Teens preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church became their favorite saints.
MARY’S MODERN MISSION
The faithful are encouraged to venerate the visiting Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe at various sites throughout the Diocese of Orange.
18 WHO, WHAT, WHERE IS YOUR TREASURE?
On the 8th World Day of the Poor, take a moment to consider your blessings.
ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC MISSION STATEMENT
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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
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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.
HOME ALTARS
“ Our broken and divided world needs to build bridges...” — Pope Francis SAINT PROFILE
READER CALL-OUT
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RV 5:1-10; PS 149:1B-2, 3-4, 5-6A AND 9B; LK 19:41-44
ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY 1207 - 1231
ELIZABETH'S SHORT LIFE WAS nonetheless full; she had a happy marriage and children, was a secular Franciscan, and was so devoted to the poor and sick that she gave away royal robes and founded hospitals. The daughter of a Hungarian king, Elizabeth married a nobleman of Thuringia, Louis, at age 14. He complained about the expense of her many charities until he witnessed a miracle involving Elizabeth, bread and roses. After he died during a Crusade, she became a Third Order Franciscan at Marburg, Germany, where she founded a hospital to care for the sick. Elizabeth, who was declared a saint in 1235, is the patron of bakers, young brides, widows, those falsely accused, countesses and secular Franciscans.C
ELLEN VINCK AND HER husband Alex moved to South Orange County almost 10 years ago to be closer to family, especially their grandchildren. The couple had been active in their San Diego parish, especially with stewardship, capital campaigns and trying to get a new church built. However, they never saw it built prior to their move north, so they were looking forward to finding a new parish that was built and paid for so they could focus on other ministries.
But God had other plans.
The couple joined Holy Trinity in Ladera Ranch — a parish located between her and her daughter’s family. The young parish was just about to break ground on the permanent church, and Vinck joined the capital campaign committee already working to raise funds for the construction.
The new church was dedicated in 2017 but still has an enormous debt. Then the pandemic hit, and offertory revenues dropped significantly, suffering just like many other churches and businesses.
This is where Vinck’s experience with the concept of Sacrificial Giving at her former parish came in, like the Holy Spirit, with a new approach to giving. The journey to transforming Holy Trinity to being a Sacrificial Giving parish began.
According to Fr. Michael St. Paul, pastor of Holy Trinity, “The essence of Sacrificial Giving is to put God first in every decision, including our gifts to the church. It’s not the money; it is the joy and sacrifice of giving selflessly. It’s not just throwing money in the basket at church but understanding the ‘theology of giving’ and being inten-
tional about doing your part in the church.”
After Vinck shared her thoughts with Fr. Michael, she was immediately contacted by Steve Day, chair of the Pastoral Council, who believed that this initiative was the most important work that the Council would ever endorse. The next PC meeting exploded with support starting with Deacon Randy and Linda McMahon, who shared that they had also been part of a Sacrificial Giving parish while being stationed on the East Coast and that experience had changed their hearts on giving from the first time they attended Mass there. Next up was Rick Volpo, who had already rolled out a very successful “Parish Upgrade Corner” program where parishioners can financially sponsor a project in need of support.
The seeds had now been sown and were
already starting to germinate, but Vinck gives credit where it is due and it’s absolutely not just with her.
“This would not have been possible without the participation and contribution of our clergy,” she shared. “The parish staff and other parishioners who stepped forward to help the team and who each gave their time and talent to make the program successful.”
The program seeks to create a deeper connection with each family in the parish so that as they seek God’s guidance in their giving, they become closer to Him and their parish community.
“So many people don’t think about how they support their parish's mission,” added Fr. Michael. “We see it on Sunday when some people scramble to put a few dollars in the basket during the offertory.
The process is reflexive and not intentional and, more importantly, it doesn’t reflect the reverence of the Mass.”
The parish formed a “think tank” known as Team SG, with key staff and volunteers already working hard on other related councils and committees who volunteered to develop a clear and compelling roll-out. Beginning in the fall of 2021, the program was introduced in stages and always with prayer.
Fr. Michael spoke at Mass about parish finances, with very clear and transparent financial reports so parishioners could fully understand the situation. He talked about stewardship and responding to God with an intentional portion of our gifts.
The program was reinforced with a series of bulletin articles explaining in
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: ELLEN VINCK, RICK VOLPO, STEVE DAY, FR. MICHAEL ST. PAUL, LAURA FORSYTHE AND DANIEL CATANIA DISCUSS HOLY TRINITY’S SACRIFICIAL GIVING PROGRAM. PHOTO BY STEVE GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
detail what Sacrificial Giving was and how it would deepen each family's relationship with God and their parish. These included not only descriptions of various aspects of stewardship but also questions for personal reflection, such as: How am I actively being a part of The Faithful?
Am I being a good steward of the talents that God has given me? and am I using them at my Holy Trinity spiritual home? Where and how can I further grow my talents as the foundation of my own path of Stewardship?
The education phase continued long before the first official “ask” was made. Messages were tied to Scripture to emphasize the spiritual journey, not just the financial necessities of parish support.
By Phase Three, the parish family had learned the difference between a regular offertory and Sacrificial Giving. The most crucial step was to have an honest and prayerful conversation with God and their family and decide what a Sacrificial gift would be for them.
