OC Catholic 6.20.21

JUNE 20, 2021

MAY CROWNING

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

A ROLE MODEL FOR THE AGES ST. JOSEPH’S ROLE AS THE FOSTER FATHER OF JESUS CHANGED THE WORLD FOREVER. PAGE 6

THE STAINED GLASS WINDOW OF ST. JOSEPH CHURCH IN PLACENTIA. COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

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JUNE 20, 2021

CONTENTS

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HONOR THY FATHER

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SUPERINTENDENT BARISANO JOINS INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY WEBINAR

Father’s Day is a time of respect, reflection and gratitude.

MCCAUL JOINS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PASTORAL MUSICIANS

Diocese of Orange Music Administrator Lauren McCaul is the new regional representative for California, Nevada and Hawaii.

Dr. Erin Barisano participated as a panelist for the series on Building a Transparent & Accountable Church.

PLUS

Guest Column, Weekly Readings, Moments In Our Journey

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: Tracey Kincaid, tkincaid@rcbo.org Editor: Kimberly Porrazzo, webeditor@occatholic.com New Ideas: storyideas@rcbo.org Delivery Problems: occatholicsupport@occatholic.com

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GUEST COLUMN

UNTIL WE HAVE FACES

BY ELISE ITALIANO URENECK CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

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Y HUSBAND AND I DON’T have cable, a choice made in part to spare ourselves from the punditry served up by cable news shows.

However, I was visiting family members who do have cable when the CDC released its updated guidelines indicating that people who have been fully vaccinated could remove their masks while outdoors and in most indoor spaces.

The commentary was predictable: Talking heads debated the scientific basis of the new guidelines; others attributed the shift to political calculations; still others raised skepticism about how we could know who among the maskless were being honest about their vaccination status.

After sifting through the dizzying reactions I saw on television, I realized that I had another

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take, one born from my experience as the mother of a “COVID baby.” It was one of hopefulness for his future -- one filled with face-to-face encounters with fellow human beings.

My son was born in November 2019, just as the novel coronavirus was beginning to spread across the globe. He was merely four months old, having just learned to smile back at us, when we went into lockdown.

By the time that our country is close to being out of the woods of this pandemic, I’ll be introducing two children -- him and his newborn brother -- to many of my family and friends for the first time.

For the better part of his life, my son has only seen his parents and a small number of friends and family members without masks on our faces. Well-meaning store clerks, pediatricians and other adults all speak to him and show genuine CONTINUES ON PAGE 11

PHOTO: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

The Diocese of Orange, through OC Catholic newspaper, presents local, national and world news about the Catholic Church. Our intention is to give our readers access to a variety of perspectives in order to help them to process the information within the framework of our Catholic faith, but also to better understand the perspectives of those with opposing viewpoints.

We hope that ultimately our readers will be better equipped to have constructive conversations that further the growth of the Catholic Church.

DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

The risen “ Christ is hope

THE WIND AND THE SEA

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IVING ALONG THE SHORES of Lake Superior— the “big lake,” as the locals call it—you can often hear the advice, “Respect the lake; don’t take it for granted.” People who know Lake Superior respect its power and watch out for its many moods. Sunken ships and boats crushed into kindling are testimonies to what the lake can do.

The readings of this Sunday evoke our memories of the lake, of the mighty Mississippi River, or of the ocean itself.

Who but God can control these mighty waters and set limits to their advance? The lake described in today’s Gospel was a body of water subject to sudden storms and churned into dangerous waves by terrible winds.

But these mighty agents are subject to God. The sailor and the fisher all respect the water. Even more, they respect the awesome power of the Maker of wind and sea.

Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co. C

for all who continue to suffer from the pandemic, both the sick and those who have lost a loved one.

- Pope Francis

SAINT PROFILE

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ALOYSIUS GONZAGA 1568-1591

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ORN TO A NOBLE ITALIAN FAMILY, Aloysius served as a page in Spain and Italy. His father opposed a religious vocation, planning instead a military career for his oldest son. But Aloysius joined the Jesuits in Rome in 1585, taking his vows two years later. His health had been compromised by kidney disease, but he served in a Jesuit hospital opened in Rome when plague struck the city. He died of plague while ministering to the sick. St. Robert Bellarmine, his spiritual director, said the young Jesuit’s austere religious practices and penances were so extreme that others should not follow them. Canonized in 1726, Aloysius later was declared protector of young students and patron saint of Catholic youth.C

