OC CATHOLIC - FEBRUARY 11, 2024

FEBRUARY 11, 2024

ZENAIDA ARCOS: A LIFETIME IN THE SERVICE OF OTHERS

PAGE 8

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

“RADIATE LOVE” WORLD MARRIAGE DAY 2024 PAGE 6

WORLD MARRIAGE DAY IS TRADITIONALLY CELEBRATED ON THE SECOND SUNDAY OF FEBRUARY AND CELEBRATES THE BLESSED UNION OF HUSBANDS AND WIVES. PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

IGNITE A BRIGHTER WORLD In 1973, three religious communities – the Jesuits, the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, and Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange – joined forces to form Loyola Marymount University. LMU proudly celebrates the 50th anniversary of the merger of Loyola University and Marymount College.

lmu.edu/merger

FEBRUARY 11, 2024

CONTENTS

7 VISIBLE CATHOLICISM

How often do you display your faith in a manner that’s proud and open?

10 14

THE WORD OF GOD

St. Thomas More parish in Irvine brought the community together in person and online to participate in a Bible marathon.

GONE FISHING!

St. Bonaventure Catholic School students picked up rod and reel to spend a day with local police.

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

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Delivered weekly to parishes and homes throughout Orange County, Calif., Orange County Catholic is published by SCNG Custom Content, a division of Southern California News Group that offers content development and design expertise to businesses and nonprofit institutions. The Orange County Catholic editorial staff and editorial council are responsible for the content contained herein. Events and products advertised in Orange County Catholic do not carry the implicit endorsement of the Diocese of Orange or SCNG Custom Content.

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GUEST COLUMN

GOD IS LOVE!

BY DEACON MODESTO CORDERO

F

EBRUARY, THE MONTH of love, not only brings us the popular Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) but also World Marriage Day (Feb. 11) and the beginning of the Lenten season with Ash Wednesday (Feb. 14). This year, uniquely, Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday coincide on Feb. 14, creating a special convergence between romantic love, marital commitment and spiritual reflection.

Valentine’s Day, celebrated in many parts of the world, has become a day dedicated to expressing and celebrating romantic love. However, amid gifts and demonstrations of affection, it is crucial to remember that true love has its roots in something deeper and more meaningful. For many, the Christian faith plays an essential role in their lives, and this

month offers the opportunity to explore the intersection between earthly and divine love.

On the same day that lovers exchange tokens of love, the Church marks the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday.

Lent is a time of reflection, penance and spiritual preparation for the celebration of Easter. This coincidence in the liturgical calendar is a unique opportunity to consider how human and divine love can coexist and mutually strengthen.

World Marriage Day, celebrated on Feb. 11, is another reminder of the importance of cultivating love in the family sphere. Beyond romantic aspects, marriage is a sacramental alliance that, for Christian believers, should be based on higher values. The connection between the love of God and love between partners is evident in biblical teachings.

In 1 John 4: 7-12, the link between God’s love and love among people is expressed clearly: “Beloved, let us love

CONTINUES ON PAGE 13

DEACON MODESTO CORDERO. PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

Join Franciscan Fr. Mario DiCicco for his 2024 Tours Japan and Korea A Far East Adventure • April 5-23

A Clear Advantage

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.

A CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A PRECIOUS GIFT A Catholic education teaches more than strong academics; it teaches lessons for life. The well-rounded curriculum leads children to become faith-filled, productive and generous adults.

Exploring the Eastern Balkans: Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Prague, Budapest • May 15-31 Holy Land Pilgrimage • September 7-18 (My 48th year of leading pilgrims there) The Silk Road Exploring Central Asia • October 10-28 For a brochure, write or call: Fr. Mario DiCicco, O.F.M. 110 West Madison St., Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 888-1331 • mmdicicco@gmail.com website for brochure: FrMarioTours.weebly.com

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DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

AROUND CAMPUS

“

Goodness, together with love, justice and solidarity are not achieved once and for all; they have to be realized each day.

— Pope Francis

SAINT PROFILE

”

MARTYRS OF JAPAN

1464-1505

P

AUL MIKI, A MEMBER of a noble Japanese family, was educated by Jesuits and joined the order as a scholastic in 1580.