It wasn’t the amount but the intentionality of the gift that was most important. It changed the giving dynamic from a last-minute “cash in the basket” approach to a thoughtful and consistent weekly or monthly contribution that reflected the entire family’s commitment to the church community.
Finally, each family was asked to sign a scroll entitled “Our Giving Journey…It Takes a Parish, Our gift to God in return for His many gifts to us…” The document formalized the family’s intentional giving amount or range weekly or monthly. It also spelled out how the gift would be made – electronically or by check. The promise agreement ended with “Remember that God is not as concerned with the size of your gift, but rather what the gift means to you when you present it to Him.”
Responses began slowly but were consistent and eventually, of the 500-550 active parishioners, more than half have declared they are a Sacrificial Giving parishioner/ family. The new Sacrificial Giving offertory revenue first provides for the parish’s own
5% Sacrificial Giving donation that goes to a deserving local Catholic charitable organization that serves the community and reflects the belief that the parish also has to be sacrificing to support God’s work. Those donations average $2,500-$3,500 per month and total over $40,000 to date benefitting organizations such as Catholic Charities, The Life Center of Santa Ana, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Restorative Justice Ministry and more. The remaining increased giving goes to balancing the annual budget, which is a challenge from year to year with increased costs. Vinck is the first one to make it clear that they are not done yet. The goal is to have 100% parishioner support that will enable the parish to achieve their goal of offering all faith formation at no cost to Sacrificial Giving families. And that final elusive
step will be to pay off the parish building debt, eliminating the need for future capital campaigns to pay off the debt.
“What families prayerfully give is a sacrifice; that’s the seed we wanted to plant,” said Vinck. “It appears that it has taken root and is growing like a mustard seed.” C
FR. MICHAEL ST. PAUL IS THE PASTOR OF HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH IN LADERA RANCH.
PICTURED IN FRONT OF HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH IN LADERA RANCH ARE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: STEVE DAY, LAURA FORSYTHE, RICK VOLPO, FR. MICHAEL ST. PAUL, ELLEN VINCK AND DANIEL CATANIA. PHOTOS BY STEVE GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
A FESTIVAL OF SAINTS
BY LOU PONSI
FAITH LEADERS AT ST. Philip Benizi Catholic Church in Fullerton who are tasked with preparing the church’s teenagers for the Sacrament of Confirmation felt it would be more impactful for the youngsters to become their favorite saint, and not simply read about them in a book.
So as part of the teens’ preparation, Maribel Alvarado, faith formation coordinator at St. Philip Benzi, and Imelda Pribe, the church’s conformation coordinator, organized the Festival of Saints.
Held on Oct. 26 in conjunction with All Saints Day, the Festival of Saints gave students, many joined by their families, the opportunity to dress as their favorite saint and set up a display with items or activities associated with their chosen saint.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) characterizes saints as “persons in heaven (officially canonized or not), who lived heroically virtuous lives, offered their life for others, or were martyred for the faith and who are worthy of imitation.”
“So, in developing their faith, we're wanting them to embrace, not only their faith, but to also put it into practice and to share it with others,” Pribe said. “We're able to showcase that people lived a life for Christ and were witnesses of their faith and we recognize them as saints.”
Saints represented included St. Joseph, the patron saint of families, fathers and carpenters, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, the spiritual mother of all people and patron saint of many causes.
A tribute to St. Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, featured an activity where children “fished” for mini bags of fish crackers.
Juan Soto, a student at Sunny Hills High School, was dressed as St. Joseph.
“He just really resonates with me,” said Soto, who was confirmed at St. Philip
Benizi and volunteers there. “I just like coming back and helping with the program.”
A highlight of the festival was an archery class that took place to pay homage to St. Joan of Arc as a model of faith and courage.
As the patron saint of France, soldiers, prisoners and those in need of courage, Joan of Arc is revered as a defender of the French nation for leading the French army to victory in the siege of Orléans in 1428 at age 17.
“She was a person that did her work for her Lord within the age range that they're in,” Alvarado said.
“It kind of makes that connection with the children. And saints are people who we can look up to. They all have different charisma.”
Delfina Rocha, a parent volunteer, had her son dress as St. Isidore to
honor her grandfather.
“My grandpa's name is Isidro,” Rocha said. “We call him Isidro, but it's Isidore. And the fact that he's the saint of all the poor and everybody that wants to help. I remember my grandpa was the same way growing up. He would always help everybody in his community, in Mexico especially.”
The activity also gave the teens the opportunity to learn about saints who are less widely known, Pribe said.
“St. Catherine of Bologna is not one of the saints who is as commonly known as the some of the others,” she shared.
St. Catherine of Bologna is the patron saint of artists because she expressed her faith through art, including paintings of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.C
ARLET AND ISAIAS COBARRUBIAS TRY THE FISHING GAME AT ST. ANDREW’S STATION. PHOTOS BY LOU PONSI/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
AN ARCHERY CLASS PAID HOMAGE TO ST. JOAN OF ARC.
DYLAN ALVARADO AND SAMMY AGUILAR VISIT THE ST. SEBASTIAN STATION DURING ST. PHILIP BENIZI’S FESTIVAL OF SAINTS.
ST. PHILIP BENIZI CATHOLIC CHURCH HOSTED A FESTIVAL OF SAINTS ON OCT. 26 IN CONJUNCTION WITH ALL SAINTS DAY.
