OC CATHOLIC - FEBRUARY 6, 2022

FEBRUARY 6, 2022

AROUND OUR DIOCESE

PAGE 11

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

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE ASIAN COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER FOR TET PAGE 6

THE VIETNAMESE CATHOLIC CENTER IN SANTA ANA CELEBRATES LUNAR NEW YEAR IN JANUARY 2020. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

FEBRUARY 6, 2022

CONTENTS

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SHARING THE WORD

Sharing the Bible with your child is a formative experience for families.

MONSIGNOR HOPES FOR A WRITERLY RETIREMENT

Msgr. Michael Heher plans to read, write and continue ministering to the community.

BISHOP VANN INSTALLS NEW PASTOR Fr. John Shimotsu is the pastor for St. Anne’s Church in Seal Beach.

PLUS

Guest Column, Weekly Readings, Moments In Our Journey

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: Tracey Kincaid, tkincaid@rcbo.org Editor: Patricia Mahoney, editor@occatholic.com News Ideas: storyideas@rcbo.org Delivery Problems: occatholicsupport@occatholic.com

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

SCNG CUSTOM CONTENT Managing Editor: Caitlin Adams Art Director: Fernando M. Donado Delivered weekly to parishes and homes throughout Orange County, Calif., Orange County Catholic is published by SCNG Custom Content, a division of Southern California News Group that offers content development and design expertise to businesses and nonprofit institutions. The Orange County Catholic editorial staff and editorial council are responsible for the content contained herein.

Events and products advertised in Orange County Catholic do not carry the implicit endorsement of the Diocese of Orange or SCNG Custom Content.

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GUEST COLUMN

‘SOMEHOW THIS MADNESS MUST CEASE’

BY FATHER RICHARD G. MALLOY, SJ CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

“Genuine hope involves the recognition that what is hoped for is in some sense already present.”

— Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

F

EBRUARY 2022, OUR TIMES are difficult. COVID-19 and testing.

Vaccines: yes or no? Shortages of all kinds, gas prices rising, inflation, on and on. Still, it helps to look at other times of distress and learn how people overcame disappointment and despair.

In 1966 and 1967, the civil rights movement was stressed and strained beyond belief.

Efforts to integrate housing in Chicago were met with hatred and violence on a scale little seen in the Deep South.

Yet, in September 1966, in Grenada, Mis-

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sissippi, 150 black children trying to integrate schools were viciously attacked by a mob of 400. Twelve-year-old Richard Sigh’s hip was broken by men hitting him with pipes.

A reporter saw “one woman draw back, cover her mouth, and repeat to no one as she watched a swirling clump of men whip a pigtailed girl, ‘How can they laugh when they’re doing it?’”

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference faced multiple difficulties from financial shortfalls to the pressures of J. Edgar Hoover’s malicious FBI and the White House.

The Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee was coming apart as leadership fights pitted those who believed in the strategy of nonviolence against voices calling for Black Power and championing retaliation.

Overall loomed the reality of the war in

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CONTINUES ON PAGE 13

JESUIT FATHER RICHARD G. MALLOY IS DIRECTOR OF MISSION INTEGRATION CRISTO REY JESUIT, BALTIMORE. PHOTO: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

The Diocese of Orange, through OC Catholic newspaper, presents local, national and world news about the Catholic Church. Our intention is to give our readers access to a variety of perspectives in order to help them to process the information within the framework of our Catholic faith, but also to better understand the perspectives of those with opposing viewpoints.

We hope that ultimately our readers will be better equipped to have constructive conversations that further the growth of the Catholic Church.

DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

“ THEOPHANIES

T

ODAY’S READINGS RECOUNT three theophanies, or particular manifestations of God’s presence. The prophet Isaiah is caught up in a dramatic scene of heavenly worship, with a royal throne, burning embers, and seraphim singing, “Holy, holy, holy.” Isaiah is overwhelmed. In the responsorial psalm, the assembly adds its own worship to that of the seraphim: “In the sight of the angels, I will sing your praises, Lord” (Psalm 138:1).

Paul reminds the Corinthians of his own experience of a post-Resurrection appearance of the Lord, making him an apostle, but one “born abnormally” (1 Corinthians 15:8), since he had no acquaintance with the earthly Jesus. The first of those who did know the earthly Jesus were surprised by fishing advice from the teacher who had commandeered Simon’s boat, resulting in an extraordinary catch. Although less colorful than those of Isaiah or Paul, this theophany was just as overwhelming.

Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co. C

Do not seek to quench your thirst at the poisoned springs of hatred…

— Pope Francis SAINT PROFILE

”

PAUL MIKI AND COMPANIONS 1562-1597

T

OYOTOMI HIDEYOSHI, RULING Japan in the name of the emperor, became alarmed at the growth of Christianity resulting from St. Francis Xavier’s mission, begun in 1549. Because of his orders, 26 Christians had their left ears cut off, were marched through towns with blood dripping from their heads, then were crucified and pierced with lances on a hill outside Nagasaki. The martyrs were Franciscans, Jesuits, Japanese laymen and one Korean; their bloody garments were kept as relics. Paul Miki, a distinguished preacher who was the son of a samurai, was the most prominent of the Japanese Jesuits. The martyrs were canonized in 1862; their feast was added to the General Roman Calendar in 1969. C

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

1 KGS 8:1-7, 9-13; PS 132:6-7, 8-10; MK 6:53-56

1 KGS 8:22-23, 27-30; PS 84:3-5, 10-11; MK 7:1-13

1 KGS 10:1-10; PS 37:5-6, 30-31, 39-40; MK 7:14-23

1 KGS 11:4-13; PS 106:3-4, 35-37, 40; MK 7:24-30

1 KGS 11:29-32, 12:19; PS 81:10-15; MK 7:31-37

1 KGS 12:26-32; 13:33-34; PS 106:6-7AB, 1922; MK 8:1-10

JER 17:5-8; PS 138: 1-5, 7-8; 1 COR 15:12, 16-20; LK 6:17, 20-26

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FEATURE

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS: A LONG, HAPPY TRADITION THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE ASIAN COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER FOR TET

BY NICOLE GREGORY

L

UNAR NEW YEAR celebrations have a long history in Asian culture and this year a special Mass was held on Feb. 1 at the Vietnamese Catholic Center along with traditional festivities to welcome the new year.

For the Vietnamese, the holiday is called Tet and can be likened to a combination of Christmas, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day and Thanksgiving, all in one.

“Tet New Year is very rich in traditions and symbolism,” said Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen of the Diocese of Orange, who delivered the homily. “Tet follows the lunar calendar,” he explained, which means it falls on a different day each year, but generally between late January and early March.

“For weeks before Tet, people make fruit candies with coconut, ginger root, lotus seed, potato,” said Bishop Nguyen.

“Enough food is prepared ahead of time so that no one should have to cook for three days. Bánh Tét is a kind of cake, a special food for this celebration, which is made with sweet rice and beans, covered with banana leaves and boiled for 10 to 12 hours.”

Typically celebrated over three days, the first day of Tet is for paying homage to ancestors, and on Feb. 1 parishioners offered incense, fruit and prayers of intercession to their deceased family members before Mass began. Hand sanitizer was readily available.

The Vietnamese Catholic Center is the ideal setting for celebrating the Lunar

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A PARISHIONER PRAYS IN FRONT OF THE ALTAR AT THE VIETNAMESE CATHOLIC CENTER DURING A MASS CELEBRATING LUNAR NEW YEAR. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

New Year safely within pandemic health guidelines. The center was dedicated in 1996 and occupies approximately four acres in Santa Ana. “The chapel is very small, with a capacity of only 275 people,” said Rev. Vincent H. Pham, the center’s director. “The hall can hold close to 600 people and the courtyard structure is very comfortable for about 300 more people, allowing them to sit outside and look at the glass window.”

Mass can be held inside and/or outdoors.

Another part of the Tet celebration

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involves setting off firecrackers and performing a dragon dance.

“The loud noise of the firecrackers is meant to chase away the bad spirits of the old year,” said Bishop Nguyen. “And the dragon symbolizes good luck for the new year.”

Tet marks the beginning of spring when days begin to grow longer.

“People decorate their houses with flowers,” said Bishop Nguyen.

They use yellow blossoms which represent an early sign of luck for the new year. They also hang gifts in the house to symbolize luring the dragon of good luck

into their homes.

“People wear new clothes and wish each other phuc, which means happiness, loc—prosperity—and tho for long life,” said Bishop Nguyen.

After Mass, red envelopes were given to families, each containing one dollar.

“It is a way to wish them prosperity for New Year,” said Fr. Vincent, as a sign of blessing of God to their family.

In the Vietnamese tradition called li xi, children wish Happy New Year to their grandparents and in return are given red envelopes with cash to use in CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

FEATURE / CATHOLIC FAMILY LIVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

playing little gambling games.

