The Diocese of Orange’s Catholic Biblical Institute has expanded its programs and invites the community to learn more about its faith.
HOLY FAMILY CELEBRATES CANONIZATION
Seal Beach parishioner Sr. Kathy Paradis is great-niece of the newly sainted Mother Marie-Léonie Paradis.
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FISHING FOR LIFE
The OC chapter of the Knights of Columbus recently partnered with Fish for Life! to host a fishing excursion for guests with developmental disabilities.
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
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.
HOME ALTARS
READER CALL-OUT
OC Catholic reader Nanci De la Rosa-Ricco has shared a photo of her home altar.
Located in her living room, Michelangelo’s Pietá is prominently displayed.
“The lights and backdrop of white flowers and succulents are meant to evoke all the emotions that the Blessed Mother was feeling as she held her son. The candles manage to both light and cast a shadow on the image of Christ. This small altar is my sacred space where I find peace, stillness and the silence I need to pray.”
Nanci works for OC Catholic Schools. Send your home altar photos to: editor@occatholic.comC
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
PHIL 2:1-4; PS 131:1BCDE, 2, 3; LK 14:12-14
“ …Love brings about change, makes you grow and opens paths to the future.” — Pope Francis
SAINT PROFILE
ST. MARTIN DE PORRES C.37-C.107
THIS ILLEGITIMATE SON OF a freed Panamanian slave and a Spanish knight became a hero to the people of Lima, Peru, his birthplace, for his compassionate care of the sick and poor. Apprenticed at age 12 to a barber-surgeon, Martin also learned herbal medicine from his mother. After working for several years at a Dominican monastery as a Third Order member, he made his profession as a lay brother in 1603. He founded an orphanage and foundling hospital, ministered to African slaves, practiced great penances and experienced mystical gifts. Martin was carried to his grave by prelates and noblemen and all Peruvians acclaimed him their beloved saint. He is the patron of hairdressers and interracial justice. C
PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK
TUESDAY
PHIL 2:5-11; PS 22:26B-27, 28-30AB, 30E, 31-32; LK 14:1524
WEDNESDAY
PHIL 2:12-18; PS 27:1, 4, 13-14; LK 14:25-33
THURSDAY
PHIL 3:3-8A; PS 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; LK 15:1-10
FRIDAY
PHIL 3:17—4:1; PS 122:1-2, 3-4AB, 4CD-5; LK 16:1-8
SUNDAY 1 KGS 17:10-16; PS 146:7, 8-9, 9-10; HEB 9:24-28; MK 12:3844 OR 12:41-44
PHOTO COURTESY OF NANCI DE LA ROSA-RICCO
FOSTERING GOOD, HOLY MEN
IN
CELEBRATION
OF
NATIONAL VOCATIONS AWARENESS WEEK, FR. CHEEYOON CHUN SHARES HIS STORY OF JOINING THE PRIESTHOOD
BY MIKE VULPO
FR. CHEYOON CHUN remembers fondly a particular Sunday dating back to when he was in middle school. When at Mass, he saw the priest prepare for Holy Communion.
“When he was lifting up the Eucharist, I really thought to myself, ‘That's something I think I could do,’” Fr. Cheeyoon shared with Orange County Catholic. “I told my parents, and my parents were quite surprised that I would say something like that. They were somewhat aware that maybe their son could become a priest, but they never pushed it.”
Fr. Cheeyoon didn’t think much of it either. As he continued attending church, he began exploring the world of architecture through a drafting class in high school. An undergraduate degree in fine arts with an emphasis in sculpture followed, before a career as a designer was born.
“I was serving at church quite a lot with retreats, youth group and Bible study,” he recalled. “At the same time, I was a full-time designer at an architecture firm, and it felt like I was serving two masters. I realized this is not sustainable. I can't serve the Church in the capacity that I want to full time.”
In what Fr. Cheeyoon described as a “drastic move,” he quit his job, broke up with his girlfriend and sublet his
apartment to move back into his parents’ house and focus on a brand-new chapter.
“I made an appointment with my pastor, and I asked a bunch of random questions about work and about spirituality, and I said, ‘Father, I've been thinking about the priesthood. What do you think about me joining the seminary?’” he recalled. “His response was, ‘Well, it's about time.’ Obviously, he knew something that I didn't, and that was a really nice affirmation that maybe there's something here.”
