OC CATHOLIC - SEPTEMBER 22, 2024

SEPTEMBER 22, 2024

TRAVEL DIARY: THE CHURCH OF THE MADONNA PAGE 5

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

SERVING FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP WITH LOVE SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO PARISH CELEBRATES RENOVATED KITCHEN PAGE 7

SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO STAFF GATHERED ON SEPT. 4 TO CELEBRATE THE PARISH’S NEWLY RENOVATED KITCHEN WITH A SPECIAL BLESSING AND RIBBON CUTTING WITH BISHOP TIMOTHY FREYER. ALSO PICTURED: FR. DUY LE, PASTOR, AND LUANN KENMORE, KITCHEN COORDINATOR. PHOTO BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

Catholic singles, you’re invited.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2024

CONTENTS

9 10 12

BLUE AND RED MASSES

Christ Cathedral hosts these special Masses to recognize the public servants in Orange County.

THE EUCHARIST THROUGH A CARDIOLOGIST’S EYES

Dr. Jose Caceres continues his story of how he came to choose medicine as his vocation and profession.

RADIATE LOVE INITIATIVE

Raising a family and nurturing a healthy marital relationship takes patience, love and understanding.

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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SCNG CUSTOM CONTENT Managing Editor: Caitlin Adams

Art Director: Ryann Beveridge

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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DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

HOME ALTARS

“

God asks us for sacrifice, sacrifice of the heart, renouncing our will.

SAINT PROFILE

MAURICE AND COMPANIONS C. 3RD CENTURY

I

N THE FIFTH CENTURY, St. Eucherius of Lyons described the legendary martyrdom of Maurice and the Theban Legion, comprised of Christians from Upper Egypt. Maurice was first officer of the legion, sent by Emperor Maximian to Switzerland to put down some rebellious Gauls. When Maximian ordered the soldiers to sacrifice to Roman gods, Maurice and his legion refused. The outraged emperor ordered “decimations” in which one of every 10 men was killed; when the remainder still would not worship Roman gods, Maximian had other soldiers massacre the entire legion of 6,000. Though the number may be exaggerated, a martyrdom of some Christian soldiers seems believable. Maurice is a patron saint of all armies, the Swiss Guard and Austria. C

PHOTO BY JOSH APPLEGATE ON UNSPLASH

READER CALL-OUT

Attention readers: Do you have a home altar — a dedicated place in your home used for prayer or spiritual reflection?

If you would like to share a photo and brief description of your home altar, please send to: editor@occatholic.comC

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

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”

— Pope Francis

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

PRV 3:27-34; PS 15:2-3A, 3BC-4AB, 5; LK 8:16-18

PRV 21:1-6, 10-13; PS 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44; LK 8:19-21

PRV 30:5-9; PS 119:29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163; LK 9:1-6

ECCL 1:2-11; PS 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 AND 17BC; LK 9:7-9

ECCL 3:1-11; PS 144:1B AND 2ABC, 3-4; LK 9:18-22

ECCL 11:9—12:8; PS 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 AND 17; LK 9:43B-45

NM 11:25-29; PS 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14; JAS 5:1-6; MK 9:3843, 45, 47-48

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FEATURE

TRAVEL DIARY: THE CHURCH OF THE MADONNA

BY LOU PONSI

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HEN THE CHURCH OF the Madonna was built in the Borough of Fort Lee, N.J. during the 1850s, the it was decided to have the holy edifice constructed on the highest geographical point in Bergen County.

To this day, the church’s 86-foot bell tower is still distinctly visible and stands in contrast to the surrounding high-rise buildings and modern structures lining the Northern New Jersey landscape.

The church tower is in plain view of the motorists traveling east on the adjacent highways making their way towards the George Washington Bridge to cross the Hudson River into New York City.

The Church of the Madonna, also known as Madonna Church, was documented by the Historic American Buildings Survey in 1939 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 for its relevance as an architectural and religious landmark.

