OC CATHOLIC - SEPTEMBER 3, 2023

LIFETIME LEGACY Special Issue No. 10 THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ORANGE • OCCATHOLIC.COM

The Lifetime Legacy series is sponsored by Gabriel Ferrucci, the first individual honored in this series.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2023

DEACON JOE’S LEGACY LOVED ONES OF O.C. DEACON, A PIONEER WHO SERVED AT BLESSED SACRAMENT PARISH FOR 37 YEARS, ARE COMMITTED TO LIVING OUT HIS PRINCIPLES OF LOVING AND SERVING ALL PEOPLE PAGE 6

JOSEPH RANDOLPH STRIPLING, SR., “DEA­CON JOE” TO THE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PARISHIONERS HE CARED FOR DURING HIS 37 YEARS AT BLESSED SACRAMENT, DIED ON DEC. 4, 2016, AT AGE 78. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE STRIPLING FAMILY

24TH BISHOPS' CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT Dinner included!

UNDERWRITING & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE Proceeds from this event benefit our Counseling program in the Catholic Schools in our diocese!

Tuesday,

October 24, 2023

For more information, please contact philanthropy@ccoc.org or scan the QR

Hosted by Bishop Kevin Vann, Bishop Timothy Freyer, Bishop Thanh Nguyen & Bishop Tod Brown.

In memory of

Deacon Joseph Stripling January 08, 1938 - December 04, 2016

SEPTEMBER 3, 2023

CONTENTS

7 THE HOLY HOUR 11 AROUND OUR DIOCESE 12 TREASURE OF THE CHURCH

Eucharistic adoration brings us closer to Jesus.

A visit from across the world, street evangelization training and a Magnificat breakfast.

The new St. Lawrence Fund will support Catholic Charities and the efforts of deacons and their wives.

Remembering Deacon Joe for lovingly serving Blessed Sacrament Church for 39 years.

Deacon Joe’s life exemplified the traits and qualities of servant leadership. He lived his Christian values as he faithfully served as an ordained deacon at Blessed Sacrament Church. A few months before his death, he shared the following sentiments about his role as a deacon at the parish:

"I am most excited about helping parishioners discover the peace and joy in their lives when they trust more in the Divine Mercy of Jesus Christ. Being retired gives me the time for daily mass and group prayer just after mass. The gathering makes me available to be of service to my brothers and sisters as needed.

Two values I try hardest to ensure are a part of my role are: reverence in obedience to God’s commandments and being a symbol of charitable service to all. If I could give myself an unofficial job title, I would give myself “Dependable old senior deacon, servant of the people”.

-Written by Deacon Joe on July 15, 2016

You will forever live in our hearts and prayers, Your Blessed Sacrament Family

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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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.

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BISHOP’S CORNER

Shepherding God’s Flock ENJOY PHOTOS OF BISHOP KEVIN VANN LEADING WITH LOVE

Bishop Vann recently visited his hometown of Springfield, Illinois. Bishop was in town to celebrate the Springfield Dominican Sisters’ 150th anniversary. While there, he reunited with his former classmates — some fellow graduates of St. Agnes grade school, class of 1965 and Griffin High School, class of 1969.

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SC H OOL

A C A L IF O

R

ISTINGUIS AD H NI

ED

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DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

ART ON CAMPUS

“

For truly Jesus is our peace.

— Pope Francis

SAINT PROFILE

”

GREGORY THE GREAT

T

HIS PATRICIAN PREFECT OF Rome is counted among the doctors and Fathers of the Church. After his father’s death, he gave family estates to the church, founding seven monasteries, including the one he joined in his family home in Rome. Following ordination, he served as papal nuncio in Constantinople, 579-586, then was an abbot in Rome until 590, when he became the first monk elected pope. Gregory I reformed the clergy, sent missionaries to England, promoted monasticism and chant, wrote prolifically, and assumed civic duties in Rome in the face of natural disasters and the warring Lombards. He is a patron saint of choirboys, musicians, singers and England..

