OC CATHOLIC - JANUARY 7, 2024

LIFETIME LEGACY Special Issue No. 11 THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ORANGE • OCCATHOLIC.COM

The Lifetime Legacy series is sponsored by Gabriel Ferrucci, the first individual honored in this series.

JANUARY 7, 2024

HAIL TO THE CHIEF RON LOWENBERG BECAME CATHOLIC AS AN ADULT AND HAS PUT HIS PRODIGIOUS POLICING SKILLS TO USE FOR THE DIOCESE PAGE 6 RON LOWENBERG SITS BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A VINTAGE POLICE AUTOMOBILE DURING THE OPENING OF A NEW DOWNTOWN HUNTINGTON BEACH POLICE SUBSTATION, CIRCA 1992. PHOTO COURTESY OF RON LOWENBERG.

Congratulations to Ron Lowenberg With love and respect from all your friends at Interval House It is with deep gratitude that we celebrate your legacy of service and commitment in the community. You are a hero and a pioneer in the field of domestic violence and law-enforcement, and your dedication to Interval House has made a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of countless women, children and families who have come through our doors.

The Huntington Beach Auto Dealers Association

JANUARY 7, 2024

CONTENTS

Would like to join in and say:

Congratulations Ron Lowenberg

for a lifetime of Public Service

7 MANIFESTATIONS OF CHRIST’S DIVINITY

We begin the new year by considering the place of Christ in our faith.

10 REMEMBERING LIVES LOST

The eighth annual Homeless Persons’ Inter-religious Memorial Service acknowledges and remembers those who have died on our streets.

ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC MISSION STATEMENT The Orange County Catholic Newspaper seeks to illuminate and animate the journey of faith for Catholics within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange – building solidarity among the faithful and inviting a deeper understanding and involvement in the mission of Christ – through the timely sharing of news, commentary and feature content in an engaging, accessible and compelling format.

ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC

The Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange Diocese of Orange Pastoral Center, 13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove 92840 Publisher: The Most Reverend Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of Orange Executive Editor: Monsignor Stephen Doktorczyk Editor: Patricia Mahoney, editor@occatholic.com News Ideas: editor@occatholic.com Delivery Problems: occatholicsupport@occatholic.com

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

SCNG CUSTOM CONTENT Managing Editor: Caitlin Adams

OCCatholicNews

Beginning with the USMC and growing into a lifetime of Public Safety Leadership roles has resulted in a world much safer, a quality of life more resilient and neighborhoods thriving.

Your dedication to Family, Community, Country and God is a matter of public record!

The thresholds of your public service transcend all levels of service from recruit to Command Presence, and that service includes growth as a professional rank and file cadet through teacher and mentor in your profession.

Thank You Chief

Your direct leadership led to the creation of the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council- a lasting testimony that one man, one person... can make a difference!

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.

OCCatholic.com

Your public service is legendary!

@OCCCatholicNews

Respectfully, Dave Garofalo

GUEST COLUMN

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SISTER PARISH INITIATIVE TO UNITE HEARTS AND BUILD FUTURES

BY LORI ROSEHART

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INGING A SPECIAL RENDITION of “Ave Maria,” the Mariachi band from St. Anne School in Santa Ana provided an extra dose of joy for hundreds. All dressed in uniform, La Purísima Catholic School students confidently proclaimed the Word of God at Mass.

These are just a couple of the God-given gifts and talents Catholic school students in the Diocese of Orange are sharing with parishioners across the county.

The new Catholic Schools Sister Parish Initiative opens the door for friendships to be built among the faith-filled communities from four Catholic schools and 16 parishes. The initiative is supported by Bishop Kevin Vann and The Orange Cath-

olic Foundation (OCF). The partnerships were first created over the summer of 2023.

Now, the students and staff from La Purísima School in Orange, St. Anne School in Santa Ana, St. Joseph School in Santa Ana, and St. Justin Martyr School in Anaheim are visiting parishes in 13 different cities, serving at Mass, and sharing how grateful they are to be at a Catholic school.

