OC CATHOLIC - JANUARY 21, 2024

JANUARY 21, 2024

WITNESS OF MIRACLES

PAGE 8

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

REACHING OUR YOUTH CHRIST CATHEDRAL WELCOMES VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF FROM YOUNG LIFE PAGE 6 CLOSE TO 100 STAFF MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS FROM THE NONPROFIT YOUNG LIFE POSE FOR A GROUP PHOTO AFTER CELEBRATING MASS AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL ON JAN. 6. PHOTO BY LOU PONSI/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

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JANUARY 21, 2024

CONTENTS

7 THE WEDDING AT CANA

One of Christ’s best known manifestations occurred at a humble wedding.

8

WITNESS OF MIRACLES

Fr. Agustino Torres belongs to a congregation working to renew the authentic Capuchin lifestyle.

10 LEADERSHIP IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Eighth grader Sawyer Haselby sets an example for his peers at St. Francis of Assisi School in Yorba Linda.

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

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GUEST COLUMN

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR A CATHOLIC FAMILY

BY DEACON MODESTO CORDERO, DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE FOR WORSHIP, DIOCESE OF ORANGE

around prayer. “A family that prays together, stays together” — this famous T IS A VERY COMMON tradition phrase from the Irish Father Patrick for people to set personal goals at Peyton holds intrinsic truth. As a family, the beginning of a new year. Some we must seek moments during the week of these common goals focus on for family prayer, whether attending changing or adopting new lifestyles, Mass together, praying the Rosary or eating healthier or achieving professional participating in evening prayers. By priadvancements. This is not wrong. Often, oritizing these moments, families create we do not think about incorporating sacred spaces for spiritual reflection and spiritual goals that foster a deeper sense community connection. of unity and purpose in our lives. For our Attend Mass Regularly: Regular attenCatholic families, the new year offers an dance at the weekly Eucharistic celebraopportune moment to strengthen our tions is the cornerstone of every Catholic faith and collectively grow closer to God. family. As a family, we must resolve to Below, I want to offer five simple goals prioritize attendance at Sunday Mass that can help a Catholic family grow in and, whenever possible, attend daily their spiritual life during this new year.

Mass to deepen our connection with Prioritize Family Prayer Time: The the liturgical calendar of the Church.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 13 foundation of a Catholic family revolves

I

DEACON MODESTO CORDERO. PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

The Diocese of Orange, through OC Catholic newspaper, presents local, national and world news about the Catholic Church. Our intention is to give our readers access to a variety of perspectives in order to help them to process the information within the framework of our Catholic faith, but also to better understand the perspectives of those with opposing viewpoints. We hope that ultimately our readers will be better equipped to have constructive conversations that further the growth of the Catholic Church.

DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

AROUND CAMPUS

“

If we want to be children of the Father… the real challenge is to learn how to love everyone.

— Pope Francis

SAINT PROFILE

”

AGNES OF ASSISI

DIED CIRCA 304

M

MARTYR WALL

OVED BY THE EXAMPLE of St. Francis of Assisi and her older sister, St. Clare of Assisi, Caterina Offreduccio left home at 15 to become a nun committed to living in radical poverty. She joined Clare at a Benedictine convent while their convent at San Damiano was under construction, and took the name Agnes. One account says her family’s violent effort to retrieve her was thwarted by a miracle, but this was omitted from her canonization documents. Around 1220, Clare became the abbess of a new foundation of Poor Clares near Florence, and supervised their expansion to Mantua, Padua and Venice. She also supported Clare’s struggle for the order to continue in complete poverty. The sisters are buried together in Assisi.

Donor: Available. Within the Our Lady of La Vang Shrine is the Martyr Wall dedicated to the 117 Catholics who were martyred for their religious beliefs in Vietnam.

This memorial wall names the 96 Vietnamese, 11 Spanish Dominicans and 10 French members of the Paris Foreign Missions Society along with details on how and when each person died. Fundraising and construction management of the Martyr Wall is being handled by the OLLV Foundation.

