OC CATHOLIC - MARCH 3, 2024

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CONTENTS

PRAYING THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS

“The Way of the Pilgrim” offers a spiritual tale on how to “pray without ceasing.”

WELCOMING THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON

Orange County’s Vietnamese community gathered at St. Columban Catholic Church in Garden Grove to celebrate Tết Nguyên Đán.

“WHAT IS GOD’S WILL FOR ME?”

A group of young men and women gathered for a discernment retreat hosted by the Diocese’s Vocations team in partnership with the Office of Youth and Young Adults.

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

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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.

PAYING TRIBUTE TO A FRIEND

BY DONNA VAN GUILDER AND FRIENDS OF NANCY SHANAFELT

DURING THIS SEASON OF Lent, we want to pay tribute to our dear friend, Nancy Shanafelt.

The beginning of Lent, Ash Wednesday, also marked the start of 40 Days for Life, which began in Texas 20 years ago. The name of this Pro-Life Movement derives from a pattern of important events in the Bible, such as the 40 days spent on Noah’s Ark, the 40 days Moses spent on Mt. Sinai and the 40 days Jesus spent praying and fasting in the desert.

Nancy’s service to God in standing up for alive, unborn babies, exceeds the number of 40, for she has spent over 50

years marching and holding prayer vigils in front of abortion clinics in many cities.

I have spent the last three years with her during the early, Sunday morning hours in front of Planned Parenthood in Orange. She also attends the prayer vigil there on Fridays.

Nancy first began standing up for the babies and being their voice with her mother, Betty Jaworski, many years ago in 1973, when Roe v. Wade first became federal law. They marched in Phoenix in the rain, with her 2-year-old daughter! In San Jose they lined the sidewalks from the southern to the northern border of the city, praying their rosaries and carrying their handmade signs. When she moved to Fresno, they loaded onto buses to go to the Walk for Life in San Francisco. Ten years ago, she started attending the Los Angeles Walk for Life, called OneLife LA. (When the SF and LA walks are on different days, she goes to both!)

Nancy’s dear mother, Betty, passed

CONTINUES ON PAGE 13

curriculum leads children to become faith-filled, productive and generous adults.

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.

Join us on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 , for our Lenten Retreat Presented by the Sisters devoted to the Sacred Heart and featuring Fr. Christopher Heath guest speaker and presiding over Mass.

Reservation can be made online at www.ocdccw.org or contact Susan Navarrete @ 949-345-9130 or snavarrete150@gmail.com . The deadline for registration is Friday, March 15th, 2024.

Location: Heart of Jesus Retreat Center, 2927 S. Greenville St., Santa Ana, Ca 92704. Suggested Donation: $50.00 per person, includes continental breakfast and catered lunch. Time: Retreat starts from 9:00-2:00 pm.

Our Theme: “Come with Me, Pray with Me ”, inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 26.41 and will lead us through the triduum just in time for Holy Week. Don’t miss out on this sacred time with Jesus and the Orange Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.

NANCY SHANAFELT. PHOTO COURTESY OF DONNA VAN GUILDER

AROUND CAMPUS

CHAPEL OF UNITY & RECONCILIATION

Donor: St. Joseph Health, in honor of the Sisters of St. Joseph. The third-floor chapel, located inside the Cultural Center, was blessed in 2015 and made possible by a contribution from St. Joseph Health. It was dedicated to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. The ambo and altar by Joel McCoy are made of Pacific madrone, a wood native to Humboldt County in Northern California, where the Sisters first arrived in 1912. Photo by Joshua Sudock/Diocese of Orange C

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY

2 KGS 5:1-15AB; PS 42:2, 3; 43:3, 4; LK 4:24-30

TUESDAY

DN 3:25, 34-43; PS 25:4-5AB, 6 AND 7BC, 8-9; MT 18:21-35

“ God wants what is better for us, he wants us to be happy”

— Pope Francis

SAINT PROFILE

WEDNESDAY

DT 4:1, 5-9; PS 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20; MT 5:17-19

KATHARINE DREXEL 1858-1955

THE DAUGHTER OF A wealthy Philadelphia banker, Katharine received marriage proposals but wanted to become a contemplative nun. After inheriting a fortune, she visited the Dakotas and witnessed American Indians’ poverty, subsequently pleading with Pope Leo XIII to send them more missionaries. But he and others encouraged her to found a congregation to work among people of color. In 1891, she and 13 companions became the first Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. For more than 40 years, she led the order, using her fortune to establish numerous missions and schools for Indians and African Americans. Following a major heart attack in 1935, she retired to a life of prayer. Canonized in 2000, she is the patron of home missions.

