OC CATHOLIC - DECEMBER 24, 2023

DECEMBER 24, 2023

JOY TO THE WORLD!

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

CHRISTMAS AT THE CATHEDRAL A NATIVITY SCENE IS DISPLAYED AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS IN GARDEN GROVE. PHOTO BY PATTY MAHONEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

DECEMBER 24, 2023

CONTENTS

7 O COME, LET US ADORE HIM!

Turn your thoughts to your family, faith and Him for Christmas this year.

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THE GIFT OF LIFE

Jay Horan turns to his faith community to ask a monumental question.

12 SERVING WITHOUT DISTINCTION

Rosary High School students shared holiday cheer by hosting a winter formal dance for young people with disabilities.

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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GUEST COLUMN

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS AS A CATHOLIC: AN EXPERIENCE FILLED WITH FAITH AND REFLECTION

BY DEACON MODESTO CORDERO, DIRECTOR FOR THE OFFICE FOR WORSHIP, DIOCESE OF ORANGE

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HRISTMAS HAS ALWAYS held a special place in my heart as a Catholic and deacon. It is a time when faith blends with joy, hope, and reflection on the deeper meaning of this season. Over the years, I have lived unforgettable moments that have enriched my connection with the Catholic faith during the Christmas season. It is about celebrating once again the birth of the Baby Jesus among us and revisiting those moments of his birth in Bethlehem.

One of the most significant traditions is the Midnight Mass. Attending this Mass on Christmas Eve, with my entire family, has become a fundamental pillar of my Christmas celebration. The solemn atmosphere, the dim light of the candles, and

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The Diocese of Orange, through OC Catholic newspaper, presents local, national and

the melodious Christmas Music create a unique environment that immerses me in the spirituality of the moment. Listening to the story of the birth of Jesus and participating in the Eucharist strengthens my faith and fills me with gratitude.

Decorating the nativity scene at home is another tradition that cannot be missed. Each figurine, from the Three Wise Men to the shepherds and baby Jesus, represents the sacred story we celebrate. This activity becomes a tangible reminder of the humanity and hope that Christ’s birth brought to the world. As I carefully place each piece, I reflect on the spiritual meaning of Christmas and the importance of following Jesus’ example in my daily life.

Prayer also plays a fundamental role

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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.

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

DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

SACRED ART

“

In Jesus, born of Mary, the eternal one becomes forever and irreversibly ‘God-with-us’.

— Pope Francis

SAINT PROFILE

THE HOLY FAMILY

”

BLESSED PAULA CERIOLI

1816-1865

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Nancy Minear’s depiction of Mary holding the infant Jesus with Joseph by her side. This artwork is a combination of ink, colored pencil and watercolor. The image was once used for a parish Christmas card. C Submitted by Ron Minear (Nancy’s husband), St. Bonaventure parish, Huntington Beach.

OSTANZA CERIOLI WAS BORN at Bergamo, the last of 16 children. At 19 she reluctantly entered an arranged marriage with an elderly widower. The difficult match lasted 19 unhappy years. Two of her children died at infancy and her son at 16.

When her husband died, he left her a vast fortune, which she devoted to the care of orphaned girls from impoverished rural families. Costanza’s bishop once told her that some people thought she was “cracked.” “So I am,” she said, “by the lunacy of the cross.” Other women soon joined her work. In 1857, she organized the Institute of the Holy Family and took the name Paula Elizabeth. She opened a branch of the Institute for boys in 1862..

