OC CATHOLIC - JULY 02, 2023 by OCCatholic

JULY 2, 2023

COMING HOME

PAGE 8

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

NOTHING BUT NET

PRIESTS AND SEMINARIANS HOOP IT UP AT ANNUAL BASKETBALL MATCH-UP PAGE 6 THE ANNUAL PRIESTS AND SEMINARIANS BASKETBALL GAME WAS HELD ON JUNE 16 AT MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

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You’ll be entered to win a $50, $25 or $15 gift card and you may be featured in an upcoming issue of Orange County Catholic!

Send travel pictures of yourself, family or friends to editor@occatholic.com. Photos from any destination — like a church, a hiking trail or a cruise — are welcome! Please include a brief description of the photo, location, the name of the people featured in the photo and your home parish in Orange County. Your photo must include someone holding an issue of OC Catholic to be entered to win.

Photos must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 1, 2023 to be entered to win. Only high resolution photos will be considered for publication in the print edition of OC Catholic. Photos become the property of the Diocese of Orange and may be used for publication in OC Catholic or by the Diocese for print or online publication or social media purposes. Three gift card winners will be randomly selected by OCC staff. Only photos depicting locations outside of Orange County are eligible to win.

JULY 2, 2023

CONTENTS

7 LIVING AS FRIENDS OF JESUS 10 PRIEST ASSIGNMENTS 14 LEADERSHIP IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

The saints connect us on earth to the divine in Heaven.

Bishop Vann announces the new appointments for the Diocese’s priests Brandon Fragoso has exemplified leadership at St. Columban School.

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: Monsignor Stephen Doktorczyk 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.

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BISHOP’S COLUMN

A JULY 4 REFLECTION BY THE MOST REVEREND KEVIN W. VANN, JCD, DD

S WE APPROACH the celebration of July 4, or more precisely “Independence Day,” we come to the second of the three secular holidays which form the summer season (The first being Memorial Day, the last being Labor Day). Like the others, this day has family settings and religious/faith overtones. Growing up in the Midwest, the day was always marked by neighborhood parades of families with wagons being pulled down the street with the younger family members. This was still the case when I was assigned to Blessed Sacrament parish in Springfield. Such parades were held both on Glenwood and Walnut streets which framed the parish CONTINUES ON PAGE 13

FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS AS SEEN FROM THE TOWER OF HOPE AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS IN 2021. PHOTO BY JOSHUA SUDOCK/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

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.

ST. JOHN’S SEMINARY CAMARILLO, CALIFORNIA

ST. JOHN’S SEMINARY NOW OFFERS AN ONLINE M.A. IN PASTORAL MINISTRY PROGRAM FOR THE LAITY This program will help lay ministers increase their knowledge of the Catholic intellectual tradition and improve their ministerial skills for the life of the Church. Students will be prepared to work in different areas of ministry and make professional and personal connections with others of the same mind and spirit.

For more information Email: mapm@stjohnsem.edu or visit www.stjohnsem.edu

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Watch a brief video about the program

A studio with professional video, audio, and lighting equipment has been built to produce visually stunning content by our world-class faculty. This studio allows our students to have an enjoyable technological experience.

DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

ART ON CAMPUS

“

The goal of discernment is to recognize the salvation God is working in my life

”

— Pope Francis

SAINT PROFILE

OLIVER PLUNKETT

HE SON OF IRISH gentry, Oliver was educated by his Cistercian cousin, Patrick Plunkett, who took part in the 1641 rebellion. Ordained in Rome in 1654, Oliver stayed there to teach and review books for the Sacred Congregation of the Index. In 1669, he was named archbishop of Armagh and primate of Ireland. Over the next decade, he organized synods, visited dioceses, opened schools and confirmed thousands of Catholics. With a new wave of English persecution, he was forced into hiding in 1679. Arrested late that year, while visiting his dying cousin, Patrick, in Dublin, he was imprisoned until his execution in London on trumped-up charges of treason. Extant letters reveal a devoted and courageous prelate who embraced martyrdom.

ARTHEX BAS RELIEF. Donors: Yvonne and Damien Jordan. Christ Cathedral’s narthex bas relief is by Pablo Eduardo. The artwork is a depiction of Jesus Christ, risen and

victorious, surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. It features the Paschal Lamb and images of the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist and various saints and martyrs. Photo by the Diocese of OrangeC

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

EPH 2:19-22; PS 117:1BC, 2; JN 20:24-29

GN 19:15-29; PS 26:2-3, 9-10, 1112; MT 8:23-27

GN 21:5, 8-20A; PS 34:7-8, 10-11, 1213; MT 8:28-34

GN 22:1B-19; PS 115:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9; MT 9:1-8

GN 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67; PS 106:1B-2, 3-4A, 4B-5; MT 9:9-13

GN 27:1-5, 15-29; PS 135:1B-2, 3-4, 5-6; MT 9:14-17

ZEC 9:9-10; PS 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14; ROM 8:9, 11-13; MT 11:25-30

