OC CATHOLIC - DECEMBER 17, 2023

DECEMBER 17, 2023

EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON

PAGE 6

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

HONORING OUR PATRONESS DIOCESE OF ORANGE CELEBRATES NOCHE GUADALUPANA PAGE 11

THE SECOND ANNUAL NOCHE GUADALUPE WAS CELEBRATED ON DEC. 1 AT THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS IN GARDEN GROVE. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

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.

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DECEMBER 17, 2023

CONTENTS

7 SIMBANG GABI

Sharing traditions from different cultures during the holiday season bring us closer together.

8

BUILDING COMMUNITY AT ST. CECILIA’S

The Tustin parish is expanding its facilities to meet the needs of the community.

10 WESOŁYCH ŚWIĄT! (MERRY CHRISTMAS!)

Polish Christmas traditions are an important and cherished part of the holiday season.

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

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.

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DIOCESAN NEWS

FOR THE CHILDREN KIDWORKS HONORS OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS’ PARISHIONERS

BY LOU PONSI

P

HILANTHROPISTS CAMILLE AND Tim Strader, Jr. of Newport Beach, longtime supporters of the Diocese of Orange, were honored for their contributions to KidWorks, a 30-year-old Santa Ana-based nonprofit that provides personal, academic development and leadership programs for children and teens in underserved neighborhoods in Orange County.

The Straders were presented with the Dan Donahue Leadership Award at KidWorks’ 17th annual Foundation for Success Luncheon held on Nov. 9 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Santa Ana. The yearly award recognizes KidWorks’ most passionate supporters who embrace

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the nonprofit’s commitment to provide educational opportunities and other impactful experiences for students living in some of the county’s most impoverished areas.

The luncheon raised $130,000 during the “Fund a Need” portion of the luncheon program, which contributed to the overall total of over $450,000 for the KidWorks After School Program.

“We accept the honor in order to be able to share the mission of KidWorks a little bit broader and further and just encourage people in very many different capacities to participate and join us in this mission,” said Camille, who has been a classroom volunteer for close to 10 years and is a founding member of KidWorks Women, an auxiliary group that supports families in helping to advance KidWorks’ mission to inspire purpose in youth, fuel their growth and catalyze their impact in the community and the world.

Tim Strader, Jr., president of Starpointe Ventures, has been involved with Kid-

O C C A T H O L I C ■ D E C E M B E R 17, 2 0 2 3

CONTINUES ON PAGE 13

CAMILLE AND TIM STRADER, JR. PHOTO COURTESY OF KIDWORKS

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

ART ON CAMPUS

“

In fact, we were created to love and be loved.

— Pope Francis

SAINT PROFILE

”

LAZARUS

FIRST CENTURY

T

HE GOSPELS DESCRIBE LAZARUS of Bethany, and his sisters Mary and Martha, as friends and disciples of Jesus. Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus, and he was at a banquet for Jesus just days before the Crucifixion. But Lazarus also figured in legends. In one, he, Martha, Mary Magdalen and others were set adrift in a boat that took them to Gaul, where he became a bishop and martyr.

In another, he was cast off in a leaky boat that miraculously made it to Cyprus. In a third, he traveled to Syria. Lazarus is celebrated along with his sisters Mary and Martha on July 29. In Cuba, San Lazaro is celebrated nationally on December 17.

NATIVITY SET Donors: Trish and John O’Donnell. Photo by Steve Georges/Diocese of OrangeC

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

JER 23:5-8; PS 72:1-2, 12-13, 1819; MT 1:18-25

JGS 13:2-7, 2425A; PS 71:3-4A, 5-6AB, 16-17; LK 1:5-25

IS 7:10-14; PS 24:12, 3-4AB, 5-6; LK 1:26-38

SG 2:8-14 OR ZEP 3:14-18A; PS 33:23, 11-12, 20-21; LK 1:39-45

1 SM 1:24-28; 1 SAMUEL 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8ABCD; LK 1:46-56

MAL 3:1-4, 23-24; PS 25:4-5AB, 8-9, 10 AND 14; LK 1:57-66

2 SM 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16; PS 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29; ROM 16:25-27; LK 1:2638

D E C E M B E R 17, 2 0 2 3 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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FEATURE

“EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON” OLYMPIC HOPEFUL SARA HUGES IS GUIDED BY FAITH

BY LOU PONSI

B

EFORE BEING RANKED AS a player on the No. 1 beach volleyball tandem in the U.S., Sara Hughes attended Diocese of Orange schools and spent much of her youth playing volleyball and other sports in the Diocese’s Parochial Athletic League (PAL).