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

IS 52:7-10; PS 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6.; HEB 1:1-6; JN 1:1-18

ACTS 6:8-10; 7:54-59; PS 31:3CD-4, 6 AND 8AB, 16BC AND 17; MT 10:17-22

1 JN 1:1-4; PS 97:12, 5-6, 11-12; JN 20:1A AND 2-8

1 JN 1:5—2:2; PS 124:2-3, 4-5, 7CD8; MT 2:13-18

1 JN 2:3-11; PS 96:1-2A, 2B-3, 5B6; LK 2:22-35

1 JN 2:12-17; PS 96:7-8A, 8B-9, 10; LK 2:36-40

SIR 3:2-6, 12-14; PS 128:1-2, 3, 4-5; COL 3:12-21 OR 3:12-17; LK 2:2240

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DIOCESAN NEWS

CHRISTMAS AT THE CATHEDRAL

BY STAFF

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HE RENOWNED HAZEL WRIGHT Organ led the way during “Christmas at the Cathedral,” a festive evening of Christmas music held on Friday, Dec. 15. Christ Cathedral was filled with the joyous sounds of the season as several choirs, including the Cathedral’s own Diocesan Children’s Choir, performed timeless favorites — much to the delight of attendees.

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DIOCESAN NEWS/CATHOLIC FAMILY LIVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

O COME, LET US ADORE HIM!

BY JOAN PATTEN, AO

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Photos by Ian Tran/Diocese of Orange C

HERE IS YOUR HEART resting this Christmas?

Some of us may be finishing a marathon of Christmas activities with family, friends and work. Others may be mourning the loss of a loved one and find it difficult even to imagine engaging in additional tasks such as decorating, baking, shopping and gatherings. Still, others may find their recent experiences somewhat “ordinary,” filled with routines and traditions that are familiar and treasured every year.

Wherever you find yourself, it is in these particular circumstances that Our Lord desires to be born into this year.

Throughout Advent, we prayed, “Come, Lord Jesus,” seeking to invite Him into every moment of our lives. When Jesus comes into any reality, He brings His truth, freedom, light, peace and direction.

His presence always invites our response of adoration: “O Come, let us adore Him!” Christmas falls on a Monday this year, making the fourth week of Advent last about twenty-four hours. The Fourth Sunday of Advent begins after 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 23, and ends at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 24, as the vigil for Christmas starts at that time. It’s almost as if Jesus couldn’t wait another minute, let alone another day, to be with us. As a result, we are obligated to attend two Masses over this long Christmas weekend, one to celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent and one to celebrate the Nativity of the Lord. While various options exist to fulfill this obligation, such as attending Mass on Saturday evening and

PHOTO BY GARETH HARPER

Monday morning, we cannot “double-up” by attending only one Mass on Sunday morning.

Obligations can feel like intrusions that conflict with our plans and complicate the list of things we already need to do. Yet, if we pause to consider God’s commands throughout Scripture and salvation history, we can see that He always has our good in mind and that His commands are at the service of communion with Him. Therefore, God commands us to worship Him by offering ourselves to Him, especially when we encounter Him in the holy sacrifice of the Mass.

On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, we will hear the command that Joseph is given to accept Mary as his wife. He is also told that the child she carries is the fulfillment of the prophecy, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel” (which means God is with us). (Mt. 1:23) Basically, God is saying, “Joseph, take Mary as your wife so that I can be with you!” God

wants to make His dwelling with us.

On Christmas, at the Mass During the Day on Dec. 25, we will hear the words from the Gospel of John, “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (Jn. 1:14) Every time we go to Mass, we have the opportunity to be with Jesus who becomes flesh in the Eucharist on the altar before us so He can make His dwelling in us. Listen to the invitation this Christmas, “Go to Mass so I can be with you!” Let us respond: “O Come, let us adore Him!” Throughout this Christmas season, consider the commands of the Lord that have been directed to you in your life and circumstances so that you may notice the invitation to deeper communion with Him. God’s voice may sound so ordinary; we may miss it if we are not paying attention. Is He asking you to wash the dishes, stop judging or listen to your older relatives during your Christmas gathering? Let it be an invitation so He can dwell with you here. Let your heart rest in the wonder that our God desires to dwell with you and offer Him the humble gifts of your time, trust and adoration.C

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FEATURE

THE GIFT OF LIFE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISHIONER JAY HORAN IS READY TO ASK A LIFESAVING QUESTION

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BY GREG HARDESTY

OHN “JAY” HORAN SITS at his kitchen table, a thick black binder in front of him.

