OC CATHOLIC - JUNE 18, 2023

JUNE 18, 2023

A FATHER’S DAY REFLECTION

PAGE 4

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

SPECIAL GRADUATION ISSUE 2023

PHOTOS BY DIOCESE OF ORANGE CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: KIERNAN COLIFLORES, DREW KELLEY, STEVE GEORGES, KAYLEE TOOLE AND IAN TRAN

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JUNE 18, 2023

CONTENTS

8 OBJECTS IN MOTION

SMCHS students mark the end of the year with a cardboard boat regatta.

AND DAUGHTERS, A CHERISHED 14 DADS TRADITION

Rosary’s year-end tradition sees fathers dishing up breakfast for graduating seniors.

16 TAKING THE PLUNGE

JSerra’s annual ‘Senior Plunge’ is a fun close to students’ high school careers.

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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BISHOP’S COLUMN

A FATHER’S DAY REFLECTION

BY THE MOST REVEREND KEVIN W. VANN, JCD, DD

at home visiting with both of them, Mom said, referring to their health and aging, S WE CELEBRATE Father’s Day, “Bill you know we are not in good shape,” we have once again a civil or and his response was, “Mother, just be glad “secular” summer holiday that you have another day!” has both faith, religious and huMy father became Catholic about the man and family aspects. My brothers and time that he and Mom married, partly I were recently speaking about our Dad, because I believe my grandparents (Mom’s and the fact that late summer also brings parents) and their faith and love influenced around the remembrance of Dad’s birthday him, and most of all his love for Mom. He on Aug. 25. also, for a time after World War II, attendI have spoken a lot about Dad over the ed the Jesuit Rockhurst College in Kansas years and am grateful to share some of City, Missouri. these memories once again.

Dad’s life was not easy by any stretch of My father had a lot of funny expressions the imagination. He was born in 1925 in that we still remember: “Use your head for Dallas, Texas at Parkland Hospital. He was something besides at hat rack”; “You people” one of four children. His father abandoned referring to us his children, especially in them during Depression times when he the evening: “Can’t get you people to bed and the others were very young, and our at night and can’t get you people up in the grandmother Vann raised them nearly morning!” And on a more serious note, alone, with the support of her brothers and speaking with Mom one time when I was sisters. She was a very strong and heroic

A

BISHOP VANN’S FATHER, WILLIAM VANN, IS PICTURED UPON HIS GRADUATION FROM THE U.S. NAVAL TRAINING CENTER IN SAN DIEGO, CA, CIRCA 1942. PHOTO COURTESY OF BISHOP KEVIN VANN

woman, and I believe they lived in tenements, they were so poor. He attempted to enlist in the Navy the day after Pearl Harbor, but was too young, though when he reached the right age, he did so. He completed his basic training in San Diego!

CONTINUES ON PAGE 21

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.

ST. JOHN’S SEMINARY CAMARILLO, CALIFORNIA

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Students will be prepared to work in different areas of ministry and make professional and personal connections with others of the same mind and spirit.

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For more information Email: mapm@stjohnsem.edu or visit www.stjohnsem.edu

O C C A T H O L I C ■ J U N E 18 , 2 0 2 3

Watch a brief video about the program

A studio with professional video, audio, and lighting equipment has been built to produce visually stunning content by our world-class faculty. This studio allows our students to have an enjoyable technological experience.

DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

ART ON CAMPUS

“

The process of understanding Christ’s message never ends — Pope Francis

SAINT PROFILE

”

EMILY DE VIALAR

E

MILY WAS THE ONLY daughter of a French baron. At 15 she left school in Paris to become her widowed father’s companion in Gaillac. Despite his wishes, Emily would not marry, and for 15 years tended neglected children and the poor. In 1832, when her maternal grandfather left her a fortune, she bought a large house in Gaillac, which became the first home of the Congregation of Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition. In 1835, the order won approval and Emily and 17 other sisters professed vows. Their charisms were care of the needy and education. Emily oversaw the formation of 40 houses, before dying from complications of a hernia she’d gotten in her youth while doing a good deed.

F

ESTAL DOORS. Donor: The John and Lucy Curci Family.

