OC CATHOLIC - JUNE 9, 2024

5 8

13

JUNE

9, 2024

CONTENTS

MASS OF CONSECRATION

The Diocese invites the community to attend a special Mass of Consecration for Dalia Zakhary.

PRIEST ASSIGNMENT CHANGES

Bishop Vann has shared the new assignments and changes for the Diocese’s priests.

THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

This month we honor the embodiment of Jesus into human flesh.

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

ADVERTISING

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

SCNG CUSTOM CONTENT

Managing Editor: Caitlin Adams Art Director: Ryann Beveridge

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

AROUND CAMPUS

BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPEL

Donors: Ben and Carmela Du. Located on the east end of Christ Cathedral, the Blessed Sacrament Chapel is a serene place for personal prayer. It remains open outside of the regular operating hours of the cathedral. Circular in shape, the chapel’s centerpiece is the tabernacle. If you are interested in learning about additional naming opportunities for yourself, loved one or special occasion on Christ Cathedral's campus, contact the Orange Catholic Foundation at 714-2823021 or info@OrangeCatholicFoundation.org C

“ "In the church of Christ, there is room for everyone.””

— Pope Francis

SAINT PROFILE

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY

1 KGS 17:1-6; PS 121:1BC-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8; MT 5:1-12

TUESDAY

ACTS 11:21B-26; 13:1-3; PS 98:1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4, 5-6; MT 5:13-16

WEDNESDAY

1 KGS 18:20-39; PS 16:1B-2AB, 4, 5AB AND 8, 11; MT 5:17-19

THURSDAY

1 KGS 18:41-46; PS 65:10, 11, 1213; MT 5:20-26

COLUMBA C. 521-597

THIS ABBOT, ONE OF Scotland's patron saints, was born in Ireland. Also educated and ordained in Ireland, he spent 15 years preaching and founding monasteries, including Derry, Durrow and Kells. But his clashes with King Diarmaid over a psalter copy and the rights of sanctuary resulted in a clan feud and battle in which 3,000 men died. Choosing exile as his penance, Columba left for Scotland with 12 kinsmen about 561 to found the island monastery of Iona. He evangelized the Picts and converted their king. Iona monks went on mission all over Europe and its monastic rule was the standard until the Rule of St. Benedict. Columba, also called Colmcille (for Columba and cell), had enormous influence over Western monasticism.C

FRIDAY

1 KGS 19:9A, 1116; PS 27:7-8A, 8B-9ABC, 13-14; MT 5:27-32

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

SATURDAY

1 KGS 19:19-21; PSALM 16:1B-2A AND 5, 7-8, 9-10; MT 5:33-37

SUNDAY EZ 17:22-24; PS 92:2-3, 1314, 15-16; 2 COR 5:6-10; MK 4:26-34

PHOTO BY JOHN PASCALE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

MASS OF CONSECRATION FOR DALIA ZAKHARY

BY JOAN PATTEN, AO

DEAR SISTERS AND Brothers in Christ,

With great joy, the Diocese of Orange announces the Solemn Consecration of Dalia Zakhary to a Life of Virginity Lived in the World by the hand of Bishop Kevin Vann, to take place at Christ Cathedral on Saturday, June 15. Your presence is especially requested to underline the esteem for which the Church holds this ancient vocation. A section of pews on the main floor of the cathedral will be reserved for religious communities.

Below is additional information about the vocation of consecrated virginity in the world and an exclusive interview with Dalia.

WHAT IS A CONSECRATED VIRGIN? HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OTHER FORMS OF CONSECRATED LIFE?

According to the Code of Canon Law, consecrated virgins are women “consecrated to God by the diocesan bishop according to the approved liturgical rite, are mystically betrothed to Christ, the Son of God, and are dedicated to the service of the Church.” (CIC, can. 604 §1.) Through her mystical espousal to Christ, she is a living image of the Bride, the Church, and shares in His redemptive mission in the world by offering prayer, penance, charitable service and apostolic activities according to her capacities and gifts.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists five different forms of consecrated life in the church: religious life, secular institutes, consecrated virgins, eremitic life and societies of apostolic life. Each of these forms serves as a particular spiritual sign, building up the life of the Church and ministering in various ways.

