OC CATHOLIC - APRIL 3, 2022

APRIL 3, 2022

ST. BONAVENTURE MURAL

PAGE 10

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

THE CALLING TO GOD VOCATIONS TO THE CONSECRATED LIFE ARE THE START OF A LIFE LIVED IN SERVICE PAGE 8

BISHOP KEVIN W. VANN CELEBRATES A SPECIAL MASS IN HONOR OF WORLD DAY FOR CONSECRATED LIFE AT ST. MICHAEL’S ABBEY ON FEB. 5. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

BE A VOICE IN THE '21-'23 SYNOD The Synod is a two-year process when the Church furthers the understanding of Her mission by listening to feedback from all who experience it.

The Diocese of Orange invites you to express your experience, sentiments, and thoughts by submitting your reflections online.

Participate today!

RCBO.org/synod

APRIL 3, 2022

CONTENTS

6 7 13

A HEART FOR EVERYONE

Popular Mater Dei senior Charlie McGee exemplifies the school spirit.

CONCRETE GRACE

Finding the answers to the “why” questions isn’t always difficult.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Skills learned at a young age grow and develop to greater benefit as we reach maturity.

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: 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: 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.

OCCatholic.com

OCCatholicNews

@OCCCatholicNews

GUEST COLUMN

WHAT KIND OF CHRISTIAN DO OTHERS THINK WE ARE?

BY GREG ERLANDSON CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

W

HEN POPE FRANCIS announced that the next world Synod of Bishops would convene on the topic of synodality, a lot of eyebrows were raised.

A synod on synodality seemed redundant, a bit of abstract navel gazing when so many more tangible problems beset the church.

So when the pope asked every diocese and major Catholic institutions to conduct their own listening sessions, and to include the input of those disaffected from the church as well as those highly committed souls who are the backbone of any parish, some eye rolling followed.

Yet Pope Francis is serious in wanting a church that listens as well teaches. If the church is both “mater” (mother) and

4

O C C AT H O L I C n A P R I L 3 , 2 0 2 2

“magistra” (teacher), he wants a bit more of the mother at this stage, listening to those who feel left out or excluded.

Listening, especially to one’s critics, is difficult, however. In today’s culture war environment, we feel we have to fight tooth and nail for issues like abortion, conscience protection or an end to the death penalty. Listening feels to some a bit like surrendering.

So leave it to the Episcopalians to do some listening for us.

A survey, released March 9 and conducted by the Episcopal Church, asked all sorts of Christians what their impression was of other Christians. And it asked nonbelievers what they thought of Christians as well.

Not surprisingly, Christians generally gave themselves high marks as “comGREG ERLANDSON, DIRECTOR AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF CONTINUES ON PAGE 14

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE. 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

“

We are called to build fraternity as a bulwark against hatred…

— Pope Francis

SOMETHING NEW IN CHRIST

SAINT PROFILE

”

BENEDICT THE MOOR 1526-1589

J

A

ESUS KNEW THAT THE scribes and Pharisees were trying to trap him. They put him in what seemed to be a no-win situation. Let the woman who was caught in adultery go, and he would have been accused of ignoring the law. Let her be stoned, and he would fail to show mercy toward her, contradicting his life’s message. Jesus’ response teaches three crucial lessons: none of us is free of sin; we are not the ultimate judges of others; Jesus is the mercy of God, in whom we can always trust. In Christ, God does something new. When we give our hearts to Christ, we have the hope of new life, a life in which mercy reigns.

Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co. C

S THE ELDEST SON OF AFRICAN SLAVES, Benedict, born near Messina (on the Island of Sicily), was eventually granted freedom. Growing up, he was nicknamed “il moro sante” (“the holy Moor”) for his piety and good works. He became a hermit and then the community’s superior; but, after the pope ordered them to disband in 1562, Benedict became a Franciscan lay brother. He served as cook, but drew many visitors and supplicants with his reputation for holiness and miracles. Despite his illiteracy, Benedict was chosen as superior and also as novice master, before being allowed to return to his kitchen refuge. He is a patron saint of Palermo, Sicily, and of Blacks in the United States. C

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

DN 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 [41C62]; PS 23:1-6; JN 8:12-20