Many of the students describe their school as a family, including Nikolas V. from St. Justin Martyr, who said, “I don’t have any brothers, and the boys in seventh and eighth grade are like my brothers. We have a special bond between us.”

Andrea R., an eighth grade student from St. Joseph, said, “I love knowing that I’m coming into school every day, learning

CONTINUES ON PAGE 13

Savoring our Faith

ST. JUSTIN MARTYR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, ELVA PELAYO, SPEAKS AT ST. JOHN NEUMANN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN IRVINE. PHOTO BY ANTHONY VULTAGGIO/OCF

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS PREPARE TO BRING UP THE GIFTS AT ST. NICHOLAS CATHOLIC CHURCH IN LAGUNA WOODS. PHOTO BY KATHLEEN HURTT/OCF

LET’S GO TECHNACOLTS! BACK ROW: COACH MRS. KAHLWEISS, ERENDIRA (DESIGNER), SOFIA (TEAM CAPTAIN), HERMIONE (DRAWING DESIGNER), CAILTIN (CREATIVE DESIGNER), MENOR MINHHA TRAN

Join OC Catholic’s Recipe Swap!

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

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

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

Submissions must include a photo of the completed recipe.

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

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

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FRONT ROW: BRAYDEN (RESEARCHER), RILEY (RESEARCHER), TIMOTHY (BUILDER), ZACHARY (MUSIC DESIGNER), AIDEN (MATERIALS MANAGER), RYDER (CO-TEAM CAPTAIN), ALL MEMBERS ARE BUILDERS AND CODERS

HE SAINT COLUMBAN ROBOTICS Team took second place in December’s First LEGO League (FLL) Regionals competition and are now ready for the Championship round on Sunday, Jan. 14. Come cheer the team on to victory at Capo Valley High School 26301 Via Escolar, Mission Viejo. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have further questions about starting a FLL team at your school, contact Mrs. Kahlweiss at Saint Columban School: gkahlweiss@saintcolumbanschool.com

Disclaimer:

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

The Diocese of Orange, through OC Catholic newspaper, presents local, national and world news about the Catholic Church.

Our intention is to give our readers access to a variety of perspectives in order to help them to process the information within the framework of our Catholic faith, but also to better understand the perspectives of those with opposing viewpoints. We hope that ultimately our readers will be better equipped to have constructive conversations that further the growth of the Catholic Church.

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DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

AROUND CAMPUS

“

It is forgiveness that tells whether we really practice charity toward others..

”

— Pope Francis

SAINT PROFILE

PETER CANISIUS

1521-1597

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HIS DOCTOR OF THE church was born in Holland and studied canon law in Belgium before turning to the study of theology in Germany. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1543 and soon was a well- known preacher. He attended two sessions of the Council of Trent and was an important figure in the post-conciliar Catholic revival in Europe. As the Jesuit provincial in southern Germany, Austria and Bohemia, he started schools, colleges and seminaries, and is credited with keeping the southern German peoples Catholic.

STEINWAY CONCERT PIANO Donors: Stephen and Cathy Muzzy. Photo by Joshua Sudock/Diocese of OrangeC

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

IS 42:1-4, 6-7; PS 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10; MK 1:7-11

1 SM 1:9-20; 1 SAMUEL 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8ABCD; MK 1:21-28

1 SM 3:1-10, 19-20; 40:2 AND 5, 7-8A, 8B-9, 10; MK 1:2939

1 SM 4:1-11; 44:10-11, 14-15, 24-25; MK 1:40-45

1 SM 8:4-7, 1022A; 89:16-17, 18-19; MK 2:1-12

1 SM 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1; 21:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; MK 2:13-17

1 SM 3:3B-10, 19; PS 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10; 1 COR 6:13C-15A, 17-20; JN 1:35-42

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FEATURE

HAIL TO THE CHIEF RON LOWENBERG BECAME CATHOLIC AS AN ADULT AND HAS PUT HIS PRODIGIOUS POLICING SKILLS TO USE FOR THE DIOCESE

BY GREG HARDESTY

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ONALD LOWENBERG didn’t become a Catholic until he was 30, when he was more than a decade into his marriage to Catherine Hurley, a lifelong Irish Catholic from Green Bay, Wis. By then, he and his wife, Kitty (she uses her grandmother’s name), were expecting their sixth and last child. All the kids were baptized at St. Columban in Garden Grove — the church where Ron and Kitty got married — and attended St. Polycarp Catholic School in Stanton.