Religious sisters consecrate their

lives to God by radically embracing the evangelical counsels through the public profession of vows in a religious institute. Religious sisters become members of their respective institutes and assume the institute’s common life, duties and charism for the good of the Church. The title “Sister,” religious habits, veils or other visible signs of their religious consecration give witness to the religious sisters’ vows but also signal a separation from the world. The union with Christ that religious live out in their vocation on earth points to the future reality of all the faithful’s total union with God in Heaven.

Members of secular institutes consecrate their lives to God by professing the evangelical counsels. Their vows are received by the designated moderators of their particular institute. They live their consecration by remaining in the world, inserted among the laity and often work in secular environments. They share in the Church’s mission of evangelization by being Christian witnesses in the world, striving to sanctify the world from within. To maintain their secular character, members of secular institutes do not wear religious signs or religious habits. They either live on their own or in small fraternal communities.

Women who consecrate their life of virginity through the rite of consecration by the diocesan bishop are consecrated virgins. Out of love for Christ and His Church, they pledge in the rite of consecration to live in a permanent state of virginity while living in the world among God’s people. Their permanent consecration serves as a sign of Christ’s love for His Bride, the Church, and makes them available to serve their brothers and sisters. Consecrated virgins are also responsible for their financial well-being, housing and retirement.

Consecrated virgins living in the world do not change their name with their consecration or use the title “Sister” or “Mother” to distinguish themselves from

others. Consecrated virgins living in the world do not wear a religious habit. In the rite of consecration, she receives a veil and a ring as signs of her espousal to Christ and dedication to His Church. Like a woman who enters into marriage,

she does not wear the veil outside of the rite, but she wears the ring for the rest of her life, marking her as a bride of Christ. Consecrated virgins live out her vocation individually, but she may associate or

DALIA ZAKHARY IS PICTURED ON THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS IN MAY 2024. PHOTO BY RENNE ENRIQUEZ/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

even live with other consecrated virgins if suitable. They are responsible for their life of prayer, penance and apostolate, according to their gifts and abilities.

WHAT IS THE MISSION OF THE CONSECRATED VIRGIN?

The rite of consecration makes the consecrated virgin a sacred person, and her vocation makes the marriage covenant between Christ and His Bride the Church more visible. She resides in a diocese and participates in the redemptive mission of the Church by supporting the pastoral ministry of the local bishop and the Church through her attentive prayer and apostolic activity. Consecrated virgins are called to live ordinary lives like the Holy Family in Nazareth. They appear as ordinary people, going about their daily work, but they live in union with God and for the service of the Church.

WHO CAN BECOME A CONSECRATED VIRGIN?

Nuns and women living in the world can become consecrated virgins if they have never been married or in open violation of chastity. For women living in the world, they must display maturity and good character that displays a stable life of chastity offered in the Church for the service of others. Consecrated virgins living in the world can only be admitted to consecration by a diocesan bishop after an appropriate time of discernment and formation.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A CONSECRATED VIRGIN?

Appropriate time is needed to discern and prepare for this vocation. The Church guides this preparation through the instruction that the bishop and his delegate consult and follow when guiding women who aspire to be consecrated virgins. One to two years are suggested for a preparatory period for aspirants so they may take time to understand the vocation and allow themselves to be known by the

bishop and his delegate or those appointed to this formation. At the end of this period, the aspirant may request that the bishop admit her to the formation program before consecration. This formation program typically is two to three years. During this time, the candidate continues to deepen her calling by meeting with the bishop and those assigned to her formation. The formation team will accompany the candidate and offer her a comprehensive plan to incorporate her areas of needed growth and life in the local church. At the end of this formation period, the candidate may approach the bishop with a request for admission to consecration.

WHAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DIOCESAN BISHOP FOR CONSECRATED VIRGINS?

The diocesan bishop is responsible for welcoming this vocation as a gift from the Holy Spirit and encouraging this vocation in his diocese. He is the one who determines if a woman should be accepted as a candidate for consecrated virginity in his diocese, and after an appropriate period of formation, he decides if she should be admitted to consecration.

As chief pastor of his diocese, the bishop consecrates the consecrated virgin

and presents her to the diocese as a sign of the Church as the Bride of Christ. After the rite of consecration, the bishop has the ongoing duty of pastoral care for consecrated virgins in his diocese. He will have annual meetings with the consecrated virgins about their life of consecration and service in the Church.

