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YOU WILL FIND OUR TABLE INSIDE THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ORANGE BOOTH
BOOTH LOCATION: 243, 245, 247, 342, 344, 346
14
FEBRUARY
16, 2025
CONTENTS
PAX CHRISTI ACADEMIES INTRODUCES NEW CURRICULUM
Students at the five Orange County Schools will learn about practicing a virtuous life.
YEAR OF THE SNAKE
St. Columban Catholic School celebrates the Lunar New Year with music, dancing and fun.
A HEART FILLED WITH HOPE
Hope should always be with us at all times, through all trials.
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
Director of Custom Content: Caroline Wong, cawong@scng.com
SCNG CUSTOM CONTENT
Managing Editor: Caitlin Adams Art Director: Ryann Beveridge
Delivered weekly to parishes and homes throughout Orange County, Calif., Orange County Catholic is published by SCNG Custom Content, a division of Southern California News Group that offers content development and design expertise to businesses and nonprofit institutions. The Orange County Catholic editorial staff and editorial council are responsible for the content contained herein. Events and products advertised in Orange County Catholic do not carry the implicit endorsement of the Diocese of Orange or SCNG Custom Content.
ROSARY BEADS
READER CALL-OUT
I have two Rosaries that are equally sacred to me. I received the rose petal Rosary from my Confirmation sponsor in the early ‘90s and I keep it in my nightstand. When you roll the beads in your hand you can still smell the fragrance of roses! The beautiful, beaded Rosary was gifted to me from my mother-in-law for Christmas a few years ago. I keep this one in my purse and my husband remembers as a child seeing his mother praying with it. This makes me feel connected to her and our shared faith.
—Amy Bartolone, San Antonio de Padua del Cañon Catholic Church in Anaheim Hills
If you would like to share a photo of your Rosary Beads with our readers, please send a photo and brief description (include your name and parish) to: editor@occatholic.com C
“ The Lord gives you his word, so that you can receive it like a love letter he has written to you…” — Pope
Francis
SAINT PROFILE
CLAUDE LA COLOMBIERE 1641-1682
BORN IN SOUTHEASTERN FRANCE, Claude entered the Jesuits at Avignon and completed theology studies in Paris. After ordination, he preached in Lyon. In 1675, he was named rector of the college at Paray-le-Monial and became confessor of the visionary Sister Margaret Mary Alacoque. He helped her spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In 1676 he was sent to London and reconciled many Catholics to the church they had abandoned. He was arrested and expelled in connection with an alleged plot to kill the king, and died upon returning to France.C
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
GENESIS 4:115, 25; PSALM 50:1,8, 16BC17, 20-21; MARK 8:11-13
GENESIS 8:6-13, 20-22; PSALM 116:12-13, 14-15, 18-19; MARK 8:2226
THURSDAY
GENESIS 9:1-13; PSALM 102:1618, 19-21, 29 AND 22-23; MARK 8:27-33
FRIDAY
GENESIS 11:1-9; PSALM 33:1011, 12-13, 14-15; MARK 8:34-9:1
PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK
SATURDAY
1 PETER 5:1-4; PSALM 23:1-3A, 4, 5, 6; ; MATTHEW 16:13-19
SUNDAY
1 SAMUEL 26:2, 7-9, 1213, 22-23; PSALM 103:12, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13; 1 CORINTHIANS 15:4549; LUKE 6:27-38
PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMY BARTOLONE
CELEBRATING CATHOLIC EDUCATORS
BY BRITNEY ZINT
THE MEN AND WOMEN working day in and day out for the next generation of Catholics came out of their classrooms and offices one Friday night to celebrate their peers who have gone above and beyond.
The 2025 Celebrating Catholic School Educators dinner, held on Jan. 31 at the Anaheim Marriott Suites hotel, recognized teachers and administrators throughout the Diocese of Orange. The event, which brought together 300 educators, opened with a prayer by Bishop Kevin Vann. It also featured a keynote address from the Very Rev. Angelos Sebastian, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Orange, who celebrated the accomplishments of Catholic educators. He also spoke about the importance of teachers in transforming children into lifelong disciples.
