OC CATHOLIC - DECEMBER 29, 2024

DECEMBER 29, 2024

2024 YEAR IN REVIEW PAGE 5

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

“LA GUADALUPANA” HONORING OUR LADY PAGE 9

ST. CECILIA FIRST GRADE STUDENTS GATHER AFTER THE ALL-SCHOOL MASS CELEBRATING THE FEAST DAY OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE ON DEC. 12. PHOTO BY ALAN WENDELL/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.

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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.

DECEMBER 29, 2024

CONTENTS

10

YOUR NATIVITY SCENES

We asked readers to share their family arrangements and you delivered.

14 THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON

The OLLV Foundation and the Sisters of St. Joseph created a beautiful evening.

16

NEW YEAR, NEW FAITH RESOLUTIONS

Local readers share their resolutions for the New Year.

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facebook.com/orangediocese INSTAGRAM

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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: Jarryd Gonzales Managing Editor: Patricia Mahoney, editor@occatholic.com News Ideas: editor@occatholic.com Delivery Problems: occatholicsupport@occatholic.com

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DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

NATIVITY SCENE

“

SAINT PROFILE PHOTO BY MIKE CHAMBERLIN

— Pope Francis

HOLY FAMILY FIRST CENTURY

T

HE HOLY FAMILY CONSISTS of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and this feast honors their life together, beginning in Bethlehem and then moving to Nazareth, Egypt and back to Nazareth. The church has chosen to commemorate their family life as a model for all Christian families. The feast recognizes the humility of Jesus, Mary's virtue and Joseph's steadfastness, along with the obedience of all three to God's plan for them in salvation history. Traditionally celebrated in January, the feast has been celebrated since the Second Vatican Council on the first Sunday after Christmas. If there is no Sunday between Christmas and New Year's Day, it is celebrated Dec. 30.C

READER CALL-OUT

My Nativity Scene actually sits on my Christmas tree.

I am 76 years old, and this Nativity ornament has been in every Christmas of my life. It originally came from my parents and was handed down to me. It is backlit with a bulb that illuminates not only the Nativity but all of Bethlehem.

Every year I carefully package it to protect it for another Christmas.

—Mike Chamberlin, Our Lady of Fatima parish in San Clemente For more Nativity Scenes see PAGE 10 C

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

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”

Pray and trust in the Lord

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

1 JN 2:12-17; PS 96:7-8A, 8B-9, 10; LK 2:36-40

1 JN 2:18-21; PS 96:1-2, 11-12, 13; JN 1:1-18

NUMBERS 6:22-27; PS 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; GALATIANS 4:4-7; LUKE 2:16-21

1 JOHN 2:22-28; PS 98:1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4; JOHN 1:1928

1 JOHN 2:29– 3:6; PS 98:1, 3CD-4, 5-6; JOHN 1:29-34

1 JOHN 3:7-10; PS 98:1, 7-8, 9; JOHN 1:35-42

ISAIAH 60:1-6; PS 72:12, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13; EPHESIANS 3:2-3A, 5-6; MATTHEW 2:1-12

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FEATURE

2024 YEAR IN REVIEW

of Orange.

MARIAN GARDENS OPENING

BY BRADLEY ZINT

T

HE YEAR 2024 SAW major developments happen throughout the Diocese of Orange, with several concentrated around the “downtown” of the Diocese: Christ Cathedral. After purchasing in 2012 what was then known the world over as the Crystal Cathedral, it took more than a decade to see the final transformative vision of the Garden Grove property finally completed. With the completions this year of the Marian Gardens and St. Callistus Chapel, the former Protestant megachurch fully became the major Catholic worship center of Christ Cathedral: A Place for Christ Forever.

But there were also other notables: celebrations of life for the first priest ordained in the Diocese, the premiere of a new Eucharist-focused documentary, milestones in Catholic education and more.

Keep reading to learn, or perhaps remember again, some major events and moments in our Diocese in 2024.

A RELIC OF ST. JUDE WAS VENERATED AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL, AMONG SEVERAL OTHER PARISHES IN THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE, IN 2024. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

More than 1,000 celebrated Mass and the opening of the Marian Gardens and Garden of Gethsemane on May 29 at Christ Cathedral. The day featured a blessing with Bishop Kevin Vann as well as live entertainment and a donor dinner.

The approximately 3,500-square-foot Marian Gardens, located behind the cathedral’s Our Lady of La Vang Shrine, are a walk-through experience focusing on the Mysteries of the Rosary. The space allows for peaceful reflection, prayer and small groups. The gardens also feature handcrafted artwork from the Peruvian Andes, as well as other symbolic touches that are meaningful to our Catholic faith.

The Garden of Gethsemane, like the one in CONTINUES ON PAGE 6

designation and generally a piece of the body of a saint, like bone or hair. After St. Jude’s martyrdom in Beirut around 65 A.D., his remains were reportedly interred in a crypt beneath St. Peter’s Basilica around 333 AD.