Hughes, who has an above average chance to be selected for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team with her partner Kelly Cheng, started playing beach volleyball at age 8 and won numerous AAU and CBVA tournaments.

She spent fifth through eighth grades playing volleyball and basketball at Sts. Simon & Jude in Huntington Beach.

Hughes then played indoor volleyball at Mater Dei High School where accolades included: Orange County Register’s Player of the Year, All-CIF first team and Volleyball Magazine’s High School All-American second team.

Hughes elevated her status even higher as a beach volleyball player at USC where she was a three-time NCAA champion and a four-time All-American.

A brilliant pro career followed.

Hughes and Cheng have won multiple AVP events, including the prestigious Manhattan Beach Open Championship in 2022.

The pair has also taken home multiple medals on the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) circuit.

By June 2024, Hughes and Cheng will find out if they’ll be representing the United States at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

As the best team in the U.S. and second best in the world, their chances are well above average.

“It’s been a really successful season for

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SARA HUGES ATTENDED DIOCESE OF ORANGE SCHOOLS AND SPENT MUCH OF HER YOUTH PLAYING VOLLEYBALL AND OTHER SPORTS IN THE DIOCESE’S PAROCHIAL ATHLETIC LEAGUE (PAL). PHOTO COURTESY OF USA VOLLEYBALL

us,” Hughes said. “And peaking at the right time and winning the world championship is a dream come true. It almost doesn’t feel real, just because it’s such a huge feat and knowing after we won that it had been 14 years since the U.S. team had done so. One of those previously winning teams was my idol Misty May (Treanor).”

The victory was the first for a U.S. team since Jennifer Kessy and April Ross won the world title in 2009 and the third overall since May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings won the world title in 2003, 2005 and 2007.

Hughes has followed the paths of her older brother, Connor, and older sister, Lauren.

Both siblings played volleyball in college with Connor winning two NCAA Men’s Volleyball Championships with UC Irvine in 2012 and 2013.

Hughes credits much of her early success to the coaching and mentorship she received while in the PAL program.

Hughes was part of the 2023 class of inductees into the PAL Hall of Fame.

O C C A T H O L I C ■ D E C E M B E R 17, 2 0 2 3

SARA HUGHES RECEIVES THE PAROCHIAL ATHLETIC LEAGUE HALL OF FAME AWARD FROM RUSS SMITH ON MAY 9, 2023. PHOTO BY STEVE GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

“We had really great PE coaches,” Hughes said. “So, they always gave me every opportunity to play sports.”

One of Hughes’ influential PAL coaches was Russ Smith, who is now the director of the PAL program.

Smith recalls Hughes as being an intense competitor but always personable before and after competitions.

“It’s always fun to coach somebody who just enjoys playing sports,” Russ said. “She had a great group of friends and they all played. They enjoyed it every time out. She carried on that same way in high school.”

There was a time when Hughes was practicing and playing with Mater Dei, she would then drive to Hermosa Beach to practice on the sand the same day and practice with her club team that same night.

While on the club circuit, Hughes earned the respect of coach Dan O’Dell, the current coach at Mater Dei. “She played with an intenseness and relentless passion but did it in a way where she had such a positive energy for

those around her,” O’Dell said. “Watching her today, she’s still the same athlete out there, full of 100% effort at all times while showcasing her smile and celebrating her teammate whenever she can. She’s been a great role model for my young daughters.”

After being recruited heavily for beach CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

KELLY CHENG AND SARA HUGHES HOIST THE AMERICAN FLAG AFTER A WIN ON THE SAND. PHOTO COURTESY OF VOLLEYBALL WORLD

FEATURE/CATHOLIC FAMILY LIVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

and indoor volleyball, Hughes chose to play on the beach for USC. After winning the AVCA Pairs Championship as a freshman and sophomore, Hughes and Cheng won the inaugural NCAA Beach Volleyball championship.

But there have been setbacks.

The Olympics have always been a dream for Hughes who was a clear favorite with partner Summer Ross to compete for Team USA in the 2018 games in Tokyo.

“We were at the time the number one team in the U.S., and we were on a good path to qualify and then my partner had a career ending back injury, that officially took me out of the Olympic race because there was not time to qualify with a new partner.”

Then COVID struck, putting Hughes’ career even further int limbo.

