OC CATHOLIC - FEBRUARY 25, 2024

FEBRUARY 25, 2024

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ORANGE COUNTY HOSTS MARDI GRAS GALA

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

NURTURING FAITH STRATEGIC PLAN’S FOCUS ON YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT OUTREACH PAGE 6

YOUNG ADULTS GATHER AT THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS DURING AN I AM EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS EVENT IN 2023. PHOTO BY RENNE ENRIQUEZ/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

UPCOMING SEMINARS

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND

SCHEDULE

Estate planning seminars are held at parishes throughout Orange County in English and Spanish.

13900 Church Place, Seal Beach

Thursday, March 14 10:00 a.m.

St. Catherine of Siena Church 1042 Temple Terrace, Laguna Beach

FREE ESTATE PLANNING SEMINARS PRESENTED BY CATHOLIC ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEYS

At the seminar, you will learn how to protect and provide for your family and the causes that are closest to your heart, such as Catholic schools, your parish or a ministry of your choice. If you would like to update your estate plan or if you need to create one, our Catholic estate planning attorneys are here to help. All attendees will receive a free no obligation consultation.

Wednesday, March 13 10:00 a.m.

Holy Family Church (Seal Beach)

Monday, April 8 10:00 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Corpus Christi Church 27231 Aliso Viejo Parkway, Aliso Viejo

Scan QR Code to view the full list of seminars

For more information call 714-282-3021 or visit OrangeCatholicFoundation.org/estate-planning

Wednesday, May 22 6:30 p.m.

St. Columban Church 10801 Stanford Avenue, Garden Grove

Wednesday, May 29 St. Nicholas Church

10:00 a.m.

24252 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods

W E E K D AY S P E C I A L S F O R O N LY

Done Right

IN HONOR OF OUR FOUNDING YEAR

MON DAY

SAL MON & SHRI MP SKE W E R

W E D NE SDAY CA RA M ELIZ ED S A LM ON*

T U ESDAY

SHRI MP TACOS

FRI DAY

F I SH F RY- DAY

*UPGRADE YOUR MEAL WITH A PREMIUM SIDE

T HU RSDAY

SHRI MP F E AST

ORAN G E + H UN TIN GTO N BE AC H + TOR R A NC E + R I V E R S I DE + ONTA R I O + S I M I VA LLEY + FREMONT W W W. M A R KE T B ROI L E R . C OM

FEBRUARY 25, 2024

CONTENTS

7 PRAYING DURING LENT

Our faith calls on us to pray throughout the year, but Lent is especially important.

8 12

CELEBRATING FRED SWANN

The renowned organist was made famous, alongside the Hazel Wright Organ, by the “Hour of Power” church services.

“TO WHOM SHALL WE GO?”

The 2024 Legatus Summit drew business leaders from around the country to Dana Point last month.

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: Jarryd Gonzales Managing Editor: Patricia Mahoney, editor@occatholic.com News Ideas: editor@occatholic.com Delivery Problems: occatholicsupport@occatholic.com

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

SCNG CUSTOM CONTENT Managing Editor: Caitlin Adams

Art Director: 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.

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GUEST COLUMN

THE POWER OF FAITH

that intoxicate our societies.

Our faith dwindles when we don’t feel His protection. It’s easy to announce being a Catholic but it’s a challenge to live and have faith as a Catholic. In my

BY DIEGO HOOD-SANCHEZ, SERVITE HIGH SCHOOL faithful journey, my Uncle Eric is the one who truly invokes me to grow in my AITH. A POWER THAT is invis- faith and view Christ from a different ible to the eye yet is a power that perspective than most do. can open the eyes.

One of the main themes he’s taught By definition, faith is the comme in my faith is to not let my “profesplete and utter confidence in someone or sional” relationship with Jesus overpowsomething. As Catholics, we are called er my personal relationship with Him. to have faith in one figure alone. That To have a professional relationship with is God. He is the Maker of everything Jesus means we tend to view Jesus as a physical, metaphysical, emotional and friend. With our friends we’re prone to spiritual. Although we know this truth, conceal ourselves to avoid being judged we all struggle to believe it at various or being seen as we truly are. times. Naturally, because we’re human.