A few years ago, the binder would have contained materials for his construction manager job: in-depth charts about the timing of deliverables, budget breakdowns and the like.

Now it’s filled with medical documents.

In June 2020, Horan, now 66, was diagnosed with end-stage renal (kidney) failure, news he said “dumbfounded” him.

Besides having previously undergone an appendectomy and back surgery, he had been in good health – or so he thought.

He went to see a doctor after suffering some falls at commercial construction sites after his fatigued legs gave out.

A BIG ASK It took Horan a few frustrating months before he ended up at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange and finally got a diagnosis.

It also took him a lot of soul-searching to go public with his dream of finding a live kidney donor.

“It’s just that asking someone to donate a kidney isn’t the easiest thing to do,” said Horan.

In fact, according to medical literature his doctor provided, more than half of all people in need of a kidney transplant do not even ask one person to donate.

“I never once thought, ‘Why me?’”

Horan said of being on dialysis treatment for the last 3 ½ years. And while dialysis is

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JAY HORAN SITS OUTSIDE HIS FULLERTON HOME ON NOV. 17. PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

a treatment, it is not a cure.

Instead, Horan turned to his faith and prayer for comfort and guidance.

“I’ve been dealt a curveball – now I’m trying to hit it,” said Horan, a state-licensed architect for 36 years who studied the subject at Cal State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

FATHER AND SON Transplants from living donors offer the best odds for longer, healthier lives for

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kidney recipients, and reduce the six- to 10-year waiting period for a kidney from a deceased donor to just months with the help of a living donor.

Horan’s son, Colin, 27, put his San Francisco career on hold and returned home to Orange County to provide support and care for his father after first coming down to help his ailing grandmother.

Horan’s two adult daughters, Katin and Alana, who live locally, have also been a big support.

“Family comes first,” Colin said. “Work will always be there, and I’m young. I can always build my career.”

For the eight years leading up to her death last Thanksgiving at age 96, Mary Horan – Jay’s mother and Colin’s grandmother – was on dialysis.

Horan and his son lived and took care of her in her Tustin home. For over two years, Horan and his mother underwent dialysis together.

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FEATURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Following her death, he and Colin moved into their home in Santa Ana and started attending St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Being parishioners there now for only nine months, Horan has been hesitant to reach out to the congregation until he is a bit more familiar with them.

JAY HORAN AND HIS SON COLIN HORAN RECOUNT JAY’S STRUGGLES WITH END-STAGE RENAL FAILURE.

COLIN HORAN AND HIS FATHER JAY HORAN TAKE A WALK IN FULLERTON ON NOV. 17.

PHOTOS BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

LIFELONG CATHOLICS

ONE KIDNEY IS ENOUGH

The Horans are lifelong Catholics.

Born in Evanston, Ill., Jay was a small child when his family relocated to Southern California.

He attended St. Cecilia School in Tustin, and his three children grew up attending Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in San Clemente.

All of Horan’s children were baptized at Mission Basilica in San Juan Capistrano.

Some things in life, of course, are priceless: for example, his three children and his first granddaughter, who turns 1 soon.

Horan’s older brother is Fr. Gerald “Jerry” Horan, a Servite priest and former principal of Servite High School and former superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Orange.

Overall, donating a kidney is considered safe.

As with all surgeries, there is risk involved. But a person can live a full and healthy life with just one kidney.

Horan’s Medicare insurance would cover all costs to potential donors; the plan covers 100% of testing, hospitalization, medical and lab work for donor evaluation. The hospitalization for the donor is expected to be brief, typically one to two days.

Horan added: “It would mean the world to me and my family to extend my life.”

If you or someone you know is willing to consider this life-changing act, or to learn more about living kidney donation, contact Colin Horan, email kidneydonationforjjh@gmail.com or call (949) 385-3823.

For more information about organ donors and kidney donors, visit organdonor.gov/ and kidney.org C D E C E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 2 3 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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FEATURE

CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS

BY CATHERINE GRATTAN

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ATHOLIC CHARITIES OF Orange County (CCOC) has been busy this holiday season spreading Christmas cheer to families who need it most!