PASCHAL CANDLE STAND

Donor: Susan Mears – In Memory of James Mears

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HIS IS A PERMANENT candle stand that is stylistically reminiscent of the ancient Roman basilicas. Recalling Christ Cathedral’s past history as the Crystal Cathedral, the stand also features mounted crystals. Photo by Joshua Sudock/Diocese of Orange

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

1 THES 4:13-18; PS 96:1 AND 3, 4-5, 11-12, 13; LK 4:16-30

1 THES 5:1-6, 9-11; PS 27:1, 4, 13-14; LK 4:31-37

COL1:1-8; PS 52:10, 11; LK 4:38-44

COL 1:9-14; PS 98:2-3AB, 3CD-4, 5-6; LK 5:1-11

MI 5:1-4A OR ROM 8:28-30; PS 13:6AB, 6C; MT 1:1-16, 18-23

COL 1:21-23; PS 54:3-4, 6 AND 8; LK 6:1-5

EZ 33:7-9; PS 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9; ROM 13:8-10; MT 18:15-20

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FEATURE

DEACON JOE’S LEGACY LOVED ONES OF O.C. DEACON, A PIONEER WHO SERVED AT BLESSED SACRAMENT PARISH FOR 37 YEARS, ARE COMMITTED TO LIVING OUT HIS PRINCIPLES OF LOVING AND SERVING ALL PEOPLE

BY GREG HARDESTY

B

ISHOP KEVIN VANN couldn’t attend the funeral in person, but he made time before the packed ceremony at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Westminster to pray before the deacon’s casket.

Joseph Randolph Stripling, Sr. – “Deacon Joe” to the tens of thousands of parishioners he cared for during his 37 years at Blessed Sacrament – died on Dec. 4, 2016, at age 78.

According to his loved ones, priests and parishioners who knew him well, he was a shining example of how a deacon is called to embody Christ the servant.

Today, Deacon Joe’s family – wife Dolores and their six surviving children – continue to live out his Christian legacy of selfless love and compassion for all.

“We feel it’s our responsibility as his children to affect as many people as we can in a positive way,” said son Gerard, an accomplished sculptor who lives in Laguna Beach. “Even collectively, we won’t be able to do as much as he did, but at least we need to try because he’s not around to do it.”

Wife Dolores was married for 56 years to the man she met while growing up in New Orleans, and her support was key to his success as a deacon.

“Dolores is the epitome of graciousness,” said Patti Calabrese, wife of Deacon Matt Calabrese, who served at Blessed Sacrament concurrently with the Striplings for several years. “She is generous and a wonderful matriarch.”

Dolores said her husband’s church re-

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sponsibilities never detracted from his role as an active and loving husband and father.

“He made sure the needs of his family were always met,” she said.

It’s no surprise that Deacon Joe’s casket was decorated with bronzed raised accents depicting The Last Supper, whose numerous meanings include the importance of fellowship.

For Deacon Joe, family and his large faith community of Catholics were everything. One of his gifts was the ability to bring out the best in everyone.

The significance of his passing was not lost on Bishop Vann.

“Well done, my good and faithful servant,” the bishop addressed Deacon Joe during his blessing.

‘FAITHFUL IN ALL THINGS’

Deacons are mentioned numerous times in the Bible.

The First Epistle to Timothy in the New Testament, which includes descriptions of the organization of the Church and its leaders, said deacons “must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience….

Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.”

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DEACON JOSEPH STRIPLING SPENT TIME IN FRANCE, GERMANY AND OTHER PARTS OF EUROPE WHILE SERVING IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE (19551959).

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JOSEPH STRIPLING WAS ORDAINED A PERMANENT DEACON ON JUNE 4, 1977, BY CARDINAL TIMOTHY MANNING AT ST. VIBIANA CATHEDRAL IN LOS ANGELES. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE STRIPLING FAMILY

DEACON JOSEPH STRIPLING AND HIS WIFE DOLORES STRIPLING (FRONT ROW CENTER) ARE PICTURED WITH FAMILY MEMBERS DURING THE VOW RENEWAL CELEBRATION OF THEIR SON JOE JR. AND HIS WIFE ALMA. CIRCA 2013.

FEATURE / CATHOLIC FAMILY LIVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

“Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well,” 1 Timothy 3:8-13 continues. “For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”

Today, there are close to 150 active deacons in the Diocese of Orange, said Deacon Frank Chávez, director emeritus of the Diocese’s permanent diaconate program.

