OC CATHOLIC - MAY 14, 2023

THE GIFT OF MOTHERHOOD

From the first hint to the joy, challenges and frustrations that follow, being a mother is an experience unlike any other.

"EVERY LIFE IS PRECIOUS"

Fr. Dennis Kriz, pastor of St. Philip Benizi parish in Fullerton, is a long-time advocate for those experiencing homelessness in Orange County.

THE MAALGO PROJECT

St. Irenaeus parishioners support a Ghanian school through fundraising.

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.

Classes ON CAMPUS or online

start every 8 weeks

sac.edu/enroll2023

May 20-June 3, 2023

Alaskan Cruise

August 3-15, 2023

Turkey and Egypt

Following the Footsteps of St. Paul Visiting the Churches of the Book of Revelation

September 27 - October 14, 2023 Holy Land Pilgrimage

Fr Mario has been leading pilgrims to the Holy Land for 46 years. He holds a PhD in New Testament.

For free brochure email: mmdicicco@gmail.com

or call: (312) 888-1331 Visit his website: FrMarioTours for brochure and details of trips

A LETTER FROM BISHOP VANN

DEAR BROTHERS AND Sisters and Friends

All,

In the yearly calendar, there are a number of days that certainly have religious or Faith connections at some level. One of these is the upcoming celebration of Mother’s Day. This became clear to me again, when I was able to be with the Rosary Academy family recently for the annual “May Crowning” and Mass to open this month that has been traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Mother. I grew up with May Crownings and May Altars with the flowers of the Midwest: Lilacs, Spirea or “Bride’s Wreath” and Iris, and the singing of “Bring Flowers of the Fairest.” May Altars certainly point us to Mary, the Mother of God and our own mothers.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 13

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

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.

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.

BISHOP KEVIN VANN IS PICTURED AS A BABY AT CHRISTMAS IN 1951 WITH HIS PARENTS, THERESA AND WILLIAM VANN. PHOTO COURTESY OF BISHOP VANN

SAINT

PROFILE

ART ON CAMPUS

HE SMILING JESUS: The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes” by Dr. John M. Soderberg, 1998. A gift of Frank Freed and Evelyn Wilden Freed. This piece depicts Jesus feeding 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish. This miracle is recounted in all four Gospels. It is located by the Tower of Hope on the Christ Cathedral campus. Photo by Joshua Sudock/Diocese of Orange C

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY

ACTS 16:11-15; PS

149:1B-2, 3-4, 5-6A AND 9B; JN 15:26B, 27A; JN 15:26—16:4A

TUESDAY ACTS 16:22-34; PS 138:1-2AB, 2CDE3, 7C-8; SEE JN 16:7, 13; JN 16:5-11

WEDNESDAY

ACTS 17:15, 22—18:1; PS 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14; JN 14:16; JN 16:12-15

MARY MAZZARELLO

1837-1881

AN ITALIAN PEASANT, Mary worked long hours in the fields and vineyards. She attended Mass frequently and joined a sodality whose members in 1860 were asked to nurse typhoid victims. Mary caught the fever and nearly died. Because of weakened health, she started a dressmaking business to employ local girls. This was the beginning of the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, which now has 1,400 houses in 54 countries. Mary is enshrined in Turin next to St. John Bosco, founder of the Salesians men's order.C

THURSDAY

ACTS

FRIDAY

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

“Walking in community with friends…helps us arrive at our destination”

— Pope Francis

INSPIRING CATHOLIC WOMEN

EVENT HONORS

THOSE WHOSE SERVICE HAS HELPED OTHERS

BY LOU PONSI

THE RECENTLY HELD 2023 Inspirational Catholic Women Servants

for Christ Benefit

Dinner celebrated women volunteers from throughout Orange County whose service has helped to advance the Church’s mission to assist people in need.

The special event, which took place on April 28 at the Christ Cathedral Arboretum, was hosted by the Catholic Charities Auxiliary, a group that supports Catholic Charities of Orange County through outreach, fundraising and community service.