“Teaching in a Catholic school is more
than a profession; it’s a vocation,” Fr. Angelos said. “It’s a sacred calling to guide young minds and hearts towards faith, wisdom and love for God. The most powerful tool each of us possesses in forming disciples is their own witness of faith.”
Dr. Erin Barisano, superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Orange, added that “it really is a great celebration to be together and celebrate not only the gift of Catholic education, but the gift of all of you to this great mission. As our Universal Church engages in this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are called to be pilgrims of hope in all that we do. As Catholic school educators, we have numerous opportunities to be pilgrims of hope for our students and their families.”
The night was filled with recognition for educators who were celebrating teaching a milestone number of years, starting with 10 and climbing up to 40. There was one
MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL FRANCES CLARE, PICTURED WITH DR. ERIN BARISANO, WAS NAMED THE 2025 BISHOP VANN AWARD HONOREE AT THIS YEAR’S CELEBRATING CATHOLIC EDUCATORS DINNER. PHOTOS BY STEVEN GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
BISHOP KEVIN VANN SPEAKS DURING THE 2025 CELEBRATING CATHOLIC EDUCATORS DINNER.
JOHN RUSSELL AND MARK VAN NESS WERE HONORED FOR THEIR YEARS OF SERVICE DURING THE JAN. 31 CELEBRATING CATHOLIC EDUCATORS DINNER.
notable exception to those numbers: St. Hedwig’s John Russell, who celebrated 61 years of service.
The night’s biggest honor was presented to Mater Dei High School Principal Frances Clare, who was named the 2025 Bishop Vann Award honoree.
A longtime educator with more than five decades of experience in Catholic education, at Mater Dei Clare served as an English teacher and assistant principal of academic services before becoming principal in 2002. Praising Clare for her collaboration and commitment to providing students with opportunities that will help them achieve their goals and support of students, Dr. Barisano noted how Clare still enjoys reading every single Mater Dei admissions application.
“Frances is a woman of deep faith, integrity and commitment to the mission,” Dr. Barisano said.
Taking the stage to a standing ovation, Clare said she felt privileged to join the list of other Bishop Vann Award honorees. Those recently include Sr. Johnellen Turner, OP, former president of St. Catherine’s Academy in Anaheim; Sr. Cecilia Duran, ODN, principal of St. Jeanne De Lestonnac School in Tustin; Dr. Shawna Pautsch, head of school at Rosary Academy in Fullerton; and Sean Basford, principal and assistant head of school at Rosary.
“To be recognized for my work in education is deeply humbling,” Clare said. “Tonight, I stand here filled with gratitude and a great sense of responsibility. Life for me is a beautiful journey, an adventure and a miracle of divine providence. In this Jubilee Year of Hope in our Church and in this celebration, I recognize and I thank all of you who have come before me in the great mission of Catholic education.”
Two teachers — one elementary and one secondary — were honored as teachers of the year. St. Pius V Catholic School’s Chloe Fiorentino was awarded the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Elementary Teacher of the Year award. Fiorentino teaches fifthgrade homeroom and literature to fifth-, sixth- and seventh-grade students.
Fiorentino has taken up the role of campus minister, where she started the Campus Ministry Club that has implemented daily morning prayer readings, a Thanksgiving food drive and the school’s first Día de los Muertos ofrenda (altar), said St. Pius V’s principal Shannon Kwan in her nomination letter.
“Ms. Fiorentino is the heart of our school,” Kwan wrote. “Her faith-filled, student-centered approach to teaching combines rigorous academics with genuine care, ensuring each child feels valued and inspired.”
JSerra Catholic High School’s Eileen McKeagney was awarded the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Secondary Teacher of the Year award. A tenth-grade English teacher, McKeagney also serves as eucharistic minister, PLC coordinator and guiding coalition teacher. Over the last two years, McKeagney, the English department chair, overhauled her depart-
ment’s curriculum to ensure all courses are taught from a Catholic worldview, said JSerra Principal Eric Stroupe in his nomination letter.