HOW DOES A WOMAN BEGIN THE PROCESS OF DISCERNMENT FOR THIS VOCATION?

She must submit a letter of introduction and request to the local bishop of a diocese and work with him and those whom he delegates for the formation of consecrated virgins.

WHO

IS THE CANDIDATE FOR CONSECRATED VIRGINITY IN THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE?

Dalia Zakhary! She approached Bishop Vann with the request to discern consecrated virginity within the Diocese of Orange in 2019. Let’s get to know her and understand how she was called to this extraordinary vocation.

 Parish: Christ Cathedral

 Place of Birth: Cairo, Egypt

 Something that shaped me: I was raised in a Coptic Orthodox family, where I received all the sacraments that shaped my heart in Jesus’ love. In 2007, I was accepted into the Roman Catholic Church to follow God’s call in missionary life.

 Favorite Bible Verse: It depends on my need. If I am searching for something, I go to the verse, “The holy one, the true, who holds the key of David, who opens and no one shall close, who closes and no one shall open.” (Rev. 3:7) If I need help with something, I consider the verse, “I raise my eyes toward the mountains. From whence shall come my help? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” (Ps. 121:2) In confronting my sins, I consider, “Lord, if you wish, you

JOAN PATTEN, DELEGATE FOR CONSECRATED LIFE IN THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE, AND DALIA ZAKHARY ON THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS IN MAY 2024. PHOTO BY RENNE ENRIQUEZ/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

can make me clean.” (Mt. 8:2)

 Fun Fact: Even though I have a car, I find taking the bus and being with people very relaxing.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST HEAR A CALL TO CONSECRATED LIFE?

When I was 15 years old, I lived in Egypt. There is an Egyptian tradition that families with teenage daughters start gathering things for their daughters’ marriages. My sister kept her things, knowing she would marry one day, but I used to give my things away because something in me told me the vocation to marriage was not the way for me.

HOW DID YOU KNOW GOD WAS CALLING YOU TO THIS VOCATION?

I heard God’s call by listening to Him in prayer, knocking at many doors, asking, searching and trying. God has revealed His will for me not all at once but one step at a time. I think this happens because God wants us to walk in faith and hold firm to Him. I know God put a thirst in my heart to belong to Him and serve others. I tried to fulfill it in many ways but was still thirsty. I tried to serve in the Church as a catchiest and later volunteered to serve the poor, but I was not fulfilled, and my heart was restless. When I read about the vocation to consecrated virginity in John Paul II’s “Vita Consecrata,” the document on Consecrated Life in the Church, something clicked and I knew God was calling me to this vocation.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY OF A CONSECRATED

VIRGIN LOOK LIKE?

Each consecrated virgin has her schedule according to her work and responsibilities. Her main focus is to keep Christ, her spouse, in her mind and heart throughout her day. Her life of prayer includes attending daily Mass, Eucharistic adoration, spiritual reading and uniting themselves to the prayer of the Church through Lauds and Vespers in the Liturgy of the Hours. She is also responsible for her own financial needs and therefore is employed in suitable work according to her abilities. She serves her local church by participating in ministries at her local parish or other areas of need.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST GRATEFUL FOR ABOUT YOUR VOCATION AS A CONSECRATED VIRGIN?

I am grateful for God’s mercy. God never gave up on me and kept calling me. I am also grateful that God listens to my heart’s desires and He has given to me in His own time and in His ways all that I wish. I am grateful for the Church and God’s people who supported me in my journey.

HOW DOES THIS CALL GIVE YOU JOY?

My joy is to be Jesus’ spouse. Belonging to Him is the core of my joy.

WHAT

IS THE BISHOP’S ROLE IN YOUR VOCATION?

