OC CATHOLIC - JUNE 2, 2024

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND

FREE ESTATE PLANNING SEMINARS PRESENTED BY

CATHOLIC ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEYS

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

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

UPCOMING SEMINARS SCHEDULE

Tuesday, June 4 9:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. Santiago de Compostela Church 21682 Lake Forest Drive, Lake Forest

Wednesday, June 5 6:30 p.m. Christ Our Savior Church 2000 West Alton Avenue, Santa Ana

Saturday, June 15 9:00 a.m. Holy Trinity Church 1600 Corporate Drive, Ladera Ranch

Scan QR Code to view the full list of seminars For more information call 714-282-3021 or visit OrangeCatholicFoundation.org/estate-planning

Monday, June 24 9:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. St. Bonaventure Church 16400 Springdale Street, Huntington Beach

Wednesday, June 26 7:30 p.m. La Purisima Church 11712 Hewes Street, Orange

10 12

13

JUNE

2, 2024

CONTENTS

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SHINE AT MAY PARADE

The “Star Wars”-themed May parade in Orange brought out families and community members.

A DAY OF SUNSHINE

The Knights of Columbus held this year’s Day of Sharing at the Speech and Language Development Center in Buena Park.

CHAPEL DEDICATION

Bishop Kevin Vann recently blessed a new chapel in Santa Ana run by the Orange County branch of the Missionaries of Charity.

ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC MISSION STATEMENT

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

ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC

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

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

Executive Editor: Jarryd Gonzales

Managing Editor: Patricia Mahoney, editor@occatholic.com

News Ideas: editor@occatholic.com

Delivery Problems: occatholicsupport@occatholic.com

ADVERTISING

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

SCNG CUSTOM CONTENT

Managing Editor: Caitlin Adams Art Director: Ryann Beveridge

Delivered weekly to parishes and homes throughout Orange County, Calif., Orange County Catholic is published by SCNG Custom Content, a division of Southern California News Group that offers content development and design expertise to businesses and nonprofit institutions. The Orange County Catholic editorial staff and editorial council are responsible for the content contained herein. Events and products advertised in Orange County Catholic do not carry the implicit endorsement of the Diocese of Orange or SCNG Custom Content.

AROUND CAMPUS

BAPTISMAL FONT

Donors: Barbara and Douglas Stephen. Located within the eight-sided baptistry, symbolizing the seven days of creation and the eighth day for “new creation,” the baptismal font is in the shape of a cross and is made of the same Italian marble as the altar. On the floor of its pool is a mosaic by Mia Tavonatti of the Chi Rho, a Christogram representing the name of Jesus Christ in Greek. The mosaic contains the Alpha and Omega symbolizing Jesus as the beginning and the end. If you are interested in learning about additional naming opportunities for yourself, loved one or special occasion on Christ Cathedral's campus, contact the Orange Catholic Foundation at 714-282-3021 or info@ OrangeCatholicFoundation.org C

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY

2 PT 1:2-7; PS 91:1-2, 14-15B, 15C-16; MK 12:1-12

“ Let charity be reborn.” — Pope Francis

MARCELLINUS AND PETER DIED CIRCA 304

MARCELLINUS WAS A PRIEST and Peter an exorcist in Rome's Christian community. They were arrested and imprisoned during a persecution by Emperor Diocletian. In prison, they converted many people, including their jailer and his family. They were condemned to death and beheaded, supposedly in secret, in a nearby wood. But their executioner disclosed the deaths after his conversion. Pope St. Damasus I wrote an epitaph for their tomb, over which Emperor Constantine later built a church in which he buried his mother. This pope also reported that he learned the details of their martyrdom from the executioner himself. Marcellinus and Peter are among the saints named in the Roman Canon of the Mass.C

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

TUESDAY

2 PT 3:12-15A, 17-18; 90:2, 3-4, 10, 14 AND 16; MK 12:1317

WEDNESDAY

2 TM 1:1-3, 6-12; PS 123:1B-2AB, 2CDEF; MK 12:1827

THURSDAY

2 TM 2:8-15; PS 25:4-5AB, 8-9, 10 AND 14; MK 12:28-34

FRIDAY

HOS 11:1, 3-4, 8C-9; IS 12:2-3, 4, 5-6; EPH 3:812, 14-19

SATURDAY

2 TM 4:1-8; PS 71:89, 14-15AB, 16-17, 22; OR IS 61:9-11; 1 SM 2 LK 2:41-51

SUNDAY

GN 3:9-15; PS 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8; 2 COR 4:13—5:1; MK 3:20-35