THE SCHOOL OF EVANGELIZATION’S OPEN INVITATION
AS A GROUP OF CATHOLICS
PREPARE TO GRADUATE FROM THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE’S NEW PROGRAM, STUDENTS
SHARE
THE CHANGES THEY’VE DISCOVERED IN THEMSELVES
BY MIKE VULPO
THE SCHOOL OF Evangelization
is opening the doors to a new group of Catholics as the Diocese of Orange’s program prepares to celebrate its first group of graduates.
More than 40 participants will officially complete the program this December after learning practical skills to share the Gospel in everyday life.
“It has been a very inspiring journey,” Martha Arenas, manager of The School of Evangelization, shared with Orange County Catholic. “They initially came in and they were a little shy. But they found ways to communicate with one another, and that's been really beautiful to watch. They have become so much more open. They want to invite other people. They've had such a great experience.”
One grateful participant in the program is Albert Garcia. After beginning the school in June, Garcia believes the experience has deepened his faith in more ways than one.
“It’s given me a purpose to go out and evangelize,” he shared in a testimonial obtained by Orange County Catholic. “It’s given me the tools to bring more prayer life, bring more evangelization to the different works in our ministries. It’s just been a great experience.”
The School of Evangelization emphasizes the importance of personal discipleship and equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to evangelize with confidence and compassion.
Fr. Steve Correz of St. Mary’s parish shared, “For our Church to have intentional disciples to be her witnesses, we need to be intentional with the learning of our
Catholic faith in an active way rather than passively absorbing it (The School provides this active learning).”
Participants begin the program with a Kerygma Encounter Retreat. They are also asked to read “Forming Intentional Disciples” by Sherry Weddell and portions of “Evangelii Gaudium” by Pope Francis before embarking on 10 weekly sessions.
In the classes, participants will learn a variety of skills centered on parish leadership and evangelization strategies.
After completing the program, the goal is for participants to share their knowledge with the local churches they attend. Bishop Kevin Vann has previously expressed his wish for all parishes to have evangelization teams outside of the catechetical setting.
“I learned a lot more about myself, especially what my gifts are, where I lack, how I can improve myself,” participant Jennifer Nguyen shared. “I feel like I’m much closer to our Lord. I’ve been going to Mass more, and I’m going to Confession more than I’ve ever done in my entire life. I feel energized.”
Arenas is looking forward to welcoming a brand-new group of participants to the program in early 2025, with help from Deacon Steve Greco (Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation), Katie Dawson (Director of Parish Evangelization and Faith Formation) and Luis A. Chavez (Associate Director of Parish Evangelization and Faith Formation).
Deacon Steve is happy to see this first cohort completing the School of Evangelization’s course.
“I’ve been excited about the potential of the School of Evangelization from the beginning,” he said. “We keep talking about evangelization — but there’s often a disconnect between the ‘want to and the how to’ and this effort is equipping parishioners for the ‘how to’ and it’s having a positive impact.”
STUDENTS OF THE SCHOOL OF EVANGELIZATION PARTAKE IN A DISCUSSION DURING A RECENT CLASS. PHOTOS BY YUAN WANG/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
KATIE DAWSON, DIRECTOR OF PARISH EVANGELIZATION AND FAITH FORMATION FOR THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE, SPEAKS DURING A RECENT SCHOOL OF EVANGELIZATION CLASS.
Although students in the initial group were nominated by their pastors, the next cohort can simply fill out a candidate profile online where they will share a little bit about their faith journey as well as their goals and intentions for the school.
Laypeople, parish leaders, ministry staff and anyone passionate about spreading the Good News or deepening their relationship with God are welcome to apply.
“People who go to church once a week but have a curiosity about how to be more involved are encouraged to apply,” Arenas shared. “It could be intimidating for them to approach the parish office because perhaps they feel they don't have enough training. They don't have enough knowledge, and they are afraid to try to get more involved because they don't feel they have a good foundation. This will provide the foundation to lose that fear.”
At the end of the program, Arenas hopes participants ages 18 and older will have a “bag of tools” that will help them contribute to their parishes.
“The School is a suitable aid instrument for Catholic formation in our diocese for the many pastoral challenges we are currently facing in our parishes,” said Fr. Sergio Ramos of St. Justin Martyr parish.
For Eden Preciado, participating in the school has had a profound impact on his faith. As a result, he encourages anyone curious about the program to apply.
“I would recommend this as supercharging your faith,” he said. “It’s a way for you to take it to the next level, to pick up useful tricks that have been tried before like having structured prayer life, daily mass attendance.”
“The most impactful part of this school has been the structured prayer life,” Preciado continued. “Sticking to that structure really helps you get on with the day and having the right focus.”
Before graduating from the program in December, student Blanca Grajeda can’t help but get emotional when looking back on the journey she had in becoming a disciple.
In just a few short months, Grajeda believes she has been transforming “just the way God wants me to transform.”
“It really brings tears to my eyes because just being here has really taught me that God has his arms open for every single one of us,” Grajeda shared. “Hearing stories from our speakers about how they were before they met Jesus and how they have been transformed, I feel like I’m walking on the same journey. … God puts situations in my life where I get to practice everything that I’ve been taught here at this school.”