Fr. Cheeyoon said he did a “complete 180” and transitioned from “one world to the next.”
After going through seminary, being ordained and serving as parochial vicar at Holy Family Catholic Church in Orange, that former curious middle school student has found himself in a new role
serving as director of Priestly Vocations in the Diocese of Orange.
“God still calls me to be a builder,” Fr. Cheeyoon explained. “Perhaps not a builder in the sense of physical space, but the interior space to help each soul build a space or a temple in their heart for God to dwell. I'm doing my best as a priest in the Diocese of Orange to guide other people, to build that special place in people's hearts for God.”
He’s also trying to do that specifically with the seminarians who are on their own personal journeys to the priesthood.
After recognizing a need to foster and cultivate good and holy priests, Fr. Cheeyoon is trying his best to inspire other men to follow God's will.
“My role is to bring in potential guys to become priests,” he said. “But ultimately, my hope is that in the end,
regardless of if they become priests or not, they become holy men. At the end of the day, if the man decides, ‘No, I don't think my vocation is the priesthood,’ that’s OK.”
Fr. Cheeyoon acknowledges that the Catholic Church as a whole is in need of more priests. When asked why more men aren’t exploring the vocation, he explained that there is more than one reason.
For starters, Fr. Cheeyoon believes there’s a “misconception that your worth is based on your job.”
Another struggle is people don’t pray and consult with God enough about their purpose on Earth.
“He is our Creator,” Fr. Cheeyoon explained. “Might as well ask the Creator, ‘How have you designed me? What is my
FR. CHEEYOON CHUN CELEBRATES THE MASS OF ORDINATION WITH HIS FAMILY IN 2020. PHOTO COURTESY OF FR. CHEEYOON CHUN
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 purpose?’ I think we get too caught up in our own ambitions and really haven't made that discussion or prayer to our Lord, like, ‘What is my purpose? What would you like me to do in this world of great value?’ That could be the priesthood. That could be married life and that could be single life. But I think people really need to discern that before they make any big moves or else they get kind of stuck in the world and they think their purpose is to just make money or to gain popularity.”
With National Vocations Awareness Week being celebrated from Nov. 3-9, Fr. Cheeyoon hopes Orange County Catholics support seminarians through prayer all year long.
He also asks curious men not to hesitate to ask questions and discern what is best for their lives.
“Let me walk with you,” he said. “Let
me accompany you. My hope is that you become a saint, and if the priesthood is a way, I certainly can guide you to those steps. Maybe it's something else. Maybe it’s married life. I like to think of my position as more of a compass really to help young people really figure out what God is calling them to do and to be.” C
FR. CHEEYOON CHUN CELEBRATES YOUTH DAY BY SPEAKING WITH YOUNG MEMBERS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. PHOTO COURTESY OF FR. CHEEYOON CHUN
FR. CHEEYOON CHUN SERVES AS THE DIRECTOR OF PRIESTLY VOCATIONS FOR THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE. PHOTO BY THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
MEET THE CLASS PRESIDENTS OF OC CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOLS
IN HONOR OF ELECTION DAY 2024, SEVERAL STUDENT LEADERS SHARE
HOW THEY’RE MAKING A DIFFERENCE AT SCHOOL
BY MIKE VULPO
CATHOLIC
SCHOOLS IN Orange County are building leaders in and out of the classroom.
Long before Americans cast their votes in the 2024 Election, students in several high schools were chosen by their peers to serve as class presidents.
At Cristo Rey Catholic High School, sophomore Amalia Orendain put posters up throughout her campus and delivered a speech in her school hall before being named the class president. Now, she’s hoping to make a difference for all of her classmates.
“We really want to have the opportunity to build our school up,” Orendain told Orange County Catholic, “and create a culture for our present students and for
our future students.”
In honor of Decision 2024, OC Catholic chose to spotlight seven students making a difference as school leaders. Their enthusiasm and dreams prove the future is bright.
SANTA MARGARITA SENIOR CLASS PRESIDENT CLARA CESTONE
“I love collaborating with my peers and fellow Associated Student Body (ASB) members to create a memorable year for the seniors,” Cestone shared. “In representing the senior class, I am able to develop leadership skills while serving the SMCHS community and leaving behind a legacy for future Eagles.”
