OC CATHOLIC - MAY 19, 2024

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MAY 19, 2024

CONTENTS

GENTLEMEN’S HABERDASHERY FASHION SHOW

Local leaders and executives walked the runway to raise funds for the Heart of Jesus Retreat Center.

ART IN THE GARDEN

The annual fundraiser for the Sisters of St. Joseph included music, food and a silent auction.

PENTECOST, THE BIRTHDAY OF THE CHURCH

This Holy day marks the arrival of the Holy Spirit and the birth of Christ’s church.

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

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The Problem: Aging in place is truly complex

1 in 5 Californians will be age 65 or older, according to the nonprofit Public Policy Institute of California. The state will be facing a shortage of as many as care workers by then.

The US is facing an epidemic of senior loneliness and social isolation which is associated with about 50% increased risk of dementia and other serious medical conditions. NASEM reported that more than 30% of adults aged 45 feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.

Home Care Pulse’s 2023 Benchmarking Report states that Home Care Industry's turn-over rate soars to 77.1%

Caregivers are overworked and undervalued. The Low Wages, Lack of Benefits, Recognition and Appreciation, Limited Career Advancement are a huge driving force for workers to go “gray" and gray workforce is becoming a growing problem for the long-term care industry, PHI National estimates that there are 4.6 million direct care workers nationally.

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.

Our Strategy: Happy Employees Create Better Companies

Magnificare LLC is on a mission to advance the quality of lives of our aging loved ones and their caregivers not in a fake, sunshine-and-rainbows type of way, but with a real, human-powered, data-driven approach.

AROUND CAMPUS

CATHEDRA & BEMA

Donors: L. Erma Jean and Thomas Tracy Foundation. The cathedra is the bishop’s chair. It forms the central element of the bema, a bench-like structure on the north wall within the altar area. Only the current diocesan bishop can sit in the cathedra which is where the word “cathedral” (the bishop’s church) comes from. The bema also accommodates other bishops, priests and deacons. Photo by the Diocese of Orange C

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY

GN 3:9-15, 20; 87:1-2, 3 AND 5, 6-7; JN 19:25-34

“ The Word of God is not simply a text to read.” — Pope Francis

SAINT PROFILE

DUNSTAN OF CANTERBURY 909-988

THIS ABBOT OF GLASTONBURY and archbishop of Canterbury was influential in politics as well as the church. He fled at least twice from enemies in the English court, spending time in Monastic solitude. As abbot he instituted the Benedictine rule at Glastonbury and acted as a trusted advisor to King Edmund of Wessex. Dunstan's influence spread beyond monastic and court circles after he became archbishop. He insisted on the observance of marriage laws as well as those of fasting and abstinence.C

TUESDAY

JAS 4:1-10; 55:7-8, 9-10A, 10B-11A, 23; MK 9:30-37

WEDNESDAY

JAS 4:13-17; PS 49:2-3, 6-7, 8-10, 11; MK 9:38-40

THURSDAY

JAS 5:1-6; PS 49:14-15AB, 15CD-16, 17-18, 19-20; MK 9:4150 FRIDAY

JAS 5:9-12; PS 103:1-2, 3-4, 8-9, 11-12; MK 10:1-12

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

SATURDAY

JAS 5:13-20; PS 141:1-2, 3 AND 8; MK 10:13-16

SUNDAY

DT 4:32-34, 39-40; PS 33:4-5, 6, 9, 18-19, 20, 22; ROM 8:14-17; MT 28:16-20

PHOTO BY THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

LOCAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS ALUMNI DISCUSS THEIR NEW BOOK, “THE LAST BEAUTIFUL BABY”

BY PATTY MAHONEY

“T

HE LAST BEAUTIFUL BABY,”

the self-published book by Orange County Catholic Schools alumni Annabelle Elise and Steven Sliwoski, is an allegory on social media and how we shouldn’t focus on a perceived notion of perfection. Instead, we should focus on what makes us beautiful and unique — what nature and God intended for us.

The book, the first installation in a series titled, “The Last Beautiful Books,” was cultivated from years of shared experiences.

A DECADE OF FRIENDSHIP

Annabelle Elise and Steven Sliwoski go way back.

They first met when they were in middle school — she at La Purísima Catholic School in Orange and him at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Yorba Linda.

