THE SACRED MEANING OF CATHOLIC VESTMENTS
AUGUST 16, 2026
PAGE 12
THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ORANGE ■ OCCATHOLIC.COM
FAITH COMES TO THE FAIR
PAGE 5 FR. BILL CAO, PASTOR OF ST. ANTHONY CLARET CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ANAHEIM, POSES WITH OC FAIR STAFFERS FOLLOWING MASS AT THE COSTA MESA FAIRGROUNDS. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
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SCAN NOW
AUGUST 16, 2026
CONTENTS
7 8 9 10 14
A LOOK INSIDE LISA'S LIBRARY
Located at Our Lady Queen of Angels Ministry Center, the library offers an extensive collection of Catholic reading.
DISCOVER THE CORNERSTONE CATHOLIC SCRIPTURE STUDY
The inspirational Bible study group is celebrating 40 years.
30 YEARS AT ST. THOMAS MORE IN IRVINE
More than 1,000 parishioners came out to celebrate the milestone anniversary.
THE MISSION OFFICE OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Our mission, our lifeline between the Church and the larger community of faith.
HER MAJESTY, THE QUEEN
What does true royalty look like to you?
ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC MISSION STATEMENT The Orange County Catholic Newspaper seeks to illuminate and animate the journey of faith for Catholics within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange – building solidarity among the faithful and inviting a deeper understanding and involvement in the mission of Christ – through the timely sharing of news, commentary and feature content in an engaging, accessible and compelling format.
ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC
The Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange Diocese of Orange Pastoral Center, 13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove 92840 Publisher: The Most Reverend Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of Orange Executive Editor: Jarryd Gonzales Managing Editor: Patricia Mahoney, editor@occatholic.com News Ideas: editor@occatholic.com Delivery Problems: occatholicsupport@occatholic.com
ADVERTISING Sr. Director of Marketing: 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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DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
SACRAMENTS
“
Let us strive to be authentic witnesses of the love of Christ. — Pope Leo XIV
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERTA PANTLE
READER CALL-OUT
John and Roberta Pantle were wed on July 15, 1961, at Queen of All Saints Catholic Church in Brooklyn, N.Y. The officiating priest at their Marriage Mass was Rev. Donald Pantle, S.J., John’s first cousin, shown at the altar. What was also special? Several of Roberta’s kindergarten students and their parents attended the Mass.
SAINT PROFILE
HELENA
H
CIRCA 255-330
ELENA WAS THE mother of Constantine, the Roman emperor who in 313 ended the persecution of Christians throughout the empire. She was born in Asia Minor, married a Roman general named Constantius Chlorus, and gave birth to Constantine in 274 in what is now Serbia. She became a Christian in 312, and thereafter was known for her devotion, prayerfulness and generosity to the poor. In about 326, she went to the Holy Land, where she spent her last years humbly doing the housework in her convent but also building churches on holy sites. She reportedly found the "true cross" of Calvary. C
—Roberta Pantle, St. Angela Merici Parish in Brea. OC Catholic is looking for photos of our readers receiving their Holy Sacraments. Baptisms, First Communions, Weddings — we want to see your special day! Please include a brief description of the photo and why it is special to you. Include your name and home parish, and send to: editor@occatholic.com
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
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”
PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
EZEKIEL 24:15-23; DEUTERONOMY 32:18-19, 20, 21; MATTHEW 19:16-22
EZEKIEL 28:1-10; DEUTERONOMY 32:26-27AB, 27CD28, 30, 35CD-36AB; MATTHEW 19:23-30
EZEKIEL 34:1-11; PSALM 23:1-3A, 3B-4, 5, 6; MATTHEW 20:1-16
EZEKIEL 36:23-28; PSALM 51:1213, 14-15, 18-19; MATTHEW 22:1-14
EZEKIEL 37:1-14; PSALM 107:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; MATTHEW 22:34-40
EZEKIEL 43:1-7AB; PSALM 85:9AB AND 10, 11-12, 13-14; MATTHEW 23:1-12
ISAIAH 22:19-23; PSALM 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8; ROMANS 11:33-36; MATTHEW 16:13-20
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FEATURE
FAITH COMES TO THE FAIR M BY LOU PONSI