“But I just never gave up,” Hughes said. “Instead of saying ‘oh, my career is over there’s nothing I can do,’ I just kept pushing and kept working hard.

I’d go down to the beach and practice on my own. I’d work really hard in the gym and then eventually I worked my way up and found a partner.”

Cheng and Hughes teamed up again and the former USC teammates won the Manhattan Beach Open, stayed together, and went on to the No. 2 team in the world.

“I went from crying in my room with no partner to now winning a world championship,” Hughes said.

While Hughes said that her faith is something she keeps private, she did say her Catholic faith helped guide her back on her rise to prominence for a second time.

“I do have my faith and growing up in the Catholic school system and Catholic church and still maintaining that faith is really important to me,” she said. “So, I think that was a big part of knowing that it’s going to get better, and everything happens for a reason. It’s been a journey to get to this point.” C

SIMBANG GABI

BY DANIELLE TAYABAS

W

HEN I WAS A CHILD, I remember hearing about the “Chocolate Mountains” in Bohol, Philippines where my grandpa was from. My imagery was that of mountain-sized Hershey Kisses.

As an adult I discovered another joy associated with the roots of my heritage;Simbang Gabi!

Catholicism sprung up 502 years ago in Cebu, Philippines where my grandma was born. In 1521, a Spanish fleet led by Ferdinand Magellan, who was a Catholic, arrived in Cebu. He evangelized the natives including its ruler, Rajah Humabon and subjects. About 800 of them were baptized.

Nearby resistance arose from the ruler of Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu, who saw to the execution of Magellan and his comrades.

The Spanish continued to send expeditions to the Philippines and Christianity flourished. In 1543, explorer Ruy Lopez de Villalobos made a trip to the islands and officially named it “Las Islas Filipinas” (The Philippine Islands) in honor of King Philip II of Spain.

An ocean away, in 1587, Catholic Masses were overflowing with people leading up to Christmas in Mexico.

Fray Diego de Soria, the Prior of San Agustin Acolman Convento, petitioned Pope Sixtus V and asked permission to hold outdoor Christmastide Masses. Approval was granted.

In 1668, Simbang Gabi sprung forth in the Philippines inspired by the practice of Spaniard Missionaries from Mexico who celebrated Misas de Aguinaldo or Misas de Gallo (Mass of the Roosters) in honor of the Annunciation held before dawn for the field laborers.

Likewise, Filipino farmers and fishermen

LUMPIA, (POLYNESIAN EGG ROLL) IS A POPULAR DISH TO MAKE AND TAKE TO SIMBANG GABI. PAROLS (FILIPINO CHRISTMAS LANTERNS) HANG OUTSIDE A HOME TO CELEBRATE SIMBANG GABI. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANIELLE TAYABAS

TAYABAS FAMILY LUMPIA

■ Ingredients

who would begin or end their day of work at dawn or twilight attended a Novena of Masses nine days before Christmas that started as early as 4 a.m.

This was held from Dec. 16 to Dec. 24 in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and in anticipation of the Nativity of Our Lord. They offered prayers, petitions and asked for special intentions and gifts, beseeching God’s blessings.

Church bells would ring to gather the people to Simbang Gabi. A colorful display of Filipino Christmas star-shaped lanterns called parols were seen hanging outside of people’s homes – symbolic of the Bethlehem star that led the three wise men to the birthplace of Jesus.

The beauty of the Simbang Gabi celebration has spread worldwide. After each Holy Mass there is a festive reception of food, fellowship and joyful camaraderie. Simbang Gabi remains a heartfelt tradition during Advent by Filipinos and those of other cultures who recall the love and sacrifices made by the Holy Family and their forefathers of faith.

Here is one of my family favorites you could make and take to Simbang Gabi.

1 package lumpia wrappers 1 lb ground pork 1/4 lb shrimp cut into pieces (omit for those with an allergy) 1 package green string beans cut into 1/4 inch thickness 1 package mung bean sprouts 1/2 cup diced onion 2 cloves garlic diced salt and pepper to taste vegetable oil for frying ■ Dipping Sauce 2 cloves minced garlic 1/4 cup white vinegar add water to dilute according to taste add a dab of shoyu for color (optional) ■ Filling Brown the ground meat and shrimp until fully cooked. Add the green beans, bean sprouts, onions and garlic until fully cooked then drain.

■ Wrapping Lay the wrapper flat. Add 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto the center and spread it into a horizontal line. Fold the wrapping over the filling and tuck it tight. Fold in the two sides and roll it tightly. Wet the edge with water to seal it.

