OC CATHOLIC - APRIL 7, 2023

APRIL 7, 2024

ST. CATHERINE’S ACADEMY CELEBRATES 135 YEARS

PAGE 8

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

KEEPING WITH TRADITION

MISSION BASILICA SCHOOL CELEBRATES SWALLOWS DAY PAGE 5 THE STUDENTS AT THE MISSION BASILICA SCHOOL HAVE BEEN HELPING THEIR COMMU­NITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CELEBRATE THE ANNUAL RETURN OF THE SWALLOWS FOR THE LAST 64 YEARS. PHOTO BY AMY BAGGS

APRIL 7, 2024

Teacher and Support Staff CAREER FAIR

CONTENTS

10 A CLOSER LOOK: ŚWIĘCONKA

This Polish tradition incorporates special foods and the blessing of the baskets on Holy Saturday.

11 TACSC LEADERSHIP DAYS

More than 600 students participated in this year's event coordinated

by The Association of Catholic Student Councils.

13

MERCY IS LOVE POURED OUT OVER MISERY

The Easter season brings color, new life and light to our faith.

Saturday April 27, 2024 9:00am - 11:00am

Diocese of Orange Christ Cathedral Campus- Cultural Center 13280 Chapman Avenue Garden Grove, CA 92840

REGISTER IN ADVANCE FOR A GIFT! WALK-INS WELCOME

WE WILL HAVE: Coffee & Pastries Stay for a tour of Christ Cathedral Campus at 11am

For more information, visit occatholicschools.org/careerfair

ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC MISSION STATEMENT The Orange County Catholic Newspaper seeks to illuminate and animate the journey of faith for Catholics within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange – building solidarity among the faithful and inviting a deeper understanding and involvement in the mission of Christ – through the timely sharing of news, commentary and feature content in an engaging, accessible and compelling format.

ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC

The Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange Diocese of Orange Pastoral Center, 13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove 92840 Publisher: The Most Reverend Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of Orange Executive Editor: Jarryd Gonzales Managing Editor: Patricia Mahoney, editor@occatholic.com News Ideas: editor@occatholic.com Delivery Problems: occatholicsupport@occatholic.com

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DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

AROUND CAMPUS

“

We must ask for the grace to weep in front of the things we see, in front of the misery of humanity.

— Pope Francis

SAINT PROFILE

”

JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE

1651-1719

F

PHOTO BY JOSHUA SUDOCK/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

OUNDER OF THE INSTITUTE of the Brothers of the Chris­ tian Schools, John Baptist was the eldest of 11 children in a noble French family. His studies in Paris were interrupted by his parents’ deaths; he returned to Reims, where he finished his schooling and was ordained in 1678. After settling into the comfortable life of a cathedral canon, he was challenged by a layman who had opened free schools for the poor in Rouen to do the same in Reims. This led to increasing involvement with poor children and the founding, growth and running of his order, which survived opposition and innovated classroom teaching and use of the vernacular. Canonized in 1900, he was declared the patron saint of teachers in 1950.

MARY HOOD CHAPEL

At the base of the Crean Tower is the Mary Hood Chapel, named for the wife of the late Clifford E. Hood, former president of the United States Steel Corporation.

The chapel, designed by Philip Johnson, is a circular structure set with 33 cylindrical columns, representing Jesus’ 33 years of life.

Each column is made of a different type of marble from a different part of the world. A bronze plaque on the floor seals a prayer capsule that contains 33,000 unopened prayers from around the globe. C

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

4

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

IS 7:10-14; 8:10; 40:7-8A, 8B-9, 10, 11; HEB 10:4-10; LK 1:26-38

ACTS 4:32-37; PS 93:1AB, 1CD-2, 5; JN 3:7B-15

ACTS 5:17-26; 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; JN 3:16-21

ACTS 5:27-33; PS 34:2 AND 9, 17-18, 19-20; JN 3:31-36

ACTS 5:34-42; PS 27:1, 4, 13-14; JN 6:1-15

O C C A T H O L I C ■ A P R I L 7, 2 0 2 4

SATURDAY

ACTS 6:1-7; PS 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19; JN 6:16-21

SUNDAY ACTS 3:13-15, 17-19; PS 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9; 1 JN 2:1-5A; LK 24:35-48

FEATURE

KEEPING WITH TRADITION MISSION BASILICA SCHOOL CELEBRATES SWALLOWS DAY

BY BRITNEY ZINT

A

VA WESTBROOK’S EYES were squinting to see through her glasses, her lips pursed as she hobbled onto the stage while clutching her back with one hand and a cane in the other. She joined the lines of her fellow tottering peers, all waiting to begin their dance. Everyone had canes in their hands – except for one broom – and were waiting to tap them to the beat.