Having a professional relationship Many people feel they don’t need faith in with Jesus also means we view Him as a their lives to explain the world around work boss. We fulfill our Catholic duties them. Others believe they can live happy by going to Church, following His comand meaningful lives without the belief mandments and participating in good of God. And ultimately thousands see the works. As much as those things greatly CONTINUES ON PAGE 13 destruction of wars, famine and death

F

A Clear Advantage

A CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A PRECIOUS GIFT A Catholic education teaches more than strong academics; it teaches lessons for life. The well-rounded curriculum leads children to become faith-filled, productive and generous adults.

DIEGO HOOD-SANCHEZ. PHOTO COURTESY OF SERVITE HIGH SCHOOL

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.

St. Callistus Chapel and Crypts

Opening 2024

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for the 2024 -2025 School Year!

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR:

Website: occatholicschools.org E-mail: catholicschools@rcbo.org

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Secure your Legacy today Call today to learn how | admin@StCallistusChapel.org | (714) 282-4290 | www.StCallistusChapel.org |

DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

AROUND CAMPUS

“

Each of us needs to be accompanied on the road of life!

”

— Pope Francis

SAINT PROFILE

NESTOR

1464-1505

A

S BISHOP OF MAGYDUS, in the Roman province Pamphylia (now Turkey), Nestor was forced to deal with an edict from Emperor Decius, requiring all citizens to sacrifice to Roman gods and produce a certificate to that effect or suffer imprisonment and torture. Many Christians turned to pagan ways to save themselves, but Nestor would not, though he did send many people into hiding. After his arrest, he was tortured by order of the governor, who hoped to curry the emperor’s favor. When Nestor told his torturers he would be ever with Christ, they crucified him. According to tradition, pagans and Christians knelt together in prayer during his martyrdom.

PHOTO BY THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

PASCHAL CANDLE STAND Donor: Susan Mears, in memory of James Mears. This is a permanent candle stand that is stylistically reminiscent of the ancient Roman basilicas. Recalling Christ Cathedral’s past history as the Crystal Cathedral, the stand also features mounted crystals. C

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

DN 9:4B-10; PS 79:8, 9, 11 AND 13; LK 6:36-38

IS 1:10, 16-20; PS 50:8-9, 16BC-17, 21 AND 23; MT 23:1-12

JER 18:18-20; PS 31:5-6, 14, 15-16; MT 20:17-28

JER 17:5-10; PS 1:1-2, 3, 4 AND 6; LK 16:19-31

GN 37:3-4, 1213A, 17B-28A; PS 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21; MT 21:3343, 45-46

MI 7:14-15, 18-20; PS 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12; LK 15:1-3, 11-32

EX 17:3-7; 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9; ROM 5:12, 5-8; JN 4:5-42

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FEATURE

NURTURING FAITH STRATEGIC PLAN’S FOCUS ON YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT OUTREACH

BY GREG HARDESTY

I

F YOU’RE READING THIS in church, look around.

How many preteens, teens and young adults do you see?

If Armando Cervantes has his way, the numbers will be much higher in two to three years.

Cervantes is director of the Office of Youth and Young Adults for the Diocese of Orange, and lately he’s been busy getting his department prepared to achieve its mission as part of the Diocese’s new strategic plan, which Bishop Vann unveiled to staff in November 2023 (the plan is available on the diocesan website, https:// www.rcbo.org/strategic-plan/.

Key to the office of Youth and Young Adults – one area of focus in the strategic plan to guide the Diocese into the future — is to have all parishes, within five years, staffed with full-time, highly qualified youth ministers whose sole focus will be youth and young adult outreach and evangelization.

Cervantes wants to achieve that sorely needed accomplishment sooner.

Currently, there are only 20 out of 62 parishes in the Diocese with a full-time youth and young adult minister – and often, his or her duties spill into other areas, Cervantes said.