THURSDAY

JER 7:23-28; PS 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9; LK 11:14-23

FRIDAY

HOS 14:2-10; PS 81:6C-8A, 8BC-9, 10-11AB, 14 AND 17; MK 12:28-34

SATURDAY

HOS 6:1-6; PS 51:3-4, 18-19, 2021AB; LK 18:9-14

SUNDAY

1 SM 16:1B, 6-7, 10-13A; 23: 1-3A, 3B-4, 5, 6; EPH 5:8-14; JN 9:1-41

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

PHOTO BY THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

CELEBRATING CATHOLIC SCHOOL EDUCATORS

RECOGNIZING THOSE WHO SERVE

BY MEG WATERS

FOR THE PAST 10 years, Bishop Vann and the Diocese of Orange Catholic Schools leadership team have gathered to honor educators and recognize milestone teacher anniversaries.

More than 300 teachers and administrators gathered for the Celebrating Catholic School Educators awards and dinner held on Feb. 2 at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel in Garden Grove.

This year, for the second time, a special St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Teacher of the Year Award was also conferred to one elementary and one secondary teacher.

The Bishop Vann Award was bestowed on Sr. Johnellen Turner O.P., president of St. Catherine’s Academy in Anaheim. A native of Los Angeles, Sr. Johnellen has devoted more than 54 years to Catholic education at schools in L.A. and Orange County.

St. Catherine’s Academy was founded

by the Dominican sisters in 1889. The kindergarten through eighth grade allboys school’s curriculum emphasizes faith, leadership, academics and service.

“I am so grateful to our God for calling me to minister in Catholic schools and to my Dominican congregation for their support over the years,” said Sr. Johnellen, “as well as the Diocese of Orange for all the good and loving care they give to the children in our schools.”

In addition to the Bishop Vann Award, Lisa Aguirre, a third-grade teacher at St. Junipero Serra Catholic School, and Cory Fajardo, a theology and philosophy teacher at Servite High School, were each named the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year, respectively.

The teachers are nominated for the award by their peers at their school; then, each school submits the winning nominee to the Diocese to select the Teacher of the Year for elementary, secondary and runners-up.

Dr. Erin Barisano, Ed.D., Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Orange, said, “We are so grateful to Bishop Vann, who brought Celebrating Catholic School Educators to the Diocese of Orange 10 years ago. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the strength and zeal we share through our vocation as Catholic educators, for it is through our ministry that we bring our students closer to Christ.”

Lisa Aguirre has taught at Catholic schools for nearly 25 years, first at St. Anne’s in Laguna Niguel and more recently at St. Junipero Serra in Rancho Santa Margarita. Aguirre left a career in international sales for an $8-hour

teaching assistant position.

“I fell in love with teaching and went back to college to get my bachelor’s degree in education,” recalled Aguirre. “Truly, I think the Holy Spirit guided my steps. Teaching is my passion.”

In nominating Aguirre, her colleagues said, “(She) takes a proactive role in enhancing the overall school experience by initiating and leading impactful schoolwide activities and events. Her leadership fosters a sense of community and school spirit, creating memorable experiences for students, staff and families.”

Cory Fajardo teaches theology at Servite High School in Anaheim.

“I admire the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas, and I try to lead the students to a life of virtue,” said Fajardo. “Academically, I try to get the students to fall in love with the beauty and truth of the Catholic faith.”

It wasn’t too many years ago when Fajardo was a student at Servite and returned to the Friars to live out his primary vocation, “to be a holy man of God, a holy husband and father and to be a ‘Christ-like’ teacher so that the students can see Christ in and through me.”

DR. ERIN BARISANO ADDRESSES ATTENDEES DURING THE CELEBRATING CATHOLIC SCHOOL EDUCATORS AWARDS AND DINNER HELD ON FEB. 2. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

BISHOP THANH THAI NGUYEN SPEAKS TO THE AUDIENCE DURING THE CELEBRATING CATHOLIC SCHOOL EDUCATORS AWARDS AND DINNER HELD ON FEB. 2.