Running in similar social circles, their paths crossed several times during their high school days while they were at Rosary Academy (‘16) and Servite (’15) respectively.

But they forged a deeper friendship and ultimately, a creative partnership, during their college years. The two would talk about their future plans and the creative paths they wanted to pursue.

One day, Sliwoski shared his book idea.

“Steven was the one with the idea for this book series and I’ve always been a talented writer, so we decided to join forces and co-author this together,” said Elise.

THE MAIN IDEA

The idea for “The Last Beautiful Baby” came from Sliwoski thinking about the mental health crisis affecting the world, especially young people in this country, with the primary cause being social media.

“I thought about myself and pretty much all my friends,” he said, “and how we had been affected by it – for the most part, negatively.”

He continued: “A lot of that negative perception was coming from these fake ideals of perfection that can be created online, and these digital facades that we were comparing ourselves to, whether

intentional or not.”

It’s easy to get lost in the endless scrolling on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok — and being confronted with seemingly endless images of perfection.

“Steven and I grew up in a very unique time,” said Elise. “We truly did grow up alongside social media. When we were going into high school, that was the dawn

of Instagram and all of those things.”

She added: “As a young woman going through all those changes in high school and finding yourself and self-worth, social media was very harmful and very toxic. When Steven brought this idea to my attention, it threw me for a loop. What kind of example do I want to set for my kids?”

ANNABELLE ELISE HOLDS A COPY OF “THE LAST BEAUTIFUL BABY” DURING A VISIT WITH ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS STAFF, DR. DENISE VALADEZ, DR. BRAD SNYDER AND DR. ERIN BARISANO, ALONG WITH HER WRITING PARTNER, STEVEN SLIWOSKI. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNABELLE ELISE

O.C. EXECS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS HIT THE RUNWAY AT

THIS YEAR’S GENTLEMEN’S HABERDASHERY FASHION SHOW

THE ANNUAL EVENT SUPPORTS THE HEART OF JESUS RETREAT CENTER IN SANTA ANA

BY LOU PONSI

THE 42ND GENTLEMEN’S Haberdashery Fashion Show, where some of Orange County’s most notable male executives and community leaders modeled the latest styles of menswear, raised a record $650,000 for the Heart of Jesus Retreat Center.

An upbeat crowd of 400 filled the ballroom at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach for the April 25 fundraiser, cheering and shouting encouragement as the models strode down the runway.

Owned and operated by the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Heart, the Heart of Jesus Retreat Center in Santa Ana organizes parish and school retreats, sacramental preparation, Advent and Lenten retreats, family retreats and other events designed for developing faith for children, youth, adults and families.

The Gentlemen’s Haberdashery began in 1982 and was started by then Fifth District supervisor Thomas Riley and his wife Emma Jane and was continued over the years by Tony Moiso, chairman and chief executive officer of Rancho Mission Viejo Company and his wife Melinda.

“We're grateful for the people themselves, for that personal relationship and friendship we have with them, and the mutual prayer support for each other,” said Sr. Paula Sawhill of the Society for the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who serves as the coordinator of the Gentlemen’s Haberdashery.

The event has raised millions over the years to support the ongoing operations of the retreat center and retreat camp at Big Bear Lake.

“It’s essential for us to keep the doors open,” Sr. Paula said. “We charge for the retreats, but we don't charge enough to cover all the expenses because we want to make it accessible to everybody.”

The theme for this year’s event was “Hearts of Joy.”

“Our goal each year is to keep this event fun and always be looking for ways to make it different and better,” said Jeremy Laster (president of Rancho Mission Viejo), who served as the event chairperson, along with his wife, Frandy.

“This is a joyful event. The kids are joyful, the sisters are joyful and we should all be joyful for all the blessings in our lives and

CLOSE TO 40 ORANGE COUNTY BUSINESS EXECUTIVES AND COMMUNITY LEADERS VOLUNTEERED TO BE MODELS FOR A DAY AT THE 42ND ANNUAL GENTLEMEN’S HABERDASHERY FASHION SHOW HELD ON APRIL 25.

REAL PRESENCE OF JESUS CHRIST IN THE EUCHARIST

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

THE REAL PRESENCE OF Jesus Christ in the sacrament of the Eucharist is one of the fundamental pillars of the Catholic faith. Taught and affirmed by the Church throughout the centuries, this doctrine holds that during the celebration of the Holy Mass, the bread and wine are truly and substantially transformed into the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church presents the Eucharist as a memorial of the passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In John 6:56, Jesus himself assures: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.”