Bishop Kevin Vann received me as a father receives a beloved daughter. He showed me the beauty of God’s mercy by welcoming my vocation and supporting my discernment and formation by giving me his time and spiritual guidance. He is my spiritual father. With such humility and deep love for the Church, he opens the door for me and others; may God reward him. As one of his sheep, I am assured of his care, direction and prayers. This is my message to all: Don’t be afraid to dream big with God; He will fulfill your heart's desire. C

DALIA ZAKHARY PRAYS INSIDE CHRIST CATHEDRAL. PHOTO BY RENNE ENRIQUEZ/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

PRIEST ASSIGNMENT CHANGES

BY STAFF

BISHOP VANN IS PLEASED to announce the following appointments, effective July 1, 2024

PASTORS

REV. BRUCE ALAN PATTERSON

From Episcopal Vicar of Priests, Pastoral Center, Garden Grove

To Pastor, St. Martin de Porres, Yorba Linda effective February 5

ADMINISTRATORS/ DIRECTORS

REV. CHEEYOON TIMOTHY CHUN

From Parochial Vicar, Holy Family Church, Orange and Associate Director of Vocations, Garden Grove

To Director of Vocations, Pastoral Center, Garden Grove. In residence at Cypress residence, Anaheim

REV. BRANDON LONG DANG

From Director of Vocations, Pastoral Center, Garden Grove

To Parochial Administrator, Corpus Christi Church, Aliso Viejo

MICHAEL DUC NGUYEN

From Parochial Administrator Pro-Tempore, Santa Clara de Asís Church, Yorba Linda

To Parochial Administrator, Santa Clara de Asís Church, Yorba Linda, effective March 11, 2024 and Episcopal Vicar of Canonical Affairs

REV. TONY KEY PARK

From Director Pro-Tempore, St. Thomas Korean Catholic Center, Anaheim

To Director, St. Thomas Korean Catholic Center, Anaheim

REV. MICHAEL JOHN RIZZO

From Parochial Administrator Pro-Tem, Corpus Christi Church,Aliso Viejo

To Parochial Administrator, St. Edward the Confessor Church,Dana Point

REV. TUAN VAN PHAM

From Parochial Vicar, St. Columban Church, Garden Grove

To Parochial Administrator, St. Elizabeth Ann

Seton Church, Irvine

REV. RUBEN RUIZ

From Parochial Vicar, St. Bonaventure Church, Huntington Beach

To Parochial Administrator, St. Joseph Church, Santa Ana

REV. QUYEN VAN TRUONG

From Parochial Vicar, Christ Cathedral, Garden Grove

To Parochial Administrator, St. John Neumann Church, Irvine

REV. MARTIN DUC ANH VU

From Parochial Vicar, St. Cecilia Church, Tustin

To Parochial Administrator, St. Joseph Church, Placentia

REV. ANTHONY HIEN VU

From Parochial Vicar, Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, Newport Beach

To Parochial Administrator, Blessed Sacrament Church, Westminster

FR. JOHN SHIMOTSU

From Pastor, St. Anne Church, Seal Beach

To Vicar for Priests while remaining Pastor of St. Anne's, Seal Beach

PAROCHIAL VICARS

REV. GASTON MENDIOLA ARROYO

From Parochial Vicar, La Purisima, Church, Orange

To Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Gaudalupe Church, La Habra

REV. IAN MICHAEL GASTON

From Parochial Vicar, St. Irenaeus Church, Cypress

To Parochial Vicar, Christ Cathedral, Garden Grove

REV. ALEX HA

From Director of St. Thomas Korean Catholic Center, Anaheim

To Parochial Vicar, St. Joseph Church, Placentia

REV. MICHAEL PATRICK HANIFIN

From Senior Priest, St. Joachim Church, Costa Mesa, and Chaplain for Neo-Catechumenal Way

To Senior Priest, Holy Family Church, Orange; remaining Chaplain for Neo-Catechumenal Way