“Eileen is the epitome of servant leadership,” Stroupe wrote. “She is so much
more than an excellent teacher. While just her impact on her students who merit her winning this award, her impact on the larger school is without peer. She is someone who shapes culture and it is always in a positive direction.” C
THE 2025 CELEBRATING CATHOLIC EDUCATORS DINNER WAS HELD ON JAN. 31 AT THE ANAHEIM MARRIOTT. PHOTOS BY STEVEN GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
FR. ANGELOS SEBASTIAN ADDRESSES ATTENDEES OF THIS YEAR’S CELEBRATING CATHOLIC EDUCATORS DINNER HELD ON JAN. 31.
PAX CHRISTI ACADEMIES STUDENTS FOCUS ON VIRTUE IN NEW CURRICULUM
BY PAX CHRISTI ACADEMIES STAFF
WHAT DOES IT MEAN to live a virtuous life?
Students at the five schools in the newly formed Pax Christi Academies will now receive firsthand instruction on virtue through the recently adopted “Disciple of Christ: Education in Virtue” curriculum.
Developed by renowned Catholic school educator Sr. John Dominic, OP, of Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, the program fosters a classroom environment where students can flourish both spiritually and academically, cultivating a culture of respect, kindness, and personal responsibility.
“This curriculum not only reinforces the values we strive to instill in our students but also provides a clear and practical framework to help them apply these virtues in their daily lives,” said Claudia Garcia, the head of Pax Christi’s Curriculum and Instructional Leadership.
To mark this milestone, Pax Christi recently hosted Sr. John Dominic from Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a special professional development session for faculty and staff from all five Pax Christi schools: La Purísima in Orange, St. Anne, St. Joseph and St. Barbara in Santa Ana and St. Justin Martyr School in Anaheim.
During the professional development session, Sr. John Dominic emphasized the transformative power of virtue in
education, encouraging educators to model these principles in their own lives.
“Living a virtuous life permits one to live in friendship with Christ – our fulfilment and hope. The habitus of virtues enable good acts to flow easily and the overflow of these provide one with a delight in doing good for others.” said Sr. John Dominic, who founded the order in 1997 with three other Sisters and has spent 30 years as an educator.
For students, the program is designed to naturally incorporate the language of virtue within students’ daily lives and grow as disciples of Christ, cultivating habits of doing good and becoming the best version of themselves. The program also has a key family resource, which nurtures the holistic development of
students and their parents.
Sr. John Dominic toured three of the five Pax Christi schools and expressed her confidence and encouragement for the innovative educational model Pax Christi is establishing in Orange County.
During her visit to La Purísima school, a group of preschoolers gathered around Sister, captivated by the Rosary on her habit, highlighting the joy and openness of introducing young children to the beauty of faith in the company of the religious and faithful.
“The foundation of Pax Christi Academies is built on the harmonious integration of faith and intellect,” said Dr. Christina Arellano, president of Pax Christi Academies. “By adopting the Education in Virtue curriculum, we are equipping our students with the tools they need to grow into leaders who will make meaningful contributions to society and live out their faith in all aspects of life.”
Pax Christi Academies foundational pillars of faith, intellect, character and citizenship is reimagining Catholic education in Orange County. For more information about Pax Christi Academies, visit www.paxchristiacademies.org or email Dr. Arellano at info@paxchristiacademies.org. C
DURING HER VISIT TO LA PURÍSIMA CATHOLIC SCHOOL, A GROUP OF PRESCHOOLERS GATHERED AROUND SR. JOHN DOMINIC, CAPTIVATED BY THE ROSARY ON HER HABIT. PHOTOS COURTESY OF PAX CHRISTI ACADEMIES
PAX CHRISTI RECENTLY HOSTED SR. JOHN DOMINIC FROM ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, FOR A SPECIAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SESSION FOR FACULTY AND STAFF FROM ALL FIVE PAX CHRISTI SCHOOLS.
