APRIL 3, 2022 BISHOP KEVIN W. VANN CELEBRATES A SPECIAL MASS IN HONOR OF WORLD DAY FOR CONSECRATED LIFE AT ST. MICHAEL’S ABBEY ON FEB. 5. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE THE CALLING TO GOD VOCATIONS TO THE CONSECRATED LIFE ARE THE START OF A LIFE LIVED IN SERVICE PAGE 8 THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ORANGE n OCCATHOLIC.COM ST. MURALBONAVENTURE PAGE 10
The Synod is a two-year process when the Church furthers the understanding of Her mission by listening to feedback from all who experience it. The Diocese of Orange invites you to express your experience, sentiments, and thoughts by submitting your reflections online. BE A VOICE IN THE '21-'23 SYNOD Participate today! RCBO.org/synod
Finding the answers to the “why” questions isn’t always difficult.
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Popular Mater Dei senior Charlie McGee exemplifies the school spirit.
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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.
PLUS Column, Weekly Readings, Moments In Our Journey
Guest
WHAT KIND OF CHRISTIAN DO OTHERS THINK WE ARE?
HEN POPE FRANCIS announced that the next world Synod of Bishops would convene on the topic of synodality, a lot of eyebrows were raised. A synod on synodality seemed redundant, a bit of abstract navel gazing when so many more tangible problems beset the church. So when the pope asked every diocese and major Catholic institutions to con duct their own listening sessions, and to include the input of those disaffected from the church as well as those highly com mitted souls who are the backbone of any parish, some eye rolling followed.
Yet Pope Francis is serious in wanting a church that listens as well teaches. If the church is both “mater” (mother) and
GUEST COLUMN
W
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 con structive conversations that further the growth of the Catholic Church.
4 OC CATHOLIC n APRIL 3, 2022
GREG ERLANDSON, DIRECTOR AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE. PHOTO: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
“magistra” (teacher), he wants a bit more of the mother at this stage, listening to those who feel left out or excluded.
Listening, especially to one’s critics, is difficult, however. In today’s culture war environment, we feel we have to fight tooth and nail for issues like abortion, conscience protection or an end to the death penalty. Listening feels to some a bit likeSosurrendering.leaveittothe Episcopalians to do some listening for us.
A survey, released March 9 and con ducted by the Episcopal Church, asked all sorts of Christians what their impression was of other Christians. And it asked non believers what they thought of Christians as well.Notsurprisingly, Christians generally gave themselves high marks as “com CONTINUES ON PAGE 14
BY GREG CATHOLICERLANDSONNEWSSERVICE
LK 19:28-40; IS 50:4-7; PS 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24; PHIL 2:6-11; LK 22:14 — 23:56 [23:1-49]
BENEDICT THE MOOR
— Pope Francis
THURSDAY
ESUS KNEW THAT THE scribes and Pharisees were trying to trap him. They put him in what seemed to be a no-win situation. Let the woman who was caught in adultery go, and he would have been accused of ignoring the law. Let her be stoned, and he would fail to show mercy toward her, contradicting his life’s message. Jesus’ response teaches three crucial lessons: none of us is free of sin; we are not the ultimate judges of others; Jesus is the mercy of God, in whom we can always trust. In Christ, God does something new. When we give our hearts to Christ, we have the hope of new life, a life in which mercy reigns.