“A deacon took me under his wing,” recalled Lowenberg, sitting in his office in the Pastoral Center on the campus of Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove on a late-fall afternoon.

You could say when it comes to his faith, Lowenberg has been making up for lost time.

“I’ve been accused of being more devout than lifelong Catholics,” he said with a chuckle, “because I’ve really taken my faith seriously.”

NOT THE RETIRING TYPE

In law enforcement circles throughout the state and beyond, Lowenberg, now a silver-haired 77-year-old with a trim build, is well known for his sterling career in law enforcement — notably, as chief of police of the Huntington Beach Police Department for 13 years and, following that, as dean and director of the Criminal Justice Training Center at Golden West College (GWC) for 17 years.

He has held such positions as president of the California Police Chiefs’

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RON LOWENBERG IS PICTURED DURING HIS TIME AS POLICE CHIEF FOR THE CITY OF CYPRESS, CIRCA 1982. PHOTO COURTESY OF RON LOWENBERG

Association and the Orange County Chiefs’ and Sheriffs’ Association and has served three times as chair of the California State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.

Like many ex-cops, Lowenberg has a difficult time retiring.

Which explains his response when Bishop Kevin Vann approached him in 2020 with a question.

For eight years, Lowenberg and Bishop Vann had worked closely together on the Diocese’s Oversight Review Board, established in 2003 in the wake of the national clergy sexual abuse scandal. The late Bishop Tod Brown appointed Lowenberg as founding chairperson of that board.

“So, Ron, what are you going to do when you retire from Golden West College?” Bishop Vann, who succeeded Bishop Brown in 2012, asked Lowenberg.

“Well, I’m not sure,” the man everyone calls “chief ” responded. “But I know I want to do something.”

“I might have a job for you,” Bishop Vann said.

Which explains why Lowenberg has an office in the Pastoral Center.

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RON LOWENBERG IS PICTURED ON THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS IN GARDEN GROVE ON NOV., 17, 2023. PHOTO BY RENNE ENRIQUEZ/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

‘IN PHENOMENAL HANDS’

Since August 2020, Lowenberg has been serving as manager/director of internal investigations and review for the Diocese.

He oversees a team of contracted investigators who probe allegations of abuse and misconduct by clergy and laypersons serving in the Diocese’s 60-plus parishes and more than 40 diocesan schools, as well as hundreds of diocesan volunteers and employees.

And what better person for the job than Lowenberg, a law enforcement professional for 36 years?

LOWENBERG (FRONT, CENTER) AT THE PEACE “The Diocese is in phenomenal RON OFFICERS MEMORIAL IN SACRAMENTO, CA, IN 2001.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

PHOTO COURTESY OF RON LOWENBERG

FEATURE/CATHOLIC FAMILY LIVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

MANIFESTATIONS OF CHRIST’S DIVINITY

BY JOAN PATTEN, AO

RON LOWENBERG CONFERS WITH GOVERNOR PETE WILSON, CHIEF DAVE SNOWDEN (COSTA MESA PD) AND CHIEF PAUL WALTERS (SANTA ANA PD) ON PENDING CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM REFORM IN 1989. LOWENBERG WAS PRESIDENT OF THE OC CHIEFS’ AND SHERIFFS’ ASSOC. AT THE TIME.

hands with him,” said Rick Hicks, former police chief of Cypress who has known Lowenberg since the mid1980s and who worked with him for years at GWC as coordinator of the Criminal Justice Center.

“There’s nobody better both in terms of experience of leading and overseeing complex investigations that have high stakes involved, and ensuring that the truth is ferreted out, than Ron,” Hicks said. “He has years of overseeing dynamic investigations, and being able to bring that skill set to the Diocese is really huge.”

Lowenberg sees his job with the Diocese as a calling.