Dec. 16 marked the first day of the 2023 Christmas Blessings Gift Distribution program at the Christ Cathedral Cultural Center, which continued Dec. 18 and Dec. 19.

All 506 recipient families who registered for the program were sponsored by over 50 caring organizations and individuals who lovingly shopped and wrapped gifts for each family.

“It is truly a Christmas miracle,” remarked Madie Fugate, who is in charge of CCOC’s Christmas Blessings program.

CCOC’s dedicated volunteers and staff worked tirelessly transporting gifts down from the third floor of the Cultural Center to ensure all families who signed up to pick up their gifts were helped and served with a smile. Among these families included one gentleman who was kidnapped from his home country of Mexico and is barely making ends meet, desperately trying to give his kids a better life than the one he has lived through.

CCOC is currently helping process his request for asylum under the law. When asked about his family, he replied, “My daughter is the light of our lives. She has a heart condition that requires constant doctor visits… My wife is a housekeeper, she works long hours during the day. I myself work graveyard shifts, running on low sleep hours to take care of our beloved daughter. We left everything behind us when I was kidnapped…

Starting from scratch has been a challenging task but with God’s help, we have managed to at least provide shelter and food for our daughter. We are beyond

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A FAMILY ATTENDS CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ORANGE COUNTY’S CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS EVENT ON DEC. 16 AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS. PHOTO BY RENNE ENRIQUEZ/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE

grateful to be able to participate in this program.” (editor’s note: names were omitted for privacy) With all the hustle and bustle that the season brings, it is the hearts of those CCOC is able to bless that keep the

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organization going. Families in need were able to receive toys, bikes, scooters and gift cards for their children thanks to benefactors from parishes including Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, St. Norbert Catholic Church,

St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, St. Hedwig Church, St. Pius V Catholic Church, St. Irenaeus Catholic Church, Purísima CONTINUES ON PAGE 11

FEATURE

PHOTOS BY RENNE ENRIQUEZ/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Catholic Church, Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic Church, St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Santa Clara de Asís Catholic Church, St. Juliana Falconieri Catholic Church, St. Anne’s Seal Beach, Holy Family Catholic Church, Holy

and Castille Elementary School. CCOC also thanks organizations, including Catholic Charities Auxiliary, the Department of Catholic Schools, SSJ Mary’s Matters and the Diaconate class of 2026 for adopting families in need.

CCOC is amazed at just how impactful the Christmas Blessings gift pick-up went and looks forward to continuing to distribute gifts to families on Three Kings Day on Jan. 5 at the Trinity Catholic Church and Corpus Cantlay Food Distribution Center.

Christi Catholic Church.

Those interested in volunteering for Several Catholic schools also particiThree Kings Day can sign up at https:// pated in the blessing of families, includqrco.de/beb4z9. ing St. Junipero Serra Catholic School, St. To support CCOC’s Year-End Giving Jeanne de Lestonnac School, Mater Dei Campaign, text text HOPE2023 to High School, Christ Cathedral Academy 91999 C D E C E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 2 3 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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SCHOOLS

SERVING WITHOUT DISTINCTION ROSARY STUDENTS HOST WINTER FORMAL FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

BY LOU PONSI

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ACH YEAR, SOPHOMORES AT Rosary Academy are asked to participate in a class-wide outreach in the community.

As part of the annual service project, Rosary’s 2023-24 sophomore class organized and hosted the fourth annual RAD/ DSAOC Winter Formal on Dec. 1 at Rosary High School in Fullerton.

RAD and DSAOC are acronyms for Rising Above Disabilities and Downs Syndrome Association of Orange County.

RAD and DSAOC clients were invited along with clients of the Regional Center of Orange County, which serves individuals of all ages with special needs.

In all, close to 135 guests were invited to the event.

“Rosary Academy’s charism is to ‘serve the dear neighbor without distinction,’” said Elizabeth Flati, Rosary’s director of campus ministry, who oversees the project.