ANY OF THE MEN and women who operate the rides, games and food booths at the OC Fair are devout Catholics, but the long, late hours make it nearly impossible for the dedicated workers to attend weekly Mass. So, each year, the Diocese of Orange partners with Ray Cammack Shows (RCS) — the Arizona-based carnival company that staffs the fair — to bring the Mass directly to the workers. “With long nights, early mornings and constant travel, attending church off site is nearly impossible,” said Dominic Palmieri, co-owner of Odyssey Foods, one of the companies that provides new foods each year on the fair’s carnival midway. “It’s hard to get 400 employees to church. So, we bring church to them.” Palmieri works closely with RCS and the diocese each year to organize the Mass. For years, Msgr. John Urell, pastor emeritus at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Laguna Niguel, celebrated the special Mass. However, health-related issues prevented Msgr. Urell from attending this year, so Fr. Bill Cao, pastor of St. Anthony Claret Catholic Church in Anaheim, stepped in to celebrate the Mass, which is always offered in English and Spanish. A recent Mass was celebrated on July 30 and held under a large tent in an area unseen by the public and alongside trailers and motorhomes that serve as offices and schools for the children of the workers. Delivering his homily, Fr. Cao said celebrating Mass in nontraditional settings reflects the heart of the Catholic faith and the ministry of Jesus himself.
FAIRGOERS RIDE THE RCS BIG WHEEL AND THE SKY RIDE AT DUSK DURING THE OPENING DAY OF THE OC FAIR IN COSTA MESA ON FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026. PHOTO BY JEFF ANTENORE, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER/SCNG
“The Mass … we can celebrate anywhere,” Fr. Cao said. “There is no distinction. There are no barriers with God. We remember that in our faith, wherever we are, wherever we go, that we are to celebrate the faith, to profess in Jesus Christ our Lord.” The pastor also reminded the workers that their labor is “meaningful and dignified.” “You are there to bring joy, laughter, to reengage the community, to bring
life,” the pastor said. "The fair is fun, but it takes hard work — setting this place up, working when everyone’s having fun. But we know why they do it: to support themselves and their families.” Fr. Cao encouraged the congregation to examine their hearts and live their faith through kindness. “At the end of our days, how are we to respond to the Lord?” he said. “What are our good works? What is the goodness of our heart, the kindness that we have
shown for one another?” Fr. Cao also offered prayers for Msgr. Urell, who is recovering from triple bypass surgery, and prayed for relief from unrest and destruction in certain regions of the world. “We pray for all the peace in our world, places of war and violence — Ukraine, the Middle East, Iran,” he said. In addition to the fair workers and their families, the congregation included CONTINUES ON PAGE 6
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FEATURE
FR. BILL CAO, PASTOR OF ST. ANTHONY CLARET CATHOLIC CHURCH, CELEBRATES MASS FOR OC FAIR WORKERS ON JULY 30, 2026. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
members of a Bible study ministry from Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach. Dino Savant, who leads the Bible study, said he and several members of his group came after being invited by Palmieri, who attends the Bible study when he is in town for the fair. “It was so loving and so beautiful, so tangible,” Savant said. “Everybody could
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feel Christ with us.” Savant also praised Palmieri’s commitment to his workers. “How beautiful that this man, who runs this incredible operation, takes time for his people to say, ‘Hey, this is important. God’s word is really important, and our faith is really important,’” he said. Savant said celebrating Mass in a public, working environment reflects the
O C C A T H O L I C ■ A U G U S T 16 , 2 0 2 6
call of St. Francis. “As St. Francis says, preach the Gospel incessantly,” he said. “Use words if necessary.” The practice of organizing a Catholic Mass for fair workers started about 12 years ago when fair organizers reached out to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to bring a Mass to workers at the LA County Fair, Palmieri said. They continued the practice at other
fairs. “RCS typically offers two Masses at each fair,” Palmieri said. After the first Mass, word spreads quickly among the workers, and the second Mass usually draws dozens more attendees, he said. “We implement strict Catholic guidelines for Mass yet are inclusive to anyone who wants to come and be prayerful,” Palmieri said. C
DIOCESAN NEWS
“SO, WHAT ARE YOU READING?” A LOOK INSIDE LISA’S LIBRARY BY MIKE ZINN
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ISA’S LIBRARY IS A centerpiece of the Our Lady Queen of Angels Ministry Center, a welcoming space adorned with reminders of the Catholic faith and the call to holiness. Just inside the entrance, two adjoining walls lined with an extensive collection of Catholic books invite visitors to pause and explore. Above the shelves, an inscription and logo designed by staff member Anita Tak welcome guests with a simple question: “So, What Are You Reading?” The message sets the tone for the library while honoring the life and legacy of Lisa Nollette, whose love of reading and lifelong pursuit of faith continue to inspire others. Nollette served as director of Adult Faith Formation at the Newport Beach parish from January 2015 through October 2021. After being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, she died on Sept. 14, 2022. Her faith and love of learning and dedication to forming disciples continue to inspire the parish community through Lisa’s Library.