‘JESUS THIRSTS’ PREMIERE

“Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist,” a national documentary co-sponsored by the Diocese of Orange, premiered ‘APOSTLE OF THE IMPOSSIBLE’ on May 7 at the Cultural Center on the COMES TO O.C. Christ Cathedral campus. The film was The relic of St. Jude, known as the later screened for several weeks at theaters “Apostle of the Impossible,” toured nationwide starting in June. The 91-minthroughout our Diocese this past spring, ute movie was also co-sponsored by Spirit starting on April 29 at Santiago de ComFilled Hearts Ministry and co-produced postela parish in Lake Forest.

by James Wahlberg and Tim Moriarty.

Throughout its tour, which included Coinciding with the three-year NaChrist Cathedral and Sts. Simon and tional Eucharist Revival movement in Jude parish, tens of thousands came to the U.S., “Jesus Thirsts” was heralded by venerate the relic, which is a piece of bone its producers and Diocese leaders as a from St. Jude placed inside a wooden rel- potentially life-changing film that comes iquary carved to resemble an arm. The St. at a time when millions have strayed from Jude relic’s coming to Orange County, as the Catholic Church. well as other sites throughout the United “This can transform the face of the States, marked the relic’s first time leaving Earth. That’s how important this film is,” Italy in 1,700 years. said executive producer Steve Greco, a The Holy See considers the relic of St. permanent deacon and director of evanJude a first-class relic, which is the highest gelization and formation for the Diocese

DEACON STEVE GRECO AND HIS WIFE MARY ANNE GREET MEDIA DURING THE “JESUS THIRSTS” PREMIERE HELD ON MAY 7, 2024, AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

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FEATURE

GUESTS TOUR THE MARIAN GARDENS DURING ITS OPENING ON MAY 29, 2024, AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. PHOTO

BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Israel, features mature olive trees.

“Brothers and sisters, today, we unite as a single community to honor the fulfillment of the Marian Gardens,” said Bishop Vann. “These serene gardens will offer a peaceful sanctuary for prayer, tranquility and a deeper connection with the Blessed Virgin Mother, inviting us to reflect on her life and that of her son, Jesus Christ. We extend our gratitude to God for the unwavering commitment of those who dedicated numerous hours to bring this project to fruition.”

Second, Fr. Greg Walgenbach was ordained, becoming the Diocese’s first married priest through a special arrangement called the Pastoral Provision, which provides a way for former Protestant ministers, including married ones, to be ordained Catholic priests in the United States. Fr. Greg, a father of four who was raised Baptist and became an Anglican priest, later converted to Catholicism. His

capacities and gifts.

Before taking her final vows as a sister, Dalia, a native of Egypt who grew up Coptic Orthodox and converted to Catholicism, knew in her heart a different path was calling. Her realization wasn’t heard through a booming voice, but through the quiet whispers found within the pages of a book. Her consecration to the Ordo virginum highlights a unique and ancient vocation, which existed in the early Church and was lived out in the first virgin martyrs, such as St. Cecilia and St. Agnes.

O.C. DELEGATION ATTENDS NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

A delegation from the Diocese of Orange, DALIA ZAKHARY BECAME THE FIRST CONSECRATED VIRGIN FOR THE DIOCESE including all three bishops, attended the OF ORANGE ON JUNE 15, 2024. PHOTO BY KAYLEE TOOLE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE tenth National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis current primary role is serving as director on July 17 to 21, bringing of the Office of Life, Justice & Peace and with them the faith of a Catholic people the Mission Office. renewed by their love for the Eucharist.

PRIESTHOOD ORDINATION The event was the first national congress in Though priesthood ordinations are DIOCESE WELCOMES NEW the United States in 83 years and brought generally an annual occurrence, 2024’s CONSECRATED VIRGIN an estimated 60,000 people from throughordination on June 8 was historic in two On June 15, Dalia Zakhary became the out the country. ways. first consecrated virgin for the Diocese About 40 people from Orange County For one, it finalized the formation of Orange consecrated by the hands of were part of the official delegation, but journey of Fr. Cole Buzon, the first Filipino Bishop Kevin Vann. numerous others from the O.C. area made American priest ordained in the Diocese.

As a consecrated virgin, Dalia was not their way to Indianapolis for the event.

The Orange County native, who grew up in given a specific assignment in the Diocese The delegation members now serve on a La Habra and Brea, was working as a denbut remains called to live her consecration special Diocese subcommittee tasked with tal hygienist when he felt the call to change in the world and continue to work at her guiding the bishops on matters related to his life completely and join the seminary. job in Orange County. She participates Eucharistic devotion. The National EuchaFR. GREG WALGENBACH AND FR. COLE BUZON WERE For his first assignment, Fr. Cole serves as in the life of the local church by offering ristic Congress served as the culminating ORDAINED INTO THE PRIESTHOOD ON JUNE 8, 2024, parochial vicar at San Francisco Solano event of the National Eucharistic Revival, AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. PHOTO BY EVERETT JOHNSON/ her prayers, penance, charitable service DIOCESE OF ORANGE parish in Rancho Santa Margarita. and apostolic activities according to her CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

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FEATURE

PICTURED DURING THE 2024 NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS ARE: FR. ANGELOS SEBASTIAN, BISHOP TIMOTHY FREYER, BISHOP KEVIN VANN AND BISHOP THANH THAI NGYUEN. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

CHRIST CATHEDRAL’S NEW ST. CALLISTUS CHAPEL AND CRYPTS WAS DEDICATED AND BLESSED ON OCT. 14, 2024.