“It’s an occasion to visit, exchange gifts, give expressions of love, to send greeting cards and good wishes,” said Bishop Nguyen. “Tet is also the occasion to pay off debts, to correct mistakes, to ask to forgive offences and to be reconciled in families.”

In some churches, Tet is accompanied by a tradition of clergy giving out scripture verses to parishioners.

“Each family receives a scripture verse such as ‘Love your God with all your heart,’ or ‘Forgive and you will be forgiven,’ and they place that verse in a visible spot in their home as a reminder for the new year,” said Fr. Vincent.

Bishop Nguyen said he understands that worry about COVID’s next development is on his parishioners’ minds.

“We heed to pray for the end of COVID,” he said. “I encourage people to be strong in faith, rooted faith through individual prayer and family prayer. I wish for our community to grow in unity and worship Our Lady of La Vang at the Marian court.”

In prayer, said the Bishop, now is a time to ask for peace.

“We thought COVID would be over by now,” he said. “There is a lot of uncertainty, fear and anxiety and surely there will be family problems.

I pray for peace and freedom, and for strong faith,” he said.

“Looking back to the old year,” he continued,” we have gone through a lot of fear and uncertainty because of Covid. My prayer is from God to grant us peace. I once saw a poster in a cloister with an image of a man who was struggling on a canoe in a stormy lake, and the words on the poster said, ‘Peace is not the absence of storm, it is the serenity in the midst of the storm.’ If we have God— even in the midst of COVID—then we have peace. This is my wish for people this year.” C

SHARING THE WORD TEACHING CHILDREN TO READ THE BIBLE REAPS LIFETIME REWARDS

BY CATHI DOUGLAS

R

EADING THE BIBLE as a family helps Catholic parents foster in their kids a close, loving and lasting relationship with Jesus.

Yet that is just one of many reasons to develop a family Scripture practice: n Studying the Word of God helps us to know Jesus firsthand, which alone is a wonderful opportunity we parents shouldn’t pass up. n Children introduced to reading early “tend to read earlier and excel in school compared to children who are not exposed to language and books at a young age,” says the American Academy of Pediatrics. n The Bible is considered one of the world’s great works of literature.

Sharing it with our kids helps them develop cultural literacy as well as reading comprehension. n Bible stories can reassure young children about God’s love and protection.

When it comes to teens who have a special need to stay in touch with God, Scripture offers solace. In fact, research shows that spirituality is important for all of us, especially in this isolating pandemic. n As parents, we are asked to build character in our kids just as we are expected to feed and clothe them. The best

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

lessons in morality and integrity come from God’s own words.

So, whether it’s to bring the family together in prayer, to pause for a quiet moment to nurture in all our members a closer relationship with Christ, to assist our kids in developing their reading skills with faith-based material – or any number of wonderful reasons – family Bible study is worth our time and energy.

BEGINNING TO READ THE BIBLE

Once we’ve decided a family Bible practice is a priority and we’ve added it to our calendar, where can we begin?

One good source is a CatholicIcing. com story, “Reading the Bible as a Family: 5 Steps to Get Started,” [catholicing.com/ read-the-bible] in which Catholic mom Lacy urges parents to begin by reading with a story that will interest everyone.

Lacy recommends beginning with the book of Matthew, which, she explains, gets quickly into the sermon on the mount, a story that can prompt prayer and discussion in even the youngest family members.

Starting with short, easy-to-under-

stand stories is another recommendation. Using a bookmark – I like prayer cards from family members’ funerals or from my favorite saints – can ensure you continue where you left off.

ANY WAY IS THE RIGHT WAY

Best of all, Lacy notes, there is no right or wrong way to read the Bible, and you don’t have to follow a schedule or a fancy system. [A personal aside: At Hobby Lobby last month, I picked up a 99-cent guide to reading the Bible in a year that I gave to my mother in her Christmas stocking. Together with her new, large-print Bible, she is enjoying the journey through Scripture at her own pace.]

Empowering our children with a strong Catholic faith in their youngest years may not guarantee a lifetime of closeness to Our Lord – but it gives them the strongest start possible.

Taken together with family prayer, participation in the sacraments, attendance at Mass and our ongoing commitment to living an ethical, values-based, caring life worth emulating, reading the Bible helps parents as well as kids remain centered on the spiritual rather than the empty promises of a fleeting, secular world. C The Maria Ferrucci Catholic Family Living feature is intended to inspire families to live their faith in the way Maria Ferrucci did throughout her earthly life.