This promise, made during the discourse of the Bread of Life, unequivocally confirms the reality of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Through the sacrament, we not only unite with the humanity of Christ, but also participate in His divinity. This union with Christ simultaneously connects us with the Trinity of the Father and with the Holy Spirit.

The importance of the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the Eucharist, is evident in the Sacred Scriptures. In the accounts of the institution of the Eucharist in the synoptic gospels and in the first letter to the Corinthians, we are presented with the moment when Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying: “Take and eat; this is my body.”

Likewise, after the supper, He took the cup, blessed it, and gave it to His disciples, saying: “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness

of sins.”

The Catholic Church teaches that the Eucharist is not simply a meal, but a sacrifice. In it, Jesus Christ gives Himself out of love for humanity and leaves us the gift of His real presence until the end of time. During the celebration of the Mass, the priest, in the person of Christ, offers the sacrifice of Calvary in a nonbloody manner, making present the same sacrifice that Jesus offered on the cross once and for all for the redemption of the world.

The concept of transfiguration is fundamental to understanding the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Through the consecration, performed by the priest during the Mass, the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. Although the elements retain the appearance and taste of bread and wine, their substance is changed by the power of the Holy Spirit into the real substance of the Body and Blood of Christ. This mystery of faith invites us to adore Jesus truly present in the Eucharist with deep respect and devotion.

The real presence of Jesus Christ in the

Eucharist is an invaluable gift to the Church and the world. It strengthens us in our faith, binds us more closely to Christ and urges us to live lives of holiness and service. By participating in the Holy Mass and receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, we unite intimately with Him and experience His love and grace tangibly.

May the central truth of our faith lead us to a greater reverence and love for the Eucharist, the greatest treasure that Christ has left us.

Peace! C

CORRECTION

In the May 12 issue of OC Catholic, we published an article titled, “With God’s Blessing,” which misidentified Fr. Juan Navarro as pastor of Christ Cathedral. Fr. Navarro is a parochial vicar of Christ Cathedral; Fr. Bao Thai is the rector of Christ Cathedral. We regret the error.

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

BISHOP THANH THAI NGUYEN CARRIES THE MONSTRANCE DURING AN “EVANGELIZE NOW” EVENT ON THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS. PHOTO BY KIERNAN COLIFLORES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

ART IN THE GARDEN

HONORING THE TALENTED SISTERS WHO GIVE ORANGE COUNTY A HEART

BY MEG WATERS

HUNDREDS GATHERED together on May 4, in the warmth of sunshine and friends, for the Art in the Garden event — an annual fundraiser to support the efforts of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange.

For more than 100 years, no organization has done more to lift local hearts and souls than the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. While farmers and ranchers evolved into developers, and the tech industries found they could lure the best and the brightest to our coastal climate, the sisters quietly but relentlessly look to the margins to see what needs to be done for the people living here. They are the plumb line behind much of Orange County’s growth.

They built infrastructure to heal the body by establishing hospitals, first with St. Joseph’s, then St. Jude Medical Center, Mission Hospital, and now the Providence Healthcare system. They faced down hate when the Ku-Klux Clan's crosses burned on their property, and to this day, the sisters make special efforts to reach out to build bridges. Add to this their commitment to supporting the work of the Universal Church by providing faith-affirming counseling, spiritual direction, social justice and uplifting college-bound women, and you have a force that is both compassionate and resolute.

“This is our third year for our Art in the Garden fundraiser,” said Sr. Kit Gray, cochair of the event. “This event raises funds to support four of our ministries: The Center for Spiritual Development, the St. Joseph Justice Center, the CSJ Educational Network and the St. Joseph the Worker for young college-age women.”

Sr. Katherine “Kit” Gray, CSJ, was joined as sister co-chair by Sr. MaryAnne

Huepper, CSJ. The event co-chairs were Mimi Cora and Chuck Rooney, and the event director was Julie Malvey. The volunteer chair was Cathy Fletcher.