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

GN 12:1-9; PS 33:1213, 18-20, 22; MT 7:1-5

GN 13:2, 5-18; PS 15:2-4AB, 5; MT 7:6, 12-14

GN 15:1-12, 17-18; PS 105:1-4, 6-9; MT 7:15-20

IS 49:1-6; PS 139:13, 13-15; ACTS 13:22-26; LK 1:5766, 80

GN 17:1, 9-10, 1522; PS 128:1-5; MT 8:1-4

GN 18:1-15; LK 1:46-50, 53-55; MT 8:5-17

WIS 1:13-15; 2:2324; PS 30:2, 4-6, 11-13; 2 COR 8:7, 9, 13-15

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FEATURE

A ROLE MODEL FOR THE AGES ST. JOSEPH’S ROLE AS THE FOSTER FATHER OF JESUS CHANGED THE WORLD FOREVER

BY LARRY URISH

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T SEEMS AS IF WE live in a world where the person with the most impressive number of retweets, the highest Q-rating, the loudest megaphone and the most vitriolic opinions get all the attention. We’re drawn to controversial views and high decibel levels like bees to honey.

Largely forgotten in all this white noise is a time-honored maxim that honors a person’s true character: “Actions speak louder than words.”

We’d be hard pressed to find a better example of this wise saying than the life and legacy of St. Joseph, husband of Mother Mary and foster father of Jesus.

“It’s important for us to have people who are ordinary, those who don’t make the headlines all the time, in order to be good examples for us,” says Fr. Christopher Smith, rector and episcopal vicar of Christ Cathedral. “Most people can identify with that kind of person, someone not in the limelight all the time. Joseph is a good example of that, and that’s partly why he’s such a good role model.”

St. Joseph is a good role model for fathers in particular, since his actions revealed character traits that would make anyone a fine dad. In fact, the Bible contains no actual words that St. Joseph ever spoke. As Fr. Christopher puts it, “He has no lines.”

“He’s literally a silent figure,” says Katie Dawson, the Diocese’s director of Parish Faith Formation. “We’re told about his character, but we don’t actually hear from him at all.”

It’s what this humble, responsible

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A STATE OF JESUS AND ST. JOSEPH STANDS AT THE MOTHERHOUSE OF THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF ORANGE. COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

man did, and how he lived, that has made a lasting impact on the world.

St. Joseph was compassionate. When he learned that Mary was pregnant, he knew that the child was not his. Even before learning that she was carrying the Son of God, and knowing that women accused of adultery could be stoned to death, he chose to not expose her to humiliation or worse.

“Knowing that he wasn’t the father, St. Joseph was willing to divorce her, or separate from her quietly, because this is what the law required,” Fr. Smith says.

St. Joseph was a man of faith. In the

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Book of Matthew, an angel came to him in a dream and told him, “Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.”

“Trusting in God’s presence – that is what he did,” Fr. Christopher says.

“He was told in [another] dream not to return to his hometown after Jesus was born for the safety of the child. He listened and obeyed … in order to keep his child safe from King Herod. He was willing to settle his family in a whole

new town, Nazareth, again by paying attention to a dream and trusting in the presence of God. He accepted his then-12-year-old son’s explanation when Jesus was found in the temple preaching after having been lost, that Jesus had to ‘be about his Father’s business,’ again trusting in God’s presence. By any standards, these were very challenging circumstances and through it all Joseph placed his and his family’s lives in the hands of God, even though he surely did not always understand what was being asked of him.”

CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

FEATURE / CATHOLIC FAMILY LIVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

A carpenter by trade, St. Joseph was hard working and responsible.

“He was a lover of his work,” Dawson says. “And he led Jesus. He showed Him how to do things. He walked with Jesus. Jesus probably shadowed Joseph during the day.”

For all of these good deeds, and so many more (with nary a word in Scripture), the foster father of Jesus was proclaimed patron of the Universal Church, by Pope Pius IX in 1870.

Although he was also named patron of fathers, unborn children, workers, immigrants and a happy death, “The most important title is patron of the Universal Church,” Fr. Christopher says. “Pope Francis has proclaimed this year, beginning December 8, 2020, as the Year of St. Joseph.”

Along with these accolades, Catholics celebrate two feast days for the man who eschewed the limelight: March 19, for St. Joseph the husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus; and May 1, for St. Joseph the Worker.

