OC CATHOLIC - JULY 3, 2022

JULY 3, 2022

SHARING THE BREAD OF LIFE PAGE 8

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

NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL REKINDLING LOVE FOR THE EUCHARIST PAGE 6

THE NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL BEGAN WITH A PROCESSION ACROSS THE CAMPUS ON JUNE 18, 2022. PHOTO BY CHUCK BENNETT

JULY 3, 2022

CONTENTS

7

DECLARING INDEPENDENCE

The summer holiday reminds us of our good blessings of freedom and community.

10

SOWING THE SEEDS OF HOPE

14

GRATITUDE IN ACTION

The Santa Ana Garden of Hope, founded by Catholic Charities of Orange County, marks its first year.

St. Norbert School students choose two teachers to receive the school’s Nano Nagle award.

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

ADVERTISING Director of Custom Content: Caroline Wong, cawong@scng.com

SCNG CUSTOM CONTENT Managing Editor: Caitlin Adams

Art Director: Kenneth Abbott

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.

OCCatholic.com

OCCatholicNews

@OCCCatholicNews

GUEST COLUMN

A TALE OF TWO WEDDINGS

BY GREG ERLANDSON CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

H

OW DO WE ATTRACT people to our church? How do we invite people to “come and see”? These are questions being asked with greater urgency these days. The “nones,” that is, those with no religious affiliation, are growing in number, while too many Catholics are walking away from any sort of consistent practice.

A great deal of effort and money is spent developing tools to encourage and inspire Catholics to go forth and evangelize. Some of this goes to glossy diocesan magazines that eschew news for catechetical and inspirational stories. Some of it goes to programs and retreats, social media campaigns and videos.

All of this may be helpful, but it struck me recently that opportunities

may be closer at hand. Call this a tale of two weddings.

Two good friends of mine, married but neither Catholic, attended my sister’s recent wedding Mass. She very intentionally wanted it to be a beautiful and engaging liturgy because she knew there would be many non-Catholics and non-Christians celebrating with her.

The songs were unusual and beautifully sung. The readings were powerful.

Best of all, the pastor who celebrated the Mass exuded a sense of welcome and joy. His homily was both personal and rooted in the Scripture readings.

After the wedding, my friends were enthusiastic not just about the ceremony, but about the Mass and the priest.

A mountain of stereotypes was washed away by this experience. My sister’s goal CONTINUES ON PAGE 13

GREG ERLANDSON, DIRECTOR AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE. CNS PHOTO/BOB ROLLER

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.

SUMMER BREAK FOR ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC Please note that OC Catholic will not be printing a paper edition on the following Sundays:

July 31, August 7 and August 14

The print edition will return weekly starting August 21. In the meantime, go to occatholic.com for important news and updates from the Diocese of Orange and stories of faith and community.

The Sunday OC Catholic newspaper is a FREE addition available to all Sunday Orange County Register print subscribers and is also available at parishes across Orange County, thanks to the Diocese of Orange and valued OC Catholic advertisers.

4

O C C AT H O L I C n J U LY 3 , 2 0 2 2

DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

“

Treat the elderly today as you would wish to be treated in your old age

JULY 3, 2022 FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

”

— Pope Francis

GOOD NEWS IS ON THE WAY

T

HIS WEEK, IN THE midst of summer, the scriptures greet us with joy, peace, mercy and more peace! Sounds a little like Advent, doesn’t it?

We often associate the prophet Isaiah with that preparatory season, and our first reading rings with such words as exult, comfort and rejoice. The Israelites had reason to rejoice, for they had returned, come home, to a rebuilt Jerusalem from their exile in Babylon.

In the Gospel, the seventy-two disciples who were sent out have their own “homecoming,” returning to Jesus from spreading the Good News of the Kingdom and preparing people for the “advent” of Jesus into their cities and towns on his long road to Jerusalem. Like the exiles in Isaiah, the disciples return rejoicing.

The Good News, the Kingdom of God, is coming, even in summer. As today’s psalm reminds us, “Shout joyfully to God, all the earth!”.

Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co. C

SAINT PROFILE

THOMAS THE APOSTLE FIRST CENTURY

N

AMED AMONG THE Twelve Apostles in all four Gospels, Thomas figured prominently in several stories in John.

He said he was ready to die with Jesus, that he didn’t know where Jesus was going and so couldn’t follow, and famously doubted a post-Resurrection appearance until he himself saw the risen Lord. For this, history has called him “doubting Thomas,” but his name remains among the most popular Christian names.

Four apocryphal writings were attributed to Thomas, and in church tradition he evangelized in Syria, Persia (now Iran) and India. Indian Catholics believe he was martyred and buried there. Thomas is the patron saint of India, builders and the blind.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

HOS 2:16, 17B-18, 21-22; PS 145:2-9; MT 9:18-26; OR, FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY, ANY READINGS FROM THE MASS “FOR PUBLIC NEEDS,” NOS. 882-889, OR “FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE,” NOS. 887-891

HOS 8:4-7, 11-13; PS 115:3-10; MT 9:32-38

HOS 10:1-3, 7-8, 12; PS 105:2-7; MT 10:1-7

HOS 11:1-4, 8C-9; PS 80:2AC, 3B, 1516; MT 10:7-15

HOS 14:2-10; PS 51:3-4, 8-9, 12-14, 17; MT 10:16-23

IS 6:1-8; PS 93:1-2, 5; MT 10:24-33

DT 30:10-14; PS 69:14, 17, 30-31, 3334, 36-37; OR PS 19:8-11; COL 1:1520; LK 10:25-37

J U LY 3 2 0 2 2 n O C C AT H O L I C

5

FEATURE

NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL REKINDLING LOVE FOR THE EUCHARIST

BY LOU PONSI

O

N A MISSION TO REKINDLE Catholics’ relationship with Jesus Christ through the Eucharist, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has launched the National Eucharistic Revival.

The multi-year campaign involves events at the diocesan level from June 19, 2022 to June 11, 2023, the parish level from June 22, 2023 to July 17, 2024 and then culminates with the National Eucharistic Congress from July 17-21, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“One of the reasons for the revival was that there is an awareness, unfortunately, that some don’t believe that Jesus is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament,” said Bishop Timothy Freyer, auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Orange.

“So, this is a process to try to help us to help our people to know what a great gift we are able to receive when we come to Mass and partake of holy communion BISHOP TIMOTHY FREYER READIES AN ALTAR FOLLOWING THE PROCESSION AT THE NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. or come in adoration.”

PHOTO BY CHUCK BENNETT In a June 12 letter to the Diocese, Bishop Kevin W. Vann said the EuchaFollowing the Mass, Bishop Freyer Two altars were set up along the here at the cathedral and there were so rist is at the heart of Catholic faith. led a procession around the cathedral procession route, where Bishop Freyer many people to stay here at a Saturday “His presence with us is much more campus. paused to lead litanies, or prayers, bless night instead of going out to eat right than symbolic,” Bishop Vann said.

Hundreds of congregants participatthe congregation and perform a liturgiaway, to nourish their soul rather than “When we receive the Eucharist, we reed in the procession, which was divided cal incensing of the Eucharist. their body,” Bishop Freyer said. ceive Jesus. And our reception of Him in into Spanish, English and Vietnamese At the first pause, the congregation the Eucharist is the source of life eternal language segments. responded, “Glory and Praise to you, LOOKING AHEAD within us.”

“The Diocese includes all cultures for Lord Jesus Christ,” for litanies that inWhile dates and plans are not finallarger celebrations,” Bishop Freyer said. cluded “the wonders of creation,” “signs ized, several events are being planned KICK-OFF EVENT During the first third of the procesof sharing and solidarity” and “those for the Diocese over the next year, said Dioceses across the country kicked off sion, a Spanish choir led the singing of who work for peace.”

Deacon Modesto Cordero, who is one the revival with Eucharistic processions Bendito, Bendito (Blessed, Blessed).

Pausing at the second altar, the gath- of the main organizers for celebrations during the Feast of Corpus Christi on An English choir led the singing of erers responded, “Lord have mercy,” for related to the revival.