The festal doors, also known as the bishop’s doors, are two 7,000-pound blackened steel doors that dramatically pivot open during special occasions held at Christ Cathedral. The doors feature a bronze bas relief by the sculptor Pablo Eduardo that depicts the story of the Creation. Photo by the Diocese of Orange C

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

2 COR 6:1-10; PS 98:1, 2B, 3AB, 3CD-4; MT 5:38-42

2 COR 8:1-9; PS 146:2, 5-6AB, 6C- 7, 8-9A; MT 5:43-48

2 COR 9:6-11; PS 112:1BC-2, 3-4, 9; MT 6:1-6, 16-18

2 COR 11:1-11; PS 111:1B-2, 3-4, 7-8; MT 6:7-15

2 COR 11:18, 2130; PS 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; MT 6:19-23

IS 49:1-6; 139:1B3, 13-14AB, 14C15; ACTS 13:22-26; LK 1:57-66, 80

JER 20:10-13; PS 69:8-10, 14, 17, 3335; ROM 5:12-15; MT 10:26-33

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FEATURE

“HOPE IS THE MEMORY OF THE FUTURE”

BY PATTY MAHONEY

D

R. ERIN BARISANO, Super­ intendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Orange, and Auxiliary Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen, who oversees our Catholic Schools, recently hosted an online Zoom with this year’s school valedictorians and salutatorians.

Born out of COVID, the Zoom calls first started three years ago back in 2020, during the pandemic lockdown.

“We were trying to think of a way to honor our graduates in a special way, so we started this Zoom for our valedictorians and salutatorians,” she said.

Dr. Barisano expressed how much she and Bishop Nguyen enjoy meeting with graduates in this personal way and also inviting special guests to join in on the call.

“I love this every year,” echoed Bishop Nguyen.

This year, Dr. Barisano invited past school valedictorians and salutatorians to be panel­ ists and talk about their transitions from high school to college.

This year’s panelists included: Tiffany Le, a 2021 graduate of Mater Dei who currently attends Chapman University; Nathan James, a 2022 graduate of JSerra who currently attends Biola University; Kit Loughran, 2012 graduate of Rosary Academy who attended the University of Notre Dame and is a recent graduate of the Wharton College of Business (MBA).

The panelists discussed everything from moving out of state to attend college to choosing classes once there.

The 2023 graduates included the follow­ ing valedictorians and salutatorians:

KATHERINE DYGEAN:

High School: JSerra College: UCLA School of Nursing Reflection: “Your faith is what you make of it.”

CAMILIA HALL

High School: Santa Margarita

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Reflection: “High school’s been filled with ups and downs but so many memories.”

ALEX FOY

High School: Servite College: UCSD/Biology Reflection: “A special memory for me is our two post season volleyball runs and having that experience with my teammates.”

DR. ERIN BARISANO, SUPERINTENDENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS FOR THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE, ADDRESSES GUEST PANELISTS DURING A SPECIAL PRE-GRADUATION ZOOM CALL ON MAY 24. PHOTO BY PATTY MAHONEY

College/Major: UC Irvine/Economics Reflection: “SM was a good balance of every­thing I wanted in high school.”

CATHRYN SURDILLA

High School: Santa Margarita College/Major: UCLA/Microbiology Reflection: “It’s (SM) taught me to branch out of my shell.”

DARIUS MAHJOOB

High School: Santa Margarita College/Major: USC/Computer Sci­ ence and Business Administration Reflection: “Knowing that everybody else is in the same boat has really helped me get through these four years.”

JAKE MARICICH

High School: Servite College/Major: UCLA/Neuroscience Reflection: “It’s been really nice to have four years of supportive relation­ ships and the kindness and genuineness of them.”

ERYNN SWEENEY

High School: Mater Dei College: Fordham University Reflection: “I know that all the friend­ ships I made (at Mater Dei), I will keep.”

LINDSEY HUGHES

High School: JSerra College/Major: UCLA/Electrical Engineer­ing Reflection: “A favorite high school memory is this past year winning both CIF and state water polo with some of my best friends.”

NICOLAS DORGAN

High School: Santa Margarita College/Major: USC/Biomedical engi­ neering Reflection: “It’s okay to have fun.”

TYLER RINGHOFER

High School: Santa Margarita College/Major: UPenn/Political Sci­ ence

As the Zoom call drew to a close, Dr. Barisano shared some of her thoughts on the future: “As you move from your Catholic high school, and what is a very small pod into the larger pod, continue to carry a sense of hope with you. I think sometimes it’s easy to get bogged down with some of the challenges that we face and the challenges that surround us in our world. We hear tragedies and struggles in the news every day and as people of faith and coming from Catholic high schools, I think we’re really called to be people of hope.”