For Catholics and all people of faith passing through the New York/New Jersey metropolitan region, a short pilgrimage to the Church of the Madonna will almost certainly be worth the time.

My family attended Sunday Mass in the historic church, which is the oldest Catholic Church in Bergen County and one of oldest extant Catholic edifices in New Jersey.

I’ve attended the funerals of my mother and father, my grandparents and several aunts and uncles, who are interned PHOTOS OF THE CHURCH OF THE MADONNA BY LOU PONSI/DIOCESE OF ORANGE in a family plot in Madonna Cemetery,

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FEATURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

which is on church property and has served as the final resting place for the region’s Catholics for more than 150 years.

I had the honor of serving as best man in my cousin’s wedding in this church.

The Church of the Madonna is typical of the early Gothic Revival style of architecture of the mid-19th century in the United States.

According to the nomination form submitted to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, there were only Catholic missions in New Jersey until 1814, when the state’s first Roman Catholic church was established in Trenton.

Over the next 40 years, only a handful of additional Catholic churches were constructed, with the Church of the Madonna being among them.

Worshipers entering the church pass through a large Gothic-arched double door at the base of the tower.

The walls of the church are brick covered with plaster and were painted in 1973 to give off a marble stone effect.

The church’s interior features a rear balcony and wooden trusses along the top.

The nomination form states that most of the interior décor is of the early 20th Century and includes a J.H. & C.S. Odell pipe organ, which was donated to the church in 1904 by Andrew Carnegie.

Three marble alters date back to 1903 and 18 stained glass windows completed by A.L. Brink of Mayer and Company were installed from 1909 to 1911, the nomination form states.

“Unlike the other Catholic churches which were built in urban regions, the Madonna Church was constructed in a rural region in anticipation, or perhaps fear, of the development which would follow,” the form states. C

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FEATURE

SERVING FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP WITH LOVE SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO PARISH CELEBRATES RENOVATED KITCHEN

BY MIKE VULPO

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HEN SAN FRANCISCO Solano Catholic Church parishioner Luann Kenmore arrives in the campus kitchen, there’s one ingredient she can’t live without.

Whether preparing lunch for staff members or feeding hundreds of hungry high school confirmation students, Kenmore, Solano’s kitchen coordinator, and her team of volunteers make sure everything is made with love.

“I think a lot of people just think the food just shows up, but it's the preparation that we put our love into,” she told Orange County Catholic. “I think about how Jesus broke bread with everybody.

You're sharing something together that nourishes our body and our soul and our spirit. I feel like that's the connection, and I never tire of it.”

On Sept. 4, Kenmore and the Rancho Santa Margarita parish staff gathered together to celebrate their renovated kitchen with a blessing from Bishop Timothy Freyer.

The milestone was a reminder of how powerful a strong kitchen ministry can be for a parish and its neighboring community.

“This part of the campus is important,” Bishop Freyer explained. “This is where so many people will come to experience Solano who maybe don't have a relationship with Christ yet. They might come to a fish fry. They might come to an alpha event and be fed through the ministry of this kitchen. Although it may seem at times not as important as what happens in other parts of the campus, this place is a place where people will find the love of Christ manifested in you, your humility, your service, your kind-

LUANN KENMORE, SOLANO KITCHEN COORDINATOR, AND ROSEMARY MORRIS, KITCHEN ASSOCIATE, CELEBRATE SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO’S RECENT KITCHEN RENOVATION WITH SNACKS FOR GUESTS. PHOTO BY MIKE VULPO/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE

ness and your generosity.”

At San Francisco Solano, the kitchen is used for joyful events like pancake breakfasts and youth ministry gatherings.

At the same time, food made in this space

can also provide great comfort for those suffering.

“After funerals, we make a sweet box,” Kenmore shared. “For your moment that's not so sweet, we try to give you some-

thing to take home, and people have written us these beautiful cards saying things like, ‘We were going through my mom's stuff and we all sat down and we had coffee and cookies.’”

