OC CATHOLIC - NOVEMBER 26, 2023

NOVEMBER 26, 2023

GIVING BACK

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THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ORANGE ■ OCCATHOLIC.COM

THE SPIRIT OF GIVING

FAMILY TRADITIONS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE PAGE 8 JOHN HEFFERNAN IS PICTURED WITH STUDENTS AT ST. ANNE CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN SANTA ANA. PHOTO COURTESY OF SR. TERESA LYNCH

SELECT DAYS

DEC. 2 - 30, 2023

Elderly religious need your help.

Like those pictured, nearly 25,000 senior sisters, brothers and religious order priests have devoted their lives to prayer and ministry—educating the young, tending the sick, aiding the needy and more. Yet years of serving for little or no pay have left a profound shortage in retirement savings.

Your support of the Retirement Fund for Religious helps furnish care, medicine and other necessities. Please give generously.

Please give to those who have given a lifetime.

Please donate at your local parish December 2-3 or by mail at: National Religious Retirement Office/ORAS 3211 Fourth Street NE Washington DC 20017-1194 Make check payable to Retirement Fund for Religious.

Retirement Fund for Religious

retiredreligious.org Visit retiredreligious.org/2023photos to meet the religious pictured. ©2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington DC All rights reserved • Photo: Jim Judkis

NOVEMBER 26, 2023

Are you 55+ or a caregiver for a senior?

CONTENTS

6 HOPE RISES

Janet Carraman and Francisco Palacios cofounded Phoenix Arise OC with the goal of providing support to those with criminal convictions.

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CHRIST THE KING

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe is celebrated on the last Sunday of the liturgical year.

20 A PILGRIMAGE OF FAITH

The purpose of this survey is to identify the needs of older adults and gather insights from your experiences. Results of this survey will be used to develop Orange County’s Master Plan for Aging.

To learn more or take the survey, visit: www.advanceoc.com/olderadults.

QUESTIONS? CONTACT INFO@ADVANCEOC.COM OR OFFICEFORFAMILYLIFE@RCBO.ORG

Dr. Vincent Nguyen of Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach is documenting Holy Sites through VR tours.

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

ADVERTISING Director of Custom Content: Caroline Wong, cawong@scng.com

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GUEST COLUMN

GIVING BACK

BY BRENDAN O’SHEA

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HE SKID ROW MINISTRY is an experience the entire family can participate in together. It is based out of St. Martin de Porres parish in Yorba Linda and is open for anybody to attend. Most volunteers are 20 years of age or younger, which is truly an inspiration.

Earlier this fall, the ministry made its 100th mission to Skid Row. On Sunday, Sept. 17, the ministry had 22 cars and over 60 volunteers arrive at the Midnight Mission on Skid Row. We provided water, lunches, clothes and hygiene kits to the people living on the sidewalks of L.A. On Saturday, Sept. 16, we met with over 100 volunteers from various organizations to make over 300 sack lunches and collect donations of clothes, shoes and basic essentials for our

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Sunday caravan.

The ministry started in 2008 and over the next 15 years has met approximately every six weeks.

Each trip brings about a dozen first timers. We are grateful for the fact that with every mission we get to provide for our regulars and our first timers an opportunity to witness the realities and struggles of life on the streets.

Peter Medina, one of the new ministry leaders, had this to say: “You can see images on TV or on social media about Skid Row. How people need help. It doesn’t become real until you put your two feet on THE SKID ROW MINISTRY BASED OUT OF ST. MARTIN DE PORRES PARISH IN YORBA LINDA the sidewalk. It becomes CONTINUES ON PAGE 13

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MADE ITS 100TH MISSION TO SKID ROW IN SEPTEMBER. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRENDAN O’SHEA

The Diocese of Orange, through OC Catholic newspaper, presents local, national and world news about the Catholic Church.

Our intention is to give our readers access to a variety of perspectives in order to help them to process the information within the framework of our Catholic faith, but also to better understand the perspectives of those with opposing viewpoints. We hope that ultimately our readers will be better equipped to have constructive conversations that further the growth of the Catholic Church.

DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

SCHOOL SNAPSHOT

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HESE ARE MY pre-k students at Blessed Sacrament School in Westminster. We attended our first school-side Mass on the morning of Oct. 6, and afterwards, the students went straight to the dramatic play area and asked to “play Mass.”

I quickly gathered a Mass kit and anything I could to help make this center a place for the kids to play. This is now a center in our classroom for all the students to “play Mass” almost daily.

Pictured from left to right: Kaleb Corral, Hunter Chavez and Chloe Sandoval.

—Submitted by Cristella Vellanoweth C

“

Our God doesn’t tire of going out to look for us, of letting us see that he loves us.

”

— Pope Francis

SAINT PROFILE

PETER OF ALEXANDRIA

DIED 311

B

ORN IN ALEXANDRIA, Egypt, Peter headed its catechetical school before being named bishop-patriarch in 300. In his early church history, Eusebius called Peter an excellent teacher.

Peter fought two heresies, Arianism and Origenism, and for much of his episcopate encouraged his people to remain Christian in the face of Emperor Diocletian’s persecutions. When he eventually went into hiding, Alexandria experienced a schism, and when a new emperor renewed Christian persecutions, Peter was seized and summarily executed. He was the last Christian martyred in Alexandria by civil authorities. His instructions on how to receive Christians who had denied their faith back into the church were adopted by the entire Eastern Church.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

DN 1:1-6, 8-20; DN 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56; LK 21:1-4

DN 2:31-45; DN 3:57, 58, 59, 60, 61; LK 21:5-11

DN 5:1-6, 13-14, 1617, 23-28; DN 3:62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67; LK 21:12-19

ROM 10:9-18; PS 19:8, 9, 10, 11; MT 4:18-22

DN 7:2-14; DN 3:75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81; LK 21:2933

DN 7:15-27; DN 3:82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87; LK 21:3436

IS 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7; PS 80:23, 15-16, 18-19; 1 COR 1:3-9; MK 13:33-37

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FEATURE

HOPE RISES

BY MEG WATERS

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ANET CARRAMAN GREW UP in Santa Ana faster than she was ready. The oldest of four children, she began caring for her younger siblings at age 9 due to her father’s alcoholism. At age 12, she was raped.

She was continuously bullied at school and at age 15, found herself yoked to an abusive boyfriend who eventually ended up in the California Institution for Men in Chino. They ultimately divorced.

Later, she had two daughters with an undocumented boyfriend who had problems with addiction and was eventually deported. Janet was left with two young children and no support.

She landed a job as a business manager, but it was tough to make ends meet.

“Unfortunately, when I struggled to put food on the table, a temptation arose, and I made the wrong choice to embezzle from my employer.”

Ultimately, she was sentenced to 20 years, although she had no criminal background.

While in jail, she was surrounded by people who had mental health issues and drug addiction and was devastated to leave her girls, now aged 5 and 9.

She hit rock bottom, and that’s where she met God. “I promised God that if I got a new public defender named Stacey Kelly, who I had heard was good, to appeal my case, I promised to change my life and serve Him and His Kingdom.”

When Janet walked into her first appointment with her new public defender, Kelly was there.

“I knew it was God and just broke down in tears,” she said.

Kelly had her sentence reduced to seven years. She served nine months and was released under mandatory supervision until March 2021, with a restitution debt of $100,000.

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JANET CARRAMAN COFOUNDED PHOENIX ARISE OC, A PROGRAM THAT EMPHASIZES COGNITIVE THERAPY TO ADDRESS AND CHANGE THE BEHAVIORS THAT LED TO INCARCERATION. PHOTOS BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

FRANCISCO’S STORY

Francisco Palacios grew up in a rough part of Anaheim, also with an alcoholic and violent father.

“I didn’t learn English until kindergarten, and even then, if I spoke it at home, he hit me,” he recalled. “I had no friends and suffered sexual molestation by a neighbor.