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FEATURE

MONSIGNOR HOPES FOR A WRITERLY RETIREMENT MSGR. MICHAEL HEHER CELEBRATES HIS LONG CAREER SERVING THE FAITHFUL

BY GREG MELLEN

M

ONSIGNOR MICHAEL Heher likes to joke that his retirement won’t be very different from his time as a

parish priest.

“I just don’t have to administer and worry about the money,” he said.

Such self-effacing humor is just part of what has made Heher a beloved pastor during his years in the Diocese of Orange.

When he was told that a story was being written about his retirement, the monsignor said he couldn’t imagine why that would interest anyone.

The disarming humor belies a keen intellect that has made Msgr. Heher invaluable in the leadership of the Diocese.

Although he always aspired to be nothing more than a parish priest, those around him saw greater things. He studied in Rome for four years, earning his doctorate in fundamental theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University.

During his time with the Diocese, Msgr. Heher has not only been a monsignor, he was also the vicar of priests, meaning he was the one to whom priests went to for guidance.

About that position, he said, “If you can help a priest, you help all they touch.”

Msgr. Heher was also vicar general.

While in that job, he was the lone cleric in 2005 on a team of lawyers that worked on settlements of the victims of sexual abuse in the Dioccese during the scandals that rocked the Church in the 1990s and 2000s.

“I said, ‘I think you should have a collar there,’” he said. “What else do we do that’s more important?”

Heher said having the Diocese represented was critical to show that the

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MONSIGNOR MICHAEL HEHER HAS SERVED THE CHURCH FOR ALMOST 45 YEARS. PHOTO: DREW KELLEY

Church cared for the victims.

“Little by little we got things done,” he said. “It was very strenuous.”

During his “retirement,” Msgr. Heher looks forward to continuing to perform priestly duties, such as Masses, marriages, funerals, confession and visiting the ailing and delivering Communion.

A WRITER’S LIFE

He also said he hopes to have time in retirement to read and write.

In 2004, Msgr. Heher wrote a series of essays entitled, “The Lost Art of Walking on Water: Reimagining the Priesthood.”

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That book, which won a Catholic Publisher’s Award for Best Theological Book, came out of presentations he gave to fellow priests on retreats.

A review of the book read, “there are many books about priests, but few to priests themselves by one of their own – engagingly written – insightful reading for lay people.”

In his introduction, Msgr. Heher wrote that there was a perception that the parish priest lived a life of dullness and drudgery, in which he is overburdened, understaffed and stained by scandal. He wanted to disabuse fellow priests of the

notion.

“Most disturbingly,” he wrote, “we don’t aspire, as we might, to be as excellent or as talented or as creative as we can be.”

The book was also described as containing “Candid, thoughtful essays that encourage parish priests confronted by such challenges as prayer, obedience, celibacy, depression and church leadership.”

For his next book, Msgr. Heher said he’d like to write another series of essays, but this time directed toward lay people.

“I want to talk about spirituality in a CONTINUES ON PAGE 9

FEATURE orangediocese • follow January 29, 2022 orangediocese Learn about how your generosity directly supports the formation of our seminarians (like Cole), deacons, and priests - and so much more.

“Because of the support that we receive, we are able to effectively prepare ourselves to be good ministers and fathers in the future of our Diocese” - Seminarian Cole Buzon To learn more & to make a gift today, visit the link in our bio!

PHOTOS OF MSGR. HEHER’S LONG CAREER IN THE CHURCH ON DISPLAY AT HIS RETIREMENT PARTY. PHOTO: DREW KELLEY

orangediocese • follow January 28, 2022 orangediocese Jesus is so much more than someone we turn to when we need something.

He is our merciful and loving God, who desires for us to turn to Him always.

Listen to Fr. Cheeyoon’s full reflection through the link in our bio!

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

way that isn’t pious,” he said, adding, “there’s nothing more dangerous than a pious priest.”

Msgr. Heher says it is important to engage with people on a personal level.

“You have to get to the point where you’re not thinking as a priest but as a human,” he said. “If you meet people as yourself, they are much more able to tell you what’s going on.”

Msgr. Heher also wants to spend extra time reading. Particularly, he is interested in revisiting some of the work of best-selling author and essayist Ann Patchett, whom he greatly admires.

“I was going through my books recently and I thought her books were worth returning to. I’m in a much different place now. I first read her as a young man,” he said.

Patchett thinks highly of the monsignor as well. Her recommendation is part of the dust cover of Msgr. Heher’s book that says, “Read this book for its honesty and its wisdom, then buy a copy for everyone you know.”