FINDING FAITH AFTER FIRES
TWO LOS ANGELES CATHOLIC MONSIGNORS SHARE HOW THE PALISADES FIRE AFFECTED THEIR FAITH COMMUNITIES
BY MIKE VULPO
LIKE SO MANY OF HIS parishioners, Msgr. Liam Kidney called the Pacific Palisades home.
As the pastor of Corpus Christi Catholic Church since 1999, the Ireland native built a faith community that genuinely cares about building the Body of Christ by reaching out to support one another in times of joy and in times of sorrow.
In January, Msgr. Kidney’s life quickly changed when the Palisades Fire burned down his church and hundreds of homes in the surrounding neighborhood.
Without missing a beat, the longtime pastor began sharing a message of hope with his friends and parishioners as they worked to heal alongside their living God.
“My message is the Church is the people, not the building,” Msgr. Kidney said. “We have been trained to think of the building as the Church. We're going to untrain ourselves now and begin to see the people as the Church. The building is just an empty building. You bring the people in there, and it becomes the Church.”
In the weeks following the devastating fires, St. Monica Catholic Church in Santa Monica opened their hearts — and doors — to Corpus Christi parishioners.
St. Monica Preparatory School hosted multiple relief events with groceries and essential items available at no charge for displaced residents.
St. Monica Catholic Church immediately began offering spiritual support thanks to its Stephen ministry, which
home, that's a sacred place for families. Everything is done there. Life is there. Children are raised there. They cry there. They laugh there. When you lose that, you've lost so much and all I try to do is just walk with those people and care for them as best I can.”
It’s a message Msgr. Torgerson hopes will resonate with Catholics all around the world. No matter what struggles one’s neighbor is going through, it’s important to “walk with them” regardless of where they find themselves in the human condition.
stood on the patio of the church, they knew each other. When you bumped into each other in the aisles of Ralphs or Gelsons, it was Corpus Christi. There was a special bond and connection.”
Msgr. Lloyd praised the “amazing community of Pacific Palisades who will continue to care for and support each other as they begin a new chapter.
“They're going everywhere to find a home, to find a place to live, just to find a school and to find a place to worship,” he said. “I think it's a great loss because the community was so strong, and they all knew each other.”
Msgr. Lloyd added: “If you know people who are struggling or find life difficult, reach out to them. Do not be afraid to say, ‘I want to help you’ and then to be with them in prayer. God works. He doesn't do it necessarily on our time, but he does it.”
To donate and learn more, please visit www.rcbo.org/Help-LA C provides one-to-one counseling. Group support is also available.
“We want to help them in every way possible,” St. Monica Catholic Church pastor Msgr. Lloyd Torgerson shared. “We want to do more, and we will do more. We want to do whatever it takes. What our community is all about is taking the ordinary things and turning them into acts of love. That's a miracle. That's the miracle that's changing water into wine.”
Although St. Monica Catholic Church only received an evacuation warning during the Palisades Fire, Msgr. Torgerson knows many parishioners who lost everything after a windstorm sparked one of the biggest fires in California history.
The longtime pastor has also been through his own challenging times, including the 1994 Northridge earthquake that damaged parts of St. Monica.
While he admits to not having all the answers when parishioners come to him seeking comfort and answers, he hopes they know they are never alone.
“I can't explain it,” he shared. “I can't give them any really insightful words. I don't know all their suffering. To lose a
“We can share the pain that they're suffering, and we can do our very best to make sure that we're in support of them from St. Monica,” he said. “We went through a terrible thing when we had our earthquake. I know what it is to be in darkness and to be lost. I felt it and I swore that if it was going to happen to anybody else, I was going to do everything I could to support them so that at least they would get a little lift.”
As wildfire victims slowly try to rebuild their lives, Msgr. Kidney can’t help but applaud his parish community for continuing to stand together.
In the weeks following the Palisades Fire, hundreds of Corpus Christi parishioners continued to gather for special services at St. Monica, where they were treated to Mass and lunch from Habit Burger & Grill and Our Family Taco Catering thanks to the Cesnado family.