I was always on eggshells and felt like trash.”

When he was 11, his dad started to berate him. Francisco had enough. He punched his father in the face and threatened to kill him.

By age 14, he began selling drugs, and his last arrest for assault at age 20 landed him in prison for 17 years. While in prison, he continued selling drugs.

“Another inmate attacked me, slashed me in the face and knocked me unconscious,” he said. “I had 26 stitches, a concussion and a near-death experience. I saw my mom kneeling and crying. I walked up to her, looked into her eyes and saw my whole life reflected there. I realized I was the one who made her cry. I told God that if He allowed me to live, I will change my life.”

Once released from the hospital, he asked for psychological treatment and

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JANET CARRAMAN CODIRECTS PHOENIX ARISE OC, A PROGRAM BASED AT ST. BONIFACE IN ANAHEIM, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE OFFICE OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE FOR THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE.

joined Criminal and Gang Members Anonymous (CGA).

“In therapy, I learned about the root of my anger and violent behavior and how to control it,” Francisco said.

He took college classes in prison and received five associate degrees, attaining a 3.89 GPA. As part of his healing, he reconciled with his father, who became sober and turned his life around too.

Francisco was paroled in April 2022.

Janet and Francisco are continuing their education. They also began to look for ways to serve God by serving people coming out of incarceration. They met at Project Rebound, a program at Cal State University Fullerton that supports higher education and successful reintegration of the formerly incarcerated. They learned that there were very few programs available to help and support former inmates.

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FEATURE / CATHOLIC FAMILY LIVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

They started Phoenix Arise OC, whose mission is: “To empower and uplift individuals who have been systematically impacted while supporting addiction recovery and facilitating successful reintegration from a criminal past through a holistic approach encompassing healing, hope, training and unwavering support, we are committed to transforming our communities.”

Francisco grew up at St. Boniface parish in Anaheim and thought the church might be able to provide a location to hold meetings. Fred LaPuzza, the Director of the Office of Restorative Justice for the Diocese of Orange, had met Janet and Francisco.

He put the two in touch with Fr. Ed Poettgen, pastor of St. Boniface, who was also looking for a program to help families impacted by the criminal justice system.

Fr. Poettgen quickly responded and opened a parish classroom for the two to set up shop. The Diocese serves as a fiscal sponsor for Phoenix Arise until they can get a 501c3 status and the Office of Restorative Justice also provides support.

Phoenix Arise, Orange County, was born in March of this year. More than 20 people come from Orange County, Inland Empire, Palmdale and even UC Berkeley to participate.

The program emphasizes cognitive therapy to address and change the behaviors that led to incarceration, so the individual has the tools to be successful in civilian life.

“Phoenix Arise is God’s Ministry entrusted to us,” said Janet. “I pray daily to steward His ministry well, and all the glory goes to Him.” Phoenix Arise is just starting, and more support and programs will be added as space and funding permits.

If you wish to donate to Phoenix Arise, contributions can be sent to St. Boniface Church/Phoenix Arise, 120 North Janss Street, Anaheim, CA. 92805.C

CHRIST THE KING

BY DANIELLE TAYABAS

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N THE LAST SUNDAY of the liturgical year, the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

Pope Pius XI announced the institution of this Feast also known as “Christ the King” on Dec. 11, 1925, when he released an encyclical titled “Quas Primas.”

His goal was to give Jesus a central place of importance in the Church and in the world by honoring the kingly dignity of Christ. He also hoped to combat secularism and atheism by highlighting the homage mankind should pay to the kingship of God. In the first paragraph of this encyclical, he addresses the letter to his Venerable Brethren: “We referred to the chief causes of the difficulties under which mankind was laboring. And We remember saying that these manifold evils in the world were due to the fact that the majority of men had thrust Jesus Christ and his holy law out of their lives; that these had no place either in private affairs or in politics: and we said further, that as long as individuals and states refused to submit to the rule of our Savior, there would be no really hopeful prospect of a lasting peace among nations. Men must look for the peace of Christ in the Kingdom of Christ; and that We promised to do as far as lay in Our power. In the Kingdom of Christ, that is, it seemed to Us that peace could not be more effectually restored nor fixed upon a firmer basis than through the restoration of the Empire of Our Lord.” (Encyclical Quas Primas, Part of opening paragraph

by Pope Pius XI)