He was arrested by the acting governor of Japan, who feared Christian missionaries were part of a conquest ploy by Spain and Portugal. Paul and 25 of his companions were taken to a hill overlooking Nagasaki Bay, bound to crosses and executed Feb. 6, 1597, in front of several thousand witnesses. The place was named "Hill of the Martyrs" and is marked with a stone cross and 26 trees.

BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPEL NORTH BALCONY (CHOIR LOFT) Donor: available. This balcony contains a 9-foot concert Steinway piano, space for the cathedral musicians and up to 400 singers, and the Hazel Wright Organ’s primary console.

Photo by Joshua Sudock/Diocese of OrangeC

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

JAS 1:1-11; PS 119:67, 68, 71, 72, 75, 76; MK 8:11-13

JAS 1:12-18; PS 94:12-13A, 14-15, 18-19; MK 8:14-21

JL 2:12-18; PS 51:34, 5-6AB, 12-13, 14 AND 17; 2 COR 5:20—6:2; MT 6:16, 16-18

DT 30:15-20; PS 1:1-2, 3, 4 AND 6; LK 9:22-25

IS 58:1-9A; PS 51:3-4, 5-6AB, 1819; MT 9:14-15

IS 58:9B-14; PS 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; LK 5:27-32

GN 9:8-15; PS 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9; 1 PT 3:18-22; MK 1:12-15

F E B R U A R Y 11, 2 0 2 4 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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FEATURE

“RADIATE LOVE”

you got married and how long have you been married?

We were married at St. Raphael Korean Catholic Center in Norwalk, CA and we’ve been married almost 12 years.

What is a favorite moment from your WORLD MARRIAGE DAY 2024 wedding day?

Linda: My favorite moment from our

BY PATTY MAHONEY wedding day was at the end of the Mass when we did a little praise dance number HIS YEAR, WE CELEBRATE before recessing down the aisle. It was my World Marriage Day on Sunday, idea, and I appreciated that he was up for Feb. 11. Observed annually on being a little silly with me! Later, I saw that the second Sunday of February, our wedding videographer had captured the day honors a husband and wife as the him practicing for it while he was suiting foundation of the family and celebrates the up in his tux before Mass. It’s a post-credit joys and blessings of married life. blooper scene in our wedding video.

"Radiate Love" is the name of the Francis: My favorite moment from our California Catholic Conference’s (CCC) wedding day was at our reception. As part marriage initiative, which soft launches of one of our reception games, guests had this World Marriage Day and officially to wager whether or not I could do 10 deep launches this summer. The initiative will squats while holding Linda in my arms. continue until next summer, 2025.

Some said yes, others no, but I did all 10 According to the CCC, beginning on with Linda in my arms effortlessly! (Please World Marriage Day, “couples all over the don’t ask us to do this now though.) globe are called by God to invest in their What role does your Catholic faith relationships and let that love radiate out to play in your marriage? the whole world, first and foremost in their Our Catholic faith is a huge part of our own family.” (https://cacatholic.org/) marriage, and we cannot imagine our marTo honor the blessed union of husbands riage without Christ. We believe truly that and wives, the OC Catholic has invited God brought us together (that’s a longer three married couples within the Diocese story). He keeps us together, and we know of Orange to reflect on their wedding day He is with us always. We’ve had many ups and the role of God within their marriage. and downs. We’ve had to discern challenging questions, power through trials and LINDA AND FRANCIS JI find great joy in small spaces—all things (Linda is the director of the Office for we’ve been able to do because the truth Family Life, Diocese of Orange) and beauty of our faith illuminates these What is the name of the church where things before us. From the supper table to

the cross, Christ is real in our family every day.

What is the best marriage advice you have received or can give to others?

Linda: I’ll always remember what the priest who prepared us for marriage cautioned us: to tend to the “little cuts” in our relationship as we go, because those hundreds of little cuts left unattended are more likely to bleed us out TONY AND ROSIE MERCADO ON THEIR WEDDING DAY, AUG. 9, 2002. into a crisis more so than a huge wound or single blow. PHOTO COURTESY OF DEACON TONY MERCADO Francis: Be patient.