June 18-19.

Eat this Bread during the second part litanies including “worn torn nations,” Many events will involve children and The Revival officially began in the Di- and a Vietnamese choir led Ta La Banh “the homeless and the abandoned” and young adults, Deacon Cordero said. ocese of Orange on June 18 with a Mass Hang (I am the Bread of Life) during the “those who suffer in body and heart.”

“Basically, this whole revival is to at Christ Cathedral. final third of the procession.

“This was a great blessing that it was CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

6

O C C AT H O L I C n J U LY 3 , 2 0 2 2

FEATURE / CATHOLIC FAMILY LIVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

bring the love for the presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, to kindle again that love, that fire in people’s hearts,” the deacon said.

Revival related events already completed included the Youth and Young Adults celebration.

A Eucharistic Conference in the Diocese is planned for October, and will feature English, Spanish and Vietnamese speakers.

A procession similar to the June 18 procession will take place in summer of 2023, Deacon Cordero said.

A year of revival related events at the parish level will then take place before it concludes in 2024 with the Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis.

“In particular, we want to reach every level of the church, right down to the small groups and the families in parishes and we want to be able to engage the many cultures and deepen the sharing of the love of Jesus Christ present in the Eucharist,” said Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chairman of the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, in a videotaped message for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Rey Marin, who serves as a deacon at Christ Cathedral, couldn’t hold back tears when asked what the revival means to him.

“It is very emotional, because the body and blood of Christ is really the summit of everything a Catholic is,” said Deacon Marin, who attended the Mass and participated in the procession with his wife, Dee. Luis Reyes, an usher at Christ Cathedral, was also moved by the Mass and procession.

“When Jesus is here, everyone is so happy,” Reyes said. “Today we have a nice today, thanks to Jesus.”

Jesus says, “Everybody come with me. Because everybody needs me, and I am right here.” C

DECLARING INDEPENDENCE THE FOURTH OF JULY CALLS CATHOLIC FAMILIES TO COMMIT TO COMMUNITY, CHURCH AND NATION

BY CATHI DOUGLAS

W

HEN I WAS GROWING UP, Independence Day in our neighborhood meant pool parties, barbecues and fireworks at the end of our driveway when it got dark.

The dads were as excited as their kids with the opportunity to slather on sunscreen, don their swim trunks, fire up the barbie and make sure everyone had a sparkler to wave around.

Since my birthday falls close by, my annual celebrations were associated with the Fourth of July. I’ve always loved the holiday: Family, friends, good food, a fireworks display and homemade birthday cake and ice cream for dessert.

Most importantly, of course, on Independence Day we celebrate our beloved United States of America. Reflecting on its unique and enduring history, our visionary founding fathers and its unparalleled promise, we also acknowledge the ways our great nation calls us to action.

We are blessed to live in the United States, to have the right to choose our government and our representatives and to have the freedom to worship as Catholics. In other areas of the world, none or few of those things are possible.

In taking a moment to treasure our ideals of independence, individual rights and the common good, we realize that

A VIEW FROM THE TOWER OF HOPE OF FIREWORKS ACROSS THE NIGHT SKY BEYOND CHRIST CATHEDRAL. COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

those things call us to defend democracy, offer help to the less fortunate and assure the rights of the forgotten.

In the marketplace of ideas, it’s astonishing to see how differently each of us define democracy and, in turn, the untold ways in which native citizens and immigrants alike can carve out success in this nation bursting with opportunity.

And as anyone who has experienced the creative genius of Hamilton or read recent bestsellers by or about Ulysses S. Grant, Harry S. Truman or Barack Obama can appreciate, the challenges of leading, defending, and improving America seem nearly insurmountable.

In appreciating our nation’s leaders past, present and future, we Catholic families are living the values of community, service and family espoused in Scripture and advocated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Pope Francis.

Independence Day is the perfect time to renew our commitment to each other, our families and both the Catholic and

American communities – and to pledge to preserve both individual rights and the common good.