Each of the 22 honorees was nominated by her respective parishes or schools and each was asked to respond to one question:

“Who or what has inspired you to be a servant for Christ?”

As the honorees gathered on the Arboretum stage, their video-taped responses were projected, one by one, on a large screen.

“After I retired, I started to go to daily Mass, so I can receive Him (Jesus) every day,” said honoree Paka Anderson of St. Kilian Catholic Church in Mission Viejo. “I felt sorry for people who cannot make it to church to receive Him. I gladly joined the homebound ministry so I can bring Jesus to them. When I retired, I (joined) more volunteer ministries so I can satisfy my hunger to serve Jesus.”

Honoree Darlene Boyd of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Irvine said her service to the church has helped her feel closer to Christ.

HONOREES GATHER AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL ON APRIL 28 FOR THE 2023 INSPIRATIONAL CATHOLIC WOMEN SERVANTS FOR CHRIST BENEFIT DINNER HOSTED BY THE CATHOLIC CHARITIES AUXILIARY. THE EVENT CELEBRATES WOMEN VOLUNTEERS FROM THROUGHOUT ORANGE COUNTY WHOSE SERVICE HAS HELPED TO ADVANCE THE CHURCH’S MISSION TO ASSIST PEOPLE IN NEED. PHOTOS BY KIERNAN COLIFLORES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

“I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal more of Christ to me, so that I may be more Christ-like in my efforts and prayer and participation in parish ministries,” Boyd said. “The result is often that I feel that I have more of a love for those in need and also, that I myself have grown in my love for the Lord.”

Honoree Dee Evelo of San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church in Anaheim Hills has always loved working with children and said she was called by God along with her husband to adopt children and serve as a foster parent. Evelo and her husband have 16 children, four by birth and 12 by adoption.

The couple has also fostered

CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

2023 Inspirational Catholic Women

Servants for Christ honorees:

Paka Anderson, St. Kilian Catholic Church; Jean Bauman, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church; Darlene Boyd, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church; Gretchen Dinger, Saint Anne Catholic Church; Mille Estrada, St Edward the Confessor Catholic Church San Felipe de Jesus Chapel; Dee Evelo, San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church; Julie Foy, Servite High School; Dawn Gallagher, St. Irenaeus Catholic Church; Susan Hamar, Servite High School; Cynthia Hyink, Saints Simon & Jude Catholic Church; Cindy Jimenez, St. Pius V Catholic Church; Carol La Vigne, St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church; Carol Meckler, St. Hedwig Catholic Church; Missey Moe-Cook, Holy Trinity Catholic Church; Megan Morris, Holy Family Catholic Church; Dr. Elysabeth Nguyen, Christ Cathedral Parish; Kathy Robinson, Orange County Cursillo; Irma Lourice Saba, St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church; Marge Shillington, St. Anne School; Becky Tamondong, Santa Clara de Asis Catholic Church; Diane Gomez Valenzuela, Cristo Rey Orange County High School; Pat Wong, St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church.

THE 22 HONOREES WERE NOMINATED BY THEIR RESPECTIVE PARISHES OR SCHOOLS.

49 children over the past 25 years.

"Upon reflecting on the meaning of what a servant of Christ is, I came to realize that God put it on my heart to do fostering and adopting,” Evelo said. “No matter what the challenges and the day-to-day troubles are with the fostering and adopting of children, I absolutely love my life and I now know that I am a true servant of God.”

Bishop Vann said the Servants for Christ theme serves as an inspiration to the many women who find paths in life to “shine brightly for God’s glory.”

“I am grateful to all of you for sharing your God-given talents by your words and examples in your daily lives and your support and witness of Faith to so many,” said Bishop Vann.

The keynote speaker for the event was Amy D’Ambra, founder and CEO of My Saint My Hero, a company that sells handwoven threaded bracelets that she calls “wearable blessings.”

The bracelets are handwoven by women the village of Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

D’Ambra, who is the youngest of five sisters, shared the story of her older sister Judy, who died of ALS in 2021, six months after being diagnosed.

As the disease progressed, Judy lost the ability to speak.