To learn more about The School of Evangelization, email Martha Arenas at marenas@rcbo.org or apply to the school online now at https://www.rcbo.org/ministry/lumen-christi/evangelization/ C
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DEACON STEVE GRECO, DIRECTOR OF EVANGELIZATION AND FAITH
STUDENTS ENGAGE IN A DISCUSSION DURING A RECENT SCHOOL OF EVANGELIZATION CLASS. PHOTOS BY YUAN WANG/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
LEADERSHIP IN ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
SPOTLIGHT ON: DECLAN CRANS, ST. HEDWIG SCHOOL
BY MIKE ZINN
AT ST. HEDWIG SCHOOL IN
Los Alamitos, Principal Chris McGuiness takes leadership very seriously. When asked to elaborate on the importance of choosing an eighth-grade student who best exhibits the most significant qualities of leadership, he said, “All year, I have been talking with our eighth graders about leadership. Having Declan Crans lead our school every morning with prayer and the pledge is a perfect way for our younger students to see what it’s like for a young man to take on a leadership role.”
Crans has attended St. Hedwig since the fifth grade. During this time, he
has made a positive impression on his fellow students and staff members. Mrs. Mai Marquez, Middle School Advanced Math Instructor and one of the Student Council Moderators, has known Crans his entire time at St. Hedwig. She lists his best qualities as having a positive spirit, strong leadership skills and being highly motivated to do quality work.
When asked about his involvement in the Student Council, Marquez remarked, “he is a true servant leader, a great role model to his peers, as well as others at St. Hedwig.”
As a strong student, Crans most enjoys Math and History. Along with being vice president of the Student Council, he is also a Student Ambassador, giving school tours to parents of incoming students. He is also an Altar Server.
Crans also exhibits strong leadership qualities outside of school. He competes
in club water polo and swimming for Shores Aquatics in Long Beach. Reflecting on his time as team captain, he shared, “I could be an example to my teammates and how to grow and achieve higher objectives.”
Crans also participates in the Civil Air Patrol organization in Los Alamitos. He likes this program because it “helps me become a leader and learn more about the military.”
Crans is looking ahead to entering high school next fall. He wants to continue his Catholic education at St.
John Bosco in Bellflower. Though college is far off, he listed Pepperdine and the Coast Guard Academy as possible choices. Professionally he would like to work in Search and Rescue with the Coast Guard.
Crans is very thankful for his time at St. Hedwig and enjoys many aspects
of the school, especially that “it is like a close-knit family.”
He urges other students to “be yourself, don’t follow the crowd and be a leader.” C
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DECLAN CRANS. PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. HEDWIG SCHOOL IN LOS ALAMITOS
AROUND OUR DIOCESE
BY STAFF
TRUNK-OR-TREAT
Our Lady of Fatima Academy in San Clemente hosted its traditional trunk-or-treat festivities on October 31. Student parents decorated their cars in a variety of festive scenes and provided “treats” to the children as they visited the vignettes the parents had created for them. Everyone from the school, including Principal Jennifer Jukic, teachers, staff and students grades TK through 8 wore costumes. This was a safe and sane way for the students to celebrate Halloween.
—Submitted by Deacon Carl Swanson
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Yorba Linda proudly celebrated Día de los Muertos with a vibrant display that honored the rich traditions of this cultural holiday. This year’s spectacular exhibit, organized by myself and a dedicated group of SFA parent volunteers featured an intricately decorated altar adorned with photos of beloved departed family members, marigold flowers and traditional offerings like pan de muerto. A heartfelt thank-you goes to the SFA community members who initiated this beautiful tradition many years ago. Through their efforts, the ofrenda has become a cherished annual event at St. Francis of Assisi, bringing the community together to reflect and celebrate the lives of our loved ones.
—Submitted by Yovani Ramos, SFA Spanish Teacher
MARIAN GARDENS RECOGNIZED
The Marian Gardens project at Christ Cathedral was recently recognized with an award from the American Concrete Institute.
The trade organization’s Southern California chapter on Oct. 24 gave Domusstudio Architecture, the San Diego-based architectural firm that designed the project, an award for decorative concrete. The concrete subcontractor was J&M Concrete Contractors, Inc., with supplies from Associated Ready Mix. Driver SPG was the general contractor.
The Marian Gardens, which opened in May, contain several sections of decorative concrete that include portions embedded with crushed glass. The various colors of the glass are symbolic and tie into the Mysteries of the Rosary being told throughout the gardens. The garden walls, which are an example of modern architecture, are also concrete, contrasting with the various artwork and making for a unique walkthrough experience.