Kitchen associate Rosemary Morris has spent nearly four years rolling up her sleeves and cooking alongside Kenmore. While the role has allowed her to make new friends and see her family at church every week, it has also given her the opportunity to serve in ways she never expected.

“What I remember most was we were feeding younger kids for a long period of time, and there used to be this brother and sister that would always come. I always felt that they didn't get enough food at home,” she recalled. “They would come up and they’d say, ‘What are we having for dinner tonight?’ They were so excited.

I always gave them a double portion.”

For Solano’s pastor, Fr. Duy Le — who praises the kitchen’s signature chili with Fritos and cornbread — he has seen the connections made at his church over food.

Without the kitchen ministry, his church’s motto of “Belong, Believe, Become,” wouldn’t be as strong as it is today.

“All are welcome, and this is the easiest way to get people together,” he shared. “Food is something that we all can understand, that we all want and we all need. What Luann and her team do is they create an atmosphere of hospitality, of love, of kindness, of care. We could easily just serve food, but we don't want to serve it by just ordering food from the outside. We want them to know and feel that we have prepared this with the love of our hands and truly, Luann brings that to everyone that walks through these doors.”

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SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO CATHOLIC CHURCH’S STAFF GATHERED ON SEPT. 4 WITH BISHOP TIMOTHY FREYER FOR A SPECIAL BLESSING AND RIBBON CUTTING FOR THEIR RENOVATED KITCHEN. PHOTOS BY EVERETT JOHNSON/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE

raising funds for their kitchen renovation project titled “Feed Solano,” Kenmore is hopeful that she can serve even more meals than the 1,000 she estimates to make every month.

“I envision every Wednesday where we

just open the kitchen to the whole community and just serve spaghetti and bring more people to God,” she said. “I think food is the best way because everybody has to eat.

When people know that you're not asking anything of them, you just want to give to

LUANN KENMORE PREPARES SNACKS FOR ATTENDEES OF A RECENT RIBBON CUTTING AND BLESSING FOR SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO’S RENOVATED KITCHEN.

them, I think that breaks down a lot of walls.”

Kenmore knows she has the support of Fr. Duy, who has enjoyed everything from empanadas to her signature cookies that have been known to attract lines of hungry parishioners.

“She wants to feed everyone. If she could make the world full and satis-

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fied with her cooking, she would,” Fr. Duy said. “What we have started with the kitchen remodel will help her do that a little bit better. There's so much more that we could do … If you read this or you have accidentally stumbled upon this, know that you are welcomed at Solano and that you belong already, and we're here to feed you with love, with food and with Jesus.” C

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DIOCESAN NEWS

CHRIST CATHEDRAL TO HOST BLUE AND RED MASSES

BY LOU PONSI

uniforms.

The Blue Mass is always held on the HE ROMAN CATHOLIC Difeast day for St. Michael the Archangel, ocese of Orange is once again the patron saint of military and public honoring the contributions and safety workers. bestowing blessings on individIn Roman Catholic teachings, St. uals working in the legal profession and Michael defeated Satan, casting him out in the field of public safety, by celebrating of Heaven and is therefore associated with the Red Mass and Blue Mass. protection, courage and divine intervenThe Blue Mass, which celebrates potion. lice officers, firefighters and other public “This is a diocesan event to recognize safety personnel, takes place on Sept. 29 the importance of the work that these at 5:45 p.m. at Christ Cathedral. individuals do for our community and to Public safety personnel are encourpray for them so that they can be safe,” aged to attend in uniform.

Deacon Cordero said. “They're placing The Red Mass, which celebrates judg- their lives in harm's way every single day es, lawyers, law students, law faculty and for our safety. It's an opportunity for us as court personnel, takes place on Oct. 7 at a Diocese to share with the community at 6 p.m. Christ Cathedral. large and show that we care for them, that The Red Mass is a private Mass for we pray for them, that we keep them in individuals in the legal profession. our minds and that we thank them for all Bishop Kevin Vann will be the main that they do for us.” celebrant for both Masses, said Deacon The number of congregants has grown Modesto Cordero, director of the Office each year since the Diocese began hosting of Worship in the Diocese. the Blue Mass in 2021, the deacon said.