The event drew 400 guests to the silent auction held in the St. Joseph’s Center Gardens located within the St. Joseph Center in Orange. Combining the joyful and casual atmosphere of a family reunion, guests, most of whom have a long and strong relationship with the sisters, strolled through the beautifully landscaped grounds. They were treated to works of art from lace making to painting and flower arranging. The artwork is, for the most part, created by the sisters despite their busyness and challenges.

Amidst the tacos, mariachis and wine, guests bid on the art. Offerings included oil and watercolor paintings, photography, quilts and delicate handmade lace. Several “experience” opportunities included dinner at Sr. Thuy Tran’s family-owned Vietnamese restaurant in Garden Grove and private dinners with wine tasting at various estates.

Each year, the event also honors two sister-artists whose work has inspired everyone around them. Sr. Judith Royer, CSJ, Ph.D., is a professor of fine arts at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). Sr. Judith is well-known in the theater community and “has helped to create by encouraging new voices and connecting storytellers who uniquely share relationships through the stage.”

But as with all the sisters, it is not just “art for art’s sake.” Sr. Judith has served as the director of the CSJ Center for Reconciliation and Justice at LMU since it was founded in 2012.

Sr. Mariquita Domingo, CSJ, was also honored. She is an accomplished floral arranger and environmental artist. Sr. Mariquita’s work is often seen blooming in the halls and offices at the St. Joseph Center. She’s known as “a true plant whisperer” for her ability to resurrect fading greenery

ST. ANNE CATHOLIC SCHOOL MARIACHI BAND PERFORMS DURING THIS YEAR’S ART IN THE GARDEN EVENT. PHOTOS BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 and return it to a healthy bloom.

Sr. Mariquita’s floral arrangements can often be seen at the Center for Spiritual Development, where “they create a kind of ‘spiritual oasis’ that fosters a contemplative connection with God and nature.”

Annette Walker, president of City of Hope Orange County, and her husband, Chuck, were sponsors of the event. Walker has had a long-standing relationship with the Sisters of St. Joseph since her school days.

“I love this event because it is an expression of the hospitality of the sisters,” she said. “It is a grace to be part of it.”

Another event sponsor, Ron and Paula DiLuigi, have also been long-standing supporters of the sisters. Ron’s relationship

To report sexual abuse by clergy or church personnel please call: 1 (800) 364-3064

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goes back to the early 1980s. He worked in advocacy for St. Joseph’s Hospital and eventually became the Regional Vice President for Advocacy, retiring in 2016.

“The Sisters of St. Joseph do so many important things for Orange County,” he said, “and it is great to still be a part of the many things they are doing.”

In the casual, yet relaxed environment that celebrated both the art and the work of the Sisters of St. Joseph, they raised more than $274,000 — the highest in the event's three-year history.

The vision of the Sisters of St. Joseph has served and improved the life of the people of Orange County in countless ways. Their ministry is their art, their purpose and their gift — a garden of plenty for our community. C

New Hope Peer-to-Peer Support Line | Mon - Fri 7:30 AM - 9:30 PM | Sat - Sun 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM: 1 (714) NEW-HOPE or 1 (714) 639-4673

BÁO CÁO LẠM DỤNG TÌNH DỤC

Nếu bạn là nạn nhân bị lạm dụng tình dục bởi một linh mục/ tu sĩ hay một thành viên trong Giáo Hội gây ra, xin hãy gọi và báo cáo cho Giáo phận ở số điện thoại miễn phí sau đây: 1-800-364-3064, và đồng thời báo cáo cho nhà chức trách địa phương.

본당내의 성적학대 신고

성직자나 성당 사목을 대표하는 관리자에 의한 성적 학대의 피해자 인 경우, 교구청의 무료 신고 전화 번호, 1-800-364-3064 및 관할 지역 법 집행 기관에 전화하십시오.

SR. KIT GRAY ADDRESSES ATTENDEES OF THIS YEAR’S ART IN THE GARDEN EVENT WHICH SUPPORTS THE MANY PROGRAMS OF THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF ORANGE. PHOTOS

OVER 400 ATTENDED ART IN THE GARDEN, A FUNDRAISER HELD ON MAY 4 TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH EFFORTS OF THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF ORANGE.

THE APOSTLE OF HOPE

RELIC

BY MEG WATERS

THOUSANDS OF THE faithful recently got the opportunity of a lifetime — a chance to personally witness and venerate a relic of St. Jude — the patron saint of hope and improbable causes.