JER 20:10-13; PS 18:2-7; JN 10:31-42
WEDNESDAY
DN 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; DN 3:52-56; JN 8:31-42
NEWSOMETHINGINCHRIST
NM 21:4-9; PS 102:2-3, 16-21; JN 8:21-30
Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co. C
SAINT PROFILE
DN 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 [41C62]; PS 23:1-6; JN 8:12-20
EZ 37:21-28; JN31:10-12ABCD,JER13;11:45-56
MONDAY
J
GN 17:3-9; PS 105:4-9: JN 8:5159
1526-1589
S THE ELDEST SON OF AFRICAN SLAVES, Bene dict, born near Messina (on the Island of Sicily), was eventually granted freedom. Growing up, he was nick named “il moro sante” (“the holy Moor”) for his piety and good works. He became a hermit and then the community’s superior; but, after the pope ordered them to disband in 1562, Benedict became a Franciscan lay brother. He served as cook, but drew many visitors and supplicants with his reputation for holi ness and miracles. Despite his illiteracy, Benedict was chosen as superior and also as novice master, before being allowed to return to his kitchen refuge. He is a patron saint of Palermo, Sicily, and of Blacks in the United States. C
APRIL 3, 2022 n OC CATHOLIC 5 DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
SATURDAY
FRIDAY
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
TUESDAY
SUNDAY
“ We are called to fraternitybuildasabulwarkagainsthatred…”
A
PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK
A HEART EVERYONEFOR
ATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL student Charlie McGee embrace’s the school’s tenets of “honor, glory and love” in every way possible.
M
“We don’t treat him any different,” Renteria said. “He’s pretty knowledge able. He has learned a lot.”
Charlie chose to join the wrestling team because one of his two older brothers, Emmet, was a four-year wres tler at Mater Dei.
He is an altar server at campus Mass es, helps feed the homeless and partici pates in food drives with his peers.
nities, then the outcomes are inherently going to be affected and different,” Jerry McGee said. “So, the greatest thing that Charlie can do is just be present and be typical within a bunch of other kids.”
about wrestling.”
Charlie’s condition is classified as mild, in part, because he has integrated with typically developing students in Catholic schools since kindergarten.
“If you don’t provide those opportu
BY LOU PONSI
MATER DEI STUDENT CHARLIE MCGEE IS PICTURED WITH HIS BROTHER EMMETT MCGEE. PHOTO COURTESY OF MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL
As a freshman, Charlie became fast friends with teammate Jake McLaugh lin and the pair has remained close ever since.“Charlie probably spends more time with Jake than any other student,” Ma ter Dei’s director of communications, Allison Bergeron said.
During the summer, they go to the beach
“He was one of the first people that I met,” Mater Dei President Michael Brennan said. “We had a great conver sation. He is a special kid.”
As a four-year member of the Mon archs wrestling team, Charlie partici pates in one of the most physically and mentally demanding sport there is.
POPULAR MATER DEI SENIOR CHARLIE MCGEE EXEMPLIFIES THE SCHOOL’S VALUES
Charlie, a senior, serves in student government as a campus ministry commissioner, where one of his roles is reading afternoon prayers to the entire school over the PA system.
“My brother did it,” Charlie said. “He loves wrestling ... and so I continued it as a freshman so that is what I love
But Charlie is more than simply present.Heis one of the most outgoing and most popular kids on campus.
“Charlie takes over the radio,” McLaughlin said. “He loves listening to music. He plays whatever music he
When Mater Dei hired a new presi dent recently, Charlie made it a point to go up and introduce himself.
At Mater Dei, Charlie receives some specialized instruction designed for stu dents with mild intellectual differences.
People with Down Syndrome “ex perience mild to moderate cognitive delays,” explains the National Down Syndrome Society, and the delay “is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.”
Charlie also has a developmental disability known as Down Syndrome.
In the wrestling room, Monarch wrestling coach Luis Renteria said his 160-pound wrestler is almost like a second coach.
CONTINUES ON PAGE 7
6 OC CATHOLIC n APRIL 3, 2022 FEATURE
Jake also drives Charlie home from school every day.
Jake and Charlie eat lunch together and hang out on weekends.
“Hetogether.alwayshas a positive outlook on everything,” McLaughlin said.
But Charlie spends most of his school days simply being one of Mater Dei’s 2,000-plus students.
him for all four years,” Renteria said. “If we’ve got another school that comes in and wants to work out with us, he is the first one to go introduce himself and go ‘Hi, I’m Charlie McGee.’”