Closer to home, last month the Diocese’s Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry did a 30-day consecration to St. Joseph, studying “Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father,” by Fr. Donald Calloway.

Dawson notes that St. Joseph’s greatest gift to Jesus may have been that he was always there for Him. “The critical place of St. Joseph in Jesus’ life is that he was present. The presence of a father in a child’s life is so very enriching.”

“The scripture says that, with Mary and Joseph, Jesus grew in wisdom, age and grace,” Fr. Christopher says. “How beautiful for fathers to describe their own fatherly roles as helping their children in 2021, and beyond, to grow in wisdom, age and grace. Fathers everywhere can look to the example and prayers of St. Joseph to help them accomplish such an honorable goal.” C

HONOR THY FATHER FATHER’S DAY LETS US HONOR DADS – BOTH LIVING AND DECEASED

BY CATHI DOUGLAS

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NCE YOU’VE LOST YOUR father, Father’s Day becomes bittersweet. Still, it remains the perfect day to honor fathers, living or not.

I am biased, but my husband and my father seem like the perfect role models for our two sons and fine influences on our daughter. They are good men with strong values and a strict moral code who believe deeply in family.

My Dad raised me Catholic, so Mass was something we shared. Even after I moved out after college, I would often meet Dad for Sunday evening Mass. I miss those days.

Dad didn’t crow about his work with St. Vincent de Paul or his membership in the Knights of Columbus. For our family, faith is a quiet but constant source, a touchstone we shared, a commitment to God, love, and holiness.

June 18 was Dad’s birthday, so Father’s Day often fell on the same date. In the ’70s, my Mom and I used to make him zany, multicolored ties to wear to his job as a pharmaceutical salesman, and he was a good sport about wearing them. (I’m sure they garnered some sarcastic comments from the doctors and nurses who made up his clientele).

Dad loved getting books as Father’s Day gifts, particularly biographies and autobiographies, and music, primarily

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

’40s Big Band albums. But above all, no matter how old he got to be, Dad loved getting sappy cards and hand-written letters.

One of my dearest possessions is a little calendar I bought him one Father’s Day in which he wrote a memory for each day for a year.

He dutifully filled it out and I learned a lot about his childhood. It will make a prized gift for our three kids one day.

Once my husband became a father, Father’s Day became even more special.

He presents somewhat of a challenge to us in terms of gift-giving, because he doesn’t have a lot of hobbies and truly doesn’t have an acquisitive bone in his body.

He likes to barbecue but there are only so many rubs, spices, and equipment you can get a guy who considers his Weber charcoal grill the height of fine cuisine. He reads stacks of books but since he visits the library twice a week, books are often redundant.

We’ve started to get creative; he still has to collect on a Father’s Day gift from a couple years ago to go paragliding off La Jolla. One year he got to experience falconry; another time he flew in a glider; he’s been spirited away on special travel weekends.

Like my Dad, the gifts he really wants are intangible: Our son taking Dad to lunch, or our daughter going shopping with him, or the middle son who lives away sharing a long text conversation.

We treasure Sunday family dinners, especially after the long coronavirus isolation, and look forward to holidays when everyone’s home. When we’re apart, we do a Google Hangout.

Wherever your Dad is, I wish you a happy holiday together. Take a few minutes to thank your dad for the lessons he taught and the love he gave you. As St. Joseph teaches us, dads who toil quietly behind the scenes with little fanfare still deserve a special hug or kiss.

Today especially, God bless all the dads! C 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.

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DIOCESAN NEWS

MAY CROWNING ST. NORBERT CATHOLIC SCHOOL CONTINUES ITS ANNUAL TRADITION AMID CHALLENGING TIMES THANKS TO A GENEROUS DONATION

St. Norbert’s principal, in turn, also was moved.

ESPITE CORONAVIRUS-re“When I found out she was being lated restrictions, last month donated, I was humbled and brought to St. Norbert Catholic School the verge of tears,” says Principal Cicofficials decided May Crown- coianni. “We’ve received numerous gifts ing would return. However, rather than over the years, but this gift was personin the church, the ceremony would be ally affecting, since our Blessed Mother celebrated outdoors. has had a profound impact on my life.”

There was just one obstacle: The The statue may have been a donation school had only a 2-foot-tall statue of to the school, but it was a gift to the Mother Mary.

Brule family.