Ordained in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1977, Deacon Joe was among the first handful of deacons in the Diocese of Orange when it was formed on March 24, 1976.

“He and Dolores were real pioneers,” said Deacon Chávez, a deacon for 39 years. “She’s a great woman…And I’ve always admired their tremendous faith.

It’s pure and deep, and they’ve been a wonderful example to all of us.”

AN INEVITABLE CALLING

A member of the inaugural graduating class of St. Augustine High School, a private, Catholic, all-boys high school run by the Josephites in New Orleans, young Joe Stripling had an unwavering faith that made his decision to become a deacon somewhat inevitable, his wife and children say.

The Stripling children were encouraged to pray together nightly and were reminded to treat each other with respect.

“He definitely wanted us to get along – no matter what,” said daughter Gerise Stripling Reaves, who owns Body Oasis Pilates Studio in Seal Beach. “We learned how to celebrate each other’s passions and achievements.”

“I remember when there was an argument or fighting between any of us, my father would indignantly say out loud to whomever was squabbling: ‘That is your sister. That is your brother.

You must get along. You must love one another.’”

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THE HOLY HOUR

BY JOAN PATTEN, AO

D

URING THIS PARISH YEAR of Eucharistic Revival, perhaps you have been encouraged to pray in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament or sign up for a regular hour of adoration. Jesus’ invitation to “keep watch with me one hour” (cf. Mt. 26:40) is meant to resonate in our hearts as we wish to follow Him. As disciples of Jesus, we want to live like Jesus, to pray like Him and in Him. I was exposed to Eucharistic Adoration as a child thanks to my mom. For over 35 years, she faithfully attended a holy hour at a perpetual adoration chapel near our family’s home. When I was 9 yearsold, my mom began to take me and my sister to her 9 p.m. holy hour on Saturday PHOTO BY MATEUS CAMPOS FELIPE night. It was fun to go with her because we got to stay up late and enjoy reading things out with Him and where I could be the through the stack of spiritual books myself. near the adorer’s pew. The stillness of the I often did not know what “to do” evening and the silence that enveloped us during the holy hour. In my restlessness was calming and peaceful. I noticed how and fear of the future, I couldn’t even sit my mom and other adorers prayed before still in a pew so I would walk around the the Blessed Sacrament. They would kneel church praying the rosary. I knew being and silently pray, gazing upon Jesus in the there was more important than what I Eucharist. did. The more time I spent before the As I grew older, I continued to acBlessed Sacrament, the more I undercompany my mom to her holy stood that God loved me and hours and developed my own that I didn’t have to be prayers before the Blessed afraid of His plans for my Sacrament. In college, I life. He loved me and I was told, “If you want to could trust Him! know your vocation, go Jesus is inviting us pray before the Blessed to watch Him love us Sacrament.” I decided during the holy hour to get my own holy hour and to respond to His and soon found an open Real Presence with the slot at 11 p.m. on Saturdays. gift our presence in prayer.

It became a necessary aid for One of the greatest dismy own vocational discernment tractions in prayer is our smart and growth in my relationship with God. phones, so simply turn them off.

Aside from the weekly holy hour, I knew I After all, there will be no smart phones could stop by adoration chapels whenever in Heaven!

I needed to find silence or talk to the Lord Another obstacle for a regular holy about my life. It was a place I could work hour is our perceived lack of time. A saint

once said that until we are convinced prayer is the most important thing we will ever do, we will not have time to pray.

Examine your schedule and ask Jesus to show you when He is inviting you to stop everything and simply be with Him. A holy hour is not meant to be programmatic. Appropriate preparation such as developing a “prayer plan” is helpful.

Deciding ahead of time when, where and how long you will pray will keep you from being distracted. Consider what spiritual aids you will pray with, such as a scripture passage or a prayer book.

While there, acknowledge that you are in God’s presence and set aside distractions. Like talking to a friend over coffee, share with Jesus about what you are meditating and relate to Him the thoughts, feeling, and desires of your heart.

Listen to the Lord reveal Himself to you, notice how He is inviting you to receive His love and what sort of response this encounter inspires. At the end of the prayer time, invite Jesus to remain in you. Let your heart be His tabernacle and monstrance as you go out to continue to serve and witness as He invites you to do. C

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FEATURE

EXPRESSIONS OF LOVE The late Joseph Stripling’s granddaughters wrote three expressions of love for their grandpa’s rosary.