“You guys need to be older!” called volunteer choreographer Anna Marquez from the front of the stage as she modeled the dance. “Be older! Box step!”

Westbrook, 10, along with her fellow fourth graders were just pretending to be

old, but there was nothing young about the tradition she was participating in; it goes back more than six decades.

The students at the Mission Basilica School have been helping their commu­ nity of San Juan Capistrano celebrate the annual Return of the Swallows for the last 64 years. This year, the children per­ formed at the St. Joseph’s Day celebra­tion at Mission San Juan Capistrano on March 19 and then at the Swallows Day Parade on March 23 with the community at large. The Return of the Swallows events celebrate the birds' annual 6,000-mile migration from Argentina.

As the story goes, Fr. John O’Sulli­ van invited the swallows to come to the Mission San Juan Capistrano around 100 years ago and said they would always be safe and welcome there. The swallows have returned each year since.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 6

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MISSION BASILICA FIRST GRADE STUDENTS DON SWALLOWS COSTUMES IN PREPARATION FOR THE MARCH 19 RETURN OF THE SWALLOWS DAY AT MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO. PHOTO BY AMY BAGGS

FEATURE PAGE HEADING

FOR MISSION BASILICA STUDENTS, THEY BEGIN THE SWALLOWS DAY TRADITION DRESSED AS MONKS IN KINDERGARTEN. PHOTO BY AMY BAGGS

REP­RESENTING THE SPANISH NOBILITY DURING THE MISSION SYSTEM’S FOUNDING IN 1769, THE ROYAL COURT IS CROWNED DURING THE ST. JOSEPH’S DAY FESTIVITIES AND RIDES A FLOAT DURING THE SWALLOWS DAY PARADE. PHOTO BY AMY BAGGS

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O C C A T H O L I C ■ A P R I L 7, 2 0 2 4

“For me, personally, see­ ing our students participate in the Swallows Day Parade reaffirms the importance of our school’s role in pre­ serving and honoring our community’s traditions,” said the school’s principal, Alycia Beresford. “It is a reminder of the values we instill in our students – a sense of pride in their heritage, a commitment to service and a dedication to making a positive difference in the world.”

For Mission Basilica students, they begin the tradition dressed as monks in kindergarten, then don colorful swallows costumes in first grade. Each grade

level performs a dance to music tradi­ tional to the time of the Mission. But it is when students get to eighth grade that a select few are chosen to the Royal Court.

Representing the Spanish nobility during the Mission system’s founding in 1769, the Royal Court is crowned during the St. Joseph’s Day festivities and rides a float during the Swallows Day Parade.

Students are chosen to the Royal Court for academic and spiritual excellence.

Eighth grader Raegan Elliott, 14, said she remembers being in first grade and think­ ing the Royal Court was so cool and an honor she wanted to strive toward. Elliot said she was overjoyed to be named this year’s queen.

“It’s an honor that you get to represent your school after putting in all the hard work over the years,” Elliott said. “You get to represent all your friends and your school. You’re just a role model for the other kids.”

Elliott is joined by Princesses Miranda Moreno, Michaela Shay and Savannah Francis; King Kaiden Boggs; and Princes Nathan Boyer, Anthony Magdaleno and Ryan O’Rourke.

Magdaleno, 13, said it is an amaz­ ing opportunity to be part of such a long-standing tradition. Being in the Roy­ al Court – and their final year at Mission Basilica – also struck an emotional chord with both Magdaleno and Elliott.

“It’s like a recap seeing all the danc­ es and remembering when we were in them,” said Magdaleno. “It brings back so many memories. I remember when I was there and I was nervous to dance in front of everyone, the huge crowd. It’s fun to remember.”