Principal Joe Ciccoianni wondered St. Norbert mom Barbara Brule grew about the impact of such a grand traup admiring May Crowning. She had dition with a small version of Mother attended Catholic elementary school Mary. In addition to the 280 students, herself and looked forward to the trathe blacktop would be spaced several dition every year. Secretly, she envied yards back with family and friends who the honor of doing the crowning. So may struggle to see the actual crownwhen her daughter, Isabelle, was given ing. the responsibility this year, Barbara was The principal put out a call for a ecstatic. larger statue to crown. Within weeks, “The idea that Mary looks out for the call was answered with an act of my daughter, to have that experience to kindness. crown her was so special,” Barbara says.

Thompson Building Materials, “Watching Isabella stand next to Mary located just two blocks from the Orange as she prayed, it was like she was emschool, was happy to loan a concrete bodying the spirit of Mary. It brought statue and base that measure an imtears to my eyes.” pressive 5½ feet tall.

While her mother beamed with Then an act of generosity followed. pride, Isabelle reflected on the true A friend of the school, who had fameaning of the occasion. cilitated the borrowing, purchased the “Mary was the mother of Jesus and statue and gifted it to SNCS. she was only a couple of years older “I thought the statue was gorgeous,” than me when she said yes to God and says the donor, who asked to remain had Jesus,” says Isabelle, this year’s anonymous. “We have longstanding SNCS student council commissioner of ties to St. Norbert and felt it was a nice religious affairs. “I can’t imagine having thing to do for the kids going through to go through that. She is so brave and the school.” so special. It was an honor getting to The donor said he’s also been moved crown her.” by the many people he’s witnessed over After the crowd prayed the Rosary, ISABELLE BRULE, A STUDENT AT ST. NORBERT CATHOLIC SCHOOL, PERFORMS THE MAY CROWNING TRADITION. the past year step up in various ways.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 9 COURTESY OF ST. NORBERT CATHOLIC SCHOOL

BY CATHERINE RISLING

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SOCIAL MEDIA / DIOCESAN NEWS orangediocese • follow June 13, 2021 orangediocese Bishop Kevin Vann has declared Saturday and Sunday, June 12 and 13, as a historic weekend for all Diocese of Orange parishes.

Join us and receive spiritual nourishment and strength through the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

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orangediocese • follow June 12, 2021 orangediocese In the latest episode of Sounds from the Sanctuary, Argentinian-born Norberto Guinaldo is one of the most recognized composers, organists, and church musicians in the world and has resided here in Orange County for over 50 years.

Listen to some of his amazing compositions, one even dedicated to our host David Ball, and hear all about the journeys around the world of this incredible musician. Listen today in the link below: https://occatholic.com/episode-16sounds-from-the-sanctuary-guest-is-local-organist-norberto-guinaldo/

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

STUDENTS AT ST. NORBERT CATHOLIC SCHOOL ASSEMBLE FOR THE MAY CROWNING. COURTESY OF ST. NORBERT CATHOLIC SCHOOL

in unison.

While the statue awaits its per“Bring Flowers of the Rarest May manent resting place, Principal Crowning Song” played as two stuCiccoianni says the location will be “a dents from each grade walked down fitting place for our Blessed Mother to the aisle and presented bouquets reside.” of flowers to Mary. Second graders, “The donation of this beautiful dressed in their First Communion statue of our Blessed Mother is a sure attire, joined the 3rd grade class—who sign that God is working through missed participating in May Crownthe hearts and hands of our school ing last year due to the coronavicommunity, inspiring generosity and rus—at the foot of the statue. Hands kindness that bears fruit in the lives in prayerful position, together they of our students,” says Principal Cicrecited “Lovely Lady Dressed in Blue” coianni. C CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

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DIOCESAN NEWS

LAUREN MCCAUL TAPPED BY NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PASTORAL MUSICIANS

DIOCESE OF ORANGE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR WILL LEAD OUR REGION FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS

to the West Coast, as well,” McCaul says.

“I hope to help start more chapters here in our region. We already have four new chapters in the works.”