PHOTO BY KAYLEE TOOLE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

an effort sponsored by the U.S. bishops that began in 2022 to inspire and renew encounters with Jesus in the Eucharist.

Bishop Kevin Vann called the National Eucharistic Congress “a chance to renew our faith, to deepen our love of Christ and the Eucharist and to really make connections or remake connections with everybody that’s here. It’s just a wonderful experience.”

CATHOLIC EDUCATION NETWORK BEGINS

This year, on July 1 the Diocese officially launched Pax Christi Academies, a standalone nonprofit created to support and promote Catholic education for five schools: La Purísima in Orange; St. Justin Martyr in Anaheim; and St. Anne, St. Barbara and St. Joseph in Santa Ana. Thanks to Shea Family Charities and The Orange Catholic Foundation, a milestone for Pax Christi happened on Sept.

16 at St. Barbara, when upgrades for that school and the four others were celebrated: new lighting, windows, administrative space, paint, fencing, roof repairs and air conditioning.

“Pax Christi Academies’ promise is to

BISHOP KEVIN VANN (WITH FR. ANGELOS SEBASTIAN, LEFT) CUTS A CEREMONIAL RIBBON ON SEPT. 16, 2024, AT ST. BARBARA, WHEN UPGRADES FOR THAT SCHOOL AND FOUR OTHERS WERE CELEBRATED. PHOTO BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

form saints,” said its leader, Dr. Christina Arellano. “Our commitment to blend strong academics with our Catholic faith fosters intellectual and spiritual growth, while nurturing a virtuous life.”

ST. CALLISTUS CHAPEL OPENS

On Oct. 14, the Feast Day of St. Callistus, Bishop Kevin Vann dedicated and

blessed Christ Cathedral’s new St. Callistus Chapel and Crypts. Built in a stunning Romano-Byzantine style, the chapel includes burial spaces for generations of Diocese of Orange bishops, as well as niches for all the faithful.

The chapel was named after St. Callistus Catholic Church, a parish in Garden Grove that closed in 2013 as part of the

Crystal Cathedral sale to the Diocese. St. Callistus parishioners became the initial congregation of the Garden Grove campus, and Bishop Vann promised to remember their trust and sacrifice by naming the chapel after them.

The dedication also served as a day to celebrate the 12-year transformative journey of the Crystal Cathedral into Christ Cathedral, a major center of Catholic worship for the West Coast.

“From the very beginning, it was determined that St. Callistus parish, the community out of which Christ Cathedral was born, would be forever honored by the presence of a chapel in the undercroft of the cathedral,” said Fr. Christopher Smith, rector emeritus of the cathedral. “This chapel would be forever known as the St. Callistus chapel and, as we said over the years, that through the presence of this chapel the name St. Callistus now will always be part of the name Christ Cathedral.”

MISSIONARY IMAGE MAKES INAUGURAL O.C. VISIT

On Nov. 1, the Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe made its first-evCONTINUES ON PAGE 8

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FEATURE/DIOCESAN NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

er visit to the Diocese of Orange with a visit at Christ Cathedral.

The Image later traveled to other parishes and sites, including Orange County’s juvenile hall and St. Jude Medical Center.

The Missionary Image is a Catholic Church-authorized digital image of the original Guadalupe tilma that dates to 1531 and is displayed above the main altar at the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Like the original tilma, the Missionary Image has been associated with miraculous phenomena, such as doctors hearing a human heartbeat where the Virgin Mary carries the Christ Child and reports of oil dripping from the Image.

“The message of Our Lady of Guadalupe is powerful,” said the Very Rev. Al Baca, episcopal vicar for the Diocese’s Office of Ecumenism and Inter-religion, which sponsored the tour. “Back in 1531, the Virgin Mary appeared during a time of upheaval and division, of conflict between two different civilizations. She identified herself with the Indigenous through their dress, customs and language, Nahuatl. Her message was simple: ‘Am I not your mother?’”

sion around the church, trilingual Mass celebrated by all three bishops, music performances and dances.

On the other end of O.C., Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic School celebrated 60 years with a fall festival and games on Sept.

29. The Newport Beach school was founded in 1964 with 140 students grades one through four.

Today, it is TK through eighth grade for about 460 students.

In addition, Catholic Charities Auxiliary, a women’s group that assists Catholic Charities of Orange County, heralded 50 years of service. A milestone moment was their annual Inspirational Catholic Women Benefit Dinner, themed as “Heart of Mary,” on May 10.