NM 21:4-9; PS 102:2-3, 16-21; JN 8:21-30

DN 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; DN 3:52-56; JN 8:31-42

GN 17:3-9; PS 105:4-9: JN 8:5159

JER 20:10-13; PS 18:2-7; JN 10:31-42

EZ 37:21-28; JER 31:10-12ABCD, 13; JN 11:45-56

LK 19:28-40; IS 50:4-7; PS 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24; PHIL 2:6-11; LK 22:14 — 23:56 [23:1-49]

A P R I L 3 , 2 0 2 2 n O C C AT H O L I C

5

FEATURE

A HEART FOR EVERYONE POPULAR MATER DEI SENIOR CHARLIE MCGEE EXEMPLIFIES THE SCHOOL’S VALUES

BY LOU PONSI

M

ATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL student Charlie McGee embrace’s the school’s tenets of “honor, glory and love” in every way possible.

Charlie, a senior, serves in student government as a campus ministry commissioner, where one of his roles is reading afternoon prayers to the entire school over the PA system.

He is an altar server at campus Masses, helps feed the homeless and participates in food drives with his peers.

As a four-year member of the Monarchs wrestling team, Charlie participates in one of the most physically and mentally demanding sport there is.

Charlie also has a developmental disability known as Down Syndrome.

People with Down Syndrome “experience mild to moderate cognitive delays,” explains the National Down Syndrome Society, and the delay “is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.”

Charlie’s condition is classified as mild, in part, because he has integrated with typically developing students in Catholic schools since kindergarten.

At Mater Dei, Charlie receives some specialized instruction designed for students with mild intellectual differences.

But Charlie spends most of his school days simply being one of Mater Dei’s 2,000-plus students.

Charlie’s parents, Jerry and Alana McGee have been sure to mainstream Charlie as much as possible since.

“If you don’t provide those opportu-

6

MATER DEI STUDENT CHARLIE MCGEE IS PICTURED WITH HIS BROTHER EMMETT MCGEE. PHOTO COURTESY OF MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL

nities, then the outcomes are inherently going to be affected and different,” Jerry McGee said. “So, the greatest thing that Charlie can do is just be present and be typical within a bunch of other kids.”

But Charlie is more than simply present.

He is one of the most outgoing and most popular kids on campus.

When Mater Dei hired a new president recently, Charlie made it a point to go up and introduce himself.

“He was one of the first people that I met,” Mater Dei President Michael Brennan said. “We had a great conversation. He is a special kid.”

In the wrestling room, Monarch wrestling coach Luis Renteria said his 160-pound wrestler is almost like a second coach.

“I’ve been lucky enough to coach

O C C AT H O L I C n A P R I L 3 , 2 0 2 2

him for all four years,” Renteria said. “If we’ve got another school that comes in and wants to work out with us, he is the first one to go introduce himself and go ‘Hi, I’m Charlie McGee.’” During practice, Charlie performs the same drills and conditioning exercises, practices the same skills and sweats as hard as his teammates.

“We don’t treat him any different,” Renteria said. “He’s pretty knowledgeable. He has learned a lot.”

Said Charlie, “The practices are tough, but the friendships make it fun.”

Charlie chose to join the wrestling team because one of his two older brothers, Emmet, was a four-year wrestler at Mater Dei. “My brother did it,” Charlie said. “He loves wrestling ... and so I continued it as a freshman so that is what I love

about wrestling.”

As a freshman, Charlie became fast friends with teammate Jake McLaughlin and the pair has remained close ever since.

“Charlie probably spends more time with Jake than any other student,” Mater Dei’s director of communications, Allison Bergeron said.

Jake and Charlie eat lunch together and hang out on weekends.

During the summer, they go to the beach together.

“He always has a positive outlook on everything,” McLaughlin said.

Jake also drives Charlie home from school every day.

“Charlie takes over the radio,” McLaughlin said. “He loves listening to music. He plays whatever music he CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

FEATURE / CATHOLIC FAMILY LIVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

wants.”

The pair once shaved their heads together and were known around school as the “buzz bros.”

“Without question, the friendships he has are genuine and the interaction he has is much more typical than it is the exception,” Jerry McGee said.

Charlie’s self-advocacy skills and confidence to walk up to an adult and start a conversation is not typical of most high school kids, Bergeron said.

“That is innate in him, but it is also because he feels so loved and accepted here,” she said.

Charlie, like most Mater Dei seniors, is in the process of researching colleges.

He has applied to Clemson University, which is known for its ClemsonLIFE (Learning is for Everyone) program, a nationally recognized, post-secondary program designed to provide young adults with intellectual disabilities with the skills needed to find employment and live independently.