McCaul emphasizes that as we emerge from the restrictions imposed by the

BY STAFF pandemic, new challenges will arise for HE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION music directors in our parishes. of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) “These are exactly the moments when is the organization for liturgiwe need to be able to support one anothcal musicians who serve in the er and share best practices and ideas,“ Catholic Church. Its mission is to foster she says. In light of my new role as a the art of musical liturgy. The NPM, with regional representative and these known some 3,000 to 4,000 members nationdynamics, we are actually creating an ally, serves nearly 3,000 parishes across NPM chapter here in the Diocese of the United States. The association has Orange. Being able to be part of a local tapped Lauren McCaul, music adminchapter as well as having a connection to istrator for the diocese, as its regional the national organization can be a source representative. of great comfort and guidance during “I have been elected as the regional these difficult days.” representative to the National Council for LAUREN MCCAUL, MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, DIOCESE OF ORANGE. PHOTO COURTESY DIOCESE OF ORANGE McCaul adds: “My personal hope is Region 11,” McCaul says, “which encomthat it will provide new resources and passes California, Nevada and Hawaii.”

The regional representative positions McCaul is looking forward to making a place of camaraderie for all of us, and During her term McCaul will serve are new this year, and were created in the an impact. that looking into the future we can find as a conduit for information that must hopes that by having someone at a more “NPM has historically had a large ways to partner with the Diocesan Office be communicated between the national local level to gather information and aspresence on the East Coast and in the for Worship to present skill-building organization and the NPM chapters and sess needs, the national organization will Midwest, and I see my role as an exciting and educational opportunities for all the local Offices for Worship in three states. be better able to serve its members. opportunity to help bring it more soundly musicians of our diocese.” C

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O.C. FILIPINOS CELEBRATE 500 YEARS OF CHRISTIANITY

BY STAFF

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HE CHRISTIAN FAITH IN THE Philippines is 500 years old this year and celebrated worldwide by Filipinos, including those in the Diocese of Orange. Ferdinand Magellan of Spain arrived in the Philippines on March 16, 1521. He claimed the archipelago in the name of King Philip II and named the country “Las Islas Filipinas”. He came bringing the good news and God’s love. A week later, the first Mass was celebrated on March 31, 1521 on Limasawa Island, off Leyte. Several days later, Magellan was in Cebu and hosted by Rajah Humabon. With the healing of a long ailing

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grandson, Rajah Humabon and 800 of his subjects converted and were baptized into the Catholic faith.

Diocese of Orange Bishop Kevin Vann will celebrate a Thanksgiving Mass on Saturday, June 26, 2021, 10 a.m. at Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove, followed by a Barrio Fiesta reception in nearby St Pius V Church in Buena Park.

Hosted by the Diocese of Orange San Jose Filipino Ministry, DOSJFM invites you to join O.C. Filipino parishioners in this celebration. Please send your RSVP via the group’s Facebook page at Facebook. com/DOSJFM to register & obtain a free ticket. For further information: info@sjfm-oc.org. C

GUEST COLUMN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

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interest in him, but he has largely been unable to parrot back any emotion to them because they are masked.

Children learn emotional expression, regulation and differentiation from watching other people’s facial expressions, beginning in infancy and extending through childhood. Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder know how critical this is to development since their children have difficulty processing and repeating the emotions they observe.

While children mostly learn these skills from the people with whom they spend most of their time, typically their family members, they also learn from other adults, such as those working in daycare facilities, as well as from their peers.

Mask mandates, while implemented with the worthy goal of stopping the spread of COVID-19, might turn out to have some unintended side effects when it comes to children’s emotional development. All of this remains to be seen.

We also know that another generation is experiencing challenges when it comes to face-to-face social interaction, which began well before the coronavirus began to spread. Emerging research suggests that adolescents and young adults are having significant challenges when it comes to interpersonal communication and in-person, face-to-face social interactions.

These difficulties are being linked to

the fact that many of them have grown up spending, conservatively, six to nine hours a day on a digital device or screen.

They are increasingly “socializing” with peers through social media sites instead of at in-person activities.

As a result, they are having a harder time building friendships, communicating emotional responses to events and reading social cues than older generations. What effect this will have on educational outcomes, marriage and childbearing rates or economic prospects also remains to be seen.

All of this has me thinking about the post-pandemic world in which my son will be raised. I want him to experience the joy of sharing a side-splitting laugh with others, the knowledge that it’s appropriate to cry when things are sad or disappointing and the gift of lifelong friendships that begin in childhood.

I want him to understand what it means that he’ll one day see God face to face and be drawn to such a glorious prospect.

My work is cut out for me. Maybe it starts with shielding him from the unpleasant expressions displayed on cable news. Maybe it will get better when we can wear masks less often. But it most certainly won’t end there.