After serving as a student leader, Cestone — who is also a member of the school’s song team — plans to major in biomedical engineering with a concentration on computer applications. Until then, she hopes future students will consider Santa Margarita as their next home.
“Santa Margarita is rich with opportunity; from the robotics team to its MUN program, there is a niche for everyone to
explore and develop their interests,” she said. “Take advantage of the resources SMCHS gives you and be willing to give back to the school community in the same manner.”
ROSARY ACADEMY ASB PRESIDENT MARISSA VALENCIA
At Rosary Academy, the student council consists of elected ASB officers who help plan and implement key events like Red Ribbon Week, Teacher Appreciation Week and more.
“My favorite part about being president at Rosary Academy is overseeing all the activities that I loved as a freshman, sophomore and junior such as the Haunted House during Halloween, making posters for rallies and promoting school spirit,” Valencia said. “I now lead morning announcements, sharing the different activities around campus. My role allows me to become closer with my peers and teachers during my final year of high school.”
Before she studies biomedical engi-
neering in college, Valencia wants future Rosary Academy students to know the school is a comfortable and safe academic and social environment. “Rosary is a place where everyone belongs and where every girl truly is your sister who wants the best for you,” she said. “You have the chance to follow your wildest dreams and even nurture new ones.”
SERVITE HIGH SCHOOL PRIOR GENERAL PIERRE BALTA
Students at Servite High School have the opportunity to participate in the Priory Leadership Program, which is a comprehensive, hands-on leadership experience. The goal is to give students the opportunity to learn and practice leadership through peer accountability and increased responsibility in all components of the student experience.
“At Servite, the title of a leader is not an ‘end’ but a ‘means’: a position in which growth is always possible,” Balta explained. “In taking leadership roles in Priory and school-wide clubs, I’ve not only grown in
MARISSA VALENCIA SERVES AS THE ASB PRESIDENT AT ROSARY ACADEMY. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARISSA VALENCIA
PIERRE BALTA AND THE SERVITE HIGH SCHOOL PRIORY LEADERSHIP COUNCIL POSE FOR A GROUP PHOTO.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SERVITE HIGH SCHOOL
my leadership skills but have learned more about both myself and others.”
With aspirations to become a business leader and entrepreneur, Balta is grateful to have spent his high school years at Servite thanks to its priority of brotherhood, fraternity and service. “With a unique allboys atmosphere, being a student provides an experience like no other: one filled with growth and the idea of surpassing limits,” he said. “Servite proves a quintessential factor in creating a high school experience that develops leaders in the image of God whilst fostering the idea of serious fun.”
CRISTO REY SOPHOMORE CLASS PRESIDENT AMALIA ORENDAIN
“My favorite part about being class president is that I get the opportunity to work and collaborate with my peers to create the greater goal, which is a great school year for everyone,” Orendain said. “I have the opportunity to be able to build the school culture because we're so new.”
Although she’s only a sophomore, Orendain hopes to attend an Ivy league school and major in neuroscience with a minor in business, all while keeping “Christ at the center of my success.”
“I want future students to know about how much they're supported here at Cristo Rey,” she shared. “Through our corporate work-study program, you have the opportunity to build your college resume with that support, and you just get more experience.”
JSERRA CO-ASB PRESIDENTS ELLIANA CASTRO AND OLIVIA CANCELLIERI
If you experience a student event at JSerra, chances are Elliana Castro and Olivia Cancellieri played a role in putting it on. “My favorite part about being ASB president is having the opportunity to provide fun activities for the entire school and seeing my peers enjoy the events and pep rallies,” Olivia shared.
Elliana agreed and said representing her class has allowed her to grow and “represent a school that constantly strives for faith, intellect and character in each student.”
“I would want future high schoolers to know that JSerra is one of the best schools when it comes to opportunity,” she said. “At JSerra, the teachers and staff all work really hard to prepare us for adulthood and give us every chance to succeed later in life. At JSerra, they offer opportunities
for us to each grow in our faith, academics and athletics.”
MATER DEI ASB PRESIDENT DANIEL CONTRERAS
Before graduating from high school to pursue a career in sports management, Contreras is making sure students have the best experience at Mater Dei.