“Of these 20 ministers, some are not just in charge of youth,” he added. “They’re in charge of children, of families or OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults or the Catechumenate). Even though they have the title, they’re too overwhelmed.

They have too many things on their plate.”

That’s a reality that must change, according to the Diocese’s strategic plan, which addresses the value of having robust

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ARMANDO CERVANTES IS THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS FOR THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE. PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

youth and young adult ministries at all parishes.

“I’m really passionate about walking beside them,” Cervantes, also director of the Diocese’s Office for Hispanic Ministry, said of working with all diocesan pastors in the ambitious endeavor. “We can make this happen, but we have to invest in high-quality people to have high-quality ministries.”

DOING THINGS WELL

Lately, Cervantes has been busy visiting pastors to ready them to jump on board with the hiring plan beginning the fiscal year starting July 1.

“Some early adopters are excited and want to start right away,” Cervantes said, “while others want to wait until July 1.

And others want an extension. As you can

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imagine, the response has been all over the place.”

Cervantes said the Diocese is setting aside funds to ensure that Bishop Vann’s strategic plan initiatives are being enacted in every parish and will help support parish­es that cannot afford to hire a fulltime minister who is exclusively devoted to youth and young adult outreach and evangelization.

“I’m deeply grateful for the leadership of both the bishop and our pastors who have been excellent and very receptive to understand, ‘How do I do this well?’”

Cervantes said.

Youth ministry done well starts with middle-school students (11-14 years old), Cervantes said, and includes high-schoolers, families with teens, college students, young adult professionals, young adult

couples and even young families with children.

Dr. Erin Barisano, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Orange, is directing implementation of the new strategic plan to ensure parishes are mission focused and are looking out into their local communities to grow.

NURTURING FAITH

“The vision of the strategic plan states that we need to better serve our young people, and despite our best efforts to hold large diocesan events, the reality is that on a daily, regular basis, families are going to church in their local parishes, and many don’t have a space for their young people,” Cervantes said.

“How do we nurture their faith, CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

FEATURE/CATHOLIC FAMILY LIVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

PRAYING DURING LENT

BY DANIELLE TAYABAS

“W STUDENTS ENJOY TIME ON THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS ON JAN. 31. PHOTO BY RENNE ENRIQUEZ/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

respond to their questions? How do we help them form their identities as Catholics?

“No longer is it enough to have one Bible study on a random day or night and to say, ‘That’s our youth ministry efforts.’ We’re looking for breadth and depth in a very direct, intentional and pastoral way.

“For outreach and proper evangelization, we need to create a variety of ways to engage our young people. We need to accompany them regularly, so they see that their church as a place for them that exists to respond to their questions when they have them.”

Future stories in this series will take a closer look at the remaining areas of focus in the new strategic plan: Parishes and the Mission of the Diocese, Catholic School Identity, Governance, Communications, Financial Resources and Stewardship. To learn more about the need for ministers for youth and young adult outreach and evangelization, or to apply for a job as a youth minister or to donate to the cause, email Armando Cervantes at acervantes@rcbo.org C

E LOVE BECAUSE He first loved us.” (1 Jn 4:19) Lent is about returning back to our First Love, Jesus Crucified. It is an opportunity to go deeper into prayer, to have heart to heart conversations with “Him whom my soul loves.” (Sg 3:1-4) Jesus is on a mission of marriage, to purify us, sanctify us and bring us into a holy relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Lent is a time to be reconciled with God (Rom 5:10) by going to the Sacrament of Confession with heartfelt contrition for our sins and to participate more attentively and fully in the salvific sacrifice of Jesus Crucified in the celebration of the Holy Mass, a living representation of Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross at Calvary.

“At the Last Supper, on the night He was betrayed, our Savior Instituted the Eucharistic Sacrifice of His Body and Blood. He did this in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross through the centuries until He should come again, and so to entrust to His beloved spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a paschal banquet in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.” (“Sacrosanctum Concilium” 47) This Lent, “let us search and examine our ways and return to the Lord.” (Lam 3:40)

SELF-EXAMINE

This Lenten season, let us ask ourselves, do I truly believe that God is my

A WOMAN PRAYS INSIDE CHRIST CATHEDRAL. PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

Father, Jesus is my Savior, and the Holy Spirit is the Sanctifier of my soul? Am I actively doing what is within my power to become holy and how can I improve?

