OC CATHOLIC - AUGUST 20, 2023

DIOCESAN RELIGIOUS CAN TEE UP FOR FREE AT THE 16TH ANNUAL MSGR. JOHN SAMMON MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING PAGE 6

ST. JOHN’S SEMINARY CAMARILLO, CALIFORNIA

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

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

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CONTENTS

7 10 12

GOOD DAY, YOUR MAJESTY

Our greatest queen never wore a crown or commanded armies, but rules in Heaven.

IMAGO DEI 20TH ANNIVERSARY

The 2003 Diaconate ordination class marked the milestone anniversary at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish last month.

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS REFLECTION

Fred LaPuzza, director of the Office of Restorative Justice for the Diocese of Orange, contemplates his relationship with the Eucharist.

ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC MISSION STATEMENT

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

ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC

The Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange

Diocese of Orange Pastoral Center, 13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove 92840

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

Executive Editor: Monsignor Stephen Doktorczyk

Editor: Patricia Mahoney, editor@occatholic.com

News Ideas: editor@occatholic.com

Delivery Problems: occatholicsupport@occatholic.com

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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.

Shepherding God’s Flock

ENJOY PHOTOS OF BISHOP KEVIN VANN LEADING WITH LOVE

Bishop Kevin Vann recently traveled to Mexico to celebrate a Thanksgiving Mass in honor of Fr. David Moreno’s recent ordination. Fr. David, who was born in Mexico, was ordained a priest on June 10 and has been assigned to serve at Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove. Photos courtesy of Bishop Vann

CONTINUES ON PAGE 17

The Diocese of Orange, through OC Catholic newspaper, presents local, national and world news about the Catholic Church. Our intention is to give our readers access to a variety of perspectives in order to help them to process the information within the framework of our Catholic faith, but also to better understand the perspectives of those with opposing viewpoints. We hope that ultimately our readers will be better equipped to have constructive conversations that further the growth of the Catholic Church.

ART ON CAMPUS

May Our Lady help us to convert to God’s plans

SAINT PROFILE

CATHEDRA & BEMA

Donors: L. Erma Jean and Thomas Tracy Family 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 “cathedra” (the bishop’s chair) comes from. The bema also accommodates other bishops, priests and deacons. Photo by Joshua Sudock/Diocese of Orange

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY RV 21:9B-14; PS 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18; JN 1:45-51

BERNARD

KNOWN AS BERNARD OF Clairvaux, this French abbot and doctor of the church is considered the second founder of the Cistercians. He entered the relatively new monastery at Citeaux in 1113 with four of his own brothers and 27 friends, and later founded the monastery at Clairvaux, which gave birth to 68 other communities. Despite poor health and his devotion to personal mortification, Bernard was an early Western European rock star: He was consulted by popes and kings, battled heresies, and supported the Second Crusade. The sick and maimed lined the roads he traveled, hoping for a miracle. Dante chose Bernard as his final guide in “Paradiso,” at the end of “The Divine Comedy.” He is the patron of Gibraltar.

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

FRIDAY RU 1:1, 3-6, 14B-16, 22; PS 146:5-6AB, 6C-7, 8-9A, 9BC-10; MT 22:34-40

SATURDAY RU 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17; PS

128:1B-2, 3, 4, 5; MT 23:1-12

SUNDAY IS 22:19-23; PS

138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8; ROM 11:33-36; MT 16:13-20

“

”

— Pope Francis

TEE TIME

DIOCESAN RELIGIOUS CAN TEE UP FOR FREE AT THE 16TH ANNUAL MSGR. JOHN SAMMON MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING

BY GREG HARDESTY

FR. BRANDON DANG TOOK up golf in the seminary in 2013, and he got hooked.

A few months later, however, he injured his back in a car accident and had to hang up his clubs as he recuperated.

As fate would have it, he was back to playing regularly in 2021 — just in time for the Serra Club of Orange County’s annual Msgr. John Sammon Memorial Golf Outing, which is free to priests, deacons, sisters and brothers.

He’s planning to play a third year on a team of four at this year’s 16th running of the event, on Sept. 18, at the Tustin Ranch Golf Club.

“Even if it means I’ll make a fool of myself,” said Fr. Brandon, “I’ll still participate. It’s a great time.”