PHOTO BY STEVE GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

TWO NEW PRIESTS WILL MARK A PAIR OF HISTORIC FIRSTS

JUNE 8 ORDINATION WILL SEE FIRST FILIPINO AMERICAN PRIEST ORDAINED IN OUR DIOCESE AS WELL AS ITS FIRST MARRIED PRIEST THROUGH THE PASTORAL PROVISION

BY GREG HARDESTY

The Diocese of Orange will mark a couple of milestones June 8 with the ordination of two priests.

Deacon Cole Buzon, who grew up in Brea and La Habra, will be the first Filipino American to be ordained a priest in the Diocese of Orange.

And Deacon Greg Walgenbach, director of the office of Life, Justice and Peace, and the Mission Office for the Diocese, will become the first married priest in the Diocese of Orange through the Pastoral Provision.

Deacon Cole, a graduate of St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, is currently serving at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church in Brea. Effective July 1, 2024, he will be assigned to San Francisco Solano Catholic Church in Rancho Santa Margarita.

Deacon Greg will remain as director of the Diocese’s Office of Life, Justice and the Mission Office.

All are invited to attend the ordination to the Sacred Order of Priesthood, to be presided over by Bishop Kevin Vann, on Saturday, June 8, at 10 a.m. at Christ Cathedral.

For FAQs or more information about the Ordination or Pastoral Provision, visit rcbo. org/priesthood.

LOCAL FILIPINO ANSWERS THE CALL

DURING AN INTRODUCTION statement at Santiago de Compostela parish last summer, Deacon Cole began by jokingly sharing with the congregation the event that started him on his journey to become a priest.

“So, there was this girl…,” Deacon Cole began, eliciting chuckles from the faithful.

He then proceeded to explain when, as a young boy, he was surprisingly greeted by his first crush.

But, being terrified of girls, he ran away. Technically, Deacon Cole’s journey to the priesthood began in earnest when he was a student at Brea Olinda High School. But as a young boy before then, he never took his Catholic faith seriously.

As a first-year high school student, Deacon Cole golfed and wrestled, skateboarded with friends, went on vacations with his family, then at the age of 15, things took a turn for the worse.

He struggled immensely with depression and anxiety. He isolated himself at home. His mother, Teresita, got him professional help. Still, he felt very sad for a long period of time.

His late grandmother, Aurora, a devout Catholic who helped raise him, soon visited him in a dream.

When he awoke, he recalled that she had constantly reminded him to pray to God as a young boy. So for the first time in his life, Deacon Cole began to pray with a sincere heart.

Then the floodgates opened. He immersed himself into the ministries at his home parish, St. Angela Merici in Brea.

By 2017, when he was working as a dental hygienist after earning an undergraduate and master’s degree in healthcare administration from West Coast University, making a nice living but feeling unsatisfied, a dinner conversation with a priest, Fr. Loc Tran, convinced him to enter the seminary.

“He genuinely told me that I would make a really good priest,” recalled Deacon Cole, who had just given a talk at a retreat. The topic?

Dating and love.

In his talk, Deacon Cole read a poem he had written addressed to young women called “You Don’t Need a Boy,” which includes these lines:

“Now I leave you with one final note,

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PICTURED FOLLOWING THE MAY 20 DIACONATE ORDINATION FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: DEACON COLE BUZON, DEACON DARRELL MILLER, BISHOP KEVIN VANN, DEACON GREG WALGENBACH AND DEACON GUILLERMO TORRES. PHOTO BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

something I know is hard for girls to accept:

You don’t need a physical person with you, to know that your heart is kept.

There is this man, His name is Jesus, who is with you everywhere you go, Who loves you and cares for you so much, that He died for you, in order for you to know…”

‘WE ARE GIFTED’

Deacon Cole is eager to begin his life as a priest.

“I’m really excited, honestly,” he said. “Seven years in Seminary to become a priest is worth the wait.”

