OC CATHOLIC - JUNE 16, 2024

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JUNE

16, 2024

CONTENTS

GIVING THANKS TO DAD

Fr. Damien Giap, O. Praem, gives special thanks for his father’s guidance and support.

LEADERSHIP IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

JSerra senior Ella Ortiz is recognized for embodying the school’s core values.

A FATHER’S LOVE

Father’s Day brings an opportunity to express gratitude for the guiding figures who shaped us.

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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SCNG CUSTOM CONTENT

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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

FESTAL DOORS

Donor: The John and Lucy Curci Family. The festal doors, also known as the bishop’s doors, are two 7,000-pound blackened steel doors that dramatically pivot open during special occasions. Christ Cathedral’s doors feature a bronze bas relief by the sculptor Pablo Eduardo that depicts the story of creation, with images of Adam and Eve.

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

“ Whenever anyone is left behind, the human family cannot move forward.” — Pope Francis

SAINT PROFILE

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY

1 KGS 21:1-16; PS 5:2-3AB, 4B-6A, 6B-7; MT 5:38-42

TUESDAY

1 KGS 21:17-29; PS 51:3-4, 5-6AB, 11 AND 16; MT 5:43-48

WEDNESDAY

2 KGS 2:1, 6-14; PS 31:20, 21, 24; MT 6:1-6, 16-18

THURSDAY

SIR 48:1-14; PS 97:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7; MT 6:7-15

LUTGARDIS 1182-1246

BORN IN BELGIUM, LUTGARDIS was boarded with Benedictine nuns at age 12 when her father lost her dowry. After Christ appeared to her, showing his wounds, she renounced the world to become a nun and later sought a more austere life with Cistercians at Aywieres. She viewed the loss of her eyesight in 1235 as another form of detachment from the world. Known in her own time as a great spiritual counsellor and healer, Lutgardis is considered among the great medieval women mystics. C

FRIDAY

2 KGS 11:1-4, 9-18, 20; PS 132:11, 12, 13-14, 17-18; MT 6:1923

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

SATURDAY

2 CHR 24:17-25; PS 89:4-5, 29-30, 31-32, 33-34; MT 6:24-34

SUNDAY

JB 38:1, 8-11; PS 107:2324, 25-26, 28-29, 30-31; 2 COR 5:14-17; MK 4:3541

PHOTO BY THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

GIVING THANKS TO DAD

IN CELEBRATION OF FATHER’S DAY, FR. DAMIEN GIAP OPENS UP ABOUT HOW HIS OWN DAD PLAYED A ROLE IN HIS JOURNEY TO THE PRIESTHOOD

BY MIKE VULPO

GROWING UP IN ORANGE

County, Fr. Damien Giap, O. Praem, remembers spending many Sunday mornings at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church in Cypress with his father, Phan Giap.

“He would take us to Mass and confession, even though we were rather reluctant in going as little children,” said Fr. Damien, who serves as rector of St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Costa Mesa. “He was very diligent and at times he had to be firm in making sure that we fulfilled our Sunday obligation and frequented the sacraments, especially confession, in order to be prepared for the Holy Eucharist.”

At the same time, Fr. Damien said his dad didn’t want to push his own faith onto his children too hard. Some weekends were simply too busy to attend Mass. And instead of going to private Catholic schools, Fr. Damien grew up learning in the local public classrooms.

“We were poor, and my parents were pretty focused on work,” he shared when recalling his upbringing. “At the same time, there was enough Catholicity instilled in me to know that when things were difficult, I had the opportunity to journey back to the Father, which is our Lord in church.”

While Fr. Damien said he never abandoned his faith, he developed a whole new appreciation for Catholicism in his early 20s when he was in dental school. While hard at work studying, he thought about joining the seminary at St. Michael's Abbey in Silverado. The calling is something that initially caught his father by surprise. “My dad had a little bit of trepidation,”

Fr. Damien said. “I think my parents were concerned that if I were to leave dental school and if the seminary didn’t work out, then I would be sort of left in no man's land.”

While his dad was “slightly concerned,” Fr. Damien answered the call at the age of 25, dropped out of dental school and eventually received his father’s full support.