He’s being modest.

Fr. Brandon, a priest in residence at San Francisco Solano Catholic Church in Rancho Santa Margarita, is a decent golfer.

And beyond the fun times, the annual golf tournament is close to his heart.

‘A GREAT TIME’

The Serra Club, established in 1935, is a global association of over 1,800 individuals in 46 countries that is dedicated to fostering vocations to the ministerial priesthood and religious life in the Roman Catholic Church.

Since 2019, in addition to his parish duties, Fr. Brandon has served as vocations director for the Diocese of Orange.

“It makes perfect sense that I would support this golf tournament,” he said.

Maureen Kosinski, a 54-year parishioner at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in

Tustin, would be happy to hear that.

She’s in charge of whipping up support for this year’s golf tournament, which over the years has lost some regulars due to old age and death.

Relative youngsters like Fr. Brandon, who went to high school in Aliso Viejo, are eager to fill the void.

“It’s a great time, especially when you play as part of a group,” he said.

SEEKING PARTICIPANTS

Fr. George Blais, senior priest at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church in Laguna Beach, has been a priest in Orange County for 33 years and is a big fan of the golf tournament, having participated in it more than a half-dozen times.

“It’s always been a great day of fun,” he said. “I always look forward to playing.”

Kosinski, an accomplished skier in her younger years, is praying that other priests, deacons and religious will sign up.

After all, the single-player fee of $186

is covered by the generosity of donors and members of the Serra Club of Orange County, which started the event as a thank you to those who run parishes in Orange County.

“This is our club’s biggest event of the year,” said Kosinski, who during her time at St. Cecilia’s has been involved in the pastoral council and has served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. She’s also been involved with bingo, Lenten supper and is a 28-year member of a Monday morning prayer group.

CHANGE OF VENUE

The namesake of the golf tournament, Msgr. John Sammon, was Orange County’s oldest priest and a chaplain to firefighters for more than 60 years when he died at age 90 in November 2006.

Msgr. Sammon was Kosinski’s pastor for several years when she and her family relocated to Orange County in the late

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SERRA CLUB MEMBERS DIANE SALINGER, LILY HANSON AND MAUREEN KOSINSKI GATHER FOLLOWING MORNING MASS ON AUG. 9 AT ST. CECILIA CATHOLIC CHURCH IN TUSTIN. PHOTO BY STEVE GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

MSGR. JOHN SAMMON WAS ORANGE COUNTY’S OLDEST PRIEST AND A CHAPLAIN TO FIREFIGHTERS FOR MORE THAN 60 YEARS WHEN HE DIED AT AGE 90 IN NOVEMBER 2006. PHOTO COURTESY OF FR. CHRISTPHER HEATH

1960s.

For the first few years, the tournament was held at Western Hills Country Club in Chino Hills. But after participants got tired of the long and windy drive on Carbon Canyon Road, Kosinski said, the event was moved to the more easily accessible Tustin Ranch Golf Club.

The $186 fee for the golf tournament – anyone is welcome to play – includes the greens fee, golf cart, a box lunch and dinner.

The format is four-person scramble, where players shoot from the closest ball to the tee. Awards are given to winning foursome, longest drive and closest to the pin.

Kosinski, who played golf for 17 years but doesn’t play regularly anymore, notes that a donation of $186 will sponsor a priest, deacon, brother or sister, and is tax deductible.

Fr. Dang says he plays golf nearly every week with three other regulars:

Fr. Duy Le, pastor of San Francisco Solano Catholic Church in Rancho Santa Margarita; Fr. Michael Nguyen, parochial administrator of Santa Clara de Asis Catholic Church in Yorba Linda; and Fr. Aristotle Quan, parochial vicar at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point.

As vocation director for the Diocese, Fr. Dang’s office sponsors each June a basketball game for priests and deacons.

But there’s something special about getting outside on the green, he said.

Fr. George agrees.

“It’s free, it’s a nice day out, it’s a nice dinner,” he said. “And it’s a great opportunity for us to meet with members of the Serra Club of Orange County, who are all such good people.”