“This award means a lot to the project team, as the submittal was led by J&M
Concrete, the concrete subcontractor, and demonstrated their high level of pride in the project,” said David Pfeifer, principal with Domusstudio. “During the construction we could see this pride in the tradesmen performing the work. This pride manifested in a high level of quality control and great suggestions by their team to benefit the outcome of the project. In our opinion, when a trade partner takes this high level of ownership and participation in a project, it yields a high-quality outcome.” C
CHARLIE BROWN AND FRIENDS AWAIT TRUNK-OR-TREATERS AT OUR LADY OF FATIMA ACADEMY’S ANNUAL EVENT.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DEACON CARL SWANSON
AN ELABORATE ALTAR DISPLAY WAS ASSEMBLED BY ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC SCHOOL PARENT VOLUNTEERS IN HONOR OF DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS. PHOTO COURTESY OF YOVANI RAMOS
THE MARIAN GARDENS AT THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS. PHOTO BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
MARY’S MODERN MISSION AND THE MISSIONARY IMAGE OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
BY MEG WATERS
KERRIE LLOYD HAS ALWAYS been fascinated by Marian apparitions around the world. Still, it wasn’t until recently that she learned about the miracles of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Fascinated by the stories in Our Lady of Guadalupe, “Hope for the World,” she reached out to the book's author, Dan Lynch, who is the director of the non-profit apostolate that coordinates the travels of four Missionary Images of Our Lady of Guadalupe. After their conversation, Lloyd and Mary Brunson spoke with Bishop Timothy Freyer about the opportunity of bringing the Missionary Image to the Diocese of Orange. Bishop Freyer enthusiastically endorsed the visit and entrusted the Very Rev. Alfred Baca (Director of Ecumenism and Inter-religion) with bringing the Image to the Diocese of Orange. The Missionary Image is in parishes through Nov. 24. The list of dates and locations can be found at rcbo.org/tilma
As the guardian of the Missionary Image, Lloyd coordinated with the Diocese, self-financed the image’s visit to local parishes and provided samples of liturgy for parishes to share this incredible gift of Our Lady of Guadalupe with the people of Orange County.
Perhaps a brief background about the Image would be helpful to understand the significance of Our Lady of Guadalupe. In 1531, Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to Juan Diego, an Aztec convert to Catholicism. To provide proof of the authenticity of the Marian apparition to Bishop Zumárraga, Our Lady of Guadalupe's image appeared on Juan Diego's tilma for the bishop, and several others who were present, to see. Almost 500 years later, Diego's tilma, made of cactus fiber and still bright with vibrant colors and luminosity, is displayed above the altar in Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
in Mexico City.
In 1999, the tilma was removed from its glass frame and a high-resolution digital image was made from the original image. The digital image was blessed by St. Pope John Paul II. From that digital image, only four “Missionary Images” were produced and are the exact size of the original tilma—4' x 6'. These Images were blessed and commissioned by the Rector of the Basilica. Printed on each Missionary Image is the certification by Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera, Primate of Mexico, “I certify that this Image is a faithful reproduction from the digital file of the Sacred Original of the Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.”
Inspired to bring the Missionary Image to Orange County, Lloyd stated, “I felt like Our Lady of Guadalupe was calling me.”
With the support and leadership of Bishop Kevin Vann, Bishop Freyer and Fr. Baca, Lloyd and members of the Executive Planning Committee organized the visit of the Missionary Image in our Diocese. These diocesan and lay leaders are creating opportunities for veneration of the Image to encourage a new era of evangelization, a culture of life, and a civilization of love for which St. Pope John Paul II prayed.
People have noticed very supernatural things connected to the images. Nurses and doctors have detected a baby’s heartbeat over the Virgin’s womb; sometimes oil drips from the image.
Fr. Baca added, “Catholics believe in miracles, in the dramatic ways that Heaven intercedes in human events. The greatest miracle for me is when faith is deepened, the love for God becomes real, and people become true brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ.”
Lloyd experienced a miraculous event when the Image arrived at her home in a plain, unmarked box. Lloyd's son,
HOPE ST. AMANT AND KERRIE LLOYD STAND WITH THE MISSIONARY IMAGE OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL.
A PARISHIONER VENERATES THE MISSIONARY IMAGE OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE DURING ITS VISIT TO CHRIST CATHEDRAL ON NOV. 1. THE IMAGE TOURS THE DIOCESE THROUGH NOV. 24. PHOTOS BY EVERETT JOHNSON, DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Adam, is non-verbal, deaf, and autistic. Without being told that the Image was inside, Adam saw the box and used sign language to urgently and repeatedly tell his mother, “Open Jesus!”
There is a link between Adam's experience in 2024 and the Aztecs' experience of the image on Juan Diego's tilma in 1531. One of the significant Aztec symbols on the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the black maternity bow around her waist, meaning she was carrying a child in her womb. The maternity bow, along with other meaningful symbols, signified to the Aztecs that the woman whose image was on Juan Diego's tilma was the mother of God. As a result of this image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, nine million Aztecs rejected their former pagan worship and human sacrifice and converted to Catholicism. While we may only see the Image of Our Lady, Adam had a sense of Jesus being within Our Lady when he insisted, “Open Jesus!” Lloyd had other naturalistically inex-
plicable experiences when the Image was in her home.
“When I first opened it [the Image] and saw her,” she shared. “I felt a very strong female energy – but without any ‘edge’ whatsoever. She has just a powerful but gentle energy that gets things done. Once she came into my home, there were so many blessings – things I had been worried about were resolved within hours. A chain on the Image stand broke, but before we could get the tools to fix it, it went back together.”
She continued: “I think of this as Mary’s ‘roadshow,’ and we treat her like the queen she is. We have a team of volunteers who helped assemble the exhibit, booked the parishes and arranged for security, but Mary is the one who moved mountains to make this happen.”
Probably not coincidentally, Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of the Diocese of Orange. This particular visit is not part of a national tour; she’s on a special mission to us this November. For those of us who may never see the original image
on the tilma in the Basilica in Mexico City, Our Lady of Guadalupe has come to us. Just as she reassured Juan Diego when he was distressed about his uncle's near-death condition, Our Lady said to Juan, Am I not your mother? Your uncle is already well. She encourages us to come to her and ask for her intercession for all our needs.