NEWLY WEDDED COUPLE LINDA AND FRANCIS JI PERFORM A PRAISE DANCE BEFORE RECESSING DOWN THE AISLE. PHOTO COURTESY OF LINDA JI.

FRANCIS AND LINDA JI HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR ALMOST 12 YEARS. PHOTO COURTESY OF LINDA JI

T

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O C C A T H O L I C ■ F E B R U A R Y 11, 2 0 2 4

DEACON TONY MERCADO AND HIS WIFE ROSIE

(Deacon Tony is a permanent deacon at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fullerton) What is the name of the church where you got married and how long have you been married?

We were married at St. Juliana Falconieri Catholic Church, on Aug. 9, 2002.

We’ve been married for 21 years.

What is a favorite moment from your wedding day?

Tony: There were a few things that really stood out that day, but I was really happy that I was marrying my best friend.

I was happy that GOD and my family were there to witness our wedding.

Rosie: Having our first dance together.

What role does your Catholic faith play in your marriage?

Tony: My faith plays the most important part in my marriage. The most important part of my marriage is that I

DEACON TONY MERCADO AND HIS WIFE ROSIE HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR 21 YEARS. PHOTO COURTESY OF DEACON TONY MERCADO

made a promise to GOD with my promise to Rosie.

Rosie: If it wasn’t for our faith, who knows if we would still be married.

What is the best marriage advice you have received or can give to others?

Tony: Always be honest. Enjoy marriage, kids, family, etc. Be happy. Have fun!

Laugh it up!

Rosie: Keep GOD first.

ELIZABETH AND LEO SANDOVAL

(Elizabeth is the Vocations coordinator for the Diocese of Orange) What is the name of the church where you got married and how long have you been married?

St. Joseph Church, Santa Ana; Aug. 28, 1999. We will be celebrating our 25th Anniversary.

What is a favorite moment from your wedding day?

Elizabeth: There were many wonderful moments on this day. If I was to pick a moment, it would be when we were posing CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

FEATURE/CATHOLIC FAMILY LIVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

VISIBLE CATHOLICISM

BY REBEKAH VALDERRAMA

ELIZABETH AND LEO SANDOVAL ON THEIR WEDDING DAY, AUG. 28, 1999. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELIZABETH SANDOVAL

for the pictures at the park. For my husband, his favorite moment would be the blessing at the end of the Mass.

He was so nervous as his parents were being represented by his eldest sister.

What role does your Catholic faith play in your marriage?

For us, God made it possible for the both of us to have crossed paths at St. Joseph Church, where our dear friend, Fr. Christopher Smith celebrated and blessed our union, and spent many years volunteering afterwards before fully dedicating ourselves to the family.

Faith has been vital in our commitment to one another. And although there was a time in which we stopped going to church, we went back realizing that there was something missing in our family.

What is the best marriage advice you have received or can give to others?

The marriage advice that we can give is to not lose respect for one another. Build your nest from the bottom up. Never forget to be grateful to your parents by continuing to help them, if needed, after getting married. In the long run, you will be able to see the fruits as the years pass.C

LEO AND ELIZABETH SANDOVAL HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR ALMOST 25 YEARS.

I

RECENTLY GAVE BIRTH to my fourth child within six years; the last three all have 19-month age gaps between them. In a world where having three kids is above average, a family with several young children can turn heads. I hate to admit it, but it’s something I feel self-conscious about.

I can see the people around me doing mental math whenever I go out with all of the kids at once. I’m glad I’m not working anymore, so I don’t have to worry about what my coworkers would be saying behind my back while I’d be on my fourth maternity leave from the same company.

These days, among the other homeschooling families at the co-op, the size of our family is not such an anomaly, but I still get plenty of “hands full” comments when I go out grocery shopping.

I know that Catholics aren’t the only demographic with larger than average families, but most people these days assume that choosing to have more than 2.5 kids is a matter of religion.

So, I know that holding my head high and proud of my obvious adherence to Church teaching is its own little form of evangelization. I’ve become more and more comfortable with this little display of my Catholic faith.

So why do I dread Ash Wednesday so much?

