OC Catholic English January 1, 2017

TRINITY LEAGUE FALL 2016 MVPS page 18

the official newspaper of the roman catholic diocese of orange • occatholic.com

inside

january 1, 2017

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS page 7

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘JACKIE’ page 14

POPE FRANCIS: WORLD MUST WELCOME PRINCE OF PEACE page 20

A GOOD, LONG LIFE page 6

COURTESY OC REGISTER

ROMAN CATHOLIC ORANGE CTY DIOCESE TRAVEL SPECIALS GRAND CATHOLIC ITALY � ~ � MAY 22 - 31, 2017 10 Days ~ Rome, Assisi, Florence, Padua

In Rome, you'll visit the four major Papal basilicas: St. Peter's Basilica, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran Basilica, and St. Mary Major Basilica. �You'll also attend the Papal audience (subject to availability), receive the Papal Blessing, and visit the Holy Stairs. In Assisi, in addition to St. Mary of the Angels Basilica and the Basilicas of St. Francis and St. Clare, you’ll visit the Monastery of St. Damian, and Carceri Hermitage. In Florence, attend Mass at Santa Maria Novella Basilica, and visit Santa Croce Basilica, with the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and others.

LEGACY OF ST. PATRICK � ~ � JUNE 12 - 21, 2017 10 Days ~ Dublin, Belfast, Claremorris, Galway, Limerick, Dublin

On this faith-based tour through Ireland, visit some of the historic sites important in the life of St. Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. Reaffirm your faith when you visit St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, founded in 1191 and serving as Ireland's national cathedral since 1870. Learn more about St. Patrick and the introduction of Christianity in Ireland at the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick. Stop in Armagh, Ireland's Ecclesiastical capital, where it is said that St.

FATIMA, LOURDES AND SHRINES OF SPAIN � ~ � JUNE 13 - 24, 2017 12 Days ~ Lisbon, Fatima, Santiago de Compostela, Burgos, Lourdes, Barcelona

Reaffirm and celebrate your faith on this Portugal, Spain, and France tour. Along the way, you'll visit some of the world's most famous shrines, pilgrimage sites, and spiritual places. �Santiago de Compostela has been known as a pilgrimage site since the 9th century. You'll visit St. James’ Cathedral, home to the remains of the Apostle James.

You’ll also attend Mass in Fátima, home to one of the most famous Catholic shrines, and you’ll join pilgrims for the

SPIRITUAL HIGHLIGHTS OF POLAND � ~ � JULY 23 - 30, 2017 8 Days - Warsaw, Czestochowa, Krakow, Warsaw

On this faith-based Poland tour, you’ll visit Poland’s many spiritual sites as well as some of its famous historic places.

Along the way, you’ll learn more about the lives of St. Faustina Kowalska and Pope Saint John Paul II. �In Warsaw, you’ll attend Mass at the Zytnia Street Church, home to the Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy, where St. Faustina Kowalska entered the convent at the age of 20. In Swinice Warckie, visit the 700-year-old Parish Church of St.

SHRINES OF FRANCE AND LOURDES �~ � MAY 26 - JUNE 6, 2017 � � 12 Days ~ Paris, Limoges Area, Lourdes, Avignon, Nevers, Paris

On this faith-based tour through France, you'll visit some of France's most important shrines, cathedrals, holy places, and historic sites. One of the many highlights of this France tour is time spent in medieval Rocamadour, one of Christianity's four holy places. Here, you'll see the Black Madonna, which has inspired pilgrims since the Middle Ages, and the Grandes Escaliers, 216 weathered steps that devout pilgrims climb on their knees in penance. Other highlights include Lourdes, one of the world's most visited pilgrimage places. Here, you'll visit the grotto where the

Travel of Orange �~ �(714) 538-0010 Barbara Ochoa - ext. 114 / Gayle Burke - ext. 103 / Joe Faia - ext. 108

CONTENTS january 1, 2017

9 16 22

diocese unveils new pastoral plan

A Catholic, independent high school for girls

The Diocese of Orange releases a new pastoral plan integrating the new Christ Cathedral Campus and new areas of ministry.

scorses’s ‘silence’ and the seaside martyrs

LEAD with Integrity

Bishop Robert Barron offers his perspective on a new historical drama depicting themes of martyrdom and apostasy.

SERVE with Joy

awe-inspiring: young people gather for focus

INSPIRE with Faith & Action

The upcoming SEEK2017 conference in San Antonio, Texas, will host college students from across the country.

www.connellyschoolanaheim.org

4 editor’s note 5 weekly readings 18 student-athlete profile 23 deacon department 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: Ryan Lilyengren, APR, MA rlilyengren@rcbo.org Editor: Kimberly Porrazzo webeditor@occatholic.com New Ideas: storyideas@rcbo.org Delivery Problems: occatholicsupport@occatholic.com

advertising

Director of Sales: Heidi Lawrence hlawrence@scng.com | (714) 796-7818

orange county catholic editorial council

Father Christopher Smith (Chair), Father Steven Sallot, Brian Hews, Jane Ross Laguna, Father Gordon Moreland, S.J. 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.

Adoration Tours

presents

3 Amazing Pilgrimage Opportunities Holy Land Tour May 16 - 28, 2017

w/

Petra, Jordan

Israel: Jerusalem, Nazareth, Cana,

Bethlehem, Pvt boat ride -Sea of Galilee, Red Rose City of Petra & Mt Nebo, Jordan

Daily Mass

LAX air, 4* hotels, meals

Lourdes, Fatima & Santiago Apr 19 – May 1, 2017 Fatima Apparitions LAX or SFO air, 4* hotels, meals Fr. John Farao

100 yr. Anniversary Our Lady of

15 day Grand European June 14 - 29, 2017

Viking River Cruise Fr. Larry Sanders

Budapest to Amsterdam ~~ Hungary, Germany, Austria & Netherlands Includes 12 escorted Tours with 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Wine, Beer, Soda w/meals

~

Air from all major cities

Planning Spiritual Journeys since 1979. Visit Our Website: www.AdorationTours.com

OCCatholic.com

scng custom content

OCCatholicNews

Managing Editor: Caitlin Adams Art Director: John Cheresh

@OCCatholicNews

cst# 2045478-40

While Religious Tours is our specialty, we also offer many other CRUISE and TOUR SPECIALS !!

(818) 368-6545

Toll Free (800) 580-7040

Call Today !!

4

january 1, 2017

editor’s note

KEEPING CHRISTMAS

I

f you’re like me, the day after Christmas Day has always signaled the end of the Christmas season. If the tree isn’t at the curb for trash pickup by New Year’s Day, I feel behind schedule.

And I admit to being just a little bit sad each year as I pack away another year of holiday memories.

Christmas, however, isn’t a single day.

It is a season. And we are reminded of that as we return to Mass to find that the Church’s Christmas tree and Nativity are still in place weeks after our own are already back in storage.

Second only to Easter, Christmas is one of the most important liturgical seasons in the Church year. It begins with

the vigil Masses on Dec. 24 and this year continues through Jan. 9, the feast of the Baptism of Jesus.

So here’s how many of us shortchange our spiritual selves: We prepare

Selling Your Home Won’t Take a Miracle Ask about our 29 Day Fast Sale Plan as featured in

magazine

to get 3%, 5%, and even 8% more!

Call 657-204-5885 Orange County, CA

Values You Trust, Results You Deserve Philippians 2:4 (NAS)

Ryan Byrne, Parishioner Home Selling Specialist

BROKER LIC #01932401 CalBRE #01972723

for Christmas Day during the season of Advent, the four weeks preceding Christmas.

Between going to confession, lighting the candles on the Advent Wreath and preparing our Nativity sets in our homes, we spend an entire month getting ready. Then most of us celebrate for a single day with Mass and family gatherings, and then we get on to the next holiday – New Years. In doing so, and we actually miss Christmas!

Christmas Day is just the beginning.

During the 12 days of Christmas Catholics celebrate St. John the Evangelist, the Holy Family, the feast of the Holy Innocents, the Solemnity of the Holy Mother

of God, the Epiphany and the Baptism of our Lord. The Christmas season is packed with inspiration – the Church’s gift to us – and we miss it all if we don’t return to Mass to celebrate each of these important feasts.