During practice, Charlie performs the same drills and conditioning ex ercises, practices the same skills and sweats as hard as his teammates.
Said Charlie, “The practices are tough, but the friendships make it fun.”
“I’ve been lucky enough to coach
Charlie’s parents, Jerry and Alana McGee have been sure to mainstream Charlie as much as possible since.
O
“Whenpopulation.Istartedlooking at it, I was very interested in it,” Charlie said. “They have a really good pro gram.”Charlie loves animals and wants to major in zoology.
aged them to understand those choices as ways they were “sacrificing” for each other. And that this is what the grace of the sacrament makes possible. But though they were surprised, I could see from their response that they were not only surprised, they were also provoked and a bit inspired by that idea.
wants.”The pair once shaved their heads together and were known around school as the “buzz bros.”
that marriage is not so much about getting our needs met or finding a partner in the pleasures of life and the pursuit of happiness but that it’s a place where we are called to a sacrifi cial, self-giving love. That in the give and take of loving another, we are made holier and that we might even become saints through our love.
BY KATIE DAWSON
I could see that they were a little worried about all that talk of sacrifice. They agreed that they sometimes set aside their preferences or plans for the sake of their beloved – and I encour
were themes of long-term happiness and companionship but there were some worries as well.
“I want to get married so I won’t be lonely as I get older;” “I want a life full of family;” “I just want to be with Joe forever!”Running through the conversation
NE EVENING IN OUR adult confirmation class, a group of 15 or so young adults dis cussed the topic of the eve ning: “What’s a sacrament FOR? And what is “the grace of the sacrament”?
“To unite two people’s lives;” “To make a family;” “To have a partner in life.”
As the conversation continued, the answers got a little deeper. “I want to get married so someone’s got my back;”
The Maria Ferrucci Catholic Family Living feature is intended to inspire families to live their faith in the way Maria Ferrucci did throughout her earthly life.
“Without question, the friendships he has are genuine and the inter action he has is much more typical than it is the exception,” Jerry McGee said.Charlie’s self-advocacy skills and confidence to walk up to an adult and start a conversation is not typical of most high school kids, Bergeron said.“That is innate in him, but it is also because he feels so loved and accepted here,” she said.
One thing that emerged in the con versation was the concern they all had that their marriage might not last long. They hoped their love would carry them through the storms of life and be lieved that everything. One girl said to me later, “My mom is divorced, my aunts are divorced, my themjustcanyears.aregrandparentsdivorced.Idon’tknowANYONEwhohasstayedmarriedformorethan10IhopewedobetterbutIdon’tknow….”ItwasasurprisetowhenIsuggested
Charlie, like most Mater Dei se niors, is in the process of researching colleges.Hehas applied to Clemson Uni versity, which is known for its Clem sonLIFE (Learning is for Everyone) program, a nationally recognized, post-secondary program designed to provide young adults with intellectu al disabilities with the skills needed to find employment and live inde pendently.ClemsonLIFE students live in campus dorms, attend classes, eat in the dining halls and interact with the student
The answers came: “To be with someone who loves me and will stay with me;”
“I’ve been wanting to do it my whole life,” he said. I love working withCharlieanimals.”came to Mater Dei to learn, she said, but Charlie’s presence has been a blessing for Mater Dei as well.“We are all growing and continue learning because he was welcomed into our community,” Bergeron said. “I think we will continue to grow. He will be missed.” C
I love my husband, I told them, and have done for more years than I will name, but I am sometimes in need of some “help” in loving him well when we aren’t on the same page. That supernat ural “help” is what we’re talking about when we say, “the grace of the sacra ment.”Inother words, grace is what gets us through the tough times and elevates the good times. We all need a little (or a lot) of grace.
While receiving confirmation was the reason for their participation, most of them were also going to be getting married later in the year, so marriage as a sacrament was of particular interest to them.Theywere eager to get started on a new phase of their lives. I asked them where they saw God in the picture of their married life. “I don’t know, we haven’t even talked about that;” “Well, we’ll prob ably go to church, at least some Sundays.
