OC CATHOLIC - APRIL 30, 2023

MESSAGE OF LOVE

CELEBRATING OUR CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES IN ORANGE COUNTY FROM JSERRA, MATER DEI, ROSARY, SANTA

MARGARITA & SERVITE

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Single ad (4.89"×2.3"), with Photo MAX: 5 lines, Approximately 19 characters per line

$65

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DEADLINE FOR ORDERS IS FRIDAY, JUNE, 2, 2023 3PM

To order your Graduation Greeting call Patty Brooks 714-323-9972

Or send an email at pbrooks@scng.com with the information below

GRAD GREETING INFO

Be part of this classic keepsake edition!

On Sunday, June 18 we will publish special pages featuring the Graduates of 2023 within a special graduate section. You may use a photo of your graduate (along with a message). These pages will be filled with congratulatory messages that are sure to be a special keepsake for this year’s graduates and all the people who love them!

ST. JOHN’S SEMINARY CAMARILLO, CALIFORNIA

ST. JOHN’S SEMINARY NOW OFFERS AN ONLINE M.A. IN PASTORAL MINISTRY PROGRAM FOR THE LAITY

This program will help lay ministers increase their knowledge of the Catholic intellectual tradition and improve their ministerial skills for the life of the Church. Students will be prepared to work in different areas of ministry and make professional and personal connections with others of the same mind and spirit.

For more information

Email: mapm@stjohnsem.edu or visit www.stjohnsem.edu

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Watch a brief video about the program

A studio with professional video, audio, and lighting equipment has been built to produce visually stunning content by our world-class faculty. This studio allows our students to have an enjoyable technological experience.

A.R.K

ApostolateoftheReturningKing

COMINGSOON: Anne,ALayApostle

MysticandAuthor

CONTENTS

MESSAGE OF LOVE

Bishop Nguyen led a Stations of the Cross and Holy Communion service on Good Friday at Juvenile Hall.

HUMILITY AND SPIRITUAL CHILDHOOD

Jesus and Mary model and inspire in us the desire for humility.

IN TIMES OF CRISIS

APRIL 30, 2023 6 7 14

Diane Gomez-Valenzuela served as the assistance ministry coordinator, in service of the Diocese’s efforts to prevent cases of abuse against children.

ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC MISSION STATEMENT

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

ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC

The Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange Diocese of Orange Pastoral Center, 13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove 92840

Publisher: The Most Reverend Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of Orange

Executive Editor: Monsignor Stephen Doktorczyk

Editor: Patricia Mahoney, editor@occatholic.com

News Ideas: editor@occatholic.com

Delivery Problems: occatholicsupport@occatholic.com

ADVERTISING

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

SCNG CUSTOM CONTENT

Managing Editor: Caitlin Adams 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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ENGLISH IS NOT THE ONLY LANGUAGE I AM FLUENT IN

BY ROECEL SANGRADOR, MATER DEI CLASS OF 2023

ENGLISH IS VIEWED AS a “universal language”, though I have come to learn that faith is truly our global way of communicating with one another. The Roman Catholic Church has an astonishing way of gathering individuals from different backgrounds to celebrate the gift of worshiping our Savior. No matter the language, we Catholics rejoice in God's glory with various, splendid hymns, psalms, and Gospel readings.

Prayer is an essential aspect in my life as it aligns me in a peaceful and calming manner to push all my worries aside as I open every show, match, meal, and day. I have always been one to live with a great deal of anxiety which persists to stick by me till this day. It has become my personal habit to be filled with pressure to do my

absolute best prior to every performance. Negative self-annotations about my talent and worth takes over my thoughts and energy. Everyone I know is informed of my productions and assures me they will be watching. Breathing exercises, multiple read throughs of the script, pep talks from friends; nothing puts me at ease.

Our Mater Dei Director of Theatre, Mrs. Slay, invites the company to pray together to place us in the hands of God. For some reason, I am always instantly released from all my anxieties and perform exceptionally. The abundance of new challenges and cast roles were what pushed me to embark on my acting journey. As a result, I found my new love for shining on stage through improv, singing and acting. My passion for theatre directed me into becoming a leader to my peers, classmates and strangers. I took on the roles of Com-

CONTINUES ON PAGE 13

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.