If we want to give future generations a shot at having the full experience of what it means to be a human being, we’d better put on a good face and, with direction and intention, cultivate that kind of world for them. C

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CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS

SUPERINTENDENT BARISANO JOINS PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY’S ACCOUNTABILITY WEBINAR should be the main focus when discussing financial transparency in Catholic schools.

AST MONTH, Superintendent of “When we are talking about Catholic Catholic Schools in the Diocese of institutions, particularly our Catholic Orange, Dr. Erin Barisano, partic- schools, we can’t separate our business ipated as a panelist in a webinar practices without talking about mission,” series sponsored by the Program of Church said Barisano. “It’s our responsibility, Management at the Pontifical University because of the mission of the Church and of the Holy Cross in Rome, titled Building the mission of Catholic schools to educate a Transparent & Accountable Church. students, not only to be successful in this Barisano lent her voice to the series’ final life, but more importantly, to lead them to installment, Financial Transparency for heaven. As business people, or as leaders, Catholic Schools, a talk that addressed the we’re held to a higher standard. Financial challenges that Catholic schools face and transparency is part of that. If you have some principles for best practices. that commitment to mission and are so The international webinar was moderclear and consistent, that financial transated by the president & executive director parency follows.” at the Global Institute of Church ManageHeadmistress Musyoki shared of ment and former chancellor of the Diocese families bartering animals and crops to of Orange, Pia de Solenni. Barisano was the school in Kenya in exchange for their joined on the panel by headmaster of The children’s Catholic education, a story that Heights School in Potomac, Maryland, resonated with Barisano and is a reminder Alvaro de Vicente and the headmistress at that the ideals of faith formation, academic St. Angela’s Girls’ School in Kitui, Kenya, excellence and service are international in Angeline Musyoki. scope.

The panelists began by sharing some of “It was really powerful for me to hear the challenges their schools have faced as a from school leaders in very different enviresult of the Covid-19 pandemic, touching ronments,” said Barisano. “It’s beautiful to on common points of financial factors, pro- hear about that mission of Catholic educatocol implementation and support of fami- tion around the world. My takeaway was lies in the community, as well as the level of a deeper appreciation on a wider perspeccreativity that has emerged in response to tive for this universal mission of Catholic these challenges. education.”

Barisano acknowledged that a turning As daily challenges and crises continue, point for Catholic schools locally in the Barisano echoed the other panelists in Diocese of Orange was the ability to open acknowledging the importance of Catholic campuses and welcome students back in education in providing a values-based safe person last September, a move that has not space, both physically and emotionally, only allowed for growth in enrollment, but for children in their most formative years, levels of academic achievement that have as well as the importance of sharing this essentially closed the gap in any learning message world-wide. loss from the prior spring.

“What an honor for me to be able to While each panelist represented a differ- speak on behalf of our diocese and repent school structure and governance modresent our diocese to this international el, the common message centered around audience,” said Barisano. “It makes me so mission, and Barisano was pleased to see proud and humbled at the same time to be the conversation reflect what she believes able to be that voice.” C

BY JENELYN RUSSO

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SUPERINTENDENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS FOR THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE DR. ERIN BARISANO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEWS

HONDA CENTER HOSTS SMCHS GRADUATION

BY STAFF

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ANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC High School’s class of 2021 had the rare opportunity to graduate on stage at The Honda Center, home of the Anaheim Ducks. The resilient 406 members of the class received their diplomas during the school’s 31st commencement ceremony on Friday, May 28. The Most Rev. Thanh Thai Nguyen, auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Orange, presided over the ceremony.

Superintendent of Schools, Erin Barisano, Ed. D., The Reverend Timothy Donovan, SMCHS Chaplain, and SMCHS President Andy Sulick joined Nguyen to reflect on the class’s achievements, perseverance and faith.

A traditional, sacred call to prayer requesting the Holy Spirit’s presence flowed through the stadium as the SMCHS concert choir sang Veni, Sancte Spiritus. The National Anthem was beautifully sung by Katelyn Stiegler ‘21.

Once the class was seated, Barisano looked out onto the ocean of cobalt blue and said, “I urge you not to let these experiences of the past 15 months define your entire high school career.”