What is preventing me from daily prayer and keeping me from the love of God? What are my fears and sin areas that are hindering my soul from spiritual growth and jeopardizing my eternal salvation?

SELF-AWARENESS IN GOD THE FATHER

Unshakable Truth: I am a child of God the Father.

Healing Prayer: I am Your child Heavenly Father. Please heal me of all the lies that I have believed about You, about myself and others and bring me into the Light of Your Truth. Help me to love You with all my heart, to do Your holy will in all things, to hate all that is evil and to go and sin no more…in Jesus Name…Amen.

Rejoice with Conviction: “If we love in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.”

(Gal 5:25)

SELF-SACRIFICE IN JESUS CRUCIFIED

Unwavering Truth: Jesus, You are my Merciful Savior, Friend and Bridegroom.

Deliverance Prayer: I believe wholeheartedly that You, Jesus, are my Savior, my Lord and my Beloved Bridegroom.

Please seal me in Your Precious Blood, help me in my unbelief and deliver me in mind, body, soul, spirit of all that is not of You. Fill me with Your holy love and transform my heart into Your very Own…in Jesus Name…Amen.

Rejoice with Thanksgiving: “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ through which the world had been crucified to me and I to the world.” (Gal 6:14)

SELF-REALIZATION IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

Unswerving Truth: I am a temple of the Holy Spirit.

Sealing Prayer: Come Holy Spirit, please reside and abide in me. Seal me with Your Holy Presence, protect me from all evil, preserve me in Your love and grace me with a deeper humility of soul, discernment of spirits and purity of heart so that I may love and serve You all the days of my life…in Jesus Name…

Amen.

Rejoice with Gratitude: “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thes 5:16-18) C

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FEATURE

CELEBRATING FRED SWANN

BY LOU PONSI

D

R. FRED SWANN WAS one of the world’s most renowned church and concert organists, who sat at the console of one of the world’s most renowned organs – the 17,106-pipe Hazel Wright Organ, affectionately known as “Hazel.”

Bradley Hunter Welch, a celebrated organist in his own right, first became acquainted with Swann’s virtuoso performances on the iconic organ when watching the nationally televised “Hour of Power” church services as a youngster at the then Crystal Cathedral.

While never actually studying alongside Swann, who died on Nov. 13, 2022, Welch studied Swann’s body of work for more than 30 years, “probably longer than any of the teachers with whom I’ve officially studied.”

It was fitting, then, that Welch was the featured guest organist at the Choral Festival in Honor of Dr. Fred Swann that was held at Christ Cathedral on Jan. 20.

“Fred Swann was hugely important to me in my development as a musician,” Welch said.

Presented by the Christ Cathedral Music Ministry and the Mark Thallander Foundation, organizers of faith centered music festivals, the two-hour long recital featured performances by Welch, David Ball, Head of Music at Christ Cathedral, multiple adult choirs, the Christ Cathedral based Diocesan Children’s Choir, the All-American Boys Choir of Santa Ana and the National Children’s Choir of Los Angeles.

“Every so often in our lives, we have the opportunity to meet greatness and I’ve had that opportunity a few times in my life,” said Fr. Christopher Smith, rector emeritus of Christ Cathedral and episcopal vicar of special projects, was in attendance. “And one of those is having met Dr. Fred Swann. Fred was truly a

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A CHORAL FESTIVAL IN HONOR OF DR. FRED SWANN WAS HELD AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL ON JAN. 20. PHOTOS BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

magnificent human being, a magnificent organist and a magnificent musician. He is truly one of the most gracious men that I have ever met.”

By age 10, Swann was playing the organ for Sunday services at the Braddock Street Methodist Church in Winchester, Virginia, where his father was pastor.

Swann was part of the music ministry at the Riverside Church in New York City from 1952 to 1982, serving as director of

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music and organist for 16 of his 30-year tenure at the legendary upper-Manhattan church.