IN MEMORIAM

Sr. Iluminada Soto, O.S.F. died on July 22 at the age of 106. She was the oldest member of the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters. Originally from the Mexican state of Michoacán, she had been living at the St. Francis Home for the Aged in Santa Ana since 1978. Her 81 dedicated years of service to her order included 15 postings, from Honduras to El Salvador and the United States. Her roles included serving MILESTONES AND as a catechist, religious formator ANNIVERSARIES Each year, various parishes and and faith development coordinaother entities in the Diocese cele- tor for a youth group.

Fr. Enrique “Ric” Sera, the first brate anniversaries. For 2024, one priest ordained in 1978 in what of the biggest was the centennial for La Purísima parish in Orange. was then a two-year-old Diocese of Orange, died on Sept. 17. The Founded in 1924 as a mission Cuban-born 73-year-old spent parish, La Purísima celebrated 44 years in ministry. Fr. Sera’s its 100th birthday on Dec. 7.

The culturally diverse parish is a final assignment was at St. Mary’s tight-knit family with rich history in Fullerton, where he served as and equally strong representation pastor from 2014 to 2022. There, from its Anglo, Hispanic, Filipino he ministered to many parishioners and mentored seminarian and Vietnamese communities.

The centennial featured a proces- interns. C

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A SPECIAL FEAST DAY

BY ST. JULIANA FALCONIERI SCHOOL STAFF

T

HE FEAST DAY OF Our Lady of Guadalupe takes place Thursday, Dec. 12. The feast is celebrated across the Diocese of Orange, but nowhere more enthusiastically than at St. Juliana Falconieri Catholic School in Fullerton.

"We are blessed to experience the closeness of Jesus Christ through Our Lady," said Señora Coulson, Spanish teacher and one of the event organizers.

Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to St. Juan Diego on his way to Mass one day in 1531. She gifted him with roses in winter and her beloved image imprinted on his tilma. Under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mary is the patroness of the Diocese of Orange, the Americas, unborn children and the New Evangelization.

The celebration began with Mexican songs (“Las Mañanitas," "La Guadalupana” and many more) by Mariachi Juvenil Herencia Michoacana. The morning continued with praise and worship and the Hail Mary in Spanish by the whole school. After the procession and special petitions, the celebration concluded with pan dulce and hot chocolate for students and parents.

Mrs. Cassie Rodriguez, seventh grade homeroom teacher and middle school religion teacher, was also one of the event organizers. She

JAMES MORENO AND CHELSEA ALVARADO, BOTH 9, LEAD THE PROCESSION AROUND ST. JULIANA FALCONIERI SCHOOL IN FULLERTON IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE. PHOTOS BY STEVEN GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

shared the words of Our Lady: "I... give all my love, compassion, help and protection, because I am your merciful mother, to you and all the rest who love me, invoke and confide in me."

One parent said, "I am overwhelmed by the celebration. I love how the children proudly sing and praise Our Lady of Guadalupe in Spanish."

Señora Coulson added, “This feast is also a major cultural celebration. Whether they were born in Mexico or born in this country, there is something that connects us all to Our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe.”

Dr. Manuel Gonzalez, Jr., the school principal, thanked everyone in attendance. He also expressed gratitude to the generous families who helped make the event possible, the beautiful roses brought by the students, the mariachis, the delicious pan dulce and hot chocolate. C

STUDENTS GET READY TO PRESENT FLOWERS IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE AT ST. JULIANA FALCONIERI SCHOOL IN FULLERTON.

DIOCESAN NEWS

“LA GUADALUPANA” HONORING OUR LADY

BY BRITNEY ZINT

L

EADING UP TO CHRISTMAS, many families’ schedules are filled with parties, shopping, wrapping presents and more. But Spanish teacher Elba Singleton decided to make sure Our Lady of Guadalupe was not forgotten in the mix this December.

Her school community wholeheartedly agreed.

“Our culture right now is just going to Christmas, and we forget about Advent,” she said. “We forget to celebrate our mother Mary and to know about her, to know that this happened for real. I wanted to bring the love that I have for Mary to our students.”

St. Cecilia Catholic School in Tustin took Singleton’s idea of remembering the reason for the season, deciding to celebrate on Dec. 12 the Mexican-born tradition of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe with a schoolwide procession, Mass, traditional costumes and food.

“I hope that most importantly, it deepens their love for Our Lady,” said Principal Mary Alvarado. “It’s important that the children understand these are traditions passed down generation to generation, because people truly love Our Lady.”

Growing up, Singleton said her family always celebrated Our Lady of Guadalupe.

She decided to teach her first graders the traditional Spanish song “La Guadalupana,” which tells the story of Our Lady’s STUDENTS GATHER AT THE RECEPTION FOLLOWING THE ALL-SCHOOL MASS FOR OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE AT ST. apparition to St. Juan Diego on the Tepeyac Hill in 1531. Singleton’s enthusiasm CECILIA CHURCH. brought the rest of the school onboard, and then the parents jumped at the opportunity, Alvarado said.

On this feast day, the first graders dressed in traditional ponchos for the boys and white blouses with colorful skirts and shawls for the girls. The seventh graders each held a long-stemmed rose as they led the procession of students, teachers and parents to the special Mass.