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FEATURE

NOTHING BUT NET PRIESTS AND SEMINARIANS HOOP IT UP AT ANNUAL BASKETBALL MATCH-UP BY PATTY MAHONEY

T WAS A FIGHT to the finish as North County and South County religious took it to the court at this year’s Priests and Seminarians Basketball Game which took place on June 16. Our diocesan priests and seminarians from North and South Orange County faced off in what was billed as an AllStar match-up held at Mater Dei High School’s gymnasium. Always a fan-favorite, crowds packed the stands to cheer on both teams — complete with black and white pompoms, special t-shirts and posters of their favorite players. FR. BRANDON DANG LAUNCHES A SHOT DURING THE JUNE 16 PRIESTS AND SEMINARIANS BASKETBALL GAME. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE Bishop Timothy Freyer started the evening by leading the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The game ended up being quite a nail-biter — but in the end South County came up on top by a score of 57-55. Let’s hear it for this year’s players! North County Fr. Wayne Adajar Fr. Damien Giap Fr. Brendan Hankins Eddie Huber Alvin Huynh Fr. Michael Ngyuen Fr. Tim Peters Cody Schurter South County Fr. Brandon Dang Fr. Michael Fitzpatrick Alan Hoekter Fr. Duy Le CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

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CODY SCHURTER MAKES AN ATTEMPT AT THE FREE-THROW LINE DURING THE NORTH COUNTY/SOUTH COUNTY MATCH-UP ON JUNE 16.

FEATURE / CATHOLIC FAMILY LIVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Ethen O’Campo Fr. Ben Tran Matthew Wong All funds raised benefit the Diocese’s Vocations Office. For more information, visit Rcbo. org/vocations

THE SAINTS: LIVING AS FRIENDS OF JESUS BY SR. DIANE HEISS, SDSH

SUPPORTERS FILLED THE STANDS AT THE MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM TO CHEER ON THEIR FAVORITE PRIESTS AND SEMINARIANS.

SOUTH COUNTY TOOK HOME THE TROPHY AT THE 2023 PRIESTS AND SEMINARIANS BASKETBALL GAME HELD ON JUNE 16.

ERHAPS MANY OF US are familiar with the song “Oh When the Saints Go Marching In … I Want to be in That Number …” While it is a lively song and easy to sing, there is an important question to consider: How many of us genuinely want to go marching into heaven and be saints? Do we truly live in a way that will form us for heaven? Saints are human beings who are in heaven. Many are canonized (officially proclaimed to be in heaven and worthy of having their virtues incorporated into our lifestyles), while countless more are known only to God. In the Creed when we say, “I believe in the Communion of Saints,” we profess our belief in the special bond of love and union that exists among all believers: the saints in heaven, those in purgatory, and those of us alive now. The saints understand our struggles and heartaches, for they experienced their own while on earth and are happy to support us with their prayers. Those in purgatory were not ready to go straight to heaven at death, and therefore God in His mercy and love provides an opportunity to complete this process afterwards. They can no longer help themselves to prepare and depend on our prayers and sacrifices to help them, as well as the prayers of those in heaven. They also pray for each of us to complete our journey of life well as we continue to be formed into Jesus’ image and likeness. Sometimes people of other faiths have

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE LEBLANC

difficulty in understanding why we as Catholics pray to saints, thinking that it is more important to pray directly to God. We do pray to God, and in the same way that we enlist the prayers of others when we are in need (think of the prayer chains that many churches have) we also ask for the prayers of our brothers and sisters who are already in heaven. This is the same reasoning for praying to our Blessed Mother who is the greatest saint of all. When Jesus was dying on the cross, He gave her to us as our mother, and gave us to her as her children. (Jn. 19: 26 – 27) What good and loving mother would not want to help her child coming to her in need? Mary is not God, and we do not pray to her as God, but rather ask her motherly help and intercession in our time of need. According to tradition, the Catholic Church has many patron saints, persons in heaven designated to bring our petitions for particular intentions to God, often due to special events in their lives. Each of these has their feast day, a date set apart in the Liturgical (church) year. For example, St. Aloysius Gonzaga is the patron saint of AIDS patients and caregivers; St. Joseph of Cupertino intercedes for air travelers; St. Peregrine has a special place in his heart for cancer victims since he suffered from it as well; St. Monica intercedes for mothers;

St. Catherine of Sweden prays for pregnant mothers and those suffering miscarriages; and Our Lady of Guadalupe is patroness of the Americas.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES TO CELEBRATE THE SAINTS:

■ Attend Mass or visit churches named after your favorite saints. ■ Read the lives of your patron saints. ■ Compose a litany of your patron saints and those who inspire you, i.e., St. Joseph …Pray for us. ■ Celebrate the feast (saint) day of your family members and friends. ■ Find online coloring projects and crafts related to your children’s patron saints. ■ Plan ahead to help your children dress as saints for Halloween. ■ Have a special family prayer or celebration on different saint’s feast days.