Fr. Baca reflected on the special graces the Image brings.
“The Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of the Diocese of Orange. She has a special place in the hearts of all our Catholics. Already we are seeing large numbers bringing their prayers and
hopes to the Virgin. Like the couple at Cana, we bring our needs, our fears and challenges to Mary. She joins our prayers to her prayers, placing them in the hands of our good and gentle Jesus. What could be better than that?”
The Missionary Image tour in the Diocese of Orange began on Nov. 1 at Christ Cathedral and ends at St. Vincent de Paul on Nov. 24. The public is invited to venerate the Image at host parishes and sites throughout the Diocese. For a complete list of sites hosting the image, visit www.rcbo.org/tilma
Kathleen Conway contributed to this story.C
A MOTHER HOLDING HER INFANT VENERATES THE MISSIONARY IMAGE OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE DURING ITS VISIT TO CHRIST CATHEDRAL.
THE IMAGE IS ONE OF ONLY FOUR DIGITAL REPLICAS OF THE ORIGINAL TILMA. PHOTOS BY EVERETT JOHNSON/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE
‘IT’S A BLESSING TO COME BACK’
AN INTERVIEW WITH SPRINGFIELD’S OWN, BISHOP KEVIN VANN, NOW OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
BY ANDREW HANSEN, EDITOR OF CATHOLIC TIMES
The following is printed with permission from “Catholic Times,” the magazine of the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois
BISHOP KEVIN W. VANN is the bishop of the Diocese of Orange, California. Ordained a priest in 1981 in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, he served in various pastoral roles in his home diocese before being appointed the bishop of Fort Worth, Texas, in 2005. In 2012, he was then named the bishop of Orange. In September, Bishop Vann returned to Springfield for the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Blessed Sacrament Parish where he started as a priest and was pastor before being called by the Holy Father to become an Apostle of the Church. Catholic Times Editor Andrew Hansen sat down with Bishop Vann on the diocese podcast, Dive Deep. Answers here are edited.
Q. What do you miss most about Springfield and Central Illinois?
A. It’s a blessing to come back. I have a lot of memories in Springfield so for me, it’s good to touch base with people here every now and then. I’ve been grateful for every place I’ve ever been sent to and been, so you don’t compare. My time here was a great foundation for me, but I’m grateful to be where I am now.
Q. What has surprised you the most when you think about your vocation to the priesthood and then becoming a bishop?
A. I guess how I learned in the seminary how God’s Providence truly guided the whole thing. This was the parish where I was baptized (Blessed Sacrament). This is a parish where my grandparents belonged to for many years. So, I have a kind of history here. The faith was always part of growing up. When I was here, I was young —5 years old — and we’d go back and forth to see my grandparents, but coming to Mass was always really important for all of us, and one particular time (at Blessed Sacrament), there were five of us and we were probably kind of antsy as kids are, and my mother said at the consecration, “Well, Jesus is
here. Jesus is here when the consecration bells ring.” So, I had that memory of really beginning my faith journey at Blessed Sacrament, and then when I was 5 years old, we moved to St. Agnes Parish (in Springfield). So, I really grew up in St. Agnes Parish. So, the foundation I had really continued on at St. Agnes with our families and the Dominican Sisters of Springfield as well.
Q. Before you became a priest, you graduated from Griffin High School in Springfield and then Millikin University in Decatur. You then worked as a medtech at St. John’s Hospital. When did you hear the call to the priesthood?
A. I think most of us have a gradual sort of thing. I kind of always had in the background (becoming a priest). I think because of the examples and the way I grew up, but when I worked at St John’s Hospital, I worked in the laboratory drawing blood and ran the test, and when you work in the hospital and you work at night especially, people are really sick. So, spending all that time with them on the floor and drawing blood and those kind of things, working in the lab, that made me think more about what I had thought about earlier. I thought about the priesthood earlier (in my life), but then I went to work and all that, and I
dated, but being with the folks who were sick and dying made me think about what I call “eternal realities.” So, eventually I decided in 1975 to enroll in the seminary and give it a try.
Q. In 2005, you were appointed coadjutor bishop of Fort Worth to assist Bishop Joseph Delaney who was in poor health. Bishop Delaney then died the day before you were to be consecrated as coadjutor bishop. So, you were then consecrated bishop of Fort Worth. Take us to those days and what you were thinking, the stress, and what was your prayer to God as you took over this tremendous responsibility?
A. That’s another one of those moments where your life flashes before your eyes because you know you get the phone call that you’re going to become bishop. I say, “OK, I’ll do that,” but then Bishop Delaney was found dead in bed the day before my ordination as a bishop, but then you do what you have to do. You just take over. It was an unusual experience because you had to go into being a bishop right away to a local church and you don’t know anybody down there.
Q. When you received that phone call to become bishop of Fort Worth, take
BISHOP VANN’S PARENTS THERESA AND WILLIAM VANN ARE PICTURED DURING HIS ORDINATION AS BISHOP OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS, ON JULY 13, 2005. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE VANN FAMILY
BISHOP VANN GREETS HIS PARENTS THERESA AND WILLIAM VANN DURING HIS MASS OF ORDINATION AS THE BISHOP OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS.
us to that moment. What went through your mind as that’s a big phone call to receive.