Firefighters were invited for the first BLUE MASS time in 2023.

The origins of the Blue Mass date back Public safety personnel will serve as to 1934, when Fr. Thomas Dade, a priest lectors during the Mass and all public based at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in safety personnel will be asked to stand Washington, D.C. decided to celebrate and receive a special blessing. a Mass to recognize the work of police officers and other first responders, to pray THE RED MASS for their fallen brothers and sisters and to The St. Thomas More Society of Orange seek God’s blessing for their own safety.

County, an independent organization The name “Blue Mass” comes from sponsored by individuals working in the the traditional color of many officers’ legal profession who are practicing mem-

T

THE BLUE MASS, WHICH RECOGNIZES THE WORK OF POLICE OFFICERS, FIREFIGHTERS AND OTHER FIRST RESPONDERS, WAS CELEBRATED ON OCT. 8, 2023, AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. PHOTO BY KAYLEE TOOLE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

THE RED MASS, WHICH RECOGNIZES THOSE WORKING IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION WHO ARE PRACTICING MEMBERS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, WAS CELEBRATED ON OCT. 6, 2023, AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

bers of the Catholic Church, is hosting the Red Mass for the 36th consecutive year.

Part of the organization’s mission is to provide opportunities for the Catholic legal community to fortify their faith through prayer, fellowship and education.

The Red Mass at Christ Cathedral is celebrated through a partnership between the Diocese and the St. Thomas More Society of OC. “They have a very important job on their hands,” Deacon Modesto said of the legal community. “They're dealing with justice, and we want to be sure that we are praying that when they exercise their power, especially the judges, that justice is served, especially for those who are poor and the needy and those who are in harm's way. So, we pray also for them because I know that they have to make decisions that sometimes are not the more popular ones.”

Fr. Al Baca, senior priest at St. Anne Catholic Church in Seal Beach, is serving as guest homilist.

Attorney John C. Peiffer II, a partner with the Irvine law firm of Brown & Streza LLP, will be honored as the St. Thomas More Society Orange County Attorney of the Year.

“As always, there will be a complimentary dinner after Mass,” said William Brown, board member and past president of the St. Thomas More Society of Or-

ange County. “The annual Mass relies on donations, as well as sponsorships from attorneys and law firms.”

In the United States, the first Red Mass was celebrated in 1887 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Detroit.

Judges attending the Red Mass traditionally wear red robes as a representation of a tradition dating back to the 13th century, where the Red Mass has its roots.

At the start of the judicial year in Washington, D.C., the president and members of Congress join with justices of the U.S. Supreme Court to celebrate the Red Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew.

The Red Mass is also celebrated in Sacramento and most other state capitals and major cities throughout the U.S. California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero delivered the closing remarks at the Red Mass celebrated by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on Oct. 25, 2023.

In a world that can often seem turbulent, judges must never abandon their duty as guardians of the law, Guerrero said.

“It is a difficult time when we are called to do all that’s in our power in ways, big or small, to create a more just world,” the chief justice said. “We must continue to pursue justice and compassion, uphold the truth, and defend the rights of the most vulnerable.” C

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GUEST COLUMN

THE EUCHARIST THROUGH A CARDIOLOGIST'S EYES: FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH (PART 3)

BY DR. JOSE CACERES

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N THE PREVIOUS ARTICLE, I discussed how my journey into medicine, particularly cardiology, was shaped by a profound sense of faith and a deep belief in the harmony between science and spirituality. As I continued my work as a cardiologist, this belief was not only reinforced but also expanded through my encounters with Eucharistic miracles— particularly those involving cardiac tissue.

These extraordinary events opened a new dimension in my understanding of both the heart and the Eucharist, revealing a connection between faith and science that is both mysterious and awe-inspiring.