REV. MARCO HERNANDEZ

From Parochial Vicar, Santiago de Compostela Church, Lake Forrest

To Parochial Vicar, St. Anne Church, Santa

Ana

REV. ALEJANDRO NICOLAT HERRERA

From Parochial Vicar, St. Justin Martyr Church, Anaheim

To Parochial Vicar, St. Boniface Church, Anaheim

REV. SAL LANDA

From Parochial Vicar, St. Boniface Church, Anaheim

To Parochial Vicar, Blessed Sacrament Church, Westminster

REV. CARLOS LUY

From Parochial Administrator Pro-Tem, St. Joseph Church, Placentia

To Parochial Vicar, La Purisima Church, Orange

REV. JAKUB MACKOWICZ

From Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, La Habra

To Parochial Vicar, St. Martin de Porres Church, Yorba Linda

REV. GUILLERMO MARTINEZ

From Diocese of Texcoco, Mexico

To Parochial Vicar, St. Justin Martyr Church, Anaheim

REV. BENJAMIN MINH NGUYEN

From Parochial Vicar, St. Kilian Church, Mission Viejo

To Parochial Vicar, Holy Family Church, Orange

REV. JOHN DUY NGUYEN

From Parochial Vicar, Holy Spirit Church, Fountain Valley

To Parochial Vicar, St. Columban Church, Garden Grove

REV. NICOLAS TOAN NGUYEN

From Parochial Vicar, St. Polycarp Church, Stanton

To Parochial Vicar, St. Boniface Church, Anaheim

REV. JESÚS DAVID MORENO-NORIEGA

From Parochial Vicar, Christ Cathedral, Garden Grove

To Parochial Vicar, St. Cecilia Church, Tustin

REV. LUÍS GERARDO SEGURA

From Parochial Administrator, St. Joseph Church, Santa Ana

To Parochial Vicar, St. Polycarp Church, Stanton

REV. JOSE SUAREZ

To Parochial Vicar, Part-time, St. Anne Church, Santa Ana

To Parochial Vicar Full-time, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (Delhi), Santa Ana

REV. NICOLAUS DUY THAI

From Parochial Vicar, St. Martin de Porres Church, Yorba Linda

To Parochial Vicar, St. Polycarp Church, Stanton

REV. CHARLES TRAN

From Parochial Vicar, Holy Family Church, Orange

To Parochial Vicar, Holy Spirit Church, Fountain Valley

REV. PAUL THAI TRINH

From Pastor, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Irvine

To Parochial Vicar, Our Lady Queen of Angels, Newport Beach

REV. JOSEPH NGU TRUONG

To Parochial Vicar, St. Boniface Church, Anaheim

To Parochial Vicar, St. Joachim Church, Costa Mesa

REV. BALA SHOWRY REDDY UDUMALA

From Diocese of Vijayawada

To Parochial Vicar, Holy Trinity Church, Ladera Ranch

REV. LEONEL VARGAS

From Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Guadalupe, La Habra

To Parochial Vicar, St. Irenaeus Church, Cypress

REV. SAUL ALBA INFANTE

From Parochial Vicar, St. Polycarp Church, Stanton To Parochial Vicar, St. Bonaventure Church, Huntington Beach

NEWLY ORDAINED

REV. COLE BUZON

INSPIRING CATHOLIC WOMEN

ANNUAL EVENT RECOGNIZES

THOSE WHO SERVE

BY LOU PONSI

GRACE FRANCIS, a parishioner at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church in Cypress, has devoted 30 years of continuous service at five care centers within the Diocese of Orange.

As a parishioner at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Irvine for 40 years, Linda Henry has served in multiple ministries, including 17 years as a ministry leader for lectors.

And Vanessa Suarez raises a young child with special needs and still makes time to serve Catholic Charities of Orange County and St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Irvine.

These selfless women are among 22 who were honored for these and similar acts of service at the annual Inspirational Catholic Women Benefit Dinner held May 10 at the Arboretum on the Christ Cathedral campus.

The event was hosted by the Catholic Charities Auxiliary, a group that supports Catholic Charities of Orange County through outreach, fundraising and community service.

The theme for this year’s event, which also coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Catholic Charities Auxiliary, was the “Heart of Mary.”

“At this amazing event, we acknowledge inspirational women, who, by saying yes to serve the Lord have made a profound impact on our parishes, our schools and our ministries,” event chairwoman Karen Castro said. “The auxiliary has chosen the theme, Heart of Mary, because these women replicate the commitment and the devotion that our Blessed Mother had.”

The benefit dinner serves as a fundraiser for New Hope Counseling Services, which provides mental health

programs at several diocesan elementary schools.

Funds also support the Cantlay Food Distribution Center, which has fed more than 35,000 underserved families so far this year.

“These are women who have exemplified the heart of Mary in their everyday life,” said Fr. Christopher Smith, pastor emeritus of Christ Cathedral, who served as presenter.

As the festivities got underway, a video message from Most Rev. Timothy Freyer, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Orange, was shown.

“Each one of these women has devoted herself to the Lord, to the Church and to all of our brothers and sisters in a variety of different ways,” Bishop Freyer said. “Most of them are doing things we don’t normally see from day to day. They just humbly continue to serve the Lord with generosity of spirit, with joy, with

enthusiasm and with zeal. And so, this is our opportunity to thank them, but also to remind all of ourselves that we are called to be like them. We’re called to be willing to serve in whatever way the Lord calls.”