They were even more intrigued when I told them that there was no way they could actually DO what a long-term marriage would require of them – with out some supernatural help.
“If you think of this world as a place intended simply for our happiness you find it quite intolerable: think of it as a place of training and correction and it’s not so bad,” C.S. Lewis, God in the Dock. C
For sure, we’ll take the kids to church;” “I told my boyfriend that once we’re mar ried, we have to go to Church every Sunday.”When we started to talk about the sacra ment of marriage, the first question we considered: What is marriage for? Why get married?
APRIL 3, 2022 n OC CATHOLIC 7 FEATURE / CATHOLIC FAMILY LIVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 A OFOFPHOTOCATHEDRAL.7MASSMARRIAGEATTENDSCOUPLEWORLDDAYONFEB.ATCHRISTCOURTESYTHEDIOCESEORANGE
GRACECONCRETE
CONTINUES ON PAGE 9
THE CALLING TO GOD
A vocation, however, is a career or occupation that one is particularly drawn to, well trained for and passionate about. For Catholics, one’s vocation is even deeper, more profound and subsuming.
BY GREG MELLEN
The Church provides numerous avenues for members to discern. For the digitally inclined there is information online on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram or the Diocese website.
Fr. Brandon is also open to the direct approach for those who have questions.
Joan Patten, the delegate of consecrat ed life for the Diocese of Orange, harken ing to the concept of a call, said “the Lord reveals our vocation when we listen to Him in prayer.”
VOCATIONS TO THE CONSECRATED LIFE ARE THE START OF A LIFE LIVED IN SERVICE
HEARING YOUR CALL
8 OC CATHOLIC n APRIL 3, 2022 FEATURE
Every person’s path to their vocation in the Church, whether it is as a priest, sister or monk, or along some other form of consecrated life – begins with discernment.
FATHER BRANDON DANG GREETS A PARISHIONER FOLLOWING MASS AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
OR MANY IN THE secular world, a job is just a job – the thing that gives you a paycheck to feed and shelter your family, and often ends at the company door.
According to the Catholic Church, discernment is the process in which men or women recognize their vocation or “calling” within the Church.
For a priest, said Father Brandon Dang, director of vocations for the Dio cese of Orange, “vocation is a whole other realm.”Itcomes from the Latin root “vocare,” which means to call. And indeed, for priests and sisters and those in consecrat ed life, vocations are a literal call from God.Fr.
Some priests from an early age would “play Mass,” at home, others come to the faith from troubled times. Still for others, the call arises from seeming happenstance.Thefatefulmoment that started Fr. Brandon’s journey came when when
some of his youth group members hit him up for a ride to a retreat and he decided to hang around.
The Diocese plays host to a variety of
There are also retreats, seminars and classes, in multiple languages, through which discerners can gather informa tion, share stories, ask questions, and, most importantly, pray.
events, most popularly its monthly Vo cations 101 workshops at Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, where men and women can learn about vocations to the priest hood and consecrated life.
F
Cole Buzon, a seminarian at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo who is doing an internship year at St. Polycarp in Stanton, said when talking about vocation, “God amplifies the desire within our heart.”
Brandon said that in the world of priests, “the general vocation is to know, love and serve.” And it’s from that deep well that all priestly duties flow.
Seminarian Buzon said he continues to listen for God’s voice and evolve.
The Diocese supports women and men who choose consecrated life, defined as “a call to make a radical, total and free gift of self to Christ and following his example by embracing for one’s entire life the evangelical counsels: poverty, chastity and obedience.”
APRIL 3, 2022 n OC CATHOLIC 9 FEATURE
“I don’t even recognize the person I am now to the one I was five years ago,” he said.Although the Diocese sends candi dates to seminary with the goal that they become parish priests - it may happen that God calls them elsewhere taking the
There are five stages to entering the seminary: inquirer, discerner, candidate, applicant and seminarian.