To register for the 16th Annual Msgr. John Sammon Memorial Golf Outing, email Maureen Kosinski at maurenski@yahoo.com or call 714309-3206. C

GOOD DAY, YOUR MAJESTY

BY SR. DIANE HEISS, SDSH

LESS THAN A YEAR ago, Queen Elizabeth, the longest reigning British monarch, died on Sept. 8, 2022. A diversity of movies has portrayed her, and the media widely carried details of her death and funeral.

Many countries have been ruled by royalty, some good and others tyrannical. They have worn crowns; lived in castles with numerous servants; commanded armies; and shaped their countries’ foreign policies. Although we do not have a monarchy, there is another queen we can greet daily if we wish. She never wore a crown, lived in a castle, commanded servants or armies, hosted diplomatic events; but is the greatest and most virtuous and loving of all queens.

The Catholic Church celebrates the feast of the Queenship of Mary on Aug. 22, the octave of the feast of the Assumption of Mary on Aug. 15. As mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and King of the Universe, she deserves the title “Queen.”

In the Book of Revelation, we read that “A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Rev. 12:1), traditionally understood as referring to our Blessed Mother. Pope Pius Xll established this feast in 1954, four years after proclaiming the dogma of the Assumption of Mary.

When the angel Gabriel brought God’s invitation to Mary to become the mother of His Son, Jesus, she did not extol her virtues or justify why she should be the recipient of such a favor. In her humility she

responded, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Lk. 1:38) She has never used this role to call attention to herself, but always points to her son and asks us to “Do whatever He tells you.” (Jn. 2: 5-7)

As we pray the fourth decade of the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, the “Assumption of Mary, body and soul, into Heaven” we can consider her loving and joyful welcome into heaven by the Holy Trinity along with all the angels and saints. The final decade of the Glorious Mysteries is “The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.”

Imagine how Mary must have felt when welcomed home and embraced by her Son, Jesus, after His Ascension into Heaven. What must it have been like for her when crowned Queen? As Jesus was dying on the cross, he gave her to us as our mother, and each of us to her as her children. (Jn. 19: 26–27) Now at the Coronation of Mary, Jesus gives her to us as our Queen. Even though she is our queen, she is always our loving mother, and therefore knows and understands us and wants the absolute best for us - that we too would be at home with her and Jesus in Heaven. In the “Hail, Holy Queen” prayer originating around the 11th century, we address her not only as queen but also as “Mother of Mercy.”

We can depend on her mercy, especially as we conclude each “Hail Mary” with the words “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.”

WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS:

■ Slowly and reflectively pray the “Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary” by Pope Francis on March 25, 2022. (https://www.usccb.org/prayers/act-consecration-immaculate-heart-mary-russia-and-ukraine)

■ Read the following excerpt from the above prayer and share ideas of how

you can be peacemakers in your home, neighborhood, school and workplace.

“Queen of Heaven, restore God’s peace to the world. Queen of the Rosary, make us realize our need to pray and to love. Queen of the Human Family, show people the path of fraternity. Queen of Peace, obtain peace for our world.”

■ Pray the 4th and 5th decades of the Glorious Mysteries together.

■ On Aug. 22, decorate a cake or cookies with a crown, pray the “Hail Holy Queen” and then enjoy.

■ Choose online crafts with the theme of the Queenship of Mary for your children.

■ Help your children make crowns to wear in honor of Mary, our Queen and our mother.

PHOTO BY MATEUS CAMPOS FELIPE

SPENDING TIME WITH CHRIST

ST. THOMAS MORE HOSTS CAMPOUT

WITH THE EUCHARIST

BY LOU PONSI

OVER THE PAST SEVERAL months, St. Thomas More parish in Irvine has hosted a series of events designed to bring parishioners closer to our Lord –and the Eucharist.

The St. Thomas More Campout with the Eucharist which was held on Aug. 11 and 12 was the arguably parish’s most ambitious undertaking to date.

Beginning with prayer and dinner on Friday evening and culminating with Mass and breakfast the following morning, the campout featured three presentations, each focusing on a different aspect of the Eucharist as the central part of Catholicism.

It was a time to pray and reflect in the presence of Jesus Christ.

Several hundred parishioners and community members turned out, many who slept in tents pitched on the church’s expansive grass field.

Attendees also had the option to participate for a few hours without camping.

Tara Reynaud, the parish’s Adult Faith Formation director, was one of the campout’s main organizers, along with Fr. Eugene Lee, the parish’s pastor, and other church leaders.