ClemsonLIFE students live in campus dorms, attend classes, eat in the dining halls and interact with the student population.

“When I started looking at it, I was very interested in it,” Charlie said. “They have a really good program.”

Charlie loves animals and wants to major in zoology.

“I’ve been wanting to do it my whole life,” he said. I love working with animals.”

Charlie came to Mater Dei to learn, she said, but Charlie’s presence has been a blessing for Mater Dei as well.

“We are all growing and continue learning because he was welcomed into our community,” Bergeron said.

“I think we will continue to grow. He will be missed.” C

CONCRETE GRACE

A COUPLE ATTENDS WORLD MARRIAGE DAY MASS ON FEB. 7 AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

BY KATIE DAWSON

O

NE EVENING IN OUR adult confirmation class, a group of 15 or so young adults discussed the topic of the evening: “What’s a sacrament FOR? And what is “the grace of the sacrament”?

While receiving confirmation was the reason for their participation, most of them were also going to be getting married later in the year, so marriage as a sacrament was of particular interest to them.

They were eager to get started on a new phase of their lives. I asked them where they saw God in the picture of their married life. “I don’t know, we haven’t even talked about that;” “Well, we’ll probably go to church, at least some Sundays.

For sure, we’ll take the kids to church;” “I told my boyfriend that once we’re married, we have to go to Church every Sunday.”

When we started to talk about the sacrament of marriage, the first question we considered: What is marriage for? Why get married?

The answers came: “To be with someone who loves me and will stay with me;” “To unite two people’s lives;” “To make a family;” “To have a partner in life.”

As the conversation continued, the answers got a little deeper. “I want to get married so someone’s got my back;” “I want to get married so I won’t be lonely as I get older;” “I want a life full of family;” “I just want to be with Joe forever!”

Running through the conversation

were themes of long-term happiness and companionship but there were some worries as well.

One thing that emerged in the conversation was the concern they all had that their marriage might not last long.

They hoped their love would carry them through the storms of life and believed that everything. One girl said to me later, “My mom is divorced, my aunts are divorced, my grandparents are divorced. I don’t know ANYONE who has stayed married for more than 10 years. I hope we can do better but I just don’t know….”

It was a surprise to them when I suggested that marriage is not so much about getting our needs met or finding a partner in the pleasures of life and the pursuit of happiness but that it’s a place where we are called to a sacrificial, self-giving love. That in the give and take of loving another, we are made holier and that we might even become saints through our love.

I could see that they were a little worried about all that talk of sacrifice.

They agreed that they sometimes set aside their preferences or plans for the sake of their beloved – and I encour-

aged them to understand those choices as ways they were “sacrificing” for each other. And that this is what the grace of the sacrament makes possible. But though they were surprised, I could see from their response that they were not only surprised, they were also provoked and a bit inspired by that idea.

They were even more intrigued when I told them that there was no way they could actually DO what a long-term marriage would require of them – without some supernatural help.

I love my husband, I told them, and have done for more years than I will name, but I am sometimes in need of some “help” in loving him well when we aren’t on the same page. That supernatural “help” is what we’re talking about when we say, “the grace of the sacrament.”

In other words, grace is what gets us through the tough times and elevates the good times. We all need a little (or a lot) of grace.

“If you think of this world as a place intended simply for our happiness you find it quite intolerable: think of it as a place of training and correction and it’s not so bad,” C.S. Lewis, God in the Dock. 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.

A P R I L 3 , 2 0 2 2 n O C C AT H O L I C

7

FEATURE

THE CALLING TO GOD

VOCATIONS TO THE CONSECRATED LIFE ARE THE START OF A LIFE LIVED IN SERVICE

F

BY GREG MELLEN

OR MANY IN THE secular world, a job is just a job – the thing that gives you a paycheck to feed and shelter your family, and often ends at the company door.

A vocation, however, is a career or occupation that one is particularly drawn to, well trained for and passionate about.

For Catholics, one’s vocation is even deeper, more profound and subsuming.

For a priest, said Father Brandon Dang, director of vocations for the Diocese of Orange, “vocation is a whole other realm.”

It comes from the Latin root “vocare,” which means to call. And indeed, for priests and sisters and those in consecrated life, vocations are a literal call from God. Fr. Brandon said that in the world of priests, “the general vocation is to know, love and serve.” And it’s from that deep well that all priestly duties flow.