“My favorite part about being president is how I can be a voice for other students and collaborate with both faculty and my fellow officers to bring about positive change on campus,” he said. “I would like future high schoolers to know that Mater Dei is a great place to get involved. Due to the school’s diversity, there are a number of opportunities to try new things and to discover what you are passionate about.” C
ELLIANA CASTRO (LEFT) AND OLIVIA CANCELLIERI (RIGHT) SERVE AS JSERRA’S CO-ASB PRESIDENTS. PHOTO COURTESY OF JSERRA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
CRISTO REY SOPHOMORE CLASS PRESIDENT AMALIA ORENDAIN SHOWS OFF HER SCHOOL PRIDE IN THE CLASSROOM PHOTO COURTESY OF CRISTO REY HIGH SCHOOL
MATER DEI ASB PRESIDENT DANIEL CONTRERAS ATTENDS MASS AT HIS HIGH SCHOOL. PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIEL CONTRERAS
NEW COURSES FOR THE CATHOLIC BIBLICAL INSTITUTE: ALL ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE
BY FR. TIMOTHY PETERS
THE CATHOLIC BIBLICAL
Institute in the Diocese of Orange will offer two new courses beginning in November and December. These courses are open to all Catholics and even to non-Catholics who may be inquiring about the faith or simply want to study the Bible from a Catholic perspective. The goal of the Biblical Institute is to motivate Catholics to study Sacred Scripture and to share their faith with others. Students can take the courses for credit or non-credit. They are encouraged to enroll through Lumen Christi, see the link below: https://www.rcbo.org/ministry/lumen-christi/bible/
Students can also show up to the class on the first day and enroll as they attend the course.
ACTS OF THE APOSTLES AND
THE LETTERS OF SAINT PAUL
This course begins Nov. 16 and will cover the Acts of the Apostles and the Letters of Saint Paul. The Acts of the Apostles recount the events which occurred beginning with Jesus’ Ascension and followed by the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon the Church which was gathered in prayer in Jerusalem. After these events the Church began to fulfill the Great Commission of bringing the Gospel to the nations and forming disciples in Christ (Matt 28:16‒20). The work and preaching of St. Peter are emphasized in the first 10 chapters in Acts and one of the highlights are the visions that Peter received at Joppa which led to the conversion of Cornelius and his companions. However, after the Council at Jerusalem in 50AD (Acts 15) the emphasis is placed on Paul’s missionary journeys and his impending trial in Rome. It’s important to study the Acts of the Apostles together with the Letters
of Saint Paul because our study of the Acts of the Apostles will provide valuable context for the subjects that Paul treats in his letters. Paul's letters provide a foundation for Christian theology and practice.
THE GOSPEL OF JOHN AND THE BOOK OF REVELATION
A second course will begin on Dec. 6 which covers the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation. This course will be offered at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Huntington Beach. The Gospel of John provides a different perspective from the three Synoptic Gospels and it places great emphasis on Jesus’ divinity and uses language and concepts which will help us understand the sacraments. For this very reason the Gospel of John has a special place in our liturgical celebrations during Lent and Easter. John’s Gospel is packed with very profound theology, and it continually draws from the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) helping the reader to understand how the Lord’s work reaches fulfillment in Christ.
The Book of Revelation is also known as the Apocalypse, a word which has the sense of ‘removing the veil’. Apocalyptic literature was very popular between the period of 200BC and 200AD, and scholars note that understanding this specific literary style of writing (literary genre) and its historical context is key to understanding the Book of Revelation. In addition, the Book of Revelation recounts many events from a heavenly perspective and provides insights into the eternal act of worship which takes place before the Lord’s heavenly throne.
Hence, most people would be surprised to see how the Book of Revelation helps us to understand the Liturgy, the celebration of Mass when we worship together with the Church victorious in heaven. Indeed, some of the high points
are the vision of the Lords’ eternal throne in Revelation chapters 4-5, the woman clothed with the sun standing on the moon with a crown of 12 stars in Revelation 12 and the marriage Supper of the Lamb in Revelation 19. This class will unpack much of the theological symbolism and help the average reader appreciate the message of hope. For more information, please call (714) 282-3078 or see the link below for the Biblical Institute and for the flyer:
https://www.rcbo.org/ministry/lumen-christi/bible/ C
FR. TIM PETERS LEADS A FOUR-DAY RETREAT ON THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH IN DECEMBER 2023 AT OUR LADY OF FATIMA PARISH IN SAN CLEMENTE.