In their Call to Family, Community, and Participation, the U.S. bishops note that each person is sacred and social.

“How we organize our society -- in economics and politics, in law and policy -- directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community,” the bishops write, emphasizing that marriage and family are the central institutions we most treasure.

They add, “We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.”

St. Paul, too, advises the Colossians that we are called to live in peace as one body. He adds: “And always be thankful.”

As our Declaration of Independence declares, we hold these truths to be self-evident – that each of us has the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Let us pray for our great nation and its people, its leaders and its future – and pledge to work together toward those things as Catholic families and proud Americans. C

J U LY 3 2 0 2 2 n O C C AT H O L I C

7

FEATURE

SHARING THE BREAD OF LIFE EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION BRING THE SACRAMENT TO PARISHIONERS UNABLE TO ATTEND MASS

BY LOU PONSI

P

ATRICIA MOYNEUR RECEIVES communion every Thursday in the activities room at Oakmont of Orange, the assisted living community where she has lived since the death of husband Leo Moyneur almost two years ago.

Moyneur, 86, her late husband and the couple’s eight children are longtime parishioners at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Santa Ana. But since Moyneur is no longer able to attend church regularly, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion bring communion to her and other residents of Oakmont on Thursdays and Sundays.

“I’d be lost without it,” Moyneur said.

“It’s part of life. I was just raised that way.”

Hundreds of Catholics throughout the Diocese of Orange have the Eucharist brought to them, individually or as part of small groups, by priests, deacons or Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Sick.

Richard Rozak, a Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for more than 30 years, has been serving communion to Oakmont residents for about a year and serving the Host to sick and homebound Catholics since 2017.

Rozak serves Communion to Oakmont residents on Thursdays and serves other homebound Catholics on other days.

“There are people who obviously feel communion is extremely important to them,” said Rozak, a semiretired college math professor. “Communion is the hallmark of their faith.”

8

RICHARD ROZAK, A PARISHIONER AT HOLY FAMILY CHURCH IN ORANGE, IS A EXTRAORDINARY MINISTER OF HOLY COMMUNION AND PERFORMS COMMUNION AT OAKMONT RETIREMENT COMMUNITY IN SANTA ANA EVERY THURSDAY. PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY

Rozak begins the Communion Service at Oakmont with prayers which he had printed on laminated sheets of paper for each participant.

Prayers typically consist of three Hail Mary’s and “Glory Be” for an intention of one or more of the participants, Rozak said, however Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion usually tailor the service to their recipients’ situations.

“It’s kind of like a little family getting together,” Rozak said. “Probably the

O C C AT H O L I C n J U LY 3 , 2 0 2 2

biggest plight of (elderly) people is being alone.”

Although it’s called a Catholic Prayer Service, the service is open to anyone, Rozak said, and non-Catholics sometimes attend without receiving communion.

Oakmont resident Joyce Brown, 89, a lifelong resident of Santa Ana and the second of four generations of parishioners at St. Joseph’s, also receives communion on Thursdays and Sundays.

Brown, a mother of four sons, no longer attends Mass but watches it on

television every Sunday.

“It’s so difficult for me to go out,” said Brown, former director of Catholic Charities and Holy Family Adoption Services. “For Richard to come here is just fabulous.”

Communion service started at Oakmont about a year ago, when resident Dorothy Brikich called Holy Family Catholic Church in Orange and requested communion be brought to her, Rozak said.

“She was so elated with the experience CONTINUES ON PAGE 9

FEATURE

RICHARD ROZAK PRAYS WITH RESIDENTS OF THE OAKMONT RETIREMENT COMMUNITY FOLLOWING COMMUNION IN ORANGE ON THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022. PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

that she wanted to share her joy with other Catholics at the facility,” he said. “To this end, she asked her newly discovered Catholic friends if they’d also like to receive the Eucharist.

The response was so positive, that Oakmont activities director Vinnie Villapando arranged for communion service to be a regular part of the schedule for residents.

“It’s a big a deal for them to have communion and their spirituality is very important to them, so it really helped them out,” Villapando said.