Here are a few upcoming ones to help you. You can find a longer list at: https:// www.usccb.org/resources/2023cal.pdf July 3rd: Saint Thomas the Apostle July 22nd: Saint Mary Magdalene (Faithful friend of Jesus) July 25th: Saint James the Apostle July 26th: Saints Joachim and Anne (Parents of our Blessed Mother and grandparents of Jesus) August 15th: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mother of Jesus) August 24th: St. Bartholomew the Apostle C J U L Y 2 , 2 0 2 3 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

FEATURE

COMING HOME ST. NICHOLAS WELCOMES BACK AN OLD FRIEND BY LOU PONSI

HE MASS HONORING the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Laguna Woods on June 11 served as a spiritual homecoming for Fr. Ryan Timossi. Fr. Timossi, 33, started attending Mass at St. Nicholas at age 3 and his family has been in the parish for 30 years. Fr. Timossi was not only celebrating the Mass, he was returning to his home parish for the first time since being ordained a priest eight days earlier. He was ordained on June 3 by Most Reverend Bishop Kevin Rhodes for the Diocese of Fort Wayne/South Bend, Indiana. Fr. Timossi was then invited by St. Nicholas Pastor George Blais to celebrate Mass at St. Nicholas. His parents, John and Anne Timossi, his brother Sean, his grandmother and several more relatives and friends were among those in attendance. “I was filled with an immense peace throughout the Mass,” Fr. Timossi said. “Growing up in this parish I felt like it was my home in many respects. I felt the Father’s love shining down through the window as the light was coming down. It felt like the Father was smiling upon all of us. It was everything I expected in more.” Just prior to delivering his homily, Fr. Timossi shared memories of attending Mass as a young child with his mother. Fr. Timossi drew chuckles from parishioners when he endearingly recalled his mother promising to buy him donuts if he agreed to accompany her to daily Mass. “So, all of you who thought, ‘what a devout young child,’ know that it was partially due to donuts,” he said.

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FR. RYAN TIMOSSI IS PICTURED WITH FELLOW CLERGY OUTSIDE ST. NICHOLAS CATHOLIC CHURCH. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

Fr. Timossi also thanked his parents for establishing and maintaining a spiritual base throughout his young life. “Your faith and example have given me an environment to discern a vocation and ultimately make it to this day,” he told his parents during Mass. During his homily, Fr. Timossi interpreted the day’s Gospel reading, John 6:51-58, in which Jesus declares that whoever receives His body and blood receives eternal life. “This Sunday we celebrate one of the greatest mysteries of faith, that of the Eucharist, the mystery of the body and blood of Christ given to us as spiritual food and drink,” Fr. Timossi said. “The Eucharist makes us one with Jesus, at the moment of communion, Jesus comes into our hearts making it the most beautiful and precious time of our day.” Fr. Timossi’s parents were seated in the first pew and received communion from their son. John Timossi said watching his son celebrate Mass in the family’s home par-

ish was “surreal.” “He did it,” John Timossi said. “He dedicated himself and here we are today. We’re very proud of him because that is what he wants to do, and the Lord has a plan for him.” Anne Timossi said she never tried to push her children into a certain direction, but instead “gave them to the Lord.” “I told them when they were young teens, ‘it is between you and God, whatever you do,’” she said. “It feels like the culmination of a lot of prayers and just seeing how he is going to be reaching out to people with his whole personality, uniting himself to the Lord and use whatever talents he has.” While being homeschooled and raised in the Church, it wasn’t until attending Aliso Niguel High School when Fr. Timossi spent more time reading Sacred Scripture, which then prompted the future priest to take his spiritual life more seriously. He received the sacrament of reconciliation, began praying more and studying

the lives of saints. Fr. Timossi was particularly inspired by the life of St. Padre Pio, the Italian Capuchin Franciscan known for his charitable works and his unwavering devotion to the Lord. It is also believed that St. Padre Pio received the gift of the stigmata, which are wounds appearing on the same area of body as the wounds received by Jesus during the crucifixion. The calling into religious life strengthened when he began attending St. Michael’s Abbey in Silverado, where he received spiritual guidance from the Norbertine priests at the monastery. He ultimately joined an order of Franciscans in upstate New York. “After two years of being in the community, I discerned the Lord seemed to be wanting me to study for the priesthood,” Fr. Timossi said. He was sent to the Franciscan’s seminary in northern Italy, where he had opportunity to visit Padre Pio’s birthplace in Pietrelcina, as well as San Giovanni CONTINUES ON PAGE 9

FEATURE

JOHN TIMOSSI RECEIVES COMMUNION FROM HIS SON, FR. RYAN TIMOSSI, DURING MASS CELEBRATED ON JUNE 11 AT ST. NICHOLAS CATHOLIC CHURCH IN LAGUNA WOODS.