HOLY FAMILY (SEAL BEACH) CATHOLIC CHURCH CELEBRATES THE CANONIZATION OF MOTHER MARIE-LÉONIE PARADIS
BY BRITNEY ZINT
ASEAL BEACH PARISH HAD
much to celebrate as the great aunt of one of its own became a saint on World Mission Sunday.
Holy Family Catholic Church celebrated the canonization of Mother Marie-Léonie Paradis with a special speaker, Sr. Kathy Paradis, the great niece of the new saint. Sr. Kathy is a member of the Mission Community of the Holy Spirit and parishioner at Holy Family Catholic Church.
“My family is surprised, really, and also we are kind of overwhelmed at the significance of it,” Sr. Kathy said. “It’s such an honor, such a blessing and in some ways such a responsibility to try to follow her humble love.”
Mother Marie-Léonie (1840 - 1912) was one of 14 people decreed by Pope Francis to be inscribed in the Books of Saints in a Mass at St. Peter’s Square in Rome on Oct. 20.
“These new saints lived Jesus’ way:
service,” Pope Francis said, according to the Catholic News Agency. “They made themselves servants of their brothers and sisters, creative in doing good, steadfast in difficulties and generous to the end.”
Mother Marie-Léonie founded the Little Sisters of the Holy Family, a congregation dedicated to collaboration with priests through prayer and domestic service.
Canadian born Mother Marie-Léonie joined the Maronite convent in Montreal at 14 years old. When she was 40, she founded the Little Sisters, which had more than 600 sisters working in 40 houses of clergy across the U.S. and Canada when she died. Mother Marie-Léonie is credited with curing a newborn girl of “prolonged perinatal asphyxia with multi-organ failure and encephalopathy” in Quebec in 1986, according to Vatican News.
“Throughout the years I have heard so much about her through her great niece, Sr. Kathy,” said Fr. Joseph Son Nguyen, pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church.
“So, when her name came up for canonization, it was instant recognition and delight.
I’ve heard so much about her the last few years, finally she’s being canonized.”
Although celebrating Mother Marie-Léonie’s sainthood, the celebration was also a reflection of Sr. Kathy, several Holy Family members said. Sr. Kathy is not only a member and friend, but family, said Claudia Venegas, office manager at Holy Family.
Sr. Kathy has served as head of Eucharistic Ministries, lecture, coordinator of prayer groups, and even started a patriotic rosary, Venegas said.
“It is for her, because we feel that her presence here, and her quiet apostolic work here, has sometimes gone unnoticed,” Fr. Joseph said. “She carries a great legacy — that of a saint.”
Holy Family parishioner Becky Maffucci said she thinks there is a parallel between Sr. Kathy and Mother Marie-Léonie,
adding that “nothing happens by accident.”
“To know her is to love her,” said Maffucci of Sr. Kathy. “She remembers anything that is going on in your family, she always prays for you and she’s selfless, absolutely selfless. She’s just a wonderful role model.”
Growing up, Sr. Kathy did not have Mother Marie-Léonie as her own role model. It wasn’t until after she joined her religious order that she learned of her family roots. During a family get-together in Maine, her father and brother returned with news of “this wonderful person in our family that we’re just learning about,” Sr. Kathy said.
shared. “It was quite a surprise. I really felt rather awed by it. It’s like ‘really, this is in our family?’
“I started praying to her,” Sr. Kathy
“I am sure she was up there really praying for me,” Sr. Kathy continued, “and did have an influence on my decision.” C
SR. KATHY PARADIS, THE GREAT NIECE OF THE NEWLY SAINTED MOTHER MARIE-LÉONIE PARADIS, PROCEEDS DOWN THE AISLE OF HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH IN SEAL BEACH. PHOTOS BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
SR. KATHY PARADIS GREETS PARISHIONERS FOLLOWING A CELEBRATION OF THE CANONIZATION OF HER GREAT AUNT, MOTHER MARIE-LÉONIE.
A MISSION TO SERVE
BY DEACON CARL SWANSON Camp Pendleton.