A. Let me tell you the story because I was the pastor of Blessed Sacrament, and that day, my secretary said, “You have a phone call.” I said, “I have to go to St Louis. I have a meeting there in two hours. Take a message.” She said, “No, I think you better take it.” So, I took the phone call and was told (by an archbishop) that I was appointed coadjutor bishop of Fort Worth Texas by the Holy Father. “Do you accept,” he said. I said to him, “Archbishop, yes, but you know, I’m late, I have to go to St. Louis. I don’t want to be late.” On the way down (to St. Louis), at that time I had had a car phone, not the cell phones that we had now. The car phone rang, and it was then Bishop George Lucas (now Archbishop of Omaha). He’s a good friend of mine. He said, “Your Excellency, I wouldn’t wish this on anybody, but you’re the right person for the job.” So, I ended up spending eight years in Fort Worth, which was wonderful. I love Texas. I love the people, and I learned a lot about that part of the history of our country and the Church.
Q. You are now in the Diocese of Orange. What is the most challenging thing as a bishop you think lay Catholics don’t know or underappreciate?
A. Like Texas and then California, I really have been grateful for every appointment and every assignment. I don’t look
at how tough it is, I just am grateful that I have the possibility to serve the Lord, and it’s complicated, but life is complicated. We have a lot of different things to be accountable for and people you work with, but you have to be faithful to what the Lord wants you to do, and I always go back to what my father taught me years ago, that you have to do the right thing. So, that’s what I try. You just do it with the help of God. That’s what I did, I followed God’s voice.
Q. How often do you return to Springfield and who do you like to see and what do you like to do?
A. When I first went to Fort Worth, I came back a lot because my mother and father were still living, so I came back a lot to see them. In fact, my first year was when American Airlines made a flight from Fort Worth to Springfield, and so it was easy to get up here. So, I would fly up and have dinner with my mother and father and then fly back the next day. Some people called that flight the “Vann Express,” but it really made life handy for me and easier to come home. When I come back, I still have friends here, and I think I’m going to try to go to Saputo’s (a restaurant in Springfield) for lunch or dinner sometime. I have some of those kinds of hangouts.
Q. You served in several parishes in Central Illinois. What is your fondest memory as a priest in this diocese?
A. I guess the opportunity to restore the church here (at Blessed Sacrament). That was my big job when I was here. One
of my favorite parishes was St. Benedict in Auburn which was when my life was very easy. It was a wonderful parish in the midst of the cornfields, and there were also in Auburn a number of retired Italian coal miners. So, I was able to use my Italian there. So, I loved Auburn. I loved the people. Then I got transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes in Decatur, where I was for nine years. That was a bit challenging at the beginning, but I learned a lot by being there, and then I went from there back to Blessed Sacrament.
Q. What have you learned about God in your role as a priest and bishop?
A. It’s a great responsibility to teach and to govern, especially in the name of the Lord and to take that responsibility seriously and never take it for granted.
Q. What’s your message to the people of Central Illinois?
A. Thank you for what you did to get me started when I was here. I want to thank you for having been part of my life growing up, for having taught me, and
for having given me a great foundation of family and faith in Springfield that I take with me always.
Answers taken and edited from Hansen’s interview with Bishop Vann on Dive Deep, the official podcast of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. See the entire interview by going to youtube.com/diospringfield or search “Dive Deep” on all the major podcast platforms. C
“It’s Your Turn, Lead”
BISHOP KEVIN VANN CELEBRATES MASS AT BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH IN SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS. THE MASS CELEBRATED HIS 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VANN FAMILY
BISHOP KEVIN VANN. PHOTO BY THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
SERVITE HIGH SCHOOL’S ANNUAL FASHION SHOW EARNS HIGH MARKS
BY MEG WATERS
THE YEAR WAS 1958, Dwight D. Eisenhower was president, “Goodie” Knight was Governor of California, and I-5 was just completed through Orange County. That same year, Servite High School in Fullerton welcomed its first class of young men, and their moms set about raising funds to help support their son’s college-prep education. The ladies organized a fashion show and tea at Bullock’s Wilshire, wore white gloves and hats, and started a tradition that has continued these past 66 years.
Like Orange County, the annual fashion show held at the Anaheim Hilton has grown a lot. Under the leadership of co-chairwomen Liza Gonzales-Munzer and Chrissy Rogers, the efforts of 100 volunteers were coordinated to raise more than $320,000 for the school’s support.
“It takes a long time to put this event together,” said Rogers. “We started in March to line up our great sponsors and local businesses to support us.”
This year’s event which was held on Nov. 3 was not limited to a fashion show; it offered a boutique where ‘hunter-gatherer’ moms could sip bubbly and shop for everything from clothing and designer accessories to jewelry, cosmetics and gifts. The items were offered by 21 small, local companies and women-owned businesses who donated a percentage of sales to the school.
In addition to the boutique, guests could peruse and bid on more than 250 gift baskets and “Bubbles and Baubles” raffle items offering wine, dinners, children’s items, sports equipment and more. The live auction featured opportunities for priceless experiences: a private chef dinner and wine pairing experience for 10; a Hawaiian or Dominican Repub-
lic vacation; VIP sports and concert tickets; a ride in an LAPD helicopter for two; and an adorable 12-week Cavapoo puppy.