ROECEL SANGRADOR. COURTESY PHOTO

APRIL 30, 2023

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

OUR PROTECTOR

TODAY’S READINGS INVITE US to recognize our need for one who ensures our safety, nourishes us, and leads us to peace and security, like sheep who rest in the care of a good shepherd. Such a shepherd will protect and save the sheep, even from the most deadly of predators. Today, we ponder the incredible news that Jesus accepted death on the cross in order to open the gates of eternal life with God for us. Through his resurrection, Jesus protects and saves us from the power of sin and death. We need only accept his love and live as God’s people in this life, relying on the Lord who is the door to new life for us and for all.

Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co. C

READINGS

FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY

ACTS 11:1-18; PS 42:2-3; 43:3, 4; JN 10:11-18 OR, FOR THE MEMORIAL, GN 1:26 — 2:3 OR COL 3:14-15, 17, 23-24; PS 90:2-4, 12-14, 16; MT 13:54-58

SAINT PROFILE

PIUS V

PIUS V WAS ELECTED IN 1566 and charged with the task of implementing the sweeping reforms called for by the Council. He ordered the founding of seminaries for the proper training of priests. He published a new missal, a new breviary, a new catechism, and established the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine classes for the young. Pius zealously enforced legislation against abuses in the Church. He patiently served the sick and the poor by building hospitals, providing food for the hungry, and giving money customarily used for the papal banquets to poor Roman converts. His decision to keep wearing his Dominican habit led to the custom–to this day–of the pope wearing a white cassock.

Pius’ ceaseless papal quest for a renewal of the Church was grounded in his personal life as a Dominican friar. He spent long hours with his God in prayer, fasted rigorously, deprived himself of many customary papal luxuries, and faithfully observed the spirit of the Dominican Rule that he had professed. C

TUESDAY ACTS 11:19-26; PS 87:1B-7; JN 10:22-30

WEDNESDAY

1 COR 15:1-8; PS 19:2-5; JN 14:6-14

THURSDAY ACTS 13:13-25; PS 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27; JN 13:16-20

FRIDAY ACTS 13:26-33; PS 2:6-11AB; JN 14:1-6

SATURDAY ACTS 13:44-52; PS 98:1-4; JN 14:7-14

SUNDAY ACTS 6:1-7; PS 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19; 1 PT 2:4-9; JN 14:1-12

“It is an invitation without exclusion: brothers and sisters all in humanity and love”

— Pope Francis

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MESSAGE OF LOVE

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE AT JUVENILE HALL LED BY BISHOP NGUYEN RESONATES WITH INCARCERATED YOUTH

BY GREG HARDESTY

THE YOUNG, TATTOOED Incarcerated youth stared blankly out the window, seemingly oblivious to the Good Friday service underway in a multipurpose room at Juvenile Hall.

Erik and six other incarcerated young people had voluntarily agreed to attend a Stations of the Cross and Holy Communion service, an annual tradition organized by the Diocese’s Office of Restorative Justice/Detention Ministry that this year fell on April 7, the 70th birthday of the presider, Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen.

Could anything that was said during the 14-step Catholic devotion, which commemorates Jesus Christ's last day on Earth as a man, resonate with this young offender and the other youth?

By the end of the hourlong service, the answer was clear.

NOT FORGOTTEN

With a baseball diamond, soccer field and a collection of low-slung buildings, Juvenile Hall in Orange could, at first glance, be mistaken for any school.

But razor wire-topped fences vividly remind visitors of the reality that offenders as young as 12 up to age 25 live every day.

While awaiting disposition of their court cases, a transfer to another facility or while serving time as serious offenders or because of a probation violation, they’re locked up.

The Good Friday service, as well as weekly Masses on Sunday and Bible study on Wednesday, is run by the Office of

Restorative Justice/Detention Ministry, which aids the incarcerated and families of victims.

“Sometimes when people come to our services, it’s life changing, for both the youth and the volunteer,” ministry director Fred La Puzza said.

‘YOU ARE LOVED’

Bishop Nguyen told the assembled about the main message of the Stations of the Cross.

“I want you to remember one word: Love,” Bishop Nguyen said. “Love is what Catholics celebrate during (the final days of Lent).

“Jesus loved us so much that he came down from heaven to be a human being like you and me – crying, laughing, walking — everything you and I do except sin.

“The cross, on a human level, is the symbol of powerlessness, insult, of being persecuted. But for Christians, the cross is also a symbol of love. I want you to know that you are loved by God, by Jesus.”