H

I EVERYONE, I’m Rikki Porter, Joe Stripling’s granddaughter! I wanted to say a few special words about my grandpa because he has had such a positive impact on my life.

As a young kid, I always looked forward to going over to my grandpa and grandma’s house because as soon as I got to the door, I would hear my grandpa’s voice saying, “who is that…is that Rikki Wacky?” Shortly after that, I would instantly see his smiling face peeking out of the door. He was an amazing host and welcomed everyone with open arms into his home. With his insanely good guacamole to his great selection in jazz music, he had the entertaining thing down. I would like to think I shared such a special bond with my grandpa through soccer. There was hardly ever a game where I didn’t look over to the sidelines and see my grandpa cheering me on screaming “get the ball in the goal!” He had such a passion for sports and was one of my biggest fans! I appreciate all of the hours he has dedicated to cheering me on and encouraging me in a sport that I love. I became the person and soccer player I am today because of his support and I want to thank him for it.

I’m so happy I got to play one of my last soccer games of my career in front of one of my loudest and supportive fans. I also want to thank God for allowing my grandpa to be a wonderful surrogate dad for me. He has shown me what a good husband and father looks like.

I’m so happy I was able to get so close to such a wonderful and spectacular person. One thing I will miss for sure is his love of seafood because every time I was in town, we used each other as excuses

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JOSEPH STRIPLING SERVED AS A RADIO AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIAN IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE STRIPLING FAMILY

to get some! I love you grandpa and I thank God everyday for giving me such a wonderful, caring, and loving grandpa.

HI EVERYONE,

My name is Madison, and I am one of Joseph Stripling Sr.’s, proud grandchildren. When I turned 10 years old my life changed for the better. I moved in with my amazing grandparents, which sparked a closer relationship with them. Living with senior citizens threw me off-guard and it took time to get used to. I was exposed to anything and everything.

Before I knew it I was screaming my heart out at NFL football games in our living room, with my grandpa next to me shouting, “OHHHH BOYYYYY,” and “C’MON NOW!” Needless to say, I was and still am highly influenced by him. After his barbaric sounds, I just had to join in.

It was now my turn to yell, “C’MON

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DEACON JOSEPH STRIPLING AND HIS WIFE DOLORES STRIPLING ON THEIR WEDDING DAY, NOV. 5. 1960.

FEATURE

BY ZOE:

When I was 2, my parents and I moved from Texas to California. For a couple of months, we stayed at my grandparents’ house. Every morning my grandpa would make this really good chicken sausage. You wouldn’t expect a 2-year-old to know what good sausage tasted like, but apparently, I did. That was one thing my grandpa and I shared - the love of food. His jambalaya was amazing! He had serious skills.

In addition to his cooking skills, my grandpa was one of the best men I’ve ever known. He was honest, trustworthy, caring and so much more. Grandpa was one of the most charismatic people I know. Always lively, and the first one on the dance floor at all the family functions. It was times like these that made me appreciate my family. So now I will take the time to thank my grandpa for instilling the value of family within me.

Grandpa, thank you for always caring for all of us, praying for us and supporting us. Thank you for dedicating your week-

DEACON JOSEPH STRIPLING WAS A 1955 GRADUATE OF ST. AUGUSTINE HIGH SCHOOL IN NEW ORLEANS. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

BOYS. GET A TD!!!”

That brings up another topic; my grandpa loved sports and was very competitive. Whether it was a golf tournament or just practice, “work hard, play hard.” My grandpa always worked hard.

Some nights when I finished my homework, way later than I was supposed to, I checked on him and said “Grandpa, are you ok?” He typically answered with a simple “Yes, dear. I’m just working on a homily for my friend’s funeral” and that was that. His kindness always showed through his everyday life. He was an inspiring person.

As I said, my grandpa always strived to do his best. The only word to describe my grandpa is committed. Committed to

make people smile. Committed to stay with my grandma for 56 years. Committed to aim for the stars in everything he did. Committed to being his amazing, dramatic and fabulous self. Committed to supporting me by taking me to practices and going to my sports games.