“The fear and the concerns in the beginning all went away with time,” he said. “That’s a good lesson for all of us to have faith in God.”

Ordained in 2007, Fr. Damien has inspired Catholics with his spiritual advice, nonstop energy and ability to connect with young people. Before working at St. John the Baptist, he impacted the lives of hundreds of students as the former chaplain at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano.

Through his work and ministry, Fr. Damien has seen the positive impact present and active fathers can have on their kids’ life.

“I think society is trying to muddy or make it really ambiguous as to what the role of the male is,” he shared. “I always think of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.”

While Joseph may rank third when it comes to the hierarchy of holiness, he's still the head of the Holy Family, according to Fr. Damien.

“I think the idea that St. Joseph is a good model because of the fact that he didn't need to say a whole lot,” he continued. “No words were recorded of him in Scripture and yet, he led through his fortitude and courage and leading the Holy Family out of Egypt and so forth. I would say that the man's role is defined in terms of being courageous and a spiritual leader.”

Fr. Damien was honored to preside over his father’s funeral in May of 2015. He also presided over his mother’s funeral Mass in 2022. Before that, Phan was able to witness his son carry out God’s calling by attending several of his Masses.

“He’d be proud of me for being a good shepherd,” Fr. Damien said. “My dad would recognize that decision I made over 27 years ago to join the seminary.” “He would want to

FR. DAMIEN

Attention summer travelers! Send us your “OC Catholic Abroad” photo!

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SUMMER BREAK FOR ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC

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The print edition will return weekly starting August 4. In the meantime, go to occatholic.com for important news and updates from the Diocese of Orange and stories of faith and community.

The Sunday OC Catholic newspaper is a FREE addition available to all Sunday Orange County Register print subscribers and is also available at parishes across Orange County, thanks to the Diocese of Orange and valued OC Catholic advertisers.

tell me now that he's in eternity. He’s in the bosom of the Father. Perfect happiness is to come while life on this earth is not going to be ideal at all times. He would say, ‘persevere.’”

Fr. Damien had his own message to other dads who question how much influence they can have on their children’s faith. Citing scripture, Fr. Damien believes history is full of examples where men become priests, bishops or good missionaries in their communities and made a positive difference.

“Oftentimes, we see the mom take Johnny or Jane to church and the guy’s at home watching football,” he joked. “Dad doesn't go

in and stays in the parking lot. Catholic men should be reminded they're supposed to be the spiritual leader in the family. The husband and the wife are both very important. Both vocations are exalted, but it’s different. The role of St. Joseph is very important. It's worth it to spread the faith.” C

FR. DAMIEN GIAP GIVES HIS FATHER COMMUNION DURING HIS 2007 ORDINATION MASS. PHOTO COURTESY OF FR. DAMIEN GIAP

CELEBRATING THE POWER OF DAD

IN HONOR OF FATHER’S DAY, SIX DADS ARE RECOGNIZED FOR BRINGING FAITH, FUN AND LOVE INTO THEIR CHILDRENS’ LIVES

BY MIKE VULPO

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE the positive influence a father can have on his child’s faith.

Just ask Pope Francis, who previously spoke out about how dads can play an irreplaceable role in family life.

“Fathers are so necessary as examples and guides for our children in wisdom and virtue,” he said. “Without father figures, young people often feel orphaned; left adrift at a critical moment in their growth and development.”

In honor of Father’s Day, OC Catholic wanted to celebrate dads making a difference in a child’s relationship with God. To do so, we asked children of all ages to pen notes of appreciation to their own father figures. Allow their personal letters to uplift and inspire this holiday weekend.

TO OUR DAD AND MISSION BASILICA PARISHIONER KEVIN MUÑOZ,

We are so grateful that you are our dad. We love you because you are nice, you teach us fun facts and you make the best breakfast. Thank you for all you do for us every day, for working hard so we can go to a Catholic school and learn about God and how much he loves us. Without you, our family would not be complete. We hope we can make more memories together!