“It really feels good and feels like we’re doing something that needs to be done,” he said.

Lowenberg also is, by numerous accounts, a great human – nice and

RON LOWENBERG (LEFT) WITH SHERIFF BRAD GATES AND CHIEF DAVE SNOWDEN, COSTA MESA POLICE DEPARTMENT. CONTINUES ON PAGE 8

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HIS IS THE FIRST article of a four-part series during January, which focuses on the “Manifestations of Christ’s Divinity.”

The Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove features four bronze bas-reliefs inspired by the revelations of the New Testament: Epiphany, the Baptism of the Lord, the Wedding Feast at Cana and the Transfiguration. Readers are encouraged to visit the cathedral and contemplate these images this month.

“Where is God?” This question is the cry of our hearts, especially in confusing or difficult circumstances. This question may be in our restless minds and hearts as we enter the new year. The Church, as the Spouse of Christ, is the guardian of the mysteries of Christ and, in her maternal wisdom, guides us to deepen our knowledge of Christ throughout the liturgical year. During Advent, we are told, “The Lord is coming soon!”

The Christmas message consoles us that “God is with us!” The solemnity of Epiphany proclaims the truth that God has revealed Himself to all nations.

Epiphany means to “manifest,” and what is revealed often leaves the recipient in wonder and awe. We believe in the God of revelation. Our God tells us who He is, completely revealing Himself in His Son Jesus Christ.

Although our capacity is limited in understanding what God reveals to us, we were created to increase our knowledge and love of God as we go deeper into our relationship with Him. The solemnity of Epiphany commemorates the search of the magi for “the newborn king” to whom they desired

PHOTO BY MICHAEL PAYNE

to offer their homage (cf. Mt. 2:2). The magi, guided by the light of a star in their search for truth, are led to Truth Himself, found in the simplicity of a baby of a poor family.

“Where is God?” He is found among the lowly and poor because, in His humility, He chose lowliness and poverty.

For the magi, outward realities, such as the poverty of the holy family, were not an obstacle to their faith or a deterrent to their response. Instead, upon finding the child Jesus, the magi adore Him and offer their intended gifts.

“Where is God?” He is found in the guiding light of truth, because He is “full of grace and truth” (cf. Jn. 1:14). The encounter of the magi with the Christ Child shows us how we too, are to love truth and seek the Source of all truth. The celebration of Epiphany helps us to recognize that when God reveals who He is to us, the truth of who we are with Him is also manifested.

“Where is God?” He is found in our hearts when we experience joy and gratitude. The magi were overjoyed when the star led them to Jesus and His mother, Mary (cf. Mt. 2:11), and afterward, they were guided away from Herod in a dream. We are also called to be still and listen to the Lord who resides in our hearts. To do so, we must cultivate external silence in our environment so we may listen to His “still, small voice” within (cf. 1 Kgs. 19:12).

When we contemplate the mysteries of Christ’s life, we are moved with gratitude, adoration and wonder. We have met Jesus once again this Christmas and are striving to follow Him as His disciples. This Epiphany, pray for the grace to find Christ before you: in the poor and simple, as well as in yourself by cultivating authentic humility and love for truth. When we are drawn closer to Jesus in prayer, we will draw others to Him. Be the guiding star for others and lead them to Truth by sharing what the Lord is doing in your heart and how you are aware of His particular love for you. “Then you shall be radiant at what you see” (Is. 60:5).C

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FEATURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

respectful, someone who never forgets a person’s name and treats all colleagues (regardless of rank or title) as equals, and a man who places faith and family first.

“He’s an incredibly honest and caring person — just a real solid guy,” said Fr. Mike Rizzo, parochial vicar and temporary administrator of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Aliso Viejo. “In a sense, he’s like everyone’s grandfather.”

MARINE CORPS VETERAN

While discussing his faith and career, a couple of diocesan colleagues saw Lowenberg through his open door and greeted him.

“We are blessed to have him here,” said Steve Pellegrini, chief financial and administration officer. “He’s an amazing resource.”

Denise Valadez, associate superintendent of curriculum, spirituality and accreditation, declared: “He’s a rock star.”