D’Ambra recalled being told via a text from her sister to use her voice for God, to keep her heart fixated on spending forever with Him in Heaven.

D’Ambra spoke about feeling the presence of Mary in her heart during a recent visit to Medjugorje.

“I heard in my heart our Blessed Mother saying, ‘I need your help in bringing people to my Son, Jesus. I need your help. Do it with me,’” D’Ambra said. “I just invite you. I encourage you to allow the Holly Spirit to work in your life.” C

THE GIFT OF MOTHERHOOD

BY REBEKAH VALDERRAMA

IWROTE TWO MONTHS AGO about how hard it is for me to decide not to fast while I’m breastfeeding. This year I had an almostone-year-old who was eating plenty of solids, so the decision felt like it could go either way. As we approached Holy Week, I asked God for a sign whether or not I should fast on Good Friday.

Has anyone ever told you to be careful what you pray for? I got a positive pregnancy test right before Holy Week started. That definitely counted as a sign!

It also gave me plenty to meditate on during the Triduum. As Jesus spoke the words of institution, “This is my body, given for you,” I was able to say those same words to the brand-new life in my womb. My body, given for you, and I don’t even know you yet! But I’ll continue to give of my body and soul throughout your life, because that’s what motherhood is. It’s a unique way to enter into the sacramental mystery of the Eucharist: giving of yourself for your children.

It starts from the very beginning, with morning sickness through third trimester fatigue, where just getting up in the morning and eating a healthy meal is an act of selfless love for your child. If you can allow it to be a meditative gift, it can be a beautiful way to remember that Jesus offered up His own body for us and unite your self-gift to His.

If you’re in the breastfeeding stage of life, where you literally give of your body to nourish your child, try to pause every so often to marvel at the

participation with His Eucharistic self that Jesus is inviting you into each time you feed your baby.

Eventually the sleepless exhaustion of the newborn phase gives way to the clingy bedtime struggles of early childhood. When you give up your own rest, or your spot on the bed, in order to comfort your child, offer up your frustration to the cross of Christ who is your comforter.

My household just spent two weeks with a bad flu. I was the one in the thick of it who got sick along with them. But my gift of self doesn’t stop when I’m not feeling well. I still had to pour out every ounce of energy I had left to take care of the little ones first. It’s felt in the little things too. Moms often have to give up some of their hobbies when they become too busy with childcare. The mundane

things like foregoing fun expenses to pay for tuition are a self-sacrifice too.

In fact, a woman’s entire identity shifts when she becomes a mother. She might not feel it at first, as it comes on slowly, but eventually she’ll begin to see herself primarily in what she is and does for her children, rather than what she is and does for herself. Might this transformation itself be inherently Eucharistic?

The relationship of motherhood, I realize, is a very tangible, physical thing. As my baby fiddles with my hair while he’s nursing, I realize that I’m his whole world. And no matter how old a child gets, a tight hug from his or her mother is a powerful healing act. The emotional solace that a mother provides her children, pouring out from her own self into their very soul, lasts into adulthood.

If you’re still blessed to have her, give your mother a hug today. And as you pour yourself out for your own children today, thank Jesus for pouring himself out for his children in the Eucharistic sacrifice of the Mass.C

PHOTO BY MANUEL SCHINNER

LIFE IS PRECIOUS, EVEN THE LEAST OF

BY MEG WATERS

WHEN YOUNG DENNIS Kriz attended Mass in a working-class suburb of Chicago, he knew homeless people slept in the pews the night before. He could smell it.

From the Great Depression until the late 60s, many Catholic churches in the Chicago area, possibly across the country, were accustomed to opening their doors for the night so the homeless could sleep with a roof over their head.

“Everyone did something, and ultimately it was enough,” recalled Fr. Dennis Kriz, O.S.M., pastor of St. Philip Benizi parish in Fullerton.

“Unfortunately, when drugs became more prevalent, the churches couldn’t manage anymore, and the system eventually stopped.”