Joan Patten, the delegate of consecrated life for the Diocese of Orange, harkening to the concept of a call, said “the Lord reveals our vocation when we listen to Him in prayer.”

Cole Buzon, a seminarian at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo who is doing an internship year at St. Polycarp in Stanton, said when talking about vocation, “God amplifies the desire within our heart.”

HEARING YOUR CALL

Every person’s path to their vocation in the Church, whether it is as a priest, sister or monk, or along some other form of consecrated life – begins with discernment.

8

FATHER BRANDON DANG GREETS A PARISHIONER FOLLOWING MASS AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

According to the Catholic Church, discernment is the process in which men or women recognize their vocation or “calling” within the Church.

Some priests from an early age would “play Mass,” at home, others come to the faith from troubled times. Still for others, the call arises from seeming happenstance.

The fateful moment that started Fr. Brandon’s journey came when when

O C C AT H O L I C n A P R I L 3 , 2 0 2 2

some of his youth group members hit him up for a ride to a retreat and he decided to hang around.

The Church provides numerous avenues for members to discern. For the digitally inclined there is information online on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram or the Diocese website.

Fr. Brandon is also open to the direct approach for those who have questions.

The Diocese plays host to a variety of

events, most popularly its monthly Vocations 101 workshops at Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, where men and women can learn about vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.

There are also retreats, seminars and classes, in multiple languages, through which discerners can gather information, share stories, ask questions, and, most importantly, pray.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 9

FEATURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

In consecrated life, women are called to be the spouse of Christ by permanently offering their lives to Him through the profession of the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience in an institute of consecrated life. There are several different forms of consecrated life. The most commonly known form is religious life. Religious priests, sisters, and brothers reminds us of Christ’s love for His Church through their public witness of community life, prayer, and ministry.

Their religious commitment implies a certain separation from the world and a dying to their “old life”. This is why religious take on new a name, religious garb or symbol, and a new community/ family. Secular institutes is another form on consecrated life in which men and women fell called to permanently consecrate their lives to God through the profession of the evangelical counsels while remaining in the world. They extend the Church’s mission of evangelization by living out their consecration in secular workplaces and society. Joan Patten, the delegate for consecrated life, is a member of a secular institute, the Apostolic Oblates. Other forms of consecrated life in the Catholic Church are consecrated virgins, eremitic life, and societies of apostolic life. Each form of consecrated life serves as a spiritual sign and responds to particular needs in the Church and in the world.

OTHER PATHS

The Diocese supports women and men who choose consecrated life, defined as “a call to make a radical, total and free gift of self to Christ and following his example by embracing for one’s entire life the evangelical counsels: poverty, chastity and obedience.”

There are a number of societies, orders and institutes for consecrated life in Orange County. For women there are 24 institutes for consecrated life with contacts in Orange County and many operating homes and convents. Many of

FATHER BRANDON DANG. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE A MASS IN HONOR OF THE 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LOVERS OF THE HOLY CROSS WAS CELEBRATED AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL ON SEPT. 14, 2019. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

the religious sisters in these orders have careers in areas such as nursing, elder care and teaching.

Men can also follow paths into many institutes and orders. Through these they can become monks, friars, brothers and advance all the way to a priesthood, either outside or affiliated with the Diocese.

“Priesthood is the umbrella,” Fr. Brandon said, “How you live it out may be different.”

TAKING THE DIOCESAN LEAP

For a select few, the seed blossoms, leading to deeper exploration of diocesan priesthood. Some spend longer than others discerning, depending upon various factors in one’s life, but eventually the person needs to make a decision.

There are five stages to entering the seminary: inquirer, discerner, candidate, applicant and seminarian.

The early stages tend to be “a fluid process,” Fr. Brandon said.

Seminarian Buzon remembers that before he discerned, he knew only that he wanted to share his message.

His “aha” moment came when on a retreat while having lunch with Fr. Loc Tran of the Diocese.

“Out of the blue, he said, ‘Cole, you would make a good priest,’” Seminarian Buzon remembers.

And right there in the cafeteria in Irvine, Buzon heard his call.

Those who believe they are called will start the process, which may conclude with the submission of an application to a seminary under the sponsorship of the Diocese. Those accepted are typically assigned to one of three seminaries: St. John’s in Camarillo, Mt. Angel in Oregon, Bishop White in Spokane, Washinton.