“We are trying to expose our parishioners to things that will excite them and bring them closer to Christ,” Reynaud said. “That’s all we can do. Fr. Eugene Lee and I have talked about doing things that sort of energize the community. That is

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THE ST. THOMAS MORE CAMPOUT WITH THE EUCHARIST WAS HELD ON AUG. 11 AND 12 IN IRVINE. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

FR. EUGENE LEE GIVES A PRESENTATION DURING THE ST. THOMAS MORE CAMPOUT WITH THE EUCHARIST HELD ON AUG. 11 AND 12.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

our strategy, which is to get people fired up about the Eucharist and the Holy Spirit.”

Using sacred accoutrements such as a ciborium and a corporal, Fr. Lee demonstrated and explained the Liturgy of the Eucharist in great detail, focusing on the extreme care taken in handling the host and reasons behind every action in the process.

“We are being careful with every piece of the Body of Christ,” the pastor said. “And so I want to show them what I do and why, and just give them a little bit of explanation because they see me doing it all the time at Mass, but I don’t know if they really understand what exactly I am doing at that particular point.”

Parishioner Paula Hines, who attended the campout with her husband Richard, said the presentation was “eye opening.”

“Growing up, I’ve seen that,” said Hines, a lifelong Catholic. “I didn’t know

what he was doing, but now it has such a great meaning … and now it just makes me more excited to go to Mass. Because I know, I realize what’s happening in that moment. It just makes it so much more precious. It’s wonderful and beautiful what Fr. Lee has done for this church.”

Another presentation focused on Eucharist Miracles, which are defined as extraordinary and profound signs of Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist.

One Eucharist Miracle recognized by the Church and explained during the presentation, occurred during a Mass in Lanciano, Italy, in the 8th century, when the host was changed into live Flesh and the wine was changed into live Blood, which coagulated into five globules, irregular and differing in shape and size.

In another presentation, Abraham Villela, the parish’s youth minister of confirmation, led a reenactment of the Passover Seder Meal that Jesus ate with His disciples to celebrate God’s passing

over the doors of the Israelites who had covered the doorframes in blood from a sacrificial lamb, thus allowing them to live.

The meal included grape juice (in place of wine), unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

“The Passover finished when Jesus drank the wine,” Villela said. “For us, the Seder meal now goes into the real presence of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Because Jesus Himself said, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.”

Following the presentations, an hourlong communal gathering was held, including prayer, scripture readings and song.

From there, participants retired to their tents for the night.

Throughout the campout, however, campers were encouraged to leave their tents for an hour to kneel and pray at the base of the monstrance.

Participants weren’t required to camp out for the night and several committed to come from their homes to pray in front of the monstrance for an hour and then

return home.

“I think it’s fantastic,” Richard Hines said of the campout. “Just because of the layout, and obviously the people that we know, it’s very comfortable, the grass is nice, it sets up even like a sunrise service on Easter. It’s just a little church, but a big church. It’s got a lot of energy.”

The campout was staged, in part, as a precursor to the Eucharistic Congress being held at Christ Cathedral on Oct. 20-21.

Titled “I AM,” the event will feature guest speakers, prayer and celebration.

The Diocese of Orange organized the event in response to the National Eucharistic Revival, a three-year initiative featuring spiritual celebrations at the diocesan, parish and individual levels.

St. Thomas More hosted a series of Spirit Nights and seminars leading up the campout, all with the goal of strengthening the church community’s bond with the Holy Spirit.

I AM Diocesan Eucharistic Congress will be held Oct. 20 and 21 at Christ Cathedral campus. For more information, visit https://www.rcbo.org/congress/ C

TARA REYNAUD, DIRECTOR OF ADULT FAITH FORMATION AT ST. THOMAS MORE PARISH, IS PICTURED WITH HER FAMILY AT THE RECENT CAMPOUT WITH THE EUCHARIST. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

THE ST. THOMAS MORE CAMPOUT FEATURED MUSIC, GAMES, PRESENTATIONS AND A EUCHARISTIC ADORATION.

IMAGO DEI 20TH ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY

BY DEACON GERHARD STADEL

THE DIACONATE ORDINA

-

TION CLASS of 2003 celebrated its 20th Anniversary of Ordination at Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in Newport Beach this summer.