Honoree Susan Heffron, a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Placentia, was recognized for her involvement in multiple ministries and programs, including the Welcome Home Returning Catholics Ministry, Eucharistic and Baptism Preparation ministries and Special Needs Religious Education.

Heffron and her husband also donate time to Wells of Life, a Christian nonprofit that provides clean and safe water to underserved regions of Uganda.

“I have said yes to the Lord to bring Jesus to others,” said Heffron, the second oldest of 16 children. “I’m also inspired by Mary’s compassionate heart in noticing the needs of others and then working to do something about it.”

Inspired by the joy felt by her 98-year-old mother when receiving

flowers, honoree Ida Smith creates floral arrangements for the elderly.

As a parishioner of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Yorba Linda, Smith also serves in the tech ministry, livestreaming weekday Masses, weddings, funerals and the Rosary.

“Christ is using technology to reach the homebound, the ill and the incarcerated, giving them hope and the word of the Lord,” Smith said. “I pray that through streaming, we are caring for those in need through the loving heart of Mary. As I enter the church each day, I thank our Lord for this blessing because I truly love what I do.”

The Inspirational Catholic Women for 2024 are:

Dr. Maria Abello-Fider, Corpus Christi, Aliso Viejo

Angela Aranda, Holy Family, Orange

Mary Ann Barnes, St. Anne, Seal Beach

Kim Brown, St. Martin de Porres, Yorba Linda

CONTINUES ON PAGE 11

FR. CHRISTOPHER SMITH LEADS PRAYER DURING THE ANNUAL INSPIRATIONAL CATHOLIC WOMEN BENEFIT DINNER HELD MAY 10 AT THE ARBORETUM ON THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS. PHOTO BY KIERNAN COLIFLORES/DIOCESE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

From St. John Seminary, Camarillo, CA

To Parochial Vicar, San Francisco Solano Church, Rancho Santa Margarita

REV. GREGORY WALGENBACH

From Director, Life, Peace & Justice and Director, Mission Office

To Supply Priest for St. Bonaventure Church, Huntington Beach, remaining Director, Life, Peace, & Justice and Director, Mission Office

RETIRED

REV. FRED KEVIN BAILEY

From Pastor, Santa Clara de Asís Church, Yorba Linda

To Retired Priest Status in private residence, Effective March 11, 2024

REV. WILLIAM DOUGLAS BARMAN

From Director Special Projects

To Retired Priest Status in private residence, Effective December 11, 2024

REV. JEFFREY ALAN DROESSLER

From Pastor, St. John Neumann Church, Irvine

To Retired Priest Status in private residence, Effective June 30, 2024

REV. JOSEPH BARCLAY KNERR

From Pastor, St. Bonaventure Church, Huntington Beach

To Retired Priest Status at St. Kilian Church, Mission Viejo, Effective August 1, 2024

REV. TUYEN NGUYEN

From Pastor, Blessed Sacrament Church, Westminster

To Retired Priest Status at Blessed Sacrament Church, Westminster Effective June 30, 2024

REV. TIMOTHY LEE RAMAEKERS

From Pastor, Corpus Christi Church, Aliso Viejo

To Retired Priest Status in private residence,

Effective December 1, 2024

REV. JOHN BERNARD WELING

From Administrative Leave

To Retired Priest Status in private residence, Effective June 30, 2024

IN RESIDENCE

REV. EDWARD GERARD BECKER

From Parochial Vicar, Holy Trinity Church, Ladera Ranch

To Our Lady of Fatima Church, San Clemente

REV. DIEGO MENNITI

From Archdiocese of Catanzaro-Squillace To St. Kilian Church, Mission Viejo

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT

REV. MICHAEL TUAN KHONG

From Chancellor, Director of Priests’ Personnel Board, Priest Secretary to the Bishop & Master of Ceremonies

To Catholic University of America, Washington DC, Licentiate Canon Law Summer 20242028, remaining Chancellor, Priest Secretary to the Bishop & Master of Ceremonies

REV. KEVIN J. SWEENEY

From Pastor, St. Vincent de Paul Church, Huntington Beach

To Pastor, St. Vincent de Paul Church, Huntington Beach & Director of Priests’ Personnel