Father Rudy Alumam of Holy Family, who oversees the parish’s Eucharistic Ministry, said Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion serve a vital role in the church and are used by virtually every parish.

“It’s extremely important because the parishioners who are homebound are part of our community and the sacrament is important them,” Fr. Alumam said. “We can reach out to them and pray with them and share the word of God. We want to be able to minister to them even in their own homes and situations of infirmity.”

Oakmont resident Miguel Maldonado, 89, is also a regular attendee at communion service on Thursdays and Sundays.

A native of Ecuador, Maldonado spent much of his life working in mines in Canada before migrating to the U.S. He moved into Oakmont from his home in Lakewood about a year ago.

“I believe in God and the vision of Mary,” Maldonado said. “That is why I take communion every Sunday.

St. Joseph Catholic Church in Placentia describes Ministers of Holy Communion as volunteers who “bring the Church to people who cannot

physically come to church. In this way, the sick and homebound are united to the Body of Christ present in our community. We continue the healing and compassionate ministry of Jesus, as members of His Body. It is always in Jesus’ Name that we visit.”

The Diocese of Orange encourages homebound and infirmed Catholics and their families to contact their individual parishes for communion service.

“It’s a ministry which I think is necessary and useful,” Rozak said. “I get as much out of it almost as they do. It is nice to see that they are cared for.” C

J U LY 3 2 0 2 2 n O C C AT H O L I C

9

DIOCESAN NEWS

SOWING THE SEEDS OF HOPE

vided musical entertainment.

Apart from the dedication and blessing, the event was a festive garden party including champagne, a gourmet buffet and imaginative ladies’ hats, often with a Monarch butterfly theme that reflected the butterfly murals on the walls by artist Brian Peterson.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES’ “Looking at the life that radiates from the Garden of Hope, it may be GARDEN OF HOPE hard to imagine this space was once a CELEBRATES ITS FIRST YEAR dull parking lot,” observed Ellen A. Roy,

BY SPENCER GRANT AND MARA CASEY Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Orange County. “Started as a labor EHIND THE CANTLAY FOOD of love for Jesus and our neighbors, we Distribution Center, on an have come so far in cultivating a bright unremarkable street in Santa and welcoming place for the local comAna, stands the shining and munity. Tomatoes, basil, strawberries beautiful Catholic Charities’ Garden and many other colorful plants thrive, of Hope. It’s a former parking lot now while vibrant murals bring renewed decorated with murals of butterflies and hope.” sacred Catholic images — a community Roy spoke about the unprecedented garden with the goal of teaching the 700 growth the Garden of Hope experirecipients the Center serves how to grow BISHOP NGUYEN BLESSES THE GARDEN OF HOPE WITH HOLY WATER, ON JUNE 18. PHOTO COURTESY OF SPENCER enced this year. Volunteers constructed GRANT/DIOCESE OF ORANGE their own food. a barn for children to practice their The garden consists of 96 state-ofcreative capacities; the staff of CalFresh the-art raised garden beds — “A hyHealthy Living gave their first tutoridroponic vertical garden system using al on how to make delicious chicken recycled water,” according to designer lettuce wraps; a living cross was erected and builder Alan Smith. Six years ago, in the garden, symbolizing Christ’s he built a smaller garden at Christ Cahumble blessing; just last month, an thedral Academy to teach children how ethereal depiction of the Divine Mercy to grow food. was added to the newest mural.

“This effort has to be expanded across “In addition to enjoying the garden’s the country because of food and water fruitful harvest,” Roy said, “we hope shortages,” he explained, adding that he the local community gains the skills to hopes his innovation will go viral. “All cultivate their own gardens and prepare churches need to see the need for growaffordable garden-to-table meals in ing their own food.” their own homes. This is a better way to The facility includes an education evangelize the faith -- through feeding center for CalFresh Living Services, a people.” ministry of Catholic Charities of Orange Auxiliary Bishop Nguyen blessed the County. The staff gives cooking demonGarden and shared these words: strations and holds classes on healthy “Today we celebrate the dedication eating and good nutrition using ingreand blessing of the Garden of Hope, a dients from the garden. They teach the milestone in the ever-serving mission local community how to stretch food VOLUNTEER JOAN STEEN, WHO FIRST BROACHED THE IDEA OF THE GARDEN OF HOPE, TENDS TO THE GARDEN. PHOTO of Catholic Charities of Orange County.