SR. JOHNELLEN TURNER O.P., PRESIDENT OF ST. CATHERINE’S ACADEMY IN ANAHEIM, RECEIVED THE BISHOP VANN AWARD DURING THE CELEBRATING CATHOLIC SCHOOL EDUCATORS EVENT.

PRAYING THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS

BY JOAN PATTEN, AO

“LORD JESUS CHRIST, have mercy on me!”

This little prayer is traditionally known as the “Jesus Prayer” and is delightfully portrayed in the 1881 Eastern Orthodox spiritual classic, “The Way of a Pilgrim.” In this book, the pilgrim, carrying only a knapsack of bread and a bible, began his quest to understand how to follow St. Paul’s teaching “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thes. 5:17). He first journeyed to various churches and shrines with the hope of hearing good sermons that could guide his prayer life. To his disappointment, he only heard sermons about what prayer is, not precisely how to pray unceasingly.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

In nominating Fajardo, his fellow math teacher David Selski stated, “He embodies Christian values and contributes to the spiritual growth of students and staff members. How he lives his life, conducts himself, speaks and behaves is a role model for our young men and the rest of us. He is a testament to what it means to see Christ.”

One hundred thirty-eight teachers were recognized for anniversaries spanning from 10 to 45 years – a distinction held by Melanie Harner at St. Angela Merici Parish School.

All Orange County Catholic Schools are accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Unlike public or charter schools, the Diocese requires individual accreditation of all elementary schools. There are also scholarships available.

To learn more, visit https://www. occatholicschools.org/ C

He continued his journey and sought wise spiritual directors to counsel him.

The holy men whom he encountered did not offer him clear answers either. The pilgrim continued his journey, and while he found some guidance and comfort in reading the bible, he did not find an answer to his quest.

Finally, after a year of searching, the pilgrim met an old monk who was a hermit in a monastery.

The monk commended the pilgrim for his quest and observed that most people think about prayer more often than they actually have a lived experience of it. The monk then taught the pilgrim the simple prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” This prayer calls to mind the continuous presence of God while pronouncing the holy name of Jesus and begging Him for His mercy at every moment. The monk also gave the pilgrim a book containing spiritual fathers’ various reflections about the interior life. He advised him to read it to aid his understanding of Sacred Scripture.

The pilgrim stayed under the monk’s instruction and practiced the prayer throughout the day for months. At first, concentrating was difficult, but eventually, he could relax. He noticed the rhythm of the prayer matched his breathing and calmed his mind. Soon, the pilgrim not only found himself praying the “Jesus Prayer” while he was awake, but discovered it beat in his heart even while he slept. Finally, the pilgrim understood how to make himself available for frequent prayer and was united more intimately to Christ.

This Lent, we have many opportunities to engage in more prayer so our relationship with God is strengthened. As the pilgrim models for us, prayer is a personal commitment; it is a particular way of living and relating, and ultimately, it is a grace to be freely received from God.

The Stations of the Cross is a Lenten devotion that is meant to be more than a yearly tradition. Like the pilgrim search-

ing to mature his experience of prayer, we, too, desire to deepen our Lenten prayer experiences so we may more fully encounter Christ.

Instead of rushing though prayers found in a guided meditation, consider these alternative methods of praying with the Stations of the Cross this year. Privately walk the stations in a church or look through a book with photos of each station, pause at each one, and ask Jesus a question at each station. For example, “Jesus, what are you receiving from the Father in this station?” “Jesus, what are you offering me as you fall in this station?” “Mary, how can I stay with Jesus like you did as He walks the way of the cross?”

Perhaps you could pray the pilgrim’s “Jesus Prayer” at the conclusion of each station.

If you continue to contemplate the stations of the cross throughout Lent, you will memorize them so you can carry them in your heart throughout the day. By remaining with Him, you will learn how Jesus prays and trusts the Father. You will be tutored to trust the Father as you make your way to the cross with Jesus. C

THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS INSIDE CHRIST CATHEDRAL. PHOTO BY THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-EIGHT TEACHERS WERE RECOGNIZED FOR ANNIVERSARIES SPANNING FROM 10 TO 45 YEARS DURING THE CELEBRATING CATHOLIC SCHOOL EDUCATORS EVENT HELD ON FEB. 2. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

IN SEARCH OF HEALING

CHRIST CATHEDRAL CELEBRATES WORLD DAY OF THE SICK MASS

BY BRITNEY ZINT

FOR THIS YEAR’S World Day of the Sick Mass, Christ Cathedral pews were filled with the faithful of all ages, some visibly struggling with illness, others suffering from maladies not outwardly visible, but all seeking to be blessed.