He attended undergraduate school at the University of Illinois and was awarded a teaching assistantship to the University of Southern California, where he ultimately received his Ph.D. in engineering in 1991.

He volunteered with a homeless ministry in south Los Angeles but thought his career would be fixing or building things as an engineer. It wasn’t until he broke up with his girlfriend that he realized he needed to rethink the course of his life.

Praying in front of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego at St. Vincent de Paul Church near U.S.C., God answered his prayer with a call to the priesthood.

“I wanted to finish what I had started at school, but I was impressed with the Servite priests who ran the Catholic Center,” he said. “As soon as I could, I entered the Servite seminary in Berkeley.”

Fast forward to 2016. Father Kriz returned to California to become pastor of St. Philip’s in Fullerton.

“When I arrived, there were three unhoused men who slept on the parish grounds,” said Fr. Kriz. “A parishioner insisted I send them away. When I refused, she left the parish.”

Soon, word got around that Fr. Kriz would not drive the homeless away. The

campers grew until by 2018 there were 30 people sleeping on the parish grounds.

That’s when Fr. Kriz, the priest and Dennis Kriz, the engineer/problem solver, took on the homeless crisis in his community.

“Fullerton had about 400 people living on the streets and no plan,” he recalled.

At the time, the Armory in Fullerton was the only shelter in North Orange County and could only accommodate 200 people. The rules exacerbated the problem. Without medical triage, sick people slept next to the healthy. Disease spread rapidly. Furthermore, the home-

less had to leave the shelter by 6 a.m., with nothing to eat. They landed on the streets with nowhere to go – and often wandered into adjoining neighborhoods.

“People make a lot of assumptions about the unhoused, but they aren’t all the same,” said Fr. Kriz. “Many are intelligent and just want people to listen to them. One of the kindest things you can do is ask them their name. It is a simple act, but it gives them human dignity.”

Greg Walgenbach, Director of Life, Justice and Peace for the Diocese of Orange, has worked with Fr. Kriz on many

“EVERY

OUR BROTHERS”

FR. DENNIS KRIZ, PASTOR OF ST. PHILIP BENIZI PARISH IN FULLERTON, HAS BEEN A STRONG ADVOCATE FOR THE UNHOUSED FOR MANY YEARS. COURTESY PHOTO

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

projects aimed at helping the homeless and is also a parishioner at St. Philip.

“Fr. Kriz sees the homeless as Jesus sees them and gives them the same dignity due to all God’s children. He has been instrumental in building a greater awareness and advocating for the unhoused.”

Fr. Kriz learned that Salt Lake City made huge strides in addressing homelessness. It began with a study that found about 50% of the homeless just need a roof over their head while they sorted out the issues that put them on the streets. Of the remaining half, about 35% percent had addiction issues or mental illness and needed support services. Less than 15% preferred life on the streets.

The problem was that people camping on the parish site could not get services. With the help of homeless advocates, Fr. Kriz learned about the Boise Decision that government agencies could not fine or arrest a homeless person if there was nowhere else for them to go. Staying on private church property meant the city could turn a blind eye. So, Fr. Kriz

explained the situation and they moved to the other side of the fence forcing the city to help them.

Fr. Kriz reached out to other churches in the area who had homeless ministries.

“Churches want to help but government has to be at the helm to organize everyone and make the process smoother. Government should lead and ask churches to help.”

In December of 2018 Fr. Kriz submitted a community opinion letter to Voice of O.C. titled “244 Homeless People Died This Year in Orange County Waiting on Us.”

His letters have had an impact.

“He’s a perfect example of living your faith,” said Voice of OC Publisher and Editor in Chief Norberto Santana, Jr. “He doesn’t give up and is proof positive that every person can make a difference.”

Fr. Kriz publishes the coroner’s list every month. In that time, 1,649 people have died homeless.

Every life is precious, even the least of our brothers. C

FR. DENNIS KRIZ, O.S.M., PASTOR OF ST. PHILIP BENIZI PARISH IN FULLERTON. PHOTO BY STEVEN GEORGES/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE

FR. DENNIS KRIZ ADDRESSES ATTENDEES DURING A MURAL BLESSING IN 2021. BISHOP KEVIN VANN IS PICTURED TO THE RIGHT.