Actually, maybe it’s a good thing that all the secular stuff is over prior to the beginning of the Christmas season.

Now we can, without distraction, truly celebrate the birth of Christ, reaping the spiritual benefits available to us.

The beauty of the Catholic liturgical year is how it prepares us for each season. Before we know it, Lent and then the Easter season will be upon us.

If we immerse ourselves in the Christmas season and truly celebrate all that it represents, the meaning of the seasons to follow will also take on greater spiritual significance.

Merry Christmas! C

kimberly porrazzo editor

january 1, 2017

daily readings and reflections

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

“O

ctave” comes from the Latin word for “eight,” and since eight is one step beyond seven, the number of days in a week, it has long been seen as a symbol of perfection, completion,

and new beginnings.

Early Christians called Sunday the “eighth day,” since it was the day after the Sabbath and a day of resurrected life, the Lord’s Day. By the seventh century, people regarded the eight days after Easter Sunday as one great day, an octave, one glorious feast when people were forbidden to fast or kneel. In the seventh century, Pentecost acquired an Octave, too.

Christmas didn’t claim the honor of a continuous feast, but it did get an Octave Day. January 1 is the oldest Marian feast, the Octave of Christmas.

It was originally a feast of the motherhood of Mary, although for centuries until 1969 it was called the Feast of the Circumcision. Our reformed calendar follows the earlier tradition of celebrating Mary as Mother of God. C —James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

SAINT PROFILE andrew dung-lac and companions 18th-19th centuries n feast: january 1

A

ndrew Dung-Lac was among the 117 Martyrs of Vietnam killed by government officials during persecutions to suppress European ideals and religious values in the 18th and 19th centuries. The group consisted of 96 Vietnamese and 21 foreign missionaries (11 Spanish and 10 French); the martyrs were bishops, priests and laypeople, including a woman. They endured horrible tortures in prison before being beheaded, crucified, quartered or burned alive for refusing to deny their faith. Andrew, a Vietnamese educated in Catholicism, became a catechist and priest. He was arrested and imprisoned with his companion, St. Peter Thi; they were beheaded in 1839. St. John Paul II canonized the martyrs as a group in 1988. C PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

READINGS FOR THE WEEK MONDAY:

1 JN 2:22-28; PS 98:1-4; JN 1:19-28 TUESDAY:

1 JN 2:29—3:6; PS 98:1, 3CD6; JN 1:29-34 WEDNESDAY:

1 JN 3:7-10; PS 98:1, 7-9; JN 1:35-42 THURSDAY:

1 JN 3:11-21; PS 100:1B-5; LK 4:14-22A FRIDAY:

1 JN 5:5-13; PS 147:12-15, 1920; MK 1:7-11 OR LK 3:23-28 [23, 31-34, 36, 38] SATURDAY:

1 JN 5:14-21; SAL 149:1-6A, 9B; JN 2:1-11 SUNDAY:

IS 60:1-6; PS 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; EPH 3:2-3A, 5-6; MT 2:1-12

“THE LORD ALWAYS FORGIVES US AND WALKS AT OUR SIDE. WE HAVE TO LET HIM DO THAT.” —POPE FRANCIS

5

6

january 1, 2017

feature

A GOOD, LONG LIFE

MEET JOHN HUGHES, LONGTIME ST. JOSEPH PARISHIONER AND PEARL HARBOR SURVIVOR WHO RETURNED FOR THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THAT FATEFUL DAY

A

by christopher randall t 97, John Hughes spends most of his time these days relaxing. He loves to read history books — he calls the Bible the “greatest” history book — and rarely turns on the TV. “I guess the term would be milling around,” the longtime Santa Ana resident says with a laugh.

Hughes has earned his down time.

A fixture at St. Joseph Church, where he has been a parishioner since 1961 and until a few years ago was a familiar face at the 9 a.m. Sunday Mass, where for years he served as an usher, Hughes is a decorated military veteran and member of a rare and disappearing breed of American hero: a Pearl Harbor survivor.

Hughes was 22 and stationed at the air base Ewa Airfield on Oahu when, at 7:55 a.m. local time on Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese fighter planes attacked Pearl Harbor.

The infamous assault, that plunged the U.S. into World War II for four years, lasted less than two hours and killed more than 2,400. More than 1,000 people were wounded, and nearly 20 U.S. ships and 300 U.S. airplanes were damaged or destroyed.

Hughes, one of only about 2,000 Pearl Harbor survivors thought to still be alive out of a pool that once totaled 30,000, recently discussed that morning — one of the darkest in U.S. history — and why he

PEARL HARBOR SURVIVOR MAJOR JOHN HUGHES, USMC, HANDS OFF A WREATH TO BE PLACED ON A GRAVESITE AS THE FREEDOM COMMITTEE OF ORANGE COUNTY HOSTED THEIR 62ND ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE AT HARBOR LAWN-MT. OLIVE MEMORIAL PARK AND MORTUARY IN COSTA MESA. COURTESY OC REGISTER

believes it’s important to never forget that day, and how his faith has kept him strong.

“I have God to thank for getting me through the war safely, and I thank him for every new day,” Hughes says.

fateful morning

Hughes was 22 and a Marine Corps sergeant. He had just eaten breakfast when he noticed the morning newspaper had yet to arrive.

He went out to look for the delivery guy.

“Then, I saw a low-flying plane go by over the sugarcane, a plane with a red ball on the side, so I knew what that meant,” says Hughes, referring to the feared Japanese “Zero” fighter planes.

Word around Ewa Airfield for a while

had been that the Japanese were up to something.

Now Hughes and his comrades were realizing all too vividly the horrors that were about to be unleashed on U.S. troops at Pearl Harbor.

Hughes ran to tell his fellow servicemen to break out the ammo because “the Japs have arrived.”

With Japanese Zeroes coming in low and strafing Ewa Airfield, Hughes concentrated on getting shots off at the attacking planes from his 1903 Springfield rifle.

He and others then pushed airplanes away that weren’t on fire to keep them from getting damaged by the U.S. planes that already were smoldering.

“We lost 30 or so planes — they were

totally destroyed — and the rest were damaged,” Hughes recalled. “We didn’t have one that wasn’t damaged. It was a pretty big deal on their [Japanese] part.

They did a really effective job.”

Four of Hughes fellow Marines died at Ewa that morning.

Did Hughes ever feel in danger?

“I recall feeling I could be shot, yes, but I wasn’t worried about it,” Hughes said.

“My job was shooting. I didn’t have time to be afraid. I just did my job.”

After the attack, Hughes and others cleaned up the mess.

“When we saw the massive loss at Pearl Harbor, we were devastated, saddened and irate,” Hughes said. “It was a mixture of strong emotions all together.”

january 1, 2017

7

catholic family living As Hughes sees it, he and other U.S. servicemen were just doing their jobs that day.

“I don’t think I was a hero,” Hughes said. “I did was I was supposed to do.”

distinguished career

Hughes went on to a distinguished military career that ended in 1964 after 27 years of service.

A combat pilot, Hughes ended up flying more than 150 dive-bombing missions during his multiple tours in the South Pacific during WWII and the Korean War, where he also flew helicopters as a member of a medical EVACS team.

His numerous military commendations include the Distinguished Flying Cross.

After retiring from the Marines Corps, Hughes managed a liquor store in Santa Ana while he and his wife, Mary, raised five children.

Hughes stopped working in 1981, at age 62. Mary died in 1992 at age 72.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

JANUARY 1 GIVES CATHOLICS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEEPEN THEIR FAITH by cathi douglas

I

f you fail year after year to keep even one of your New Year’s resolutions, take comfort that you are not alone.

In fact, in the 4,000-plus years that civilization has kept this custom, many millions of people have broken even their most fervent New Year’s vows.

A January 2015 post in “Mental Floss” explains the history behind the tradition, noting that the ancient Babylonians celebrated the earliest-known festivity honoring the coming of a new year with a commemoration lasting 11 days. “The festivities were dedicated to the rebirth

of the sun god Marduk, but the Babylonians made promises in order to get on the right side of all their gods. They felt this would help them start the New Year on the right foot.”

When Julius Caesar created the Julian calendar – which closely represents the calendar we use today – he declared January 1 the first day of the year to honor the god of new beginnings, Janus, and the Romans celebrated the New Year by offering sacrifices, “Mental Floss” says.