PHOTO BY SHAH KRISH

Almost 100 years have gone by since the birth of this feast and we are faced with this question: Have we as individuals and as a Church done what is within our power to open our hearts completely and unreservedly to Jesus’ Living Presence in the Holy Eucharist so that He can take full reign of every aspect of our life and make His dwelling among us as Lord, Savior and King? (Rev 21:3) Let us not forget that as baptized Catholics we are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises” of him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9) As feeble subjects of such a Majestic King, we must exercise our free will by breaking free from the slavery of the kingdom of darkness, temptation and sin. We must choose to live in God’s kingdom of light, love, truth, mercy and grace by growing in

virtue, remaining in the state of grace and pursuing holiness.

Here are some suggestions of what we can do to reverence Christ the King on this glorious feast day and throughout the year.

■ Pray the Litany to Christ the King on your own or as a family ■ Home Enthronement to the Sacred Heart of Jesus ■ Wear a blessed Crucifix of Jesus crucified and ponder His love for you ■ Contemplate and kiss the precious wounds of Jesus crucified during prayer ■ Meditate on these Scriptures of Jesus’ kingship and let Him speak to your heart. Psalm 45:11-12, Isaiah 9:5-6, Luke 1:31-33, Luke 19:28-40, John 18:37, Mark 15:22-37, Matthew 25:31-46, Rev 15:3-4, Rev 17:14, Rev 22:1-5 “When once men recognize, both in private and in public life, that Christ is King, society will at last receive the great blessings of real liberty, well-ordered discipline, peace and harmony.” (Encyclical Quas Primas, 19 by Pope Pius XI) C

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FEATURE

THE SPIRIT OF GIVING

FAMILY TRADITIONS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

BY LORI ROSEHART

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HE CATHOLIC FAITH is embedded into the city of Santa Ana, and John Heffernan’s family played an instrumental role into the expansion and growth of multiple Catholic parishes, schools and ministries.

The generosity The Orange Catholic Foundation’s board member witnessed growing up shaped the way he lives his life today.

As a young boy, Heffernan attended St. Anne Catholic School in Santa Ana. Now, he is giving back to the same place where his Catholic education started.

“This school is a real beacon for the community,” he said. “They needed help, I could provide a little bit of help and I was enriched.”

Heffernan explained how he visits the school and reads to its third-grade students.

“Something as a lawyer, I don’t do,” he added.

“It’s a very personal involvement with those students, on that campus, on those streets that I grew up with. It’s a reach to the past, a reach to the present, which was very important to me. It’s what my parents and grandparents did a long time ago, and it seems like I should fulfill that.”

The spirit of giving all started with Heffernan’s grandparents, Antone and Anna Borchard, who had their family home and farming property donated to the Church after their passing. The land is now the retreat center for the Sisters of The Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

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JOHN HEFFERNAN, AN ALUMNUS OF ST. ANNE CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN SANTA, OFTEN VISITS THE SCHOOL AND READS TO ITS THIRD-GRADE STUDENTS. PHOTO COURTESY OF SR. TERESA LYNCH

The generosity continued on with his parents, Bernice (Borchard) and Thomas Heffernan. They were large benefactors and leaders at St. Anne Catholic Church and School, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and School, and Mater Dei High School. Years later, Borchard family funds supported the construction of the Library and Science Education buildings at Santa Margarita High School.

While preserving his family legacy, Heffernan is also helping some newer traditions take root in Orange County.

He volunteers his time and drives clothes, shoes, blankets and cleaning supplies to

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the asylum seekers in Mexicali, which is supported by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Los Angeles. Heffernan calls this a compliment to St. Anne Church and School because “it is a poor parish collecting for asylum folks who have nothing.”