Committed to raising a beautiful family.

Committed to pray to Mother Mary every day at 3 p.m. to ask for her mercy and help. Committed to eating most of my oatmeal cookies that he claimed, “Should be entered into a contest.” Committed to thinking I was still a little girl to him. Above all, He was committed to taking the names of Grandpa, Pata, Dad, Husband and Friend very seriously. For this reason, he is loved by so many. Rest in peace Grandpa... I love you.

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ends to volleyball and soccer tournaments.

Although you aren’t with us anymore, I know you will always be looking down on us with the biggest smile.

While I already miss you immensely, I hope your new home is suiting you well.

To close, I will recite a little poem written by an unknown author.

My heart’s still active in sadness and secret tears still flow, what it meant to lose you no one can ever know.

But now I know you want us to mourn for you no more, to remember all the happy times life still has much in store.

Since you’ll never be forgotten, I pledge to you today a hallowed place within my heart is where you’ll always stay.

I love you, Grandpa. C

FEATURE

ORDAINED IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES IN 1977, DEACON JOE (SECOND FROM RIGHT) WAS AMONG THE FIRST HANDFUL OF DEACONS IN THE DIO­CESE OF ORANGE WHEN IT WAS FORMED ON MARCH 24, 1976.

DEACON JOSEPH STRIPLING TAKES A SWING WHILE OUT ON THE GOLF COURSE. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

ACCEPTANCE

The Stripling children’s parents, who spent their formative years in the segregated South before relocating to Los Angeles after Joe served in the U.S. Air Force, which instilled in them the importance of loving and accepting all people — even when others openly exhibited prejudice toward them.

“We love because of our faith,” said Dolores, who recalls painful incidents growing up.

“At times, living in the South was very devastating to my parents,” said another daughter, Dr. Deidre Porter, a retired educator with an Ed.D. in educational psychology from USC. “Nevertheless, my parents rose above their circumstances and embraced their Catholic faith.”

Spending time in France, Germany and other parts of Europe while in the Air Force was a critical experience for Joe, said son Byron, a furniture and architectural designer who lives in Eagle Rock.

“That opened his eyes a lot,” Byron said. “He was treated by others like a human being.”

Perhaps not surprisingly, Deacon Joe’s favorite Scripture is Matthew 5:11: “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”

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LOVED GOLF, COOKING

As a quality control engineer, Deacon Joe desired to create greater opportuni­ties for his wife and children at the time (the Striplings had lost a daughter, Marla, 25, in a car accident; another daughter Erica, died at birth) which motivated him to relo­ cate his family from Mid-City Los Angeles to Huntington Beach.

The family appreciated the relative diversity of Blessed Sacrament parish in neighboring Westminster. Among many of their accomplishments, it was here that Joe and Dolores established the Divine Mercy devotion.

A highlight during their marriage was

attending together the canonization of St. Katharine Drexel, Foundress of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, in Rome in 2000.

Dolores attended Xavier University, which Drexel established in New Orleans as the first and only Black, Catholic university in the United States.

“It was my first trip abroad,” Dolores recalled, “and it was surreal — such a beautiful experience.”

Retired Fr. James Hartnett, pastor at Blessed Sacrament Church from 1986 to 2005, recalled Deacon Joe’s special devotion to the sick and elderly; he presided at many funerals and assisted families in the bereavement process.

DOLORES STRIPLING IS PICTURED IN HER GRADUATION PORTRAIT FROM ST. MARY’S ACADEMY IN NEW ORLEANS.

LORI STANLEY, DEIDRE PORTER, GERARD STRIPLING, GERISE STRIPLING REAVES, JOE STRIPLING JR., DOLORES STRIPLING AND BYRON STRIPLING VISIT CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS ON AUG. 11.

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“He had a very gentle character and was a very humble man of tremendous faith,” Fr. Jim recalled. “He was very dedicated and always had a smile on his face.”