In modern times, New Year’s resolutions are the goals that guide success in work, sports, competition and life, notes Theo Tsaousides in “Psychology Today.”

Goals give us clarity, providing us with a vision and direction. They help us plan for the future. Goals give life meaning through purpose, which motivates us and moves us to take action. “Goals are what drive advances in science, education, medicine, public policy, law and government,” Tsaousides writes. “Progress in all these fields happens when people set, pursue and achieve goals. If there are no

never forget

Hughes recently returned from Hawaii after attending, with several relatives, ceremonies marking the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

“It’s always good going out there,” he said. “It was a great trip.”

Ewa Airfield was added to the National Register of Historic Places in May 2016.

Hughes turns 98 on Feb. 8. He attributes his long life, in part, to lifting weights for several years.

Since Hughes has outlived most of his contemporaries, most parishioners at St. Joseph Church in Santa Ana have no clue they have a Pearl Harbor survivor in their midst.

“To the younger people today, World War II is like the Civil War was to me when I was a kid,” Hughes said. “I don’t think that young kids today really think about (Pearl Harbor). It’s history. It’s 75 years ago.”

But remember they should, Hughes said.

“It could happen again — not to say the Japanese (will attack), but someone else. Keep alert: That’s the main thing. And never take your freedom for granted.” C

POPE FRANCIS WALKS WITH CHILDREN AT THE CONCLUSION OF CHRISTMAS EVE MASS IN PETER’S BASILICA AT THE VATICAN DEC. 24.

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

goals, there is confusion. And confusion can delay or thwart progress.”

We know that the most common resolutions after the indulgences of the Christmas season are to exercise more, eat healthier and lose weight. But New Year’s resolutions also offer Catholics the opportunity to work with a clean slate to advance their spiritual growth.

Some of these ideas are adapted from an article posted in the “Huffington Post” last year, and others I’ve added. All address our desire to deepen our relationship with Jesus. The most important thing to remember is that even small steps are valuable – even if we fail to meet our goals every time, the ongoing efforts keep us moving toward our goals. n Pray a little each day. Subscribe to email services that offer daily prayers, say a quick Rosary, or meditate on the saint whose feast day it is. Calm your breathing and ignore the tug of your phone for 10 minutes. Think spiritually instead. n Spend quality time with friends and family, in person or on the phone, at least once a week. n Take time to write down and express gratitude to God for the positive things happening in your life. n Pause during the day to reflect on the big and small ways people are helping you. n Mend relationships by forgiving those who hurt you and seeking forgiveness from those you have hurt. n Communicate mindfully. Practice speaking in a way that is honest and helpful but doesn’t offend or hurt others.

Don’t let anger get the best of you.

Take deep breaths when you feel your ire rising. Count to 10 slowly and concentrate on each number. Give yourself a little time to think carefully about what you say next.

Along the way, take heart in the knowledge that fewer than 40 percent of people have stuck to their resolutions by the time July rolls around, according to a 2013 Google survey. Still, notes Tsaousides, goals keep people connected.

“Common goals are the foundational block upon which we build communities.

From families to sports teams, from small start-ups to large corporations, and from social movements to entire nations, the success of a group depends on how much its members believe in a common goal.” C

8

january 1, 2017

feature

COURTESY DIOCESE OF ORANGE

january 1, 2017

9

feature

DIOCESE UNVEILS NEW PASTORAL PLAN CONNECTION! IS THE THEME FOR THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE AS IT AIMS TO UNIFY ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLICS

C

by meg waters onnection! is the vision and theme for the new Diocesan Pastoral Plan developed by more than 1,000 parish representatives, ministry leaders, priests and other religious in Orange County. The rollout is well underway and is aimed at uniting the community in faith to bring Christian love and service to the place we call home.

The original Pastoral Plan developed

by Bishop Tod Brown, among its many goals, called for better communication on the part of the Diocese and stronger adult and youth ministry programs.

Great strides were made, but the plan predated the purchase of the new Christ Cathedral, and the options were somewhat limited. The Christ Cathedral campus has expanded the possibilities for service, collaboration and gathering in a way the Diocese had never imagined just a few years ago. The campus, with its size and multiple gathering spaces, enables the Diocese to create a new vision that was not possible when the first Pastoral Plan was developed.

According to Bishop Kevin Vann, “As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of Orange … we are blessed to be in solidarity and mission with many other faith communities working together for the good of our community. Sacred Scripture frequently uses the number

40, signifying journey and pilgrimage with the Lord, not unlike our journey these past years.” With the new Pastoral Plan, the Diocese is embarking on both a journey and pilgrimage to greater connection among Catholics and the community at large.

In August of 2015, the Diocesan Pastoral Council began a process to reimagine the mission of the Diocese from the parish to the cathedral. According to Chancellor Shirl Giacomi, the process began with two simple, but profound questions: “What are you most proud of in the Diocese and what are you longing for?” Through the process of three convocations, involving more than 1,000 parish leaders, the answers to these questions and the ideas they inspired

led to clear themes and a vision.

The relationship between the Diocese and the parishes can be loosely compared to the relationship between a county and cities. A city manages at the neighborhood level, providing services and programs to meet the needs of the people within a relatively small community. The county provides the programs and services that address the needs of the larger community that would be too cumbersome for cities to handle on an individual basis.

But the connection between the Diocese and the parish is much stronger, and guided by a common purpose. As Bishop Vann says, “(the Pastoral Plan) is best seen in the light of a framework for family life and marriage, sacramental

celebrations, outreach to those in need, the fostering of vocations to priesthood, and consecrated life and the ministry of deacons… each of us, each day, do not travel our faith journey alone, but together.” In short, the parish is the neighborhood where the pastor and parishioners choose the ministries and services that best suit their needs. The Diocese provides the framework, training, financial guidance and regional services that contribute to the success of the parishes.

The new Pastoral Plan is available on the Diocese website rcbo.org under the Leadership tab. It outlines nine initiatives that will be the focus going forward. However, these initiatives are not just for the Diocese, but each deanery and parish is expected to consider and discuss them in light of their own ministries. The goal is to create 62 parish-driven “points of light” that will not only reach out to the 1.2 million Catholics in Orange County, but also embrace the entire community for the greater good of all.

With the new Christ Cathedral, Catholics now have a place to gather and learn, and as Saint Junipero Serra said, we go “Siempre Adelante”, always forward, together. C

The Pastoral Plan includes the following areas of emphasis. The document is available at rcbo.org under Leadership and provides much more detail. n unity in our diversity This begins by noticing the person you sit next to at Mass and getting to know them. Welcoming new people, sharing our space (facilities), bringing the marginalized into greater participation, accommodating persons with special needs, or families of the detained. n our life of prayer Discover what is offered in faith formation, presentations and liturgical experiences in my parish, deanery or religious communities. Discuss the liturgy with your family. Strengthen my personal connection with the Lord to grow in holiness and mission. n personal & corporal works of mercy and love Support the Pastoral Care Center to extend the hand of mercy to individuals and families in need. Meet our ecumenical and interfaith neighbors with open hearts to collaborate in service of the common good in our neighborhoods. Meet the pastoral care needs of married couples and families in crisis. n adult faith, youth and young adults Provide parish support for adult faith and young adult learning, service and prayer opportunities. Equip the faithful for evangelization by energizing parish life and engagement. n inactive and returning catholics Grow in a welcoming and non-judgmental way so that others feel save enough to ask questions about faith and life in the Church today. Be willing to extend a personal and loving invitation to those who may wish to return to active Catholic life. Update myself well enough in Catholic teaching so that I can speak about my faith appropriately with love and confidence. n communication Re-examine our methods of communication to improve outreach, without forgetting that the most important communication is personal. Encourage persons in the parish who have the skills and willingness to assist parishioners to make use of new platforms and technologies. n stewardship and finance Willingness to learn about financial practices and needs in my parish. Support ethical and just labor practices within those who serve us. Maintain parish facilities and use the facilities with respect and care. n year of mercy memorial The Diocese Pastoral Care Center plans to house a wide variety of Outreach to Homeless services and support groups designed to perpetuate the spirit of the Year of Mercy.