After the completion of philosophical studies or pre-theology, some seminarians are sent to the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

Seminary takes seven to nine years, depending on prior education, and is where candidates undergo intellectual, spiritual, human and pastoral formation. Seminarians who persevere and are recommended by their superiors to be advanced are eventually ordained to the transitional diaconate and then to the priesthood.

Throughout the process, they can experience profound change.

Seminarian Buzon said he continues to listen for God’s voice and evolve.

“I don’t even recognize the person I am now to the one I was five years ago,” he said.

Although the Diocese sends candidates to seminary with the goal that they become parish priests - it may happen that God calls them elsewhere taking the

COLE BUZON IS A SEMINARIAN AT ST. JOHN’S SEMINARY IN CAMARILLO. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

seminary experience with them to their next path on the vocational journey to become good Christian men.

Seminarian Buzon said one of his seminary brothers left to join the Capuchin Order of Franciscan Friars.

“It’s cool, that will be a good fit for him,” said Seminarian Buzon.

After seminary, some priests may undergo further education and find specialties in the Diocese, Canon Law, Systematic Theology or any number of subjects. All those are at the discretion and direction of the bishop.

The hope is that wherever one’s calling leads, it takes them to one place. Or as poet Robert Frost wrote “My object in living is to unite, my avocation and my vocation, as my two eyes make one in sight.” C

A P R I L 3 , 2 0 2 2 n O C C AT H O L I C

9

DIOCESAN NEWS

ST. BONAVENTURE BLESSES AND DEDICATES NEW CUSTOM MURAL

BY SPENCER GRANT

H

APPILY SPLASHING dolphins, sly-looking sharks, cavorting seals, a friendly turtle and students playing at the Huntington Beach Pier are all part of the new 40-foot mural by local artist Melissa Murphy adjoining the St. Bonaventure school play structure.

The whimsical and colorful mural at the Huntington Beach school on what was formerly a cinderblock wall was created to show God’s love in the community. Artist Murphy explains it was inspired by the stained glass at St. Bonaventure Church. She’s a veteran of several murals elsewhere in Surf City and the winner of the Chamber of Commerce Best of Huntington Beach award.

Funding and support for the project came from Dr. Allen Kuhl of Livermore, CA, in loving memory of his late wife Jeanne, an artist and admirer of French Impressionism and landscapes.

Along with his daughter Vanessa Frei, the school’s director of marketing and enrollment, he came up with the idea of the unique and educational work of art.

“We feel very blessed that a generous donor like Dr. Kuhl came forth to bring us this opportunity to both inspire future generations and honor a loved one,” said Principal Kim White.

The mural took four weeks to complete as students watched Murphy at work.

“I had so much fun with the project,” she enthused and so did students and staff.

Murphy’s mural inspired a schoolwide Creative Writing contest. The overall winner was student Rita Wilton with her poem, “The Living Christ” on the theme that “Christ Is Alive at St.

10

LOCAL ARTIST MELISSA MURPHY IS PICTURED BY THE NEW 40-FOOT MURAL THAT ADJOINS THE ST. BONAVENTURE SCHOOL PLAY STRUCTURE IN HUNTINGTON BEACH. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

Bonaventure School”: Ocean waves pounding the seashore Sand crabs stalking the sea floor Dolphins dancing around in a synchronistic pair Green grass swaying in the cool breeze And rustling the leaves of big trees Children playing and laughing with friends Hoping that the fun never ends.

Christ is alive inside us all In each living creature big and small No need to worry or fret

O C C AT H O L I C n A P R I L 3 , 2 0 2 2

Because Christ never leaves you, don’t forget.

The school’s student body participated in the March 18 blessing and dedication ceremony presided over by pastor Father Joe Knerr. Present were Dr. Kuhl, Principal Kim White and Dr. Denise Valdez, who is associate superintendent of Orange County Catholic schools. A highlight of the ceremony was Rita Wilton reading her poem after which all Creative Writing contest class winners received certificates of participation from principal White.

Principal White summed up the mural’s value, saying “It’s respite in a turbulent world. It’s unique in the Orange County Diocese but I hope it will be seen as an invitation to join us and paint murals in other parishes.”

Dr. Kuhl also hopes to encourage this story’s readers to visit the mural and stay to attend Mass at St. Bonaventure Church.