She recalled how, while on retreat a couple of years ago, she came across a prayer card that read: ‘Hope is the memory of the future.’

“As we face challenges in our lives and we all have challenges and we will continue to face challenges, that we can regain our courage, we can regain our strength and our peace through the memories of the good times. And a lot of you shared those good times in high school.”

Bishop Nguyen then closed the discus­sion with a few words. “God created you in His own image,” he said.

“Remember, you are loved by God.” He added, “On behalf of Bishop Vann and Bishop Freyer, I want to congratulate all of you. We are proud of your achieve­ ments and we pray as you embark on a new life, remember your roots.” C

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SANTA MARGARITA

OBJECTS IN MOTION SMCHS STUDENTS TAKE ON NEWTON’S THEORY OF MOTION AND GRAVITY AND BOTH WIN

BY MEG WATERS

S

INK OR SWIM WAS the challenge in the final physics exam for 49 juniors and seniors in Helen Wagner’s Santa Margarita Catholic High School physics class. The exam was a team effort to build cardboard boats and get them in one piece across the school swimming pool.

Eleven cardboard boats, designed and built by student teams, were launched in the final week of school by two-person crews who paddled (or not) across the water.

Newton’s laws of motion and gravity were on display in real time.

According to Wagner, the admiral of this pasteboard fleet, “Six of the 11 boats made it across the pool, so we had a 55% success rate!”

No one was harmed except the five boats that succumbed to gravity and water. Lesson learned.

Luckily, student grades depended on more than the seaworthiness of their vessels. The four student teams earned points based on participation, including boat design blueprints (with measurements) and construction worth 20 points. The remaining 10 points covered the design quality of the construction and an appropriate theme. Extra credit (one point) went to the fastest boat and theme participation. Three-point penalties resulted if a boat didn’t cross the pool and four points if the boat wasn’t ready in time.

The cardboard boat regatta took place over two days during the last week of classes. On day one, the winning boat

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was the pirate-themed “The Cod Father.” The team that designed and built it included senior Luke Spindler, headed for CSUF and senior Jack Armstrong, who will set sail for UCSD in the fall. Cole Peterson, who also came up with the “The Cod Father” name, will be heading east to the University of Georgia and Cannon Thiessen to the University of Indiana.

Spindler and Armstrong paddled the boat across the pool in 63 seconds.

On day two, three of the five boats made it across the pool – all in less than 60 seconds.

The winning boat was “The Cruiser,” designed and built by seniors Luke Lavin, Jack Svinth, Camiren Varela and junior Tyler Lang. The entry featured a laid-back Hawaiian Island cruise motif. Varela and Lang rowed the boat, which ultimately came in first over the two-day competition Wagner, who teaches physics and chemistry, is retiring after the Class of 2023 tosses their mortarboards. She has spent 19 years teaching in Orange County Catholic high schools, including Cornelia Connelly in Anaheim.

Newton’s first law states that every object will remain at rest or in uniform motion in a straight line unless compelled to change its state by the action of an external force. The students who participated in the cardboard boat race may go on to careers in science, law, medicine, technology or something not yet on the books. But it’s pretty safe to bet that none of them will ever forget their high school physics final…proving once again that the external force of a good teacher can be a lifelong propellent. C

ONE OF SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL’S CARDBOARD BOAT REGATTA WINNERS WAS THE PIRATE-THEMED “THE COD FATHER,” DESIGNED AND BUILT BY A TEAM OF SENIORS THAT INCLUDED LUKE SPINDLER, JACK ARMSTRONG, COLE PETERSON AND CANNON THIESSEN. PHOTOS BY COLIN HORAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL PHYSICS CLASS STUDENTS COMPETE IN A CARDBOARD BOAT REGATTA ON THE SCHOOL CAMPUS.

HELEN WAGNER, WHO TEACHES PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY AT SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, WILL RETIRE AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR.

SANTA MARGARITA

S

ANTA MARGARITA CELEBRATED ITS graduates on Friday, June 2, at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Photos

by Steve Georges/Diocese of Orange

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MATER DEI

THE DATING PROJECT

BY MIKE ZINN

A

T MATER DEI HIGH School, religious studies is an integral part of the student experience.