The relic is a piece of bone from St. Jude’s arm and is housed inside a wooden case, or reliquary, carved in the shape of an upright arm that gives the impression of a blessing being given.

St. Jude the Apostle is known colloquially as the patron saint of hopeless causes — the last chance intercessor when all else has failed.

Within the Catholic Church, St. Jude is known as the patron saint of the impossible, but Fr. Carlos Martins, a custos reliquiarum (an ecclesiastically appointed curate of relics), member of Companions of the Cross and director of Treasures of the Church (a Michigan-based exposition company and Catholic Church ministry of evangelization), prefers to call him the Apostle of Hope.

Fr. Martins has been escorting the relic of St. Jude on its North American tour since September 2023. He recently completed five stops in Orange County, where well over 26,000 people offered their petitions in front of the relic at Santiago de Compostela in Lake Forest, Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove, Sts. Simon and Jude in Huntington Beach and Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Habra. In addition, the relic was displayed at 40 Martyrs Armenian Church in Santa Ana.

According to Fr. Martins, St. Jude was believed to have been martyred in Beirut, Lebanon. His remains were buried

beneath an early church in the city that was destroyed in the late third century or early fourth century. St. Jude’s remains were moved from that spot to Rome in approximately 335 AD.

“This is the first time since that date when the bone was separated from the body that the relic has left the Vatican,” added Fr. Martins.

His remains are held in St. Peter’s Basilica in a tomb that also houses the remains of St. Simon the Apostle, Jude’s brother.

The two apostles were said to be first cousins of Jesus and the sons of Cleopas, reportedly St. Joseph’s brother and his wife, who some believe was the Virgin Mary’s sister. Cleopas and his wife were the subjects of Jesus’ post-resurrection

appearance on the road to Emmaus, as recounted in Luke’s Gospel.

According to the St. Jude relic website, “His name is literally ‘Judas,’ but to distinguish him from the other Apostle Judas—the infamous betrayer Judas Iscariot, whom even the Lord refers to as ‘the son of perdition’ (John 17:12)—his name in English is usually abbreviated to Jude. It is occasionally written as St. Jude Thaddeus, following the use of his ‘nickname’ in Matthew 10:3 and Mark 3:18.”

The tour has a mission aside from bringing the saint to the people. The Holy Father Pope Francis decided that in the wake of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the social upheaval in the world, it was time to send the relic out on a mission for the first time in 1,700 years.

“The Vatican thought it was appropriate to start a tour of this relic to bring hope and healing now,” said Fr. Martins.

Fr. Martins facilitates the tour through Treasures of the Church — its purpose is to give people an experience of the living God through an encounter with the relics of His saints in the form of an exposition. An exposition involves over 150 relics from every period of the Church’s history, including St. Joseph, the Twelve Apostles, St. Mary Magdalene, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Maria Goretti, St. Thérèse of Lisieux (the “Little Flower”), St. Faustina Kowalska, Pope St. John Paul II and Bl. Carlo Acutis.

The supreme highlight is some of the largest remaining fragments of Wood from the True Cross (the Cross upon which Our Lord died) and a piece of the veil worn by the Blessed Virgin Mary. To learn more, visit www.treasuresofthechurch.com

THE RELIC IS A PIECE OF BONE FROM ST. JUDE’S ARM THAT WAS SEPARATED FROM HIS REMAINS CENTURIES AGO. THE NORTH AMERICA TOUR IS THE FIRST TIME THE RELIC HAS LEFT ITALY. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Fr. Al Baca, director of the Diocese’s Office of Ecumenism and Inter-religion, which sponsored the event, has known Fr. Martins for many years and worked with him to bring St. Jude to Orange County.

“I saw this as a great opportunity for Roman Catholics and our Orthodox churches to come together to venerate a saint that is revered in both traditions,” said Fr. Baca. “It is time to ask St. Jude to give you the gift you need. St. Jude is one of the very few saints who not only knew Jesus personally but he was also a relative, friend and confidant. He undoubtedly hugged Jesus and his mother many times.”

The relic will continue to travel until the end of May, but other stops may be added. More information and the tour schedule is available at www.apostleoftheimpossible.com C

When your faith inspires philanthropy.