10 january 1, 2017

interview

‘FENCES’ ACTOR GOT HIS CAREER STARTED AT HIS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL by mark pattison catholic news service WASHINGTON (CNS) -- In a real-life situation akin to the “High School Musical” movie franchise, Russell Hornsby was a jock who got the acting bug via the high school musical.

Hornsby, a native of Oakland, California, was a sophomore at the all-boys St. Mary’s College High School in Berkeley, where he played football. But teammates dared him to try out for the school musical, “The Wiz.” “And when it’s a dare, you’ve got to do it,” said Hornsby, who portrays Lyons in the new movie “Fences,” which hits multiplexes nationwide on Christmas Day. So, for his audition, Hornsby prepared Bert Lahr’s soliloquy on courage as the Cowardly Lion from “The Wizard of Oz,” the 1939 movie musical upon which “The Wiz” was based.

And, to the delight of, and an ovation from, his fellow actors from “Fences,” Hornsby -- who might have refined his approach in the ensuring years -- took it from the top, playing the part not only of the Cowardly Lion but all his companions on the Yellow Brick Road, getting not only the cadence and inflections of Lahr’s voice perfectly, but also the character’s sputtering false bravado.

“Your majesty, if you were king, you wouldn’t be afraid of anything?

“Not nobody, not nohow!”

“Not even a rhinoceros?”

“Imposserous!”

“How about a hippopotamus?”

“Why, I’d thrash him from top to bottomamus!”

“Supposin’ you met an elephant?”

“I’d wrap him up in cellophant!”

“What if it were a brontosaurus?”

RUSSELL HORNSBY AND VIOLA DAVIS STAR IN A SCENE FROM THE MOVIE “FENCES.” THE CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE CLASSIFICATION IS A-III -- ADULTS. CNS PHOTO/PARAMOUNT

“I’d show him who was King of the Forest!”

“How?” “How? Courage! What makes a king out of a slave? Courage! What makes the flag on the mast to wave? Courage! What makes the elephant charge his tusk, in the misty mist or the dusky dusk? What makes the muskrat guard his musk?

Courage! What makes the sphinx the seventh wonder? Courage! What makes the dawn come up like thunder? Courage! What makes the Hottentot so hot?

What puts the ‘ape’ in apricot? What have they got that I ain’t got?”

“Courage!”

Hornsby snared not the Cowardly Lion in tryouts, but the Scarecrow, and he was hooked. “Plus, there were girls there, so that helped,” he laughed during a Dec. 6 interview with Catholic News Service as Hornsby and other cast members from “Fences” visited Washington for a preview screening.

On a serious note, Hornsby said, “Athletes can get discarded quickly. I could see it even then.” That, for him, made the switch to performing easier.

He headed east to Boston University and got a bachelor’s degree in performance, then snagged a coveted spot in Oxford, England, at the British Academy of Dramatic Art. On television, Hornsby plays Detective Hank Griffin on the NBC series “Grimm.”

But in “Fences,” he plays Lyons, the son of Troy (Denzel Washington) from an earlier marriage. As passionate as Troy was about playing baseball -- he was a Negro Leaguer but too old to benefit from the erasure of the color line -- Lyons’ passion is music and he seeks a small loan from his dad to give his career a boost.

Hornsby and Washington are just two of the actors reprising their roles in the film version after having acted in a 2010 Broadway revival of the August Wilson play. Wilson wrote the movie screenplay for the film, but died in 2005. According to Mykelti Williamson, who plays Troy’s brother on stage and on film, said Washington won the rights to the movie, but insisted on mounting a stage production first “to be true to the material.”

The reason for the six-year gap between the revival and the movie? “Denzel’s got a

busy dance card,” replied Stephen McKinley Henderson, another featured performer in both the play and the film. Henderson has acted in nine of the 10 August Wilson plays that constitute the “Pittsburgh Cycle” -- all of the shows are set in Pittsburgh -- but called in some circles the “American Century Cycle,” partly given Wilson’s standing in American theater and partly because the plays look at the evolution of black life and race relations in the United States through the generations.

“Suffering is a leitmotif ” in “Fences,” but “also brutal honesty and joy in unexpected moments, which is what enlivens the movie, said Kurt Jensen, a guest reviewer for Catholic News Service, in his review of the film. “Moral decisions, and the consequences of immoral ones, lurk at every turn in the plot as well.”

“Fences” received a classification of AIII – adults – for references to adultery, frequent use of the n-word and a single instance each of profanity and rough language. Even so, Jensen advises, “the movie’s focus on ideas and their consequences makes it acceptable for mature adolescents.” C

january 1, 2017

CALENDAR sunday

monday the world apostolate of fatima

bingo

mother of perpetual help novena

We pay tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary in asking for her assistance, through her Son, in providing strength, comfort and even miracles to the faithful for centuries. 6 p.m.

ADDRESS: St. Bonaventure Church, 16400 Springdale St., Huntington Beach CONTACT: Parish Office, (714) 846-3359 x 0

tuesday alcoholics anonymous meeting

A.A. members share their experience with anyone seeking help with a drinking problem; they give person-to-person service or “sponsorship” to the alcoholic coming to A.A. from any source. The A.A. program, set forth in the Twelve Steps, offers the alcoholic a way to develop a satisfying life without alcohol.

This program is discussed at A.A. group meetings. 7:30 p.m.

ADDRESS: St. Irenaeus Church, Hall conference room, 5201 Evergreen Ave., Cypress CONTACT: Jay Conklin, (714) 337-6857

friday

saturday

thursday 12 step spirituality for everyone

To submit an event to the calendar, contact: newscalendar@rcbo.org

legion of mary

The Legion of Mary is a group of lay people guided by our Blessed Mother and inspired by the Holy Spirit to do spiritual works of mercy. We are looking for people who want to grow spiritually.

9:15 a.m.

ADDRESS: St. Joseph School, 4th grade classroom, 727 Minter St., Santa Ana CONTACT: Rafaela at (714) 547-4345

Join us on Thursdays for a firsthand experience of how God uses the spiritual principles of the 12 Steps program to transform our lives, heal our damaged emotions and mend our shattered relations. All are welcome. Anonymity is strictly observed. 6:30 to 8 p.m.

ADDRESS: Our Lady Queen of Angels, Parish Center, 2046 Mar Vista Drive, Newport Beach CONTACT: Fred, (949) 285-3217

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

where to go and what to do this week

Mission Statement: Follow the message of Our Lady at Fatima and promote the spiritual growth of members by providing a small cell atmosphere of prayer and reflection on the Mysteries of Our Lady’s request for prayer and sacrifice. Form small cells that provide an atmosphere to inspire members to unite in open prayer and share in the support provided by each member. Expand cell membership so that new cells can form and spread the power of this group prayer. 7 to 8 p.m.

ADDRESS: St Cecilia Church, 1301 Sycamore Ave., Tustin CONTACT: John Netherwood, (714) 832-6135

Try your luck and meet new friends. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

ADDRESS: Mater Dei High School, LeVecke,1202 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana CONTACT: (714) 754-7711; materdei.org

wednesday

jan 1 – jan 7

bingo

The Knights of Columbus will be holding Bingo Night every Friday and invite you to come out for an evening of fun.

5:30 p.m.

ADDRESS: St. Anthony Claret, 1450 La Palma Ave, Anaheim CONTACT: Steve Oskorus, (714) 742-1870 or soskorus@sbcglobal.net

christ cathedral tour ministry

(Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM)

Tours for groups of 15 or more people must made by reservation.

ADDRESS: Cathedral Cultural Center, Christ Cathedral, 13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove CONTACT: Trudy Mazzarella, Director of Tour Ministry; trudymazz@gmail. com; (714) 620-7916

PHOTOS: THINKSTOCK; COURTESY VENUE

12

14

january 1, 2017

in theatres now

‘JACKIE’ by kurt jensen catholic news service

NEW YORK (CNS) -- “Jackie” (Fox Searchlight) is more of a passionate meditation on the nature of a first lady’s fame than a historical drama about Jacqueline Kennedy in the weeks following the 1963 assassination of her husband.

So the mesmerizing performance by Natalie Portman in the title role -- it’s one long monologue, really -- can’t be measured against other biopics of presidents or their wives.