Fr. Thomas Naval, the pastor at Santiago de Compostela in Lake Forest, who hosted Deacon Cole at his parish last summer is also thrilled.

“Finally, we are gifted to have a Filipino American priest,” Fr. Thomas said.

“Our parish family experienced his joyful presence and touching homilies on several occasions,” Fr. Thomas recalled. “We have kept him in our prayers since, and are filled with joyful anticipation for his priestly ordination as Filipinos in our Diocese.”

Fr. Peter Ho, pastor at St. Polycarp in Stanton, had Deacon Cole as an intern at his parish.

“He’s a wonderful and prayerful man,” Fr. Peter said. “He’s well-loved by the people of St. Polycarp. He was very active and immersed himself in every ministry that was assigned to him.”

At St. Polycarp, Deacon Cole got involved in the faith formation and confirmation programs as well as youth ministry.

“Our young people truly loved him,” Fr. Peter said. “They wanted to be around him, because of his deep faith. His faith sharing during the Liturgy of the Word was awesome. His messages were clear and inspiring.”

Deacon Cole also participated in St. Polycarp’s pastoral council as well as liturgical and priestly meetings. He also accompanied priests to the anointing of the sick and the blessing of homes.

AND FR. VIET PETER

OF ORANGE

OF

“Knowing that he is the first Filipino American priest ordained in the Diocese of Orange makes all of us at St. Polycarp very proud of him,” Fr. Peter said. “We cannot wait to have him come back to St. Polycarp to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving with us. It will be an honor for the parishioners to greet and to call him ‘Father Cole.’”

THE DOCTOR OF THE SOUL

The June 8 ordination comes three days after Deacon Cole’s birthday. More than 50 of his relatives will be in town, some flying from the Philippines, Canada and the East Coast.

“My mother is one of eight,” Deacon Cole laughed.

Deacon Cole took up surfing while at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo. His favorite surf spot in Orange County is Doheny State Beach in Dana Point.

As a priest, he aims to embody the Spanish reference for a priest, “El Cura” which means, “The Doctor of The Soul.” Deacon Cole concluded, “Through Priestly Ordination, it’s an honor to become the healing hands of Christ.”

FIRST MARRIED PRIEST IN O.C. TO BALANCE TWO VOCATIONS

DEACON GREG Walgenbach and his wife and four children have a longstanding tradition of enjoying movie night together.

The director of the Office of Life, Justice and Peace as well as the Mission office for the Diocese of Orange is responsible for choosing what to watch.

“It’s not easy for a family of six to find something that is good and that we can all enjoy in some capacity,” said Deacon Greg, who was ordained a deacon on May 20 at Christ Cathedral. “It’s a very difficult job.”

But Deacon Greg has become an expert in finding the perfect balance when facing the competing needs and interests of others – a skill that, come June 8, will be put to the ultimate test as he assumes two full-time vocations:

One as a father and husband, the other as an ordained priest.

“I ask for your prayers that more than anything I will be able to find the time and make the time to be spiritually prepared to be a good priest, and to be ready to serve the people of God,” Deacon Greg said.

“I also ask that you pray for my wife, Claudia, and for our kids that God will fill us with every good grace that we need as a family to move forward in these next steps.”

THE PASTORAL PROVISION

Deacon Greg has been in the process of becoming a Catholic priest for some time – something made possible through the Pastoral Provision established in 1980 under Pope John Paul II (see rcbo.org/ priesthood/ for more information).

The provision provides a way for for-

THEN-SEMINARIAN COLE BUZON, MR. DYLAN NGUYEN, THEN-HEAD OF THE ST. POLYCARP VIETNAMESE COUNCIL

HO, PASTOR

ST. POLYCARP, IN THE FALL, 2021. PHOTO BY BILL ALKOFER/DIOCESE

GREG WALGENBACH SPEAKS ON BEHALF OF THE OFFICE OF LIFE, JUSTICE AND PEACE ON AUG. 28, 2023. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

mer Protestant ministers, including those who may be married, to be ordained Catholic priests in the United States.

Deacon Greg isn’t the first married man in the U.S. to become a Catholic priest, but he’s the first in the Diocese of Orange to become one under the provision. There are more than 300 married former Protestant ministers, originating from Episcopalian, Lutheran, Presbyterian or Methodist backgrounds, who have transitioned to serve as Catholic priests.