THE LIBRARY HONORS LISA NOLLETTE, WHO SERVED AS THE DIRECTOR OF ADULT FAITH FORMATION AT THE PARISH FOR MANY YEARS BEFORE HER DEATH IN 2022.
LISA'S LIBRARY AT OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS PARISH IN NEWPORT BEACH IS A READER'S PARADISE. PHOTOS BY SCOTT SMELTZER/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
“She was the social conscience of the parish,” recalled ministry center staffer Grace Wickersham. “She changed the parish in many ways.” After Nollette’s death, Kathy D’Ascoli, facilitator of First Impressions and Alpha Program coordinator, spearheaded a project to honor Nollette’s life, service to OLQA and love of books. It was decided that developing a library was a fitting tribute to Nollette. D’Ascoli worked closely with the church’s pastor at the time, Fr. Steve Sallot, to coordinate the library’s development. The library began from humble beginnings. Portable book racks were set up outside the Ministry Center before moving indoors to its current location. It was formally dedicated on April 26, 2023. D’Ascoli describes Lisa’s Library as “a place of hope and solitude to come and read,” where visitors are invited to deepen their faith through reading, reflection and prayer. Lisa's Library was fueled by the dona-
tion of Nollette’s personal book collection and set the stage for additional individual book donations from parishioners. The book donations are organized by volunteers. Categories include:
Christology, Prayer, the Old Testament, and Loss and Healing. The library is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. There is no need to sign out a book; just take one and return it when finished. The library is a welcoming and faithfilled sanctuary that honors Nollette’s generous and loving spirit. It was fitting that one of the first initiatives Nollette established after taking over as Adult Faith Formation director was a book club. “She hit the ground running,” recalled D’Ascoli. “During the book club sessions, she made everyone comfortable, and regardless of what you said, it was valuable.” Visitors to Lisa’s Library will forever be reminded of her legacy as a friend, teacher, leader, companion, communicator and healer of souls. “Lisa had an uncanny ability to know what book you needed and would simply find it for you,” recalled D’Ascoli. C
KATHY D’ASCOLI, THE FACILITATOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS AT OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS, POSES FOR A PORTRAIT ON THURSDAY, JULY 30. A U G U S T 16 , 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
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DIOCESAN NEWS
DISCOVER THE CORNERSTONE CATHOLIC SCRIPTURE STUDY for a program that offered the same depth of scripture while remaining firmly rootOOKING FOR AN inspiration- ed in the Catholic faith. After discovering al, life-changing Catholic Bible that no such study existed, they gathered study? The Cornerstone Catholic weekly in prayer, asking God for guidScripture Study offers two conve- ance. More people joined their mission, nient locations right here in the Diocese and after a year of prayer and preparaof Orange: tion, The Cornerstone Catholic Scripture ■ Mission Branch at Mission BasilStudy was born. ica in San Juan Capistrano (Thursday Today, this scripture study has grown evenings) to 23 branches across eight states. ■ St. Kilian Branch in Mission Viejo The Cornerstone meets for 20 weekly (Monday mornings) sessions from September through April This year, The Cornerstone Catholic (with holiday breaks). Scripture Study celebrates 40 years of Each session uses a proven four-part transforming lives through God's word. method: Founded in 1986 in St. Louis, Missou1. Questions: Individual daily study ri, Cornerstone began when five Catholic questions. women spent six years participating in 2. Talks: Two informative spiritual a non-denominational Bible study. Inlectures. THE CORNERSTONE CATHOLIC SCRIPTURE STUDY OFFERS SESSIONS AT MISSION BASILICA AND ST. KILIAN PARISHES. PHOTOS COURTESY OF LINDA TYSDAL spired by the life-changing experience of 3. Sharing: Small group sharing and studying the "Living Word,” they longed prayer. 