The celebrated organist also served three terms as president of the American Guild of Organists, a national organization with chapters around the country, and he chaired the Organ Department of the Manhattan School of Music.

From 1982 to 1998, Swann was the organist and music director at the Crystal

Cathedral, where he played during Rev. Robert Schuller’s “Hour of Power” television broadcasts.

From 2007 to 2018, Swann was also a teacher of the organ and university organist at the University of Redlands.

After the Diocese of Orange purchased the Crystal Cathedral in 2012, transforming the Garden Grove property into the Christ Cathedral, Swann was enlisted as chief consultant to the committee for restoring the Hazel Wright Organ.

Swann was involved as an expert consultant during the restoration of Hazel and was chosen to give a stamp of approval once the restoration was complete.

“And it was really a pleasure to work with Fred in the restoration of the restored Hazel Wright Organ,” Fr. Smith said. “And as we share faith with one another, how beautiful it is to also share music. And one of the things I’ve said for a long time is that if there is a key to world peace, I think it’s music.”

Following the concert, attendees were invited next door to the Cultural Center, where an exhibit consisting of a variety of materials belonging to Swann was on display.

Organized by the Diocesan Archives, CONTINUES ON PAGE 9

FEATURE

St. Edward the Confessor Presents:

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

the exhibit featured music, photographs, art, awards and other items spanning Swann’s 60-year career.

The exhibit was only on display on the day of the recital; however, the Diocesan Archives is hoping to display Swann’s artifacts for a future exhibit, Assistant Archivist Daniella Aquino said.

In an article for OC Catholic, Swann

expressed gratitude for having played the Hazel Wright Organ.

“It’s been my good fortune to play the largest and finest organs around the world, and the church positions I’ve held each had superb five-manual instruments,” Swann said. “But the organ in the Crystal Cathedral — and especially now as rebuilt in Christ Cathedral — tops them all.” C

Vocation Fair

Sunday Mar. 3rd 7am - 1pm

Presented By, Brother Philip Poutous, O.S.B.

A N D R E P R E S E N TAT I V E S F R O M

Benedictine Monastery Of Prince of Peace Abbey St. Michel Abbey Norbertine Seminarians

A SPECIAL EXHIBIT HONORING THE CAREER OF THE LATE DR. FRED SWANN WAS ON DISPLAY THE DAY OF THE CHORAL FESTIVAL, JAN. 20. PHOTOS BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange Father Kolbe Missionaries Is God Calling You? I N D I S C U S S I O N A R O U N D Y O U R V O C AT I O N !

For more info contact:

Sponsored by the

Laszlo Hegedus 949.510.8795

Knights of Columbus ST. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR

CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SAN FELIPE DE JESUS CHAPEL

FR. CHRISTOPHER SMITH SPEAKS ABOUT THE LATE DR. FRED SWANN DURING THE CHORAL FESTIVAL IN SWANN’S HONOR. F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 2 4 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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33926 Calle La Primavera. Dana Point, CA 92629

FEATURE

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ORANGE COUNTY HOSTS MARDI GRAS GALA

BY CATHERINE GRATTAN

C

ATHOLIC CHARITIES OF Orange County (CCOC) recently hosted a successful night of fun, celebration and fellowship. Following a four-year hiatus, the nonprofit’s 34th Mardi Gras Gala returned on Feb. 10 at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach.

As guests entered the stunning Balboa Bay Resort, they were greeted by St. Anne Catholic School’s Mariachi band along with Mardi Gras stilt walkers.

The night began with the parade of honorees entering the ballroom, to the playful tunes of the Mater Dei High School Jazz band. They were Vincent and Michele Cortes; Alan Smith and Joan Steen; the Most Reverend Bishop Kevin Vann; CCOC’s executive director, Ellen Roy; and CCOC’s board of trustees.

Mariajose Garorti, CCOC’s director of communications and development, gave a warm welcome to all those who came out to support Catholic Charities.

“Tonight is a celebration of stewardship, a tribute to charitable works and a testament to the power of community,” she told the crowd.