“I will be 100% fully committed to being a priest and to exercise and respond to this vocation,” said Deacon Greg, who

converted to Catholicism in 2011. “I look forward to trusting God to be able to make this happen.”

CONVERSION TO CATHOLICISM

Deacon Greg was raised a Baptist and became an Anglican priest before embracing the Catholic faith. His openness towards the Catholic faith began in April 2005, with the death of John Paul II. (Learn more here: https://www.occatholic.com/ministry-director-took-circuitous-journey-to-catholicism/)

“I can remember being up in the mid-

dle of the night with my wife to watch the funeral and I was so moved by it,” Deacon Greg recalled. “I had read some of his works and theology, but to see the whole world stop in its tracks to honor this man really began to stir in me (feelings of conversion).”

He added: “It was never any one thing. It was all the things: it was the Holy Eucharist, it was our Blessed Mother, it was the Rosary.

“It was so many saints throughout the ages, it was being in communion with the pope and the bishops, and it was our commitment to the poor and the vulnerable. It was the way the Catholic Church has built up institutions of hospitals and schools and how it has concretely demonstrated that Eucharistic love in the world.”

MARRIAGE AND THE PRIESTHOOD

In addition to the Pastoral Provision of 1980, Pope Pius XII, who was head of the Catholic Church from March 1939 until his death in October 1958, gave special permission for some formerly Lutheran married priests to become Catholic priests after World War II.

And in 1967, Pope Paul VI (19631978) wrote an encyclical about the possibility of married priests from other denominations becoming Catholic priests.

In the West, the Catholic Church

adopted celibacy as a universal discipline. The East, however, did not. The Orthodox Churches today continue to hold that men who are already married can be ordained to the priesthood, though unmarried deacons cannot marry after ordination.

The ordination of a married man remains an exception and one that is granted only in specific cases involving men who had already been called to ministry in another church or Christian denomination and later came into full communion in the Catholic Church.

SAME DUTIES

Deacon Greg said that the sacramental duties of celibate Catholic priests and married Catholic priests are the same.

“I will be a diocesan priest and so I will serve the bishop and be able to do what other diocesan priests do in the course of their ministry,” said Deacon Greg, who committed to a life of spirituality as a teenager. A Bible school trip to Mexicali, Mexico, proved to be pivotal.

One thing that a married priest can’t do is ever become a bishop, he noted.

“I’m just so blessed and humbled and grateful that I’m now able to move forward and be a priest in the Catholic Church,” Deacon Greg said, “and to bring all of what God has done in my life to this point into areas of ministry and now put that at the service of God.

“It really is a gift.”C

BISHOP VANN, DEACONS COLE BUZON AND GREG WALGENBACH AND TWO DOZEN PERMANENT DEACONS AFTER THE ORDINATION TO THE DIACONATE OF GREG WALGENBACH ON MAY 20, 2024.

DEACON GREG WALGENBACH IS PICTURED WITH BISHOP KEVIN VANN, HIS WIFE CLAUDIA AND CHILDREN, FOLLOWING HIS MAY 20 ORDINATION. PHOTOS BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

GUESTS PRAISE ‘JESUS THIRSTS: THE MIRACLE OF THE EUCHARIST’ AT ITS PREMIERE

THE NEW DOCUMENTARY WILL SCREEN IN THEATERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ON JUNE 4, 5 AND 6

BY GREG HARDESTY

THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF Hollywood came to the Christ Cathedral campus on May 7 as 300 invited guests enjoyed a red-carpet unveiling of the new film, “Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist,” which will be in theaters nationwide June 4, 5 and 6.

Coinciding with the three-year national Eucharist Revival movement in the U.S., the documentary is being heralded by its producers and Diocese leaders as a potentially life-changing film that comes at a time when millions have strayed from the Catholic Church.

“This can transform the face of the Earth – that’s how important this film is,” said executive producer Steve Greco, a permanent deacon and director of evangelization and formation for the Diocese of Orange who serves at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Irvine.

The 91-minute movie, co-sponsored by Deacon Steve’s Spirit Filled Hearts Ministry, which engages in evangelization and support of Catholic missions abroad, and the Diocese of Orange, hop-scotches around the world to such places as Poland, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Uganda, Slovenia and Canada as prominent Catholic leaders offer insights and testimonies into the power of the Eucharist.