Volunteers took turns reading the Stations of the Cross, which included real-life messages from people the youth could

relate to: two teenagers, two parents whose daughter was murdered, the mother of a prisoner, three prisoners, a prison volunteer and the daughter of a man sentenced to life in prison.

The service ended with The Lord’s Prayer, Holy Communion and Veneration of the Cross, when the assembled walked up to a large wooden cross to bow before it. Some touched it and kissed it.

All seven of them – part of the 125 incarcerated population that day – came up to the cross.

‘I REALLY APPRECIATED IT’

Deacon Carlos Pineda, of St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Laguna Woods, assisted Bishop Nguyen. Deacon Pineda frequently helps celebrate Mass at Juvenile Hall.

“I can see in their eyes they’re young and they really need support in their faith,” he said. “They need something to hold onto.”

One by one, the seven young people shared their thoughts on the service.

“I’ve never been to anything like this before,” said Jose, who grew up Catholic. “It

was a new experience. I really appreciated it. The bishop was awesome. The way he talks is strong.”

“I found the stories interesting,” said Ariel. “Some come from prisoners, another from the daughter of a prisoner. Sometimes it’s good to hear from people in jail. It’s kind of interesting how the daughter (of the jailed father) said that she was his first

BISHOP THANH THAI NGUYEN PRESIDED OVER A STATIONS OF THE CROSS AND HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE ON APRIL 7 AT JUVENILE HALL IN ORANGE. PHOTOS BY KIERNAN COLIFLORES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

A YOUTH KNEELS BEFORE THE CROSS DURING A STATIONS OF THE CROSS AND HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE ON APRIL 7. ALSO PICTURED: FRED LA PUZZA, DIRECTOR OF THE DIOCESE’S OFFICE OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE/DETENTION MINISTRY.

victim.”

Said Virgil: “I had never experienced this before. It’s a good thing to see what (Jesus) went through. He forgave everyone, and not everyone forgives people.”

Said Jasmine: “When I’m (outside of jail), I really don’t go to church because I’m busy running the streets and doing my own thing, and I don’t stop and think about what I’m doing. So, when I came here, I felt this was my time to connect with God and try to build my relationship with God again. And now that I’m going to become a mom, I want to become closer to Him.”

Jasmine is pregnant with her first child, due Oct. 21. The godmother is fellow youth Eva.

“I really liked the rap part,” said Eva, referring to a song La Puzza wrote and performed acapella, “A Life Without Parole.”

“He was pretty good,” said Ava. “It gave me hope, you know?”

Said Maria: “I really liked the reflections. I could relate to the one without the father connection. I never lost my father to prison, but I never really had a parent figure.

Erik said he appreciated the service.

“The story that got my attention was the daughter of the father who was in prison,” he said. “It was pretty interesting how she said she was also a victim because of his actions.”

La Puzza was asked what keeps him active in the ministry.

“My two basic responses are simple,” said La Puzza, who began his ministry with incarcerated populations in 1988 as a volunteer leading Communion service, Bible studies and one-to-one visits at Juvenile Hall.

“First, because we’re mandated by the Gospel to visit the incarcerated (Matt. 25:36). Secondly, those in our jails and juvenile detention facilities are from our parishes — all parishes. We want them to know God has not forgotten them, and neither has His church.” C

HUMILITY AND SPIRITUAL CHILDHOOD

BY DANIELLE TAYABAS

childhood that we can turn to and imitate.

WHO AMONG YOU IS humble?

How did you become so meek and selfless?

Who told you the truth about who you are and where you came from?

Who gifted you with wisdom, understanding, knowledge and the self-awareness to live in the freedom of spiritual childhood?

What moved your heart to desire and practice self-denial to the point of self-sacrifice so that you would become a vessel of humility and love?

Who taught you how to love and to lay down your life in self-abasement as to give of yourself completely in the service of mercy to others?

Who sustains you with the grace of purity of heart, self-forgetfulness and unselfishness?

Who gave you the power to annihilate all self-love with holy indifference so that you may be filled with joy and peace? Especially when trials, tribulations, suffering, persecution and the daily battle of spiritual warfare beat against your breast and try to torment your heart and soul.

Who instructed you to renounce your self will, to live a life of prayer, repentance, forgiveness and sinlessness and to con tinue on in the light of God’s will so that the dark of sin and the pestilence of pride does not rule your life but rather Holy Love rules, reigns and remains in you?