FR. RYAN TIMOSSI GIVES HIS HOMILY DURING MASS CELEBRATED ON JUNE 11 AT ST. NICHOLAS CATHOLIC CHURCH IN LAGUNA WOODS. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

County, Timossi returned to Fort Wayne Rotondo, where Pio lived as a friar and for his first assignment at Our Lady of where his body remains on display. Good Hope, a parish with about 1,200 His resolve to enter the priesthood families. was strengthened by the experience. Anne Timossi added: “As a mothFr. Timossi returned to California and er, I feel like everything we have done then journeyed to Fort Wayne, Indiana, has culminated in this and now I look where he spent time with a group of forward to a unity, from wherever he Franciscan Friars he had met in New is, united in prayer. It is not so much York. missing him. It is uniting my prayers to Fr. Timossi felt a calling to serve at whatever is going on in his life because the diocesan level and ultimately reJesus operates that way. There is no NEWLY ORDAINED PRIEST, FR. RYAN TIMOSSI, IS PICTURED WITH HIS BROTHER SEAN AND PARENTS ANNE AND mained in Fort Wayne, Indiana. distance. So, I let him go wherever the JOHN TIMOSSI AT ST. NICHOLAS CATHOLIC CHURCH IN LAGUNA WOODS. After his visit with family in Orange Lord takes him.” C J U L Y 2 , 2 0 2 3 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

DIOCESAN NEWS

PRIEST ASSIGNMENT CHANGES BY STAFF

ISHOP VANN IS PLEASED to announce the following appointments, effective July 1, 2023

PASTORS

REV. JOSEPH LUAN NGUYEN From Pastor, Our Lady of La Vang Church, Santa Ana To Pastor, St. Columban Church, Garden Grove REV. MSGR. TUAN JOSEPH PHAM From Pastor, St. Columban Church, Garden Grove To Pastor, San Antonio de Padua del Cañon Church, Anaheim Hills REV. VINCENT HUNG PHAM From Director, Vietnamese Catholic Center, Santa Ana To Pastor, St. Bonaventure Church, Huntington Beach VERY REV. DANIEL BRIAN READER From Chancellor and Director of Priests’ Personnel, Pastoral Center, Garden Grove To Pastor, St. Angela Merici Church, Brea REV. QUAN DINH TRAN From Administrator, St. Hedwig Church, Los Alamitos To Pastor, St. Hedwig Church, Los Alamitos

PASTORS RENEWED OR EXTENDED REV. BILL TUYEN CAO From Pastor, St. Anthony Claret Church, Anaheim To Pastor Renewed, St. Anthony Claret Church, Anaheim REV. MSGR. DOUGLAS JAMES COOK From Pastor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Newport Beach To Pastor Renewed, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Newport Beach REV. EDWARD LEE POETTGEN From Pastor, St. Boniface Church, Anaheim To Pastor Renewed, St. Boniface Church, Anaheim

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REV. MICHAEL M. PONTARELLI, O.S.M. From Pastor, St. Juliana Falconieri Church, Fullerton To Pastor Renewed, St. Juliana Falconieri Church, Fullerton

ADMINISTRATORS/ DIRECTORS REV. WAYNE ADAJAR From Parochial Vicar, Holy Spirit Church, Fountain Valley To Parochial Administrator, St. Pius V Church, Buena Park REV. MARTIN PHUOC BUI From Parochial Vicar, St. Nicholas Church, Laguna Woods To Parochial Administrator, St. Nicholas Church, Laguna Woods REV. ROBERT PETER CAPONE From Campus Minister, University of San Diego, San Diego To Parochial Administrator, St. Joachim Church, Costa Mesa REV. WILLIAM BREWER GOLDIN From Parochial Vicar, St. Vincent de Paul Church, Huntington Bch. To Parochial Administrator, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, La Habra REV. JOSEPH THAI NGUYEN From Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of La Vang Church, Santa Ana To Director, Vietnamese Catholic Center, Santa Ana REV. MICHAEL DUC NGUYEN From Parochial Vicar, St. Cecilia Church, Tustin To Parochial Administrator Pro-Tem, Santa Clara de Asís Church, Yorba Linda, Effective Feb. 1, 2023 REV. TONY KEY PARK From Parochial Vicar, Our Lady Queen of Angels Church,Newport Beach To Director pro tempore, St. Thomas Korean Catholic Center,Anaheim, effective June 15, 2023 REV. LUÍS GERARDO SEGURA From Parochial Vicar, St. Polycarp Church, Stanton

To Parochial Administrator, St. Joseph Church, Santa Ana REV. KIET ANH TA From Parochial Vicar, St. Thomas More Church, Irvine To Parochial Administrator, Our Lady of La Vang Church, Santa Ana