The dedication concluded with students standing and Father Joe Knerr conducting The Lord’s Prayer and Hail Mary. C

DIOCESAN NEWS

BISHOP KEVIN VANN SPEAKS AT THE 2022 RECONGRESS (RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONGRESS) AT THE ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER WHICH WAS HELD IN MARCH. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

AROUND OUR DIOCESE

BY STAFF

THE 2022 RECONGRESS

The 2022 RECongress (Religious Education Congress) recently concluded its run at the Anaheim Convention Center on March 18 to 20. The event was sponsored by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, with members of the Diocese of Orange attending and participating.

Bishop Kevin W. Vann presided over the March 20 Morning Eucharistic Liturgy, accompanied by a special choir.

2022 PUERI CANTORES SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA YOUTH CHORAL FESTIVAL AND MASS

Schoolchildren from parishes and Catholic schools around Southern California and beyond descended upon Christ Cathedral on March 19 to sing in the 2022 Pueri Cantores Southern California Youth Choral Festival and Mass.

The Mass, presided by Bishop Kevin Vann, featured more than 300 children from grades 4 to 12 singing as one combined choir. Dr. Richard Robbins, director of choral activities at the University of Minnesota Duluth and choir director at the Cathedral of Christ the King in CONTINUES ON PAGE 12

SCHOOLCHILDREN PERFORM DURING THE 2022 PUERI CANTORES SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA YOUTH CHORAL FESTIVAL AND MAS HELD ON MARCH 19 AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE A P R I L 3 , 2 0 2 2 n O C C AT H O L I C

11

DIOCESAN NEWS

HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH, LADERA RANCH. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Wisconsin, conducted the group. There was also a prelude featuring smaller groups singing in front of the altar.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Fr. Christopher Smith, rector and episcopal vicar of the Cathedral, noted how the Youth Choral Festival and Mass packed the choral balcony from end to end.

“I don’t think I have seen so many people in that balcony since the cathedral was dedicated,” Fr. Christopher said, “so it’s really wonderful, especially to have it full of so many children and young people praising the Lord.”

LENTEN DINNER

Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Ladera Ranch is hosting a special Lenten dinner on April 8 beginning at 5:30 p.m. followed by special guest speaker Renée Bondi at 7:30 p.m.

12

Over the years, from the vantage point of her wheelchair, Renée has observed others praising the Lord while enduring heavy, painful crosses.

Cost is $25 per person, includes dinner. For more information, call 949218-3131.

KATIE DAWSON RECOGNIZED Katie Dawson, director of faith formation and evangelization for our Diocese, was recently named one of the top 100 women in leadership in the Catholic Church by FemCatholic, a publication which promotes itself as reflecting on “feminism, faith and women’s issues in light of the truth of our faith.”

The article called women “the greatest untapped resource in the Church, and that women’s gifts and leadership are essential to the Church’s flourishing.”

Congratulations, Katie!C

O C C AT H O L I C n A P R I L 3 , 2 0 2 2

KATIE DAWSON. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS

YOUTH LEADERSHIP IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

SPOTLIGHT ON PATRICK HASSETT, ST. CECELIA SCHOOL

BY MIKE ZINN

I

T IS WIDELY RECOGNIZED that the need for leadership at all levels is critical throughout the world – and what better way to address the need for better leadership, than to start with youth within our Diocese of Orange.

St. Cecilia School in Tustin was founded in 1961, by Monsignor John Sammon and is led by Principal Mary Alvarado, with support from pastor Father Bao Thai and chaplain, Father Michael Nguyen. St. Cecilia offers a thriving atmosphere for its students, with the mantra “More Than School.”

St. Cecilia School is guided by six distinct benefits, one of which is building character. The commitment to St. Cecilia parents is that their children will learn morals through a dynamic Catholic faith. Parents can expect a program that teaches their children to make wise decisions and grow into that person who will build up the kingdom of Christ and make family life and the world a better place. These precepts provide the very foundation of young students as leaders.

At one time many years ago, a program titled, “Caught Being Good” was used to develop student leadership skills. Fast forward to current day St. Cecilia, “More Than School” and a strong commitment to parents to develop character and leadership skills in all students defines the St. Cecilia mission.

The search to find the one St. Cecilia student who embodies the best leadership traits, began with Principal Mary Alvarado. Alvarado and her staff swiftly named eighth-grade student Patrick Hassett, as their unanimous choice.