As we reflect on these questions, the Holy Trinity immedi ately comes to mind. And in particular Jesus and Mary! They are the perfect models of humility and spiritual

“The Diary of Saint Faustina” reveals the Hearts of Jesus and Mary intimately in this regard. On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, before Holy Communion Sr. Faustina “saw the Blessed Mother inconceivably beautiful.”

“Smiling, she said ‘My daughter, at God’s command I am to be, in a special and exclusive way your Mother; but I desire that you, too, in a special way, be my child. I desire, my dearly beloved daughter, that you practice the three virtues that are dearest to me — and most pleasing to God. The first is humility, humility and once again humility; the second virtue, purity; the third virtue, love of God. As My daughter, you must especially radiate with these virtues.’”

(“Diary of Saint Faustina,” 1414-1415)

Similarly, Jesus tells Sister Faustina, “My daughter, let three virtues adorn you in a particular way: humility, purity of intention and love. Do nothing beyond what I demand of you and accept everything that My hand gives you.

Strive for a life of recollection so that you can hear My voice, which is so soft that only recollected souls can hear it…”

(“Diary of Saint Faustina,” 1779) Another time during Mass the infant

Jesus appeared next to her kneeler. “He asked me to take Him in my arms. When I did take Him in my arms, He cuddled up close to my bosom and said, ‘it is good for Me to be close to your heart.’”

(‘Diary of Saint Faustina,” 1481)

Let us be humble children and enter into prayer, imagining ourselves in the place of St. Faustina. Then listen to the words of Jesus and Mary speaking to our hearts while pressing us against Theirs. C

MADONA WITH CHILD. PHOTO BY GRANT WHITTY

WSZYSTKIEGO NAJLEPSZEGO! (ALL THE BEST)

BY LOU PONSI

TONY KRAWCZAK RECALLED DRIVING along Imperial Highway in Yorba Linda “on a beautiful September Sunday afternoon” in 1987.

Months earlier, Krawczak and his wife Barbara moved to Orange County from their longtime home in Michigan, where they had been actively involved in community of devout Polish Catholics.

The couple was concerned about whether there would be a Polish faith community in Orange County similar to the one they left behind.

With his wife back in Michigan for a

wedding, Krawczak, 87, was out exploring the neighborhood.

“When I got to the corner of Rose Drive and Imperial Highway, I could hear this Polish Polka music," Krawczak recalled.

As he got closer and the music got louder, he saw Polish flags flying in front of a building.

Krawczak, who lives in Placentia, had stumbled upon the St. John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda which, at the time, was celebrating the Dożynki Harvest Festival, a centuries-old Polish festival celebrated with food, dance and culture.

He called his wife to share the great news.

"I told her I found a church,” Krawczak said. “She said, 'Well I hope it's Catholic’ and I said, it's even better than that. It's Polish.”

Within a short time, the center became their home, as it has been for thousands of

other Polish Catholics over the past four decades.

Now the spiritual home to about 1,800 families, most of Polish decent, the center is celebrating its 40th anniversary with an array of activities on April 29 and 30.

Masses will be celebrated in English, Latin and Polish. Parishioners will share testimonials and a special anniversary luncheon is taking place April 30.

The first official Mass at the Polish Center was celebrated on January 16, 1983.

In October 1986, the center dedicated a plaque in memory of the Polish martyr of faith, Father Jerzy Popieluszko.

A bell tower with three bells as a symbol of unity of the community calling the members to worship was also erected.

The bells were cast in Poland in 1987 and the tower was dedicated on November 26, 1989, the Feast of Christ the King.

THE ST. JOHN PAUL II POLISH CENTER IS LOCATED IN YORBA LINDA. PHOTO BY JOSHUA SUDOCK/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

ST. JOHN PAUL II POLISH CENTER CELEBRATES 40 YEARS

AT WORK IN THE ST. JOHN PAUL II POLISH CENTER OFFICE, CIRCA 1980S. BERNICE AULT, THE OFFICE SECRETARY, IS PICTURED. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ST. JOHN PAUL II POLISH CENTER

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

“The Center has truly become a gathering place for Polish activities such as continuing to foster those Polish language classes, traditional events and entertainment, speakers and various club meetings,” said Deacon Jim Merle, who has been serving at the center since 2018 and was officially assigned there by Bishop Kevin Vann in 2020.