PAROCHIAL VICARS REV. SAÚL ALBA-INFANTE From Parochial Administrator, St. Joseph Church, Santa Ana To Parochial Vicar, St. Polycarp Church, Stanton REV. ERIALDO RAMÍREZ ALFARO From Parochial Vicar, St. Cecilia Church, Tustin To Parochial Vicar, St. Norbert Church, Orange REV. RUDOLPH ALUMAM From Parochial Vicar, Holy Family Church, Orange To Parochial Vicar, St. Joseph Church, Santa Ana REV. ROMEO ASCAN, A.M. From Alagad ni Maria Religious Community, Philippines To Parochial Vicar, St. Irenaeus Church, Cypress REV. GABRIEL ATIDOO From Diocese of Navrongo–Bolgatanga, Ghana To Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Newport Beach REV. EDWARD GERARD BECKER From Pastor, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, La Habra To Parochial Vicar, Holy Trinity Church, Ladera Ranch VERY REV. ERNEST SCOTT BORGMAN From Judicial Vicar, Tribunal and Office of Canonical Services, Garden Grove and Formation Faculty, Mt. Angel Seminary, OR To Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Fatima Church, San Clemente and Episcopal Vicar for Philanthropy REV. NAM LINH DOAN From Parochial Vicar, St. Norbert Church,

Orange To Parochial Vicar, St. Anthony Claret Church, Anaheim REV. HUMBERTO CRUZ FLORES, O.A.R. From Pastor, Guardian Angel Church, El Paso, Texas To Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of the Pillar Church, Santa Ana, effective Feb. 1, 2023 REV. RANDY GUILLEN From Parochial Administrator, St. Angela Merici Church, Brea To Parochial Vicar, Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano, SJC REV. MANUEL LOPEZ From Parochial Vicar, Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano To Parochial Vicar, St. Angela Merici Church, Brea REV. PAW TUN LWIN From Pastor, St. Pius V Church, Buena Park To Parochial Vicar, Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, Newport Beach REV. FRANCIS CHUNG KAY NG From Parochial Vicar, St. Angela Merici Church, Brea To Parochial Vicar, St. Timothy Church, Laguna Niguel REV. JOSEPH DUNG NGUYEN From Parochial Vicar, Vietnamese Catholic Center, Santa Ana; Part-time Parochial Vicar, IHM Church, Santa Ana To Parochial Vicar, St. Barbara Church, Santa Ana REV. THANH-TAI PETER NGUYEN From Parochial Vicar Part-time, Christ Our Savior Church, Santa Ana and Parochial Vicar Part-time, St. Joseph Church, Santa Ana To Parochial Vicar, Christ Our Savior Church, Santa Ana REV. DAVID ALAN OTTO From Parochial Vicar, St. Mary Church, Fullerton To Parochial Vicar, St. Vincent de Paul Church, Huntington Beach REV. HIEN VAN PHAM, S.V.D. From Society of the Divine Word, Riverside CONTINUES ON PAGE 12

DIOCESAN NEWS

AROUND OUR DIOCESE BY STAFF

ORANGE COUNTY PRESS CLUB AWARDS

Orange County Catholic, the Diocese’s official newspaper, recently won recognition at the 2023 Orange County Press Club awards. A story published September 2022 about the Diocese’s restoration of Christ Cathedral’s Hazel Wright Organ took home a first-place win for Best Arts/Culture Story or Review. In addition, a feature published in June 2022 on the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange’s 100th anniversary won third place in the Best Feature Story category. Both stories were by Greg Hardesty, a frequent contributing writer for Orange County Catholic.

PHOTO BY GIORGIO TROVATO

MATHEW BARRIENTOS, ST. HEDWIG EIGHTH-GRADE GRADUATE WITH HIS PARENTS AND GRANDMOTHER. COURTESY PHOTO

NOTRE DAME CLUB SCHOLARSHIPS TO OC DIOCESAN STUDENTS

The Notre Dame Club of Orange County (NDCOC) has again presented scholarships to graduates of Catholic Diocesan Elementary Schools who are headed to Catholic high schools this fall. The 27 students were honored for exemplifying what it means to “give back” by volunteering and participating in a host of school, church and community service programs in Orange County. NDCOC Scholarship Coordinator Paul Irving said presentation of the Award for Outstanding Community Service recognizes graduating eighth graders at each of the participating diocesan K-through-8 schools. This year, 26 of the 30 Catholic elementary schools participated, tripling in the last six years. NDCOC board president Tiffany Roberts said community service is just one mission of the University’s alumni club in Orange County, and the growing number of scholarships awarded shows increased involvement by the club and students.

A $250 scholarship for each honoree is forwarded to the recipients’ Catholic high schools to offset tuition costs. Recipients this year will be attending the OC Catholic high schools of JSerra, Mater Dei, Santa Margarita, Rosary Academy and Servite. Plaques are in place at each school to acknowledge yearly recipients with their photos. The club also supports education in Orange County through the University’s Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) program, which places teachers where needed in schools in the Diocese. —Submitted by Irv Cuevas

grounded leadership,” said Phil Stump, Servite Board Chairman. “As a graduate, as a vice principal, as principal, and most recently as our interim president, Stephen has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the Servite community. We couldn’t be happier about him leading the school over the coming years.” Stump thanked Dr. Shawna Pautsch, Fr. Mike Pontarelli, OSM ’73, Brendan Powers, Brendan Ronan, Mark Seaton ’95, Kevin Traut ’88, and Dr. Denise Valadez for serving on the search committee. He also thanked Kristin Brkich and Steve Peterson for chairing and leading the efforts with this process. Walswick commented, “I am excited and honored to serve as Servite High School’s next president. As a product of its rich tradition of forming faith-filled leaders, I can’t wait to contribute to the Servite legacy in this role and build upon the outstanding contributions the faculty, staff, alumni, students and parents have made in advancing the school’s mission.”C