Lowenberg, who grew up in Garden Grove and attended Rancho Alamitos High School, never really had designs on becoming a rock star in law enforcement or in the Diocese.

He got into policing at the suggestion of a relative after he and Kitty had their first child, Wendy, while Lowenberg was still serving in the Marine Corps and the family was stationed in San Diego.

He had decided against a career in the Marines and needed a job.

Lowenberg played trombone in high school. In the summer of 1964, he and some buddies decided to join the Marines. He performed in the Marine Corps band and travelled to air shows, changeof-command ceremonies and other events from Hawaii to the Mississippi River to Alaska to Mexico City – his San Diego-based unit’s territory.

AN IMMEDIATE CONNECTION

A month after leaving the Marines in June 1967, Lowenberg began his career in law enforcement as a recruit at the Cypress Police Department (PD).

“My field training officer was a retired

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RON LOWENBERG (FOURTH FROM LEFT) AT THE DEDICATION OF A NEW POLICE HELICOPTER IN HUNTINGTON BEACH, CIRCA 1996.

RON LOWENBERG DURING HIS TIME AS HUNTINGTON BEACH PD POLICE CHIEF, CIRCA 1990. PHOTOS COURTESY OF RON LOWENBERG

gunnery sergeant in the Marine Corps, and there was an immediate connection,” Lowenberg recalled. “I know to this day that the reason I was a successful young police officer was because of my training in the Marine Corps and its emphasis on teamwork and service.”

Lowenberg earned his undergraduate degree while a Cypress police officer, promoted there to sergeant and then joined the Baldwin Park PD as a lieutenant.

While there, he received his master’s degree in public administration.

He then transferred to the Tustin PD as a captain.

O C C A T H O L I C ■ J A N U A R Y 7, 2 0 2 4

RON LOWENBERG PARTICIPATES IN HBPD K-9 TRAINING, CIRCA 1998.

Mike Shanahan, a young Tustin police officer at the time, recalled Lowenberg as an approachable, hands-on leader.

“You know a leader when you see one,” said Shanahan, who went on to become a captain in Tustin and later reconnected with Lowenberg at GWC. “Ron’s always treated people the way you’re supposed to – he was never aloof or stand-offish. He was extremely well liked and very popular among the rank-and-file officers.”

After spending a few years as captain at the TPD, Lowenberg returned to his first agency in Cypress as chief of police.

In addition to serving as chief in Hun-

tington Beach from 1989 to 2002, he was interim police chief for the cities of Pomona, Costa Mesa and Placentia.

WINNER OF THE BENEMERENTI MEDAL

For 30 years, Ron and Kitty — she’s a longtime aerobics and spin cycle instructor — have been active parishioners at Sts. Simon & Jude in Huntington Beach.

They have served at the altar and fulfilled the role of Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and Lowenberg is a past mem­ber of the Parish Pastoral CONTINUES ON PAGE 9

FEATURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Council.

In 2009, Lowenberg received the prestigious Benemerenti Medal from Pope Benedict XVI for his dedication to, and demonstrated leadership in, the Diocese of Orange. Within the Diocese, he’s been involved in the marriage preparation ministry and with Mater Dei High School’s boys’ basketball program.

In addition, he’s a longtime supporter of the Interval House in Huntington Beach.

While police chief of that city, he helped form the shelter for victims of domestic violence. Since 1991, it’s become a nationwide model, with an emergency-response team of survivors who speak dozens of languages and are available 24/7.

“Ron was courageous, he thought out of the box and he always has given us 100-percent support,” said Carol Williams, executive director of Interval House. “I don’t have words to tell you how much this man is a hero to all of us.”

DARK CHAPTERS

RON LOWENBERG RECEIVES THE GOVERNOR’S LIFETIME EXCELLENCE IN POLICE TRAINING AWARD FROM GOVERNOR GRAY DAVIS IN 2001.

Ron and Kitty have weathered some dark chapters during the 58-year marriage – and their faith and strong family values have gotten them through it, both said.

The first crisis was when one of their sons was arrested on suspicion of arson when Lowenberg was Huntington Beach’s cop. The story was all over the press.