UNIQUE INSIGHTS INTO EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES

As a cardiologist, my professional expertise has given me a unique perspective on Eucharistic miracles, especially those

DR. JOSE CACERES DURING HIS FIRST RESIDENCY OF INTERNAL MEDICINE IN THE UNITED STATES,1981.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DR. JOSE CACERES

that involve the presence of cardiac tissue in consecrated Hosts. These miracles, such as those reported in Lanciano, Italy and Buenos Aires, Argentina, have captured the attention of both the faithful and the scientific community. When I first encountered accounts of these miracles, I approached

To report sexual abuse by clergy or church personnel please call: 1 (800) 364-3064 Healing and Hope After Abortion: 1 (800) 722-4356 New Hope Peer-to-Peer Support Line | Mon - Fri 7:30 AM - 9:30 PM | Sat - Sun 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM: 1 (714) NEW-HOPE or 1 (714) 639-4673 BÁO CÁO LẠM DỤNG TÌNH DỤC Nếu bạn là nạn nhân bị lạm dụng tình dục bởi một linh mục/ tu sĩ hay một thành viên trong Giáo Hội gây ra, xin hãy gọi và báo cáo cho Giáo phận ở số điện thoại miễn phí sau đây: 1-800-364-3064, và đồng thời báo cáo cho nhà chức trách địa phương. 본당내의 성적학대 신고 성직자나 성당 사목을 대표하는 관리자에 의한 성적 학대의 피해자 인 경우, 교구청의 무료 신고 전화 번호, 1-800-364-3064 및 관할 지역 법 집행 기관에 전화하십시오.

them with both scientific curiosity and deep spiritual reverence.

If you’re not familiar with what occurred at Lanciano, Buenos Aires, and other similar events, rest assured that I will spend time later in this series describing these miracles in greater detail. For now, I invite you to DR. JOSE CACERES AND THE LOCAL BISHOP IN MORO, PERU. consider the broader significance of these occurrences and how they relate to the its human origin, and in many cases, its intersection of faith and science. characteristics have pointed directly to the heart—a fact that resonates deeply with my THE SIGNIFICANCE OF professional understanding and spiritual CARDIAC TISSUE beliefs.

Understanding the significance of For me, these Eucharistic miracles are finding cardiac tissue in these miracles not just events to be studied—they are signs requires a grasp of the unique properties that point to a deeper reality, where the of the heart. The human heart is not just boundaries between the physical and the another muscle—it is a highly specialized spiritual are blurred. They are a powerful organ, composed of cells that are unlike any testament to the belief that in the Eucharist, others in the body. Cardiac muscle cells, or we encounter the true presence of Christ, cardiomyocytes, are designed to function whose heart beats with love for humanity. in a highly coordinated manner, allowing the heart to beat continuously throughout a CONCLUSION person's life. These cells are interconnected The intersection of faith and science in by structures called intercalated discs, which these Eucharistic miracles has deepened my enable the rapid transmission of electrical appreciation for both realms. As a cardisignals, ensuring that the heart contracts as ologist, I am constantly reminded of the a unified whole. incredible design of the human heart, and What makes the presence of cardiac as a Catholic, I am moved by the profound tissue in these Eucharistic miracles so symbolism of the heart in these miracles. extraordinary is not just that it is human These events call upon us to look beyond the tissue, but that it is specifically heart tissue, material world and to recognize the hand often identified as originating from the left of God at work in ways that transcend our ventricle—the chamber responsible for understanding. pumping oxygenated blood to the entire Looking Ahead: In the next article, Dr. Cabody. The left ventricle’s role in sustaining ceres will explore the challenges he faced when life parallels the spiritual nourishment we he arrived in the United States, particularly receive from the Eucharist, which is the the cultural divide between faith and science, heartbeat of our faith. and how these experiences further shaped his understanding of the Eucharist and his SCIENTIFIC WONDER AND vocation as a cardiologist. C

SPIRITUAL AWE

From a scientific perspective, the preservation of viable cardiac tissue in these miracles, sometimes for centuries, defies the natural processes of decay. This phenomenon invites profound questions about the nature of these events and their implications for both faith and science. The detailed anal- DR. JOSE CACERES DURING MEDICAL SCHOOL, CIRCA ysis of this tissue has repeatedly confirmed 1975.