COURTESY OF SPENCER GRANT/DIOCESE OF ORANGE dollars and build partnerships in comYou have given all your God-given talmunities to make healthy choices. on Saturday, June 18 to celebrate those D.D. Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of ents and treasure to make this Garden A year after the founding of the who made the garden possible. There Orange. The keynote speaker was celeb- a reality. You are doing great work here!

Garden of Hope, founding members, was a blessing and dedication by the rity chef, restaurateur and author Lidia I am humbled to stand beside you and staff, sponsors and volunteers gathered Most Reverend Thanh Thai Nguyen, Bastianich. The Paul Smith Group pro- make history together.” C

B

10

O C C AT H O L I C n J U LY 3 , 2 0 2 2

DIOCESAN NEWS

AROUND OUR DIOCESE

BY STAFF

PRIESTS VS. SEMINARIANS BASKETBALL GAME

The Diocese of Orange’s Priests vs.

Seminarians basketball game matchup took place on Friday, June 17 at Mater Dei High School. The priests won the game and currently lead the series 3-2.

The Priests vs. Seminarians basketball game first started in 2015 and was held through 2018. This year, it was brought back by popular demand following administrative changes and COVID-cancellations in 2020 and 2021.

Spectators filled the stands, and a great time was had by all. Bishop Kevin W. Vann and Bishop Timothy Freyer also attended the event, with Bishop Vann officially starting the game by tossing the ball for the tip-off.

Proceeds benefit the Vocations office. THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE’S PRIESTS CURRENTLY LEAD THE LONG-RUNNING BASKETBALL SERIES 3-2 WITH A WIN OVER THE SEMINARIANS ON JUNE 17

CHRIST CATHEDRAL CELEBRATES JUNETEENTH

Christ Cathedral celebrated Juneteenth with a special Mass on Sunday, June 19. The guest presider and preacher was Fr. Claude Williams, O.Praem., pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Wilmington, CA. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when the end of slavery was announced in Galveston, Texas, in accordance with President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. The day was first recognized as a federal holiday in June 2021.

FRANCISCAN SISTERS’ JUBILARIAN SERVED DIOCESE OF ORANGE IN PASTORAL CARE

On June 12 more than 150 mem-

SPECTATORS, INCLUDING FR. AUGUSTINE PUCHNER, O. PRAEM, CHEER FROM THE STANDS DURING THE PRIESTS VS. SEMINARIANS BASKETBALL GAME THAT TOOK PLACE ON FRIDAY,

CONTINUES ON PAGE 12 JUNE 17. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVEN GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

J U LY 3 2 0 2 2 n O C C AT H O L I C

11

DIOCESAN NEWS sentation of the Award for Outstanding Community Service recognizes graduating eighth-graders at participating Diocesan K-through-8 schools. This year, 22 of 31 Catholic elementary schools participated, an increase from eight when the program began in 2017. $250 scholarships will be forwarded to the recipients’ Catholic high school to offset tuition costs.

Recipients will be attending the Orange and Los Angeles County Catholic high schools of JSerra, Mater Dei, Rosary Academy, Santa Margarita, Servite, St. John Bosco and St. Joseph High School. Plaques are also in place at each school to acknowledge yearly recipients with their photo. Submitted

by Irv Cuevas C

FR. CLAUDE WILLIAMS, O. PRAEM, CELEBRATES MASS ON JUNE 19 AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL, AS DEACON DARRELL MILLER AND DEACON FRANK CHAVEZ LOOK ON. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVEN GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

bers of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia and their companions gathered in Our Lady of Angels Chapel in Aston, Pennsylvania, to give witness to the lives and service of the congregation’s 2020, 2021, and 2022 jubilarians. Celebrating 70 and 50 years of religious profession, the 39 jubilarians represent an accumulated 2,450 years of service in 18 states and 38 dioceses, including Ireland, Antigua, and Puerto Rico.