REV. JOHN FRANCIS NENEMAN

From Ecclesiastical Coordinator, Knights of Columbus

To Ministry outside of the Diocese

RETIRED

REV. FLORANTE M. MOREN, AM From Chaplain, Santa Margarita Catholic High School, Rancho Santa Margarita

To Alagad ni Maria Religious Community, Philippines C

Krista Corbello, The GIVEN Institute

Minerva Diaz Conkle, Pope John Paul II Polish Center, Yorba Linda

Grace Francis, St. Irenaeus, Cypress

Rosa Gaona, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Santa Ana

Sue Goldberg, St. Hedwig, Los Alamitos

FEATURE

Lynn Hearn, St. Bonaventure, Huntington Beach

Susan Heffron, Orange County Cursillo

Linda Henry, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Irvine

Katie Hughes, Spirit Filled Hearts Ministry

Diana Leary, Holy Trinity, Ladera Ranch

Liza Lower, Santa Clara de Asis, Yorba Linda

Dorothy Morehouse, Saints Simon & Jude, Huntington Beach

Ellen Myers, Holy Family, Orange

Maria del “Carmen” Rozatti, Christ

Cathedral, Garden Grove

Karna Sadayasu, St. Edward the Confessor School, Dana Point

Ida Smith, St. Martin de Porres, Yorba Linda

Vanessa Suarez, Catholic Charities of Orange County

Joy Ward, St. John Neumann, Irvine C

đây: 1-800-364-3064, và đồng thời báo cáo cho nhà chức trách địa phương.

본당내의 성적학대 신고

성당 사목을 대표하는 관리자에

THE POWER OF SOUND: HOW MUSIC HAS UNITED CULTURES AT ST. CECILIA PARISH

BY MIKE ZINN

ASTUNNING MOSAIC portrait of patroness St. Cecilia is strategically placed on the west wall near where the choirs for this Tustin parish practice and perform. Inspiring choir members and parishioners alike, the St. Cecilia portrait is a visible reminder of the hope that music brings.

Driven by the consistent inspiration from patroness St. Cecilia, the parish follows these words from St. Augustine: Cantare amantis est, or, “Singing belongs to one who loves.” (PL 38:1472)

In the Summer of 2022, longtime St. Cecilia parishioner Dr. Miguel Prietto was attending Mass and was drawn to this same portrait and moved by this vision and the relationship of the patroness to the parish. This was at a time when parishioners had returned to indoor Masses in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but live music was not allowed.

Prietto recalled this time vividly.

"The portrait asked me, ‘what are you doing?’ and I replied, ‘I am at Mass.’ The portrait replied back, ‘let them sing.’”

He approached St. Cecilia’s music coordinator, Teri Schulist and asked, “How can I help? Can we do something profound?”

From this encounter, Prietto provided vision and underwriting, and Schulist rallied the various multi-lingual music ministries to record a CD entitled, “An Offering: Vol 1.”

The project was completed in January of this year. CDs are available at the St. Cecilia parish office and online under “An Offering St. Cecilia” on YouTube.

The idea of one force so powerful that it can unite people in a common cause can be challenging. Using music as a “unifier” is not new. Executing the idea is where the challenge comes about. Schulist drew inspiration for this project from Franciscan Brother Rufino Zaragoza, who has dedicated his work to researching multicultural communities and lectures on the joys of intercultural worship.

Schulist became a bridge-builder at St. Cecilia, whose collaborative approach was supported by the many multilingual liturgies and events she had previously organized.

"The St. Cecilia choirs are vital and strong and have a nice rapport among each other,” Schulist said.

She went on to bring together the Filipino Choir, Hispanic Choir, St. Cecilia Chorale

MIGUEL PRIETTO AND TERI SCHULIST AT ST. CECILIA CATHOLIC CHURCH IN TUSTIN WITH THE MUSIC CD THEY RECORDED. PHOTOS BY STEVE GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

A MOSAIC OF ST. CECILIA IS DISPLAYED ON

WEST WALL OF ST. CECILIA CATHOLIC CHURCH IN TUSTIN, CLOSE TO WHERE THE PARISH CHOIRS PRACTICE.