Facing an altar covered with roses of all colors, the first- and seventh-grade students sang “La Guadalupana” before the older students laid down their roses on the

A PRAYERFUL MOMENT DURING THE ALL-STUDENT MASS FOR OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE.

ST. CECILIA STUDENTS ON THEIR WAY TO THE RECEPTION AFTER THE ALL-SCHOOL MASS FOR OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE AT ST. CECILIA CHURCH. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

altar.

“I think this was a really great experience for us and the first graders, because we’ve never done this in the past,” said seventh-grader Olive Huerta, 12. “And I think it’s a great time for the community to come together to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe.”

St. Cecilia parish’s Fr. Michael Khong presided over the Mass and took the opportunity to quiz the students on what they learned about the Mexican tradition.

At the school, the Feast of Our Lady

of Guadalupe is just one of several celebrations they want to do that honors the parish’s multicultural heritage. The school will also celebrate Lunar New Year, Cinco de Mayo and St. Joseph’s Day. “We have a very diverse community here in Tustin, so I think it’s important that our students recognize that and understand the gifts that each of our cultures brings,” said Vice Principal Jessica Deutschel. “It’s a blessing to live in Southern California where we are surrounded by that, so it’s important to us as a staff to make the students aware.” C

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NATIVITY SCENE

THANKS TO ALL THE READERS WHO SHARED THEIR NATIVITY SCENES WITH OC CATHOLIC THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON

I

BOUGHT THIS NATIVITY the first year of our marriage in 1981; it is now 43 years old and is loved by my family. Now that I have grandchildren, I've added a print of the Magi with gift boxes that I use to explain the important significance of Jesus' birth and why we celebrate Christmas.

—Jesse and Lupe Solis, St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Tustin

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROSALIE CUCCIAS

Our Nativity scene is a little different than most this year. I purchased this Lladrólike statue at an estate sale.

In another place in our home is this life-like baby Jesus, I purchased at Christ Cathedral.

—Rosalie Cuccias, St. Timothy Catholic Church, Laguna Niguel

PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSE AND LUPE SOLIS

We purchased a new home from our late neighbors and inherited a few items along with the house and this is one we cherish.

The history of this Nativity Scene remains a mystery to us but we display it proudly in their memory. What we do know is that it is made of paper mâché and is very old. We love its simplicity!

—Damon & Amy Bartolone & Sean Flanagan, San Antonio de Padua parish, Anaheim Hills

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PHOTO COURTESY OF DIANE SULLIVAN

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAMON & AMY BARTOLONE & SEAN FLANAGAN

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I painted this Nativity Scene nearly 50 years ago and this means Christmas to me.

—Diana Sullivan, St. Bonaventure parish, Huntington Beach CONTINUES ON PAGE 11

NATIVITY SCENE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

These large Nativity figures have been in our family since the late1960s. They belonged to my Aunt Stella, who displayed them in her fireplace, which had never been used. The figures came to us in the year 2000 and we have displayed them in our fireplace every year since.

—Kathleen and Joseph Luckey, St. Hedwig parish, Los Alamitos

PHOTO COURTESY OF GAIL YORK

Our family loves this Nativity Scene. I purchased these Lladró Nativity figurines in Madrid, Spain while I was on layover working as a flight attendant for Trans World Airlines. It took about two years to collect as I liked the matte finish.

—Gail York, Our Lady Queen of Angels parish, Newport Beach

PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHLEEN AND JOSEPH LUCKEY

I'd like to share the Nativity Scene which is placed at the porch of my house.

—Abel Kang, Our Lady of Peace Korean Catholic Church, Irvine

PHOTO COURTESY OF RICARDO GARCIA

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE AND ANN OSKORUS

I have been collecting this Lladró Nativity for a long time.

—Ricardo Garcia, Holy Family Catholic Church, Leisure World in Seal Beach

We would like to share our outdoor Nativity Scene. It was constructed and first put up approximately ten years ago. Our four youngest grandchildren helped by painting the figures.

—Steve and Ann Oskorus, St. Norbert Catholic Church, Orange C

PHOTO COURTESY OF ABEL KANG

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DIOCESAN NEWS

SNOW DAY AS AN EMMANUEL MOMENT

BY ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC SCHOOL STAFF

T

UESDAY, DEC. 17 marked the sixth Annual Snow Day at St. John the Baptist Catholic School. Administration and parent leadership brought in tons of snow for the SJB children to experience and enjoy. JSerra Catholic High School provided an army of student volunteers and the special gift of a snow cone vendor to enhance the celebration.

“Coming right after Gaudete Sunday, or Rejoice Sunday, we wanted to help our community to feel the excitement that comes with Emmanuel,” said the school’s rector, Fr. Damien Giap. “Em-

manuel moments, when we are keenly aware of God being with us, are special times in our life that we want to savor and enjoy. Reminding ourselves of the nearness of God brings us peace and contentment.”

As children made snowmen, glided down snowy slopes and tossed around snowballs, Principal Paula Viles observed with her own sense of joy.