Bishop Kevin Vann presided over the Mass, which was celebrated on Feb. 10. About 1,200 were in attendance for the Anointing of the Sick and Laying on of Hands from Bishop Vann and other clergy.

“We are reminded of the profound importance of compassion in our lives, especially toward those who are facing illness and uncertainty,” said Bishop Vann. “Life is such that we can get hardened and indifferent, but this day reminds us not to be that way. In a world often marked by pain, uncertainty and hardness of heart, this day serves as a beacon of hope, calling us to embrace the virtue of compassion and to extend the healing touch of Christ to those who are burdened by illness and infirmity.”

Tania Rodriguez, who attends St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fullerton, celebrated the World Day of the Sick Mass for the second year in row to receive healing for herself and to represent her friends and family who are also in need. She said the Anointing of Oils and Laying of Hands brought her “peace in knowing and trusting in God’s divine plan” for her life and those of her loved ones.

Rodriguez said she hopes the Mass will strengthen others’ faith and that they will trust in God.

“Even if God doesn’t grant us the healing we need, He still loves us,” she added.

“I feel like sometimes when we don’t receive the healing that we are seeking, then we lose faith. But if you don’t receive the healing, God is still working and still loves us.”

The World Day of the Sick, which began in 1993, was introduced by St. Pope John Paul II to honor Our Lady of Lourdes. It marks a “special time of prayer and sharing, of offering one’s suffering for the good of the Church and of reminding everyone to see in his sick brother or sister the face of Christ who, by suffering, dying and rising, achieved the salvation of mankind,” according to his “Letter Instituting the World Day of the Sick” from 1992.

Lourdes, France, was the location where the Virgin Mary was said to appear 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. The location has since become a pilgrimage site for many; water collected from its grotto is believed to have healing powers.

Bishop Vann urged those in attendance to take time to read the book “The Song of Bernadette” by Franz Werfel or see the movie of the same name.

The Mass utilized water from the miraculous spring in Lourdes for the Sprinkling Rite, and 1-ounce bottles were handed out to anyone in need. The water was personally collected by members of the Order of Malta last spring, said Pamela Dow, president of the Order of Malta’s Orange Location.

“The water used to be easy to get, it could be mailed, but no longer,” she said.

According to Dow, the Order of Malta personally collects the water and brings it back in “three suitcases.”

“It’s directly from the spring, the taps there where people take the water hoping for a cure,” she added.

The Order of Malta is a 900-yearold lay religious order of the Catholic Church with a mission to care for the sick and the poor and has locations in 120 countries. Members, who are called Dames and Knights, must be invited to join, take an oath, volunteer within their own communities and must make a pilgrimage to Lourdes at least once.

“They look for people who are dedicated to serving the poor and sick, and are very Catholic,” said Dow. “Our whole role is to care for the sick, the poor and to defend the faith.”

The Order of Malta Orange Location, which serves Orange County, supports local service organizations, such as Ser-

ra’s Pantry at Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano, which provides food to those in need, and Taller San Jose, which offers paid training in various career fields.

The Order of Malta members lead a pilgrimage to Lourdes for those suffering from illness and their caregivers to drink

THE WORLD DAY OF THE SICK, WHICH BEGAN IN 1993, WAS INTRODUCED BY ST. POPE JOHN PAUL II TO HONOR OUR LADY OF LOURDES. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

water from the grotto. Although members are called to make the pilgrimage at least once, many go back every year, said Dow, who herself goes annually.

“You think you are going to have people who are sad on the way back, that they didn’t get a spontaneous cure, but

I have to tell you, it’s the most joyful trip back you could ever imagine,” Dow said. “Everybody is changed. It’s unbelievable and there is no way to describe it unless you go with a Malta group.” To learn more about the Order of Malta, visit https://orderofmaltawestern.us/western-association-usa/ C

ABOUT 1,200 ATTENDED THE WORLD DAY OF THE SICK MASS CELEBRATED ON FEB. 10 AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL

BISHOP KEVIN VANN CELEBRATED THE WORLD DAY OF THE SICK MASS ON FEB. 10 AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

THE WORLD DAY OF THE SICK MASS UTILIZES WATER COLLECTED FROM LOURDES BY MEMBERS OF THE ORDER OF MALTA.