ENCOUNTERING THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

BY REBEKAH VALERRAMA

AS A GOOD CATHOLIC family, one of our first purchases for our new home was an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It hangs in a prominent spot in our home, but I realized recently that I’ve never learned much about the devotion behind it. The image is so ubiquitous in Catholic spaces that I admit I took it for granted for most of my life. June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and this year, I’m putting in the effort to learn more about this ancient devotion of the Church. Join me on this journey of discovery and rekindle your own love for Jesus’ heart.

Since the Sacred Heart is so tied to the story of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, I can’t be the only one who assumed that this image and devotion originated with her. However, I was surprised to learn that prayers to Jesus’ heart have dated at least 450 years earlier. This early devotion in Europe seems to have been sparked by crusaders returning from the Holy Land, where they had encountered the holy sites of Christ’s human life. How can we meditate on the Lord’s incarnation and passion without being floored with humility that he would take on our human flesh, a human heart? I love this quote I found from Dr. Scott Hahn: “Since the person of the eternal Son of God took on humanity in its fullness, we have in His human heart, a human capacity to love in a divine way.” Thus, two major elements of this devotion—the love of Christ and the humanity of Christ—are tied together.

The modern age of devotion to the Sacred Heart begins with Our Lord’s apparitions to St. Margaret Mary in 1673-75. He appeared to her four times, inviting her into His love and His passion, and promising great gifts to those who joined her in devotion to His Sacred Heart. Here are some of the ways you can participate: Did you know that the tradition of the Eucharistic Holy Hour was tied to the Sacred Heart devotion? It is one of the acts that Jesus asked of St. Margaret Mary in His third apparition, “To join with Me in the humble prayer which I then offered to My heavenly Father in agony you are to arise between eleven and twelve o’clock, and remain with Me upon your knees for an hour,

with your face to the ground, to appease the anger of My Eternal Father, and to ask of Him pardon for sinners.” Every time you set aside an hour to spend with Jesus, you’re honoring this request of Jesus.

The 12th promise Jesus made to St. Margaret Mary states, “I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the

of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, in 1907. The set of steps to prepare a space for the image of the Sacred Heart in your home, and formally dedicate your family to His love and mercy, are simple to find online. Our family’s image of the Sacred Heart has had pride of place in our home for years, but I’m finally working to complete our enthronement this month.

As we observe this June in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I hope that you will allow the flame of His heart to spark a new devotion in yours.C

First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in my disgrace, nor without receiving their sacraments. My divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.” Take this as the reminder to add First Friday Mass to your calendar. Finally, the practice of home enthronement began with Fr. Mateo Crawley-Boevey of the Congregation

PHOTO BY JONATHAN DICK ON UNSPLASH

(English-speaking choir) and the Youth Ensemble. The Vietnamese community was also represented among the soloists. The group further collaborated with Prietto’s son Luke, an accomplished musician with a music editing company. The group began the rehearsing and recording process in earnest.

The CD includes six songs sung in

DIOCESAN

English and four songs translated into all four languages. Those songs are “I am the Bread of Life,” “Prayer of St. Francis,” “Here I am, Lord” and “On Eagle's Wings.”

As the choirs began rehearsing and recording, many of the singers were experiencing the process for the first time.

This is where Luke Prietto became the “guiding light.”

Schulist calls him “a great person to collaborate with. He is patient and supportive.”

Each of the individual choir directors played vital roles and supported the project.

Marga Garantiel, director of the St. Cecilia Chorale, called the experience “one that united people, unifying in a common cause.”

Javier Martinez, who directs the Hispanic Choir, called this project “a big opportunity to grow as a community.”

For many years to come, “An Offering” will serve as a call out to Catholics, not only at St. Cecilia and the Diocese of Orange, but nationwide and worldwide — with the message that music can unite us all and take our faith to even higher levels. C

MIGUEL PRIETTO AND TERI SCHULIST AT ST. CECILIA CATHOLIC CHURCH IN TUSTIN. PHOTO BY STEVE GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

OC Catholic Afar

Chuck Nelson and his wife Frances Shelby, celebrating their 41st wedding anniversary in Sarlatla-caneda, France, at the Cathedral Saint-Sacerdos in early May. The Gothic-inspired cathedral is the heart of the medieval city of Sarlat. Parts of the cathedral date back to the 14th century.

—Chuck and Frances are parishioners at St. Bonaventure in Huntington 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.