■ Frying Deep fry the lumpia in oil until golden brown and place the fried lumpia on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

■ Serving Serve the lumpia with the dipping sauce.

OC Catholic Recipe Swap If you have a favorite family recipe you would like to share, please send to editor@occatholic.com. Please tell us why the recipe is special to you; include your name, parish and a photo of the completed recipe. C

D E C E M B E R 17, 2 0 2 3 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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DIOCESAN NEWS

BUILDING COMMUNITY AT ST. CECILIA’S

BY TANYA KATNIC

O

NE GLANCE AT THE new building being erected on the St. Cecilia campus in Tustin, and one might assume that a new parish hall has sprouted up. But in fact, it is a new meeting room building – designed to meet the demands of a growing and diverse parish.

“We have a very diverse community that is always competing for real estate and for meeting space,” said Fr. Khoi THE NEW MEETING ROOM BUILDING ON THE CAMPUS Phan, Administrator of St. Cecilia parish. OF ST. CECILIA’S IN TUSTIN WILL BE COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY. PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. CECILIA PARISH “There are ministries representing English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Filipino and Indonesian people. This building is 2015. desperately needed, and this is the right Fr. Bao took a year to learn the lay of time for the project to come to fruition.” the land, which included assessing the The 10,138 square-foot edifice, which needs of the parish and parishioners. is being built by Finn Construction and Donors across cultural backgrounds were Development Inc., is comprised of two approached, many of whom responded stories, each partitioned for meetings. positively, and this was an indication that However, there is a twist: The second floor the people would stand behind and be (5,235 square feet) has six rooms with supportive of the project. fixed walls, while the first (4,903 square “Thanks be to God that He granted feet) has movable wall space that can be us with many generous faithful standing divided into up to four smaller spaces. behind to support the campaign through The maximum occupancy is 668. prayer, treasure and time,” said Fr. Bao. Aric Gless, senior architect at Plump In order to finance the property, the Engineering, is the project’s architect. He church had to sell two rental properties is also a parishioner. He provided some of on Charloma that provided rental income. the backstory on the building.

“In 1993, the parish started to raise “The project began in 2000, under the money for building funds,” explained Fr. guidance of now-deceased Fr. Tim McCa- Bao. “Later, it used the collected funds to rthy,” he explained. “After his retirement, invest in the two homes.” the project was halted. It was resurrected He added: “Because the cost of the

by Fr. Bao Thai, who was later reassigned project kept rising like a roller coaster, to Christ Cathedral as the Rector. Now Fr. with the recommendations of the parish Khoi is bringing us to the finish line.” pastoral council and finance council, we Gless continued, “So many people have sold them.” waited to see this building happen. Many Fr. Bao concluded by quoting Prov­erbs are no longer with us. I’m glad that the 16:1. “We make our plans but God has the many who have waited for this will finally last word.” be able to use it.”

Another clergy instrumental in the Fr. Bao Thai, Fr. Khoi’s predecessor, creation of the new building is Fr. Michael began the capital campaign for the project Nguyen, who was Parochial Vicar at St. as the newly minted Administrator in Cecilia, and is now the Administrator at

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O C C A T H O L I C ■ D E C E M B E R 17, 2 0 2 3

Santa Clara de Asís.

Fr. Michael continued to be involved in the project, even after being reassigned.

“Not wanting to lose momentum on the building project, it was one of the two responsibilities I continued because I wanted to see it through,” said Fr. Michael. “With the transition of priests at St. Cecilia, I wanted to be the figure of continuity on the project.”

He continued to attend weekly meetings, driving from Yorba Linda to Tustin.

“Although this was added work to my new responsibilities at my new parish, it was a promise I made to the parishioners at St. Cecilia,” said Fr, Michael.

“I am delighted that the promise will become a reality in the very near future.”

One of the many ministries at St. Cecilia is the Altar Server Ministry, spearheaded by Jayden Lee, who is looking forward to the building’s completion.

“Engrained in our ministry are three core pillars: faith, fun and fraternity,” explained Lee. “The new building will help with various ministry activities, whether it be a team meeting, movie night or seasonal cele­brations.”

It is the hope that, upon completion of the building in February 2024, Bishop Kevin Vann will bestow his blessing on the project.