Your kids, Arianna and Thiago Muñoz

TO MY DAD AND SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL PRESIDENT ANDY SULICK,

Without you dad, I would not have the most authentic, true example of faith. I have watched you at Mass for over 20 years, and I know how you love to spend an hour with God and our community every week. It is a time when you can refocus and become grounded for the week ahead. Each Sunday we spent sitting in a St. Edward's pew together was special because you set an example of reverence, interest and care in the order of the Mass. As Santa Margarita Catholic High School alumni, we know a lot about our school's charism, Caritas Christi, which means "the Love of Christ." You have shown me Christ's love each day just by being yourself. Your faith inspires me daily, and I am so proud to have such an incredible example of God's love as my dad!

Your daughter, McKenna Sulick

KEVIN MUÑOZ ENJOYS A BEACH DAY WITH HIS CHILDREN ARIANNA AND THIAGO MUÑOZ. PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER MUÑOZ

MCKENNA SULICK CELEBRATES HER GRADUATION FROM CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY WITH HER DAD, ANDY SULICK. PHOTO BY MIKE VULPO/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

TO MY DAD AND HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH

PARISHIONER SCOTT

ALMQUIST,

I'm so grateful that you raised me in the Catholic Church and have always made religion the number one priority in our family. Your unwavering faith and profound dedication to Catholicism have served as a beacon of inspiration for me, Haley and Lindsey. Anywhere we live, the Catholic Church always feels like home because of you. We are so lucky to have such an amazing role model in our faith journeys.

Your daughter, Ashley Almquist

TO OUR DAD AND LA PURÍSIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH

PARISHIONER GREG DE PERIO,

Thank you for everything you do for the family. Your unconditional love, support and dedication have shaped our lives in more ways than we can count. Thank you for always going above and beyond to ensure we have everything we need. Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, and we deeply appreciate all the effort you put into making our lives better. Your commitment to the family’s well-being is truly inspiring, an example for all fathers to follow. Thank you for being a pillar of faith in our lives. Your steadfast devotion to our Catholic faith has provided a strong foundation for us all. Your guidance to lead with kindness and generosity is a living example of what we strive to be at all times. You are the world to us and we cherish your love not only on Father’s Day, but each day of our lives.

Your daughters, Celine and Kylie De Perio

TO MY DAD AND SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO YOUTH MINISTRY COORDINATOR

MATT FRANKLIN,

Thanks for always being goofy, funny and making awkward moments not very awkward anymore. You make youth group fun and because of you, I will continue my relationship with God and one day raise my kids in the Catholic church. I’m

also grateful for our Friday nights together. As a family, we pray, enjoy dinner, watch a movie or do something together with my six siblings. It’s always lit.

Your son, Joel Franklin

TO MY DAD AND ST. KILIAN PARISHIONER TIM BUSCH,

I want to express my deepest gratitude for the invaluable gifts you've given me. Your unwavering commitment to our Catholic faith has been a guiding light in my life. Thank you for instilling in me the importance of our spiritual heritage and for investing in a Catholic education that has shaped the person I am today, and many others who have been educated through St. Anne’s, JSerra High School and the Catholic University of America. Your courage to incorporate faith into our business practices and interactions with team members has not only set a strong ethical foundation for our company but has also inspired me to lead with integrity and compassion. Your example has taught me that our beliefs are not just a part of our personal lives but can be a powerful force for good in our professional world as well.

Your son, Garrett Busch C

GREG DE PERIO POSES FOR A PHOTO WITH HIS FAMILY INCLUDING DAUGHTERS CELINE AND KYLIE DE PERIO. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DE PERIO FAMILY

GARRETT BUSCH POSES FOR A PHOTO WITH HIS FATHER TIM BUSCH. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BUSCH FAMILY

MATT FRANKLIN SUPPORTS HIS SON JOEL’S EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. PHOTO BY MIKE VULPO/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

TAKING IT TO THE MAT

PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF FOR MATER DEI’S SAMANTHA ARCE

BY CAM KAUFFMAN

EVERYONE HAS A hurdle in life — something so difficult it can seem impossible to overcome.

Samantha Arce, a senior at Mater Dei, had lost to another wrestler, Berlyn Davis, every time on the way to their final state tournament. Indeed, over the past two seasons, Davis had kept her out of multiple tournament championship rounds. Moreover, she had never been able even to get a takedown one time. Not once.