When I did work, I was always secretly grateful for the evening Mass, so that I could get ashes without having to show them off and answer questions all day. Most of my coworkers knew I was Catholic, but I was still so hesitant to invite my faith as the topic of conversation. So nervous to be put on the spot to explain or defend my beliefs.

Ash Wednesday is probably the biggest day of the year for spotting Catholics in

PHOTO BY ANNIKA GORDON ON UNSPLASH

the wild. It's one of the easiest times of year to let your friends and neighbors know that you belong to Christ’s Church.

Or the inverse: it's the hardest day to hide your religion from those around you. Are you as hesitant to be the visible Catholic as I am?

Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation, but it is a day that we’re invited to observe. That invitation includes boldly stepping out and showing off our Catholic faith to the world around us. And it's so simple. Wearing ashes is the easiest way there is to tell someone that you’re Catholic. It will be much harder the day after.

Think about it: we’re actually supposed to show off our Catholic faith 365 days a year. On the rest of the days when you’re not wearing ashes on your forehead, does your life show that you follow the teach-

ings of Jesus?

I’m not sure that mine does. Yes, I’ve got lots of little kids, but I’m not always attentive, or loving or kind. I speak critically about others. I’m stingy in giving.

I lose my temper. I’m a sinner. And as I said, I’m incredibly nervous to take opportunities to share my faith, even when they’re handed to me on a silver platter, in the form of a visible mark on my forehead.

This Ash Wednesday, I invite you to join me in contemplating the ways we’re called to be a light to the nations around us. Look for the friends, coworkers and neighbors who need to be reminded of the Good News, influenced to make godly decisions, or invited back to Mass.

Let us all resolve to let the outward mark of our religion become an inward virtue of religion and share our Catholic faith visibly with our lives and actions, not just with our ashes.C

F E B R U A R Y 11, 2 0 2 4 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

7

FEATURE

ZENAIDA ARCOS: A LIFETIME IN THE SERVICE OF OTHERS

BY CARLOS AVILES

Z

ENAIDA ARCOS IS THE most consistent volunteer at the Christian food distribution program at St. Norbert Church in Orange.

If the 92-year-old isn't the first to show up each week to prepare food boxes in the church parking lot on Taft Street, she's almost certainly the first in line to start helping.

“You're going to see her busy all the time and she doesn't stop moving and before she starts packing food, you're going to see her mopping, sweeping or watering the plants,” said Michelle Navarro, the program coordinator. “She never stops moving, she never sits down, it's incredible.”

And that is why U.S. Congressman Lou Correa, who represents parts of Orange and other cities in the House of Representatives in Washington D.C., recently gave her a recognition.

“It was an honor to recognize Zenaida for her volunteer work,” the congressman told OC Catholic en Español. “This program is truly special and has a real impact on those most vulnerable in our community—something that is only made possible through the dedication of volunteers like Zenaida.”

For the soft-spoken Zenaida, the recognition gave her a lot of satisfaction.

“I feel very happy,” she said, of receiving the special honor.

When asked if coming to the food distribution center gives her purpose, she answered, “That’s it. You hit the nail on the head.”

Her eldest son, Ignacio Julian, agreed that volunteering gives life and meaning to his mother, as he sees her healthy,

8

ZENAIDA ARCOS RECEIVED A SPECIAL RECOGNITION BY CONGRESSMAN LOU CORREA FOR HER YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE ST. NORBERT FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM. PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELLE NAVARRO

smiling and happy.

“She's always been like that,” he said.

“That desire to always help her children and others is what makes her always like to serve.”

A LIFE DEDICATED TO HER CHILDREN

Zenaida first visited the United States in 1958 and was pregnant at the time, according to her son. She enjoyed her brief time in Texas but returned home to start her family.

She went on to have 9 children and in the 1970s Zenaida and her children emigrated from Guerrero to Mexico

O C C A T H O L I C ■ F E B R U A R Y 11, 2 0 2 4

City, where they dedicated themselves to earning a living selling traditional Mexican sopes or “street food.”

Thanks to the sale of those small thick corn tortillas, which are pinched at the edges so that they can be filled with various ingredients like shredded chicken and refried beans, she managed to support her family.