CONNECTING GIRL SCOUTS AND OUR CATHOLIC FAITH

SPOTLIGHT ON ST. BARBARA PARISHIONER THERESE TRAN

BY MEG WATERS

THERE IS SOMETHING about music that can take us back in time to the memories, sights and sounds of another place. Music connects immigrants emotionally with their heritage; even if they have only heard the tune from a beloved family member, the sound and cadence can transport the imagination to a homeland they may have never seen.

Girl Scout Gold Award winner Therese Tran grew up loving traditional Vietnamese music but was sad to learn that her La Quinta High School classmates had never heard the music – even her Vietnamese American friends were unfamiliar with the sounds.

She decided to make it her project to connect young people to ancient Vietnam through its music and culture. Enlisting the help of the Lạc Hồng Performing Arts Group, Therese hosted a workshop at school that included a live performance with traditional Vietnamese instruments.

The project earned Therese a Gold Award, the highest achievement a girl can earn in scouting. According to the Girl Scouts, the Gold Award is given to girls who identify an issue or need within their community, identify a solution, create a detailed action plan and spend at least 80 hours bringing it to fruition.

Therese, who attends St. Barbara Catholic Church in Santa Ana, is also part of the Girl Scouts’ “My Promise, My Faith” program, which encourages girls to explore their faith traditions with their families and faith leaders.

“I think the Girl Scouts are closely

aligned with Catholic values of family and service,” said Therese, adding, “What I learned about myself is that I’m way more capable than I thought I was for being able to accomplish my Gold Award. I hope my project has inspired

students to learn more about traditional Vietnamese music and their cultures in general.”

According to Vikki Shepp, Ed.D., CEO of Girls Scouts of Orange County, “Through participating in the Gold

Award process, Therese Tran connected her Vietnamese culture to students at her high school, which illustrates a core Girl Scout component of family and community involvement which are also import-

THERESE TRAN. PHOTO COURTESY OF GIRL SCOUTS OF ORANGE COUNTY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

ant to the Catholic Church.”

Dr. Shepp, who worked for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles before becoming involved with Girl Scouts, sees the interconnectedness between scouting and the Catholic faith.

“There is a beautiful synergy between Catholic teachings and the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Girl Scouts is spiritual at our roots. Our founder, Juliette

Gordon Low, said, ‘We are a spiritual organization, and we want every girl to be able to explore her spirituality. We have a solid relationship with the Catholic Church and help girls of all religions connect what they do in Girl Scouts with their faith.’”

Further connecting scouting to our Catholic Faith, during Girl Scout Week, the Diocese of Orange and Girl Scouts of Orange County will celebrate Mass

on Saturday, March 16. The Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m. and presided over by Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen. An awards ceremony will follow until 7 p.m. at Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove.

Girl Scouts of all ages and families are invited to register to attend. Girl Scouts are asked to wear their Girl Scout uniform. All participants will receive a special blessing. Eligible Girl Scouts will receive earned faith awards and recogni-

tions, including My Promise, My Faith Awards, OC Faith Award certificates, Catholic religious recognitions and Gold Award Girl Scout recognition at the awards reception.

Families are encouraged to enjoy this event together.

To register to attend the Diocesan Girl Scout Mass & Awards Reception, visit girlscoutsoc.org under Diocesan Girl Scout Mass. C

AS PART OF HER GOLD AWARD PROJECT, GIRL SCOUT THERESE TRAN HOSTED A WORKSHOP AT HER SCHOOL THAT INCLUDED A LIVE PERFORMANCE WITH TRADITIONAL VIETNAMESE INSTRUMENTS. PHOTO COURTESY OF GIRL SCOUTS OF ORANGE COUNTY

VIETNAMESE COMMUNITY WELCOMES YEAR OF THE DRAGON

BY RON KUZLIK

THE VIETNAMESE community ushered in the Lunar New Year last month, and the faithful at St. Columban in Garden Grove joined in the celebration.