The donation efforts are spreading across Orange County. Parishioners at Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach hosted a jacket drive, and Catholic Charities of Orange County donated a load of clothes.

Heffernan emphasized, “The more involved you are, the more you consider that there is a lot of poor people, who are

very nearby, and who you can help in very primary ways.”

One of the many ways you can help is by stewarding your God-given blessings.

Much like the Borchards, offering gifts of land, appreciated stocks or securities, or an IRA charitable rollover, help avoid capital gains taxes while leaving a profound legacy. The Orange Catholic Foundation would like to help you have a greater impact on the Catholic causes you care most about by providing expert philanthropic advice. For more information, please call (714) 282-3021 or email info@orangecatholicfoundation.org. C

GUEST COLUMN

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE, A CATHOLIC PERSPECTIVE

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

S

OME YEARS AGO, a devout elderly parishioner and sacristan from my parish arrived home after Mass and was confronted by a young man under the influence of drugs attempting to carjack her. She refused to give him the keys and he stabbed her causing her death. The young man was arrested and incarcerated. It turns out both the victim and the offender, and their families, were members of the parish. It was a paradox that shook all notions of reconciliation to the core for our entire parish community.

Love and hurt are both human experiences. The reason we hurt is because we love. In faith we are called first and foremost to love, but in situations of hurtful wrongdoing, a paradox emerges, an inner conflict or struggle of the heart where both love and hurt are experienced at the same time. Both are sacred because together they possess the power to transform in a profoundly unique and powerful way. So, what do we do with this paradox that both hurts and calls us to love at the same time? What do we ask of God in situations like this?

When someone is hurt by a crime, we cry out for justice, often without realizing that God’s justice, which is always restorative, is quite the opposite of human justice which seeks retribution. Contrary to popular belief, true accountability does not mean punishment. In my 34 years of working with incarcerated populations and more recently with survivors of crime, I have witnessed no greater power of accountability and healing than mercy and love. No punishment, no prison, no execution; nothing transforms, transcends, heals and changes the human heart as an experience of God’s mercy and love. It is the cry of the Gospel and of the Old Testament prophets, which views sinfulness as opportunity for trans-

A RESTORATIVE JUSTICE HEALING CIRCLE PROCESS IS WHERE ALL WHO WERE IMPACTED BY A CRIME COME TOGETHER TO LISTEN, SHARE THEIR STORY AND DIALOG WITH ONE ANOTHER THROUGH MEDIATION OR FACILITATION. PHOTO COURTESY OF FRED LAPUZZA

formation.

I believe it is the very reason Jesus himself neither played the victim nor sought revenge for the crimes against Him. Jesus is the model and paradigm for restorative justice. Our prayers, sacraments, and worship only have meaning to the degree that God’s redemptive love and mercy is at their core.

Restorative justice offers an alternative approach to crime and violence by way of understanding crime and wrongdoing in terms of the people and relationships broken, rather than the laws or rules broken. Restorative Justice practices are not new but were present in the days of the early church and reflect the most basic tenets of Catholic Social Teaching based on scripture. It’s what I refer to as the “Jesus model” of justice. Unfortunately, many today refer to it as “soft on crime.”

However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Inmates confronting their personal trauma and character deficiencies through restorative justice process agree that its worse than any punishment.

It is known that 95% percent of those incarcerated will be released back onto our streets. Studies show, more than 60% of those released from incarceration in California will return within three years.

I admit there are some who will not cause further crimes out of fear of returning to prison. However, fear is not very sustaining. But change of heart, realizing the wrong done and the hurt caused is. True accountability is when those released from prison refrain from further criminal behavior because they care enough not to cause any further hurt or suffering. Criminal behavior is a symptom of something much more deeply complex resulting

primarily from developmental trauma.

Without a restorative treatment process and post release provisions the old punitive order of justice does more to perpetuate crime and cause further victimization.