Ignacio said that his mother finally emigrated to the United States in 1984, and here she dedicated herself again to being of service to others by taking care of children.

Zenaida would take a break from her job here to travel back Mexico every year to visit her children, who were adults and

living on their own.

“My mother is a blessing for me, because not many people reach the age she is and be healthy,” Ignacio said with pride.

“She took care of us all by herself, and always managed to feed her children.”

A LIGHT IN THE ST. NORBERT COMMUNITY

Many volunteers are inspired by seeing this 92-year-old woman working as if she were about 50 years younger.

“I feel more motivated to come and collaborate,” said fellow volunteer María Ramos. “If she can do it at 90 [years old],

CONTINUES ON PAGE 9

FEATURE

ZENAIDA ARCOS WALKS WITH HER SON IGNACIO JULIAN AT ST. NORBERT PARISH IN ORANGE. PHOTO BY CARLOS AVILES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

then I can do it in my 50s.”

Navarro said that apart from inspiration, Zenaida's presence is a blessing.

“Especially for the children,” she said.

“Most of our volunteers are high school kids. So, it's nice to see all these age differences coming together for the same purpose.”

Zenaida said she doesn't remember when she started volunteering at this church, but what she does know is that she has been going for a long time and she wants to continue as long as God allows her to.

“My father, God, gives me strength and as long as I can work, I'm going to work,” she said. “If the day comes when I can't, then I won't, but while I still can do it, I have to work.”

The St. Norbert food program is held weekly on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Fresh nutritious foods (fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk, canned goods, beans, rice and bread) are distributed to people arriving by car.

For more information on how to help the program with donations or benefit from it, call (714) 637-4360 or by email at christianservice@stnorbertchurch.org C

ZENAIDA ARCOS IS A LONG-TIME VOLUNTEER AT ST. NORBERT’S FOOD DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN ORANGE. F E B R U A R Y 11, 2 0 2 4 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

9

FEATURE

THE WORD OF GOD ST. THOMAS MORE PARISH HOSTS BIBLE MARATHON

BY TARA REYNAUD

I

T WAS A RAINY night in Irvine as parishioners quietly entered the St. Thomas More Parish library to check in for their scheduled time to read from the Holy Bible. Parishioners, friends and family logged into the livestream broadcast on the STM YouTube channel to watch as the Holy Scripture was read by a diverse group of participants. The weather changed, the sun rose and set as the Bible reading steadily continued, non-stop, for a total of 104 hours.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 11

FR. EUGENE LEE, PASTOR OF ST. THOMAS MORE, TAKES PART IN A BIBLE MARATHON WHICH TOOK PLACE FROM JAN. 20 THROUGH JAN. 25. PHOTO COURTESY OF TARA REYNAUD

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FEATURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Pope Francis instituted Sunday of the Word of God as the third Sunday of Ordinary Time, and he referred to it in his homily at St. Peter’s Basilica on Jan. 21. He spoke of the Word of God that "unleashes the power of the Holy Spirit, a power that draws people to God." He continued that when we read the Word and are drawn into a relationship with God, that Word naturally affects us and "sends us to others," which causes us all to think and grow in our minds and our hearts.

Fr. Eugene Lee, pastor of St. Thomas More, wanted to do something special to celebrate Sunday of the Word of God, and a team formed to bring his idea to reality. Guided by Fr. Eugene, St. Thomas More embarked on a Bible marathon in their library, to read the Bible cover-to-cover and to make it available on a YouTube Live. The organizing team made up of clergy, staff and ministries created a sign-up and promoted the marathon (which took place from Jan. 20 through Jan. 25) for people to commit to a minimum of 30 minutes each, to read a section of the Bible. The team assumed that it would be difficult to fill the spots from midnight to 6 a.m.; however, the response was overwhelming, and generated a wait list.

The reading commenced and despite a few challenges with the livestream link, the readers continued undeterred. The audio-visual team made sure that the broadcast continued, and the reading never stopped. The participants were varied and included single readers, couples, families with children and teams made up of ministry members.

The livestream had approximately 6,000 views, with a total viewing time of over 1,500 hours.