“They take care of themselves,” Msgr. Kidney said about his parishioners. “They take care of each other, and they've always done that. The dimension of our Catholic community was that we got together often for prayer and Mass, and we got together for good parties. When people
ST. MONICA CATHOLIC CHURCH PASTOR MSGR. LLOYD TORGERSON BELIEVES “ALL ARE WELCOME” AT HIS PARISH COMMUNITY. PHOTOS BY MIKE VULPO
MSGR. LIAM KIDNEY PREPARES FOR MASS AT ST. MONICA CATHOLIC CHURCH AFTER HIS PARISH, CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, WAS BURNED DOWN IN THE PALISADES FIRE.
CHAPEL PLAQUE DEDICATION HONORS FAITH AND HERITAGE
BY LORI ROSEHART
FROM THE MOMENT visitors step off the elevator onto the 13th floor of the Tower of Hope at the Christ Cathedral campus, their eyes are drawn to the sweeping panoramic views of Orange County. Now, with the addition of a new plaque in the Dr. Robert and Arvella Schuller Chapel in the Sky, visitors will also be reminded of the faithful hearts that made this ecumenical dwelling place a reality.
On Jan. 16, Bishop Kevin Vann blessed and dedicated the plaque, honoring the lives and philanthropic support of Kenneth and Nancy Walker, just three days before Kenneth’s passing.
“This Chapel in the Sky is a beacon of faith, hope and love,” said Bishop Vann, who also expressed gratitude to the Walker and Schuller families for “serving as stewards of this timeless sanctuary for all to share for now and forever.”
The dedication ceremony beautifully highlighted the steadfast faith and generosity that has been passed down through six generations of the Walker family.
Dan Walker, CEO of Farmers & Merchants Bank, shared, “This all started with my great-grandmother. She is the one who really led the family in Christianity.”
Kenneth and Nancy, Dan’s parents, carried the torch of faith forward, fostering
a relationship with Dr. Schuller when he opened an account at F&M Bank in 1955. Their connection ultimately provided the support needed to acquire the Garden Grove property and construct the Crystal Cathedral campus, now known as Christ Cathedral, serving as the heart of Catholicism in Orange County.
During the ceremony, Dan reflected on how the virtues he was taught are deeply woven into the Church, which carries “a great mission, message, method and Master.” The verse inscribed on the beautifully crafted plaque serves as a testament to that, bringing the comforting promise of Matthew 18:20 to life: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Steve Cameron, executive director of The Orange Catholic Foundation (OCF), wholeheartedly agreed, adding, “There aren’t many places in the world where you can be in a chapel like this. The only reason we are here is for the graciousness and the generosity of the Walkers and the vision Reverend Schuller had to build this.”
The Walker family and F&M Bank continue to support many initiatives and events within the Diocese of Orange, including being the founding partners for OCF’s Conference on Business & Ethics.
Naming and memorial opportunities on the Christ Cathedral campus help to enhance the New Evangelization in Orange County and in our country. If you’re interested in exploring these meaningful ways to honor your loved ones or express your gratitude, contact The Orange Catholic Foundation (OCF) at info@ OrangeCatholicFoundation.org or (714) 282-3021. C
Rosary Beads
If you would like to share a photo of your Rosary Beads with our readers, please send a photo and brief description.
Include your name and parish to: editor@occatholic.com
THE WALKER FAMILY PICTURED WITH BISHOP KEVIN VANN (CENTER), STEVE CAMERON, OCF’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (LEFT) AND VERY REVEREND BAO QUOC THAI, RECTOR, CHRIST CATHEDRAL (RIGHT). PHOTO BY THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Ế T NGUYÊ N ĐÁN
CHRIST CATHEDRAL CELEBRATES VIETNAMESE LUNAR NEW YEAR
BY BRITNEY ZINT
FOR MANY COMMUNITIES
throughout the Diocese of Orange, Jan. 1 wasn’t the only New Year celebrated. Many within Orange County’s Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean populations also partook in their respective traditional Lunar New Year celebrations, with many Catholic parishes — including Christ Cathedral — joining in on the cultural festivities.