Samantha could’ve given up. Instead, she took it as the ultimate motivation –on the way to a key victory in this year’s state quarterfinals, a win that stamped her as one of the nation’s top wrestlers.

“I think that’s what kept me humble and didn’t allow me to kind of get egotistical and think I didn’t need to work as hard,” Samantha said. “I still had to fight in order to get to where I needed to be.”

To say that Samantha Arce is a good wrestler is an understatement — but she wasn’t always the best, and to understand how she managed to get there by the end of her senior year, the story starts way before then.

Samantha’s story centers on her work ethic, her mother’s sacrifices and the support of her high school.

Mater Dei is one of the best high schools in California for both academics and athletics. It’s why Samantha’s mom, Serene Guillot, always wanted to send her there.

When Samantha was a toddler, her father died in a car accident. Suddenly, Guillot had to take on the emotional, authoritative and financial aspects of being sole parent to Samantha and her three older brothers.

“It’s really hard because you have to

be the disciplinary parent and you have to be the loving mom all wrapped into one,” Guillot said.

Serene, a school resource officer, frequently works long hours and often picks up overtime shifts.

“She works hard for me to go here, and that’s something that I’ll be grateful for the rest of my life,” Samantha said.

Samantha, however, didn’t always grow up being as dominant and confident in her skills as she is now. In fact, she didn’t always grow up loving wrestling like she does now, either.

Each of her older brothers wrestled, so Samantha grew up watching them compete at club tournaments and at high school matches.

“This is scary, I’m never doing this,” Samantha recalled thinking at the time.

Her fear of the sport, however, didn’t stop her from jokingly criticizing her older brothers if they lost a match.

“‘Well, why don’t you do it then if you think you’re so good,’” her mom recalled one of Samantha’s brothers saying to her.

So, in fifth grade, Samantha decided to take her brother up on his bet.

She lost every single match her first year, quickly realizing wrestling was a lot harder than it looked.

“She would run off the mats crying,” Serene said, adding that her daughter had basically no confidence in herself after that year. “She did not want to do it anymore.”

But Guillot saw something in Samantha. So, mother kept taking daughter with her to the gym and bought mats for practice at home. Eventually, the 11-year-old built up the confidence to give the sport another try the next year.

This time around, she won nearly every tournament she was in.

“It was like a totally different person,” Guillot said.

Since then, Samantha hasn’t really looked back.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 11

MATER DEI’S SAMANTHA ARCE IS ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S TOP RANKED HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLERS. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MATER DEI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

BEHIND THE SCENES

APPLAUDING ST. BONAVENTURE’S TECH CREW

BY LOU PONSI

THE RECENT STAGE production

of “Peter Pan” presented by the drama club at St. Bonaventure Catholic School (SBS) in Huntington Beach featured as much artistry behind the scenes as on the stage.

Credit goes to the skilled and enthusiastic SBS Tech Crew, the group of students responsible for the lighting, sound and special effects, all coming together to create a masterful theatrical offering.

Not only did the contributions of the tech crew result in a better entertainment experience for the audience, but the skills learned by the students can result in more opportunities for students interested in theater production, who would rather take on roles behind the scenes.

“Since I was like knee-high, I've always wanted to produce a movie,” said fourth grader Andrew Callas, a member of the tech crew. “I thought, it's not only the actors that are in this. It is also the tech crew themselves.”

After Callas began to master the movie editing app, iMovie, his father suggested he look into the role of a video director and stage manager.

For “Peter Pan,” Callas received a primer on using video editing equipment and just figured things out for himself from there.

“And because of the experience this year, I definitely will join it next year as well,” he said.

St. Bonaventure teacher Heather Swienton oversees the drama club, which she started eight years ago with just a handful of students.

Between the performers, tech crew and other behind the scenes participants, the club has grown to the point where stage shows become school-wide productions.

“It was always my dream to have a drama club,” said Swienton, who participated in theater production in college and started a drama club at another school before coming to St. Bonaventure.

“I think it is amazing because she has really embraced our students’ interest,” said Vanessa Frei, St. Bonaventure director of marketing and enrollment.