Fr. Jim also was a frequent participant in Deacon Joe’s main passion outside of church and family: golf. He fondly recalls their many matches on Deacon Joe’s favorite golf course, Willowick in Santa Ana. A serious golf habit can chew up a person’s weekends like so many errant whacks of a club on grass. Not so for Deacon Joe, whose children recall him frequently practicing his swings in the backyard or putting on the living room carpet while spending CONTINUES ON PAGE 14

DIOCESAN NEWS

AROUND OUR DIOCESE

a.m. to noon followed by lunch and optional street evangelization until 2 p.m. This nonprofit, grassroots organization has mobilized thousands of ordinary Catholics to get out there on the streets and help God save souls.

Our one-day Basic Evangelization Training with SPSE is open to all parishioners. Register online at stpaulse.com/

BY STAFF

A SPECIAL VISIT

Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen and the Diocese of Orange Mission Office enjoyed a visit on Aug. 9 from the Most Rev. Alfred Agyenta, Bishop of the Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga in Ghana, West Africa. He celebrated Mass and participated in the Missionary Cooperative Program with our Diocese’s St. Nicholas and St. Timothy parishes.

Also visiting was Fr. Rudolph Alumam, a priest of the Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga who has served in the Diocese of Orange for several years at Holy Family Catholic Church. Fr. Rudolph is currently parochial vicar at St. Joseph in Santa Ana. Navrongo-Bolgatanga is a vibrant diocese of 300,000 Catholics, with some 26 parishes serving as hubs to hundreds of smaller communities with dedicated lay catechists. For parishioners, Sunday is truly the Lord’s Day as they journey miles

Westminster

MAGNIFICAT BREAKFAST

ST. PAUL STREET EVANGELIZATION TRAINING WILL TAKE PLACE ON SEPT. 10 AT BLESSED SACRAMENT PARISH GYM IN WESTMINSTER. COURTESY PHOTO

to gather in joyful celebrations that last, at minimum, two hours. These are followed by other gatherings, food, meetings and fellowship.

Our Diocese has been blessed to know, learn from, and support in solidarity their good work for many years, supporting pastoral ministry by seminarians and priests who serve their communities through the Pontifical Mission Societies in the U.S. and supporting integral human development partnering with Caritas Ghana through Catholic Relief Services.

Please pray for the people of Ghana and especially the Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga.

BISHOP THANH THAI NGUYEN AND THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE MISSION OFFICE ENJOYED A VISIT ON AUG. 9 FROM THE MOST REV. ALFRED AGYENTA, BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF NAVRONGOBOLGATANGA IN GHANA, WEST AFRICA. COURTESY PHOTO

sounds like? Then make sure to attend an upcoming workshop with St. Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE) on Saturday, Sept.

10 at Blessed Sacrament parish gym, 14072 Olive St., Westminster.

Evangelization training will be 8:30

Please join Magnificat, a ministry to Catholic women, on Sept. 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Cultural Center on Christ Cathedral campus in Garden Grove.

The day begins with a breakfast, where we will share together in the spirit of gratitude and praise of God. After a meal, there will be a time of prayer for the needs of all present and an opportunity to hear from Sr. Adriana Gacikova, S.Praem, who experienced of the transforming love of Christ in her own life.

Advanced tickets are $39; $48 at the door if not sold out. All women, men and youth are welcome! For reservation information, contact Loud Carroll at (714) 624-6561 or email ocmagnificat3@gmail. com.C

ST. PAUL STREET EVANGELIZATION BASIC EVANGELIZATION TRAINING

Presence: Want to know what authentic, non-confrontational, joyful evangelization looks and

A MAGNIFICAT BREAKFAST WILL BE HELD ON SEPT. 16 AT THE CULTURAL CENTER ON CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS. PHOTO BY STEVE GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE S E P T E M B E R 3 , 2 0 2 3 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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DIOCESAN NEWS

TREASURE OF THE CHURCH

NEWLY ESTABLISHED ST. LAWRENCE FUND WILL SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE EFFORTS OF DEACONS, THEIR WIVES AND CATHOLIC CHARITIES

BY LOU PONSI

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O COMMEMORATE THE FEAST Day of St. Lawrence, a deacon from the mid-200s who had a passion for ministering to the poor, the Christ Cathedral campus hosted the second annual “Treasure of the Church” event for hundreds of under-resourced individuals and families from parishes throughout the Diocese of Orange.

Organized by the Diocese’s diaconate community and Catholic Charities Orange County, the Aug. 12 event provided a sitdown meal, music, prayer and fellowship.