“This is an exciting time for our community,” said Fr. Khoi. “It is my hope that the building will help us to grow our ministries. More people will read about us and continue to come to this wonderful community.” C

ST. CECILIA CATHOLIC CHURCH, TUSTIN. PHOTO BY STEVE GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

D E C E M B E R 17, 2 0 2 3 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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DIOCESAN NEWS

WESOŁYCH ŚWIĄT! (MERRY CHRISTMAS!)

his hopes and wishes for his wife in the new year.

She then offers wishes to her husband as they break off a piece of each other’s wafer and eat it. This then continues around the table, starting with the oldest family members first until each person at the TRADITIONAL POLISH table as “broken bread” with each other CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER IN and extended wishes of good health and prosperity.

YORBA LINDA Many families use the Polish phrase, “Daj, Boże, za rok doczekali.” When

BY RON KUZLIK translated, it means “God, let us live long enough to see each other next year.”

OLISH PEOPLE THROUGHFr. Fraszczak explained that it is beOUT the world gather around the lieved that everyone who shares the wafer dining room table to celebrate the will not experience hunger and will be able Wigilia (vigil) on Christmas Eve. to share bread with the poor.

Wigilia, (pron. vi gi LEE uh) means “to Another tradition is to set an extra place wait” (for the Christ child). at the table for the “unexpected guest.” This It is perhaps the most beloved Polish originates from the ancient Polish adage, family tradition of the year involving the “A guest in the home is God in the home.” sharing of the oplatek, or Christmas wafer Since Christmas Eve marks the end of at the Christmas Eve dinner.

Advent, the dinner is usually meatless since According to Fr. Zbigniew Fraszczak, historically fasting and abstinence was part SVD, director of the Saint John Paul II of Advent.

Polish Center in Yorba Linda, “Christmas There are 12 dishes served at the Eve in Poland is a very special day.”

Wigilia dinner, in memory of the Twelve He added: “People on this day become Apostles. Beginning with soup, followed different, better, kinder and calmer.” by different fish, including herring, carp The wafer is baked from wheat flour and gefilte fish. There is pierogi (boiled and water, unleavened, just like the altar dumplings filled with cheese, potatoes or bread that is distributed as Holy Commushrooms) as well as gołąbki (stuffed munion during Mass. It is typically in the cabbage rolls) and kluski (Polish drop shape of a rectangle about 4” x 6” with a noodles). smaller wafer about half that size. They are Then there are a variety of vegetables, embossed with Christmas scenes, such as such as onions, carrots, almonds and the Nativity. raisins. This is accompanied by cabbage, The tradition of the oplatek dates back cooked sauerkraut with apple salad. This several centuries in Poland and is also cel- often comes with challah bread. ebrated in parts of Lithuania, Latvia, CzeA selection of desserts follows the chia (the Czech Republic) and Slovakia. main meal with various cakes and an “Christmas Eve supper often begins assortment of sweets including edible when the first star appears in the sky,” Fr. Christmas ornaments.

Fraszczak said. “Families pray together and After the Wigilia dinner, many Poles after they pray, they share the white wafer.” attend Midnight Mass, the so-called He added: “This is a very important and “Shepherds’ Mass,” in reference to the traditional moment because the Christmas shepherds tending their flocks at night Eve wafer is a symbol of reconciliation and when an angel appeared to them anforgiveness, a sign of friendship and love.” nouncing, “For today in the city of David The male head of the household begins a savior has been born for you who is by taking the oplatek wafer and expresses Messiah and Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

P

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A GROUP SHARES OPLATEK, OR CHRISTMAS WAFER, AT LAST YEAR’S WIGILIA CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SAINT JOHN PAUL II POLISH CENTER IN YORBA LINDA

A TRADITIONAL POLISH CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER IS CELEBRATED LAST YEAR AT SAINT JOHN PAUL II POLISH CENTER IN YORBA LINDA.

The first Poles arrived in the United States over 400 years ago. Currently, there are 10 million Americans of Polish descent, the largest concentration of Poles in the world outside of Poland.

The Saint John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda celebrates a dinner for the entire community a week before Christmas Eve. This year’s Traditional Polish Christ-

mas Eve Dinner will be held Sunday, Dec. 17, following the Polish Mass at 1 p.m. at the Saint John Paul II Polish Center, 3999 Rose Drive, Yorba Linda.

The cost is $35/adult and $25/child.

Tickets are available at the Parish Office.