Parishioners gathered to celebrate the new year, or Tết Nguyên Đán, as it is known in Vietnamese, on Friday, Feb. 9.

Friday was New Year’s Eve and the actual New Year’s Day was Saturday, Feb. 10.

Tết is the most important celebration in Vietnamese culture commemorating the arrival of spring. It begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar.

The principal celebration lasts three days but can be celebrated for as long as 15 days until the next full moon (Feb. 24 this year).

The Vietnamese community at St. Columban has been celebrating Vietnamese New Year for at least 30 years, according to Vietnamese Community President Jim Nguyen.

“The local Tết celebration got started as a way to thank God for all the blessings

that each parishioner, each family and the community have received during the previous year,” said Nguyen.

Prior to the 5:30 p.m. Mass, incense sticks and candles were lit as a way of remembering ancestors. Customary offerings were made to offer thanks for blessings received during the year.

Since Vietnamese New Year’s Day fell on a Saturday this year, Bishop Kevin Vann granted each parish with a Vietnamese community permission to use the New Year’s liturgy for Friday’s Mass (New Year Eve), Saturday Mass (New Year’s Day Liturgy) as well as Sunday Mass.

The New Year’s Eve Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Vann along with St. Columban’s pastor, Fr. Joseph Luan Nguyen, parochial vicars, Fr. Benjamin Hoang, Fr. Taun Can Pham, Fr. Joe Nghia Anh Ho and Deacons Danny Truong and Tuan D. Nguyen.

In addition to the gifts of bread and wine, traditional rice cakes and red envelopes were brought to the altar for the Presentation and Offertory.

The red envelopes were obtained directly from Vietnam by organizer

Jim Nguyen and a U.S. dollar bill was inserted inside each one. The envelopes are considered “lucky money.” They symbolize wishes for luck, health and prosperity. The red envelope tradition is only celebrated on New Year’s Day and not any other Vietnamese holidays.

Traditionally, the red envelopes are distributed to children, but at the end of Mass, everyone received them before the Final Blessing and Dismissal.

Afterwards, all present were treated to a traditional Dragon Dance to honor the Year of the Dragon. The dragon represents prosperity and power, and the dance is considered to bring good luck and fortune.

Following Mass, all were invited to attend a dinner of pho (a Vietnamese

soup) and to socialize with members of the clergy, including Bishop Vann, and fellow parishioners.

According to Fr. Nguyen, hosting the Vietnamese New Year celebration is vitally important and promotes the Vietnamese culture to the younger generation.

“This is so they will come to appreciate the values of Vietnamese culture and teach their children and following generations about our heritage,” said Fr. Nguyen.

A large percentage of the Diocese of Orange is Vietnamese and currently, there are 42 Masses celebrated in the Vietnamese language every weekend throughout the Diocese.

“CHÚC MỪNG NĂM MỚI!” HAPPY NEW YEAR! C

BISHOP KEVIN VANN CELEBRATED A LUNAR NEW YEAR MASS ON FEB. 9 AT ST. COLUMBAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN GARDEN GROVE. PHOTOS BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

ST. COLUMBAN PARISHIONERS GATHERED TO CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR, OR TẾ T NGUYÊN ĐÁN, AS IT IS KNOWN IN VIETNAMESE, ON FRIDAY, FEB. 9.

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away in August of 2022, but they both were blessed to finally witness the overturning of Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022.

Her faithfulness, energy and enthusiasm these last 50 years are boundless. She is never deterred by heat, cold, rain or wind. She still arrives to pray outside Planned Parenthood with a big smile. She has even prayed by herself when Planned Parenthood has been closed. We enjoy counting how many horn-honks of support we receive each week. We have special supporters that drive by each Sunday.

Nancy is a faithful member of Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove where she attends Mass daily and supports many parish activities. She and her mother converted to Catholicism when she was a young girl. Her mother was very proud when Nancy became a member of the

Dominican Laity 20 years ago, performing many special duties for her parish and committing to devotional prayer for the elderly.

If you want to get educated about sacred pilgrimages around the world, just ask Nancy, because she has been on them all, many times. Only God knows how many miles she has trekked thus far in her life! Her friends are certain that one day, when she meets her mother in heaven, God will say to her... “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

We are just honored to call her our friend.

We hope you are all blessed and encouraged to hear the testimony of her faithfulness to the Lord and to saving the lives of unborn babies.