In Vietnam, Lunar New Year is known as Tết Nguyên Đán; in China, it’s the Spring Festival; in Korea, the Seollal. This year, Jan. 29 marked the beginning of the festivities, lasting as long as 15 days for some in a chock-full series of various events, all in recognition of the lunar calendar and ushering in good luck.
“The Diocese of Orange is blessed to be an incredibly diverse community of Catholic faithful, including those of Vietnamese, Korean and Chinese heritage who celebrate the Lunar New Year,” said Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen. “So, we always enjoy taking time to recognize these historic traditions. For these times especially, in this Jubilee Year of Hope, we pray our entire Diocese reflects on our collective journey of faith and embraces the hope of God’s promise.”
During a general audience at the Vatican on Jan. 29, Pope Francis took a few moments to recognize the collective of Asian holidays.
“In East Asia and in various parts of the world millions of families are celebrating the Lunar New Year today, an occasion to experience family and friendship relationships with greater intensity,” he said, according to AsiaNews . “With my best wishes for the New Year, may my blessing come to you all, as I invoke for each one from the Lord
peace, serenity and health.”
The year 2025 is the Year of the Snake, one of the 12 Zodiac signs. The Year of the Snake comes every dozen years, applying to people born in 2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941 and 1929. The year is about discovering one’s personal growth while shedding “toxicity in personality, in character traits,” according to NBC News , as well as letting go of ego, anger and love lost.
People born during the Year of the Snake are said to be tenacious in achieving their goals and thinking “outside the box.”
Traditionally, there are three special celebrations for the Vietnamese Tết: one day for paying remembrance to family and ancestors; a second for friends and community to strengthen bonds and cherish relationships; and a third for paying respect to teachers and mentors who shape the future. Inside the cathedral, Lunar New Year took beautiful form with pink peach blossoms and yellow apricot blossoms around the altar area.
The final celebration, which featured a Vietnamese-language Mass, took place on the cathedral campus on Feb. 1. That’s when parishioner Nam Nguyen said it was a time to celebrate and remember his parents and grandparents. Although they have passed, Nguyen said it’s still a special time to visit with family and wish everyone long lives and happiness. He also had his own wishes for the Lunar New Year.
“Hopefully for the New Year they can get better and more peaceful in the whole world and the economy can grow better for everybody,” Nguyen said.
After the Mass in the cathedral, five lion dancers in bright white, marigold, red and pink costumes waited as parishioners left the pews. The lions
A LION DANCER PERFORMS INSIDE THE ARBORETUM ON CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE
MASS WAS FOLLOWED BY TRADITIONAL LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVITIES ON FEB. 1 AT
CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS.
performed and snatched up red envelopes of money that was fed to them. Then they led the way across the plaza to a special Lunar New Year event in the Arboretum building.
Revelers lit firecrackers outside before children who were inside the Arboretum, dressed all in red, took the stage with oversized prop watermelons and green rice cakes to perform a dance.
Vivian Nguyen, who has been going to dinner parties and getting her own red envelopes with lucky money, said she came to the cathedral that night to fully join in the festivities. For her, the time equated to celebrating not just her own Vietnamese heritage, but those of
FEATURE
all Asian people. She wished for financial security and an overall blessed life.
The lion dancers were the reason Jenny Tran and her family came out on the chilly Saturday night. Holding a yellow lion puppet, Tran said her 3-year-old son had been waiting to see the dancers live. The celebration was also a chance for the family to participate in the traditions.
“I just want them to be enriched in our culture. I feel like growing up, I had that with my parents instilling it in us,”
Tran said. “With us now, with a different generation, it’s kind of hard because we don’t really know all the traditions, but we go to them wherever we can.”
Tran said her family made sure to pay respects and visit their elder relatives.
They also visited a flower festival and gave the traditional “lucky money” envelopes to their children.
Tran’s favorite aspect of Lunar New Year was “just the family togetherness and all the blessings that we give each other.”
As far as her wishes?
“Good health,” Tran said. “That’s everything.” C
FR. BAO THAI, RECTOR OF CHRIST CATHEDRAL AND FR. IAN GASTON ENJOY THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVITIES AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL.