LIFELONG PURSUIT

Msgr. Heher says from an early

age he knew he wanted to be a priest, although he’s not sure why. After attending high school, Msgr. Heher was ordained in 1978 and assigned to St. Bonaventure Church in Huntington Beach. He was part of the inaugural class of priests assigned to the new Diocese after its creation in 1976.

Msgr. Heher was made Director of Family Life upon his return from Rome, then assigned to St. Irenaeus in Cypress, a large bustling parish with 5,000 families where Masses were held in three languages. It was an exhausting stint, he said.

For the past 12 years or so he says he has been connected with St. Anne Catholic Church in Seal Beach.

When talking about being named a monsignor, in his typical humorous way, Heher said, “It means you have to go out and buy a new cassock.”

On a more serious note, Heher said the recognition came at an important time. He had been deeply saddened and at a low point after representing the Diocese in the sex abuse settlements.

“Every now and again, someone needs an attaboy,” he said. “I got my attaboy.” C

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DIOCESAN NEWS

BISHOP VANN INSTALLS NEW PASTOR ST. ANNE’S SEAL BEACH WELCOMES FR. JOHN SHIMOTSU

over the decades here in the parish and in Seal Beach,” said Fr. John. “Looking at the demographic trends, we have to be very concerned these days. We can’t just assume that people are going to be here in future generations. There’s been a decline in religious observance by younger generations. And so, if we’re going to continue well into the next 100 years, we have to make a very conscious effort to strengthen the faith of people across all age groups.”

BY BARRY KUNZ AND DONALD MILLER

T

HE MOST REVEREND Kevin W. Vann, bishop of the Diocese of Orange, made a recent and most memorable visit to St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Seal Beach.

The bishop was the principal celebrant and homilist at the Mass of Installation of Father John M. Shimotsu on Jan. 23.

The celebration was attended by many parishioners who came to welcome their new pastor at St. Anne. Special guests included, Captain Jason Sherman, Commanding Officer, Naval Weapons Station, Seal Beach and Pastor Emeritus Don Shoemaker, Grace Community Church, Seal Beach.

Concelebrating with Bishop Vann were Msgr. Stephen Doktorczyk, Vicar General of the Diocese of Orange; Msgr.

Mike Heher and Fr. Bob Vidal, both Pastor Emeritus at St. Anne; Fr. Edward Jablonski, Extern Priest at St. Anne; Fr. Enrique Sera, Pastor at St. Mary’s, Fullerton; and Fr. Kevin Sweeney, Pastor at St. Vincent de Paul, Huntington Beach. Fr. Michael Khong was Master of Ceremonies.Dcn. Jerry Wallace, from St. Vincent de Paul parish, was the Deacon for the Mass.

RETURNING TO THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

Fr. Shimotsu was first assigned to St. Anne’s in Seal Beach in July 2020 as the parochial vicar. Just 18 months later he was called upon by Bishop Vann to lead St. Anne’s, and her parishioners, at the beginning of the parish’s second hundred years in its history in Seal Beach.

Born in Santa Monica and baptized in a Protestant church, Fr. John grew up in Culver City. A 1985 graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, he served

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REACHING OUT

As one his first efforts, Fr. John relaunched a program called Order of Christian Initiation of Adults following a five-year absence. He believes it is important to the life of the parish to bring in new Catholics, and to teach Catholic adults so they can complete their sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation.

Fr. John has also expressed deep appreciation for a special outreach program between St. Anne’s Seal Beach and St. Anne’s Santa Ana. “It’s very heartening to see the support that many of our parishioners have given to St. Anne’s Catholic Elementary School in Santa Ana, with everything from musical instruments and comBISHOP KEVIN VANN INSTALLS FR. JOHN SHIMOTSU AS THE NEW PASTOR OF ST. ANNE’S SEAL BEACH ON JAN. 23. puters to helping them fundraise and PHOTO: DONALD MILLER provide tuition assistance to families,” as a Naval Officer, and was confirmed a A PERSONAL APPROACH he said.

Catholic. He resigned his commission to Fr. John had never been to St. Anne’s Fr. John is happy to begin the next pursue priestly formation in 1989. After in Seal Beach until he received the phase of his time as a Catholic priest to graduating from Mount Angel Seminary assignment as a parochial vicar. Over the be here in Seal Beach. in Oregon, he was ordained a priest past year and a half, Fr. John has been As he says, “It’s the only Catholic in 1994 for the Diocese of Orange and able to get to know many parishioners parish in Orange County that has a Navy served at St. Polycarp Catholic Church in and learn how the parish works. He often base in its parish boundaries. “ Stanton before being given permission by says how impressed and grateful he is “I still remember my first morning in Bishop Norman McFarland to serve as a for the many volunteers, the Knights of the parish, hearing morning colors being Navy Chaplain from 1997.