Parishes, dioceses and ministries in Orange County and throughout the country are being encouraged to show up for the U.S. screenings of the film, which is co-produced by James Wahlberg and Tim Moriarty. Postcards, fliers, social media graphics, videos and other resources can be downloaded from

JesusThirstsFilm.com.

Tickets are available through Fathom Events (fathomevents. com), the entertainment content provider that broadcasts events in movie theaters.

‘MORE THAN JUST A STORY’

With two showtimes each day making the film more accessible for families, schools and religious education, the film includes a special bonus feature, “Our Lady of Guadalupe: Woman of the Eucharist,” produced by the Knights of Columbus.

And the screenings on June 6 will include subtitles in Spanish.

“We offer you more than just a story: We offer you a journey of faith,” Bishop Kevin Vann says in the movie’s intro.

The film, he tells viewers, “Seeks to ignite the hearts of all believers and deepen our understanding of the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist.”

MOVING THE NEEDLE

Inside the atrium of the Cultural Center on the Christ Cathedral campus, more than 20 media outlets snapped photos and interviewed filmmakers and members of the cast as they made their way down the red carpet.

“Movies are a very important medium and tool,” said Fr. Jacob Hsieh, a Norbertine priest at St. Michael’s Abbey in Silverado who will be leading a 52-week follow-up program that will serve as a ministry companion to the film.

“Working together to get the truth out and have the Eucharist in the mainstream media is really

DEACON STEVE GRECO AND WIFE MARY ANNE GREET MEDIA ON MAY 7 AT THE PREMIERE OF THE FILM HE EXECUTIVE PRODUCED, “JESUS THIRSTS: THE MIRACLE OF THE EUCHARIST.” PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

A RED CARPET PREMIERE FOR THE NEW FILM, “JESUS THIRSTS: THE MIRACLE OF THE EUCHARIST,” TOOK PLACE ON MAY 7 ON THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS.

MEDIA AT

Moriarty, producer and writer Stefan Slovak, editor Marc Boudignon, and composer Sean Beeson.

‘ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL’

Bishop Vann said a prayer before the screening, noting that a few entertainment offerings his grandmother never missed were the TV soap opera “As the World Turns” and Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen’s “Life is Worth Living” inspirational TV series.

“Are you on fire for Jesus?” Deacon Steve asked as he got the crowd excited. “Are you on fire for the Eucharist?”

Afterward, attendees praised the movie.

“I thought it was absolutely beautiful,” said Dr. Erin Barisano, superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Orange.

“The film draws the viewers into the very heart of the Eucharist as the living presence of Christ,” Dr. Barisano added. “The vignettes throughout the movie weave a beautiful tapestry of the power of the Eucharist throughout history and in contemporary culture.”

DR. ERIN BARISANO, SUPERINTENDENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE, DISCUSSES THE FILM “JESUS THIRSTS: THE MIRACLE OF THE EUCHARIST,’’ DURING A SPECIAL RED CARPET EVENT ON THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

amazing to see,” Fr. Jacob added.

DISTRESSING STATISTICS

In an oft-cited statistic from a 2019 Pew Research poll, only three out of 10 Catholics believe in the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. And, in the U.S. alone, 50 million people identify as former Catholics.

At the premiere, Bishop Vann focused on the positive as he talked to reporters.

“Don’t trust statistics,” he said. “Everyone I know believes Christ is present in the Eucharist,” adding that he was pleased with the turnout at the premiere.

Fr. Jacob agreed with Bishop Vann that “Jesus Thirsts” could move the needle forward in terms of getting more Catholics back into pews and believing in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Before the screening, guests sipped citrus-infused water and enjoyed appetizers as they met members of the movie’s production team, which includes producer Jim Wahlberg, director and writer Tim

She continued: “I was moved to tears throughout the film, overcome by the power, beauty, and mystery of the Eucharist. I’m so proud to be part of a Diocese that has taken a bold step to show the rest of the world that the Eucharist is real and true, and it is something each of us needs to make us whole.”

Katie Dawson, director of Parish Evangelization and Faith Formation for the Diocese of Orange, called the movie “tremendously impactful.”