“They handled it with grace and dignity,” Shanahan recalled. “They stood by their son and said he’s made terrible mistakes, but that he’s their son and they love him, and that he will be held accountable. Ron didn’t try to use the power of his office to diminish the crime. He’s a man of tremendous character.”

The Lowenbergs, who have 15 grandchildren

and 11 great-grandchildren, recently lost their eldest son, Rob, 55, to an illness (Fr. Mike was the celebrant at his funeral).

“My faith is the most important thing in my life,” Kitty said, “and our faith has gotten us through a lot of things.”

FAMILY MAN

Through it all, Lowenberg has always put his family first, said the Lowenbergs’ first-born child, Wendy Lowenberg-Escobedo, a registered nurse and director of renal services at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange.

“He’s a very kind, gentle and generous man,” Wendy said. “Certainly, we had rules to follow at home, but he and mom were always very loving and unselfish. He was always looking to do exactly what his family needed.”

She added: “Dad has raised public servants, pretty much, without intending to do so. It was just the way he role-modeled to us with his integrity, honesty and humility. He’s all about spendCONTINUES ON PAGE 14

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DIOCESAN NEWS

REMEMBERING LIVES LOST 8TH ANNUAL HOMELESS PERSONS’ INTER-RELIGIOUS MEMORIAL SERVICE

BY BRITNEY ZINT

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T. TIMOTHY CATHOLIC Church in Laguna Niguel hosted Orange County’s 8th annual Homeless Persons’ Inter-Religious Memorial Service on Dec. 21.

One by one, names were read, and candles were carried up to black-clad tables fronting the altar of the dimly lit sanctuary. Each candle represented a life lost on the streets from Orange County’s unhoused population in 2023.

But the families, friends, volunteers and people of all faiths who came out on that rainy night were not enough to place a candle for all 511 who died; participants had to go back, again and again, while the hundreds of names were read.

ST. TIMOTHY CATHOLIC CHURCH IN LAGUNA NIGUEL HOSTED ORANGE COUNTY’S 8TH ANNUAL HOMELESS PERSONS’ INTER-RELIGIOUS MEMORIAL SERVICE ON DEC. 21. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

“The number this year got to me,” said St. Timothy parishioner Tom Sales.

“There were 511. This is a wealthy area

BISHOP THANH THAI NGUYEN ADDRESSES ATTENDEES OF THE 8TH ANNUAL HOMELESS PERSONS’ INTERRELIGIOUS MEMORIAL SERVICE HELD ON DEC. 21 AT ST. TIMOTHY CATHOLIC CHURCH IN LAGUNA NIGUEL.

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of the country. There shouldn’t be that many people on the streets. We should be able to do better.”

Symbolically, the evening was the winter solstice — the longest night of the year. To read all 511 names took 39 minutes.

The service was organized by the Diocese of Orange, St. Timothy Catholic Church, Our Father’s Table, the Knights of Columbus St. Timothy Council No. 128341, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, Volunteer Network OC and the Orange County Interfaith Network.

“In many cases this service will be the only commemoration of their lives,” said Mike Valerio, deputy grand knight of St. Timothy’s Knights of Columbus council. “Let us become the voice of those that are not heard or seen by most of our brothers and sisters experiencing homelessness. With this memorial, we say that their lives matter and we mourn their passing.”

Orange County’s service is a localized version of a national event that started in 1990 to honor those who have died

on the streets each year, said Gina Marie Seriel, founder and executive director of Our Father’s Table, a nonprofit dedicated to ending the cycle of chronic homelessness. Orange County’s service began in 2016 with 193 names, Seriel said, and unfortunately, this year’s deaths were the highest.

“Some of us are still grieving,” said Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen. “Some of us are still in pain with the loss. Some of us are still struggling with the departure of loved ones. But this evening is a very, very special way we remember our homeless brothers and sisters. We remember them by calling their name, and when we remember them, we make them alive.”