“And to be a Rosary Royal is to become a servant leader, often through outreach within the community.”

Prior to the start of the dance, a “glam squad” made over guests with makeup and new hairstyles.

Jemini Bhakta was among the clients receiving a full makeover from the glam squad.

“I just love how everybody is treating her right now and she just loves it,” said Jigisha Bhakta, Jemini’s sister. “They are treating her like a queen. This is the first event we’ve attended, and we are so excited.”

A red carpet leading to the entrance of the gymnasium, which was transformed into a scene from a Christmas fairy tale, was flanked on both sides by rows of students who cheered and high-fived guests as they made their way into the dance.

A D.J. played music and guests danced throughout the evening.

A photo booth was set up in the gym and guests could go outside and enjoy games in the courtyard.

“We’ve been setting up all week and we’re doing hair and makeup and pictures and everything to give them a really fun experience,” sophomore class president Micaela Watson said. “Not everybody gets a chance to work with different people, especially those with disabilities. So, I think it’s really fun to put ourselves into somebody else’s shoes for the night. It’s something that we’ve been looking forward to all year.

GUESTS OF ROSARY ACADEMY’S WINTER FORMAL HAVE FUN ON THE DANCE FLOOR.

GUESTS WALK THE RED CARPET LEADING TO THE ENTRANCE OF ROSARY ACADEMY’S GYMNASIUM, WHERE A FESTIVE WINTER FORMAL WAS HELD ON DEC. 1.

A ROSARY ACADEMY STUDENT APPLIES MAKEUP TO A GUEST PRIOR TO THE DEC. 1 WINTER FORMAL. PHOTOS BY STEVE GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

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We’re all really excited it’s finally here.”

Watson stressed the importance of embracing the special qualities that make each person unique.

Reina Sambrano is in charge of recruitment and registration for RAD clients and volunteers and was attending the RAD/ DSAOC Winter Formal for the first time.

“I’ve heard about this event for a couple of years now,” Sambrano said, “and have

never been able to make it out here before now.”

She continued: “I thought I would come and check it out and it’s amazing. It is an awesome night that’s very inclusive to all of the participants who are coming. I’m so impressed.”

Rosary’s freshmen, junior and senior classes are also required to perform a service project. C

SCHOOLS

JOY TO THE WORLD! ST. CECILIA CATHOLIC SCHOOL first time St. Cecilia’s choir has particiCHOIR ADDS CHRISTMAS CHEER pated.

TO TUSTIN TREE LIGHTING “Our choir is a wonderful part of

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BY BRITNEY ZINT

S NEIGHBORS, FAMILIES, and children dressed in festive pajamas and several miniature horses celebrated the Christmas season, the St. Cecilia Catholic School choir awaited their turn to serenade the community with six classic Christmas songs.

Standing on the stage in red sweaters, plaid skirts and khaki pants, the fifththrough eighth-grade choir students helped kick off the city of Tustin’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Stroll event on Dec. 8 in Old Town. The event featured a visit from Old Saint Nick, music and dance performances from local students, food trucks and holiday-themed carnival games for children.

“I think we did pretty good,” said sixth-grader Olive Huerta, 11, of the performance. “It was fun. I like singing, and it felt good.”

Her classmate Pauline Co echoed her sentiments.

“It was fun,” said Co, 11. “I enjoy singing with great people and singing with my classmates.”

The choir received a tumultuous applause for their renditions of “Jingle Bell Rock,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World.”

“I almost cry every time,” said Vice Principal Jessica Deutschel. “It just brings joy to see the confidence it takes to get up in front of the community and share their gifts and their love of God.” More than 1,000 came out to celebrate the Christmas event that closed several streets in Old Town Tustin. It was the first time in 15 years that the annual tree-lighting ceremony was in Old Town, and the

our school community,” said St. Cecilia Principal Mary Alvarado. “St. Cecilia is the patron saint of music, so we take that very much to heart and we love having our music program.”