PHOTO BY STEVEN GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

AROUND OUR DIOCESE

BY STAFF

2023 FIELD OF HONOR

Mission San Juan Capistrano continues its partnership with Homefront America to host the 2023 Field of Honor recognizing military heroes, veterans and first responders in conjunction with Memorial Day weekend from Tuesday, May 23 through Monday, May 29.

Field of Honor will transform the Mission’s courtyard with a display of more than 400 community-sponsored, seven-foot American flags, each in honor of a specific military member, veteran, first responders, K-9 and equestrian heroes for their service.

For advance tickets, pricing, membership details and hours of operation, visit www. missionsjc.org . For flag sponsorships or more information about Homefront America and Field of Honor, visit www. homefrontamerica.org.

SPECIAL LAUDATO SI’ WEEK COMMUNITY SCREENING OF “THE LETTER”

A special Laudato Si’ Week screening of “The Letter: A Laudato Si’ Film”: A Message for Our Earth on Eucharistic Solidarity and Ecology will take place at on Wednesday, May 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Freed Theater at Christ Cathedral campus. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.

Laudato Si' Movement features Pope Francis among five leaders representing the voices of Indigenous People, the youth, the poor and the wildlife of our planet.

Participants will be able to view the film and have opportunity to reflect, respond, share and learn with others in the community, all toward the end of prayer and action for care of creation. RSVP here: bitly/LetterscreeningRSVP

LIVING ROSARY

Since May of 2010, St. Nicholas Church has presented The Living Rosary twice a year, sponsored by the Unity Group. It has grown and evolved into a beautiful service honoring our Blessed Mother. Each decade is said by one of our ethnic groups: Anglo, Span ish, Filipino and Vietnamese in their native tongue. This year, the Living Rosary will be presented on Monday, May 15 at 7 p.m. The Mother Mary statue will be courtesy of the parish’s Spanish ministry, Our Lady of Guadalupe. The parish’s Confirmation class will also participate. All are welcome to experience our rich diversity in this beautiful service to Mary. C

COURTESY GRAPHIC

MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO WILL HOST THE 2023 FIELD OF HONOR RECOGNIZING MILITARY HEROES, VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS IN CONJUNCTION WITH MEMORIAL DAY, FROM MAY 23 THROUGH MAY 29. COURTESY PHOTO

A LIVING ROSARY WILL BE CELEBRATED ON MONDAY, MAY 15 AT 7 P.M. AT ST. NICHOLAS CATHOLIC CHURCH IN LAGUNA WOODS. COURTESY PHOTO

THE MAALGO PROJECT

BY EDNA ETHINGTON

ST. IRENAEUS PARISHIONERS recently gathered to raise funds and receive an update on The Maalgo Project- a special project many of them have supported for years.

Parishioners Jim and Mimi Di Rosa and Ruth Burns hosted a fundraiser for The Maalgo Project on April 22, at the Di Rosa home in Cypress.

Sixty-four guests came out in support – they included parishioners from St. Irenaeus Catholic Church in Cypress, a few parishioners from Holy Family Cathedral in Orange and other friends from the community.

The Maalgo Project is a non-profit organization with all donations fully tax deductible. Ninety-five percent of funds raised go directly to pay for water, food, school supplies and building supplies.

Fr. Rudolph “Rudy” Alumam is the founder of The Maalgo Project, which is set in his home village of Vea, Ghana.

Fr. Rudy started the project in 2005 while he was parochial vicar at St. Bede Catholic Church in Hayward, CA, where he and parishioners helped to raise funds to build a library in Ghana. They also provided lunch items of rice, beans and smoked fish for students, so they would want to come to school and would not go hungry all day.

Fr. Rudy then served as parochial vicar at St. Irenaeus Church from 2015 to 2017. He and parishioners held a school supplies drive at St. Irenaeus which sent 80 boxes of supplies to the schools in the villages in Ghana. St. Irenaeus parishioners continued to support The Maalgo Project when Fr. Rudy was assigned to Holy Family Cathedral in 2017. In 2018

and 2019, parishioners of both churches worked together to raise funds to send school supplies and school furniture, such as desks.