Director Pablo Larrain and screenwriter Noah Oppenheim focus instead on how Jackie created her own legend by virtually dictating a story about her husband’s last days to reporter and biographer Theodore H. White (Billy Crudup) for Life magazine. They strengthen their drama with an expertly created mix of archival footage into which Portman is inserted.

Jackie, shown to be arch and brittle, has complete control over the article, and even commands White not to mention that she smokes. It being the early 1960s, everyone else is smoking, of course.

This feature in Life launched the Camelot legend of the Kennedy years, since Jackie mentioned that she and the president (Caspar Phillipson) used to enjoy listening to the eponymous Lerner and Loewe Broadway musical’s cast album. She knew, in other words, something about myth-making -- even in the depths of her grief.

That’s also where the film goes off the rails after its first hour.

Jackie is shown not listening to the record with the president, but rather alone, as she wanders in despair through the stately second-floor rooms of the White House from which she’ll shortly depart.

As the title song of “Camelot” begins, Richard Burton, the original King Arthur, burbles, “It’s true! It’s true!” Discerning history buffs may be tempted to shout

back at the screen, “It’s not! It’s not!”

Soon afterward, the president’s brother, Bobby (Peter Sarsgaard), announces, “I think you need to talk to a priest.” This leads to a series of conversations about anger and suicide with a scruffy elderly cleric (John Hurt) billed only as the Priest.

Hurt’s character is an amalgam of at least two real-life clergymen, Irish-born Vincentian Father Joseph Leonard, whom Jackie knew from before she was married, and Jesuit Father Richard McSorley, who taught at Georgetown University. Bishop Philip Hannan, the future archbishop of New Orleans, who was then an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington, is also known to have counseled the grieving widow.

Jackie is said to have asked Father

McSorley “if God would separate her from her husband if she killed herself,” after which he reiterated to her the church’s teaching against suicide.

Although these are quite typical exchanges to have while wrestling with grief, Catholic viewers may wonder whether they’re the result of breaking the seal of confession. It turns out they’re not, although Father McSorley was widely criticized years later for revealing the contents of their talks.

The dramatic thread of the film concerns Jackie’s demand that everyone march in a procession from the White House to the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle for the funeral. Since this eight-block walk would include foreign dignitaries, her request caused hours

of frantic arguments about security concerns. Yet Jackie prevailed, and the cortege is now recalled for its calm, fearless dignity.

“Jackie” may fall short as history. But its attention to detail and its willingness to show grief honestly will make it appealing for many adults.

The film contains an explicit, gory portrayal of assassination and at least one use of rough language. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted.

Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. C Jensen is a guest reviewer for Catholic News Service.

NATALIE PORTMAN, CENTER, STARS IN A SCENE FROM THE MOVIE “JACKIE.” THE CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE CLASSIFICATION IS A-III -- ADULTS. THE MOTION PICTURE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA RATING IS R -- RESTRICTED. UNDER 17 REQUIRES ACCOMPANYING PARENT OR ADULT GUARDIAN. CNS PHOTO/FOX

Meet the Prophet from Bavaria Who Challenged Modernism P

ope Benedict XVI is widely considered to be the greatest theologian and Catholic thinker of our time. In these pages, author James Day unpacks the voluminous teachings of Pope Benedict and presents his remedies for the many ills afflicting the Church and our culture, including individualism, materialism, secularism, and godlessness. Pope Benedict XVI offers our generation one of the clearest understandings of our world today, tirelessly championing the New Evangelization and a sacramental return to Christ and His Church.

“James Day reminds all of us that, like all good fathers, Benedict XVI has left the Church a rich legacy of thought and ideas—a heritage rooted in ancient truths with the power to transform the future.”

Samuel Gregg, D.Phil Director of Research, Acton Institute

Order now by calling (800) 888-9344 or by visiting

SophiaInstitute.com/FatherBenedict

16

january 1, 2017

commentary

SCORSESE’S “SILENCE” AND THE SEASIDE MARTYRS by bishop robert barron

I

have long been an ardent fan of Martin Scorsese’s films. Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, The Aviator, Gangs of New York, The Last Waltz, Casino, etc. are among the defining movies of the last forty years. And The Departed, Scorsese’s 2007 crime drama, was the subject matter of the first YouTube commentary that I ever did. It is certainly the case, furthermore, that the director’s Catholicism, however mitigated and conflicted, comes through in most of his work. His most recent offering, the much-anticipated Silence, based upon the Shusaku Endo novel of the same name, is a worthy addition to the Scorsese oeuvre. Like so many of his other films, it is marked by gorgeous cinematography, outstanding performances from both lead and supporting actors, a gripping narrative, and enough thematic complexity to keep you thinking for the foreseeable future.

The story is set in mid-seventeenth century Japan, where a fierce persecution of the Catholic faith is underway. To this dangerous country come two young Jesuit priests (played by Adam Driver and Andrew Garfield), spiritual descendants of St. Francis Xavier, sent to find Fr. Ferreira, their mentor and seminary professor who, rumor has it, had apostatized under torture and actually gone over to the other side. Immediately upon arriving onshore, they are met by a small group of Japanese Christians who had been maintaining their faith underground for many years. Due to the extreme danger, the young priests are forced into hiding during the day, but they are able to engage in clandestine ministry at night: baptizing, catechizing,

LIAM NEESON STARS IN A SCENE FROM THE MOVIE “SILENCE.” CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

confessing, celebrating the Mass. In rather short order, however, the authorities get wind of their presence, and suspected Christians are rounded up and tortured in the hopes of luring the priests out into the open. The single most memorable scene in the film, at least for me, was the sea-side crucifixion of four of these courageous lay believers. Tied to crosses by the shore, they are, in the course of several days, buffeted by the incoming tide until they drown. Afterwards, their

bodies are placed on pyres of straw and they are burned to ashes, appearing for all the world like holocausts offered to the Lord.

In time, the priests are captured and subjected to a unique and terrible form of psychological torture. The film focuses on the struggles of Fr. Rodrigues. As Japanese Christians, men and women who had risked their lives to protect him, are tortured in his presence, he is invited to renounce his faith and thereby put an

end to their torment. If only he would trample on a Christian image, even as a mere external sign, an empty formality, he would free his colleagues from their pain. A good warrior, he refuses. Even when a Japanese Christian is beheaded, he doesn’t give in. Finally, and it is the most devastating scene in the movie, he is brought to Fr. Ferreira, the mentor whom he had been seeking since his arrival in Japan. All the rumors are true: this former master of the Christian

january 1, 2017

17

commentary life, this Jesuit hero, has renounced his faith, taken a Japanese wife, and is living as a sort of philosopher under the protection of the state. Using a variety of arguments, the disgraced priest tries to convince his former student to give up the quest to evangelize Japan, which he characterized as a “swamp” where the seed of Christianity can never take root.

The next day, in the presence of Christians being horrifically tortured, hung upside down inside a pit filled with excrement, he is given the opportunity, once more, to step on a depiction of the face of Christ. At the height of his anguish, resisting from the depth of his heart, Rodrigues hears what he takes to be the voice of Jesus himself, finally breaking the divine silence, telling him to trample on the image. When he does so, a cock crows in the distance. In the wake of his apostasy, he follows in the footsteps of Ferreira, becoming a ward of the state, a well-fed, well-provided for philosopher, regularly called upon to step on a Christian image and formally renounce his Christian faith. He takes a Japanese name and a Japanese wife and lives out many long years in Japan before his death at the age of 64 and his burial in a Buddhist ceremony.

What in the world do we make of this strange and disturbing story? Like any great film or novel, Silence obviously resists a univocal or one-sided interpretation. In fact, almost all of the commentaries that I have read, especially from religious people, emphasize how Silencebeautifully brings forward the complex, layered, ambiguous nature of faith. Fully acknowledging the profound psychological and spiritual truth of that claim, I wonder whether I might add a somewhat dissenting voice to the conversation? I would like to propose a comparison, altogether warranted by the instincts of a one-time soldier named Ignatius of Loyola, who founded the Jesuit order to which all the Silence missionaries belonged. Suppose a small team of highly-trained American special ops was smuggled behind enemy lines for a dangerous mission. Suppose furthermore that they were aided by loyal civilians on the ground, who were eventually captured and proved willing to die rather than betray the mission. Suppose finally that the troops themselves were

eventually detained and, under torture, renounced their loyalty to the United States, joined their opponents and lived comfortable lives under the aegis of their former enemies. Would anyone be eager to celebrate the layered complexity and rich ambiguity of their patriotism?

