 , 2 0 2 4 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

11

DIOCESAN NEWS

SINGING FOR THE POPE

BY BRITNEY ZINT

T

HREE CHILDREN’S CHOIRS from the Orange County Catholic community traveled to Vatican City over the Christmas break to sing for Pope Francis.

St. Cecilia Catholic School in Tustin and Holy Family Catholic School in Orange joined children from around the world in Rome to participate in the 44th International Congress of Pueri Cantores, the official student choral program of the Catholic Church. The Diocesan Children’s Choir also traveled to Rome for a similar itinerary to participate in the 7th annual Youth Choir Festival: Christmas Season in the Vatican.

“Singing was super magical with everyone in the church and the priests — and everything,” said 10-year-old Nicolette Gaidano, a fifth grader at Holy Family. “It was really crazy [seeing Pope Francis]. I couldn't really believe that I was actually doing it and then we got to see him. It was unreal.”

The school choirs participated in a week-long event in the Eternal City for liturgical singing, a private audience with Pope Francis and the culmination — participating in the Holy Mass for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on Jan. 1 in St. Peter’s Basilica.

“What you do is very important because your voices help communities to pray, to open their hearts to the Lord, and this is fundamental for the life of the Church,” Pope Francis told the children, according to an official papal address.

Singing for the Pope was one of the reasons St. Cecilia eighth-grader Chelsea Rocio decided to stick with her school’s choir for five years, and she finally got her wish on her 14th birthday on Jan. 1.

“It actually felt surreal. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh! There is no way I’m actually here just a few feet away from the Pope.’ It

12

was really cool,” Rocio said.

In addition to celebrating the Holy Mass, Pope Francis held a private audience with the children’s choirs after their final rehearsal on Dec. 30.

“The excitement in the room when the Pope came in could have broken windows,” said Holy Family's principal, Marie Ubl. During the audience, the Pope addressed the students in Italian before some of the children were given an opportunity to touch his hand, get a high-five or even a kiss on the hand.

Rocio said being in the room with Pope Francis “changed the mood,” and she was one of the lucky few who made contact.

“My phone was in one hand and my hand was out, extending to make contact with the Pope,” Rocio said. “And when the Pope grasped my hand, it was only the fingertips. I was like, ‘Oh my goodness! I just touched the Pope. No way!’”

Both school choirs, made up of a mix of fourth grade through eighth grade students, sang not just in St. Peter’s Basilica, but at churches around Rome. They learned songs in English,

O C C A T H O L I C ■ J A N U A R Y 2 8 , 2 0 2 4

Latin and Spanish, but a special favorite sung at every event was “Et in Terra Pax,” said St. Cecilia’s vice principal, Jessica Deutschel.

“They were amazing,” said Deutschel.

“I was crying. They really put their heart and soul into it.”

Many families joined their children on the trip, which included a tour of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, said Ubl. Others took the opportunity to

see the Colosseum, Roman Forum and the town of Assisi.

The trip was also a chance to try the local flavors.

For Holy Family’s choir, after all the singing and sightseeing, the students really wanted to try one special food before leaving.

“We went to McDonald’s to see if French fries taste different in Italy,” Ubl laughed. C

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH CHOIR IN ROME. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARIE UBL, PRINCIPAL AT HOLY FAMILY

GUEST COLUMN

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only important for the present but also for the future of our Church. By providing an education rooted in the principles of the Gospel, our schools contribute to the building of a world that is freed from the negative influences of our society. Our Catholic schools are a beacon of hope, shaping the next generation of faithful Catholics who will continue to carry the torch of our faith.

In the Diocese of Orange, we are blessed to have 36 Catholic schools serving over 17,000 students from preschool through twelfth grade. As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, let us recognize the pivotal role our schools play in shaping the future of our world.

Our commitment to faith formation, strong academics, and acts of service is a testament to the enduring impact of Catholic education. We recognize that we are not merely educating students; we are nurturing disciples who will car-

ry the light of Christ into the world.

May this week be a time of gratitude for the teachers, administrators and supporters who make Catholic education possible. Together, as a community

of faith, let us continue to inspire and empower the next generation of Catholics, confident in the knowledge that our schools are indeed "United in Faith and Community." C

OC Catholic Afar

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.

Dominic and Derric Montes read an issue of OC Catholic before school at Christ Cathedral Academy.

—Submitted by Christina Montes

J A N U A R Y 2 8 , 2 0 2 4 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

13

GUEST COLUMN

CELEBRATING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK THROUGH TRADITION FOCUSING ON WHAT MATTERS MOST IN OUR LIVES

A

BY ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC SCHOOL STAFF

T ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST Catholic School, we celebrate many of the traditions that mean so much to us and make us who we are during Catholic Schools Week. These traditions provide a sense of comfort and belonging that brings our families together. It reinforces our faith values and allows us to celebrate our role models. It gives us an opportunity to say “thank you” and give back to the community that supports us. It offers us the chance to pause and reflect on the principles of our faith that guide and define us.

This special week is focused on celebrating our students, our families, our faculty and staff, our religious, our parish, our local community and finally our nation. As a faith community, we focus on our students starting with Mass and continuing throughout the day with special treats. We shower our faculty and staff with messages of gratitude from students and their families. We honor our priests, Fraters and Sisters with “thank you” notes, special gifts, and most importantly with a unique opportunity to share their vocational call with our student body. We host a Living Rosary for our nation, that includes all of our students and is led by our eighth grade class. We celebrate our community by hosting a school-wide service project for local charities around us. And our week-long celebration concludes with a special “open house” for new and existing families.

“Our Catholic traditions help give our children a sense of identity,” said St. John the Baptist’s principal, Paula Viles.

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DANI KOLBENSCHLAG, 7, TARGETS A FELLOW STUDENT AS SHE THROWS A SNOWBALL DURING ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC SCHOOL’S SNOW DAY IN COSTA MESA ON TUESDAY, DEC. 19, 2023. PHOTO BY JEFF GRITCHEN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER/SCNG

“It helps build character in our young people and reminds them of the blessings that come with our faith.” Catholic traditions help strengthen the bonds of Catholic families.

“Traditions provide us with a sense of purpose,” said the school’s Rector, Fr. Damien.

“They help us to make decisions in life that reflect our values and beliefs. And the best part is that they can bring us immense joy and fulfillment.”

Traditions are an important part of Catholic life. They connect us to our past and help us to better understand God’s intended place for us in His world.

Through this important week we are reminded of the value our Catholic faith provides today’s young people, their families and the world around us. C

O C C A T H O L I C ■ J A N U A R Y 2 8 , 2 0 2 4

SR. CHIARA GHIDOLI IS PELTED WITH A SNOWBALL DURING ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC SCHOOL’S SNOW DAY IN COSTA MESA ON TUESDAY, DEC. 19, 2023. PHOTO BY JEFF GRITCHEN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER/SCNG

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