The July 15 celebration was a moment of remembrance and reminiscing over the day the 14 of us were ordained as deacons on May 3, 2003, by Most Rev. Bishop Tod Brown at St. Columban Parish in Garden Grove.

Twelve deacons and their wives, along with our Diaconate Director Frank Chavez and his wife Mary, were there

with us to celebrate. Deacon Don Jenson and his wife Dottie who live in Arizona were unfortunately unable to attend. We also missed Deacon Fred Canlas who is now with our Lord; however, his wife Marie came out from Oregon. We also missed Elena, the wife of Deacon Ramiro Lopez, who is also with our Lord.

Deacon Tony Carrasco and his wife Terry traveled from Carson City, Nevada and Deacon Bill Yang and his wife Nancy traveled from Fresno, California.

We revisited that spiritual moment 20 years ago and shared our ministry encounters, especially those moments that left a lasting impression.

We began the afternoon by enjoying

social time with each other over great hors d’ oeuvres prior to attending Mass.

The Mass intention was in remembering Deacon Fred Canlas and Elena Lopez. May their souls rest in peace.

After Mass, we shared a delicious steak dinner and continued to socialize. We watched a video produced and directed by some of our class members depicting us in a “Laugh-In” sketch comedy scenario.

All in all, it was a memorable celebration - seeing each other, seeing the bond we have and the love and joy for each other.

The afternoon concluded with Deacon Frank Chavez giving us a special blessing.

We want to acknowledge and thank Msgr. Doug Cook, the pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, for opening his parish and hosting the celebration. His generosity is greatly appreciated.

We also want to thank Deacon Frank and Mary Chavez for all the support and guidance they have given us through the years. That is also greatly appreciated.

Thank you also to Deacon Steve Mutz and Gloria-Jean.

Thank you to my wife Cathy for helping me coordinate the event.

With the grace of God, we hope and pray to celebrate our 25th Ordination Anniversary in five years together again.C

THE DIACONATE ORDINATION CLASS OF 2003 AND THEIR WIVES ARE PICTURED WITH BISHOP TOD BROWN AT ST. COLUMBAN PARISH IN GARDEN GROVE. COURTESY PHOTOS

THE DIACONATE ORDINATION CLASS OF 2003 CELEBRATED ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY ON JULY 15.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING, VOLUME 4

BY ISRAEL RODRIGUEZ

FREEDOM FASCINATES ME. Our nation’s Declaration of Independence states “all men are endowed with unalienable rights, among these the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

The Church affirms freedom and responsibility as St. Pope Paul VI wrote in 1965, “we are free… and obligated to seek the truth.”

It fascinates me that whether we are raised in the faith or not, ultimately, it’s up to us to affirm or choose what we believe and how we will live. Are we really prepared to make a decision with such far-reaching consequences?

“Get Together,” a hit song released by the Youngbloods in 1967 includes these lyrics:

You hold the key to love and fear

All in your trembling hand

Just one key unlocks them both

It’s there at your command.

These lyrics remind me of one of my favorite Bible passages:

“He hath set before you fire and water. To whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand.” (Sirach 15:16)

Free will is quite a responsibility. How are faithful Christians called to use their freedom? The Word of God helps guide us, which must be why so many Catholics devote their time working with charities and ministries that serve the poor and vulnerable.

How should the faithful respond to direct challenges? Jesus clearly shows us that we are not to fight fire with fire, but rather, turn the other cheek. We should pray for the courage to respond to hatred with love, fight darkness with light, meet despair with joy, soothe hopelessness with kinship, answer selfishness with charity, oppose lies and oppression

with justice.