Photo by Steve Georges/Diocese of OrangeC

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

2 SM 5:1-7, 10; PS 89:20, 21-22, 2526; MK 3:22-30

2 SM 6:12B-15, 17-19; PS 24:7, 8, 9, 10; MK 3:31-35

2 SM 7:4-17; PS 89:4-5, 27-28, 2930; MK 4:1-20

ACTS 22:3-16; PS 117:1BC, 2; MK 16:15-18

2 TM 1:1-8; PS 96:1-2A, 2B-3, 7-8A, 10; MK 4:2634

2 SM 12:1-7A, 10-17; PS 51:12-13, 14-15, 16-17; MK 4:35-41

DT 18:15-20; PS 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9; 1 COR 7:32-35; MK 1:21-28

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5

FEATURE

REACHING OUR YOUTH CHRIST CATHEDRAL WELCOMES amazing what Young Life has done.”

VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF FROM He was joined by Avramovich’s father, YOUNG LIFE Deacon Michael Stock of St. Edward the

Confessor in Dana Point, and Deacon Nathan Gunn of the Diocese of Syracuse in New York.

HE CHRIST CATHEDRAL Following Mass, the special visitors campus recently welcomed staff were free to tour the 34-acre Christ Caand volunteers from Young thedral campus.

Life, a worldwide ministry The first stop for most of them was the devoted to helping middle school, high 2,700-seat, 12-story tall Christ Cathedral. school and college students find Jesus “This is so unique,” said Craig Gould, and invite Him into their lives. who works for Young Life Catholic The special visitors celebrated Mass Relations at the University of Notre and toured the iconic grounds on Jan. 6. Dame in Indiana and was visiting Christ They were in town to attend the Cathedral for the first time. “I think that organization’s quadrennial convention, one of the things I noticed was the many 1YL, from Jan. 6 to 10 at the Ana­heim different cultural images of Mary. Such a Convention Center. cultural home.”

Through workshops, Bible studies With a staff of 5,000 employees and and guest speakers, the 1YL conference 80,000 volunteers, Young Life is active in takes place to build fellowship among 112 countries. the staff and volunteers, celebrate acIn addition to engaging with young complishments over the past four years students through partnerships with and provide a preview of the upcoming schools, churches and community four years, said Marisa Avramovich, U.S. groups, Young Life also has focus minisinitiatives coordinator for Young Life. tries that serve teen moms and students With the convention center being with disabilities. less than three miles away from Christ One ministry, Young Life One, serves Cathedral, more than 100 Young Life children who have been trafficked, were staff members and volunteers made the homeless, incarcerated or in the foster short trip visit. care system.

“Since we’re so close, and it is such a “We try to think of every kid and how beautiful campus, we happened to bring we can be mindful and intentional to go people here,” said Avramovich, a former towards them so that they can hear about parishioner at Edward the Confessor who Jesus is,” said Avramovich, who was Catholic Church in Dana Point. “It’s a member of Young Life as a child.

Epiphany, so we wanted people to have Deacon Stock’s wife, Rosie, was also a an opportunity to go to Mass and enjoy member of Young Life as a youngster. the tour.”

“Then when we got married, I heard Fr. Steve Sallot, pastor of Our Lady all this stuff about Young Life and I had Queen of Angels in Newport Beach, to get us back involved,” Deacon Stock presided over the Mass, which was held said. “So, she got back involved, leading at the Freed Performing Arts Theatre on clubs, and so are our daughter and our the Christ Cathedral campus. son.”

“When I was asked to come and do Young Life is intentional about this Mass, I said sure,” said Fr. Sallot. “I building relationships with its young was honored. They know how to reach members and teaching them about Jesus kids and that’s what’s so important. It’s CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

BY LOU PONSI

T

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O C C A T H O L I C ■ J A N U A R Y 21, 2 0 2 4

A DOCENT POINTS OUT PARTS OF CHRIST CATHEDRAL TO MEMBERS OF THE YOUNG LIFE MINISTRY, WHO WERE IN ANAHEIM FOR THEIR QUADRENNIAL CONFERENCE ON JAN. 6. PHOTOS BY LOU PONSI/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE

EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS FROM YOUNG LIFE, A WORLDWIDE MINISTRY DEVOTED TO HELPING ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS STRENGTHEN THEIR FAITH THROUGH A RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST, APPEAR IMPRESSED AS THEY TAKE IN THE EXPANSIVE DESIGN AND BEAUTY OF CHRIST CATHEDRAL.