“It’s a delight to watch the snow bring out the best in our children,” she shared. “They worked together, helped each other climb and slide and shared moments of goodwill across the soft, white landscape. It truly was a joyful event.” C FR. DAMIEN GIAP AND ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS ENJOY A BREAK ON A SNOWBANK DURING THE SCHOOL’S ANNUAL EVENT HELD ON DEC. 17.

A STUDENT ENJOYS THE SNOW DAY AT ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN COSTA MESA. PHOTOS COURTESY OF FR. DAMIEN GIAP

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A STUDENT GOES FOR A RIDE DURING ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC SCHOOL’S SNOW DAY EVENT.

DIOCESAN NEWS

LEADERSHIP IN ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

SPOTLIGHT ON: SAM MENDOZA, ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL

BY MIKE ZINN

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UMILITY, FAITH, WORK ethic and leadership are the significant qualities St. Joseph School (Placentia) principal Amanda Hawley used to describe eighth grade student Sam Mendoza.

Hawley cited Mendoza’s work as Student Council president as a platform where her leadership skills particularly shine.

“She leads with kindness and interacts effectively with all students,” Hawley said. “She is thoughtful with her words, deliberately choosing them carefully and meaningfully.”

Vice Principal Laurie Cantrell, who currently serves as co-moderator for Student Council, has been actively involved with Mendoza in various roles. She describes Mendoza as a loving, compassionate student with a strong love for Jesus.

Cantrell said like St. Joseph, Mendoza is a “humble servant with a servant's heart.”

Mendoza started at St. Joseph as a kindergartener. Her mother is an English Language Arts (ELA) and Religion teacher at the school and her two sisters are students there as well.

Mendoza has excelled in many subjects, but she likes ELA and math the most. She likes math because she said, “it is challenging and develops critical thinking.”

As Student Council president, Mendoza has many opportunities to display her leadership skills. She acts as the emcee for the Courtyard event, which includes morning prayer, announcements, birthday acknowledgments, the pledge of allegiance and more. As president, she also leads the planning and implementation of school assemblies.

Mendoza is involved in many other school activities. She is a member of the girls volleyball team, where she was co-captain during the Fall season and helped the team to a league championship. She is also involved with a girls Bible study group. Outside of school, she participates in club volleyball team and is an altar server at her home parish, St. Paul the Apostle in Chino Hills.

After graduating from St. Joseph, Mendoza wants to continue her Catholic education at Rosary Academy. At Rosary, Mendoza would like to play volleyball and be involved with drama club. She also might potentially take photography and graphic arts courses.

Role models have been instrumental in Mendoza’s life. She cites her parents for “modeling the importance of education and what a loving Christian marriage can look like.”

Sr. Maria Goretti, an Italian virgin martyr of the Church, has also positively influenced Mendoza by being one of the youngest saints.

Many aspects of St. Joseph School have left a strong imprint on Mendoza.

“I love the small community, with everyone knowing each other and being able to attend Mass together.”

Her eighth-grade classmates have also made a lasting impression on Mendoza.

“With a small class of only 11 students, we have a great bond and have made many memories together.”

Whether volunteering, facilitating the many responsibilities of a Student Council President, or simply encouraging, welcoming and sharing her faith with others, Mendoza wants to exhibit what she calls the most important trait of SAM MENDOZA IS AN EIGHTH GRADER AT ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL IN PLACENTIA. PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL a leader — “humbleness.” C D E C E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 2 4 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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DIOCESAN NEWS

THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON THE OLLV FOUNDATION HOSTS ITS FIRST CHRISTMAS MARKET & CONCERT

BY BRITNEY ZINT

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HE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS came alive on Dec. 13 when Catholics and non-Catholics alike came together to celebrate the season and bring joy to hospital-bound children.

The OLLV Foundation hosted its first Christmas Market and Concert at the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange campus on Dec. 13. The free event brought in donations and more than 1,000 toys for the CHOC Children’s Hospital.

“Just putting a smile on someone’s face, just one child, even if it’s just for a minute, would mean a lot to us,” said OLLV Foundation member Ana Duval.

For the holidays, the foundation wanted to give back to the community at large and bring joy to the children at CHOC, said Fr. Tuyen Nguyen.

“This is with a spirit of Christmas and with the idea of bringing joy to the people,” he said.

The concert was free and was performed by musicians, who volunteered their time and talents, said OLLV Foundation CEO Elysabeth Nguyen, who came up with the idea. The concert featured singers, instrumentalists, choirs and a youth band with performances of Christmas classics like “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night,” and “O Holy Night.”

“We wanted to do something this Christmas to give thanks, obviously to God, but to all the people in the communities that made us who we are today,” said Elysabeth Nguyen. “Instead of fundraising and asking them, we are supporting them spiritually through song.”

Music is an international language,

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THE CONCERT FEATURED SINGERS, INSTRUMENTALISTS, CHOIRS AND A YOUTH BAND PERFORMING CHRISTMAS CLASSICS.

and Christmas music specifically is a constant in our ever-changing, sometimes chaotic world, said violinist and musical arranger Stefano Stefan, who performed at the concert. The classically trained musician said the familiarity and resonance of Christmas songs from an early age is like coming home.