Golden jubilarian Sister Kathleen Francis McCarron, OSF, previously ministered in Orange, California, at the Regina Residence from 2010 to 2017.

12

NOTRE DAME AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO OC DIOCESAN STUDENTS

NDCOC SCHOLARSHIP COORDINATOR DOUG COLLODEL IS SHOWN WITH OLIVER JOHNSTONE, ST. ANGELA MERICI EIGHTH-GRADE GRADUATE, NOW HEADED TO SERVITE HIGH SCHOOL. PHOTO COURTESY OF IRV CUEVAS

O C C AT H O L I C n J U LY 3 , 2 0 2 2

Twenty-two graduates of Orange County Catholic Diocesan Elementary Schools are headed to Catholic high schools this fall with the support of scholarships awarded by the Notre Dame Club of Orange County (NDCOC).

The students were honored during special ceremonies for exemplifying what it means to “give back” by volunteering and participating in a host of community service programs in their communities.

NDCOC Scholarship Coordinators Paul Irving and Doug Collodel said pre-

SISTER KATHLEEN FRANCIS MCCARRON, OSF. PHOTO COURTESY OF SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS OF PHILADELPHIA

GUEST COLUMN

CLASSIFIED ADS Merchandise Fitness-Weight Loss LOSE 15-30 LBS IN 30 DAYS! I work with Clergy and Parishioners successfully! Easy & Safe. Gil Yurly 714-206-0443

Services Painting PAINTING BY JOSE Int/Ext, Repair Dry Wall, Stucco, Wood Flrs, Mold L#967673 714-760-5417

www.lifecoachingbymikezinn.com 714-606-5728 mike.d.zinn@gmail.com

e

Coach by

ing

“The Catholic Life Coach”

Lif

Life Coaching by Mike Zinn

Mike Zinn

“Communication & Hard Work is Our Key to Your SUCCESS”

714-956-4000

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

was realized, to her great delight.

Ah, but fast forward one month and the same couple attended another Catholic wedding. It was the opposite in almost every way, to hear them tell the story. But the worst was when the celebrant in his homily chose to highlight what he called the five stages of marriage.

First came infatuation. He told the couple that was the stage they were in now as they sat before the altar. Next came disillusionment, he warned. Then misery. Then resignation. And finally, assuming one lasts this long, acceptance.

I do not know if the priest intended this as some sort of joke or if he simply had had too many scarring experiences in the confessional. The damage was the same in either case. That mountain of stereotypes? It just grew twice as big: A joyless church full of unhappy people hanging on for dear life until the bitter end. Who would want that?

The lesson here is that opportunities for witness and evangelization are everywhere and all about us. In our churches every Sunday are people who may be far from God, who may be hurt-

ing or in need. Even more so, at every wedding, baptism and funeral there are people who have rarely darkened a church doorway but may be listening for an invitation.

A beautiful liturgy, an engaging homily, an evident spirit of welcome and friendliness — these are acts of hospitality. Like Abraham, we don’t know the angels in our midst that we may be hosting (Gn 18). To ignore the possibility of those hidden guests or to repel them rather than invite them is a monumental failure.

It is easy today to be overwhelmed by negativity, to let our pessimism get the best of us, to let our divisions dominate.

At our worst, we are quicker to complain, reject or shun than to embrace and celebrate our faith.

I am certain this is not what Christ had in mind when he gave us the Great Commission to go forth and baptize the world. If strangers are unable to see in us and our parishes what a treasure it is that we believe we have found, then we deserve our empty churches. C Erlandson, director and editor-in-chief of Catholic News Service, can be reached at gerlandson@catholicnews.com.

www.Masciel.com

Garrett Masciel • DRE#01920249

Gary Masciel • DRE#00614861

J U LY 3 2 0 2 2 n O C C AT H O L I C

13

SCHOOL NEWS

GRATITUDE IN ACTION ST. NORBERT STUDENTS NOMINATE THEIR FAVORITE TEACHERS WHO SHARE THEIR FAITH AND MAKE LEARNING FUN

BY CATHERINE RISLING

I

N MAY, ST. NORBERT CATHOLIC School principal Joe Ciccoianni gave students an important assignment: choose which teacher has made a difference in their lives and share why.