A GROUP OF STAFF MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS FROM YOUNG LIFE CAPTURE THE BEAUTY OF THE OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE MOSAIC INSIDE CHRIST CATHEDRAL

FEATURE/CATHOLIC FAMILY LIVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

MANIFESTATIONS OF CHRIST: THE WEDDING AT CANA

BY SR. DIANE HEISS, SDSH

T A STAFF MEMBER FROM THE YOUNG LIFE MINISTRY TAKES A PHOTO OF THE PANTOCRATOR TAPESTRY INSIDE CHRIST CATHEDRAL ON JAN. 6.

PHOTO BY LOU PONSI/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

Christ, Deacon Stock said, not simply through preaching and activities within the specific ministries but by being involved in some of their everyday activities.

In December, Young Life received a letter from Cardinal Christopher Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio (or ambassador to the United States), on behalf of His Holiness Pope Francis, offering praise and blessings to the Young Life conference.

An excerpt from the letter stated: “His Holiness is confident, that, in this way, young people will respond generously to Christ’s call to share the joy, truth and beauty of the Gospel with the families, friends and wider society, placing their gifts and talents at the service of God’s kingdom of justice, fraternal solidarity and peace.”

To learn more, visit https:// younglife.org/ C

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

Many of us, upon hearing the opening strains of the Wedding March by Felix Mendelssohn or being invited to a wedding, have nostalgic memories of our own or a loved one’s wedding. The couple, filled with hopes and dreams for their future, have radiant faces as the bride walks down the aisle and her groom awaits her in front of the altar, love shining forth from his eyes.

From experience we know what to expect when invited to a wedding: a Mass or liturgy in which the couple exchange vows, and their union is blessed; a reception; possibly a meal and a dance; all within a one-day time span. No one would think of packing a suitcase to attend a wedding nearby, OR WOULD THEY? Not here, of course, but in the Middle East a few thousand years ago, perhaps.

In 1st century Israel at the time of Jesus, honeymoons were not the norm. The couple celebrated with family and friends during the wedding feast which generally lasted a week.

Imagine you are the parents of the newlyweds. For years you have planned and saved for this celebration and now the unthinkable has happened: you run out of wine.

There are no supermarkets nearby to purchase more, so this lack will be a major humiliation for you and the couple, one which everyone will remember for many years.

This did occur in the village of Cana in Galilee nearly 2,000 years ago. The

PHOTO BY ROBERTA SORGE ON UNSPLASH

parents of the bride and the groom had invited Mary and her son Jesus to attend the wedding. Since Nazareth and Cana were less than five miles apart, it is probable they were relatives or family friends.

Their presence would add to the joy of the celebration, but then came a shock.

Even though they had also invited Jesus’ disciples, had they known how many would come? While graciously welcoming the guests, the frantic parents might have been mentally calculating how much extra food and wine they would need. Perhaps they could stretch the food by preparing more bread, but wine? The wine was already diluted according to custom, so people would notice the addition of more water.

At this point, Mary noticed the situation and informed Jesus that there was no more wine. Initially he responded with “How does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.”

(Jn. 2: 4) However, as the most loving and obedient of sons, he could never refuse a request from His mother. So, when she told the waiters to “Do whatever he

tells you,” Jesus told them to fill the six stone purification jugs with water, which he then turned into wine, the best wine, according to the chief steward.

The Wedding Feast at Cana is one of the manifestations of Jesus when he revealed himself in a clearer way, thus helping others to believe in him. Jesus continues to show himself in numerous ways, inviting us to respond. What is the quality of our response? Is it wholehearted, halfhearted, or merely a token gesture?

At Cana, Jesus performed a miracle, but it was up to the waiters to provide the water.

FOR YOUR FAMILY:

■ Share ways you recognize Jesus coming to you or acting in your lives.

■ Pray for the gift of fidelity for all married couples and support engaged couples as they prepare for marriage.