“It's something that’s withstood the test of time,” Stefan added. “It’s amazing.

It keeps us grounded. So, I hope people walk away feeling good and warm inside … I hope that they walk away with a feeling of positivity, a positive spirit and seeing the world in a more positive light than perhaps when they walked in.”

The event also featured a European-style Christmas market with popcorn popping, a colorful array of homemade cookies, tamales, dumplings and more.

Elysabeth Nguyen said even when the foundation tried to purchase items, CONTINUES ON PAGE 15

THE OLLV FOUNDATION HOSTED ITS FIRST CHRISTMAS MARKET AND CONCERT AT THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF ORANGE CAMPUS ON DEC. 13. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE

O C C A T H O L I C ■ D E C E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 2 4

DIOCESAN NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

people gave them away instead.

Sweet Stuff Truck owner Jose Guzman brought his churro truck to the Christmas market.

While not Catholic, Guzman describes himself as a follower of Christ and jumped at the opportunity to serve others.

He was amazed to see so many others doing the same.

“All these people donating their time from all different ethnic groups, it’s just amazing,” Guzman said. “I really don’t even have words to describe what I’m feeling right now — fulfillment, awe, serenity, everything. It’s a joy.”

The event was a culminating moment for the OLLV Foundation, which this year heralded the opening of its two major projects: the Marian Gardens and St. Callistus Chapel and

Crypts, both on the Christ Cathedral campus in Garden Grove. The foundation has been actively fundraising for both, as well as the Our Lady of La Vang Shrine, for the past few years.

While the OLLV Foundation’s projects are now completed and open to the public, Fr. Tuyen said the spirit of the foundation continues on. He hopes they can do more to enrich the community beyond Christ Cathedral. Tuyen said the ideas range from helping the homeless and the poor, to education and activities for seniors.

“That is the hope and the desire and the dream of the OLLV Foundation,” Fr. Tuyen said.

To learn more about the foundation and about donations, visit OLLVFoundation. org or call (714) 282-4290. C

A CHOIR PERFORMS HOLIDAY CLASSICS DURING THE OLLV FOUNDATION’S CHRISTMAS MARKET AND CONCERT HELD AT THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF ORANGE CAMPUS ON DEC. 13. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

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FEATURE

NEW YEAR, NEW FAITH RESOLUTIONS IN CELEBRATION OF THE START OF 2025, ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLICS SHARE THEIR HOPES AND INTENTIONS FOR A BRANDNEW YEAR

BY MIKE VULPO

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NEW SEASON OF HOPE is just beginning.

As a new year dawns in the Catholic Church, many parishioners are making resolutions and goals for 2025.

San Francisco Solano Catholic Church pastor Fr. Duy Le hopes the next 12 months will be a time of love and welcoming for all of God’s children.

“Bringing people to the table in 2025 is something I believe we all should hope for. Not just at the parish I pastor, but in the Church as a whole. It is a time for us to look outwards; we will be able to observe the fruits of our outreach.”

While some may vow to attend church more while others aim to practice forgiveness and compassion, Fr. Duy hopes everyone can support one another’s journey.

Fr. Duy focuses on the virtue of hope and giving others the benefit of the doubt.

“We need to have hope in them that they will make our lives better and the world better and they have hope in us that we will do the same,” he shared.

Keep reading to see what resolutions Orange County Catholics are making for a brand-new year.

MARTHA VILLALOBOS-LANG, PARISHIONER AT MISSION BASILICA SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

Whether she’s volunteering at her church’s food pantry or attending Mass every Sunday, Villalobos-Lang wants the people around her to feel welcome.

“I want to try to invite more people to

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live the traditions in our faith the way we were taught, and we enjoy because it's still a golden jewel that we have in our hands,” she explained. “If we can rescue that by showing and inviting the youth, that will be something that I would take with me to the end because I will accomplish something in life. I brought more people to my church, to my faith, to see the richness of our traditions.”

“My faith is everything,” she added.

“It’s my family, my friends, the space that we step in, it’s my Church, I think it’s the whole world.”

SOFIA STAFF, SENIOR AT JSERRA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

In 2025, Staff will say goodbye to high school and hello to college where she hopes to major in hospitality or marketing. Before then, however, the student is focused on enjoying the present.

“My vision for the year 2025 is probably to work on being more responsible and independent, so I can prep for my time at college,” she shared. “In terms of expanding my faith, I would like to attend church every Sunday. It’s something I'm working on. I also want to do more acts of service and help out more in my community while I'm here.”

Staff continued, “I've honestly loved my time at JSerra and high school has been a great experience for me. I’m bummed it’s almost ending. I just want to have as much fun as I can.”

MARTHA VILLALOBOS-LANG ATTENDS MASS AT MISSION BASILICA SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO. PHOTO BY MIKE VULPO

BECKY METZNER, SERRA’S PANTRY COORDINATOR SATURDAY LEADERSHIP & DRIVER TEAMS

Through her work with Serra’s Pantry, Metzner is vowing to serve as many neighbors as possible who need help.