Vince Vasquez, Knights of Columbus Orange chapter president, called it “powerful, informative and inspiring.”

Added Vasquez: “The movie is eye-opening to the power of the Eucharist and to the power of the miracles of the Eucharist. I’m going to recommend this movie highly, especially to all Knights of Columbus.

“I’m not going to spoil the movie, but the last scene moved me so much that I walked directly over to the (Eucharistic vessel). It was closed, but I stood outside it and prayed.” C

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BISHOP KEVIN VANN GREETS THE

THE MAY 7 PREMIERE OF THE NEW FILM, “JESUS THIRSTS: THE MIRACLE OF THE EUCHARIST.” PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SHINE AT MAY PARADE

BY BRITNEY ZINT

OLD TOWNE ORANGE WAS recently turned into a galaxy far, far away.

The City of Orange Chamber of Commerce’s springtime parade was quite the spectacle this year as light sabers abounded, Princess Leia-style buns were the fashion and Darth Vader’s stride could be heard from high school marching bands.

But it wasn’t just the “Star Wars” theme, though, that brought out all three of the city’s diocesan schools for the first time, but a chance to represent the institutions they are so proud of.

Holy Family, La Purísima and St. Norbert Catholic schools participated in the annual event held on May 4. The parade, which was the largest yet, featured floats, horse-drawn carriages decorated with flowers, unique cars from movies like “Jurassic Park,” dancers in red folkloric dresses and even the popular Baby Grogu riding in the back of a blue convertible Volkswagen Beetle with the Mandalorian behind the wheel.

The event, which was themed “Come to the Orange Side,” started in 1933, but has not run continuously. Holy Family has participated in the past according to old photos of the parade, but this was the first time all three schools came out.

It was actually Holy Family and La Purísima alumna Elizabeth Holloman who helped bring the parade back to life in 2019. The Orange Chamber of Commerce executive director remembers standing on the side of the street watching the parade go by when she was a young Catholic school student.

“It just made me feel really tied to the community,” Holloman said. “Even when I was growing up, you just felt that you belonged more to Orange because of the parade.”

Holloman said she invited the three diocesan schools to participate because

she hopes the experience will help the students feel like they belong to something bigger.

La Purísima brought along six of its cheerleaders dressed in blue and white uniforms complete with a dog in a matching outfit. The event was a chance for the students to feel proud of who they are and where they come from, said Rosa Ramirez, La Purísima’s principal.

“It’s a great community event. We love to be out there,” Ramirez said. “We love to show who we are. We love to showcase our students and their talents.”

La Purísima cheerleader Monse Garcia, 9, said it felt amazing to participate in the parade. In her first year at the Catholic school, Garcia said she was loving that her new school gave her a safe and comfortable space to talk about her faith and wanted to show this to the community at large.

“I want to show everybody that it’s OK to stand out for God,” Garcia said. “I think it’s amazing to show everybody it's OK to go to Catholic school.”

St. Norbert’s principal Joseph Ciccoianni was joined by two families who share his love of “Star Wars.”

“When they said ‘Star Wars,’ I knew this was an opportunity to show our spirit,” Ciccoianni said. “Let’s dress up, let’s show our spirit and have a great day.”

St. Norbert parents Dianna and Robert Beckman said they jumped at the chance to dress up and show school pride. Dianna Beckman, dressed as Princess Leia, and Robert Beckman, dressed as a Jedi, said they like to build costumes instead of buying them.

Their first-grader, Robert “Hob” Beckman was costumed as Ahsoka Tano and preschooler James “Gem” Beckman was wearing a repurposed Chewbacca costume that mom turned into an Ewok.

“I like Ewoks, because they have sticks,” 4-year-old Gem said.

“I even let him borrow my stick,” big

CONTINUES ON PAGE 11

HOLY FAMILY, LA PURÍSIMA AND ST. NORBERT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS PARTICIPATED IN THE ANNUAL CITY OF ORANGE CHAM BER OF COMMERCE’S SPRINGTIME PARADE HELD ON MAY 4. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

“STAR WARS” WAS THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S CITY OF ORANGE CHAM BER OF COMMERCE’S SPRINGTIME PARADE HELD ON MAY 4 IN OLD TOWNE ORANGE.