Maalgo means “progress” and during last month’s fundraiser, Fr. Rudy showed the progress that has been done thus far and is ongoing - in his village of Vea with a visual presentation. Two wells have been dug – one of which is solar powered which provides clean water for families. He also showed students sitting

at their new desks as well as the start of construction of the first two-story school in the village. Fr. Rudy also showed the village’s men physically digging the trenches for the school’s foundation by hand. The first level of the school was completed by villagers, but work is needed to finish the second story of the school. The need for more help is ongoing to finish the job and continue to provide food and school supplies for the students.

Anyone interested in helping to provide the necessities of life and to improve the students’ education opportunities, can donate directly online by contacting www.themaalgoproject.org/, or by writing a check to The Maalgo Project, c/o Fr. Rudy Alumam at 566 S. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92866.

Fr. Rudy can also be reached at his e-mail address, rbalumam@themaalgoproject.org, or fr.alumam@oc.rcbo. org. C

PICTURED AT THE APRIL 22 FUNDRAISER FOR THE MAALGO PROJECT HELD AT THE CYPRESS HOME OF JIM AND MIMI DI ROSA ARE, LEFT TO RIGHT, THE HOSTS MIMI AND JIM DI ROSA; FR. RUDY ALUMAM; BETTY BOROWSKI; CO-HOST RUTH BURNS. THE WOMEN ARE HOLDING BAGS AND A FAN MADE OF STRAW BY THE VILLAGERS OF VEA, GHANA. PHOTO BY EDNA ETHINGTON

We all can recall many memories of Mother’s Day. My brothers and I certainly do this a lot, especially in the month of Mary! One of mine is that Mom (because we always celebrated Mother’s Day and my birthday together) always would recount how worried she would be that she would not be a mother by Mother’s Day in 1951. But I made it by about an hour!

When my mother passed away in June of 2012 (shortly before I was assigned here) Cardinal Francis E. George, then-Archbishop of Chicago, called me personally to express his support and condolences and reflected that no woman knows a priest as well as his mother. That was certainly true in my case.

I have written and spoken about Mom to many of you, especially about her love and concern for mothers and babies, as a maternity nurse at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

However, I thank the Lord every day for her teaching me about the importance and priority of relationships. Relationships for her were always rooted

in her Catholic Faith. She maintained so many of those relationships all of her life. Some of her friends still contact me! And, another part of life, rooted in her Catholic Faith, was to be a voice and an advocate for the helpless and indigent. She worked constantly to make sure that her mother, my grandmother Jones, got fair and caring treatment in a nursing home in Springfield, Illinois. This nursing home was not known for its care and attention to its residents. However, Mom, on more than one occasion championed the care and rights of those residents who had no one…! She was absolutely unafraid to advocate for those who had no one to care for them. I remember this so clearly. In addition to the value of relationships, I learned from my mother how to speak up for just care and equitable treatment for those who are in hospital and care facilities. I will remember all of our mothers in these coming days and know that those memories will be a source of blessing to us all. C

—Kevin W. Vann

BISHOP KEVIN VANN IS PICTURED WITH HIS MOTHER, THERESA VANN, AT THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS PRIESTLY ORDINATION CELEBRATED ON MAY 30, 2006. PHOTO COURTESY OF BISHOP VANN

Garrett Masciel DRE#01920249

Gary Masciel DRE#00614861

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

OPTION 1 — $65

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

OPTION 2 — $100

Single ad (4.89" × 4.75"), with Photo, MAX: 18 lines, Approximately 19 characters per line

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

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!

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

Graduate’s Name: School’s Name: Photo Greeting message text

CUSTOMER PERSONAL INFO First Name: Last Name: Address: Apt#/Unit : City: ZIP State: Phone: Email:

(The fewer the number or words used, the larger the print we can use to highlight your message)