4. Commentary: Deep theological estudy.org to learn more and to express reading materials. interest in joining one of our branches. This year, the study focuses on Both in-person and Zoom are available. ORANGE DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN SPIRITUALITY . LEADERSHIP . SERVICE . ODCCW Exodus: "A Journey of Faith." Come "The stone which the builders rejected 1976 - 2026 YEARS experience how the “Living Word” can has become the cornerstone. By the Lord JOIN US AT ST. MARY'S BY THE SEA transform your everyday life. has this been done; it is wonderful in our IN HUNTINGTON BEACH ON SEPTEMBER 15 Visit: www.thecornerstonescriptureyes." Psalm 118:22-23 (NAB) C BY LINDA TYSDAL
L
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Claire Frazier-Yzguirre MFT, M.DIV, SPEAKER, THERAPIST, AUTHOR
will share her insights
on St. Francis
Walking with St. Francis: Living a Life of Love, Simplicity & Joy! St. Mary's by the Sea . 321 10th St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 There is limited parking so please carpool.
Mail $30 check payable to ODDCW to Kathy Kent at 13430 St. Andrews Dr, Unit 72L Seal Beach, CA 90740 Questions? Call Kathy at 562-706-5481
RSVP BY 9-12 USING QR CODE
THE CORNERSTONE SCRIPTURE STUDY PROGRAM HAS BEEN SHARING THE GOOD NEWS FOR 40 YEARS.
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O C C A T H O L I C ■ A U G U S T 16 , 2 0 2 6
DIOCESAN PAGE HEADING NEWS
MORE THAN 1,000 PARISHIONERS CELEBRATE 30 YEARS AT ST. THOMAS MORE IN IRVINE BY MEG WATERS
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ANY CAME WITH stories from 30 years of parish life at St. Thomas More; others were new to the bustling Irvine parish but excited to celebrate all that the future holds. On July 25, the parish hosted a celebration to look back on 30 years of growth and change, and to mark the start of a new church building which will begin construction the following week. St. Thomas More was established in 1996 with the first Mass celebrated in the rectory. Founding pastor, Fr. John Janze celebrated Mass for 40 people who filled the room and all the way up the staircase. As so many young parishes did, they soon rented space in nearby Sierra Vista School, and celebrated Mass there until a temporary building was available on their land. While the parish was preparing to build a permanent church, an opportunity arose to move to a larger site, about three miles away. The entire congregation voted to move. When the day came, they processed carrying the Blessed Sacrament to the new location. “Today, Mass attendance is frequently standing room only," said the church’s pastor, Fr. Eugene Lee. “This is my joy; I’m all in here. Throughout all the changes, the church has retained a sense of family, with thriving ministries and outreach programs. Our community is very resilient, but ultimately it is Christ who has been the source of our enthusiasm. Our new permanent church will be a worthy temple of the Holy Spirit.” Susan and David Navarrette, members of St. Thomas More Parish for 20 years, shared their favorite memory of a
FR. EUGENE LEE, PASTOR OF ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN IRVINE, HOLDS A PHOTO OF FR. JOHN JANZE, THE FOUNDING PASTOR OF THE CHURCH. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
ON JULY 25, ST. THOMAS MORE PARISH CELEBRATED ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A FUN PARTY FOR STAFF AND PARISHIONERS.