Wouldn’t we see them rather straightforwardly as cowards and traitors?

My worry is that all of the stress on complexity and multivalence and ambiguity is in service of the cultural elite today, which is not that different from the Japanese cultural elite depicted in the film. What I mean is that the secular establishment always prefers Christians who are vacillating, unsure, divided, and altogether eager to privatize their religion. And it is all too willing to dismiss passionately religious people as dangerous, violent, and let’s face it, not that bright. Revisit Ferreira’s speech to Rodrigues about the supposedly simplistic Christianity of the Japanese laity if you doubt me on this score. I wonder whether Shusaku Endo (and perhaps Scorsese) was actually inviting us to look away from the priests and toward that wonderful group of courageous, pious, dedicated, long-suffering lay people who kept the Christian faith alive under the most inhospitable conditions imaginable and who, at the decisive moment, witnessed to Christ with their lives. Whereas the specially trained Ferreira and Rodrigues became paid lackeys of a tyrannical government, those simple folk remained a thorn in the side of the tyranny.

I know, I know, Scorsese shows the corpse of Rodrigues inside his coffin clutching a small crucifix, which proves, I suppose, that the priest remained in some sense Christian. But again, that’s just the kind of Christianity the regnant culture likes: utterly privatized, hidden away, harmless. So okay, perhaps a halfcheer for Rodrigues, but a full-throated three cheers for the martyrs, crucified by the seaside. C

Donate tax-deductible clothes, furniture, appliances and more to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and provide for the needy.

Receive a tax deduction due to our 501 (c) (3)

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores

Long Beach - 2750 East Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90804 9:30am – 6pm (Mon-Sat) •9am – 5:30pm (Sun) www.svdpla.org For FREE truck pick-up call (800) 974-3571

Administrative Services Manager in Brea, CA. Min req.: 2 yrs of exp. as Admin.

Serv. Mgr., Admin. Officer, or rel. field. Mail resume to Kaitlyn Clothing, Inc., Attn: HR, 260 W. Birch St., #8, Brea, CA 92821.

Physicians Asst/Nurse Prct: Part time for family practice in Diamond Bar. Call 909-839-0808 Dogs

PETS & ANIMALS Dogs

Bishop Robert Barron is an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries.

CHIHUAHUA MIX: black neutered Male w/ pointed ears, 10lbs, 20 mos old, current shots, he barks at other dogs he does not know. Owner passed away - must be a stable environment. Call 310384-0379 for price

Labs: M/F, yellow & red fox, AKC, hip guaranteed 26mos, xlnt hunting pedigree, over 50 AKC hunt test & field trial champs. $750. 714-474-7673

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Health Services Lose 30 lbs in 30 Days!

I work with Bishops and many of our Priests, all successfully! Easy, Safe, Cost effective, 10 k lbs shed last 5 yrs Personal Training also available Gil and Laurel Yurly, 714-206-0443

18

january 1, 2017

high school sports

TRINITY LEAGUE FALL 2016 MVPS by dan arritt

A

s we ring in the New Year and prepare to dive into Trinity League play for the winter sports, now’s a good time to hand out some awards from the fall.

senior class mvp: Meghan McClure,

Santa Margarita – No player has been a bigger fixture in Trinity League girls’ volleyball the last four years than McClure, who capped off her high school career by leading the Eagles to league and CIF-SS Division I titles. The Stanford-bound

McClure was recognized as the Division I player of the year after totaling 483 kills, 233 digs, 61 blocks and 24 service aces.

STUDENT-ATHLETE PROFILE

junior class mvp: Ash Molthen,

Orange Lutheran – The big left-hander delivered 74 goals and 72 assists in leading the boys’ water polo team to its first Southern Section title, a 9-7 win against Huntington Beach in which Molthen had a goal and three assists. Molthen was recognized for his achievements by earning Division I player of the year and capped off his fall by committing to UCLA in mid-December.

sophomore class mvp: J.T. Dan-

iels, Mater Dei – In his second year as the starting quarterback for one of the most visible football programs in California, Daniels improved by leaps and bounds. He threw for a state-leading 67 touchdown passes and was No. 2 in passing yards with 4,849, all while getting continued on page 19

JULIANA REISINGER santa margarita volleyball

by jenelyn russo

A

s one of the taller students in her class during her elementary years, it was often suggested to Julianna Reisinger that she should play volleyball.

“People always told me I should take up volleyball,” says Reisinger. “I never had an interest in it. I kind of brushed it aside. I actually thought I wanted to be a soccer player.”

But watching the beach volleyball athletes during the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, along with being in attendance when the Santa Margarita Catholic High School

ASH MOLTHEN COURTESY OC REGISTER

girls volleyball team won their CIF championship in 2008, solidified her decision try the sport.

“I was amazed,” says Reisinger, “and I said, ‘I know this is what I want to do.’”

Her decision proved to be a good one. As a captain on the team, the senior Eagle libero is a defensive specialist and excels at being placed in positions of leadership.

“I really love [playing libero] because it is naturally a leadership role,” says Reisinger. “I just love that…my teammates look to me as the one who’s making these defensive plays, and I love having that responsibility.

SARAH REID

january 1, 2017

19

high school sports I love knowing that my teammates are counting on me.”

The two-year varsity player had a chance to be a part of school history last fall as she and her fellow Eagles brought a girls volleyball CIF Championship back to campus, their first such title since Reisinger watched the 2008 squad complete the same goal. Alongside securing a Trinity League Championship, Reisinger and her teammates knew this was their year.

“We went into every single game looking at it as this is what’s preparing us,” says Reisinger. “The actual CIF (championship) game (versus league rival Mater Dei) is something I’ll never forget.”

Head varsity coach, Katy Daly, feels Reisinger was a huge contributor to the team’s success, as seen with her being named 1st Team AllCIF and 1st Team All-County.

“Julianna knows the game of volleyball and has a calm presence about her,” says Daly. “She was a great defensive player and allowed the Eagles to run a great offense.”

Away from the sport, Reisinger is a part of Santa Margarita’s Chamber Choir, as the Coto de Caza resident loves to sing. She is also a manager for the Eagles baseball team, and serves her community through organizations such as Lion’s Heart, National Honor Society and Stand Up To Cancer.

Reisinger is headed to Purdue University in the fall, where she will play volleyball for the Boilermakers in addition to studying engineering. She credits her grandmother, whose steady faith in the face of many trials has been inspiring for the 17-year-old.

“Faith is a huge part of my life,” says Reisinger. “I always try to remember that God has a plan for me. Things [may not be] going well right now, but there’s always something better that’s going to come right around the corner.” C

intercepted just six times in 423 passing attempts. Daniels led the Monarchs over St. John Bosco in their first meeting to dethrone the four-time defending league champions.

freshman class mvp: Anthony Grover, JSerra – The Lions were in need of someone to replace Andrew Burkhardt, the 2015 Division 4 state champion who graduated and now runs for California, and that turned out to be Grover, who didn’t win a state title this season but did finish fifth in Division 4 to lead JSerra to a third-place finish in the team competition. Grover also finished fourth in the sweepstakes race at the Orange County Championships with the top freshman time.

consistency award: Jadie Acidera, JSerra – Commuting from Anaheim to San Juan Capistrano never got in the way of Acidera’s goals, and the senior tennis player captured her third consecutive Trinity League girls’ singles title. She also advanced to the round of 16 at the CIFSS Individual championships and posted an overall record of 67-1 for her senior season. She’ll look to continue her success at Cal State Fullerton next season.

MEGHAN MCCLURE

most improved: Chayse Gomez,

Rosary – After finishing fourth in the Trinity League individual girls’ golf finals as a freshman in 2015, Gomez figured to have a tough time improving on that result with the three girls who finished ahead of her also returning. Gomez wasn’t thinking that way, however, and she went out and took the lead after the first round at Los Serranos Country Club in Chino Hills and maintained it through the second round at Dad Miller golf course in Anaheim to claim the individual title by three strokes.