Your Roman Catholic Faith has always been the guiding light for the decisions you make in life. And we understand how important that is when it comes to the contributions you consider making toward a greater cause. When you want your donation to mean much more than a dollar amount, The Orange Catholic Foundation can help you and your family leave a legacy that aligns with your Catholic beliefs and values. Visit us online to discover all the gift-giving opportunities that truly reflect your loving service to God. www.OrangeCatholicFoundation.org

THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE HOSTED THE RELIC OF ST. JUDE THE APOSTLE, COUSIN OF JESUS, FROM APRIL 29 THROUGH MAY 2 AT FOUR ORANGE COUNTY PARISHES, INCLUDING CHRIST CATHEDRAL IN GARDEN GROVE.

While social media does have its pros — like creating different online communities and being a means of world-wide communication — it’s hard to ignore this relentless pursuit of perfection.

“You’re seeing post after post that is specifically curated to be meticulously perfect in every way,” said Sliwoski, “whether it’s edited or part of an ongoing photo shoot and by the end of your scrolling, it’s hard not to feel inadequate.”

By the end of our social media session, we may find ourselves asking — what is wrong with me? Why am I not thriving like them?

DESIGNER BABIES

Sliwoski pondered the future and the fear that things are going to get tougher as we get deeper into these technological growths and evolutions.

“I can’t imagine the world that my kids

and grandkids are going to grow up to and be subjected to,” he said.

Creating a “designer baby” involves hand-picking genes, or genetically modifying an embryo to have specific traits. The advantages include removing genes that contain diseases, but as Sliwoski says, “it’s a slippery slope.”

Current ethics have halted designer babies from becoming mainstream, but Sliwoski said, “that could shift at any time. It seems like every day the ethical, or moral landscape slips away further.”

If designer babies were to become the norm one day, what then would mental health look like for tomorrow’s children?

Sliwoski, for one, “would like to put all my trust and faith into nature and God’s plan.”

Sliwoski and Elise said they hope the book serves as a thought project for young families to consider the world that we are developing into with technology, and per-

haps every reader will reflect on what they want in their life and what example they are going to set for their kids.

THE GROUNDWORK FOR SUCCESS

Both authors point to their Catholic school education as fueling their drive to succeed.

Sliwoski has dyslexia and school was a challenge for him, but he credits the patience and the nurturing guidance of his teachers for inspiring him to succeed.

Elise says she was a quick learner at school — outspoken and always on the go. But she had mental health challenges “directly stemming from social media.”

She credits her English teachers who told her “to write about it” and she never stopped.

“This book is a true testament to the

teachers I’ve had along the way,” she said. Dr. Erin Barisano, superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Orange, said she is proud of their accomplishments.

“Their personal stories are a beautiful testament to the power of Catholic schools and their book series offers a strong moral message on cultural topics,” said Dr. Barisano. “They are a great example of how Catholic school graduates transform the world.”

To learn more about the “The Last Beautiful Books” series, order a copy or subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates, visit https://www.thelastbeautifulbooks.com/

“The Last Beautiful Baby” can also be purchased on Amazon.com

“Our book shouldn’t be looked at as anti-technology,” added Elise, “but as pro-humanity.” C

THE IDEA FOR THE BOOK, “THE LAST BEAUTIFUL BABY” SPROUTED FROM THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS FACING YOUNG PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD. PHOTO BY PATTY MAHONEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

ANNABELLE ELISE AND HER LONG-TIME FRIEND STEVEN SLIWOSKI ARE CO-AUTHORS OF THE BOOK, “THE LAST BEAUTIFUL BABY.” PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNABELLE ELISE

PENTECOST, THE BIRTHDAY OF THE CHURCH

BY SR. DIANE HEISS, SDSH

“H

APPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, happy birthday to you …” Who among us has not sung this song at some point in our life, or been serenaded by it? It is such a familiar melody that we can effortlessly sing it. Today, Pentecost Sunday, is the birthday of the Church, so it is appropriate to at least hum it to ourselves, if nothing else.

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He told the apostles to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Father (the coming of the Holy Spirit, Lk. 24:49). They remained in prayer along with Mary the mother of Jesus. (Acts 1:13-14)

Chapter 2 of Acts recounts the story of Pentecost when the apostles received the gift of the Holy Spirit and preached to the crowds.