VIETNAMESE FOOD WAS SERVED DURING CHRIST CATHEDRAL’S LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION HELD ON FEB. 1. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
SCHOOLS
YEAR OF THE SNAKE
ST. COLUMBAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL CELEBRATES
LUNAR NEW YEAR
BY BRITNEY ZINT
THE HISSING CAUGHT ON, quieting the gymnasium and filling the energetic room with the sounds of hundreds of snakes. It was fitting for the space packed with students and parents, because it was time to welcome in the Year of the Snake.
On Jan. 31, St. Columban Catholic School in Garden Grove celebrated the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, or Tết Nguyên Đán, with a special event featuring firecrackers, lion dancers, the giving of lucky money and many calls of “chúc mừng năm mới!” or Happy New Year!
“We pride ourselves on cultural inclu-
sivity, and this event is one of the highlights of the school,” said parent Lisa Chau, president of St. Columban’s Parent Guild Executive Committee. “It brings our community together, not only internally for our parents and our school, but it also brings the wider community together. They look forward to this every single year.”
St. Columban tries to honor all its student cultures and traditions, said principal Melissa Geary.
“I think every culture has something to bring and something different,” she said,
Waving oversized watermelon and green rice cakes, TK through third-grade students took the stage next to dance to “Bánh Chưng Xanh,” or green rice cake.
Holding two thick wooden sticks, students in third grade through seventh grade took the stage, taking their places behind large red drums for the song “Tết Tết Tết.” The drum performance was the highlight of their own time performing, said seventh-graders Riley Nguyen, 13, and Katie Ha, 13. But this was their first year not performing — and it felt weird to not be nervous, said Nguyen.
“I liked watching the whole experience and clapping for everyone,” Nguyen said. “It was very special, and I’ll remember it when I graduate.”
“and I think it’s important for the kids to learn not only where they came from and where their parents came from, but where others came from.”
St. Columban students born in the Year of the Snake (2013) were welcomed onstage to be presented with red envelopes and special-edition school sweatshirts celebrating the snake. The group of mostly sixth-grade students were joined by their parents who gave them their Lunar New Year gifts.
Preschool students in paper snake headbands they made themselves opened the show by singing and dancing to “Chúc Tết,” which means New Year’s wishes, and the “Happy Lunar New Year” song.
The sixth graders, many donning their new snake sweatshirts, recited “The Zodiac’s Tale.”
Then it was time for firecrackers and lion dancers. After performing on stage, the lion dancers took to the floor of the gymnasium getting up close to the students, many of whom fed them red envelopes.
“It was pretty fun and nice,” sixth-grader Ryder La, 11, said. “I liked the lions. It was really fun when they were dancing.”
For parent AJ Domingo, the event was a chance for his daughter to celebrate part of her heritage — something he said he didn’t always get to do growing up.
“I just hope that she knows who she is and where she came from on both sides. She is half Mexican, and part Filipino and Vietnamese,” Domingo said. C
ST. COLUMBAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS GREET A LION DANCER DURING THEIR SCHOOL’S LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION. PHOTOS BY STEVEN GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
PRESCHOOL STUDENTS PERFORM IN HANDMADE PAPER SNAKE HEADBANDS DURING ST. COLUMBAN’S LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION.
ST. COLUMBAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS PERFORM DURING THE SCHOOL’S JAN. 31 LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION.
WHY I TEACH AT A CATHOLIC SCHOOL
BY CARLA TURNEY, GRADE TWO TEACHER AT STS. SIMON & JUDE CATHOLIC SCHOOL, HUNTINGTON BEACH
IHAVE CHOSEN TO BE A teacher in Catholic schools for over 20 years, and it has brought me tremendous blessings. My own children are products of Catholic education, and it was an honor and a joy to be a part of their education both personally and professionally. I have been fortunate to teach in multiple dioceses and to have taught various grade levels. At each of these schools I worked with extraordinary faculty, administration and staff. At my current school, I continue to be blessed with working alongside colleagues who are filled with the Holy Spirit and from whom I learn daily. The time, dedication, effort and love they provide to the students daily is an inspiration!