WATCH THE VIDEO

A conversation with Juliana Reisinger

occatholic.com/category/sports

J.T. DANIELS COURTESY OC REGISTER

patience award: Richard Wagner, Santa Margarita – After serving as a backup to K.J. Costello the last two seasons, Wagner finally got his chance to be featured as the team’s starting quarterback his senior year. He didn’t disappoint, showing as much improvement as any player in the Trinity League this season before 2,147 yards passing and 13 touchdowns while completing 63.9 percent of his passes. C

20 january 1, 2017

international news

POPE FRANCIS DELIVERS HIS CHRISTMAS BLESSING “URBI ET ORBI” (TO THE CITY AND THE WORLD) FROM THE CENTRAL BALCONY OF ST. PETER’S BASILICA AT THE VATICAN DEC. 25.

WORLD SCARRED BY WAR, GREED MUST WELCOME PRINCE OF PEACE, POPE SAYS by junno arocho esteves, catholic news service

CNS/PAUL HARING

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The song of the angels that heralded the birth of Christ urges men and women to seek peace in a world divided by war, terrorism and greed, Pope Francis said.

“Today this message goes out to the ends of the earth to reach all peoples, especially those scarred by war and harsh conflicts that seem stronger than the yearning for peace,” the pope said Dec. 25.

Migrants, refugees, children suffering

due to hunger and war, victims of human trafficking as well as social and economic unrest were also remembered by the pope.

“Peace to the peoples who suffer because of the economic ambitions of the few, because of the sheer greed and the idolatry of money, which leads to slavery,” he said.

An estimated 40,000 people slowly made their way through security checkpoints into St. Peter’s Square to attend the pope’s solemn Christmas blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world).

Heightened security following the Dec. 19 terrorist attack in Berlin, Germany was evident as police cordoned off streets and established multiple checkpoints throughout the area.

While police presence is standard for major events in St. Peter’s, the added security was a sign of the times where crowded areas have become a target for terrorists.

The pope prayed for “peace to those who have lost a person dear to them as a result of brutal acts of terrorism that has sown fear and death into the hearts of so many countries and cities.”

Countries ravaged by the scourge of war were also in the pope’s thoughts, particularly in “the war-torn land of Syria, where far too much blood has been spilled,” especially in the city Aleppo. The pope called on the world to support the people of Syria with humanitarian assistance and to put an end to the conflict.

“It is time for weapons to be silenced forever and the international community to actively seek a negotiated solution so that civil coexistence can be restored in the country,” he said.

The pope appealed for peace for the people of Ukraine, “who to this day suffer the consequences of the conflict.”

The Vatican announced Dec. 23 that the first installment of 6 million euro ($6.3 million) would be distributed on Christmas Day to assist in relief efforts in Ukraine. Earlier this year, the pope called for a collection across churches in Europe to help the people of the war-torn country.

Iraq, Libya and Yemen, “where their peoples suffer war and the brutality of terrorism,” were in the pope’s prayers so that they may “be able to once again find unity and harmony.”

The pope also remembered Africa, especially Nigeria where fundamentalist terrorism “exploits children in order to

january 1, 2017

21

international news perpetrate horror and death” as well as South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, calling on their leaders to choose the path of dialogue rather than “the mindset of conflict.”

He also prayed for peace in the Holy Land and that Israelis and Palestinians turn away from hate and revenge while having “the courage and determination to write a new page of history.”

Praying for an end to current tensions, the pope also called for peace in Venezuela, Colombia, Myanmar and the Korean peninsula.

Christ’s birth, he said, is a sign of joy and a call for the world to contemplate “the child Jesus who gives hope once again to every person on the face of the earth.” “’For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.’ He is the ‘prince of peace;’ let us welcome him.”

After his address, the bells of St. Peter’s rang loudly, pealing throughout the square as they did in the evening Dec. 24 following the proclamation of Jesus’ birth during Christmas Mass.

The darkness of the night sky over St. Peter’s Basilica was broken by the bright lights emanating from the colonnade and the Christmas tree from the square.

Temperatures just above 40 degrees didn’t stop thousands of people unable to enter the packed basilica from participating in the Mass, sitting outside and watching the Mass on giant screens in St. Peter’s Square.

In his homily, the pope said the love of God is made visible at Christ’s birth on a night of glory, joy and light “which would illuminates those who walk in darkness.”

The shepherds are a witness to “the enduring sign” of finding Jesus when they discover him wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger;” a sign that is given to all Christians today, the pope said.

“If we want to celebrate Christmas authentically, we need to contemplate this sign: the fragile simplicity of a small newborn, the meekness of where he lies, the tender affection of the swaddling clothes.

God is there,” he said.

This sign of humility, he added, also reveals a paradox: God who chose not to reveal himself through power, but rather through the “poverty of a stable” and “in the simplicity of life.”

“In order to discover him, we need to go there, where he is: we need to bow

MAKE THIS

down, humble ourselves, make ourselves small,” the pope said.

The image of the child in the manger, he continued, is a challenge for all Christians to “leave behind fleeting illusions” and “renounce insatiable claims.”

It is also a calling for the world to respond to the sufferings of children in this age who “suffer the squalid mangers that devour dignity: hiding underground to escape bombardment, on the pavements of a large city, at the bottom of a boat overladen with immigrants,” the pope said.

“Let us allow ourselves to be challenged by the children who are not allowed to be born, by those who cry because no one satiates their hunger, by those who do not have toys in their hands, but rather weapons,” he said.

Christmas is not only a mystery of hope but also of sadness where “love is not received and life discarded” as seen by the indifference felt by Mary and Joseph “who found the doors closed and placed Jesus in a manger.”

That same indifference, he said, exists today when commercialism overshadows the light of God and “when we are concerned for gifts but cold towards those who are marginalized.”

“This worldliness has taken Christmas hostage. It needs to be freed!” the pope said departing from his prepared remarks.

However, the hope of Christmas is the light that outshines this darkness and “draws us to himself ” through his humble birth in Bethlehem,” he said.

Noting that Bethlehem means “house of bread,” the pope said that Jesus was born to nourish us, creating a “direct thread joining the manger and the cross.”

“In this way, he seems to tell us that he is born as bread for us; he enters life to give us his life; he comes into our world to give us his love. He does not come to devour or to command but to nourish and to serve,” the pope said.

Pope Francis said that like the shepherds, who although marginalized are chosen to witness the birth of Christ, Christians are reminded of God’s closeness and can enjoy the true spirit of Christmas: “the beauty of being loved by God.” “Contemplating his humble and infinite love, let us say to him: thank you, thank you because you have done all this for me,” the pope said. C

SUMMER COUNT WITH THE INSTITUTE FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP SummerWest 2017 Known for its strong academic programs and commitment to Jesuit values, the Institute for Catholic Educational Leadership (ICEL) offers a summer session for leaders committed to Catholic education.

• Earn your MA or Doctorate in Catholic Educational Leadership • Dialog on contemporary issues of Catholic Education: diversity, spirituality, pedagogy, development, leadership models, student identities, social justice, liberation, Catholic identity, and challenges facing Catholic school leaders • Reduced tuition for current Catholic school educators

Learn more: usfca.edu/icel

CHANGE THE WORLD FROM HERE

Visit ocregister.com/obits to express condolences and sign the guestbook To place an obituary call Ms. Gonzalez at 714-796- 6736 or Mr. Becker at 714-796-7968.

Heying, Paul Joseph Sr., age 92, formerly of Orange, CA and member of St. Norbert Catholic Church, died on December 3, 2016 in Fenton, MI. Funeral Mass was held Saturday, December 31, 2016 at St Justin Martyr Catholic Church, Anaheim, CA. Graveside Service will be held at 11am Monday, January 2, 2017 at Riverside National Cemetery, staging area #1. Paul was born February 25, 1924 in Brooten, MN. 10th of 13 children of Ernest and Mary Heying.