Their largest event is the annual Harvest Dożynki Festival celebrated on the third weekend of September which gathers more than 5,000 visitors to celebrate with Polish folk dancing, singing and ethnic food.

Teresa Wyszomirski, 86, of Anaheim Hills is one of the center’s original members.

She came to the U.S. from Poland in 1960 at age 25, first settling in Chicago before moving to Southern California.

Prior to the center’s opening, Wyszomirski was among other Polish Catholics in the area who traveled to Our Lady of the Bright Mount Polish Parish in Los Angeles to celebrate Mass.

Polish Catholics also attended weekly Mass at Anthony Claret and St. Justin Martyr in Anaheim, a funeral chapel located on Broadway in Anaheim and Rosary High School in Fullerton.

“It was very important because I came from Poland,” Wyszomirski said. “I knew how to pray in English too, but not as good as in Polish. That is what made me very proud.”

Wyszomirski recently commissioned an artist to create a tapestry of the painting, “Our Lady of Częstochowa” which was installed in Christ Cathedral in January. The venerated painting represents to the people of Poland what Marian apparitions such as Our Lady of Guadalupe represents to Catholics of Mexico and Our Lady of La Vang to Vietnamese Catholics.

Conrad Wyszomirski, Teresa’s son, was in junior high school when the center opened, and recalled being involved in volunteer projects and connecting with other kids around his same age who were also immersed in Polish

CONTINUES ON PAGE 10

POLISH CHURCH UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CIRCA 1983.

RICK KOBZI, FAR LEFT, ANNOUNCES THE NEXT EVENT DURING THE 1987 DOŻYNKI HARVEST FESTIVAL, A CENTURIES-OLD POLISH FESTIVAL CELEBRATED WITH FOOD, DANCE AND CULTURE.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 culture.

“It was just a place to congregate,” he said. “A place to pray. It’s our home. It’s our own place.”

One memory that stands out for Wyszomirski is the September day in 1987, when he skipped college classes for the day at Cal State Fullerton and boarded a bus with other parishioners from the Polish Center. They traveled to downtown Los Angeles to get a glimpse of Pope John Paul II.

“It was very emotional,” he recalled.

When the Diocese of Orange was formed in 1976, Bishop William Johnson appointed Reverend Joseph A. Karp the spiritual director for the Polish community in Orange County.

Rev. Karp was then appointed as the

Polish Center’s director, the first of five directors.

The current director is Fr. Zbigniew Fraszczak.

Along with the celebrating customs, fellowshipping and worshiping, the center has also taken up different causes over the years.

Most recently the center and its members have fundraised and helped provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in the wake of the Russian invasion of the nation.

The center still has the sense of community that drew the first wave of members 40 years ago, Deacon Merle said.

“It’s a community that works together,” the deacon said. “I appreciate that, and I know Fr. Fraszczak appreciates it. That is a wonderful thing to have.” C

FAMILIES HOLD A BANNER FOR A CAR SHOW IN 1982.

REGINA KOBZI AND MARIA ROMANSKI HELP SHOW OFF A SIGN ON THE GROUNDBREAKING OF THE ST. JOHN PAUL II POLISH CENTER.

AROUND OUR DIOCESE

BY STAFF

THE YEAR OF HAZEL

The Year of Hazel, a year-long celebration of Christ Cathedral's restored Hazel Wright Organ, continues on May 3 at 7:30 p.m. with Dr. Emma Whitten. Whitten, the Cathedral's associate organist, is an accomplished musician specializing in early Baroque and contemporary repertoire. She performs across the United States and internationally, captivating audiences and introducing the organ to new listeners. Her programs are engaging and diverse, drawing from an extensive repertoire spanning eight centuries of organ music.

Tickets for the concert are $20, with

premium seating available. For more information, visit ChristCathedralMusic.org

CONFIRMATION CELEBRATIONS

St. Barbara parish in Santa Ana kicked off the 2023 season of Confirmations on April 10, followed by St. Mary's in Fullerton and Our Lady of Fatima in San Clemente on April 15.

Parishes around our Diocese will hold their Confirmation Mass with our bishops from now through early June. We're offering our prayers for the newly Confirmed and for the leaders, staff and volunteers who walk alongside the students on their road to Confirmation.

EVER ANCIENT EVER NEW: SOCAL YOUNG ADULT EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL

The offices of young adult ministry from Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and San Diego) are partnering to bring Ever Ancient Ever New: SoCal Young Adult Eucharistic Revival on May 6 and 7 at the Christ Cathedral campus.