Nancy’s favorite saying is, “God is Good, Everyday!” C

THE 2019 MARCH FOR LIFE IN WASHINGTON D.C. PHOTO BY MARIA OSWALT ON UNSPLASH

YOUNG ADULTS ASK, “WHAT IS GOD’S WILL FOR ME?”

BY RON KUZLIK

WITH THE SUPPORT OF the Office of Youth and Young Adults, the Diocese of Orange’s Vocations team hosted a discernment retreat for young adult men and women earlier this year.

Bishop Kevin Vann recently launched an updated vision for the Diocese’s strategic plan, and among its initiatives is a concentrated focus on outreach and ongoing formation for young adults.

A dozen men and eight women engaged in prayer and discernment over the weekend of Jan. 19-21 at Forest Home Retreat Center in the San Bernardino Mountains in Forest Falls, Calif.

“We found it better to go to a place outside the Diocese, remote, in nature that would help with the clientele,” said Fr. Brandon Dang, who serves as director of Priestly Vocations for the Diocese. “Some of us at the Vocations office had already had great experiences there with previous retreats.”

The average age was 24, and most had not attended a retreat since high school.

The weekend was led by Fr. Dang, Joan Patten, AO, delegate for Consecrated Life, and Fr. Cheeyoon Chun, assistant Vocations director.

Additionally, representatives from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange (CSJ), the Sisters of the Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart (SDSH) and the Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (SOLPH) were present and available for individual meetings with the participants.

“The weekend was not too focused on vocations like the priesthood or consecrated life,” Fr. Dang said. “Instead, this was an opportunity to grow in relationship with the Lord and then help them discern further.”

A series of talks and small group discussions covered a variety of topics, focusing on general discernment tips to

help retreatants grow in holiness.

In her “What is Discernment?” talk, Patten spoke about seeking the greatest good that God is leading us to and where we will receive joy and freedom.

Then Fr. Brandon asked the attendees to reflect on deepening their relationship with God through prayer, reminding the retreatants that prayer is not a transactional experience, but a relationship.

Next, Fr. Cheeyoon spoke to the young adult women about living their identity deeply rooted in holiness and the call to love. He used various female saints as role models of holiness so they too, can be saints for the future.

One young woman said afterwards that this talk led her to reflect on being God’s masterpiece and letting God reveal her to herself.

Patten also gave a talk to the young adult men about their identity as men of God.

She reminded them that their lives are

engaged in a spiritual battle, and they are called to guard the dignity of others, especially women’s dignity. She encouraged the men to enter into this spiritual battle by prayer, fasting and service.

Lastly, during the closing Mass, Fr. Cheeyoon invited the retreatants to reflect on “What are they leaving behind so they may follow Christ?”

He encouraged them to seek greater freedom by trusting God and letting go of the things we carry around “just in case” what we think we need for our own comfort or security.

During the weekend, the retreatants also engaged in Liturgy of the Hours throughout the day, daily Mass and Holy Hour, as well as opportunities for spiritual direction and Reconciliation.

Many of the participants took advantage of the opportunity and were grateful to be able to share about their spiritual journey and discernment.

There was even time for recreation

and games, including some good-natured “Girls vs. Guys” competitions.

Retreatants shared their joys and experiences of the weekend.

“This has been wonderful,” one young man (whose name has been withheld for privacy) exclaimed.

“To have intentional time to pray with our Lord and to listen to talks about discernment and prayer and what is means to be a Catholic man, I have been given much to further reflect on and apply to my life.”

Patten explained that this was the first time the Diocese has hosted a discernment retreat for young adults in this way.

“We plan to continue to offer discernment series and programs,” she added.

The Vocations office has offered options for discernment accompaniment under the program titled “Vocations 101.”

To learn more, visit https://www. rcbo.org/ocvocations/ C

THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE VOCATIONS OFFICE HOSTED A YOUNG ADULT DISCERNMENT RETREAT OVER THE WEEKEND OF JAN. 19-21 AT FOREST HOME RETREAT CENTER IN THE SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAINS. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOAN PATTEN

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Corina Rodriguez, Maria Gutierrez, Nancy Shanafelt and Archie Gutierrez all of Christ Cathedral parish at the end of their Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. They walked over 65 miles from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela. They are pictured in front of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, where the remains of the Apostle St. James are believed to be held.

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