The performance wasn’t the first this year for the choir, which performs at their first Friday Masses as well as their own campus special events. This year, the choir is branching out to perform at two choir festivals, as well as internationally, said Julia Galvan, choir director and music teacher.

“I’m really excited about singing in front of the Pope,” said fifth-grader Suzanna Nguyen, 10.

About 20 students in the choir will be traveling to Rome the day after Christmas to sing for Pope Francis at the Papal Mass on Jan. 1. The students will spend eight days abroad and have the opportunity to take a day trip to Assisi, see the Colosseum and have a private tour of the Sistine Chapel before coming together with other student choirs to sing for Pope Francis.

This is the third time the school choir has performed for the Pope, said Alvarado.

“I am so excited I actually get to go to the Vatican,” said Co. The students have been training since school started, giving up their chance to sleep in on late-start Wednesdays for choir practice. The practice sessions start with vocal warm-ups and students are learning songs in English, Latin, Italian and German, explained Galvan.

“It’s fun and I really like it,” said fifth-grader Noah Anoc, 10, adding that his favorites to sing are the church hymns.

Nguyen said she wanted to join the school choir since she was 4 years old.

She said she loves it “because you get to sing about God, and you get to sing about what you love.” C

ABOUT 20 STUDENTS IN THE ST. CECILIA CATHOLIC SCHOOL CHOIR WILL BE TRAVELING TO ROME THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS TO SING FOR POPE FRANCIS AT THE PAPAL MASS ON JAN. 1.

ST. CECILIA CATHOLIC SCHOOL CHOIR PERFORMS DURING THE CITY OF TUSTIN’S CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING AND HOLIDAY STROLL EVENT ON DEC. 8 IN OLD TOWN. PHOTOS BY KIERNAN COLIFLORES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

ATTENDEES OF THE CITY OF TUSTIN’S CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING AND HOLIDAY STROLL EVENT CHEER ON ST. CECILIA CATHOLIC SCHOOL CHOIR, WHO PERFORMED CHRISTMAS SONGS FOR THE CROWD. D E C E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 2 3 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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DIOCESAN NEWS

AROUND OUR DIOCESE

BY STAFF

FR. ANGELOS SEBASTIAN SPEAKS AT ADVENT RETREAT IN YORBA LINDA

An Advent retreat was held at Santa Clara de Asís Church in Yorba Linda on Nov. 18, sponsored by the Diocese of Orange San Jose Filipino Ministry (DOSJFM). The guest speaker, the Very Reverend Angelos Sebastian, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Orange and pastor at St. Kilian Church in Mission Viejo, captivated an audience of about 250 attendees from 35 different parishes in the Dioceses of Orange, Los Angeles and San Bernardino/Riverside.

He spoke on the Transformative

FR. ANGELOS SEBASTIAN SPEAKS DURING AN ADVENT RETREAT ON NOV. 18. PHOTO COURTESY OF DIOCESE OF OR­ANGE SAN JOSE FILIPINO MINISTRY

BISHOP THANH THAI NGUYEN VISITED THE GARDEN GROVE POST ACUTE NURSING FACILITY ON DEC. 6. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

BISHOP THANH THAI NGUYEN

and Healing Power of the Eucharist and explained how in the Mass the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ by a process called transubstantiation. The Holy Spirit, through the liturgy of the Word comes down to the altar during consecration in almost the same manner that the Holy Spirit came down upon Mary who conceived the Son of God in her womb.

In addition to the rosary prayer and the Mass concelebrated by Fr. Angelos with the Alagad ni Maria priests, the half day retreat also included an opportunity for confessions provided by five AM priests before the start of the retreat.

“This is one of the best retreats I’ve ever been to,” remarked Cecilia Torres,

one of the several attendees from St. Justin Martyr Church.

This is the third year that the DOSJFM has sponsored Advent Retreats in mid-November. The DOSJFM was established in 2021 under the Ethnic Ministries of the Diocese of Orange.