Nonprofits were also on hand offering a variety of health and wellness services such as food support, citizen and immigration services, family support and mental health resources.

“Jesus Christ had a special love for the poor,” said Deacon Tom Saenz, director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate.

“So does His Church, and specifically His Church here in Orange … And this is all rooted in Scripture. You know, with Matthew 25, we hear Jesus say, ‘For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was naked and you clothed me’ and it’s that Scripture passage that reminds us that we encounter Jesus in everyone we meet, especially those who are suffering.”

The turnout was significantly larger compared to last year’s inaugural Treasure of the Church event, which drew about 100 people, Deacon Saenz said.

Local restaurateurs who donated food and expertise included Chef Bruno Serato, owner of the White House, a fine-dining Italian steak house in Anaheim and Jessica

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providing free Thanksgiving meals to the needy, also donated food.

Catholic Charities also used the event as an outreach to sign attendees up for Medi-Cal and the CalFresh Healthy Living program, a supplemental nutrition assistance and education program run by the state.

Anyone who enrolled in one of the programs was automatically signed up for Catholic Charities Christmas Blessing program, which provides toys for hundreds of underserved children.

“Last year we gave away toys to over 600 kids,” Catholic Charities of OC Executive Director Ellen Roy said. “We’re hoping this year to go over 1,000 and get more of the parishes involved.”

Volunteers with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul from Holy Family Church in Orange also had a strong presence at the event and were signing up individuals for the services offered by the organization.

“Because these are people and they’re our brothers and sisters,” said Brigid Noonan, president of the St. Vincent de Paul Orange County Council. “You know, ‘Whatever you do for the least of my brothers and sisters, you do for me.’ Serving is my mentality.”

The official Feast Day of St. Lawrence is Aug. 10.

As deacon, St. Lawrence was responsible for looking after the Church’s material possessions along with serving the poor.

The emperor at the time was persecuting Christians and had just killed Pope

Sixtus II but offered to spare St. Lawrence’s life if he would give him the treasure of the Church.

After agreeing to turn over the treasure of the Church to the emperor, he brought the emperor a group of destitute individuals and is believed to have said, “Here is the treasure of the Church.”

Because of Lawrence’s insolence, the emperor ordered that he be burned to death.

Among the several deacons who attended the event was Phong Nguyen, a deacon at Blessed Sacrament Church in Westminster.

Every Saturday, Deacon Nguyen and his wife pick up food donations from stores and restaurants and hand out the food to the homeless.

Deacon Nguyen and his wife brought a group of people experiencing homelessness to the event, or as he put it, “We brought our treasures of the Church.”

The deacon added, “This is the extension of what we do. It is to bring the love of Christ to the people … Bring the food, the necessities, whatever we can to help our brothers and sisters. This is what we do as a bigger picture. We serve the altar, and we serve the poor. That’s the main purpose. That’s why we’re here.”

Treasure of the Church was funded, in part, by the newly established St. Lawrence Fund, which will be used in the Diocese to support the charitable efforts deacons, their wives and Catholic Charities.C

VOLUNTEERS PREPARE FOOD FOR THE HUNDREDS OF GUESTS WHO ATTENDED THE TREASURE OF THE CHURCH EVENT HELD AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL ON AUG. 12. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

Roy, executive chef and owner of 608 Dahlia in Corona del Mar. Serato has received national recognition for his nonprofit, Caterina’s Club, which provides meals, affordable housing assistance and job training to homeless and low-income families throughout Southern California.

Frank Garcia, owner of La Casa Garcia in Anaheim and known for his decades of

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LOCAL RESTAURATEURS DONATED FOOD AND EXPERTISE TO THE TREASURE OF THE CHURCH EVENT HELD AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS ON AUG. 12.

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Bishop Vann recently traveled to his hometown of Springfield, Illinois to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Springfield Dominican Sisters.

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Sunset over Lake Springfield. Bishop Vann would visit the lake with his family during the summertime. His father, William Vann, belonged to the Disabled American Veterans club (DAV) and its chapter office was close by.

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FEATURE

DOLORES AND JOSEPH STRIPLING ON THEIR WEDDING DAY, NOV. 5. 1960. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE STRIPLING FAMILY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

time with his family instead of spending hours away from them on the greens.