The Church has given us a treasure of guidance for living faithful and holy Christian lives, called Catholic Social Teaching, based on the Gospel and the lives of the Saints. In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution spawned a rise in abusive capitalist practices. This misery coincided with the emergence of Marxist doctrine. In response to both of these deviations from the Gospel, Pope Leo published his landmark encyclical “Rerum Novarum” in 1891, hailed 40 years later by Pope Pius XI as the ‘Magna Carta’ of Catholic Social Teaching. Leading up to, and especially since the Second Vatican Council, dozens of Papal encyclicals, sermons and letters by our bishops have developed into the seven pillars of Catholic Social Teaching which guide us on today’s most

relevant issues:

I. Life and Dignity of the Human Person

II. Call to Family, Community, Participation

III. Rights & Responsibilities (human rights)

IV. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

V. Dignity of Work & Rights of Workers

VI. Solidarity (one human family)

VII. Care for God’s Creation (environment)

Gifts, action and divine unity are three Biblical themes that show how we are to fulfill the tenets of Catholic Social Teaching in our lives. St. Pope Paul VI summarizes this higher purpose in “Gaudium et Spes” (Joy and Hope) written during the Second Vatican Council:

“In fidelity to conscience, Christians are joined with the rest of men in the search for truth and genuine solutions to numerous problems which arise in life.”

On Aug. 29 and 30, beginning at 7 p.m., St. Irenaeus parish in Cypress will host a two-night event on Catholic Social Teaching which will share these teachings, their biblical foundation and celebrate some of the many charitable ministries that fulfill the principles of Catholic Social Teaching within the Diocese of Orange.

The event will feature guest ministry speakers, music and refreshments. For more information, call 714-826-0760.

Israel is a candidate for the diaconate in the Diocese of Orange. He serves parishes and works with charities that support children and families. C

ISRAEL RODRIGUEZ AND HIS WIFE AMY RODRIGUEZ LIVE IN ORANGE COUNTY. COURTESY PHOTO

BECOME WHO WE HAVE RECEIVED

BY FRED LAPUZZA, DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE FOR THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

MY EXPERIENCE OF THE

Eucharist evokes so many thoughts, images and emotions, that I don’t know where to begin. We believe the Eucharist is the real presence of Jesus. For me, the Eucharist although “real” must be somehow “realized” beyond the form of bread and wine, in a more incarnate and tangible way, which is how Jesus first came to us.

Growing up Catholic, I was taught the importance of receiving the Eucharist without question or any real depth of reflection. My unconscious approach to the table of the Lord was about “getting” something from God, rather than “becoming” something for God.

Someone once said of receiving the Eucharist: “If we truly understood what it is we are receiving, we would never be the same.” In a real sense, each time we receive the Eucharist, we are no longer the same. The bread and wine are not the only thing transformed into the body and blood of Christ. On some level, if we allow it, we too are transformed and leave Mass a more Christ-like person than when we entered.

For me, the Eucharist represents not only who I AM as a person in Christ, but who we are as a community of faith united in the one body of Christ, his church. United around the table of the Lord for Holy Eucharist is central to our Catholic faith and the mission of Christ himself. Although recent happenings have certainly challenged our unity and notion of justice on different levels, it has also challenged how we do and be Eucharist in a hurting world.

I believe the Eucharist has an essential unifying communal significance that

is often overlooked, perhaps forgotten, or certainly overshadowed by divisions. I find it very moving at Mass each time we collectively approach the altar in Holy Communion to receive Jesus, or better said by St. Agustin, to “become who we have received”. I find it ironic how much we let divide us, yet in this one holy gathering, the Eucharist unites us.

At the same time, receiving the Eucharist compels me to unite myself with the suffering of those who are separated from us. One example is those I have the privilege to serve in our jails, who are severely broken on so many levels. The woundedness and personal isolation is a much greater form of incarceration, which in a way reflects my own brokenness and need for Jesus.

Not having experienced God’s healing love and mercy, most of those I serve feel unworthy of being loved by God, without realizing none of us are worthy without Christ. This brings to mind the prayer we say at Mass before Communion, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my soul (servant) will be healed” taken from Mathew 8:8. In a single word our Lord heals me, and it is then that I realize I have become whom I have received and am no longer the same.

I AM Diocesan Eucharistic Congress will be held Oct. 20 and 21 at Christ Cathedral campus. For more information, visit https://www.rcbo.org/congress/ C

PHOTO BY JACOB BENTZINGER

AROUND OUR DIOCESE

BY STAFF

OC CATHOLIC SEEKS NOTEWORTHY ART

Orange County Catholic is looking to highlight beautiful, interesting and otherwise noteworthy art in your community.