Columbus, the Woman’s Guild and others played from the loudspeakers at the Fr. John returned to the Diocese of who have worked to facilitate activities at base at eight o’clock, and then the bells Orange County as a priest in August 2019 St. Anne’s, including outdoor Masses due ringing from the Bell Tower at St. Anne’s after serving 23 years as an active-duty to pandemic precautions.

Church just before the start of Mass at Navy chaplain with the Navy and Marine “I’ve met with some of the older nine o’clock. That was a great way to Corps, eventually achieving the rank of parishioners, and they tell me wonderful start the next phase of my service to my captain in the US Navy. stories about raising their young families country and to my Church.” C

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DIOCESAN NEWS

BISHOP TIMOTHY FREYER IS PICTURED DURING HIS FIVE-YEAR ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY MASS ON JAN. 16 AT ST. CATHERINE OF SIENNA CHURCH IN LAGUNA BEACH. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

AROUND OUR DIOCESE

BY STAFF

BISHOP FREYER CELEBRATES FIVE YEAR ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY MASS St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Laguna Beach hosted Bishop Timothy Freyer’s five-year ordination anniversary Mass on Sunday, Jan. 16.

Bishop Freyer, who grew up in Huntington Beach, was first ordained as a priest in 1989. He served in various roles throughout the Diocese of Orange — including at St. Catherine of Siena — before he was elevated to the role of auxiliary bishop in a solemn and ancient ceremony celebrated by Bishop Kevin Vann on Jan. 17, 2017, at St. Columban Catholic Church in Garden Grove.

WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE

Cypress Knights of Columbus and St. Irenaeus Catholic Church recently hosted their 15th annual warm clothing drive for the homeless and others in need. With Southern California seeing its coldest temps of the year, many depend on this annual drive.

St. Irenaeus’ Deacon Jerry Pyne, said parishioners and St. Irenaeus students generously contributed more than 200 large bags of coats, jackets, shoes, gloves, scarves, sleeping bags, blankets and numerous toiletries to help those in desperate need to stay warm.

According to Deacon Pyne, the twoweek drive brought in an estimated six thousand pounds of warm clothing –-three tons! It’s being distributed to several different charitable organizations agencies and earmarked for the homeless and others in need.

Knights of Columbus Council 8599 CONTINUES ON PAGE 12

HELPING OUT AT THE 15TH ANNUAL WARM CLOTHING DRIVE ARE BILL AND LORETTA BARNES; DEACON JERRY PYNE AND HIS WIFE JOANN; AND JEAN & DENNIS KILROY. PHOTO: IRV CUEVAS F E B R U A R Y 6 , 2 0 2 2 n O C C AT H O L I C

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DIOCESAN NEWS

BISHOP KEVIN W. VANN SPEAKS AT THE 2019 ORANGE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION CONFERENCE ON BUSINESS AND ETHICS. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Grand Knight Rick Tkach estimated there to have been about 20 Knights among the volunteers who collected clothing at all Masses during the weekends of January 8 and 15.

Both Pyne and Tkach agreed that it was just a team effort and just one of the numerous ways St. Irenaeus and the Knights serve the community. ­­— Submitted by Irv Cuevas

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19TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON BUSINESS & ETHICS

The Orange Catholic Foundation is proud to announce the 19th annual Conference on Business & Ethics, presented by Baldwin & Sons, Benjamin & Carmela Du, Farmers & Merchants Bank, the Kirwan Family, Legatus Holy Spirit CEO Forum and Northgate Market/Familia Gonzalez Reynoso

O C C AT H O L I C n F E B R U A R Y 6 , 2 0 2 2

Foundation.

This conference will be held on Friday, Feb. 18, from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the JW Marriott, 1175 S. Clementine St., Anaheim.

The keynote speaker is the executive producer of the film “Unbroken: Path to Redemption,” Luke Zamperini. Honorees include Al Baldwin, Roger Kirwan, and the Gonzalez family of Northgate Market. This year, we are dedicating

the conference in loving memory of our beloved Hank Evers.

There is still time to become a partner or to purchase tickets for this event.

Proceeds from the special appeal go to support the Orange Catholic Schools Fund.