In this two-day experience for young adults, our hearts will be touched through encounters with Christ in the Eucharist; our minds will be transformed by the teachings of our Church about the Eucharist; and we will be sent out to be the living body of Christ everywhere we go. Visit socalrevival.org to see the agenda, speakers and to register individually or as a group. For questions, contact Benito Medrano at bmedrano@rcbo.org or (714) 282-6043.C

DR. EMMA WHITTEN PERFORMS IN CONCERT ON MAY 3 INSIDE CHRIST CATHEDRAL. PHOTO BY STEVEN GEORGES/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE

CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES AND THEIR SPONSORS ARE PICTURED DURING A CELEBRATORY MASS AT ST. MARY'S IN FULLERTON ON APRIL 15. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE

COURTESY GRAPHIC

LEADERSHIP IN OC CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

SPOTLIGHT ON KAITLYN MARTINEZ, ST. NORBERT SCHOOL

BY MIKE ZINN

TRUTH, SERVICE, FAMILY and peace are the four foundational pillars that guide St. Norbert School in Orange.

These four pillars, so important to St. Norbert, are also key to the development of leadership at Orange County Catholic schools. St. Norbert eighth-grade student, Kaitlyn Martinez is committed to these four pillars and many others.

St. Norbert Principal Joe Ciccoianni has known Martinez since kindergarten.

“Her best quality is her ability to be a very confident young women yet be very humble,” he said.

Martinez’s confidence became a “shining star” to her classmates earlier this school year. Martinez was the lead actor in the December Christmas program.

“She was upbeat and lively, setting the tone for the Christmas program,” said Ciccoianni. “She led by example and became immersed in her role. This freed the other students to follow her lead and be a little goofy and yet still cool.”

Mary Rogers, who serves as Student Council advisor, has had the opportunity to witness Martinez’s leadership abilities firsthand and on a regular basis.

“She leads by allowing others to have a voice,” said Rogers. “She lets fellow Student Council members take the journey themselves.”

Rogers also spoke of Martinez’s ability to rally everyone toward positivity for the school. In true leadership form, she turns negatives into positives.

Martinez began her education at St.

Nobert’s in kindergarten. Her favorite subject is literature, and she likes to read and write poetry and stories. Last year, Ciccoianni taught Martinez in Literature.

“She embraced literature,” he said. Martinez serves as the Commissioner General for the Student Council. She has also played on the school volleyball team and has been an altar server.

After completing her St. Norbert’s education, Martinez would like to join her older sister at Rosary High School and possibly be involved in track and field, ASB and the Mock Trial program, which will prepare Martinez to fulfill her dream of being a lawyer.

One specific event in fourth grade was particularly instrumental for Martinez. Abby, her close friend since preschool was diagnosed with cancer. Martinez handed out St. Peregrine prayer cards to her class and they did a Novena for Abby. In 2020, Martinez wanted to do more to support Abby and her mom. Through the Pediatric Cancer

Research Foundation, Martinez led an effort with over 50 Team Abby members to participate in a walkathon, host a team booth, handout t-shirts and raise funds. Her main goal was to make sure that Abby was never left behind and always remained part of the St. Norbert’s family.

Now in the final stretch of her eighthgrade school year, the reality of this ending is evident to Martinez.

“I will miss my classmates and the way they all love and support each other,” she said.

Martinez particularly will miss working on the Catholic Schools Week project.

Always goal oriented, Martinez would like to conclude her St. Norbert’s career by receiving the Gold Cord at graduation. This Gold Cord signifies achieving the highest academic honors in the third trimester.

Martinez has proven herself to be a strong willed and focused student and leader. The future looks bright!C

KAITLYN MARTINEZ IS AN EIGHTH-GRADER AT ST. NORBERT SCHOOL IN ORANGE. COURTESY PHOTO

Services Painting

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Healing and Hope After Abortion: 1 (800) 722–4356

New Hope Crisis Counseling Hot Line (24/7): 1 (714) NEW–HOPE or 1 (714) 639–4673

edySportz captain, theatre leadership, tech lead and actor simultaneously. Along with this, I brought my talent of acting and optimism to every Kid’s clip skit and my knowledge of theatre.