For more information, call 714-996-8161 or go to www.polishcenter.org WESOŁYCH ŚWIĄT! That is, Merry Christmas! C

DIOCESAN NEWS

NOCHE GUADALUPANA AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL

BY STAFF

H

UNDREDS OF THE faithful flocked to the Christ Cathedral campus on the evening of Dec. 1 to celebrate the second annual Noche Guadalupana.

With Bishop Kevin Vann, Bishop Timothy Freyer and members of the Hispanic clergy of the Diocese present, the large group of attendees prayed, sang, danced and showed their devotion to the patroness of our Diocese of Orange.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 14

D E C E M B E R 17, 2 0 2 3 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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The Twenty-First Annual

DIOCESAN NEWS

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PICTURED: BACK ROW L-R: TIM STRADER III; BROOKE STRADER; DANA STRADER; ANDY STRADER; ELLIOTT LOWE; STEPHANIE LOWE; MEGAN MEIHAUS; CATHERINE STONE FRONT ROW L-R: CURT CROSS; CHRIS CROSS; CAMILLE STRADER; TIM STRADER, JR.; SUSAN STRADER; TIM STRADER, SR. PHOTO COURTESY OF KIDWORKS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

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To report sexual abuse by clergy or church personnel please call: 1 (800) 364-3064 Healing and Hope After Abortion: 1 (800) 722-4356 New Hope Peer-to-Peer Support Line | Mon - Fri 7:30 AM - 9:30 PM | Sat - Sun 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM: 1 (714) NEW-HOPE or 1 (714) 639-4673 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. 본당내의 성적학대 신고 성직자나 성당 사목을 대표하는 관리자에 의한 성적 학대의 피해자 인 경우, 교구청의 무료 신고 전화 번호, 1-800-364-3064 및 관할 지역 법 집행 기관에 전화하십시오.

Works since 2015, serving on the board of directors and multiple committees.

“It’s not just giving money,” Tim Jr. said.

“It’s the mentoring, the corporate engagement, all the different ways people can help.”

Tim Jr. first learned about KidWorks through the nonprofit’s scholarship program at Mater Dei High School when the Straders’ two sons attended school there.

Tim was particularly drawn to KidWorks’ mentorship program and has served as a mentor to a college student who he has been guiding since high school.

“So, it’s not just in dollars,” KidWorks executive director David Benavides said of the Straders. “They’re actually hands-on, they’re working, interacting with our kids and following their path. Every child needs at least one caring adult in their life and what’s best for a young person is when they have multiple people who walk alongside them, who believe in them, who encourage them, who challenge them to set goals for themselves, and Camille and Tim do that for students at KidWorks.”

The Straders, who are parishioners at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Newport Beach, also appreciate KidWorks’ commitment to guiding youngsters on their journey of faith.

“I just love that they take this organic

way of pulling the kids along,” Camille said. “There’s a vacation bible school that happens every summer much like all of our Catholic churches have and it’s just an easy place for the kids to come and participate.”

Voluntarism and philanthropy have always been a way of life for the Strader family.

Tim Jr.’s parents, Timothy and Susan Strader, have been involved in projects that benefit the Catholic Church, the arts, health care and education.

They were appointed by Bishop Kevin Vann to lead a campaign committee that helped raise the funds to complete the sanctuary at Christ Cathedral.

Timothy and Susan are also founders of Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita.

“Tim and Camille were the first of our four children to marry and have children,” Susan Strader said. “They have been role models for the others, showing them how to be a loving couple and wonderful parents. Their siblings emulate the way they have built a solid foundation in their home by guiding their sons to work hard in school, to be committed to the activities and sports they engage in, to be kind and generous and to serve their community and Church.” C

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The Diocese’s Hispanic Ministry and Comite Presbiteral Hispano hosted the event. The evening featured Mass, a procession, festive music, dance and food. Guest speaker was Bishop Ramon Bejarano of the Diocese of San Diego.

Photos by Ian Tran/Diocese of Orange C

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Moments MomentsininourourJourney Journey

The month of December has been filled with the spirit of the season at Mission San Juan Capistrano! Capistrano Lights: Mission in Lights features impressive light displays, visits with Santa, carolers dressed in Dickens-era costumes, a full-scale Nativity in the Ruins of the Great Stone Church and much more. Now through Dec. 30. For more information, visit missionsjc.com/capistrano-lights —Photos by Patty Mahoney/Diocese of Orange

Send your photos that capture Catholic life in your parish community to: editor@occatholic.com D E C E M B E R 17, 2 0 2 3 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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