For any questions, please contact Gennifer Billish at (714) 282-3138 or GBillish@OrangeCatholicFoundation.org C

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Gary Masciel • DRE#00614861

OC CATHOLIC SEEKS FREELANCE WRITERS

Vietnam. A small number burned themselves to death to protest the horror of the war. In April 1967, anti-war groups planned a huge day of Mobilization to End the War. Would Rev. King participate? Should he? Would his speaking out against the war lose him support and financial donors? Was it wise to publicly confront President Johnson on the question of Vietnam? Would the president who had signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965†ever forgive King’s siding with those calling for an end to “Johnson’s War”?

During all this, King kept up a torrid pace of travel, speaking, meetings and even wrote another book, “Where Do We Go from Here? Community or Chaos.”

On the eve of the anti-war demonstration in New York, King delivered one of his greatest (and least known) speeches in Riverside Church: “Beyond Vietnam. A Time to Break Silence.”

Risking much, King linked racial inequality, economic injustice and militarism as idols that Christian conscience must challenge and convert.

Kings said: “Somehow this madness must cease. We must stop now. I speak as a child of God and brother to the suffering poor of Vietnam. I speak ... for the poor of America. ... I speak as a citizen of the world, for the world as it stands aghast at the path we have taken.”

At the end of the speech, he sounded a

clarion call to hope and solidarity: “Now let us begin. Now let us rededicate ourselves to the long and bitter, but beautiful, struggle for a new world. This is the calling of the sons of God, and our brothers wait eagerly for our response.

Shall we say the odds are too great? Shall we tell them the struggle is too hard? Will our message be that the forces of American life militate against their arrival as full men, and we send our deepest regrets? Or will there be another message -- of longing, of hope, of solidarity with their yearnings, of commitment to their cause, whatever the cost? The choice is ours, and though we might prefer it otherwise, we must choose in this crucial moment of human history.”

Today, we can fail to imagine how difficult were the situations, personalities, societal dynamics and power struggles King had to navigate.

From death threats against himself, his family and his associates, to just the sheer stress and strain of traveling, writing, speaking night after night, King had enormous burdens to bear.

And bear those crosses he did, bringing us all a little closer to the resurrection of a nonviolent world, free of racisms and hatreds and wars of all kinds; a world of peace and prosperity, hope and healing, justice and joy.

(For more information on this topic, see “At Canaan’s Edge: America in the King Years, 1965-68,” by Taylor Branch.) C

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CATHOLIC NEWS AROUND THE WORLD

POPE TO MEET UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AS PART OF SYNODAL PROCESS

A PROMOTIONAL IMAGE ON THE WEBSITE OF LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO ADVERTISES THE UNIVERSITY’S UPCOMING VIRTUAL MEETING WITH POPE FRANCIS AND STUDENTS FROM NORTH, CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA FEB. 24, 2022. PHOTO: LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO / CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Loyola’s Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage, said he and several ROME (CNS) — Highlighting the colleagues, including Emilce Cuda, an importance of a church that truly listens, official at the Pontifical Commission for Pope Francis will participate in a virtual Latin America, discussed the idea of an meeting hosted by Loyola University event for university students in preparain Chicago with students from North, tion for the upcoming Synod of Bishops Central and South America. on synodality.

The Feb. 24 virtual meeting, titled In November, he said, while dis“Building Bridges: A Synodal Encounter cussing possible speakers for the event, between Pope Francis and University “we kind of joked, ‘Hey, let’s see if Pope Students,” will be an opportunity to “ad- Francis is free.’” dress the salient challenges of our times,” Unbeknownst to them, Cuda presentthe university’s website said. ed the idea to Pope Francis who agreed “The pope will dialogue with these to participate. university students who will share It was “not a whim on his part,” concrete educational projects that seek because it fits his vision and priorities, to justly transform environmental and Murphy said. “We knew that so many economic realities,” as well as discuss the universities have been asking him, ‘What challenges of migration, it said. is our role and how can we support’” the Speaking with Catholic News Service synodal process.

Jan. 28, Michael Murphy, director of In preparation for the virtual meetBY JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

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ing, students were divided into seven regional groups from North, Central and South America to talk about the thoughts, questions and dreams they would like to discuss with the pope, he said.

“I think it accomplishes what Pope Francis is trying to do: to be a listening church,” Murphy told CNS. “We want to make sure other students feel invited, too, and not be so exclusive in this.”

While the discussions will focus on issues ranging from migration to climate change, he said, bringing the young adults from different regions is important in itself, especially at a time of increased division, including because of the digital revolution.

He also hoped it would help build a bridge between the two continents where, often, colonial and indigenous “past and present collide.”

“What the pope wants to do is look at boundaries and see what we know and to remove as much as we can; to say, ‘Let us walk together,’ conscious of the brokenness of the past, but hopeful in the present,” he said.