THE FAMILY ASSISTANCE
Ministries (FAM) mission assists those in need with food, shelter and personalized coaching on their journey to independence. It is an interfaith charitable nonprofit alliance that served 30,187 people last year. Its model focuses on the root cause issues to deliver long term results that change lives for the better. In addition to clients located in South Orange County, FAM provides support to Marine families stationed at
Our Lady of Fatima (OLF) parish in San Clemente has been a longtime supporter of FAM, providing both financial assistance, food donations and volunteer hours. This year during its 37th annual Hunger Walk FAM selected Our Lady of Fatima parish as its 2024 Honoree. Representatives presented a plaque to Deacon Al Scaduto, who received it on behalf of the parish. Fr. Antonio Lopez, pastor of OLF, also presented FAM with an additional $10,000 check to help support its mission. C
To report sexual abuse by clergy or church personnel
BÁO CÁO LẠM DỤNG TÌNH DỤC
Nếu bạn là nạn nhân bị lạm dụng tình dục bởi một linh mục/ tu sĩ hay một thành viên trong Giáo Hội gây ra, xin hãy gọi và báo cáo cho Giáo phận ở số điện thoại miễn phí sau đây: 1-800-364-3064, và đồng thời báo cáo cho nhà chức trách địa phương.
OUR LADY OF FATIMA PARISH WAS RECENTLY NAMED FAMILY ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES’ (FAM) 2024 HONOREE FOR ITS CONTINUED SUPPORT OF ITS MISSION TO SERVE THOSE IN NEED. THE PARISH RECEIVED A SPECIAL PLAQUE ON OCT. 13.
OUR LADY OF FATIMA PARISH IN SAN CLEMENTE RECENTLY PRESENTED FAMILY ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES (FAM) WITH A $10,000 CHECK TO HELP SUPPORT ITS MISSION. PHOTOS COURTESY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA PARISH
FISHING FOR LIFE WITH THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
BY RON KUZLIK
THE ORANGE COUNTY Chapter of the Knights of Columbus recently completed their third Fish for Life! excursion for 2024 on the waters off of Dana Point.
Fish for Life! is a California-based non-profit that was started over a lunchtime discussion in 2009 by founder and chief executive officer, Jim Holden, and his friend Jeffrey Kutcher, who has cerebral palsy.
The mission of Fish for Life! is to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by providing fun fishing trips for them to enjoy.
“It is designed to provide love and inspiration while teaching fishing skills and creating memorable experiences,” Holden said.
According to Orange County Chapter Knights of Columbus Vice President Louis Gardner, the chapter has sponsored dozens of these trips over the past 10 years.
"This year, the chapter teamed up with local Knights of Columbus councils in fundraising efforts to raise $25,000 to underwrite the cost of the three 2024 fishing trips," Gardner said.
On this particular trip held on Oct. 19, 35 honored guests were accompanied by their friends and sponsors. About 90 anglers took to the waters of the Pacific Ocean in search of a variety of fish, including rockfish, calico bass, white fish, halibut, sculpin and even barracuda.
Fish for Life! board member and owner of Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching, Donna Kalez, provided the 95-foot fishing vessel Dana Pride.
“Jim Holden came to me 15 years ago with the idea of a fishing trip for kids with special needs,” she said. “What you see is what we’ve been doing for all these years. Every child on the boat has a designated fishing leader and it just keeps getting better and better.”
Kalez was quick to thank the Knights for their continued partnership.
“The Knights of Columbus have been amazing supporters and partners,” she shared. “They help every year to raise funds for these trips, and we couldn’t do it without their efforts and support.”
As guests boarded the Dana Pride, they were all individually introduced and received high fives as they walked a special red carpet.
During the cruise, there was more than just fishing to keep guests entertained. There was a “Bucket Band Parade” which involved marching the perimeter of the boat while banging on large empty buckets and rattling handheld tambourines.
A meal was prepared in the galley and guests enjoyed lunch while watching scores of dolphins playfully swimming nearby.
There was even a special appearance by a “mermaid,” who later met and socialized with the guests when the vessel returned to the dock.
Melody Kochan of Lake Forest was accompanied by her father Steve.
“Melody gets so excited about these trips,” Steve shared. “She looks forward to engaging with other people and, of course, catching fish.”
Michelle Krugh of San Clemente is the mother of two sons, Jackson, 18, and Blake, 16. They were also accompanied by their grandfather Chuck Pillsbury and were there at the invitation of their classmate Sophia.