The inter-religious service started with the Knights of Columbus Color Corps standing at attention, swords raised, as the interfaith leaders from across the county walked up to the altar to take their seats. Bishop Nguyen was joined by Rabbi Marcia Tilchin; Islamic Shura Council of Southern California Chairman Dr. Ahmed Soboh; Lutheran Church of the Cross senior pastor Paul Finley; Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East Rev. Fr. Ashur Elkhoury; Ismail Demirkan of the Pacifica Institute; pastor James Davis, director of Pastoral Training of Asia; Vickie Cunniff, communication specialist with the Laguna Niguel Stake, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Christian Scientist Anne Cooling; and Maneck Bhujwala, a Zoroastrian mobedyar (priest).

In his remarks, Finley pointed out that the problem of homelessness is getting worse. He noted that all faiths can agree that something needs to be done for those who will die on the streets between this year’s service and next year’s.

“For every name we recognize here tonight, there are easily a hundred times more who are still suffering even though they may not have died,” Finley said.

“Let’s not merely continue to, year to year, remember those who have died, but just be inspired by their memory to work to make a world where these services will no longer be necessary someday.” C

DIOCESAN NEWS

OC CATHOLIC RECIPE SWAP ALBANIAN BAKLAVA

DIRECTIONS:

Mix walnuts and sugar in bowl.

Melt butter. With a baking brush, coat bottom of a 13x9x2 pan (I use my grandmother’s large round pan).

Next, line bottom of pan with 6-8 sheets of phyllo, one by one with a sprinkling of butter on each sheet.

Then add a thin layer of the nut mixture.

Repeat this step several times: 6-8 sheets of phyllo (butter on each sheet) followed by a layer of the nut mixture.

Save 6-8 sheets of phyllo for the top.

On last layer, turn phyllo edges under so that the top is smooth. Then, butter top layer.

Chill for 15 minutes With a very sharp knife cut into square or diamond shape pieces, being careful not to press the dough as you cut.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until lightly browned.

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ROWING UP, MY eldest aunt would make baklava for our extended family to share on New Year’s Day. She would use a pan that once belonged to my grandmother, who died before I was born.

According to tradition, a quarter is hidden in one of the pieces of baklava and whoever gets the piece with the quarter will have good luck for the new year.

I inherited my grandmother’s baking pan and now I make baklava for my own family to share on New Year’s Day. It’s fun to make this with my children and keep family traditions alive.

My aunt and grandmother would make their own phyllo dough from scratch for this recipe, though out of convenience, I use store-bought.

However, I do use a freshly picked lemon from my garden.

I have not “perfected” my family’s baklava recipe yet, but I am getting there — and my children think it’s delicious.

—Patty Mahoney, editor, OC Catholic

SYRUP

Boil water and sugar for 10 minutes.

Add lemon juice and boil for 10 more minutes. Poor cooled syrup over hot baklava.

Baklava can be stored in an air-tight container at room temp or in the fridge for up to two weeks. Hidden lucky quarter optional. Enjoy!

PHOTO BY PATTY MAHONEY

Ingredients 1 lb. phyllo 3 c. walnuts, chopped 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar ¾ lb. butter

Syrup 2 c. sugar 2 c. water 1 Tbsp. lemon juice

If you have a favorite family recipe you would like to share, please send to editor@occatholic.com. Please tell us why the recipe is special to you; include your name, parish and a photo of the completed recipe. C

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Join Franciscan Fr. Mario DiCicco for his 2024 Tours Japan and Korea A Far East Adventure • April 5-23 Exploring the Eastern Balkans: Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Prague, Budapest • May 15-31 Holy Land Pilgrimage • September 7-18 (My 48th year of leading pilgrims there) The Silk Road Exploring Central Asia • October 10-28 For a brochure, write or call: Fr. Mario DiCicco, O.F.M. 110 West Madison St., Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 888-1331 • mmdicicco@gmail.com website for brochure: FrMarioTours.weebly.com

GUEST COLUMN

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

ST. ANNE CATHOLIC SCHOOL’S MARIACHI ENSEMBLE VISITS ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON CATHOLIC CHURCH IN IRVINE. PHOTO BY KATHLEEN HURTT/OCF CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

more about my faith and growing more in relationship with God.” The introductory weekends are just the start of something much bigger.