As the Royal Court and their eighth grade peers celebrated with their school for the final time, kindergarteners Lucy Caputo, 6, and Stephen Hamilton, 6, made their first Swallows Day memories as they joined their peers to sing, “Good Morning, Mr. Swallow.”

“I feel excited, but I’m also nervous at the same time,” said Caputo, the day be­ fore her first St. Joseph’s Day performance.

“There’s going to be a big crowd.” C

YOU’RE INVITED: SATURDAY, MAY 4

Follow the Diocese of Orange on social media FACEBOOK

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FEATURE

ST. CATHERINE’S ACADEMY CELEBRATES 135 YEARS

BY BRITNEY ZINT

O

RANGE COUNTY’S oldest Catholic school — and its only Catholic military school — recently celebrated its 135th anniversary with a look back at its past and a prayer for its future.

St. Catherine’s Academy in Anaheim hosted a ceremonial Mass on St. Joseph’s Day, March 19, with students, alumni and parents, followed by a BBQ lunch and ceremonial cake cutting. St. Cath­ erine’s is a TK through eighth-grade day school and boarding school for boys in the Dominican charism.

“I love today,” said the school’s princi­ pal, Bridget Ronan. “It’s a special, special day. I think it’s just a reminder of how significant this school is, how it’s been through so many changes and times and the boys who have come before and the boys who are here now.”

The school was founded by Mother Maria Pia Backes, O.P., foundress of the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, in 1889. She bought a 3-acre tract of land on Palm Street, which is now Harbor Bou­ levard, and constructed a three-story red brick building. The campus started with two classrooms and accommodations for the sisters and student boarders.

“We have a lot to celebrate,” said St. Catherine’s Academy president, Sr. Johnellen Turner, OP, to her students. “A lot of history has preceded you.”

St. Catherine’s Academy is just the school’s latest iteration. In 1899, it was founded as a boys day school and girls boarding school. Five years later, it became an orphanage for boys, who numbered 200 by 1903.

It was during that time that St. Cath­ erine’s almost closed due to financial troubles. Mother Pia was on her way to sign papers to sell the academy when her carriage was swarmed by bees, said Fr. Edward Poettgen, a priest at neighboring St. Boniface parish.

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O C C A T H O L I C ■ A P R I L 7, 2 0 2 4

ST. CATHERINE’S ACADEMY IN ANAHEIM HOSTED A SPECIAL MASS ON MARCH 19 FOLLOWED BY A CEREMONIAL CAKE CUTTING TO CELEBRATE 135 YEARS.

“Bees are a sign of God’s divine life, rejuvenation, and beginning again, and it seems that that’s when bees became a sign for Mother Pia — a sign of good fortune,” Fr. Edward said. “So that’s where she turned the carriage around and con­ tinued the commitment here to provide a place of education, which has come in different forms to this form we celebrate here.”

In 1916, the school changed to an all-boys day and boarding school with military traditions that continue today.

The campus now boasts 8 acres, three classroom buildings, four dormitories, an indoor gym and pool, an obstacle course and the St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel.

That tradition seamlessly integrates with Catholic teachings, said Ronan. The

CONTINUES ON PAGE 9

ST. CATHERINE’S ACADEMY IS ORANGE COUNTY’S OLDEST CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND ITS ONLY CATHOLIC MILITARY SCHOOL. PHOTOS BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

FEATURE

A ST. CATHERINE’S ACADEMY STUDENT, CIRCA 1930.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. CATHERINE’S ACADEMY

ST. CATHERINE’S ACADEMY CHOIR SINGS DURING A SPECIAL MASS CELEBRATED ON MARCH 19. PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

boys, in third grade and up, are part of a battalion divided into four companies: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta.

“I think that the values of the mili­ tary, specifically the Marine Corps and what they uphold, intertwine so beauti­ fully with the Catholic faith and service to others: commitment, duty, honor and respect,” Ronan said. “It works.”

He added: “When we try to teach the boys a lesson on taking care of others, then the Marines can tie in real-life examples of what that means.”

The students have daily military training where they work on drills, survival skills and navigating, said Major

Jacob Talactac, age 13, the academy’s battalion commander. The different companies are tight-knit and work together to earn points toward different privileges, but the whole school is fami­ ly, he said.