Restorative justice is a response to crime and violence that shifts the focus from punishment to “responsibility, rehabilitation and restoration.” It holds offenders accountable even as it opens paths to healing, especially with victims. And it addresses the needs of everyone impacted by crime: victims, offenders, families, communities, and those working in the criminal justice system. (California Catholic Conference of Bishops) To learn more, go to the Office of Restorative Justice website at www.rcbo. org/restore or the California Catholic Conference of Bishops Restorative Justice website at restorejustice.com.C

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DIOCESAN NEWS

A PILGRIMAGE OF FAITH NEWPORT PHYSICIAN DOCUMENTS LOURDES

BY BRADLEY ZINT

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N ORANGE COUNTY doctor who is producing virtual reality (VR) videos of sacred Christian sites around the world recently posted his first project documenting Lourdes, France, with the hope that the footage will serve as palliative care tool for persons throughout the world.

Dr. Vincent Nguyen, a palliative care physician at Hoag Hospital and member of the Order of Malta Western Association, in May visited the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a major pilgrimage destination and the site of a Marian apparition in 1858. The Marian shrine there is a famed destination for the sick and disabled because its grotto is said to have water with miraculous healing powers.

The Lourdes trip is an annual tradition for the Order of Malta, and Dr. Nguyen has gone on it for the past four years as a medical team member.

“One of my roles is to accompany malades (seriously sick people chosen by the Order of Malta to travel to Lourdes) and their companions to Lourdes in search of comfort, healing, peace with their prognosis and, perhaps, a miraculous cure,” said Dr. Nguyen. “No one who comes to Lourdes goes away unchanged. I have witnessed many leave Lourdes with an inner peace they did not before experience. I have also seen many come away with a greater acceptance of the difficult circumstances in their life now filled with greater hope, trusting that there is a redemptive value in their sufferings, and a deeper faith that God will bring good out of them.”

This year, by producing a virtual reality experience, Dr. Nguyen found a way to share the Lourdes experience with those who cannot make it. The experience can

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DR. VINCENT NGUYEN IS PICTURED WITH HIS TWO DAUGHTERS ASHLEY AND ELIZABETH DURING A MAY 2023 PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES. PHOTO COURTESY OF DR. VINCENT NGUYEN

be a palliative and spiritual care tool, he said.

“As a physician, I deliver medical tools and therapies that promise people hope,” he added. “This hope is rooted in the scientific discoveries of the past, experienced in the treatments of the present, and becomes inspiration for the future.

I am most privileged to incorporate the science of medicine with the humanity and spiritual framework in the care of

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my patients and their family. Sharing the pilgrimage and sacred spaces in Lourdes with those who cannot visit will be an important part of fostering this spiritual framework.”

The five Lourdes videos, which were made with the support of Hoag benefactors, are on YouTube account Sacred Spaces in VR. They include a visit to the grotto and sacred spaces throughout the town of Lourdes.

The VR experience can be done on any computer, tablet or smartphone.

Videos are navigated using the circular pad with four arrows located in the upper left-hand corner of the video. On smartphones, it is recommended to use the “play in app” setting. VR glasses are also recommended for use while seated.

Dr. Nguyen said he is looking to document the Holy Land next year and the Vatican sometime in the future. C

DIOCESAN NEWS

CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS HOSTS FIRSTEVER “THE HOUR OF THE LAITY: A LAY CATHOLIC CONFERENCE”

BY LOU PONSI

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HE FIRST-EVER “The Hour of The Laity: A Lay Catholic Conference” recently held on the campus of Christ Cathedral provided lay Catholic professionals with the tools and motivation to help meld their faith into their secular roles within society.

Held Nov. 2 to Nov. 5 in the Cultural Center, the national conference featured keynote speakers and panel discussions on topics including Holiness in Ordinary Life, the Crisis of Reason in Western Law and Biotechnology, the Need for Principled Entrepreneurship and Understanding Modernism, Postmodernism and Transhumanism.