Seniors have a choice of elective courses in religious studies during their final year. One of these electives is the Christian Lifestyles course, which is taught by Mrs. Katie Bystedt and Mr. Vince Prietto.

One key component of the Christian Lifestyles course is an assignment titled “The Dating Project.” It was created

by Professor Kerry Cronin of Boston College and adapted for Mater Dei by Bystedt and Prietto. The basis for this assignment is to help combat the growing trend of technology, “hook-up culture” as well as drug and alcohol use on college campuses. As outlined in a parental permission letter sent to all parents RELIGIOUS STUDIES TEACHER VINCE PRIETTO TENDS TO HIS CLASS AT MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL. PHOTOS BY COLIN HORAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE and guardians of students in this class, Prietto lists the objective of this assignment as a “means for students to practice cultivating the emotional intimacy for developing healthy relationships.” It is noted that if a parent/guardian, or student is uncomfortable with this assignment, they will be given an alternative writing assignment. The student will not be penalized in any way.

The Dating Project starts with a “Level One” date. There are very specific guidelines for this date, which is meant to be casual. The purpose is to spend intentional time with someone that the student may admire. This is a platonic date! The date requires students to choose an acquaintance with whom they have never had one-on-one time with. Some additional guidelines are: ■ Ask in person. No extravagant invitations.

■ Arrange the date within three days of asking.

■ No phone use during the date (this includes selfies, photos, texting).

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MATER DEI STUDENTS LISTEN IN DURING THEIR CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLES COURSE LECTURE.

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No documentation of the date on social media.

■ The date is intended for a maximum time of 45-90 minutes. Less is more! The date must be during daylight hours and in a public place.

■ The person initiating the date pays.

The total cost must not exceed $10.

Students are encouraged to explore free date options in Orange County on the internet.

After the completion of the date, students are asked to write a 2-page reflection which includes the various thoughts and feelings they experienced, prior to, during and after the date. Such reflections might include: “How did you feel when asking the person out for a date?” or “What was it like to stay off social media?”

The Dating Project assignment could be daunting for even the most mature and savvy high school students. Some students will totally embrace the experience while others may approach the process with dread!

Senior Sade Calvero expressed what she learned from the project.

“From my experience, the Dating Project taught me that going on a date does not have to be romantic or intimate and it is simply getting to know someone new.”

Senior Jared McDuffie added: “Through my experience, I have come to learn that by bringing back the normalization of casual dates, people my age will be more likely to create healthy relationships.”

Prietto said he believes the benefits of Mater Dei senior students taking the Christian Lifestyles course and participating in The Dating Project assignment are many.

“A monk I know says good religion helps us connect with S.O.N.G (self, others, nature and God),” he said. “And I believe religion classes are opportunities for students to strengthen those connections and grow in their awareness of a response to God’s love.” C

MATER DEI

M

ATER DEI CELEBRATED ITS graduation on Saturday, May 27, at the Bren Events Center on the campus of the University of California, Irvine. Photos by Kaylee Toole/Diocese of Orange

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Congratulations!

CLASS OF 2023

111

STUDENTS IN THE CLASS OF 2023

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ROSARY

ROSARY ACADEMY DADS AND DAUGHTERS ENJOY A CHERISHED TRADITION

BY LOU PONSI

D

OZENS OF FATHERS OF Rosary Academy seniors showed up at the school dining hall, some as early as 5:45 a.m., to create one more cherished memory with their daughters prior to graduation.

Held on May 19, the final day of the academic year, the Rosary dads cooked and served pancakes, delivered coffee and juice, bussed tables and emptied trash.

Yes, it is called the father/daughter breakfast, but many Rosary moms were up late the night before decorating the dining hall, so it was a family affair.

“Truly, it is the senior sendoff,” said Jim Watson, who came up with the idea for the pancake breakfast with his wife during the 2021-22 academic year, their daughter’s senior year at Rosary.

Watson’s second daughter is a junior at Rosary.

“We can pick any day and have a pancake breakfast, but I think what has become special is that it the girls’ last academic day on campus and we wanted to make that memorable,” Watson said. “Dads get to spend even those extra few minutes, whether they were in the kitchen this morning, or they are going to be emptying trash later today, just to be able to be in the room, to feel the energy, to see their daughter in this space one more time.”

Portraits of every graduating senior graced an entire wall in the dining hall, and after breakfast, the soon-to-be graduates went down the line, armed with Sharpies, to pen final messages on each other’s portrait.