After High School he was drafted into the US Navy, where he served 24 years. He then worked 19 years at Hughes Aircraft Company. In retirement, Paul volunteered at St Joseph Hospital in Orange, CA. He enjoyed making and distributing rosaries, also camping, fishing, golf, travel, bird watching and time with family & friends. Survived by: wife, Jeanne Mitchell-Heying; children, Kathleen (Les) Common, Timothy (Annette) Heying, Paul (Lisa) Heying Jr.; siblings, Genevieve Linhoff, Ernest Heying Jr., Dolores "Babe" Schloeder. He is also survived by many step-children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary and second wife, Shirley. and 9 of his brothers and sisters. Online condolences may be posted on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com

Forrest Lawn Cypress, 1 Plot for Two Crypts.

Section of Garden of Protection 3AB Block 6622. Valued at $10,000.

Call 562-425-7848

22 january 1, 2017

national news

FOCUS CHAPLAIN SAYS YOUNG PEOPLE GATHERED TO GROW IN FAITH IS AWE-INSPIRING by julie asher catholic news service WASHINGTON (CNS) -- In a couple of short weeks, more than 12,500 people, mostly college students, planned to descend on San Antonio for the Jan. 3-7 SEEK2017 conference of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students.

The sight of so many college-age young people gathered to grow in their faith relationship with Christ and the Catholic Church is awe-inspiring, said Capuchin Franciscan Father John Lager, national chaplain for FOCUS since 2013.

The priest is often brought to tears to see so many young people “on their knees in great prayer,” he told Catholic News Service in a telephone interview from FOCUS headquarters west of Denver in Genesee, Colorado.

The biennial SEEK conference includes general sessions with keynote speakers, breakout sessions, liturgies, daily adoration, confessions and entertainment. About 25 bishops will be in and out of the gathering; and over 200 priests will be there, as will dozens of seminarians and religious sisters. At SEEK2015, priests heard more than 5,500 confessions.

A national Catholic outreach program founded in 1998, FOCUS invites college students into a relationship with Christ and the church. It is designed to inspire and prepare them for a life of evangelization, discipleship and friendship in which they lead others to do the same.

More than 550 full-time FOCUS missionaries are currently on 125 college campuses in 38 U.S. states this academic year. And in its first international expansion, FOCUS this year has missionaries in two pilot locations in Austria -- Graz and Vienna.

Working with Father Lager at the

for their salaries.

Each missionary goes through five weeks of intensive formation, that includes prayer and worship, and hands-on experience in evangelizing and team building.

FOCUS says the training has been described as “one part boot camp, one part grad school and one part retreat.”

CAPUCHIN FRANCISCAN FATHER JOHN LAGER, NATIONAL CHAPLAIN FOR FOCUS SINCE 2013, HOLDS THE MONSTRANCE DURING ADORATION AT SEEK “Young people 2015 IN NASHVILLE, TENN. are dying to know the truth,” Father Lager said, adding that FOCUS is there national level are three other FOCUS to help them find that truth. “They have chaplains -- Fathers Brendan Rolling, been sold a bill of goods that every need Jay Buhman and Doug Grandon. Each can be met by what the world has to ofoversees a region of the country. FOCUS fer, which is totally false. The real meanalso has campus chaplains. ing comes about in not looking at No. 1 “The model that FOCUS has used -- me -- but how can I give myself away from very beginning that is most effecin love and service?” tive for young people today is to begin “We accompany them. You don’t do to have a conversation” with them, said this by yourself. It’s all about what God Father Lager, who had recently returned does,” he said, adding FOCUS folks are from a visit to the Austria campus programs. “How do we continue to win them collaborators with the Holy Spirit.

Out of that accompaniment have over in friendship? All of our lives are all about relationship. ... Mother Teresa said come vocations. Of the more than 20,000 FOCUS alumni so far, 600 the cry of the human heart is No. 1 to be have chosen a vocation as a priest or loved and the greatest tragedy is when religious sister. men and women are indifferent.”

FOCUS is not a vocation ministry, Through FOCUS, young people Father Lager emphasized, but added that “build relationships, hang out with each vocations are a byproduct of good Chrisother and begin to find some common ground,” he said. “We have great conver- tian formation that FOCUS fosters.

Young Catholic men and women sations over coffee, go to concerts, play “want to know God’s will and to live out Frisbee, and after that with prayer and his call for them faithfully, whether that intention, we continue to build them up be marriage, priesthood or religious life,” in the faith.” said Sister Maria Juan Anderson, who FOCUS missionaries walk alongside recently professed first vows as a memyoung people, accompanying them “on ber of the Religious Sisters of Mercy of this wonderful journey of faith -- those Alma, Michigan. are the things that really capture where She served as a FOCUS missionary at our young men and women are,” Father North Dakota State University in Fargo Lager said. from 2007 to 2010. She also was inMissionaries must make a two-year volved with the outreach as a student at commitment to serve on a college camBenedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. pus after graduation. After that time, “Being able to talk and share life with they may choose to move to another religious women, and witness their joy campus, begin a different career or enter during my time as a missionary helped religious life. They have to raise funds

me to discern my own vocation to religious life,” Sister Maria Juan told CNS in an email.

“By helping young people to develop the habit of daily prayer, and fostering a rich participation in the sacramental life, FOCUS aids young people in coming to a place where they can encounter the love of Christ that enables one to hear the voice of the Father inviting them to a life given to him in their vocation,” she said.

“The very mission of FOCUS -- to know Jesus Christ and to fulfill his great commission -- is the mission of every priest and religious man and woman. It is the call for every baptized Christian,” she added.

Sister Therese Marie of the Visitation also is a former FOCUS missionary. She is a member of the Community of Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal. She, too, recently made her first vows.

“My time serving with FOCUS greatly deepened my relationship with Jesus Christ. As missionaries we received excellent formation in discernment … (are) encouraged to have regular spiritual direction, and committed to daily Mass and Holy Hour,” she said. “And my vocation, of course, is a direct fruit of my relationship with Jesus. Experiencing the joy of serving as a missionary disposed me to hear Jesus inviting me to an even more radical following of him: as his bride.”

“In today’s culture, it’s becoming harder for young people to hear Jesus’ call -- but he is still calling!” Sister Therese Marie told CNS in an email.

“The desire in young people to give themselves radically out of love is still present. They just need the formation and encouragement to hear God’s call and respond with joy and trust,” she added.

“Eagerness for Jesus is here,” said Father Kerry Wakulich, a FOCUS chaplain at the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma.

“Christianity and life are one in the same in Oklahoma.”

Like Father Lager, he looked forward to the SEEK2017 conference. “Awesomeness” is how he described it. “I wish this existed when I was 19 and in the Air Force. My favorite part -- getting stopped every five minutes to hear a confession.

On one occasion, four hours later, I realized, ‘I haven’t moved.’” C

january 1, 2017 23

deacon department

MEET DEACON

TIM & MICHELLE O’DONOGHUE LA PURISIMA CHURCH, ORANGE YEARS MARRIED: CHILDREN:

22

2

YEARS IN THE DIACONATE

1 – “I am a rookie!”

HOW THEY MET:

“When I was the baseball coach at Tustin HS I would go into Spoons restaurant after games where Michelle was the manager.”

WHAT THEY DO FOR FUN:

“Go out to dinner, attend sporting events and do community service projects together”

HIS ROLE IN THE CHURCH:

“I see my position as a deacon to preach the Gospel by word and deed. The defining role of a deacon is to serve others. At our parish I help out with the RCIA program, Homebound ministry, sacraments of marriage, baptisms, funerals, preaching homilies and anything else our pastor asks me to do. I also help out at Juvenile Hall with communion services.”

WHAT DREW HIM TO THE DIACONATE:

“I felt in my heart God was calling me to this ministry.

My pastor at the time, Father Vincent Pham, and Deacon Tony Bube encouraged me to think about becoming a deacon. As a school principal and coach, I enjoy working with people, so I felt my becoming a deacon might be a good fit.”

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE:

Matthew 25: 35-36, 40 — “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

CHALLENGE RODDIE

GIVE A GIFT THAT WILL SHINE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME. Give your virtual “light” today at

HEAVENLYLIGHTS.ORG

This Christmas season, join the Heavenly Lights campaign and give a gift that will shine for generations to come. Gift a virtual glass panel in honor, celebration, or loving memory. Your gift will ensure that this beacon of faith continues to light the way for Catholics and our community.

Dedications start at $40.

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: Dedications at $100 or more will also receive an exclusive, limited-edition Christ Cathedral ornament as an additional thank-you.