The conference was hosted by Tepeyac Leadership. Inc., a 5-year-old Phoenix, Arizona based nonprofit dedicated to civic leadership development for lay Catholic professionals.

The Cultural Center was filled to capacity for all three days of the conference, Tepeyac Leadership CEO Cristofer Pereyra said.

“In every sense, it was beautiful,” Pereyra said. “Everybody was enjoying themselves. The talks were powerful and very well received.”

Mass was celebrated each morning before the conference got underway.

For the opening Mass on Nov. 3, Diocese of Orange Bishop Timothy Freyer was the celebrant along with Diocese of Phoenix Bishop Emeritus Thomas J. Olmsted.

Speakers and panelists included Catholic philanthropist Tim Busch of Irvine, founder of the Napa Institute; Monica Hannan, Emmy Award winning news anchor, talk show host and author; and

ATTENDEES TAKE A MOMENT TO PRAY DURING THE FIRST-EVER “THE HOUR OF THE LAITY: A LAY CATHOLIC CONFERENCE” WHICH WAS HELD ON THE CAMPUS OF CHRIST CATHEDRAL NOV. 2 TO NOV. 5. PHOTO COURTESY OF CRISTOFER PEREYRA

Simone Rizkallah of Simi Valley, director of program growth at Endow (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women).

Pereyra said his organization plans to hold future conferences at parishes within the Diocese of Orange.

“We’d like to take it around to possibly another large parish,” Pereyra said.

“We’re already thinking of a few.”

He added: “I think it’s a very healthy Diocese in terms of the Catholic faith, in California particularly, and it sits in

the middle of this triangle, which is the dioceses of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and San Diego. It makes it accessible to people from any of those three dioceses in addition to the people of the Diocese of Orange.”C

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DIOCESAN NEWS

FR. BILL KREKELBERG IN HIS OFFICE AT THE MISSION BASILICA, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, MARCH 2022. PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

WITH FAITH IN THE RISEN LORD, THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE ANNOUNCES THE DEATH OF REV. WILLIAM FRANCIS KREKELBERG

BY SHIRL GIACOMI, FORMER CHANCELOR OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

F

R. KREKELBERG ENTERED ETERNAL life on Sunday, Nov. 5; he was 79 years old.

Fr. Krekelberg was ordained to the priesthood on May 23, 1970, for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He became a priest of the Diocese of Orange in 1976 upon establishment of the new diocese.

During his time in Orange, he served as associate pastor of Holy Family Cathedral in the City of Orange (1974-1978); associate pastor and administrator pro tempore of Our Lady of Fatima Church in San Clemente (1978-1982); pastor of Santiago de Compostela Church in Lake Forest (1982-1991); pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Church (1991-1997); diocesan archivist (1997-2015); archivist emeritus and official historian (2015-2023). He served in a part time role for years prior to being assigned full-time to the position.

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To just say that Fr. Bill was the archivist undervalues all he accomplished. He was the perfect person for this ministry. He loved history, and the Diocese of Orange history began in Los Angeles. To get to the root beginnings, Fr. Bill often combed the Archdiocese of Los Angeles archives with his friend and colleague, Msgr. Francis Weber. Fr. Bill had the gift of appreciating what was and the knack for culling key moments and presenting them in a compelling way. One of the archives’ prized possessions is the Abraham Lincoln document which returned the San Juan Capistrano Mission to the Catholic Church. Fr. Bill faithfully guarded that document, and a strict protocol was used whenever it was taken from its controlled environment to show visitors.

The history of Orange County was also chronicled in the archives since it mirrored the growth of the Diocese.

He was also a gifted writer and authored a book relating the story of the San Juan Capistrano Mission. In 2007

he wrote “The Grand Retablo” which had recently been installed in the Basilica. He also wrote two Diocese of Orange histories. The book in 2007, “Learning, Loving and Living our Faith,” included a snapshot of all the parishes, centers and bishops. The second in 2016, “Call to Mission—40 years and counting…..” celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Diocese. If you look at any of his books, you will not find a preface or a photo of Fr. Bill.