Plenty of yearbooks were being signed as well.

Most of the seniors donned sweatshirts representing the colleges and universities they’ll be attending.

“I think the girls need to have a sendoff,” said Tony Mercado, who showed up on behalf his daughter Vivian, one of his eight children, all who have attended, currently attend, or will be attending

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A ROSARY ACADEMY DAD REFLECTS DURING THE ANNUAL FATHER/DAUGHTER BREAKFAST HELD ON MAY 19.

PHOTOS BY RENNE ENRIQUEZ/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

MANY FATHERS OF ROSARY ACADEMY SENIORS PREPARED AND SERVED BREAKFAST TO THEIR DAUGHTERS ON MAY 19.

ROSARY ACADEMY SENIORS ENJOY BREAKFAST DURING A TRADITIONAL EVENT LEADING UP TO GRADUATION.

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Rosary or Servite High School. “It’s a big deal that they understand that they have all their dads’ support. Rosary is a wonderful place for the young ladies to grow up and find themselves within the tradition of their Catholic faith. There is no other place I’d send her.”

Senior Annabella Barretto, who is off to the University of San Diego on a soccer scholarship, said she hasn’t always been able to attend father-daughter events at Rosary because of her busy schedule, but she did attend the father-daughter dance for the first time this year.

“For me, personally, my dad plays the role of both my parents, so the father-daughter events are extremely special for my sister and me,” Barretto said. “Today I was so happy that my dad got to come out and serve breakfast and just be here.

It’s super good that he was able to celebrate with us and he was able to see me and my friends.”

Dayna Sanders, mother of graduate Bridgette Sanders, said the impact that the Rosary fathers have on their daughters will last a lifetime.

“The way that these dads are showing up, these young will go out and choose partners of faith and of commitment and they will continue on and foster that,” Sanders said. “I always say, keep growing love. That is what I see.” C

ROSARY ACADEMY SENIOR ANNABELLA BARRETTO HAS A LAUGH WITH HER DAD DURING THE ANNUAL FATHER/DAUGHTER BREAKFAST.

ROSARY

R

OSARY ACADEMY’S GRADUATION WAS celebrated on Friday, May 26 at the Karcher Center on campus. Photos by Kiernan Coliflores/Diocese of Orange

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JSERRA

JSERRA SENIORS TAKE THE PLUNGE

BY LOU PONSI

S

OME HIT THE WATER like human cannonballs. Others held hands, making the leap into the water side-by-side. Some of the more athletic types did flips. Then there were those who jumped, feet-first, into the pool, holding their nose.

Whatever technique they use, the JSerra Catholic High School senior plunge is a tradition like no other.

As is tradition, the entire class of 120-plus seniors, donned in the formal attire they wore for the Mass immediately before, charged onto the pool deck and launched themselves into the water, where they then stayed and frolicked for a good half hour.

This year’s plunge took place on May 17, with dozens of parents, teachers and administrators capturing the action with cell phones and video cameras.

“They’ve been working hard and now they get to celebrate and have fun,” JSerra activity director Emily O’Berry said. “They’ve worked hard so we want to make them feel special.”

The senior plunge became a sanctioned annual tradition in 2011, but actually started two years earlier as a prank, O’Berry said.

Senior Ashton Peasley made his big splash into the water, after receiving the Science Department Gold Award minutes earlier during JSerra’s senior awards festivities.

“It was super gratifying just to be with my friends who I’ve been close with the last four years and to get the award and all of them cheering for me and then to be able to jump in the pool together is a great experience,” said Peasley, a straight-A honors student who’ll be taking pre-med classes at UCLA. “It kind of symbolizes that you’re reached that point that you are going to graduate in a week.” JSERRA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL’S ANNUAL SENIOR PLUNGE TOOK PLACE MAY 17, WITH DOZENS OF PARENTS, TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS CAPTURING THE ACTION WITH CELL PHONES AND VIDEO CAMERAS. PHOTOS BY RENNE ENRIQUEZ After they had enough of the water,

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the seniors dried off, enjoyed lunch and received their yearbooks.

The plunge was among several activities celebrating JSerra graduates.

They took a trip to Catalina the day before the plunge and were gearing up for senior prom that took place two days later.

Nobody on the pool deck could think of another school that celebrates its graduates with a ritual as unique as the plunge.