Addressing teachers, coaches, staff and administrators, President Andy Sulick ‘91 said, “Your courage, your innovation and your resilience has been vital to the school’s ability to survive during a global pandemic.” Sulick thanked his own parents for giving him the gift of Catholic education and sending him to SMCHS, where he met his beloved wife, Julie Sulick ‘93. Sulick’s son, Drew Sulick was among the 2021 graduates, and he promised Drew that he would not follow him to college and apply for the role of president. “SMCHS will always be where you have your roots and your wings,” Sulick told the graduating class.Sulick presented Aldo Ruiz ‘21 with the Caritas Award. One of the most profound traditions at Santa Margarita is the Caritas Award. The Caritas Award celebrates

STREAMERS DESCENDED FROM ABOVE, AFTER THE THIRD HORN BLEW, SIGNIFYING THE END OF THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY.

THE MOST REVEREND THANH THAI NGUYEN PRESENTING A GRADUATE WITH HIS DIPLOMA. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

that human connection between student and teacher, the glimpse of God’s Love and Caritas Christi transcending grades, athletic and artistic abilities, future goals and dreams, and all other high school experiences.

“We have already survived a pandem-

ic and we are only 18,” said Mary Kate Tracy ‘21 as she delivered the salutatory address. Joel Matthews ‘21, in his salutatory address, said, “The ones who are hardest to leave are the ones who we believe have most powerfully changed our lives for the better.” Valedictorian

Sara Morrissey ‘21 said, “We’ve learned so much more than classroom academics. We’ve learned to confront challenge and difficulty head-on.”

The class of 2021 graduates have joined the ranks of more than 11,000 Eagle alumni. The commencement ceremony marked the seventh and final Driscoll family graduation from SMCHS. The Driscolls hold the school record of having sent the most children to SMCHS from one family. Between 2005 and 2021, all seven of their children have graduated from SMCHS. As with all goals scored by the Ducks during games at The Honda Center, the iconic air horn billowed steadily three times, signifying the end of the graduation ceremony and the end of an era.

Following the triumphant horn blow was a spectacular shower of confetti and streamers released from above. Outside the center, a surprise display of fireworks soared through the sky while a pulsating backdrop of live music entertained graduates and their families. C

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CATHOLIC NEWS AROUND THE WORLD

ERIC AND ANNE WAXMAN RECITE THE ROSARY WHILE PARTICIPATING IN A ROADSIDE PRAYER RALLY MARKING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM WEEK AT ST. JAMES CHURCH IN SETAUKET, N.Y., JUNE 24, 2020.

PHOTO: GREGORY A. SHEMITZ — CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

‘SOLIDARITY IN FREEDOM’ IS THEME OF USCCB RELIGIOUS FREEDOM WEEK JUNE 22-29 in Freedom. “Solidarity means much more than engaging in sporadic acts of generosity. It means thinking and WASHINGTON (USCCB) ­— Each year, acting in terms of community” (Fratelli the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops tutti, 116). Religious freedom allows the (USCCB) observes Religious Freedom Church, and all religious communities, to Week. Beginning with the feast day of live out their faith in public and to serve Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher, and the good of all. including the Nativity of St. John the The USCCB has prepared resources Baptist, the week-long commemoration to “Pray – Reflect – Act” which may be ends with the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. found at: www.usccb.org/ReligiousFreeReligious Freedom Week will be domWeek. Each day focuses on different observed this year from June 22 to June religious liberty topics of concern for the 29 and the theme chosen is Solidarity bishops. These materials were prepared UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS

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to help people understand religious liberty from a Catholic perspective, pray about particular issues, and act on what they learn by advocating for policies that promote religious freedom.

The USCCB’s Committee for Religious Liberty collaborated with the Office of International Justice and Peace to raise awareness and show solidarity with people throughout the world who suffer for their faith, from the persecution of Christians in Nicaragua to highlighting Pope Francis’s trip to Iraq this year. Domestically, a major area of concern continues

to be freedom for Catholic institutions, such as schools, hospitals, and child welfare service providers, to carry out their missions with integrity.

Through prayer, education, and public action during Religious Freedom Week, the USCCB hopes to promote the essential right of religious freedom for Catholics and for those of all faiths.

Connect with the USCCB Committee for Religious Liberty. Text FREEDOM to 84576 and sign up for First Freedom News, the USCCB Committee for Religious Liberty’s monthly newsletter. C

Moments in our Journey

Rosary’s graduates celebrated at the end of their graduation ceremony with a shower of red & gold confetti.

—Submitted by Rosary High School

Send your photos that capture Catholic life in your parish community to: webeditor@occatholic.com

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