■ Speak with your children about what they will see and hear at a Catholic wedding.

■ As you read John 2:1-12, use the gift of your imagination to place yourself there: what do you see, hear and feel?

■ If you are anticipating your wedding and are not confirmed, contact your parish for information regarding Confirmation preparation classes for adults.C

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7

FEATURE

WITNESS OF MIRACLES

BY JORGE LUIS MACÍAS

IN A FORTUITOUS ENCOUNTER, FR. AGUSTINO TORRES SAVES THE LIFE OF A CHILD WHO WAS GOING TO BE ABORTED

“I

AM A PRIEST BY the grace of God and a sinner by my reality. I am a man who intensely wants everyone to know that God loves them.”

These are the words of Fr. Agustino Torres, C.F.R., a priest of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, a mendicant congregation of the Diocese of New York, which was founded in 1987 by eight Capuchin friar priests, including Benedict Groeschel, Andrew Apostoli, Robert Stanion, Glenn Sudano, Stan Fortuna, Robert Lombardo, Joseph Nolan and Pio Mandato.

The goal of the community of 217 members, of whom 65 are priests, is to fight for the return to the authentic Capuchin lifestyle and the renewal of the Catholic Church. The friars are known for their fidelity to the Pope, and their motto is “I will seek the lost; I will bring back the lost.”

Furthermore, it is a Catholic, Franciscan, Capuchin, contemplative, prophetic, apostolic, fraternal and anti-abortion community.

In relation to abortion, Fr. Agustino, 47, narrates in an interview with OC Catholic a “miracle” that happened to him several years ago, when he was still a member of the Dunwoodie Seminary, in New York.

“It is one thing to say that a miracle occurred and another thing to accompany the person for the rest of their life,” he said. “Lazarus returned from the dead, but we must also accompany those Lazaruses of these times.”

He was referring to a cousin. She had

8

FR. AGUSTINO TORRES SPEAKS DURING THE 2023 I AM EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS HELD AT THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS ON OCT. 20 AND 21. PHOTO BY JORGE LUIS MACÍAS/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

gotten money to have an abortion in New York, a metropolis where there are thousands of abortion clinics.

That woman repented and returned to Texas.

When the seminarian Agustino Torres had permission from his community to celebrate his birthday with his family, his cousin approached him.

“Forgive me,” she said.

“Why? You haven’t done anything to

O C C A T H O L I C ■ J A N U A R Y 21, 2 0 2 4

me!” he responded with surprise.

Through tears, the woman told him that she had given up on taking the life of the innocent being she was carrying in her womb.

Before entering the clinic, she saw that on the other side of the street, her cousin was praying in the Holy Rosary.

“Of all the abortion clinics in New York, she went to where I was,” he said.

“God did his work.”

Today, his cousin’s son is 20 years old.

Another miracle that he experienced was the healing of cancer suffered by one of his aunties.

“After praying, my aunt was healed literally in a few moments,” revealed the priest.

Q & A with Fr. Agustino Torres

SO FAR, WHAT HAVE BEEN THE THREE GREATEST GIFTS

CONTINUES ON PAGE 9

FEATURE Civil War in El Salvador and a coup d’état in Honduras, the country to which his community sent him.

I saw that everything that was happening was not right, but I had no answers, and I saw that St. Francis truly found people in their need and with their hearts to God. That was the most appropriate response. That, little by little, formed me, gave me a spirituality and revealed my calling.

Fr. Agustino is the founder of Corazón Puro and Latinos por la Vida. They are two organizations dedicated to awakening and accompanying young leaders in areas of great need. He hosts the EWTN Spanish television show “Clic con Corazón Puro,” as well as in English, following in the footsteps of Father Benedict Groeschel on “Sunday Night Prime.”

Currently, he is presenting a new program “ICONS.” He was one of the friars who founded Catholic Underground, an apostolate of the Friars of the Renewal; Guadalupe House, and JPII (John Paul II) discernment houses for women and men, respectively.

WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT AGUSTINO TORRES THAT CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE, AND ADULTS ADMIRE HIM?