Third grader Demi Boukis was in charge of the music and sound effects for “Peter Pan” and was responsible for inserting the proper sound effect at just the right time.

For example, the character Tinker Bell, who is a fairy, didn’t speak because fairies’ voices are too tiny to be heard by humans.

So Boukis had to use bell sound effect to let the audience know Tinker Bell was speaking.

“It was really awesome seeing everything come together from start to finish,” the third grader said.

Tech crew member Grumman Peratt was responsible for muting, which involved adjusting the tone and volume of sounds and voices.

Peratt gained experience in muting from streaming Sunday Masses from St. Bonaventure during the coronavirus pandemic, when many parishioners couldn’t attend Mass in person.

“When I first wanted to start doing tech, my mom wanted me to do something for the church to help,” Peratt said. “She wanted me to join the children's choir, but I didn't

really like that. They got me more in the sound, and then I started helping with tech for church.”

Seventh grader Benjamin Tadros manned the console, which involved adjusting the performers’ microphones.

“I would always make sure the music's not too loud, not too quiet and make sure like everyone's mic is working,” Tadros said.

The tech team coordinator is Peter Benjamins, grandfather of a St. Bonaventure student, who spent his career working with sound and lighting equipment in the entertainment industry.

Benjamins would like to grow the program and use potential grant funding from the Diocese of Orange to build a media studio.

“So, the idea is to create, to enable them to create maybe social media or media that tells our story,” Benjamins said. “We’re a faith-based organization. So, this is our big vision.”

Callas produced a video highlighting the

tech crew, which was shown to the audiences who packed the parish hall to see “Peter Pan” over two weekends in May.

The video was shown to the audience who packed into the parish hall prior to the start of the play.

“They are the architects of illusion, the technical wizards and crafty ghosts who shape our stories from behind the curtains. Without them, the stage is bare, a story untold. Without them, the magic is gone.” C

ANDREW CALLAS, A MEMBER OF ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC SCHOOL’S TECH CREW, DISPLAYS HIS BEHIND-THE-SCENES SKILLS DURING A RECENT PRODUCTION OF “PETER PAN.” PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL

ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER HEATHER SWIENTON OVERSEES THE SCHOOL’S DRAMA CLUB.

MR. BENJAMINS, BENJAMIN TADROS AND DEMI BOUKIS ARE HARD AT WORK DURING A RECENT PRODUCTION OF “PETER PAN” AT ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC SCHOOL.

TECH CREW MEMBER GRUMMAN PERATT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR MUTING, WHICH INVOLVED ADJUSTING THE TONE AND VOLUME OF SOUNDS AND VOICES, DURING A RECENT SCHOOL PERFORMANCE OF “PETER PAN.”

Samantha qualified for state as a sophomore in her first chance to do so (COVID cut into her freshman year, so there was no state tournament). Although she lost in the first round, she got a taste of what it

FEATURE

was like on the biggest stage and knew she wanted to get back there, to be better.

As a junior, Samantha made it as far as the quarterfinals, eventually taking home fourth place.

Again, she fell just short of where she wanted to be.

Going into her senior year, she knew it was her last chance to accomplish her longtime goal of becoming a state champion and putting Mater Dei girl’s wrestling on the map.

When, as a freshman, Samantha first started wrestling for Monarch head coach Luis Renteria, he said she didn’t like shooting. That’s a maneuver in which a wrestler attacks an opponent’s legs to knock them down to the mat.

The key to winning, though, would be shooting.

This was what drove Samantha –though she had been beaten every time before, she and Renteria knew, they just knew, they had identified the key to victory.

“It bothered me so much,” she said. “It gave me more motivation to work harder in practice and do whatever I needed to do

outside of practice as well to keep doing better so I could beat this girl when it really mattered.”

When it mattered turned out to be in the quarterfinals at this year’s state tournament in February.

With, again, everything on the line for both Samantha and her long-time rival Berlyn Davis.

“That was kind of like all or nothing for me,” Samantha said. “If I’m going to beat her, it’s going to be now.”

Before the match, Renteria said he knew Samantha would win.

Let the shooting begin.