"I hope to be proactive in what we anticipate the community will be subjected

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CONTINUES ON PAGE 17

SOFIA STAFF (LEFT) VOLUNTEERING AT SERRA’S FOOD PANTRY IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO. PHOTO BY MIKE VULPO

FEATURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

to,” she explained. “The border situation has hit very hard in this community. Some folks wouldn't come out for food, but they needed food. … I want to be positive about what needs to be done and be a conduit to that in any way I can. If that's delivering food to folks that are afraid to come out or displaced, I’m happy to do it."

Metzner added, “In 2025, I hope the community is more understanding and more helpful to all of our neighbors."

ROSE MARIE O’SHAUGHNESSY, SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO CATHOLIC CHURCH PARISHIONER

In the new year, O’Shaughnessy is hopeful that she can grow closer to God. One way is to be focused even more on daily prayer and intercessions.

“I will ask God to bless our country — one nation under God with liberty and justice for all — the president and all of his cabinet, please God keep them in the palm of your hands,” she said. “And

my family. My family for all generations living and deceased and all those in the extended family and for all the friends and associates for all of 2025.”

By the end of 2025, O’Shaughnessy envisions a community where her neighbors are closer to God and closer to each other.

MONICA AVILA, ST. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR CATHOLIC CHURCH PARISHIONER

Before saying goodbye to December and 2024, Avila is vowing to attend Mass more often in the new year.

“It feels like home for me when I am at Mass with a great message and great priests such as Fr. Mike Rizzo, Fr. Damien Giap and Fr. Steve Sallot,” she said. “It is a beautiful thing when you have a great connection. I recently lost my son, Kyle, and to hear words during the sermon brings great comfort and it feels like home. I feel being at Mass brings me closer to my son.”

Avila also plans to say the Rosary more often and practice prayerful meditation. C

MONICA AVILA ATTENDS MASS AT ST. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR CATHOLIC CHURCH IN DANA POINT WITH HER FAMILY. PHOTO COURTESY OF MONICA AVILA

ROSE MARIE O’SHAUGHNESSY ATTENDS MASS AT SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO CATHOLIC CHURCH IN RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA. PHOTO BY MIKE VULPO D E C E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 2 4 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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CATHOLIC FAMILY LIFE

THE JUBILEE YEAR BEGINS

at you with my heart full of hope. I look into the distance and pray for you. Dear young people, keep aloft and shining brightly the lamp of faith which this evening I symbolically entrust to you and to your contemporaries in every corner of the world. With this light, illumine the paths of life; set the world ablaze with love!”

Regardless of where we were 25 years ago, Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis’ invitations are to each of us.

As we close this calendar year and begin this Jubilee Year, we are called to be witnesses of hope. Let us ask the Lord to deepen our desire for the good things He wants to give us and to trust in His strength, not our own. We are called to testify that God’s promises are trustworthy to a world that doesn’t believe God is real. We are called to invite others to encounter God’s love and mercy through the Church and our acts of charity. May the Lord ignite the gift of hope in each of our lives for the world seeking love and freedom. C

BY JOAN PATTEN, AO

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HE CATHOLIC CHURCH celebrates a Jubilee Year, also known as a Holy Year, every 25 years. In the Old Testament, God commanded the Jewish People to set aside every 50 years as a special year to forgive each other’s debts, let captives go free and celebrate it as a year of blessing and grace (cf. Lev. 25:10-14). When Jesus began His earthly ministry, He proclaimed that these blessings of the Holy Year ultimately find their completion in Him. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord” (Lk. 4:18-19).

When the Lord finished reading this passage, He declared, “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing” (Lk. 4:21). Centuries later, Pope Francis invites us to receive these abundant blessings from God again as we begin a Jubilee Year from 2025 to 2026 under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” The Jubilee Year officially begins on Christmas Eve, and each diocese will inaugurate the opening of this holy time on Dec. 29 at its cathedral.

In proceeding forward in this spirit of hope, looking back and receiving from our history is prudent. The last ordinary jubilee year was celebrated in 2000, commemorating the 2000th anniversary of the incarnation, that is, God entering into our human race through Jesus to restore the

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relationship with God that was lost due to the sin of our first parents.

Pope John Paul II led the Church into the new millennium with pilgrimages, youth gatherings and prayer, asking God’s forgiveness for the sins of the Church. At the close of the Jubilee Year in 2001, Pope John Paul II gave an address in Rome to children gathered from various countries and reminded them that they are a sign of hope.

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“Dear friends, you who are children and young people today will tomorrow form the first generation of adult Christians in the third millennium. What a great responsibility you have! You will be the leading players at the next Jubilee in 2025. You will then be grownups: you may have started a family of your own or have embraced the priestly life or been consecrated to a special mission in the Church at the service of God and neighbor. And I, who have had the great satisfaction of leading the Church into the third millennium, look

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OC Catholic Afar

Mary and Arthur Stabile (parishioners of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Tustin) prayed for everyone and lit multiple candles while visiting St. Brigid Catholic Church in Portumna, Ireland.

—submitted by the Kelly Family

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.

D E C E M B E R 2 9, 2 0 2 4 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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