SERVITE HIGH SCHOOL APPOINTS NEW PRESIDENT

Servite High School is proud to announce the selection of Mr. Stephen Walswick ’02 as the school’s new president. Mr. Walswick was named principal in 2021 and has served as principal and interim president since December 2022. “Stephen brings to the role of Servite President a proven track record of thoughtful, visionary and spiritually

STEPHEN WALSWICK J U L Y 2 , 2 0 2 3 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

DIOCESAN NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

To Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of La Vang Church, Santa Ana REV. TUAN VAN PHAM From Parochial Vicar, St. Kilian Church, Mission Viejo To Parochial Vicar, St. Columban Church, Garden Grove REV. MARCO HERNANDEZ QUINTANILLA From Parochial Vicar, St. Edward the Confessor Church, Dana Point To Parochial Vicar, Santiago de Compostela Church, Lake Forest REV. ARISTOTLE GEORGE QUAN From Parochial Vicar, San Francisco Solano Church, Rancho Santa Margarita To Parochial Vicar, St. Edward the Confessor Church, Dana Point REV. JOSEPH VINCENT SQUILLACIOTI From Parochial Vicar, St. Edward the Confessor Church, Dana Point To Parochial Vicar, Holy Spirit Church, Fountain Valley REV. ARUNDAS THOMAS From Diocese of Quilon, India To Parochial Vicar, St. Mary Church, Fullerton REV. CHARLES TRAN From Parochial Vicar, Holy Trinity Church, Ladera Ranch To Parochial Vicar, Holy Family Church, Orange REV. HOA XUAN TRAN From Parochial Vicar, St. Bonaventure Church, Huntington Beach To Parochial Vicar, St. Cecilia Church, Tustin REV. THOMAS HENRY TRAN From Parochial Vicar, Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, Newport Beach To Parochial Vicar, St. Thomas More Church, Irvine REV. DANH NGOC TRINH From Parochial Vicar, St. Barbara Church, Santa Ana To Parochial Vicar Part-time, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Santa Ana; Remaining Parochial Vicar, St. Barbara Church, Santa Ana REV. MAURO TINOCO TRUJILLO From Parochial Vicar, St. Irenaeus Church, Cypress

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To Parochial Vicar, St. Edward the Confessor Church, Dana Point REV. ANTHONY HIEN VU From Parochial Vicar, St. Barbara Church, Santa Ana To Parochial Vicar, Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, Newport Beach REV. MARTIN DUC ANH VU From Parochial Vicar, Santiago de Compostela Church, Lake Forest To Parochial Vicar, St. Cecilia Church, Tustin REV. PAUL HOA VU From Parochial Vicar Part-time, St. Columban Church, Garden Grove To Parochial Vicar Part-time, St. Barbara Church, Santa Ana Remaining Adjutant Judicial Vicar, Canonical Services, Garden Grove

NEWLY ORDAINED REV. IAN GASTON From Mt. Angel Seminary, St. Benedict, Oregon To Parochial Vicar, St. Irenaeus Church, Cypress REV. BENJAMIN MINH NGUYEN From St. John Seminary, Camarillo To Parochial Vicar, St. Kilian Church, Mission Viejo REV. JESÚS DAVID MORENO-NORIEGA From St. John Seminary, Camarillo To Parochial Vicar, Christ Cathedral, Garden Grove

IN RESIDENCE REV. JUAN CABOBOY From Pastor Emeritus Retired, Seal Beach To retired, in residence at St. Pius V Church, Buena Park REV. BRANDON LONG DANG From Director of Vocations, Pastoral Center, Garden Grove To In residence at San Francisco Solano Church, Rancho Santa Margarita; Remains Director of Vocations, Pastoral Center, Garden Grove REV. JOSEPH EVAN DROESSLER From In residence at Ss. Simon & Jude Church, Huntington Beach To In residence at Holy Family Church, Seal Beach REV. FREDY OMAR MANCILLA RANGEL

From In residence at Christ Our Savior Church, Santa Ana To in residence at St. Joachim Church, Costa Mesa

SENIOR PRIESTS REV. GEORGE PAUL BLAIS From Pastor, St. Nicholas Church, Laguna Woods To Senior Priest, St. Catherine of Siena Church, Laguna Beach and Chaplain for Retrouvaille REV. MICHAEL PATRICK HANIFIN From Pastor, St. Joachim Church, Costa Mesa To Senior Priest, St. Joachim Church, Costa Mesa and Chaplain for Neo-Catechumenal Way REV. JOSEPH BARCLAY KNERR From Pastor, St. Bonaventure Church, Huntington Beach To Senior Priest, St. Bonaventure Church, Huntington Beach