“It was crazier than I expected,” said senior Annaliese Cuvick, who plans to major in sports medicine at Chapman University. “This is just kind of like a farewell good activity to say goodbye and really leave our mark on JSerra.”

Senior Nixon Broders said the senior plunge is a way to blow off steam after a year of hard work.

“It’s just a fun way to get rid of all the stress that we’ve had this year and get ready to move on,” said Broders, who will be attending the University of Utah where he plans to major in film and hit the ski slopes. “This is a great moment for all of us.”

JSerra has done a great job making all the seniors feel special, Sophia Recupero said.

“This has definitely been one of the things I’ve been most looking forward to this year,” said Recupero, who will be attending Santa Clara University. “I’ve just seen a whole bunch of pictures and videos of it from past years and to finally get to do it is pretty surreal. Everyone enjoys it. It’s really great to have one final hurrah with everyone.” C

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SERRA’S GRADUATION WAS HELD on Saturday, May 27, on its San Juan Capistrano campus. Photos by Ian Tran/Diocese of Orange

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SERVITE

SERVITE CELEBRATES BACCALAUREATE MASS

BY ROSALIA RIPULLO

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BROTHERHOOD ROOTED IN service and strengthened through leadership and unity, Servite’s 2023 graduating class holds a promising future for themselves and their school.

Led by the Catholic faith and the spiritual gifts of the Order of Friar Servants of Mary, Servite High School aims to form a brotherhood of intellectual, service-driven young men.

In recognition of their achievements, this year’s Servite Baccalaureate Mass to honor graduating seniors was celebrated on June 1 at Christ Cathedral.

This was the second year the Mass was celebrated inside the Cathedral – a decision that due to the Cathedral’s abundant space – has allowed for invites to be extended to all Servite families.

On this special evening, the Class of 2023 proceeded into the Cathedral last, with excited seniors high-fiving Fr. Sebastianus Mulu, who serves at Servite High School, as they were led to their seats.

Fr. Eugene Smith, OSM, was the main celebrant of the Mass. His homily centered on Jesus’ leadership in service and how His teachings have extended to the students over the course of their high school careers. Fr. Eugene also spoke about believing in and pursuing salvation by working together and using our unique gifts.

One student, Hudson Hammar, has especially proven this commitment to service through his priory leadership, where he was secretary-general and led his peers throughout the program and in campus activities.

Set to attend Boston College in the fall, Hammar said he has seen himself grow at Servite.

“Since my freshman year,” he recalled, “I have seen myself mature to understand the importance of servant leadership.”

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Inspired by this understanding, Hammar, who lettered in volleyball, founded the service ministry, Her Servant’s Closet, which aims to collect and distribute used/outgrown uniforms to students in need.

Other students have also witnessed their own growth.

Amario McGuire, an honors student, Key Club member and athlete who will continue his education at UCLA, credited the school with bolstering his faith.

SERVITE HIGH SCHOOL’S BACCALAUREATE MASS TO HONOR GRADUATING SENIORS, WAS CELEBRATED ON JUNE 1 AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. “I have been able to PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE really stay with my faith because of the Servite community,” he said.

In following with school tradition, at the conclusion of Mass, the students sang the ancient Latin hymn, “Salve Regina” to demonstrate their commitment and devotion to the Blessed Mother.

Traditions have long been of the utmost priority for the school.

The credo at Servite is, “We are not just part of the story of our class, but part of the larger 60 years story of our school, the 780-year story of our order and 2,022-year story of our Church.”

The Servite High School community also recognized the hard work of parent volunteers who served at the school over the course their sons’ time there. Stephen Walswick (Servite Class of 2002) who is the school principal and interim president, presented Volunteer Service Awards to the following parent leaders: Mrs. Vanessa Buchanan, Mrs. Julie Foy and Mr. and Mrs. Jeff and Susan Hamar.

“We thank our parents for strengthening our Servite community,” said Walswick. C

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SERVITE

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ERVITE CELEBRATED ITS GRADUATES on Friday, June 2, at Friends Church in Yorba Linda. Photos by Drew Kelley/Diocese of Orange

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Aidan Bradley Halderman Mater Dei Dear son; Congratulations on your Graduation! May The Lord Bless you, Guide you and Keep you always close to Him. We love you with all our Heart!

George Denninghoff IV Mater Dei

Congratulations, George!