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Savoring our Faith Join OC Catholic’s Recipe Swap!

Sharing recipes highlights the importance of gathering with family, friends and our broader Diocese of Orange faith community.

Please share your favorite recipes, along with your name and parish. Send your favorite seasonal dish, or a recipe that has special meaning to you or your family.

Tell us why it’s important to you! Our editors will pick their favorites to be featured in OC Catholic throughout the year.

Submissions must include a photo of the completed recipe.

Categories are entrees, appetizers, side dishes, beverages and desserts.

Send your recipes and photos to: editor@occatholic.com Disclaimer:

Only high resolution photos will be considered for publication in the print edition of OC Catholic. Orange County Catholic, the Diocese of Orange and Southern California News Group reserve the right to publish all submitted materials, including recipes, photos and personal anecdotes. Photos become the property of the Diocese of Orange and may be used for publication in OC Catholic or by the Diocese of Orange for print or online publication or social media purposes. Only recipes submitted by parishioners living in the Diocese of Orange will be considered.

DIOCESAN NEWS

RADIATE LOVE INITIATIVE: CELEBRATING THE BEAUTY OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY ■ Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 ■ Friday, May 9, 2025

BY MEG WATERS

R

AISING OUR CHILDREN while at the same time nurturing our marital relationship can sometimes be a balancing act.

During this year, our California bishops invite every Catholic to celebrate the beauty of marriage and family through the Radiate Love Initiative. In light of this, the Diocese is helping out with a series of Date Nights to give couples a worry-free evening out and to encourage couples to rekindle their relationship so they can share their love and God’s love to their children and the world.

Cecilia Phan, the coordinator of Young Adult Ministry and Evangelization in the Diocese of Orange, has assembled the ingredients for a perfect parents’ night out; all the couples need to do is sign up at https://www.rcbo.org/ yya-datenight. Alternatively, couples can contact Enrique Soria at esoria@rcbo.org or (714) 282-4216.

“Date Night is a collaboration between the offices of Family Life and Youth & Young Adults,” said Phan. “This is an effort to respond to the needs of married couples who naturally go through stages in life that require support, prayer and accompaniment. Intentional date nights are vital for a strong marriage. We hope that they will provide an opportunity for engagement that is currently often missed by married couples. This experience incentivizes couples to go on dates and break away from the daily grind to grow in connection and emotional intimacy.”

The evening starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, with a visit to the Pastoral Center on the Christ Cathedral Campus at 13280 Chapman Avenue, Garden Grove. Parents can drop off their children and receive a Date Kit. “The Date Kits are meant as catalysts for meaningful conversation, prayer and

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COUPLES ENJOY A DOUBLE DATE NIGHT THAT LINDA JI’S OFFICE FOR FAMILY LIFE HOSTED IN 2023. PHOTO COURTESY OF CECILIA PHAN

fun,” added Phan. “We hope that the kits will help couples connect deeply and grow together.”

Children need to be picked up by 10 p.m.

Local Catholic school teachers, fully vetted by the Diocese’s Safe Environment standards, will provide free babysitting for potty-trained toddlers from age 2 through middle schoolers aged 12. Simple dinner and snacks will be provided. The teachers will ensure the children have as much fun that evening as the parents. No homework allowed!

Meanwhile, parents will receive a Date Kit that includes a prayer card, story about a married saint and an activity or game to help couples get past the mun-

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dane cares of the day and focus on their relationship. The Date Kits are portable and can be used in conjunction with whatever fun plans they make for the evening.

From the Pastoral Center, the parents leave for some well-deserved and quality “us” time.

It’s kind of like a first date, only better.

Many married couples fall out of the habit of dating each other, but it’s a really important part of nourishing their relationship.