“Out of the blue, he said, ‘Cole, you would make a good priest,’” Seminarian Buzon remembers.
OTHER PATHS
TAKING THE DIOCESAN LEAP
the religious sisters in these orders have careers in areas such as nursing, elder care and teaching.
Seminarian Buzon remembers that before he discerned, he knew only that he wanted to share his message.
seminary experience with them to their next path on the vocational journey to become good Christian men.
COLE BUZON IS A SEMINARIAN AT ST. JOHN’S SEMINARY IN CAMARILLO. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Seminary takes seven to nine years, depending on prior education, and is where candidates undergo intellectual, spiritual, human and pastoral forma tion. Seminarians who persevere and are recommended by their superiors to be advanced are eventually ordained to the transitional diaconate and then to the priesthood.Throughout the process, they can experience profound change.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
And right there in the cafeteria in Irvine, Buzon heard his call.
The hope is that wherever one’s calling leads, it takes them to one place. Or as poet Robert Frost wrote “My object in living is to unite, my avocation and my vocation, as my two eyes make one in sight.” C
FATHER BRANDON DANG. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Men can also follow paths into many institutes and orders. Through these they can become monks, friars, brothers and advance all the way to a priesthood, either outside or affiliated with the Diocese.“Priesthood is the umbrella,” Fr. Brandon said, “How you live it out may be different.”
“It’s cool, that will be a good fit for him,” said Seminarian Buzon.
A MASS IN HONOR OF THE 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LOVERS OF THE HOLY CROSS WAS CELEBRATED AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL ON SEPT. 14, 2019. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Those who believe they are called will start the process, which may conclude with the submission of an application to a seminary under the sponsorship of the Diocese. Those accepted are typically assigned to one of three seminaries: St. John’s in Camarillo, Mt. Angel in Oregon, Bishop White in Spokane, Washinton.
The early stages tend to be “a fluid process,” Fr. Brandon said.
For a select few, the seed blossoms, leading to deeper exploration of diocesan priesthood. Some spend longer than oth ers discerning, depending upon various factors in one’s life, but eventually the person needs to make a decision.
After seminary, some priests may undergo further education and find specialties in the Diocese, Canon Law, Systematic Theology or any number of subjects. All those are at the discretion and direction of the bishop.
His “aha” moment came when on a retreat while having lunch with Fr. Loc Tran of the Diocese.
Seminarian Buzon said one of his seminary brothers left to join the Capu chin Order of Franciscan Friars.
There are a number of societies, orders and institutes for consecrated life in Orange County. For women there are 24 institutes for consecrated life with contacts in Orange County and many operating homes and convents. Many of
In consecrated life, women are called to be the spouse of Christ by permanent ly offering their lives to Him through the profession of the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience in an institute of consecrated life. There are several different forms of consecrated life. The most commonly known form is religious life. Religious priests, sisters, and brothers reminds us of Christ’s love for His Church through their public witness of community life, prayer, and ministry.Their religious commitment implies a certain separation from the world and a dying to their “old life”. This is why religious take on new a name, religious garb or symbol, and a new community/ family. Secular institutes is another form on consecrated life in which men and women fell called to permanently consecrate their lives to God through the profession of the evangelical coun sels while remaining in the world. They extend the Church’s mission of evange lization by living out their consecration in secular workplaces and society. Joan Patten, the delegate for consecrated life, is a member of a secular institute, the Apostolic Oblates. Other forms of con secrated life in the Catholic Church are consecrated virgins, eremitic life, and societies of apostolic life. Each form of consecrated life serves as a spiritual sign and responds to particular needs in the Church and in the world.
After the completion of philosophical studies or pre-theology, some seminar ians are sent to the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
APPILY SPLASHING dol phins, sly-looking sharks, cavorting seals, a friendly turtle and students playing at the Huntington Beach Pier are all part of the new 40-foot mural by local artist Melissa Murphy adjoining the St. Bonaventure school play structure.