FR. AGUSTINO TORRES BLESSES AN ATTENDEE OF THE 2023 EUCHARISTIC I AM CONGRESS INSIDE CHRIST CATHEDRAL’S ARBORETUM. PHOTO BY JORGE LUIS MACÍAS/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

THAT LIFE AND GOD HAVE GIVEN YOU?

Wow! I would have to say my family, my conversion, and my community. My family because they gave me life, they created me, and through the family I received faith.

HOW AND WHEN DID YOUR CONVERSION TOWARD GOD BEGIN?

In certain terms, every day I am still in the process of conversion. It all started at the end of high school when I had the good fortune to travel to a World Youth Day and saw Pope John Paul II in Den-

ver, Colorado. It was in August 1993.

My life changed course. I was a sadly normal young man, looking for success, looking for pleasure, looking for how I could have fun. I had a worldly mentality, and when I saw a new panorama in The Church, it impacted me and made me start asking the Lord: Why did you create me? What is my purpose in life? What is my calling?

AND WHERE DID YOU LOOK FOR SUCCESS?

I always got good grades in school; I had plans to study a career and get ahead as they say.

Fr. Agustino graduated from Seton Hall

University with a bachelor’s degree in history, and from St. Joseph Seminary he earned two master’s degrees: in Arts and Theology. In 2008 he was ordained a priest.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO FOLLOW THE PATH OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI?

St. Francis of Assisi always had a place for the poor, for the simple and the humble. In my family, my upbringing was quite humble. My parents were peasant workers.

And as I always saw the need, St. Francis responded to the need of my soul.

In the 1980s, in addition to extreme poverty and major natural disasters, there were turbulent years in Central America:

The truth is nothing. I do not have anything. All I do is simply share the message of love, reconciliation, and salvation of Jesus Christ. That draws the attention of young people because there are many who have not known Him. That is sad.

IS IT BECAUSE THEY ARE THIRSTY FOR AUTHENTIC LOVE?

Yeah. They are thirsty, hungry and desperate to hear that message of love in their own language, in their way of expressing themselves. When they hear it, it is as if they are completely new, as if it were the first time, they have heard it.

They have grown up with the prayers of their grandmothers, parents and aunts, but they are always waiting for someone to pour water on them so that the seed of faith that is in them can grow. C

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9

SCHOOLS

LEADERSHIP IN ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SPOTLIGHT ON SAWYER HASELBY, ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL

BY MIKE ZINN

S

AWYER HASELBY, AN EIGHTH grader at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Yorba Linda, was the ‘unanimous choice’ to be featured in this spotlight series, according to school staff.

A multifaceted student who excels in academics and athletics, Haselby’s quiet yet strong leadership style sets him apart.

He is involved in many school activities, including campus ministry. He has many great ideas to share, like his recent suggestion of holding a prayer walk around the school campus, which was very well received.

“He is a regular and consistent participant, involved and assertive,” said Ann Cooper, who teaches eighth grade.

Haselby also participates in Monday prayer at the school’s St. Mary’s statue for those who are sick or in need.

He says his proudest accomplishment is being named student council president.

Jennifer Nieto, who serves as the student council moderator, works closely with Haselby and said, “he leads by example.”

“He is assertive and draws ideas out of fellow council members, so all members feel involved,” she added.

Haselby takes his role and responsibilities very seriously.

“I wanted to use this role to leave a legacy as a kind and loving person,” he said.

Hasselby’s mother Cindy is a teacher at the school and is involved with after school programs. Haselby will often drop in to lend a hand.

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SAWYER HASELBY. PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC SCHOOL

O C C A T H O L I C ■ J A N U A R Y 21, 2 0 2 4

“He interacts with all of the students in the program, regardless of their age or interests,” Nieto added.

Haselby began his academic career at St. Francis of Assisi in the fourth grade when his mother became the director of Student Support.

A strong overall student, Haselby cites Math as his favorite subject.

“It is fun and challenging,” he said.

With all strong leaders, role models are an essential factor. Haselby said his father is his biggest role model.

In addition to sharing a knack and interest for Math, “he taught me to be kind and loving to others.”