If a couple can’t make the first Date Night on Sept. 27, they can enjoy a Date Night on any or all of the following evenings: ■ Friday, Dec. 13, 2024

Linda Ji, director of Office for Family Life in the Diocese of Orange, explained why Date Night and other family-support programs are essential to the work of the Diocese.

“Parents are the most important ministers in the Church because they are the ministers of the family, the most basic building block of the Church,” said Ji. “Founded on sacramental marriage, the Christian family is a sign of God's love in the world and has the mission to bring others to participate in the love of God.” She continued: “However, if the foundation of the family, the parents' marriage, is not strong, the parents will struggle and not be able to lead the mission of the family. The Church can preach and teach about the importance of marriage and family in words, but the Church must also provide real help for parents to focus on their marriage to strengthen the foundation of their family.”

Ji added: “Providing childcare for date nights is one small way we support parents so they can tend to their own relationship and fortify their marital bond. As stated in our mission, the Office for Family Life ‘supports marriage formation and pastoral care to advance the missionary discipleship of the Domestic Church in the Diocese of Orange.’ These date nights are part of that pastoral care of our parents so that they may become missionary disciples and fulfill our diocesan mission and the Great Commission by evangelizing their children and community.”

The real joy of the date night comes when parents, feeling closer and more connected, reunite with their children and the entire family is a little happier, healthier and holier.

For more information and additional resources about Radiate Love, please visit https://radiatelove.infoC

DIOCESAN NEWS

AROUND OUR DIOCESE

Prevention Month. It will remain in those colors for the rest of the month.

For more information on what our Diocese Office for Family Life is doing to help, and for an extensive list of resources, visit www.rcbo.org/mental-health

BY STAFF

NEW LIVE ALBUM

PUBLIC ROSARY

Christ Cathedral’s music ministry has released a new live album featuring the music of German composer Max Reger and the cathedral’s Hazel Wright Organ. The featured organists are David Ball, Dr. Emma Whitten, Charles Raasch and Hektor Pitstick.

The digital album is currently available through Apple Music, YouTube and Spotify.

The ministry is planning a second album as well. C

On Sunday, Sept. 11, in honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and in reparation for the sacrilege to the Eucharist, the Legion of Mary, St. Mary's by the Sea organized a Public Rosary at the Huntington Beach Pier. There were 50-60 people in attendance.

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

The 90-foot cross of the Tower of Hope was lit on Sept. 10 in teal and purple in recognition of National Suicide

PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

A PUBLIC ROSARY WAS HELD ON SEPT. 11 AT THE HUNTINGTON BEACH PIER. PHOTO COURTESY OF BEVERLY TRUZZOLINO

PHOTO BY STEVE GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE S E P T E M B E R 2 2 , 2 0 2 4 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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CATHOLIC FAMILY LIFE

WHAT DO YOU SEEK?

BY JOAN PATTEN, AO

D

ISCIPLESHIP IS A life-long response that begins at baptism.

When children are baptized, the celebrant asks the parents, “What do you ask of God’s Church for this child?” For adults who are baptized later, they are asked this question directly.

Regardless of the age, the answer given is the same: “Baptism.” Other responses following this include “faith,” “eternal life” and “the grace of Christ.”

As children grow in their faith and relationship with Jesus, they must be Garage Sales taught to listen to Him and recognize His invitations. This is done by teaching them Garage Sales how to pray and becoming familiar with Irvine Sacred Scripture, especially the Gospels. To GIANT COMMUNITY be a disciple of Jesus Christ simply means SWAP MEET Sat., 9/28, 7-11am responding to His invitation to be with Lakeview ON NOV. 19. 2022, THE JESUS THIRSTS FOR AMERICA NATIONWIDE EVANGELIZATION TOUR KICKED OFF WITH “I THIRST ORANGE COUNTY” ON THE CHRIST Senior Center Parking Lot Him. CATHEDRAL CAMPUS. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE 20 Lake Road (Alton/Lake) When the first disciples of John began Over 40 booths.