“There’s so much brotherhood here,” continued Talactac. “You can really feel that you can count on everybody else.”

The eighth grader has been at St. Catherine’s for nine years.

“You can walk up to any of your big­ ger brothers, and they can guide you in whatever you need to do, whether that be tying your shoes or some advice on your mental health,” Talactac said.

Alumnus Michael Thomas said he has fond memories of his four years as a boarding student. A graduate in 1969, Thomas remembered the crew cuts, serving as a bugler in the band and

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CONTINUES ON PAGE 12

A P R I L 7, 2 0 2 4 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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shooting .22 rifles on the range. It was like getting to hang out at your friend’s house 24-7, he said.

Although a common trope is threat­ ening children with military school when they misbehave, Thomas said St. Catherine’s wasn’t like that.

“It instilled in me character attributes that have helped me through life,” he said. “It was definitely a positive experi­ ence.”

Jacob Talactac’s father, Frederick Ta­ lactac, also said the discipline of the mil­

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DIOCESAN NEWS

A CLOSER LOOK: ŚWIĘCONKA

BY RON KUZLIK

T

HIS EASTER SEASON, OC Catholic takes a look the Polish tradition called Święconka (pronounced shvjen-SOWN-kah), that is, the blessing of food-filled baskets on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter.

This tradition is practiced by the many Polish immigrants and Polish Americans in Southern California, particularly within the Diocese of Orange.

The food is brought to the church and blessed by the parish priest on Holy Saturday.

The priest sprinkles the individual baskets with Holy Water. In more traditional Polish parishes, the priest uses a straw brush for sprinkling the holy water, others may use the more usual Holy Water sprinkling wand.

In the past, when people lived in cities before the migration to the sub­ urbs, the priest would come to the house and the food was blessed in the home. This still is the custom in some older or rural communities.

After the blessing, the food is usually set aside until Easter morn­ ing when the head of the household shares the blessed egg, a symbol of life, with the family.

According to Fr. Zbigniew Fraszczak, SVD, director of the Saint John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda, “This is one of the most beautiful and distinctive traditions, intertwining religious and cultural elements.

“It is a rite that is rich and sym­ bolism and meaning, reflecting deep faith and community ties to the Christian tradition.”

The tradition is believed to date back to the 7th Century in its origi­ nal form. The more modern version

10

containing bread and eggs (symbols of the Resurrection and Christ) are believed to have originated in the 12th century.

“This serves as a testament not only to religious devotion but also to cultural belonging and national identity,” Fr. Franczak said.

The basket is traditionally lined with white linen and contains a variety of different foods, each with its own special symbolism or meaning.

■ Bread – represents the body of Christ and is a reminder of the dai­ ly bread for which we give thanks ■ Easter eggs – these brilliantly decorated eggs called “pisanki” refer symbolize new life and Resur­ rection ■ Horseradish – a symbol of strength and health that overcome bitter experiences of life ■ Salt – a symbol of sweat and suffering of Jesus protecting us against corruption ■ Butter – a sign of wealth (This is usually in the form of a Paschal Lamb or “Baranek”) ■ Lamb – a symbol of victory of life over death, ■ Sausage, bacon and other meats – refer to the end of the Lenten fast and joy associated with the Resurrection The Święconka is also an excel­ lent way to teach the next genera­ tions of family members about this treasured Polish tradition.

Fr. Franszczak imparts the fol­ lowing blessing on all.

“May this special time of prepa­ ration for Easter bring us all closer to God and help us to experience joy, hope and peace that that come from Him.” C

O C C A T H O L I C ■ A P R I L 7, 2 0 2 4

ŚWIĘCONKA IS THE POLISH TRADITION OF HAVING BASKETS OF FOOD BLESSED ON HOLY SATURDAY, AHEAD OF EASTER DINNER. PHOTOS BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

ON MARCH 30 (HOLY SATURDAY), THE FAITHFUL BROUGHT BASKETS OF FOOD TO THE SAINT JOHN PAUL II POLISH CENTER IN YORBA LINDA TO BE BLESSED BY FR. ZBIGNIEW FRASZCZAK PRIOR TO EASTER DINNER.