When asked which historical role model he was most influenced by, Haselby named Martin Luther King, Jr. for his never giving up and making the world a better place.

Haselby enjoys and looks forward to many aspects of student life. He likes the various learning opportunities and activities St. Francis offers.

At the top of his list is a class project to clean headstones at a local cemetery and a spring class trip to the East Coast to visit various historical sites.

Haselby hopes to attend Santa Margarita Catholic High School, where he will continue working with campus ministry and participate in his favorite sport, lacrosse.

He feels the most important trait of leadership is kindness.

“I try to use kindness instead of power,” he said. C

WORLD NEWS

CHRISTIAN UNITY WEEK

BY FR. AL BACA

C

HRISTIAN UNITY WEEK began on Jan. 18 and continues through Jan. 25. During this time, the Church observes the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

It is lovely that after the season of joy and hope that is Christmas, we pray for the restoration of Christians under one Church as it was from the beginning.

The healing of the Christian family begins with hope in Jesus Christ who founded the Church on the confession of St. Peter.

There have been two major attempts to restore communion between the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. One was through the Council of Lyon (1274 AD) and the other was the Council of Florence (1429 AD). Neither was successful.

With the break of the Protestants in the 16th century, the main attempt at healing was through the Second Vatican Council and in particular the document that it produced, the Decree on Ecumenism. The great Council of Trent (1543 AD) was called to respond to the divisions and questions of Luther, Calvin, Zwingli and others. However, the main purpose of the council was to explain Catholic doctrine and to defend the deposit of faith. The crisis didn’t allow for any significant reconciliation.

Here we are, so many centuries later, still trying to bring Christians back to the one expression of Church that Christ intended. In an echo of St. Paul’s own reproach of the Corinth Community (1 Cor 1:13), Pope Francis in 2014 said, “The divisions that exist among Christians are a source of pain and scandal and damage the credibility and work of spreading the Gospel.” Christian division causes confusion and in history even violence.

FR. AL BACA WITH FR. ATHANASIUS SHOUKRY RAGHEB OF SAINT POPE KEROLLOS VI COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH. PHOTO COURTESY OF FR. AL BACA

Perhaps there are a few points that will help us understand the reason why the Church embraces the ecumenical movement, how she works toward the full restoration of all Christians.

■ The Church discerns that she has a special responsibility as the Church founded by Christ, to work toward the restoration of what was established by Him. She remembers that for over 400 years after the Ascension of Christ into Heaven, there was only one Church. The break between the East and the West didn’t happen until almost 1000 years later. Regarding one united Church, she is convinced that if it was before, it can

be again.

■ Ecumenism is not about creating a new Church. Authentic ecumenism is not about creating but restoring what Christ first gave to St. Peter, “You are Peter and upon this rock I will build My Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against her.” (Mt 16:18) ■ The Catholic Church contains in herself the fullness of what Christ intended His Church to be (Catechism of the Catholic Church: paragraph 820).

■ The Church is committed to reclaiming the unity that was given her by Christ. She must purify herself. She must ask for forgiveness of past sins com-

mitted by her children in the quest for reconciliation.

■ What will probably remain the same: 1) Both Orthodox and Catholic Churches will retain their unique institutions, liturgical rites, traditions and piety. 2) Each Church will rule themselves in accordance with their own established disciplines. 3) Patriarchs will still hold authority over their own Churches but with an agreed upon understanding of the role of the Catholic pontiff.

■ What will need to be reconciled: 1) The place of the Pope as “first among equals” is not enough. Pope Benedict suggested that the Catholic Church could accept that Churches in union would rule themselves while being in communion with the Catholic Church.

If there were insurmountable problems or quarrels, these would be brought to the See of Rome. The Pope, in these rare circumstances, would be the final arbiter. There is evidence that in the Early Church this occurred. 2) The Filioque (and from the Son) would be settled: how does the Holy Spirit proceed from the Father? 3) Reception and acceptance by the Orthodox of the doctrines of the Immaculate Conception and Purgatory would need to happen.

These are the most notable challenges to reunion. Many theologians believe that the real difficulty lies in the role of the pope. With the many forms of Protestantism, there would be many more challenges to reunion, especially in the moral life.