“This is so much fun with so many amazing people,” Michelle said. “And it is such a blessing. It builds confidence in doing something they’ve never done before. My boys even caught three fish each.”
Classmate Sophia caught a sculpin, a very unusual looking fish with a flattened head and frog-like mouth and eyes.
“This fish is so colorful,” Sophia said. “It was so good and so much fun!”
For more information on Fish for Life! visit https://www.fishforlife.org/
To learn more about the Orange County Chapter of the Knights of Columbus, visit https://ockc.net/ C
MICHELLE KRUGH AND HER FATHER CHUCK PILLSBURY GATHER ON THE FANTAIL OF THE FISHING VESSEL DANA PRIDE WITH MICHELLE’S SONS JACKSON, 18, AND BLAKE, 16, AS THEY RETURN TO DANA POINT HARBOR DURING THE FISH FOR LIFE! EXCURSION SPONSORED BY THE ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. PHOTOS BY RON KUZLIK/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
HONORARY CO-CAPTAIN GABE RICHARDSON COMES ACROSS THE RED CARPET TO BOARD THE FISHING VESSEL DANA PRIDE DURING THE FISH FOR LIFE! EXCURSION SPONSORED BY THE ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS.
THE CREW OF THE FISHING VESSEL DANA PRIDE MAKE PREPARATIONS BEFORE DEPARTING WITH FISH FOR LIFE! ANGLERS AND THEIR SPONSORS AND FISHING LEADERS DURING THE EXCURSION SPONSORED BY THE ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. PHOTOS BY RON KUZLIK/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD KALISE MAYAHULA IS WELCOMED ABOARD THE FISHING VESSEL DANA PRIDE WITH HIGH FIVES. KALISE WAS THE SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMER OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM DURING OPENING CEREMONIES PRIOR TO THE FISH FOR LIFE EXCURSION ON THE WATERS OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN.
FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD SHEILA PROUDLY DISPLAYS HER CATCH OF THE DAY WITH DANA PRIDE CREW MEMBER SPENCER WILLIAMS DURING THE FISH FOR LIFE! EXCURSION SPONSORED BY THE ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS.
DIOCESE’S NEW CONCERT SEASON WILL FEATURE NEWLY INSTALLED ORGAN, MORE
BY BRADLEY ZINT
THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE is pleased to announce the Christ Cathedral music ministry’s 2024-25 concert season, which will include the recital debut of a newly refurbished pipe organ, Christmas music and an epic 19-hour marathon of Bach’s entire pipe organ catalogue.
The season begins on Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. with the inaugural recital of the Schoenstein & Co. pipe organ in the cathedral’s recently dedicated St. Callistus Chapel and Crypts. The 405pipe, 8-rank instrument was formerly in a private home in Southern California and New York before Christ Cathedral acquired it and returned it to the Golden State.
The recital will feature soloist Steven Ball playing French music alongside Lauren McCaul, cathedral music administrator and soprano.
Next is the annual Christmas at the Cathedral concert on Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. It will feature holiday favorites, as well as congregational carols complementing some of the most beloved Scripture readings about the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Bach marathon concert — dubbed “Bach-a-Thon!” — begins at the early hour of 6 a.m. on March 3 and is expected to last 19 hours, through 1 a.m. March 4. The complete organ works of J.S. Bach will be played on Christ Cathedral’s epic and iconic Hazel Wright Organ. “Bach-a-Thon,” presented in collaboration with the American Guild of Organists, will feature concert organists from around Southern California.
A highlight of the 19-hour session promises to come at 7:30 p.m. with a “best of Bach” featuring David Ball and the Christ Cathedral choirs. Commentary will be provided throughout
“Bach-a-Thon” by Michael Barone, host of the nationally syndicated radio show “Pipedreams,” and Roger Sherman, owner of Gothic Records and host of “The Organ Loft.”
The next concert is “The Annunciation: A Choral Adoration” on March 25 at 7:30 p.m. This reflective night of music will include Marian choral classics, congregational Marian hymns and the world premiere of a new hymn arrangement by Benjamin LaPrairie, associate director of music at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
The season concludes at 7:30 p.m. on May 21 with showcasing the next generation: Christ Cathedral’s Organ Scholars and Choral Scholars. This year’s class is comprised of Eduardo Iñiguez, Phillip Hoang, Tess Sacher, Clare Donaldson, Dayris Lira, Agatha Teague and Serra Kim.