Samantha attacked her opponent’s legs, taking her down for the first time ever.

She won the match 8-0.

It wasn’t even close.

“It was kind of like slow motion for me,” Samantha said of the win.

Samantha would go on to the state finals, the first-ever Monarch to do so.

There she would come up just one win short of the CIF state title.

The quarterfinal victory nonetheless had marked Samantha as one of the best wrestlers in the country. She’s now ranked No. 2 in California and No. 5 nationally after her fifth-place finish at the National High School Coaches Association national tournament, earning herself All-American status.

Samantha’s work ethic, maturity and attitude have brought her to where she is today, and Renteria said they will serve her well in her next chapter.

“She was one of the hardest workers in the room,” Renteria said. “I think she out-worked most of her boy teammates every day.”

Samantha is set to attend McKendree University in Illinois next fall on a Division I wrestling scholarship while also participating in the school’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program.

“Everything that happened throughout my four years here,” she said, “was definitely necessary in order to be a better person and wrestler.” C

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LEADERSHIP IN ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

SPOTLIGHT ON: ELLA ORTIZ, JSERRA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

BY MIKE ZINN

THROUGHOUT HER HIGH school journey at JSerra Catholic High School, senior Ella Ortiz has excelled academically and embraced three core values that outline the school's aspirations for all students: Faith, Intellect and Character have been guiding principles for Ella, shaping her into the well-rounded individual she is today. These values have shown her growth since freshman year, reflecting her maturity and readiness for higher education.

The school’s principal, Eric Stroupe, has witnessed Ortiz's faith and academic journey while at JSerra. Stroupe commends Ortiz for her dedication to her studies, her mature faith, her social awareness and her compassionate nature - all of which have contributed to her success.

Ortiz’s favorite subjects include English, Business, Theology and Dance. She is also involved in the Business Magnet program. She admitted to having some challenges with Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors in her sophomore year. This tested Ortiz, but with the help of her teacher, Mrs. Kathy Lee, she came to excel in these subjects.

Ortiz has been actively involved in the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) program at JSerra. This pro-

ing Ortiz at a Kairos retreat, where the then-junior was a retreat leader.

“She is incredibly cordial and polite,” said White. “She is a unique, gifted and faithful young woman. When she gave her testimony at the retreat, she had the eloquence and courage to make this testimony impactful to her peers.”

Ortiz has been admitted to the University of Notre Dame on a full-ride scholarship and has gained admission to the inaugural cohort of the Business Honor program. When asked why she chose Notre Dame to continue her education, Ortiz said, “It is perfect for me. It is the best Catholic university for faith formation and academics.”

While at Notre Dame, Ortiz would like to explore on-campus faith programs, continue with dance programs and possibly be a campus tour guide for incoming students.

Role models have played an important role in Ortiz’s life. She calls her maternal grandmother her academic role model.

“She taught me to read and speak Spanish,” said Ortiz.

She also points to St. Therese of Lisieux.

“She joyfully dedicated everything to God, which I also strive to do.”

Ortiz is proud of her many accomplishments at JSerra.

gram sets up competitions against other high schools, similar to the “mock trial” program, but with a business emphasis. For her junior year, Ortiz placed in the top 10 in California for the Entrepreneurship Individual Series event at the state competition. She qualified for the International Career Development Conference competition in Orlando, Florida, and was also placed in the top 10 there. This year, Ortiz is president of the JSerra chapter of DECA. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, Cali-

fornia Scholarship Federation and Mu Alpha Math Honors Society. Ortiz tutors other JSerra students through these honor societies and completes community service. She also uses her tutoring skills to help her brother, a freshman at JSerra. Ortiz has also participated actively in the Pep Squad, Dance Team and an advanced dance company. Ortiz’s interactions with fellow students and teachers have not gone unnoticed. Mrs. Anna White, chair of the Theology department, recalls meet-

“Strengthening my faith and involvement in the Business Magnet program is at the top of my list,” she said. “Being part of the Business Magnet Leadership Team allowed me to speak at and organize events.”

Ella Ortiz is a great example of the virtues of a strong Catholic education. She calls her Catholic education “an opportunity to make faith the center of my life.”