The mural took four weeks to com plete as students watched Murphy at work.“Ihad so much fun with the project,” she enthused and so did students and staff.Murphy’s mural inspired a school wide Creative Writing contest. The overall winner was student Rita Wilton with her poem, “The Living Christ” on the theme that “Christ Is Alive at St.
Dr. Kuhl also hopes to encourage this story’s readers to visit the mural and stay to attend Mass at St. Bonaventure Church.Thededication concluded with students standing and Father Joe Knerr conducting The Lord’s Prayer and Hail Mary. C
Bonaventure School”: Ocean waves pounding the seashore Sand crabs stalking the sea floor Dolphins dancing around in a syn chronistic pair
ST. BONAVENTURE BLESSES AND DEDICATES NEW CUSTOM MURAL
BY SPENCER GRANT
10 OC CATHOLIC n APRIL 3, 2022 DIOCESAN NEWS
H
Funding and support for the project came from Dr. Allen Kuhl of Liver more, CA, in loving memory of his late wife Jeanne, an artist and admirer of French Impressionism and landscapes. Along with his daughter Vanessa Frei, the school’s director of marketing and enrollment, he came up with the idea of the unique and educational work of art.
The whimsical and colorful mural at the Huntington Beach school on what was formerly a cinderblock wall was created to show God’s love in the community. Artist Murphy explains it was inspired by the stained glass at St. Bonaventure Church. She’s a veteran of several murals elsewhere in Surf City and the winner of the Chamber of Com merce Best of Huntington Beach award.
Principal White summed up the mural’s value, saying “It’s respite in a turbulent world. It’s unique in the Or ange County Diocese but I hope it will be seen as an invitation to join us and paint murals in other parishes.”
Because Christ never leaves you, don’t forget.
LOCAL ARTIST MELISSA MURPHY IS PICTURED BY THE NEW 40-FOOT MURAL THAT ADJOINS THE ST. BONAVENTURE SCHOOL PLAY STRUCTURE IN HUNTINGTON BEACH. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
The school’s student body partic ipated in the March 18 blessing and dedication ceremony presided over by pastor Father Joe Knerr. Present were Dr. Kuhl, Principal Kim White and Dr. Denise Valdez, who is associate super intendent of Orange County Catholic schools. A highlight of the ceremony was Rita Wilton reading her poem after which all Creative Writing contest class winners received certificates of partici pation from principal White.
that the fun never ends. Christ is alive inside us all In each living creature big and small No need to worry or fret
Children playing and laughing with friendsHoping
Green grass swaying in the cool breezeAnd rustling the leaves of big trees
“We feel very blessed that a generous donor like Dr. Kuhl came forth to bring us this opportunity to both inspire fu ture generations and honor a loved one,” said Principal Kim White.
THE 2022 RECONGRESS
Schoolchildren from parishes and Catholic schools around Southern California and beyond descended upon Christ Cathedral on March 19 to sing in the 2022 Pueri Cantores Southern Cali fornia Youth Choral Festival and Mass.
OURAROUNDDIOCESE
SCHOOLCHILDREN PERFORM DURING THE 2022 PUERI CANTORES SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA YOUTH CHORAL FESTIVAL AND MAS HELD ON MARCH 19 AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
The 2022 RECongress (Religious Education Congress) recently conclud ed its run at the Anaheim Convention Center on March 18 to 20. The event was sponsored by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, with members of the Di ocese of Orange attending and partici pating.Bishop Kevin W. Vann presided over the March 20 Morning Eucharistic Lit urgy, accompanied by a special choir.