If your parish, Catholic school or center has art worth seeing and sharing with our readers, let us know by emailing editor@ occatholic.com

DOODLE FOR CHARITIES

On July 21, Catholic Charities of Orange County hosted its Doodle for Charities Student Awards Mass, Ceremony & Reception at the Tower of Hope on Christ Cathedral campus. The contest was open to all diocesan middle school (grades 4 to 6) and high school students (grades 9 to 12). Students were instructed to use the symbolic chapel and cross imagery featured in the Catholic Charities logo and the word “charities” to express the elements of lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

A special Mass was held in the Chapel in the Sky in honor of the following winners:

Middle school category:

1st Place: Charlotte Chiang | St. Junipero Serra Catholic School, 5th grade

2nd Place: Chloe Stafford | St. Junipero Serra Catholic School, 6th grade

3rd Place: Grace HL Nguyen | Christ Cathedral Academy, 6th grade

High school category:

1st Place: Lorelei Leonard | Mater Dei High School, 11th grade

2nd Place: Payton Bauer | Mater Dei High School, 10th grade

3rd Place: Gabrielle Vu | Mater Dei High School, 10th grade

All students were congratulated by Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D., who celebrated Mass, and they were given special award certificates.

The festivities continued on the third floor, where students’ families and diocesan school staff enjoyed a delicious lunch and ceremony. The prizes included tickets to Disneyland, Amazon and Starbucks gift cards.

Catholic Charities of Orange County is extremely proud of the talent and hard work of our diocesan students, along with their creativity and passion for Lent and the spirit of giving. As the service arm of the Diocese, Catholic Charities seeks to create hope in our Catholic schools and beyond.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH HOSTS EUCHARISTIC PROCESSION

In response to the call from Bishop Vann and bishops throughout the United States for a revival of devotion and belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, St. John the Baptist parish held a Eucharistic Procession on July 30.

The celebration included benediction in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese at three outdoor altars decorated by the Filipino, Spanish and Vietnamese communities, located throughout the parish campus; with a final benediction said in Lain inside the church.

Parish youth, many of whom recently received their First Holy Communion, processed in front of the Blessed Sacra-

ment while scattering rose petals.  Throughout the procession - which included pastor Pascal Nguyen, O.Praem., four parochial vicars, a deacon and seminarian, Norbertine sisters, Knights and Dames of Malta, the Brotherhood of St. Dismas, 19 altar servers, and hundreds of parishioners – the parish music ministries led the faithful in eucharistic hymns in various languages.C

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH HELD A EUCHARISTIC PROCESSION ON JULY 30. COURTESY PHOTO

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ORANGE COUNTY HOSTED ITS DOODLE FOR CHARITIES STUDENT AWARDS MASS, CEREMONY & RECEPTION ON JULY 21 AT THE TOWER OF HOPE ON CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS. PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ORANGE COUNTY

ST. ANNE SCHOOL MAKES MUSIC AT MARIACHI NATIONALS

BY BRADLEY ZINT

STUDENTS FROM ST. ANNE School’s bourgeoning mariachi program sharpened their skills and had fun while doing so during their recent visit to a summer program at Santa Ana College.

Thanks to the generous Brady Family of San Juan Capistrano, who covered the registration fees, 26 young musicians from grades three through eight participated in the 2023 José Hernández Mariachi Nationals and Summer Institute, which began on July 31 and continued through Aug. 6. The children from the Santa Ana parish school strengthened their mariachi talents with workshops while performing in front of other students from near and far.

This year was St. Anne’s first time participating in the institute. The school’s mariachi program started last September after a music teacher suddenly quit. That left Principal Sr. Teresa Lynch, CSJ thinking she needed to fill the gap of an otherwise robust music program.

Sr. Teresa envisioned offering mariachi. She knew the traditional musical style would pique the interest of the community and complement the Mexican heritage of its student body. The children sing the Spanish lyrics and play one of five instruments: violin, vihuela, guitarrón, guitar or trumpet.

“I thought, ‘This is an opportunity,’” Sr. Teresa said. “I wanted something reflective of our students, so I put it out in a newsletter for signups, thinking maybe 12 to 15 would sign up. I had 64 the next day on my desk.”

Currently, the program has about 60 participants. Jorge Ordiano, a local musician who plays at various Diocese of Orange parishes, serves as director.

“It’s been an exciting time here,” he said. “The kids are learning.”