-by Becky Tamondong, Diocese of Orange San Jose Filipino Ministry

BISHOP NGUYEN VISITS NURSING HOME

Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen visited the Garden Grove Post Acute Nursing Facility on Dec. 6 for holiday festivities.

Dressed in a Santa hat, he visited the residents, sang Christmas carols in English and Vietnamese and handed out presents to the residents. C

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Join Franciscan Fr. Mario DiCicco for his 2024 Tours Japan and Korea A Far East Adventure • April 5-23 Exploring the Eastern Balkans: Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Prague, Budapest • May 15-31 Holy Land Pilgrimage • September 7-18 (My 48th year of leading pilgrims there) The Silk Road Exploring Central Asia • October 10-28 For a brochure, write or call: Fr. Mario DiCicco, O.F.M. 110 West Madison St., Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 888-1331 • mmdicicco@gmail.com website for brochure: FrMarioTours.weebly.com

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in my Christmas experience as a Catholic. Amidst the hustle and bustle of celebrations and shopping, dedicating time to prayer allows me to find peace and connection with the divine. Reciting the Rosary and meditating on the joyful mysteries help me focus on the true reason for the season and express gratitude for the gift of redemption Jesus’ birth represents.

Charity is another crucial aspect of Christmas celebration in my life as a Catholic. The festive season is an opportunity to reach out to those in need. Participating in charitable activities, donating food to needy families, giving toys to homeless children or providing company to those who feel alone reflects the spirit of generosity and compassion that Jesus taught. Charity not only benefits others but also enriches my own Christmas experience by reminding me of the importance of sharing love and kindness.

Family celebrations also play a crucial role in my Christmas experience.

Gathering around the table to share a special meal, exchanging gifts with love, and enjoying time together strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. Christmas becomes a reminder of the importance of cherishing family as a precious gift.

My experience as a Catholic during Christmas is a mix of sacred rituals, spiritual reflections, charity and family celebrations. The season is not only an occasion to exchange gifts and enjoy delicious meals but also an opportunity to deepen my faith, remember the importance of charity and create meaningful memories with those I love. Christmas as a Catholic goes beyond traditional festivities: it is a time of spiritual renewal and commitment to the core values of the Christian faith.

I wish you much peace and happiness in your homes! C

Nếu bạn là nạn nhân bị lạm dụng tình dục bởi một linh mục/ tu sĩ hay một thành viên trong Giáo Hội gây ra, xin hãy gọi và báo cáo cho Giáo phận ở số điện thoại miễn phí sau đây: 1-800-364-3064, và đồng thời báo cáo cho nhà chức trách địa phương.

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HE DIOCESE OF Orange’s Filipino community gathered together on Dec. 6 to kick off the Simbang Gabi celebration at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Anaheim. Following Mass celebrated by Bishop Vann, attendees then met up for a special potluck dinner and festivities at the parish hall.

Earlier this month, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in La Habra hosted “Mercado del Niño Jesus,” a nine-day long Christmas Market with a rotation of visiting restaurants, parishioner food booths, shopping, crafts and more. A European style Christmas Market modeled after those held in Germany and Austria had a La Habra spin in a Mexican style, to coincide with our annual celebrations of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Enjoy photos from these two wonderful events!

Photos by Ian Tran/Diocese of Orange C

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O C C A T H O L I C ■ D E C E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 2 3

Moments MomentsininourourJourney Journey

The Most Reverend Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange and the Very Reverend Bao Quoc Thai, Rector of Christ Cathedral, visited Rome in late September to witness the creation of 21 new cardinals at a public consistory. One of the new cardinals is His Eminence Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio (Ambassador of the Holy See) to the Unites States of America (center). Cardinal Pierre is the personal and official representative of the pope both to the Church in the Unites States and to its Government.

Left: Fr. Bao and Bishop Vann at St. Peter’s the morning of the Consistory.

Below: Mass in honor of Cardinal Pierre at Basilica of Saints John and Paul in Rome.

Send your photos that capture Catholic life in your parish community to: editor@occatholic.com D E C E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 2 3 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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