Our universal way of connecting with one another through prayer is a breath of fresh air. Excessive burdens find their way into my life and continue to weigh on my shoulders. However, I have discovered that meeting unfamiliar people can lead to compassionate communities through faith. The great societies such as Mater

Dei theatre and Sacred Heart Mission have let me become a leader and a follower of God. I was guided by the Holy Spirit to find people who have assisted me in bettering myself and my self-image. I continue to live in grace as best as I can and profess this through the activities, I partake in whether that be onstage, my local parish, retreats or my community. Despite the language you speak, extracurriculars you are passionate about or the past troubles you have witnessed; we are one bread, one body.C

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PHOTO BY BEN WHITE

IN TIMES OF CRISIS

BY BRADLEY ZINT

In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, OC Catholic talks to Diane Gomez-Valenzuela, who served as the Diocese of Orange’s first assistance ministry coordinator.

IT WAS THE TYPE of duty that would shake most anyone to their core — even for an experienced professional like Diane Gomez-Valenzuela.

In 2002, the licensed clinical social worker was recruited by the Diocese of Orange to become its first assistance ministry coordinator. The position was created in a time of crisis for the entire Catholic Church as the extent of clergy abuse against minors became widely known. Consequently, dioceses needed people who could handle the influx of reported abuse cases.

But as a completely new job, no one had an exact idea of how to get it done, much less how to get it done well.

It would involve hearing calls for help, tales of agony. Lots of them.

Sometimes reports came straight from the victims themselves. Sometimes they came from families or concerned people who suspected wrongdoing.

For a few, in talking with the church and reliving a painful past, the act unleashed new trauma.

“It was difficult in that calls were coming in at all days and times,” Gomez-Valenzuela said. “For some, it perhaps was the first time they had disclosed anything to anyone. It was a hot topic.”

Once hearing reports, Go-

mez-Valenzuela’s job, done in confidentiality, was triage-like: carefully listen to the callers and document their cases; do crisis intervention; refer to licensed therapists; contact relevant agencies, such law enforcement or child protective services; and provide pastoral care.

At first, Gomez-Valenzuela, a lifelong Catholic, was reluctant to accept the as-

sistance ministry coordinator position.

“It was very challenging at times,” she said. “Yes, I did have a network of people from other dioceses that I could speak to, but it was a very isolating position. It was not something I could discuss with others.”

The experience shook her faith.

“I prayed that God be with me,

that He help me, that He direct me,” Gomez-Valenzuela said. “Thankfully, He never left my side. Honestly, God always guided me. I saw situations of hope. I really did. I just felt like it was a position I needed to do at the time.”

Luckily for the victims, their families and the entire diocesan community, Gomez-Valenzuela was the right person for the task. She has a bachelor’s in social services, with a minor criminal justice and a master’s in social welfare.

Monsignor Stephen Doktorczyk, pastor of St. Martin de Porres parish and the Diocese’s vicar general for legal and canonical affairs, credited her work.

“She was diligent in making sure complainants were heard, that proper therapy was offered when warranted, that reports were made to civil authorities and that proper follow-up was the norm,” he said. “She was — and is — a professional who cares and takes her duties most seriously.”

Gomez-Valenzuela’s career has included helping children and families in a variety of public and private settings — medical, case management and advocacy, and community work. She attributes her success as the Diocese’s first assistance ministry coordinator to the dedicated people she worked with, as well as her years of experience and training.

And her job isn’t done: She now serves on the Diocese’s Oversight and Review Board, a volunteer group of professionals, clergy and diocesan staff who address allegations of sexual misconduct against minors by clergy and other church personnel and volunteers. Norma Aguero, director of the Office Child & Youth Protection, complimented Gomez-Valenzuela for getting the important office off the ground.

“The foundational groundwork laid down by Diane and others in the early days, in response to the sexual abuse crisis, was instrumental in ensuring that our Diocese would respond and adhere to the USCCB’s National Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” Aguero said. “As our first assistance ministry coordinator, Diane became the key person through whom victim survivors of clergy sexual abuse could begin to be heard and heal.” C

DIANE GOMEZ-VALENZUELA. COURTESY PHOTO

MEET DIANE GOMEZVALENZUELA, THE DIOCESE’S FIRST ASSISTANCE MINISTRY COORDINATOR

Moments in our Journey

Confirmations were celebrated on April 15 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in San Clemente. The church was packed and there was standing room only. The Holy Spirit was among us and was palpable.

— Submitted by Carey Ware