Despite all this fun, the real highlight of the afternoon was the fashion show featuring Servite students, their moms and a few Rosary women who volunteered to be models. Fashions were provided by Macy’s Fashion Island, Friar Tux, BYLT Premium Basics, while makeup artists from Estee Lauder made sure everyone was runway ready. James
Campbell Productions directed the show and choreography, with audio-visuals from McNally Enterprises.
The event would not have been possible without the support of the 47 major sponsors and underwriters, including Platinum Sponsors William and Karen Jakobi, Servite Platinum Partner in Education, C&L Refrigeration, and Gold Sponsors Shawn and Michelle Sullivan and Capital Group Travel/Cathie Lentz Fryer. More than 375 donors contributed time and in-kind donations to support
the auction and raffle.
Servite is also celebrating another significant achievement, having been named, for the second year in a row, as the “Number One Catholic High School in Orange County.”
While the event has changed from the tea and white-gloved affair of the ’50s, what hasn’t changed is the strong involvement of families in the formation of faith-filled young men.
Servite High School prides itself on
STUDENTS FROM SERVITE HIGH SCHOOL AND ROSARY ACADEMY SERVED AS HOSTS AND HOSTESSES AT THE NOV. 3 EVENT. PHOTO BY VALERIE CASTILLO
SCHOOLS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16
forming faith-filled leaders.
From the beginning, Servite has emphasized developing faith-filled leaders prepared for success in college and life. Servite teaches young men to seek excellence in academics, athletics, the arts and
Catholic spirituality. Servite men become leaders in business, medicine, law, non-profits, military and civic service, and the Church. (www.servitehs.org)
It’s also worth noting that these young men and their moms are pretty snappy dressers, too. C
ELIZABETH HOOPER AND HER SON, SERVITE SENIOR NOLAN HOOPER, HIT THE RUNWAY.
VICKI LADJEVIC AND HER SON DARIN LADJEVIC STRIKE A POSE. PHOTOS BY VALERIE CASTILLO
SERVITE SENIOR TEAGAN LEE MODELING FASHION BY BYLT.
WHO, WHAT AND WHERE IS YOUR TREASURE?
TODAY IS THE EIGHTH World Day of the Poor! Pope Francis established this at the end of the Church’s Jubilee Year of Mercy in 2016 and it was first celebrated in 2017 on the thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time of the Liturgical Year. He rightly states: “… Christian hope embraces the certainty that our prayer reaches God’s presence; not just any prayer but rather the prayer of the poor. Let us reflect on this word and ‘read’ it on the faces and in the stories of the poor whom we encounter daily, so that prayer can become a path of communion with them and a sharing in their suffering.” (https://www.vatican.va/content/ francesco/en/messages/poveri/documents/20240613-messaggio-viii-giornatamondiale-poveri-2024.html)
He was not the first, however, to focus on the absolute necessity of our mindfulness of the poor. Many Old Testament prophets repeatedly proclaimed the same message. Jesus himself referred to the poor: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” In this Beatitude he is not advocating absolute poverty, for everyone has a right to the basic necessities of life, including adequate food, clothing, shelter, medicine and education. What then is he saying? What is his meaning? Without God, we have nothing, can do nothing, and are nothing. In fact, we would not even exist, for it is God whose loving care has brought each of us into being. Do we acknowledge our need for God?
So then, how to reconcile actual pov-
also. Is He our greatest treasure? Do we encounter God in daily prayer, attend Mass at least on Sundays, receive Jesus in Holy Communion at each Mass, receive His merciful and loving forgiveness in the Sacrament of Penance? Do we recognize the face of Jesus in those around us? We are all poor in one way or another. We all need God and others. Do we acknowledge this and live accordingly? If not, let’s start today. If so, let’s thank God and ask for the grace to continue.
FOR YOUR FAMILY:
■ Decide on the ways your family can reach out to the poor.
■ Thanksgiving is approaching. Are there people who will be alone? Can you invite some to join your celebration?
■ Encourage each family member to make a list of all their talents and treasures, then pray a Litany of Thanksgiving to God for these gifts and ask God’s pardon for ways in which these have been misused. C
erty and spiritual poverty? Not all of us are called to live as Saint Francis, not possessing anything. At the same time, none of us are called to forget God and make achievements, status, and wealth into our God. Hopefully, there are people in our lives whom we deeply love. Hopefully, we have God-given talents and abilities and use them to improve our own lives and the lives of others. Hopefully, we have an adequate amount of what we need so that we are not worrying about where we will sleep and what we will eat. If we do how-
ever, do we turn to God and acknowledge our absolute dependence on God? Do we surrender our lives and our very selves to God’s loving providence, trusting that, as it says in Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work for good for those who love God,” and that somehow, in some way, God is working not only for our own good but also for the good of others?
Who, what and where is our greatest Treasure? What takes the greatest amount of our time and attention? Jesus said that where our treasure is, there our heart is
BY SISTER DIANE HEISS, SDSH
PHOTO BY NSIRIES ON UNSPLASH
OC Catholic Afar
Mark and Mary Doyle brought along an issue of OC Catholic when they visited Assisi, Italy. They are pictured in front of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels, on the site of the original church where St. Francis of Assisi died.
—Mark and Mary attend Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach
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