SCHOOLS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

brother Hob, 7, added.

For Holy Family kindergarteners Juliana Ceja, 6, and Piper McGah, 5, dressing up as Star Wars characters wasn’t in the cards. Instead, both girls donned their red and blue uniforms, and McGah added her Girl Scouts vest on top.

“I’m feeling excited,” said McGah, adding, “For dancing.”

Juliana Ceja’s mom, Betty Ceja, said she wanted to march in the parade to bring visibility to the school. She said she remembers looking for schools for her daughter and having a hard time finding one.

Piper’s mom, Frances McGah, said she wants her daughter to see that we support each other and are a team.

“I’m very proud to send my kids to Holy Family,” Frances McGah said. “It definitely provides a strong foundation for learning. They come home happy, loved, and I know that they are in a safe environment when they are in the classroom. It makes me proud to say Holy Family because I know it is a school that is going to get them ready for life.” C

HOLY FAMILY WAS ONE OF THREE DIOCESAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ANNUAL CITY OF ORANGE CHAM BER OF COMMERCE’S SPRINGTIME PARADE HELD ON MAY 4. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

PARADE GOERS DRESSED AS CHARACTERS FROM THE “STAR WARS” FRANCHISE AT THE ANNUAL CITY OF ORANGE CHAM BER OF COMMERCE’S SPRINGTIME PARADE HELD ON MAY 4.

A DAY OF SUNSHINE

BEHIND THE SCENES OF THIS YEAR’S “DAY OF SHARING”

BY RON KUZLIK

THE ORANGE COUNTY Chapter of the Knights of Columbus held this year’s “Day of Sharing” event — a fun carnival-like atmosphere for kids and adults with developmental disabilities — on the campus of the Speech and Language Development Center in Buena Park.

It was originally called “Weekend of Love,” a two-day event founded by the late Frank Nigro, former chapter president.

Last month’s event — now in its 44th year — featured a fun day of carnival games, train rides and various food booths — including the perennial favorites, popcorn and snow cone machines.

The Day of Sharing event was cochaired by brother Knights Glen Howard and Ron Klucsar.

Months of planning and coordination go into making this event a success. Without the combined efforts of nearly 200 Knights, family members, friends and other volunteers representing 36 Knights of Columbus Councils and one 4th Degree Assembly in the Diocese of Orange, the day would not be possible.

A total of 985 “man-hours” were expended to pull off this year’s event. That included planning meetings, phone calls, registration (mailing, emailing and wristbands registration) with over 833 “manhours” devoted to set up, clean up and take down.

According to Knights of Columbus Orange County Chapter President Vince Vasquez, there were a variety of games for all interests and skill levels.

“All of the games are designed with our guests’ special needs in mind,” he said. “We have everything from a game where kids

throw whiffle balls into a box with tic-tac-toe patterns, to basketball hoops and a putting green.”

He continued: “We have a DJ playing music and about 25 brother Knights preparing and serving over 500 hamburgers and 180 hot dogs throughout the day.”

There’s even a photo booth donated by one of the local councils and a guy making balloon animals.

“One of my fondest memories is when a non-vocal gentleman came up to the game booth I was working at during the first Day of Sharing I attended,” recalled Vasquez. “He played the game and got to pick whatever prize is on the table. He chose a big pair of sunglasses, put them on and smiled.”

He added: “This was the first time his face even moved. My brother Knight turned to me and said, ‘Wow! We just saw the face of Christ.’ I turned around and cried. I have not missed one Day of Sharing since and will continue to help and support this event.”

“Funding for the Day of Sharing was pro-

THE ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS’ ANNUAL “DAY OF SHARING” EVENT WAS HELD IN APRIL ON THE CAMPUS OF THE SPEECH AND LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT CENTER IN BUENA PARK. PHOTOS BY YUAN WANG/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

GUESTS OF THIS YEAR’S “DAY OF SHARING” EVENT ENJOYED CARNIVAL RIDES AND GAMES ON THE CAMPUS OF THE SPEECH AND LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT CENTER IN BUENA PARK.

CHAPEL DEDICATION

BY JOAN PATTEN, AO

“Today is the end of a long journey, and the beginning of another. It is the conclusion of the journey that brought our community from Alhambra to Santa Ana, to establish this convent and this chapel, from where Jesus in the Eucharist is longing to pour His love into many thirsting hearts, and from where He Himself longs to have His children quench His thirst for their love.”