I believe parents are the backbone of Catholic education. Parents provide the foundation that supports teachers in the education of children. As a teacher, I supplement the primary
values and traditions that are taught and fostered in the home. I am honored and humbled daily by the faith parents have in me to support their educational efforts.
The spiritual, emotional and academic aspects of growing in God’s faith and love are of paramount importance to both parent and teacher. In my personal journey, being a Catholic school teacher has been and continues to be a mission of fostering faith, hope, charity and love in our young ones. C
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CARLA TURNEY TEACHES SECOND GRADE AT STS. SIMON & JUDE CATHOLIC SCHOOL.
CARLA TURNEY AND HER STUDENTS. PHOTOS
COURTESY OF STS. SIMON & JUDE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
A HEART FILLED WITH HOPE
BY SR. DIANE HEISS, SDSH
THE DICTIONARY DEFINES
“hope” as wanting something to be true or to happen. The fulfillment of our hopes does not materialize from thin air. When hoping for something, we are hoping someone will fulfill our wishes, as when hoping for a particular job, we hope that the employer or hiring manager will think that our personality, traits and skills set will be an asset for the company.
In the Bible, the word carries a profound meaning, that of confidently expecting the fulfillment of God’s promises. Thus, the Letter to the Romans in referring to Abraham, states, “He believed, hoping against hope, that he would become ‘the father of many nations,’ according to what was said, ‘Thus shall your descendants be.’” (Rm. 4:18)
God made this promise to Abraham when he was 100 years old. From a natural point of view, what man would realistically think he could father a child at that age? And yet, Abraham hoped that God would accomplish this, and he received the fulfillment of the promise with the birth of his son Isaac.
What happens, though, when our hopes are dashed, and we do not receive that for which we hoped? Countless people hoped that during the recent blazing infernos in Los Angeles, their homes would be spared, and yet they were reduced to ashes and rubble. Where was hope then? To answer this question, it is mandatory to distinguish between hope placed in a person, event or thing (worldly or secular hope) and the hope we place in God (spiritual or biblical hope). Since only God is God and we are not, no person can completely fulfill
tragedies with perseverance, remembering, that “… all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Rm. 8:28)
Moses initiated a “Jubilee Year” well over three thousand years ago, intending every 50 years as a time of freedom from slavery, a return of the land to the original owners, and of rest for the land and its workers. (Leviticus 25:8-55)
Pope Francis gave the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” to the Jubilee Year 2025, encouraging a renewal of hope in God and of unity. Let us help each other do so.
FOR YOUR FAMILY:
■ Research the history of Sabbatical Years and Jubilee Years in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and development in Christianity.
■ Learn about the specific acts of hope Pope Francis called for in 2025 and how to fulfill them in your Diocese.
■ Share what brings you hope and how you can help others grow in hope.C
CLASSIFIED ADS
another’s hopes, no matter how excellent one is. God, however, is infinitely good, loving, powerful, understanding and wise, just to mention a few qualities, and completely aware of all the ramifications of fulfilling or not fulfilling our hopes, wanting only the best for us.
At our Baptism, God infused into our souls the three theological virtues of faith, hope and charity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes hope as “…the theological virtue by which
we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit.”
(CCC, 1817)
When viewing hope through this lens, we can place our hope in God, knowing that no matter what occurs during our life, God is with us and brings good from it. Hope enables us to courageously face difficulties and even
PHOTO BY LINA TROCHEZ ON UNSPLASH
OC Catholic Afar
Fr. Greg Walgenbach (Director of Office of Life, Justice, and Peace & Missions) and Rebecca Freeman (Pastoral Care Ministry Coordinator, Office of Family Life) recently attended the annual Catholic Social Ministries Conference in Washington, D.C. with a virtual printed edition of OC Catholic!
We want your photos! Send your pictures of “OC Catholic Afar” — of you, family or friends visiting Catholic churches and other interesting places — to editor@occatholic.com. Please include a brief description of the photo, the name of the person(s) featured in the photo and their home parish.