The votes were tallied, and submissions reviewed. Veteran teachers Minju Yeo and Camille Denton were at the top of the list.

Both received the school’s Nano Nagle Award, recognizing their impact in the classroom and embodiment of the foundress of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, several of whom opened the Orange school more than 50 years ago.

“It’s such a joy to be able to recognize a teacher who was chosen by her students for providing exactly what they need,” Ciccoianni said.

First grade teacher Camille Denton grew up in the San Gabriel Valley and attended Catholic grade school and high school. After graduating from UCLA, she was unsure about her career path.

She worked at USC for a short time as a project assistant in the school of medicine, pursuing a master’s in teaching while there.

She completed her student teaching at an elementary school in Fullerton followed by one year at an elite private school in Yorba Linda. But it wasn’t until she started at SNCS in 2016 that she was truly comfortable in the classroom.

“I felt like I was home, I was welcomed with open arms,” Denton said. “Here, teaching the kids is more meaningful because I can share my faith.”

A calming force in the classroom,

14

ST NORBERT TEACHERS CAMILLE DENTON (L) AND MINJU YEO (R) WERE RECENTLY NOMINATED BY THEIR STUDENTS TO RECEIVE THE SCHOOL’S NANO NAGLE AWARD. COURTESY OF CATHERINE RISLING

Denton especially enjoys talking about the sacraments.

“The best part of teaching is having that bond with the kids, knowing I’ve had an impact on their lives,” Denton said.

First graders say Mrs. Denton is “nice and kind.”

In the upper grades, students overwhelmingly nominated fifth grade teacher Ms. Yeo. Students say she makes learning fun, whether it’s American history reenactments or sitting in a circle to pray the Hail Mary together. Her Dojo Store gives students the opportunity to earn points that can be used to “buy” snacks, no-home-

O C C AT H O L I C n J U LY 3 , 2 0 2 2

work passes, seat swaps and more.

Minju, who would fix computers with her brother when growing up in New Jersey and then Pasadena, said she enjoys teaching students how to problem solve and watching their confidence build throughout the school year.

The UC Irvine graduate completed her student teaching at public school. When she got her first job at a Catholic school, “I knew it was different,” she said. Minju taught at Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Habra for 16 years before the school closed and she was hired on at SNCS in 2020.

One student shared, “Ms. Yeo is always talking about God and how He helps us

throughout life.”

Nano grew up in a wealthy family in Ireland in the 18th century, trading in a comfortable life to help the poor and sick.

She secretly taught children to read, write and practice their Catholic faith despite penal laws that denied the Irish access to education and prohibited outward celebrations of their religion. She became known as the “Lady of the Lantern.”

The Nano Nagle Award has been an annual tradition at SNCS since 2009.

This year, thanks to a generous donor, two awards were given along with a $1,000 check and a lantern for each recipient. C

Moments MomentsininourourJourney Journey

The Christ Cathedral parish community celebrated the retirement of Fr. Christopher Smith, the cathedral’s rector and episcopal vicar since 2012, on Sunday, June 26 inside the campus’ Cultural Center. Fr. Christopher was presented with a special plaque honoring his contributions to the restoration of the Hazel Wright Organ and a quilt that looked like the cathedral’s quatrefoils. The reception also honored Fr. Mario Juarez and Fr. Christopher Pham, who served the cathedral and were reassigned to new sites.

—Photo courtesy of Drew Kelley/Diocese of Orange

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

J U LY 3 2 0 2 2 n O C C AT H O L I C

15

Bank on a first name basis.

At Farmers & Merchants Bank, we offer every client a rare combination of white-glove

service and ironclad security in offices from San Clemente to Santa Barbara.

Online & Mobile Banking | Checking & Savings Accounts CDs & IRAs | Home Loans | Credit Cards

NMLS #537388