Hassett has attended St. Cecilia for nine years and has three siblings who have

EIGHTH-GRADE STUDENT PATRICK HASSETT. PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. CECILIA SCHOOL

either graduated from or are currently attending the school.

Hassett is involved in student council, National Junior Honor Society and Mock Trail. He is also an altar server and assists with morning announcements. On the sports side, Hassett has been a member of both the flag football and volleyball teams and looks to continue his volleyball and academic pursuits, next year at Servite High School. Being a National Junior Honor Society member, Hassett is a serious and accomplished student, who is most fond of science. Public speaking is also one of

his passions. Speaking during morning announcements is an important part of his leadership personality and a skill he intends on honing throughout the school year.

“I want to do more public speaking and speech writing for graduation,” Hassett said.

Long-time St. Cecilia teacher Mike Marshall has known Hassett through his siblings since he arrived on campus in the pre-k program. Selflessness, loyalty, faithfulness, kindness and respectfulness, were just some of the traits used by Marshall to describe Hassett.

According to Marshall, religion is a subject that Hassett also excels in.

“Patrick has a curious desire to know more,” he said.

When asked specifically for examples of Hassett’s leadership on campus, outside the classroom, Marshall explained how Hassett helps his teachers, makes good choices on the playground and assists younger students.

Students like Hassett exemplify the mission of Orange County Catholic schools to help aid in the development of well-rounded students who lead by example. C

A P R I L 3 , 2 0 2 2 n O C C AT H O L I C

13

GUEST COLUMN

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

POPE FRANCIS GREETS THE CROWD AS HE LEADS THE ANGELUS FROM THE WINDOW OF HIS STUDIO OVERLOOKING ST. PETER’S SQUARE AT THE VATICAN MARCH 27, 2022. THE POPE HAS ASKED EVERY DIOCESE TO CONDUCT LISTENING SESSIONS TO COLLECT INPUT ON THE STATE OF THE CHURCH AND FAITH. PHOTO: VATICAN MEDIA / CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

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 Crisis Counseling Hot Line (24/7): 1 (714) NEW–HOPE or 1 (714) 639–4673

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

714-956-4000 www.Masciel.com

Garrett Masciel • DRE#01920249

14

O C C AT H O L I C n A P R I L 3 , 2 0 2 2

Gary Masciel • DRE#00614861

passionate,” “loving” and “respectful.”

(Interestingly, Catholics graded us a bit lower than Protestants). However, non-Christians and nones (those without religious affiliation) gave their highest marks for “self-righteous,” “hypocritical” and “judgmental.”

The nones were the harshest of all in their grading of Christians, which is unfortunate, since almost 30% of Americans count themselves as nones.

Other questions asked in the survey suggest Christians, including Catholics, have a rather selective knowledge of Jesus’ teachings, and that non-Christians and nones think Christians do not do a good job of representing the values and teachings of their founder.

Now all of this can be debated. If Christians don’t know the breadth and depth of the Lord’s teachings, others may know less.

And surely some of those hot-button issues that we’ve been fighting so fiercely about may explain “self-righteous” and “judgmental.” Sex abuse scandals may explain “hypocritical,” but so do other political positions Christians -- fairly or unfairly -- are identified with.

It would seem, however, that we have

a bit of a communications problem.

How do we effectively communicate the principles of our faith and our belief in the risen Lord to our own, first of all, and then how do we communicate to the world beyond our church doors?

Some folks may think we need to jettison the hard stuff. That would certainly be easier in the short term, but that’s not what our faith calls us to do. And it must be noted that many younger Christians and would-be Christians are looking for something firm to hold on to. Wishywashy never really appeals except to wishy-washy people.

I think the real challenge, the one where unfortunately our communications efforts and our example may be found wanting, is in the Lord’s invitation: “Come and see.” Can other Christians and non-Christians see our faith in how we live and how we love? Are we quicker to judge than invite? Are we quicker to preach than to exemplify?

Every parish has its saints, but we do a pretty good job of hiding our lights under a bushel. Maybe the more practical question is: Do people see those lights shining when they step inside our parishes?

I think Pope Francis wants to know the answer. C

Moments MomentsininourourJourney Journey

Quiet reflection during Lent at St. Clara de Asis in Yorba Linda.

—Photo submitted by Shaun Nguyen

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

A P R I L 3 , 2 0 2 2 n O C C AT H O L I C

15