Master of Ceremonies. REV. TIMOTHY JOHN DONOVAN From Santa Margarita Catholic High School, Rancho Santa Margarita To Released to promote Evangelization and Faith Formation Programs nationwide. Private residence REV. JOHN FRANCIS NENEMAN From Pastor, San Antonio de Padua del Cañon Church, Anaheim Hills To “Ecclesiastical Coordinator”, Knights of Columbus Private residence

CHAPLAINCY

REV. ISABELO ABUAN, III, A.M. From Alagad ni Maria Religious Community, Philippines To Chaplain, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton REV. WEIPING (FRANCIS) LI From Chaplain, CHOC Hospital, Orange To Chaplain, Chinese Catholic Community at SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS St. Thomas More Church, Irvine; Remaining REV. ALFRED STEPHEN BACA Chaplain at CHOC Hospital, Orange From Senior Priest, St. Anne Church, Seal In residence at St. Norbert Church, Orange Beach REV. FLORANTE MOREN, A.M. To Episcopal Vicar for Ecumenism and InFrom Chaplain, California State University terreligious Affairs, Pastoral Center, Garden Fullerton, Fullerton Grove, effective February 27, 2023; To Chaplain, Santa Margarita Catholic High Remaining Senior Priest, St. Anne Church, School, Rancho Santa Margarita Seal Beach REV. CHINNAPPAN MUDIYAPPAN, REV. CHEEYOON TIMOTHY CHUN O.S.M. From Parochial Vicar, Holy Family Church, From Aikiya Annai Province of the Servites, Orange India To Associate Director of Vocations Part-time, To Chaplain, Servite High School, Anaheim Pastoral Center, Garden Grove and Parochial In residence at Servite Community of St. Vicar Part-time, Holy Family Church, Orange Philip Benizi, Links House, Buena Park. REV. JOHN EDGAR CARONAN, REV. BENJAMIN PHILIP TRAN O.PRAEM. From Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Fatima From Adjutant Judicial Vicar and Defender of Church, San Clemente the Bond, Tribunal and Office of Canonical To Chaplain, University of California Irvine, Services, Pastoral Center, Garden Grove Irvine To Judicial Vicar, Tribunal and Office of In Residence at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Canonical Services, Pastoral Center, Garden Church, Irvine Grove REV. MICHAEL TUAN KHONG RETIRED From Secretary to the Bishop and Master of REV. JOHN LE VECKE Ceremonies, Pastoral Center, Garden Grove From Leave of Absence To Chancellor and Interim Director of Priests’ To Retired Priest Status. In current residence Personnel, Pastoral Center, Garden Grove; Effective October 1, 2022 Remaining as Secretary to the Bishop and CONTINUES ON PAGE 14

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church. There were the “safe” fireworks of caps, “snakes” and the occasional bottle rockets. As a family we would go to the D.A.V. (Disabled American Veterans), the Knights of Columbus or later on some of the various clubs on Lake Springfield. We would cook-out there, or later Dad would grill at home. The evening would usually find us at the “Drive-In” where our folks would take to a movie, and where we would safely watch fireworks in our station wagon, along with a film (either the 66 Drive-in Theater named after the famous highway on which it was located or the Springfield Drive-in Theatre). One year I seem to remember “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” with Jane Powell and Howard Keel (who was born just 50 miles south of Springfield in a little coal mining town called Gillespie, Illinois.) He was, as I also seem to remember, a local celebrity! I still enjoy movies related to the holidays. Most recently I watched Fred Astaire in a fabulous scene from “Holiday Inn” when he danced to firecrackers in a production number entitled “Say it with Firecrackers” for July 4! California and Hollywood were a long way off then! But mostly I remember Dad being proud of being a Navy veteran, on a day when we would recall the reality and blessings of being a U.S. citizen - which certainly became even more of a reality and was confirmed when I lived out of the States for four years, and also got the chance to travel widely in my years as a priest and bishop. The reason for the celebration of Independence Day became very clear to me in those growing up years and beyond: The possibility to experience freedom to worship and

practice and live one’s faith which was not — and is still not — possible in other parts of the world. And, to give thanks to God for that even with the challenges which we as a nation experience in our contemporary world. Although the gatherings on July 4 are not strictly speaking to a religious holiday, nevertheless, the faith dimension is present in such hymns as “America the Beautiful” and the liturgical prayers for the day: “Father of all nations and ages, we recall the day when our country claimed its place among the family of nations; for what has been achieved we give you thanks, for the work that remains we ask your help, and as you have called us from many peoples to be one nation, grant that, under your providence, our country may share your blessings with all the peoples of the earth.” Finally, I would like to share “Our Prayer for Our Government (1791)” by Archbishop John Carroll of Baltimore, whose brother Charles Carroll of Carrollton was one of the signatories on the Declaration of Independence: We pray O God of might, wisdom and justice, Through whom authority is rightly administered, Laws are enacted and judgement decreed, assist with Your Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude that the President of these United States, that his administration May be conducted in righteousness and be eminently To your people over whom he presides; by encouraging Due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful Execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and By restraining vice and immorality.” C