Mark Jablonski, CCOC’s former chairman of the board and current chief mission integration officer at St. Jude Medical Center, spoke about the amazing work of CCOC, including its Cantlay Food Distribution Center and New Hope Counseling Services.

Jablonski also formally introduced CCOC’s new chairman of the board, Fr. Mike Rizzo, retired lawyer and parochial vicar at Corpus Christi parish in Aliso Viejo, who expressed gratitude for his

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CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ORANGE COUNTY HOSTED ITS 34TH MARDI GRAS GALA ON FEB. 10 AT THE BALBOA BAY RESORT IN NEWPORT BEACH. PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE

new role.

Guests also had the joy of seeing a dignified presentation of colors performed

by St. Catherine’s Academy. Bishop Vann then led the invocation and Grace before dinner, giving thanks for another wonderful year of CCOC providing help, creating hope and serving all.

“On behalf of Catholic Charities of Orange County and the entire Mardi Gras Gala 2024 organizing committee, I would like to express our deepest gratitude for your generous contribution to this year’s gala,” said Bishop Vann. “After almost four years, we gather again for the Mardi

O C C A T H O L I C ■ F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 2 4

Gras Gala, and it’s a blessing to have all of you here today.”

The night continued with CCOC’s executive director, Ellen Roy, congratu­ lating and awarding the night’s honorees Vincent and Michele Cortes, and Alan Smith and Joan Steen with awards made of jade glass.

Impactful videos featuring Vincent and Michele and their passion for helping their local community, and how Joan and Alan transformed the parking lot of the Cantlay Food Distribution Center into a sustainable above-ground garden known as the Garden of Hope, were played during the

awards presentations.

A live auction followed. Items included a six-night stay at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa; six nights at the Park Plaza Resort in Park City, Utah; dinner at Bishop Vann’s house prepared by renowned executive chef Jessica Roy; a Northgate Gonzalez Market tequila tasting and dinner with Bishop Freyer; a helicopter experience with Deacon Pete Morales; and a Polo Experience hosted by Farmers and Merchants Bank at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club.

Guests were encouraged to support the

CONTINUES ON PAGE 11

FEATURE

DONORS WHO GAVE $500 OR MORE TOWARDS COUNSELING SERVICES RECEIVED A SPECIAL BEAR WITH A CCOCBRANDED BAN­DANA. PHOTOS BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

ST. ANNE CATHOLIC SCHOOL’S MARIACHI BAND GREETED GUESTS AT CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ORANGE COUNTY’S 34TH MARDI GRAS GALA HELD ON FEB. 10.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

work of CCOC’s New Hope Counseling Services, which provides on-site counseling services for students in nine of our local Catholic schools. A single donation of $1,000 provides 40 counseling sessions for an adult or child. Donors who gave $500 or more towards counseling services received a special bear with a CCOC-branded bandana. For every bear given, a child attending a local Catholic school received a bear as well, symbolizing the solidarity

of the donor with the lives of the children they were helping.

The gala proved to be a great success, with close to 350 in attendance. All proceeds benefit New Hope Counseling Services, whose mission is to provide children with the mental health support they need during challenging times.

To donate in support of CCOC’s New Hope Counseling Services, text NEWHOPECS to 41444 or visit ccoc.org/donate/ donate-online. C

F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 2 4 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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DIOCESAN NEWS

“TO WHOM SHALL WE GO?” 2024 LEGATUS SUMMIT parish in Lake Forest. “And they do have

a huge influence. So, if we can kind of nourish them so that they can go out and spread the word to their business, UNDREDS OF Catholic busi- their community, and their family, it can ness leaders from around the change the world.” country, including corporate The theme of the 2024 summit was “To leaders from within the DioWhom Shall We Go?” cese of Orange, attended the 2024 Legatus Summit attendees Ralph and Oonagh Linzmeier have been Legatus members Summit for fellowship, adoration and since 2002 when they were invited to join inspiration. the organization by the late philanthroThe 2024 Legatus Summit was held pist Carl Karcher, founder of Carl’s Jr. fast Jan. 25-27 at the Monarch Beach Resort food chain and a devout supporter of the in Dana Point and featured noted CathCatholic church. olic speakers, daily Mass, awards and “We were drawn to it because of the exhibitors. community aspect of it,” said Linzmeier, Legatus (Latin for ambassador) is an a retired financial advisor who previexecutive peer group of Catholic CEOs, business owners, company presidents and ously served on the Legatus Board of Governors for six years. “And at the same others.