SCHOOLS

TACSC LEADERSHIP DAYS TEACHING STUDENTS TO USE THEIR GOD-GIVEN GIFTS

BY BELINDA ESPINOZA, ENROLLMENT & MARKETING COORDINATOR FOR THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

T

HE ASSOCIATION OF Cath­ olic Student Councils (TACSC) Leadership Day was recently planned by the Department of Catholic Schools for middle school level students who attend our diocesan Catholic elementary schools. TACSC is a Catholic leadership organization whose slogan is “We Grow Leaders” based out of Pasadena, California.

This year, over 600 students partic­ ipated in this two-day event that took place on Feb. 5 at Servite High School and on March 11 at Rosary Academy.

The schools were divided into two groups and they either attended the February or March event. The event teaches mid­ dle school students to develop skills in servant leadership and how to use their God-given gifts to create change in their communities.

The schedule for the student leader­ ship days was the same format at both sites. It involved meeting as a whole group to start the day in the high school gym and starting the day with prayer and a message from Dr. Erin Barisano, Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Orange, about the importance of developing leadership skills before the students broke out into rotations.

The students were separated into three groups which gives them the opportunity to network with other students who don’t attend their school. One group stays in the gym and the other two groups utilize the classrooms, and they rotate three times throughout the day.

Aria Z. from St. Joseph Catholic School in School Placentia, said, “being

ROSARY ACADEMY HOSTED A TACSC LEADERSHIP DAY FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ON MARCH 11. PHOTO BY BELINDA ESPINOZA

able to make new friends” was one of her favorite parts of the leadership day.

She said learning to make new friends made her think about her future because “when I move to high school, I’m going to have to step outside my comfort zone and introduce myself first.”

The students attended workshops on topics that include time management

and public speaking. The leadership challenge portion includes learning how to work in a group, conflict management techniques, learning about teamwork and working with different personality types. When learning about servant leadership, students are taught to put their faith in action and learn how to become change makers.

The students also participated in ice­ breakers to get to know each other better, snack time and lunch breaks and a closing prayer to end the day.

One of the goals of TACSC Leadership Days is for students to learn many differ­ ent leadership skills while having fun.

Students at St. Cecilia attended the first CONTINUES ON PAGE 14

A P R I L 7, 2 0 2 4 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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FEATURE

ATTENDEES OF ST. CATHERINE’S ACADEMY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION ENJOY A SPECIAL BBQ ON MARCH 19. PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

itary aspect was a net positive. A class of 1985 alumnus who attended from sixth to eighth grade, the senior Talactac said he loved the camaraderie, brotherhood and discipline, all of which help students deal with the confusion and distraction secular life can throw at them.

“As a father, especially to a son and especially in society these days,” he said, “they need discipline in the sense that they just need guidelines, and they don’t need a lot of distractions. This is where we really get to focus on faith and lead­ ership, and that’s what I really wanted for him. I think for every cadet, every boy here, it turns them into men.” C

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ST. CATHERINE’S ACADEMY, CIRCA 1930S. PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. CATHERINE’S ACADEMY.

O C C A T H O L I C ■ A P R I L 7, 2 0 2 4

ST. CATHERINE’S ACADEMY IN ANAHEIM CELEBRATED A SPECIAL MASS ON MARCH 19 TO MARK 135 YEARS. PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

CATHOLIC FAMILY LIVING

MERCY IS LOVE POURED OUT OVER MISERY

BY JOAN PATTEN, A.O.

T

HE EASTER SEASON OFTEN brings out the best in us. We saw a greater attendance at Sunday Mass. “Easter outfits” contributed to the beauty and colorful ar­ ray of the church environment. We cheer­ fully greeted one another with, “Christ is Risen!” Glorifying Christ’s Resurrection and victory over death merit this festive celebration, and our Easter traditions allow us to incorporate the joy of Easter into our lives. Naturally, we look our best, and after 40 days of prayer and penance, we feel pretty good about ourselves and our relationship with God. However, we are still writing our “saint stories.” There are always more areas of our lives that we need conversion, and even greater graces are available from Our Lord, who calls us friends (cf. Jn. 15:15).

We judge that a good friend accepts us completely, with our good qualities and weaknesses. Those who know us at our worst moments of failure and misery and yet still choose to call us “friends” are friends indeed. For friends such as these, we don’t have to wear our best appearance or perform in a certain way to be loved. A true friend may know us better than we know ourselves and draw the good out of us that we didn’t think we possessed.