procession carrying the Blessed Sacrament from the original parish church on Remington to their current location in Irvine. Over 1,000 parishioners participated. Susan has led “When Women Pray” and is involved in various ministries, while David is a Cursillo representative. They have four children, only one of whom still lives in Irvine. A video documentary was prepared by the parish to commemorate the milestone. In it, parishioners spoke of their church with the same kind of reverence that they might use to describe their alma mater. Seminarian Matthew Esguerra said, “Now to me, St. Thomas More is my home. It’s my identity. This is where my vocation to the priesthood began.” Patricia Dow, another long-term parishioner, said that “even though you don’t talk to everyone every day, if you need people to support you, this is the place.” Over the past 30 years, by working
make the point as clear as possible: The soul cannot thrive in the absence of a garden. If you don't want paradise, you are not human; and if you are not human, you don't have a soul.” This parish in a small enclave of Irvine is quietly tending to souls one day at a time. C
GUESTS AT THE JULY 25 CELEBRATION ENJOY FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP.
together, the 3,700 families of St. Thomas More have built a garden of love, Catholic values and teamwork. As their patron, St. Thomas More, said: “The many great gardens of the world, of literature and poetry, of painting and music, of religion and architecture, all
A U G U S T 16 , 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
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GUEST COLUMN FROM BISHOP VANN
THE MISSION OFFICE OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE WHAT DO WE DO? BY FR. CHRISTOPHER HEATH, DIRECTOR OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE MISSIONS OFFICE
again the opportunity is for our priests and deacons to preach about the missions, to help increase your awareness of how SUSPECT WHEN MOST people hear 75% of Catholics experience Church under about the missions it’s in relation to circumstances thankfully we don’t live a second collection. So, at announceunder. Many of our parishioners are from ment time what you probably hear is: these mission territories and they personal“Next week a missionary will be here to ask ly know what it’s like to not have religious for your help so please be generous in the freedom, what it’s like to celebrate Mass FR. CHRISTOPHER HEATH. PHOTO BY THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE second collection.” in a shack, or only see a priest only twice a Therefore, perhaps most people connect year because their village is so remote and “missions” with “money.” Not prayer or Kevin Vann sits on the National Board clergy so scarce, or to walk for three hours good works or the spread of the Gospel – of Directors. TPMS oversees and directs to church on Sunday. We can’t imagine a just money… your money. And granted, a Mission Office in each diocese, and in Or- Church like that, and frankly we can do a your financial support for churches that are ange I am the director and Lourdes Leon is lot so that other churches have the resourctoo young, too poor, too marginalized or the associate director. es they need, things we take for granted in too persecuted is absolutely needed, but the Our office works with our parochial the States. story of our Catholic brothers and sisters schools to educate our children by sharThis year, World Mission Sunday falls around the world is much more compelling ing how children in other countries live on Oct. 17 and 18. It is the 100th anniversathan “give us some money!” We ought to and pray, often under conditions we in ry of this weekend of prayer and action for be concerned about the Church beyond the U.S. don’t experience — poverty, poor the missions, celebrated in every diocese our own parishes and diocese, and when education, civil unrest, persecution. We do in the world! We have a pope who was a opportunities to respond to that concern this with the resources of the Missionary missionary from the United States to Peru are presented to us, we ought to act! Childhood Association, “children helping for many years and understands full well The Mission Office of the Diocese of Or- children.” the needs of the Mission Church. And this ange is the local lifeline between the MisWe also receive applications from misSeptember Archbishop Fulton Sheen will sion Church and you, dear reader. There sionaries around the world and assign them be beatified: he was in charge of the U.S. is a rather large organization that oversees to our parishes for a summer appeal called national mission office from 1950-1966. the 1,130 mission territories around the the Missionary Cooperation Plan (MCP). Older Catholics will remember him from world and their access to the spiritual and Yes, this is a second collection, but more his radio and television programs that material support they need. Under the