A strong faith, supportive family, great work ethic and a strong academic base make Ortiz a great addition to Notre Dame and beyond.

If you would like to nominate a student to be featured in our Leadership in Orange County Catholic Schools series, email mike.d.zinn@gmail.com C

RECENT JSERRA GRADUATE ELLA ORTIZ PLANS TO ATTEND THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME IN THE FALL. PHOTO COURTESY OF JSERRA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

A FATHER’S LOVE

AT TIMES WHEN observing the face of a father initially embracing his first-born child, it is possible to notice an expression of awe and wonderment as he looks at this precious and unique individual.

Perhaps he is imagining what the baby will grow up to be, or maybe trying to decide which parent or other family member s/he resembles. Above all, his heart is filled with the tender and protective love of a parent who will do everything possible to safeguard this child, even to giving his life, if the need arises. The passing years are measured not so much by the calendar but by the enchantment of the baby’s first words, first teeth, first steps, first day in preschool and the countless other “firsts” that come along. By the time the child reaches adolescence, perhaps some of the charm is wearing thin, especially if s/he goes through the rebellious teen years, but even then, the father’s love does not dissipate.

Today, as we celebrate Father’s Day, I invite you to consider the Father par excellence - God our heavenly Father. St. Paul refers to the Father when writing to the Ephesians “… I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named….” (Eph. 3:14)

The importance of a father or father figure in all aspects of a child’s development cannot be stressed enough. Those who have been blessed by a good relationship with a loving father generally have an easier time believing in and experiencing the love of God our Father, while those who have not, may struggle more to differentiate between their own fathers who have failed them, and God our Father who is infinitely good and loving. However, God will not abandon any of his children, even those

abandoned by their own fathers, and is always ready to help us enter a relationship with Him when we desire and are open to it.

In the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament, we are told: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion…”

(Ps. 103:13)

When Jesus taught us the Our Father prayer (Mt. 6:9–13) the Aramaic word he used for Father was “Abba,” a word denoting an intimate, loving and personal relationship.

“See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are.” (1 Jn. 3:1)

This is the relationship He is inviting each of us to enter, and we can learn from the example of Jesus, our older brother, how to live as loving children of God our Father.

To all our earthly fathers, “Happy Father’s Day,” and let’s remember to wish our “Abba,” our heavenly Father, a very Happy Father’s Day as well. C

For Your Family:

 Do something special for your father, grandfather or someone who has been like a father to you.

 Write a letter to your father/father figure, telling him how he has touched your life.

 Share stories about your father/father figure and share photos.

BY SR. DIANE HEISS, SDSH

PHOTO BY LIANE METZLER ON UNSPLASH

CASS REPORT ON “GENDER AFFIRMING” CARE FOR YOUTH

RESULTS IN MAJOR POLICY SHIFTS IN MULTIPLE COUNTRIES

BY GREG HARDESTY

AN EXHAUSTIVE AND independent study evaluating clinical care for dysphoric youth was published in April 2024 in England. The 388 page Cass Report is critical of “gender affirming care” (GAC) the highly medicalized approach to treating minors who feel that their biological sex and gender identity do not match. It has been heralded as the most important study in the history of youth gender medicine in the last decade. The report, commissioned by the British National Health Service, was led by the well regarded former president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Dr. Hilary Cass and took four years to complete. It relied on a comprehensive collection of sources, evaluation of research and clinical recommendations in developing its findings and found “remarkably weak evidence” supporting the standard use of puberty blockers or surgical interventions for children with dysphoria.

Although acknowledging that “gender dysphoria” or “gender discordance” can cause great feelings of distress and lead to serious mental health issues, including suicidal ideation, the Cass Report recommends that minors experiencing such feelings be treated the same way they are for other developmental struggles, instead of being prescribed puberty blockers or undergoing cross-sex hormone replacement therapy.

For most young people, a medical pathway may not be the best way to manage gender-related distress, the Cass Report concludes.

It further notes that having a trans or gender diverse identity is believed to be the result of a complex interplay between biological, psychological and social factors. But warns against a rush to

treatment that ignores the uniqueness of each case especially in the absence of substantial evidence-based research supporting medical interventions like puberty blockers or surgery.