APRIL 3, 2022 n OC CATHOLIC 11 DIOCESAN NEWS
The Mass, presided by Bishop Kevin Vann, featured more than 300 children from grades 4 to 12 singing as one com bined choir. Dr. Richard Robbins, direc tor of choral activities at the University of Minnesota Duluth and choir director at the Cathedral of Christ the King in CONTINUES ON PAGE 12
BISHOP KEVIN VANN SPEAKS AT THE 2022 RECONGRESS (RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONGRESS) AT THE ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER WHICH WAS HELD IN MARCH. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
BY STAFF
2022 PUERI CANTORES SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA YOUTH CHORAL FESTIVAL AND MASS
Katie Dawson, director of faith formation and evangelization for our Di ocese, was recently named one of the top 100 women in leadership in the Catholic Church by FemCatholic, a publication which promotes itself as reflecting on “feminism, faith and women’s issues in light of the truth of our faith.”
Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Ladera Ranch is hosting a special Lent en dinner on April 8 beginning at 5:30 p.m. followed by special guest speaker Renée Bondi at 7:30 p.m.
Wisconsin, conducted the group. There was also a prelude featuring smaller groups singing in front of the altar.
LENTEN DINNER
The article called women “the great est untapped resource in the Church, and that women’s gifts and leadership are essential to the Church’s flourishing.”
Over the years, from the vantage point of her wheelchair, Renée has observed others praising the Lord while enduring heavy, painful crosses.
HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH, LADERA RANCH. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
KATIE DAWSON. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
CONTINUED
At the conclusion of the Mass, Fr. Christopher Smith, rector and episcopal vicar of the Cathedral, noted how the Youth Choral Festival and Mass packed the choral balcony from end to end.
Cost is $25 per person, includes dinner. For more information, call 949218-3131.
“I don’t think I have seen so many people in that balcony since the cathe dral was dedicated,” Fr. Christopher said, “so it’s really wonderful, especially to have it full of so many children and young people praising the Lord.”
FROM PAGE 11
Congratulations, Katie!C
KATIE DAWSON RECOGNIZED
12 OC CATHOLIC n APRIL 3, 2022 DIOCESAN NEWS
YOUTH LEADERSHIP IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
According to Marshall, religion is a subject that Hassett also excels in.
EIGHTH-GRADE STUDENT PATRICK HASSETT. PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. CECILIA SCHOOL
“Patrick has a curious desire to know more,” he said.
BY MIKE ZINN
“I want to do more public speaking and speech writing for graduation,” Hassett
I
The search to find the one St. Cecilia student who embodies the best leader ship traits, began with Principal Mary Alvarado. Alvarado and her staff swiftly named eighth-grade student Patrick Hassett, as their unanimous choice. Hassett has attended St. Cecilia for nine years and has three siblings who have
Long-timesaid.
When asked specifically for examples of Hassett’s leadership on campus, out side the classroom, Marshall explained how Hassett helps his teachers, makes good choices on the playground and assists younger students.
SPOTLIGHT ON PATRICK HASSETT, ST. CECELIA SCHOOL
Hassett is involved in student council, National Junior Honor Society and Mock Trail. He is also an altar server and assists with morning announce ments. On the sports side, Hassett has been a member of both the flag foot ball and volleyball teams and looks to continue his volleyball and academic pursuits, next year at Servite High School. Being a National Junior Honor Society member, Hassett is a serious and accomplished student, who is most fond of science. Public speaking is also one of
APRIL 3, 2022 n OC CATHOLIC 13 CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS
At one time many years ago, a program titled, “Caught Being Good” was used to develop student leadership skills. Fast forward to current day St. Ce cilia, “More Than School” and a strong commitment to parents to develop char acter and leadership skills in all students defines the St. Cecilia mission.
either graduated from or are currently attending the school.
T IS WIDELY RECOGNIZED that the need for leadership at all levels is critical throughout the world – and what better way to address the need for better leadership, than to start with youth within our Diocese of Orange.St.Cecilia School in Tustin was founded in 1961, by Monsignor John Sammon and is led by Principal Mary Alvarado, with support from pastor Father Bao Thai and chaplain, Father Michael Nguyen. St. Cecilia offers a thriving atmosphere for its students, with the mantra “More Than School.”