Invariably, weekends would be time for another of Deacon Joe’s passions: cooking.

Among his famous creations were his insanely good guacamole, jambalaya, gumbo and chicken sausage — food his numerous grandchildren still rave about today.

“He had serious cooking skills,” said granddaughter Zoe Stanley. “In addition to that, he was one of the best men I know.

He was honest, caring and so much more.”

Rikki Porter, another granddaughter, recalled his love of sports and his undying support of her at soccer games.

DEACON JOSEPH STRIPLING AND HIS WIFE DOLORES STRIPLING CELEBRATE THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DIACONATE ORDINATION AT BLESSED SACRAMENT.

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“Get the ball in the goal!” he would scream at her in encouragement.

Similarly, Deacon Joe would bellow at the TV while watching NFL games, recalls granddaughter Madison Reaves.

“C’mon, boys – get a TD!!” Deacon Joe would shout at the screen.

Being effective on the altar is important, said Deacon Chávez.

“But also, being aware of what’s going on in the community — at hospitals and jails and any type of center where we are taking care of people on the fringes of life,” he added. “That’s where deacons should be, and that’s where Joe excelled.”

And where there was Joe there was Dolores.

“It’s often said that there’s always a good woman behind a successful man,” said Shirl Giacomi, who served as Chancellor of the Diocese of Orange for a decade and a half, up to 2017. “This was certainly true with Dolores. She was a true partner in marriage, parenting and ministry. Her strong faith in God was evident in the bond they shared with their family and her partnership in Deacon Stripling’s ministry.”

Added Deacon Chávez: “When you were with Joe, there were no issues. You were struck by his peaceful and hopeful words and his affirmations. You just felt good when you were with him.

“And you never visualized Joe and Do­ lores as being separate. When you thought of Joe, you thought of Dolores. And when you thought of Dolores, you thought of Joe.” C

those who showed up to pay their respects at Deacon Joe’s rosary and funeral.

Joseph Jr., an independent contractor driver, recalled the good works his father did without broadcasting it to everyone.

Recently, Joe Jr. learned from a good friend how his father counseled his friend during a particularly trying personal crisis ‘INTERNATIONAL DIGNITARY’ when he was a young teen.

Lori Stanley, the Striplings’ eldest “Dad counseled him for hours daughter (son Joseph Jr. is the first born), – he didn’t have to do that,” said taught for several years at Blessed SacraJoe Jr., who was an altar server at ment School. In 2018, she became the first his father’s diaconate ordination. layperson to be named executive director Such an act was totally in of the Loyola Institute for Spirituality in Deacon Joe’s character.

Orange.

Christina Sinclair, early “We don’t understand how our father childhood director at St. Joachim could help so many people and still spend Catholic Church in Orange, used so much time with us,” said Stanley, who to work at Blessed Sacrament earned a master’s degree in Pastoral TheSchool. ology from Loyola Marymount University.

“I would ask Deacon Joe to “We felt he gave all his love and attention to pray over the fathers and children us, but that’s the way he was with everyduring our annual pre-kindergarbody.” ten Father’s Day celebration,” SinScrolling through her father’s mobile clair said. “He valued fatherhood phone after he died, Stanley was blown and family and was so aware of away by all the heartfelt messages from the importance of that role.” parishioners who adored him.

DEACON JOE PRAYS OVER FATHERS AND CHILDREN DURING THE “It was almost like he was an internaA GOOD DEACON ANNUAL PRE-K FATHER’S DAY CELEBRATION AT BLESSED SACRAMENT tional dignitary,” she said of the throng of What makes a good deacon? SCHOOL IN WESTMINSTER.

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OC Catholic Afar

Aloha, Here is a photo my husband took on our last night (this summer) on the Hawaii Big Island at Waikoloa’s Queens’ Marketplace!

Mary Giammona and photo by husband Dave Hilton Parish: St. Martin de Porres in Yorba Linda “We ask for special prayers for all the people suffering on Maui.

God bless you and thanks!”

—Mary D. Giammona, MD

We want your photos! Send your pictures of “OC Catholic Abroad” — of you, family or friends visiting Catholic churches and other sacred 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.

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