The mission of Legatus is to create am- time, we build relationships in our local parish and the relationships we build bassadors for Christ, said Angela Charin this community are sometimes very gualaf, vice president of the West Region profound.” of Legatus International.

Ralph Linzmeier, incidentally, also “The thought is, it’s lonely at the top hosts a radio podcast through the Spirit and these business leaders need to be Filled Hearts Ministry titled “Finding nourished,” said Chargualaf, a parishioYour Way.” ner of Santiago de Compostela Catholic Legatus speakers have expanded their knowledge of the Catholic faith, Oonagh Linzmeier said.

“Because you need to be fed in many ways,” Oonagh Linzmeier said. “And you’re meeting also with other people who are like-minded in leadership. And also, we were introduced to so many wonderful organizations and movements that we would have never been aware of, because in church, you can’t always know these things.”

The Linzmeiers are parishHEART SHAPED PINS WERE BEING GIVEN AWAY AT THE LIVE ioners of San Francisco Solano AUCTION TABLE AT THE 2024 LEGATUS SUMMIT HELD JAN.25-27 Catholic Church in Rancho Santa AT THE MONARCH BEACH RESORT IN DANA POINT. A PRO-LIFE ADVOCACY GROUP, LIVE ACTION WAS AMONG SEVERAL EXHIBITS Margarita.

ON HAND FOR THE SUMMIT. PHOTO BY LOU PONSI/DIOCESE OF Every year at the National ORANGE Summit, Legatus honors a group

BY LOU PONSI

H

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O C C A T H O L I C ■ F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 2 4

RALPH AND OONAGH LINZMEIER WERE AMONG ORANGE COUNTY BUSINESS LEADERS AND PHILANTHROPISTS WHO ATTENDED THE 2024 LEGATUS SUMMIT, HELD JAN. 25-27 AT THE MONARCH BEACH RESORT IN DANA POINT. PHOTO BY LOU PONSI/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

of individuals for exemplary service to the Catholic Church in several categories.

The Defender of the Faith Award was given to Fr. Robert Spitzer for “his strong defense of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, upholding longstanding Catholic teaching and witness to the sanctity of life and marriage despite today’s societal opposition.”

Fr. Spitzer is the president and co-founder of the Magis Center, which is located at Christ Cathedral.

Featured speakers included author Lila Rose, a staunch pro-life advocate and president of Live Action, a human rights nonprofit believed to have one of farthest-reaching digital footprints in the global pro-life movement.

Other speakers were Fr. Mike Schmitz,

noted speaker, author and podcaster, and Sr. Deirdre “DeDe” Byrne, Mother Superior of the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts community, a surgeon, a physician and a retired colonel of the U.S. Army Medical Corps.

Attendees had the opportunity to attend the summit’s opening Mass at the Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano.

Legatus International was founded in 1987 by Tom Monaghan, founder of Domino’s Pizza and former owner of Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers.

Monaghan was inspired to start Legatus to help Catholics grow professionally and spiritually.

Today, Legatus has 5,000 members from 90 chapters in the U.S. and abroad, including two Orange County chapters. C

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

boost our faith, at times we tend to go through those motions. Many Catholics “work” for Jesus but not many of us stop and try to build a relationship with Him. How are we supposed to be best friends with Jesus then? We have to view Jesus not just as our boss, but as our best friend. He’s waiting for us to see that.

On the other hand, having a personal relationship with Jesus means to express ourselves openly and honestly. For instance, we express ourselves openly and

honestly to our close family members on a more personal level because we feel a bond of deep intimacy and security. We know our families will always accept us.