Everything to follow Jesus, their encounter revealed an ■ “Who are you looking for?” (Jn. vulnerability with God, but when we start imaginable! www.wva.org interesting exchange of questions. “Jesus 20:15) to grasp His love and mercy for us, we will turned and saw them following him and ■ “I am the resurrection and the life; also want to bring our questions to Jesus.

CLASSIFIED ADS said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ whoever believes in me, even if he dies, However, God doesn’t always answer our Merchandise They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated will live, and everyone who lives and bequestions with the answers that we think we means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ lieves in me will never die. Do you believe need. Questions that come from our need Fitness-Weight Loss He said to them, ‘Come, and you will this?” (Jn. 11:25-26) to control things are often left unanswered.

Garage Sales LOSE 15-30 LBS IN 30 DAYS! see.’ So, they went and saw where he was ■ “But who do you say that I am?” (Lk. Even after the Resurrection of Jesus, the I work with Clergy and Parishioners staying, and they stayed with him that 9:20) disciples asked Him, “Lord, are you at successfully! Easy Garage Sales & Safe. Gil Yurly day. It was about four in the afternoon” ■ “Simon, are you asleep? Could you this time going to restore the kingdom to 714-206-0443 Irvine (Jn.1:38-39). Jesus’ answer to their search not keep watch for one hour?” (Mk. 14:37) Israel?” (Acts 1:6) Jesus did not answer their GIANT COMMUNITY is an invitation to communion with Him. ■ “Why are you terrified, O you of little question but assured them of His presence SWAP MEET Services Sat., 9/28, 7-11am Encountering Jesus’ desire for them to stay faith?” (Mt. 8:26) and the power of the Holy Spirit. On the Lakeview Senior Center Parking Lot with Him is so transformative that they ■ “Do you want to be well?” (Jn. 5:6) other hand, the first disciples’ question, 20 Lake Road (Alton/Lake) even remembered the time this encounter Jesus makes Himself available to us and “Where are you staying?” is a question that Over 40 booths.

Misc Services Everything imaginable! occurred! invites us to reveal ourselves to Him in the seeks communion, and Jesus responds with Fitness Lessons www.wva.org with Gil Yurly To raise young disciples requires that we intimate dialogue of prayer. Honestly telling an invitation to remain with Him. He is the 714-206-0443 teach them how to listen to the questions Jesus our thoughts, feelings and desires that answer to their search.

Painting Merchandise of Jesus in the Gospels and realize that He come up in our hearts as we are faced with If it seems that God is not answering PAINTING BY JOSE is addressing them as well. Here are some His questions will draw us closer to Him the questions we bring to Him, let the Int/Ext, Repair Dry Wall, Stucco, Wood Flrs, Mold L#967673 of Jesus’ questions to pray with: and dispose our hearts to receive His love, Lord refine your search by purifying 714-760-5417 Fitness-Weight Loss ■ “What do you want me to do for freedom and truth. your motivation. Are we seeking control LOSE 15-30 LBS IN 30 DAYS! you?” (Mk. 10:51) It takes time to grow in trust and or communion? C I work with Clergy

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O C C A T H O L I C ■ S E P T E M B E R 2 2 , 2 0 2 4

and Parishioners successfully! Easy & Safe. Gil Yurly 714-206-0443

OC Catholic Afar

This photo was taken of Tom Corrigan at the Bray Head Cross at Bray Head in northern County Wicklow, Ireland. Tom is a parishioner at Holy Family Catholic Church in Seal Beach.

The concrete cross was placed atop Bray Head in 1950 during the Holy Year. Annually on Good Friday, the faithful climb up to the cross to mark the final Station of the Cross.

—The photo was taken by Derek Corrigan.

We want your photos! Send your pictures of “OC Catholic Afar” — of you, family or friends visiting Catholic churches and other interesting places — to editor@occatholic.com. Please include a brief description of the photo, the name of the person(s) featured in the photo and their home parish.

S E P T E M B E R 2 2 , 2 0 2 4 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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SUPPORTING COMMUNITY. SUPPORTING VALUES. F&M BANK.

MEMBER FDIC

Some things will always be.