For those young people for whom a medical pathway is determined to be clinically viable, wider mental health and/ or psychosocially challenging problems must be factored into the decision, the report stresses.

RIPPLE EFFECTS

Going forward, England will treat gender-dysphoric youth under 18 years of age using standard psychological and psychotherapeutic approaches, with very few young people receiving endocrine gender reassignment interventions.

And the Cass Report is expected to have ripple effects in how other countries treat minors experiencing gender dysphoria.

NHS England, NHS Scotland, Belgium and the Netherlands have already reversed direction on puberty blockers because of the Cass Report’s recommendations.

Its findings come as the U.S. medical establishment awaits the results of a systematic review currently underway by the American Academy of Pediatrics that is not expected to be published until the end of 2025.

EMPATHY AND COMPASSION

Katie Dawson, director of Parish Evangelization and Faith Formation for the Diocese of Orange, said Diocese leaders continue to pore over the Cass Report’s findings. Gender dysphoria, she noted, is an issue that requires an empathetic and compassionate approach to a distressed child and family. She said, “The Cass Report lends weight to the Church’s

concerns about the dangers of addressing dysphoria with permanent and irreversible treatments for minor children.”

FUNCTIONING AND THRIVING

The Cass Report said the current explosion of gender-dysphoric youth is the result of many factors, including the current mental health crisis affecting youth as well as the role of social media.

The report noted that a sharp rise in the number of gender dysphoric youth in the West has coincided with the introduction of puberty blockers into general medical practice.

And it determined that to achieve the ultimate goal of helping a child or young person to function and thrive, medical and mental health professionals need to provide them with tools and strategies to give them the best opportunity to do so.

PHOTO BY TIM MOSSHOLDER ON UNSPLASH

Moments in our Journey

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and father figures here with us today and those who are now with our Heavenly Father.

And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:18)

Bishop Kevin Vann (far left) is pictured (circa 1976) with his parents, Theresa and William Vann, and his siblings Dennis, Gerry, Les, David and Mary Therese.

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.

Ro me & As sisi

Jubilee 2025 Pilgrimage with

Bishop Timothy Freyer

June 23 - July 4, 2025

INCLUSIONS

Roundtrip airfare in economy

Accommodations (Double occupancy)

(Single= + $750)

• Rome (8N) / Assisi (2N)

• Centrally located

Meals:

• All breakfasts & dinners

- A special farewell dinner

• Three lunches

Guided Tours and Tickets

• Headsets provided

• All activity fees in itinerary

Transportation in Deluxe AC coach.

Dedicated Tour leader:

• 24/7 support from arrival to departure

Itinerary Highlights

June 23 - Depart LAX for Rome

June 24 - Golf cart tour of historic Rome: Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Navona Square, Roman Forum, Colosseum, Circus Maximus + more!

June 25 - Papal Audience, Vatican Museum tour & Sistine Chapel.

July 4 - Depart Rome for LAX $4500

June 26 - Ruins of Pompeii, Neapolitan Pizza lunch, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Pompeii

June 27 - Catacombs of Callixtus, Castel Gandolfo, scenic lunch

June 28 - Tour of St Peter’s Basilica with ascent to the Dome, Church of the Gesu, Church of St Philip Neri, gelato stop, Tiber Island

June 29 - Jubilee Mass, tour of the Colosseum & Roman Forum, Visit the Orange Gardens & Keyhole of Malta

June 30 - Eucharistic miracle of Bolsena, Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi

July 1 - Basilica of St. Francis, Basilica of St. Clare, Carlo Acutis

July 2 - Special lunch, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. Mary Major

July 3 - Free day to explore Rome! Farewell Mass and special dinner.

Join Bishop Timothy Freyer, Auxiliary Bishop, Diocese of Orange and Deacon Modesto Cordero, Director, Office for Worship on this historic and grace-filled pilgrimage.

Celebrate Mass in some of the most important places in the history of the Catholic Church while enjoying moments of fellowship, fun, and great food

Want to register?

Use the QR code below to register by July 1st, 2024 and we will send you a personal payment link. We look forward to serving you!