There was something soothing about listening to the cadence of different readers with unique accents and voices, all reading the words of the Scriptures in English.

One felt compelled to linger and follow the stories being read. Each reader sat in the same chair reading from the same Bible.

The rhythm continued on, even as people

FRANCK REYNAUD PARTICIPATES IN THE BIBLE MARATHON HOSTED BY ST. THOMAS MORE PARISH. PHOTO COURTESY OF TARA REYNAUD.

traded places and took turns in front of the open Bible. It was beautiful, simple and compelling as people came to the library to share the Word of God. Several of the readers describe that the experience has inspired them to explore the Word of God more frequently than before.

In fact, many signed up to the Small Faith Community program after the marathon,

having been inspired to read, pray and share the Word with others. STM’s Small Faith Community motto is “Gospelize Your Story” which invites people in small groups to read the Sunday Gospel and ponder it — prompting them to take the Word of God into their hearts and make it relevant in their daily lives.

Pope Francis urges us not to lose the

Word of God in the many words that bombard us in society today, but to allow God to speak to us, and through us with His Holy Word. Fr. Eugene considers the Bible marathon a success because it allowed parishioners to honor the Word of God during this special event, and to engage more completely with our treasured Bible. C

F E B R U A R Y 11, 2 0 2 4 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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PHOTO BY DREW COFFMAN ON UNSPLASH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

one another; for love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.” This passage highlights that authentic human love finds its origin in divine love, and by loving, we draw closer to the very essence of God. When a couple decides to place Christ at the center of their marriage, they are seeking a solid and lasting foundation. Jesus, as a center figure, provides guidance and the example of an indissoluble, unconditional, sacrificial and compassionate love. Shared Christian faith in God can strengthen the marital union of a man and a woman, providing support in difficult times and deepening

emotional and spiritual connection.

The coincidence of Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday this year offers Christian couples the opportunity to reflect on the sacred nature of love in their lives. By considering the call to love each other and God, they find deeper meaning in their relationship and a shared purpose that goes beyond commercial festivities.

Ultimately, the month of February invites us to explore the rich connection between human and divine love, reminding us that true love, whether in the context of a Christian couple or in our relationship with the divine, has the power to transform and enrich our lives and faith in extraordinary ways.

Peace! C

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F E B R U A R Y 11, 2 0 2 4 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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SCHOOLS PAGE HEADING

GONE FISHING! ST. BONAVENTURE HOSTS 8TH ANNUAL “FISH WITH THE FORCE”

BY STAFF

I

T WAS THAT TIME of year again for excited St. Bonaventure Catholic School fifth graders. On Jan. 19, they cast a line with representatives from the Huntington Beach Police Depart­ment, California Fish and Wild­life, Huntington Beach Fishing Club, Rod and Recreation Club and Kiwanis.

It was all part of a well-loved tradition called “Fish with the Force” where the students learn all about fishing — from what bait to use and how to cast — to then fishing at nearby Carr Park, whose small lake had been stocked prior with rainbow trout.

The event is also an opportunity for stu­dents to learn about water quality, water cleanliness and sustainability as well as human interactions with our environment while in a fun setting.

Mary Flock, the school’s principal, expressed gratitude to the HB police officers and others who took the time to “go fishing” with her students.

“Fish with the Force fosters a unique bond that goes beyond the reel, creating lasting memories while learning about our local heroes and the wonderful world of wildlife.”C

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ST. BONAVENTURE CATHOLIC SCHOOL FIFTH GRADE STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN THE 8TH ANNUAL FISH WITH FORCE ON JAN. 19 AT CARR PARK. PHOTOS BY RENNE ENRIQUEZ/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE

O C C A T H O L I C ■ F E B R U A R Y 11, 2 0 2 4

OC Catholic Afar

Rita Laskey brought along an issue of OC Catholic for a visit to the Cathedral of San José also known as the Antigua Guatemala Cathedral. Located in central Guatemala, the original cathedral was left in ruins by an earthquake in 1773.

—Rita is a parishioner of Holy Family, Seal Beach.

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.

F E B R U A R Y 11, 2 0 2 4 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

15

YEARS

Zero name changes.

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