Parishioners are being invited to become a part of a life-long success story. The partnerships created through the Catholic Schools Sister Parish Initiative will “continue the mission to shape our students’ young minds and promote positive values that will guide our children throughout their lives,” said La Purísima’s principal, Rosa Ramirez.

With the gifts of tuition assistance, parishioners are giving more children in the most vulnerable neighborhoods the opportunity to attend a Catholic school.

Without scholarships, many would not be able to receive an education that nourishes their faith, develops their character, prepares them for future academic success, and protects them from curriculums that compromise their Catholic values.

As of January 2, 2024, donors have graciously given $203,448 of the $1 million goal.

St. Anne’s principal, Sr. Teresa Lynch, is grateful: “I really want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You will transform so many lives—not only the children, but also their families because they will grow in their faith as well.”

It’s expected these new partnerships will continue to blossom in the spring of 2024 and beyond. The students plan on venturing outside of the classroom to help plant gratitude gardens or attend church festivals. In addition, some generous donors will be hand-delivering a “Jesus Loves You” bear to the students during a school visit.

If you are interested in learning more about the Catholic Schools Sister Parish Initiative or feel called to share the love of Jesus and help us reach the $1 million goal, contact The Orange Catholic Foundation at (714) 282-3021 or info@orangecatholicfoundation.org C

Scan the QR codes to see more of the faces supported by this initiative:

본당내의 성적학대 신고 성직자나 성당 사목을 대표하는 관리자에 의한 성적 학대의 피해자 인 경우, 교구청의 무료 신고 전화 번호, 1-800-364-3064 및 관할 지역 법 집행 기관에 전화하십시오.

La Purísima School

St. Justin Martyr School

St. Anne School

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FEATURE PAGE HEADING

THE LOWENBERG FAMILY, CIRCA MID-1980S.

RON LOWENBERG MARRIED HIS WIFE KITTY AT ST. COLUMBAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN GARDEN GROVE ON JAN. 8, 1966. PHOTOS COURTESY OF RON LOWENBERG CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

sight Review Board in 2020. They first met as parishioners at Sts. Simon & Jude.

Lowenberg recruited Burns to join the board and they’ve become good friends.

PARTNERS IN FAITH “He’s really excellent at what he does,” On a recent afternoon, Kitty was help- Burns said. “He’s able to please both sides ing her granddaughter make chocolate of most issues. And he gained the respect chip cookies. For years, she and Ron of everyone on the board.” have helped raise Abby, 15, a sophomore Burns added: “Ron lives the Catholic at Mater Dei, and grandson Elijah, 13, life - he really does. He’s open to everya seventh grader at Sts. Simon & Jude body. He lives a life that Christ would Catholic School. want him to live.”

“It meant a lot to me when Ron Fr. Mike, who has family members became a Catholic because I then had a in law enforcement, said Lowenberg partner in my faith,” said Kitty, who was became a police officer “not because it 18 when she married Ron, who was 19. made him better, but because it helped “And there’s never been any doubt in my the people around him and the commumind that me and our children always nities in which he lived and served.” have been his top priority.”

Fr. Mike continued: “And now, he’s helping the Diocese to be better not for LIVING THE CATHOLIC LIFE him, but because he knows it’s a job that Jim Burns, a retired FBI agent, must be done. And if there’s a job to be replaced Lowenberg as chair of the Over- done, he’s the one to do it.” C ing time with family. And the love he has for our mom – he just adores her.”

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RON LOWENBERG SERVED AS CHIEF OF POLICE OF THE HUNTINGTON BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR 13 YEARS.

OC Catholic Afar

The Bravo Family visited the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in Bohol, Philippines during their summer vacation.

Pictured: Luke, Gerardine and Luis Bravo.

“This Catholic Church founded in 1595 by the Jesuit Missionaries is so dear to me as I was baptized, confirmed and grew up attending Mass there every Sunday with my family.”

St. Joseph, Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.

— Submitted by Gerardine Bravo, St. Cecilia parish, Tustin

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.

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YEARS

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