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SCHOOL NEWS

LEADERSHIP IN ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SPOTLIGHT ON BRANDON FRAGOSO, ST. COLUMBAN SCHOOL BY MIKE ZINN

T. COLUMBAN SCHOOL’S Brandon Fragoso is the final leader spotlight of the 2022-2023 school year. He has made a remarkable impression on staff and fellow students during his two years at the school. Arriving at St. Columban as a transfer student at the start of his seventh-grade school year, Fragoso immediately immersed himself in all aspects of student life. In the words of eighth-grade teacher, Lori Matsunaga, “he fit right in and made a positive impact quickly on his fellow students.” BRANDON FRAGOSO WILL ATTEND MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL IN THE FALL. COURTESY PHOTO Both Matsunaga and Principal Melissa Geary praised Fragoso for his strong leadership skills and willingness to his drive to be involved and a leader, One impactful moment occurred help students and teachers alike. Fragoso would like to serve on the this school year when Fragoso and “He is self-motivated and takes on tasks student council and participate his partner worked with two thirdwithout hesitation,” said Geary. in his favorite sport of soccer at grade students who were having a Fragoso has participated in a wide range Mater Dei. With his well-rounded disagreement. Their efforts were of activities at St. Columban. He has been personality, Fragoso is looking for- successful, and the pair went on to a member of student council both years, ward to also expressing his creative become friends. serving as Commissioner of Athletics. side by taking a ceramics class. For When asked what he liked best In this role, Fragoso was responsible for a future profession Fragoso would about this school, he replied, “I like communicating with the team coaches and like to be a medical doctor or con- how the teachers help and encourorganizing pep rallies. Additionally, tinue with his love of a soccer and age all students to be successful Fragoso played on the basketball and foot- become a professional player. and how the students are very ball teams and was an altar server at school Fragoso’s leadership skills have friendly and willing to build-up Masses. been evident every day at school. their fellow classmates.” Academics are very important to “He interacts in a positive Fragoso is most proud of Fragoso, with math and science being his manner with classmates and takes achieving straight A’s and winning favorite subjects. on leadership roles without being the Most Valuable Player award for “I like math because it challenges me asked,” said Matsunaga. football. and science because it is mysterious and He participates in “Pax ChrisBehind every great leader, is teaches me the importance of problem ti” (Peace of Christ) which has generally a great role model. Frasolving,” he noted. seventh-and eighth-grade students goso talked about his mother and Fragoso is very much looking forward monitoring the lunch and playher influence on his life. to high school. He will be attending Mater ground areas in pairs and helping “My mom is very strict but unDei High School, along with his twin sister to calmly diffuse any arguments derstanding, respectful, sweet and and current classmate, Giselle. Continuing or disagreements among students. kind to others,” he said. C

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

REV. KENNETH ALLEN SCHMIT From Parochial Administrator Extended, St. John Vianney Chapel, Balboa Island To Retired Priest Status. In private residence Effective June 30, 2023

LEAVE OF ABSENCE/SICK LEAVE: REV. FRED KEVIN BAILEY From Pastor, Santa Clara de Asis Church, Yorba Linda To Administrative Leave from ministry through June 30, 2024 REV. EFRAÍN FLORES From Senior Priest, St. Anthony Claret Church, Anaheim To Sick Leave, effective Nov. 19, 2022 In residence at St. Anne Church, Santa Ana REV. ALEXANDER HA From Director, St. Thomas Korean Catholic Center, Anaheim To Administrative Leave from ministry, effective June 14, 2023

RETURNING TO RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES REV. THOMAS DEVINE, O.A.R. From Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of the Pillar Church, Santa Ana To Order of Augustinian Recollects, Montebello, CA REV. AARON GALVIZO, A.M. From Parochial Vicar, St. Irenaeus Church, Cypress To Alagad ni Maria Religious Community, Diocese of Camden, New Jersey REV. EVAN WILLIAM SIMINGTON From Parochial Administrator, St. John Henry Newman Church, Irvine, In-residence at St. Timothy Church, Lake Forest, CA To Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, Outside diocese REV. JOHN-FRANCIS TOAN VU, SJ From Chaplain, Campus Ministry, University of California Irvine, Irvine To Jesuits Western Province, Portland, Oregon REV. MIGUEL ÁNGEL HERRERA CÁRABEZ From Parochial Vicar, St. Joachim Church, Costa Mesa To released from ministry to home Diocese Goma, Congo

Moments MomentsininourourJourney Journey

A farewell reception for Fr. George Blais was recently held at St. Nicholas parish in Laguna Woods, as he moves on to his next assignment at St. Catherine’s. Parishioners prepared and served food following two Masses celebrated on Saturday and three Masses on Sunday, June 17 and 18. Godspeed, Father, and thank you for all these years of faithfully shepherding. —Submitted by Jean Duffy, St. Nicholas parishioner

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

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