Murphy told CNS he hopes the meeting will address the increasing polarization and “the sense of exceptionalism” that prevents one from listening to the needs and wants of others.

“I’m not trying to dismantle everything,” Murphy said. “I’m just saying let’s get real. The church is the living body of Christ. And it’s not some 16th-century enterprise, even though that is an important part of its tradition.”

“My dad always said, ‘You have two ears and one mouth for a reason,’” he said. “So, if we can unclog our two ears and listen better, I think that would be a good result.” C

Moments MomentsininourourJourney Journey

Celebrating the installation of Father John M. Shimotsu as the new pastor of St. Anne’s Seal Beach are: Front row, left to right: Fr. Kevin Sweeney, retired Navy Chaplin and Pastor, St. Vincent de Paul, Huntington Beach; Fr. Enrique Sera, retired Navy Chaplin and Pastor, St Mary, Fullerton; Msgr. Mike Heher, Pastor Emeritus, St. Anne, Seal Beach; Fr. Edward Jablonski, Extern Priest, St. Anne, Seal Beach. Back Row, left to right: Fr. John M. Shimotsu, retired Navy Chaplin and Pastor, St. Anne, Seal Beach; Bishop Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of the Diocese of Orange; Dcn. Jerry Wallace, Deacon, St. Vincent de Paul, Huntington Beach; Msgr. Stephen Doktorczyk, Vicar General of the Diocese of Orange. Not present in the photo, but concelebrating at Mass: Fr. Bob Vidal, Pastor Emeritus, St. Anne, Seal Beach.

—Photo Submitted by Thomas Ryan, Garden Grove

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

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THE ORANGE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION PRESENTS THE 19TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON BUSINESS & ETHICS

FEBRUARY 18, 2022 7:30 AM TO 11:00 AM

JW MARRIOTT, ANAHEIM 1775 S CLEMENTINE STREET, ANAHEIM, CA 92802

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR HONOREES BISHOP’S AWARD FOR EXEMPLARY BUSINESS INTEGRITY HONOREES

AL BALDWIN

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD BALDWIN & SONS

The Conference on Business & Ethics has motivated leaders to grow more responsibly in their personal and professional lives through inspirational keynote speakers and honorees who exemplify integrity and ethical business practices. Designed to inspire, this conference is unique as each year honorees are selected for their influential and ethical business practices in the Orange County community.

PRESENTING PARTNERS BENJAMIN & CARMELA DU

LEGATUS HOLY SPIRIT CEO FORUM

FAMILIA GONZALEZ REYNOSO FOUNDATION

Keynote Speaker

LUKE ZAMPERINI

PRESIDENT AND CEO, THE LOUIS ZAMPERINI FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, UNBROKEN: PATH TO REDEMPTION

ROGER KIRWAN

CHAIRMAN & CEO WOODSIDE CREDIT

Luke Zamperini is the son of famed U.S. Olympian and World War II hero Louis Zamperini who is the subject of the best selling book Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption

by Laura Hillenbrand, and the film by the same name directed by Angelina Jolie. Luke is also Executive Producer of the film sequel Unbroken: Path to Redemption and President of the Louis Zamperini Foundation, a 501c3 charitable organization that provides curriculum to high schools, youth correctional facilities, and the National Guard Youth Challenge program that teaches resilience, hope and forgiveness based on his father’s incredible life.

Luke is a motivational Christian speaker, musician, avid golfer, Bible teacher and retired Chief Building Inspector for the City of Los Angeles. He resides in Southern California with his wife Lisa.

FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD HONOREE

2022 DEDICATION - HANK EVERS The 2022 Conference on Business & Ethics will be dedicated in memory of Hank Evers. Evers worked for nearly 10 years with The Orange Catholic Foundation and the Diocese of Orange. His love for the Church and Catholic schools motivated him to make the Conference on Business & Ethics one of the top rated non-profit events in Orange County.

Evers helped raise millions over the years through this conference and other Catholic school campaigns to support students in need.

PROCEEDS FROM THE SPECIAL APPEAL WILL PROVIDE SUPPORT TO THE ORANGE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS FUND.

THE GONZALEZ FAMILY (NORTHGATE MARKET)

SCAN QR CODE TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO BECOME A PARTNER WWW.ORANGECATHOLICFOUNDATION.ORG/CBE To become a partner today, visit www.OrangeCatholicFoundation.org/CBE. For partnership questions, please contact Gennifer Billish at 714.282.3138 or email GBillish@OrangeCatholicFoundation.org.