Ordiano added that it’s good for the

CONTINUES ON PAGE 15

ST. ANNE SCHOOL’S MARIACHI ENSEMBLE PARTICIPATED IN MARIACHI NATIONALS, HELD JULY 31 TO AUG. 6 AT SANTA ANA COLLEGE. PHOTOS BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

SCHOOL MARIACHI DIRECTOR JORGE ORDIANO, SCHOOL PRINCIPAL SR. TERESA LYNCH AND ST. ANNE SCHOOL’S MARIACHI ENSEMBLE ARE PICTURED AT MARIACHI NATIONALS ON AUG. 2.

children to learn the deeply held traditions of mariachi; it expands their interests beyond the music trends of today.

Amber Montero, 12, is an upcoming seventh-grader in both places who’s learning violin.

“Things have been going good,” she said of the program. “I think mariachi is a very fun thing that I can do to advance my knowledge about my culture.”

Vihuela players Carissa Diaz, 11, and MaryAnne Gallardo, 12, said they loved learning more about mariachi at Santa Ana College.

“It keeps me busy over the summer,”

said Carissa, who’s starting sixth grade in the fall. “I love the culture. It’s just really enjoyable.”

Gallardo, who will be a seventh-grader, commented that music is a welcome addition to her life. “When I’m bored and I don’t want to watch TV, I have something else to do. I practice all the songs, so I don’t make a mistake when we’re performing.”

Sr. Teresa said her student body is learning music for the first time. The kids don’t necessarily come from musically inclined families.

The parents, though, “They cry when they hear their kids sing. It’s beautiful tradition.” C

SR. TERESA LYNCH, PRINCIPAL OF ST. ANNE SCHOOL IN SANTA ANA, SHARES A LAUGH WITH HER STUDENTS ON AUG. 2. PHOTOS BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

A ST. ANNE SCHOOL STUDENT PRACTICES DURING THE 2023 JOSÉ HERNÁNDEZ MARIACHI NATIONALS AND SUMMER INSTITUTE, WHICH WAS HELD JULY 31 TO AUG. 6 AT SANTA ANA COLLEGE.

Bishop Kevin Vann is pictured during a recent visit to Mexico to celebrate a special Thanksgiving Mass in honor of Fr. David Moreno (fourth from left), who was ordained a priest this summer.

SISTER PATRICIA TIERNEY, CSJ

JANUARY 30, 1937—JULY 14, 2023

SR. PATRICIA TIERNEY WAS born on Jan. 30 in Dallas, Texas, to Donald Tierney and Jo Brown. Pat was the oldest of four and when she was young, her family moved to Bellflower, CA. As a youth Pat had three wishes; 1) the war would end; 2) there would be a Catholic school in Bellflower; and 3) she would get a bicycle. Before she turned 10 years old, all three wishes came true: World War II had ended, St. Bernard’s School in Bellflower was opened, and she received her bicycle. To this day, her three wishes symbolize her deepest desires: peace, faith, and physical exercise.

Sr. Pat Tierney entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange in February 1954. After her first profession, Sr. Anne Cecilia (as she was known) was sent to Dominican College in San Rafael where she received a major in music and minors in Latin and French. Sr. Pat taught in many elementary schools (including Holy Family and St. Bernard’s) and high schools (Rosary and Mater Dei). No matter what her ministry, she blessed others with her gift of music. She was often found playing the piano for the Sisters at community celebrations. After receiving an MA in

Theology from St. Mary’s College, she returned to Mater Dei in Santa Ana as a campus minister and spiritual director. She also served on retreat teams for various religious communities. In her later years, Sr. Pat enjoyed sharing a cup of coffee, listening and conversing with the employees at St. Joseph Center. From the very beginning, her reason for entering the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange was to learn about Christ’s great love and return it to him.

Moments in our Journey Moments in our Journey

Santiago de Compostela Catholic Church in Lake Forest hosted its 7th annual Camino de Santiago event on July 22.

The Camino is a re-creation of the pilgrimage celebrated throughout the year by thousands around the world to the Shrine of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This year’s event in Lake Forest added a route for families with young children.

The theme was: “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10), with a focus on the pilgrims’ reflections, prayers and activities in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

—Photo by Ian Tran/Diocese of Orange

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