The same is for Jesus. We must learn to have a relationship with Him where we view and accept Jesus as our best friend who will always accept us. We must express ourselves fully to Him, showing all our flaws, sins, and struggles. We can grow a personal relationship with Him by reading Scripture alone or simply talking to Him. We can talk to Him about our day, our thankfulness or our struggles. When my uncle preached that to me, it opened my eyes more. Now I saw how Jesus was still waiting for me to accept Him as my best friend and talk to Him on a deeper level. My faith had branched from my professional relationship with Him into a secure and personal one as well.

Another theme he’s preached to me is the gift of being reborn again.

Catholics live in an intoxicated world that discriminates and taunts our religion. Many tend to cower and hide our faith from society in hopes of securing jobs or being approved by peers. Others begin to fall to sin and develop addictions to material substances that lead to a painful disruption in their faith. Those sins are created by the devil who enjoys pulling people down to sin. But God gives us the choice of being reborn again.

My uncle explained that to be reborn again is to announce Jesus as Savior and let the Holy Spirit free you from all your sins. Once we are reborn, we are ready for the gates of Heaven. The Spirit also grants us knowledge and different gifts.

I continue to eagerly walk this lifelong journey in hopes of being reborn even when I fall to sin. With my uncle being a driving force, I’ve grown as a Catholic.

With my uncle’s teachings along with the teachings of Servite High School, I continue to strengthen my faith through daily prayer, scripture and acts of service.

Ultimately, I always remember that Jesus will make His return again and I will be ready for Him. C

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PAGERECIPE HEADING

OC CATHOLIC RECIPE SWAP

W

SQUISHED SQUASH

HEN I WAS GROWING up in the 70s, my mom would make this squash casserole as a side dish alongside grilled meat or chicken! In those days, produce was more seasonal so we would usually only have it in the summer as part of a weekend BBQ. That made it a real treat!

Even as the veggies became available year ‘round, it was still a special dinner time when her squash casserole was on the table. When I first made this side dish for my son, he was sitting on a stool in the kitchen watching me make it. As I was mashing the squash, he dubbed it “squished squash” and the name stuck. It’s his very favorite recipe!

—Robin MacGillivray, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish

PREPARATION: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place a large pot of water on the stove.

Cut each squash into one-inch pieces. Place the squash in the pot of water making sure it has lots of room to swim. (The squash will tend to float.)

Bring water to a boil over high heat. As soon as the water boils, test the squash with a fork.

The fork should completely pierce the squash. If it doesn’t, continue to boil until it does.

Drain the squash in a colander.

While still in the colander in your sink, coarsely squish the squash with a potato masher or fork allowing the liquid to drain. Transfer to a mixing bowl and fold in the butter and cream cheese, then the Parmesan cheese.

Coat a 2.5-liter casserole dish with oil or cooking spray. Transfer squished squash to the prepared dish.

Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. If you wish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs or panko and place under broiler for three minutes. Let it rest for five minutes.

njoy!! C Enjoy

INGREDIENTS

TOOLS

TO SERVE

4 Pounds of a combination of zucchini, patty pan and yellow crookneck

Large Pot

Scoop up big spoonfuls and

squash, washed

Colander

serve alongside your main dish

8 Oz cream cheese cut into cubes

Mixing Bowl

4 Tbsp butter or margarine cut into cubes

2.5 - liter Casserole Dish

1 Cup grated Parmesan cheese

Potato Masher

4 Tbsp packaged or homemade breadcrumbs or panko (optional) Oil or cooking spray to coat casserole dish

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBIN MACGILLIVRAY

O C C A T H O L I C ■ F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 2 4

OC Catholic Afar

Darrow Soares and his wife Michelle Lê Ðoàn are pictured standing in front of St. Francis Xavier at Our Lady of Annunciation Catholic Church in Malacca City, Malaysia. It was originally built by the Portuguese in 1521 and is the oldest Catholic Church east of India.

Darrow and Michelle are parishioners of St. Juliana Falconieri Catholic Church in Fullerton.

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.

F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 2 4 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

15

YEARS

Zero name changes.

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