THE LOCAL SUPERIOR of the Missionaries of Charity Contemplative branch greeted Bishop Kevin Vann and fifty others crowded in the small space with these words after the blessing of their new chapel in Santa Ana, on May 21.

The journey began in the summer of 2020. Although the COVID-19 pandemic limitations stunted most activities, a small team from the Diocese of Orange met outside with the Missionaries of Charity at their residence in Alhambra. The sisters expressed their desire to relocate from Alhambra into a neighborhood more suitable for their ministry of praying among the poor.

Bishop Vann, who personally met Mother Teresa during his graduate studies in Rome, gave the team his blessing for discerning the proposed relocation of the community. The sisters had several supporters in the Diocese who immediately began the search for suitable property. The specific needs of the contemplative sisters included a house that could accommodate up to six sisters and an appropriate space for an accessible chapel in a poor area (but not dangerous) within walking distance of a church, pharmacy, and grocery store. Generous real estate agents joined the team, and suitable property was found and secured by the end of 2020.

The Missionaries of Charity, with their unwavering faith in God’s Providence, embarked on the project with the support of the community. Construction began, and by May of 2021, the property was ready for the sisters to inhabit. A temporary chapel was set up in a small apartment on the property, and the sisters began their vital

previously. He thanked God for establishing this “house of prayer” in Santa Ana and marveled at how God brought the sisters into his life throughout his priesthood and various assignments leading up to their presence in Santa Ana.

The local superior of the Missionaries of Charity Contemplative branch (it is customary for the contemplative order to remain anonymous) concluded her expression of gratitude with Mother Teresa’s words: “Thank you for doing something beautiful for God and please pray for us, that we may be docile instrument in His hands and may never spoil His work.”

work of intercessory prayer for the Diocese and the world. They were warmly embraced and supported by their neighbors and the parishioners of the nearby Our Lady of Guadalupe (Delhi) Church.

In 2022, the sisters and their benefactors began planning to build a proper chapel, sacristy, parlor and restroom to accommodate their guests and ministry. Construction for this phase of the project started in

January 2024 and was completed in May 2024. The chapel is open for adoration on most days throughout the week. More information about the Missionaries of Charity can be obtained from the Office of Consecrated Life for the Diocese of Orange at rcbo.org/ocvocations.

In his homily during the blessing of the new chapel, Bishop Vann recalled the joy of dedicating Christ Cathedral five years

ON MAY 21, BISHOP KEVIN VANN BLESSED A NEW CHAPEL IN SANTA ANA RUN BY THE MISSIONARIES OF CHARITY CONTEMPLATIVE BRANCH. PHOTO BY KIERNAN COLIFLORES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

vided by donation drives held by individual councils, pulpit announcements at Mass, restaurant fundraising and Tootsie Roll drives, according to Klucsar.

Over 1,000 stuffed animals were on hand for game prizes, along with 500 Angels baseball hats and other small trinkets that were donated for the event.

“This year’s event was a success due to our chapter president, Vince Vasquez, committee leads and all our brother Knights working together to bring a day of sunshine, fun and smiling faces to our special guests,” added Klucsar. For more information of the Orange County Chapter of the Knights of Columbus, visit https://ockc.net/ C

Priesthood Ordination

We’re thrilled to share that on June 8, the Diocese of Orange will welcome 2 new priests. rcbo.org/priesthood

Rev. Mr. Cole Buzon Assignment: San Francisco Solano

GUESTS ENJOY A CARNIVAL RIDE AT THE 44TH ANNUAL “DAY OF SHARING” EVENT HOSTED BY THE ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS.

EVERY YEAR THE ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HOSTS A CARNIVAL FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. PHOTOS BY YUAN WANG/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

Diocese of Orange

OC Catholic Afar

St. Martin de Porres (Yorba Linda) parishioners Audrey Vargas, Lisa Sherg, Cris Cordova, Mary Rubio and Elena Zuniga brought along a copy of OC Catholic when they visited Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina. There have been reported (yet unconfirmed) apparitions of the Virgin Mary in this small village since 1981.

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.