He was a very humble, yet talented priest possessing a dry wit.

We ask that you pray for the repose of Fr. Krekelberg’s soul and offer thanksgiving to God for this servant’s many years of ministry.

A memorial service will be held on Nov. 28 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Irvine. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Nov. 29 at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas More. A graveside service will be held later that day at 2 p.m. at Holy Sepulcher Catholic Cemetery in Orange.C

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THE SKID ROW MINISTRY BASED AT ST. MARTIN DE PORRES PARISH IN YORBA LINDA DISTRIBUTES WATER, LUNCHES, CLOTHES AND HYGIENE KITS TO THE PEOPLE LIVING ON THE SIDEWALKS OF L.A. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRENDAN O’SHEA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

your reality. That this is the reality of your community. Yes, Skid Row is part of my and your community. Do I have the answer to this crisis? No, but I know God does. For one day I am able to be the face of Christ to my brothers and sisters.

Right beside my shepherd. Giving them one day of dignity and helping to lift them up and find some way out of their situation. I also realized that one day on the sidewalk is not enough. Looking forward to the next visit with my brothers and sisters for Christ.”

David Medina, another new ministry leader, shared: “My experience is one of mixed feelings of sadness and hope. Everyone is aware of the homeless situation and how bad it is but after experiencing it for myself, I realize no one is really aware

of how bad it is on Skid Row. It is sad to see how people are surviving in the streets. Third World countries aren’t as bad as Skid Row. It is hard to believe that this is happening in our own backyard. The beauty of serving food and passing out clothes brings hope to this growing crisis. I realize that we will not solve the crisis in our serving, but for that moment and for that day, they, the people of Skid Row, will know that someone and a community care enough about them and because of that, they may see that there is light in all that darkness that surrounds their life.”

To learn more about the Skid Row Ministry at St. Martin de Porres, visit https://smdpyl.org/skidrow. To get involved, contact Brendan O’Shea at 714-420-4528 or osheacanyousee@ gmail.comC

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SCAN TO SIGN UP FOR ADMISSIONS EVENTS!

This year we celebrate JSerra’s 20th anniversary. It's been an honor and privilege to serve our students, families, faculty, staff, and the greater community. Our hearts are filled with gratitude and hope as we look to the future.

We thank all of you for being part of our journey.

JSerra Catholic High School

26351 Junipero Serra Road San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 949.493.9307 ext. 2 admissions@jserra.org #LionNation FAITH INTELLECT CHARACTER

OC Catholic Afar

Jarryd Gonzales brought a copy of OC Catholic to Costa Rica, where he vacationed with his family this summer.

Completed in 1897, El Teatro Nacional hosts ballets, plays, orchestra performances and more.

—Jarryd is the Director of Communications for the Diocese of Orange.

We want your photos! Send your pictures of “OC Catholic Afar” — of you, family or friends visiting Catholic churches and other interesting places — to editor@occatholic.com. Please include a brief description of the photo, the name of the person(s) featured in the photo and their home parish.

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Savoring our Faith Join OC Catholic’s Recipe Swap!

Sharing recipes highlights the importance of gathering with family, friends and our broader Diocese of Orange faith community.

Please share your favorite recipes, along with your name and parish. Send your favorite seasonal dish, or a recipe that has special meaning to you or your family.

Tell us why it’s important to you! Our editors will pick their favorites to be featured in OC Catholic throughout the year.

Submissions must include a photo of the completed recipe.

Categories are entrees, appetizers, side dishes, beverages and desserts.

Send your recipes and photos to: editor@occatholic.com Disclaimer:

Only high resolution photos will be considered for publication in the print edition of OC Catholic. Orange County Catholic, the Diocese of Orange and Southern California News Group reserve the right to publish all submitted materials, including recipes, photos and personal anecdotes. Photos become the property of the Diocese of Orange and may be used for publication in OC Catholic or by the Diocese of Orange for print or online publication or social media purposes. Only recipes submitted by parishioners living in the Diocese of Orange will be considered.