We are so proud of you and the incredible young man you are! Remember the gifts of FAMILY, FRIENDS, and FAITH, as they will always be your solid foundation. We love you so much and will always be your biggest fans!

Love, Your Family

Amelie Lima Mater Dei Congratulations Amelie! Mater Dei Graduate, Harvard University, Major: Gov. & Economics, Setter D1 Volleyball. We love you!

Mom, Dad and Anastasia.

Go Crimson!

Joseph “Joe” Yocam V Mater Dei

Well done Joe! You have survived High School by the grace of God. Now he will guide you on your musical journey. Remember: “Music is an agreeable harmony for the honor of God and the permissible delights of the soul.” ― Johann Sebastian Bach We love you and are so very proud of you…

Mom, Dad, Jackie, Oma & Opa Widera, and Andrea Yocam

BISHOP’S COLUMN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

Olivia Zamarripa Mater Dei Olivia we’re so proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished! Congrats!

Love, Mom, Michael, Grandpa and Grandma

Giovanni McClure Mater Dei Giovanni, Your journey has been a testament to your strength and determination. Embrace the world with open arms, for you are destined to achieve greatness.

Stay true to your values, be kind and compassionate to others, and always strive to make a difference.

Love, Juliana, Caroline, Oliver, Mom, and Dad

Sean Beardsley Servite Congratulations Sean, we are so proud of you. Follow your heart, it knows the way.

Love, Dad, Mom, Mic, Patrick and Collin

BISHOP KEVIN VANN’S FATHER, WILLIAM VANN, IS PICTURED AS A CHILD, CIRCA 1927.

From my Dad I learned, which I still take with me today, that you always do the right thing, which is never easy, but you persist. He taught us all this by his example. When he and Mom were married, he got a job at the post office, and worked long and hard hours, often rising early to take care of the mail at the local Parcel Post Station. Dad never complained, and from a human point of view, he had a lot to complain about, but he never did, and he certainly taught us all to instead, be grateful. He applied for this job at the post office not because he liked working for the Government, but because he knew that it was a job that would provide well for a family. Growing up in the family situation that he did, he also showed all of us that negative experiences do not have to repeat themselves in succeeding generations. Dad was proud of his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and his respect and love for our country was an important part of his life. He belonged to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) organization, and we often participated in their events.

Most of all, my mother was the love of his life. They were married for 62 years.

I saw this firsthand, when I would make trips back to Springfield to see him after I

was assigned here. My mother was called to Eternal Life in June of the year (2012) that I was appointed here. Thus, with the understanding and support of the staff here, I made monthly trips back to Springfield to spend time with him, often just watching TV in the evening. He would often say, “You don’t have to come all of this way just to sit and watch TV with me.” My response was, “But Dad, didn’t you and Mom spend hours with us over the years?”

Those memories I treasure the most.

They gave me a chance to spend the night at home with him and help him if needed.

I especially remember my now deceased sister Mary Therese, whose care and support helped him to remain at home in his last years.

Dad missed Mom terribly in those two years before he too passed away. What I learned from him was the firsthand experience of the love of husband and wife in the Sacrament of Marriage.

I had the experience and blessing of being with him at the moment he passed into Eternal Life. My brothers and their families were all present. I said to him something like, “Dad, it’s OK you can go, Mom is waiting. Anchors Aweigh!” and the organist worked that Navy hymn into the final processional at Blessed Sacrament Church in Springfield, Illinois, where they had been married on April 15, 1950! C

BISHOP KEVIN VANN’S PARENTS, WILLIAM AND THERESA VANN, ON THEIR WEDDING DAY, APRIL 15, 1950.

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Moments in our Journey

Hats Off to The Cathedral Organ Scholars!

Cathedral Organ Scholars Ethan Chow, André Lombardi, Alyce Reynaud and Hubert Tran have all trained under Cathedral Organist and Head of Music Ministry David Ball. They recently visited Christ Cathedral campus and brought along the May 21 issue of OC Catholic, in which they were featured.

Chow is a recent graduate of Valencia High School in Placentia and will be attending The Juilliard School in the fall. Lombardi just graduated from Beckman High School in Irvine and will attend Rice University. Reynaud is a 2021 graduate of Foothill High School in North Tustin and will be attending McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Tran is a 2023 graduate of Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana and will be attending Yale University.

Congratulations to all the high school graduates!

Send your photos that capture Catholic life in your parish community to: editor@occatholic.com

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