Pentecost, a Greek word meaning “fiftieth” was a Jewish holiday occurring fifty days after the offering of the barley sheaf during the Passover feast. (For a history of this holiday, refer to https://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/12012-pentecost) In the Hebrew Scriptures/ Old Testament, it was called the “Feast of Harvest” and “Feast of Weeks,” celebrating the grain harvests and the giving of the Law, or Torah, by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai. It was one of three major religious holidays at which all Jewish males were required, seven weeks after Passover, to visit the Temple in Jerusalem. Jews from throughout the world were present, with all understanding the preaching of the apostles in their own language (Gift of Tongues). Consequently, many accepted the gift of faith and 3,000 were baptized that day.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is also the mother of His Mystical Body, the Church. As Jesus was dying on the cross, He turned to Mary and the disciple whom He loved, saying to Mary, “Woman, behold your son” and to John “Behold your mother.” (Jn. 19: 26-27)

It was at this moment that Jesus entrusted each of us to Mary as her beloved children, and Mary to us, for us to honor, love, and obey her. It is therefore appropriate that in the same way that we celebrate the birthday of her son, Jesus,

at Christmas, we celebrate the birthday of her son’s Mystical Body at Pentecost. In 2018, Pope Francis designated the ancient devotion to Mary, Mother of the Church, as a world-wide Memorial on the Monday immediately following Pentecost Sunday. Mary, Mother of the Church and our mother, pray for us.

FOR YOUR FAMILY:

 Read the account of Pentecost found in the Acts of the Apostles written by Luke

to the Feast of Pentecost), and when the opportunity presents itself, attend a celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation.

 Invite a relative or friend who no longer practices our Catholic faith to join you for Mass, and then take them out for coffee and donuts or other treat.

 Pray the Litany of the Holy Spirit.

 Bake a birthday cake at home and have a “birthday celebration” for our Catholic Church

 Attend Mass tomorrow to honor Mary, Mother of the Church. C

(Acts 2:1 - 41) and share memories of your Confirmation.

 Prepare a prayer service including a Litany of Gratitude and Petition, with each person taking turns to say aloud an aspect of our Church for which they are grateful and then praying for the needs of the Church.

 Pray for all those receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation during the Easter Season (the 50 days from Easter Sunday

OUR LADY STATUE IN A WARM,

how lucky we all are.”

Among the 40-plus models were presidents from three Orange County Catholic high schools: Michael Brennan, president of Mater Dei; Rich Meyer, president of JSerra Catholic High School; and Santa Margarita Catholic High School president Andy Sulick.

DIOCESAN NEWS

Other notable models were Jim Hartigan, Santa Margarita assistant principal and former Eagles football coach; Scott Melvin, executive director of advancement at Mater Dei; and Chris Ledyard, JSerra’s athletic director.

The invocation was delivered by Fr. Cheeyoon Chun, parochial vicar at Holy Family Catholic Church in Orange.

Fr. Steven Sallot, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Newport Beach, gave the blessing.

The fashion show was divided into five segments, each featuring models sporting styles from men’s fashion retailer, GARYS of Newport Beach.

An 18-member committee also helps plan the event.

The retreat center has been in operation in south Santa Ana for 46 years and serves more than 12,000 attendees annually. It is located at the site of the former Borchard Farm. The family donated the ranch to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, then transferred it to the Diocese of Orange and eventually to the sisters.

To learn more,visit joyfulapostolate.org C

FRANDY AND JEREMY LASTER GREET GUESTS DURING THIS YEAR’S GENTLEMEN’S HABERDASHERY FASHION SHOW, WHICH SUPPORTS THE HEART OF JESUS RETREAT CENTER IN SANTA ANA.

A MODEL SPORTS BEACHWEAR AT THE 42ND ANNUAL GENTLEMEN’S HABERDASHERY FASHION SHOW HELD ON APRIL 25. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CORNERSTONE COMMUNICATIONS

OC Catholic Afar

Evelyn Peasley, John Hendricks, Michele Turner and Brenda Drake from St. Vincent de Paul parish in Huntington Beach read a recent issue of OC Catholic while overlooking the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, during a trip there in April.

—Submitted by John Hendricks

We want your photos! Send your pictures of “OC Catholic Afar” — of you, family or friends visiting Catholic churches and other interesting places — to editor@occatholic.com. Please include a brief description of the photo, the name of the person(s) featured in the photo and their home parish.