In relationships with others, we slowly reveal ourselves, and as trust grows, we allow ourselves to be known more intimately. Friendship with Jesus is like this. Jesus tells us, “I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father (Jn. 15:5).” He re­ veals His wounds to us like He did to Thomas and invites us to draw near and touch Him (cf. Jn. 20:27). He tells us that He thirsts for our love (cf. Jn. 19:28).

He walks with us like the disciples

PHOTO BY AARON BURDEN ON UNSPLASH

on the road to Emmaus and asks for the details of our hearts (cf. Lk. 24:19).

Jesus makes His Heart vulnerable to us and freely offers Himself in friendship.

The depth of our friendship with Christ is measured by our honesty with Him. We can try to present ourselves to the Lord as we think we should be or choose to reveal our brokenness and woundedness before the Lord. What does the Lord do when He gazes upon the misery we entrust to Him? A glance through the Scriptures immediately tells us the answer, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ (Eph. 2:4-5).”

God does not love us despite our weaknesses but because of them. His response to our misery is an outpouring of His infinite love. This act of love is the

mercy of God the Father that Jesus makes visible to us.

The Church celebrates and gives thanks for God’s mercy in a special way this Sunday. St. John Paul II instituted this celebration as “Divine Mercy Sunday” in 2000, noting that the liturgy for the conclusion of the octave of Easter focuses on God’s mercy and for­ giveness. St. John Paul II also canonized St. Faustina Kowalska at the same time and encouraged veneration of the Divine Mercy image that Jesus revealed to St. Faustina.

The world is in a miserable state and is in great need of God’s mercy. Instead of contemplating our misery, let us turn our eyes to the image of the Di­ vine Mercy and allow Jesus to behold our misery so He may pour out His redemptive love. The more we make ourselves available to the mercy of God, the greater we will experience His mercy and, therefore, be a sign of mercy to others. Acts of mercy are not simply good deeds but participate in the salvific action of God, who heals the wounded, restores the broken and frees the captives (cf. Is. 61:1-3).

The simple prayer, “Jesus, I trust in you,” that was revealed to her, invites us to surrender our misery to God, who is Mercy. C

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SCHOOLS

THE ASSOCIATION OF CATHOLIC STUDENT COUNCILS (TACSC) IS A CATHOLIC LEADERSHIP ORGANIZATION WHOSE SLOGAN IS “WE GROW LEADERS.” PHOTOS BY BELINDA ESPINOZA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

day at Servite High School.

“During the TACSC leadership day, I learned leadership skills and how to be more confident in my public speaking,” said Adam L., a student at St. Cecilia Catholic School.

Students also had the opportunity to complete a service project as part of their day.

“My favorite part about attending TACSC was making cards for the seniors because I love bringing smiles to peoples’ faces,” said Alexis E., who also attends St. Cecilia Catholic School.

Not only do middle school students learn to become leaders, but high school

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students from Rosary Academy and Ser­ vite High School lead the workshops and small group activities for the day.

“I liked the idea of kids close to our age teaching us because we all relate and know what’s boring and what’s fun so we kind of saw eye to eye,” said Aria Z. The TACSC staff is there to facilitate and make sure everything runs smoothly.

We are grateful for this partnership with TACSC and our hope is that our stu­ dents are well equipped to be faithful lead­ ers as they reach adulthood and share their God given gifts and talents with others.

To learn more about Orange County Cath­ olic Schools, visitoccatholicschools.org C

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ROSARY ACADEMY HOSTED A TACSC LEADERSHIP DAY FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ON MARCH 11. THE EVENT WAS COORDINATED BY THE DIOCESE’S ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.

Moments MomentsininourourJourney Journey

On March 19, Mission San Juan Capistrano celebrated the Return of the Swallows and the feast day of St. Joseph. Festivities included ringing of the historic Mission bells, Native American storytelling, flamenco dancing, live music and Mass.

—Photo by Everett Johnson/Diocese of Orange

Send your photos that capture Catholic life in your parish community to: editor@occatholic.com A P R I L 7, 2 0 2 4 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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