All concerts are free and will be on the Christ Cathedral campus in Garden Grove. Tickets will be required for the Nov. 13 Schoenstein organ recital because of the limited capacity of the cathedral’s St. Callistus chapel.
For more information and to get tickets, visit www.christcathedralmusic.org C
A CHRISTMAS AT THE CATHEDRAL CONCERT, DECEMBER 2022. PHOTO BY KIERNAN COLIFLORES/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE
PARENTS CAN ENCOURAGE HOLY VOCATIONS
BY JOAN PATTEN, AO
ONE OF THE GREATEST SAINTS
of our modern times first encountered his personal call to holiness through the witness of his father.
As a young boy, Karol Wojtyla, lost his mother at 9 years old, and so his father, Karol Jozef Wojtyla played a crucial role in forming him to be a “true worshipper of God.” His father lived a simple life of sacrifice and prayer in the aftermath of the premature deaths of his wife and older son. When Karol’s mother died, his father took him to a Marian shrine to pray for her soul. Decades later, true devotion to Our Lady would be a prominent trait of Pope John Paul II’s spirituality and pontificate.
Karol often saw his father constantly praying, even in the middle of the night. The witness of Karol’s father planted the first seeds of Karol’s priestly vocation. Karol recognized with gratitude that his father created a “domestic seminary” for him through his prayerful witness and example.
St. Therese of Lisieux also had a profound experience of being encouraged to grow in her faith and her call to holiness through the example of her parents and their instruction. She also lost her mother at a young age. Still, her father, Louis Martin, continued to guide his family in the faith by leading family prayer time, attending Mass regularly and taking his family to pilgrimages and shrines. Louis made sure that Sunday was the Lord’s Day in their home, and the family would gather for worship in the parish, and they would rest and have leisure time. The environment in the Martin home was conducive for five of his daughters to discern and pursue a vocation to religious life. It was a great sacrifice for Louis, but he supported his daughters’ calling to enter into religious life, especially young Therese, who desired to enter the convent
at age 15.
These two extraordinary saints of our modern age pursued their discernment of God’s will and entered priestly and religious vocations with the blessing of their parents. The holy marriages of the parents of these saints played a crucial role in fostering this encouragement. The gift of these two canonized saints whose vocations were nurtured in their homes is still resonating in the life of the Church today. Parents have the primary duty to encourage their children to be disciples of Jesus, following Him in the way that He is calling them. This includes being open to the call to priesthood and consecrated life for their children and by living an example of a holy marriage.
As the parents of these saints have modeled, this is lived simply but requires consistency. Cultivate your home
rishioners share their pride in their son. Parents whose daughters join religious orders have discovered that while they gave one daughter to God, they received a whole religious family in return and can find themselves having over 20 women call them “mom” and “dad.”
During this Vocations Awareness Week, parents are encouraged to examine their beliefs about encouraging their children to pursue a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life. Bring to prayer any fearful thoughts such as, “I don’t want my child to be lonely” or “I’m afraid of losing my son or daughter.” Ask for the intercession of the parents of St. John Paul II and St. Therese of Lisieux, so you, too, may encourage your children to pursue holiness no matter where the path may take them. The world needs them to become great saints, and in so doing, your vocation as a parent will be a witness of holiness. C
as a domestic Church by engaging in daily prayer and reading Sacred Scripture. Read stories of the saints and watch positive media that support Christian values. Assure your children that they have great freedom to discern the possibility of a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life. Befriend priests and consecrated men and women who can share their stories of discernment and the joyful reality of their lives. Pray for the grace to desire that your children fulfill their baptismal vocation by becoming great saints in whatever way is best for them. Take comfort in the fact that although it is a great sacrifice to surrender your children to God in this way, the Lord will provide and protect for your family’s needs. Parents of priests often are welcomed into a parish and discover that the pa-
PHOTO BY PRISCILLA DU PREEZ ON UNSPLASH
OC Catholic Afar
Beverly and Dan Truzzolino traveled to South Dakota to see Mt. Rushmore. They brought along a copy of OC Catholic when they stopped in at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City for Adoration and Mass.
—Beverly and Dan are parishioners of St. Mary's by the Sea Catholic Church, Huntington Beach.
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