The work may seem insurmountable, but the Catholic Church remains convinced that with the help of the Holy Spirit miracles can happen. Christ before His passion and death prayed that the Church would be one (John 17:21). We have a solemn responsibility to work toward recovery of the vision and original plan of the Lord.

Christian Unity Week in January gives us the opportunity, through action and prayer, to heal divisions that still continue to wound the Christian family. C

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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. 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.

PHOTO BY PATRICIA PRUDENTE ON UNSPLASH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

This commitment not only strengthens individual faith but also fosters a sense of community within the family.

Incorporate Scripture Study: Our religious education never ends. As Catholics, we are called to nourish our faith daily through active participation in religious studies. As a Catholic family, we must immerse ourselves in the richness that the Sacred Scriptures offer us. It is essential to seek opportunities in our parishes to participate in Bible study groups suitable for each family member.

Encourage yourselves to find opportunities for spiritual reading or attend retreats and workshops provided by your parish or diocese. This shared exploration can lead to opportunities for family conversations and a deeper understanding of the Church’s teachings.

Embrace Acts of Kindness and Charity: As heads of the family, we must instill values of compassion and empathy in our families, especially in our children and youth, by participating in acts of kindness and charity. An excellent way to foster these values is for the family to engage in community service projects

or seek opportunities to volunteer in local charitable organizations or within our own parishes. This commitment to serving others reflects the fundamental principles of Catholicism, promoting a sense of gratitude and social responsibility within the family.

Cultivate a Spirit of Forgiveness: We must practice forgiving others, especially within our families, in the same way that Jesus forgave us. The New Year provides an opportunity to leave grudges behind and cultivate forgiveness within the family. Fostering open communication and emphasizing the importance of seeking reconciliation when conflicts arise should be a primary goal in our families.

By practicing forgiveness, Catholic families can reflect the mercy and love shown

by Christ to us.

These five simple goals go beyond individual aspirations to embrace the collective Catholic journey toward spiritual growth. By weaving these purposes into the fabric of daily life, families can create a nurturing environment where faith flourishes, and the love of Christ becomes the guiding force in all aspects of their lives. C

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PAGERECIPE HEADING

OC CATHOLIC RECIPE SWAP SOUR CREAM BANANA BREAD

I

FOUND THIS RECIPE over 30 years ago. It was supposed to be for a cake, but I’ve never made it that way. I’ve omitted and added ingredients over the years, and it’s become a favorite of everyone I’ve gifted it to. I’ve made this bread in a loaf pan as bread, into cupcakes, waffles for the kids and even pancakes. It’s a versatile recipe that you can make your own as I have. I love to add it to recipe boxes when someone in my family gets married. It’s really grown as my nieces have continued to make it their own by adding additional complimentary ingredients as well.

—Patty Brooks, St. Bonaventure parish, Huntington Beach

DIRECTIONS:

Mix butter, sugar and eggs one at a time. Add vanilla. Sift dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream ending in dry ingredients. Add bananas. Mix just until blended. Add any additional ingredients at this time. Turn into a lightly greased pan. Add your topping if desired. Bake at 350˚ degrees for approximately 40-45 minutes for the bread and cupcake version. Test with a cake tester (bake for longer if needed). Cool on a wire rack. njoy!! C Enjoy

INGREDIENTS ¼ c butter 1 1/3 c sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1 c sour cream 1 c mashed ripe banana 2 c sifted flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS ■ Chocolate chips ■ Cinnamon swirl (cinnamon, brown sugar and butter mixed together) ■ Cinnamon sugar (equal parts sugar and cinnamon)

PHOTO BY PATTY MAHONEY

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OC Catholic Afar

Left: Lou Ponsi, a contributing writer for OC Catholic, brought an issue with him when he took in a Las Vegas Raiders game earlier this season at Allegiant Stadium.

—Submitted by Lou Ponsi OC Catholic also found itself at SoFi Stadium when the Los Angeles Chargers faced the Baltimore Ravens over Thanksgiving weekend.

—Submitted by Patty Mahoney, editor

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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Savoring our Faith 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 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.