St. Cecilia teacher Mike Marshall has known Hassett through his siblings since he arrived on campus in the pre-k program. Selflessness, loyalty, faithfulness, kindness and respectful ness, were just some of the traits used by Marshall to describe Hassett.
Students like Hassett exemplify the mission of Orange County Catholic schools to help aid in the development of well-rounded students who lead by example. C
his passions. Speaking during morning announcements is an important part of his leadership personality and a skill he intends on honing throughout the school year.
St. Cecilia School is guided by six distinct benefits, one of which is build ing character. The commitment to St. Cecilia parents is that their children will learn morals through a dynamic Catho lic faith. Parents can expect a program that teaches their children to make wise decisions and grow into that person who will build up the kingdom of Christ and make family life and the world a better place. These precepts provide the very foundation of young students as leaders.
I think the real challenge, the one where unfortunately our communica tions efforts and our example may be found wanting, is in the Lord’s invitation: “Come and see.” Can other Christians and non-Christians see our faith in how we live and how we love? Are we quicker to judge than invite? Are we quicker to preach than to exemplify?
I think Pope Francis wants to know the answer. C
Some folks may think we need to jet tison the hard stuff. That would certainly be easier in the short term, but that’s not what our faith calls us to do. And it must be noted that many younger Christians and would-be Christians are looking for something firm to hold on to. Wishywashy never really appeals except to wishy-washy people.
Now all of this can be debated. If Christians don’t know the breadth and depth of the Lord’s teachings, others may know
14 OC CATHOLIC n APRIL 3, 2022 GUEST COLUMN
Garrett Masciel DRE#01920249 “Communication & Hard Work is Our Key to Your SUCCESS” 714-956-4000 www.Masciel.com Gary Masciel DRE#00614861 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 Crisis Counseling Hot Line (24/7): 1 (714) NEW–HOPE or 1 (714) 639–4673
some of those hot-button issues that we’ve been fighting so fiercely about may explain “self-righteous” and “judgmental.” Sex abuse scandals may explain “hypocritical,” but so do other political positions Christians -- fairly or unfairly -- are identified with.
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POPE FRANCIS GREETS THE CROWD AS HE LEADS THE ANGELUS FROM THE WINDOW OF HIS STUDIO OVERLOOKING ST. PETER’S SQUARE AT THE VATICAN MARCH 27, 2022. THE POPE HAS ASKED EVERY DIOCESE TO CONDUCT LISTENING SESSIONS TO COLLECT INPUT ON THE STATE OF THE CHURCH AND FAITH.
a bit of a communications problem. How do we effectively communicate the principles of our faith and our belief in the risen Lord to our own, first of all, and then how do we communicate to the world beyond our church doors?
Andless.surely
Every parish has its saints, but we do a pretty good job of hiding our lights under a bushel. Maybe the more practical ques tion is: Do people see those lights shining when they step inside our parishes?
It would seem, however, that we have
passionate,” “loving” and “respectful.” (Interestingly, Catholics graded us a bit lower than Protestants). However, non-Christians and nones (those without religious affiliation) gave their highest marks for “self-righteous,” “hypocritical” andThe“judgmental.”noneswere the harshest of all in their grading of Christians, which is unfortunate, since almost 30% of Ameri cans count themselves as nones.
Other questions asked in the survey suggest Christians, including Catholics, have a rather selective knowledge of Jesus’ teachings, and that non-Christians and nones think Christians do not do a good job of representing the values and teachings of their founder.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
PHOTO: VATICAN MEDIA / CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
Send your photos capture Catholic life in your parish community to: editor@occatholic.com
Quiet reflection during Lent at St. Clara de Asis in Yorba Linda.
Moments in our JourneyMoments in our Journey
APRIL 3, 2022 n OC CATHOLIC 15
—Photo submitted by Shaun Nguyen
that