importantly it is an opportunity for you reached millions every week and increased Holy Father Pope Leo XIV there are several to learn what it’s like to be a Catholic on interest in the Mission Church more than departments (called Dicasteries). One of another continent, and the struggles they anyone else in his time. them is the Dicastery for Evangelization. have in spreading the Good News of Jesus Now it’s our time to show our support This has four parts (called pontifical sociin places that still have never heard of Him through prayer and action for the Mission eties): Propagation of the Faith, Missionwhile dealing with challenges like poverty Church! I pray that every Catholic will reary Childhood Association, St. Peter the or persecution. Some of their stories are spond generously to the missionaries who Apostle and Missionary Union. And each heart-wrenching, detailing inconceivable come to our parishes this summer. I pray of these societies has very specific responsi- sacrifice and material need. I remember a that every Catholic will see himself/herself bilities that I will outline in another article. sister telling my congregation once about not as a passive parishioner, but as an active Every country has its own the need to build a school closer to the agent of the missions to help the Church national mission office. village so that children didn’t have to wade bring Jesus to places we’ll never visit, to In the United States it’s through a river full of alligators! people who long for meaning and hope called Pontifical Mission My office also coordinates the World beyond the basic necessities of life which Societies in the United Mission Sunday collection (WMS). Yes, the Church offers along with the Gospel. States (TPMS). Bishop again it is a second collection… but here Archbishop Sheen, pray for us! C
I Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, I was honored to accompany the Holy Father in the “Canticle of Peace” event at the Pontifical Gardens in Castel Gandolfo. This spiritual and cultural event was organized by the Laudato Si' Center for Higher Education and the Andrea Bocelli Foundation. Pope Leo XIV led us in prayer, with the magnificent participation of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation’s Children’s Choir and Mr. Bocelli himself. Afterward, I visited the Borgo Laudato Si', a project close to the heart of the Holy Father that seeks to inspire a renewed culture of care for our common home rooted in our Faith. The Diocese of Orange and I have shared this commitment to be good stewards of God’s Creation, in accordance with our Faith. In our way, the Diocese of Orange is putting into practice this commitment at the Ferrucci Avocado Ranch near Vista, California. Pope Leo XIV was gracious to extend to all of you his Apostolic Blessing and greetings. The Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann, D.D., J.C.D., D.Min. Bishop of Orange
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P R E V. J O H N RICCARDO
Saturday, August 22nd Doors open at 10 AM Event from 11 AM to 3 PM HONDA CENTER 2 6 9 5 E A S T K AT E L L A AV E N U E
TONY MELENDE Z
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M AT T MAHER
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SHI MSGR. JAMES SHE A
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R E V. C H E E Y O O N & SR. MARI JOSEPHINE
Join us at the Honda Center to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Diocese of Orange! Together, as modern-day disciples, we'll unite in prayer and share powerful testimonies. Let’s seek the Holy Spirit to ignite our passion for Christ and empower us as courageous missionary disciples in Orange County. Embrace this divine mission with us!
Admission is free! Register now. DIOCESE OF ORANGE 5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y C E L E B R AT I O N
W W W. R C B O . O R G / T H E R E S - M O R E
FEATURE
THE SACRED MEANING OF CATHOLIC VESTMENTS BY RON KUZLIK
sweet and My burden light,' grant that I may so bear it as to obtain Thy grace.” ATHOLICS ARE accustomed to “The chasuble is put on last, a variety of religious attire. Barepresenting the virtues of charity and bies wear baptismal garments, love which must ‘cover’ all the others,” Fr. altar servers and choir memSchmit explained. bers have robes, religious orders wear St. Paul even says this in his letter to distinctive habits, many communicants the Corinthians: still wear veils, and, of course, there is the “Of faith, hope and love, the greatest long-cherished Catholic school uniform. of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). During Mass and other sacraments, Bishop Timothy Freyer highlighted we witness clergy wearing a myriad of the vestments that are unique to him and specialized clothing and accessories in his fellow bishops, as well as archbishops, several colors. cardinals and even the Holy Father. In the early days of the Church, clergy “First is the miter, perhaps the most wore the same clothing as ordinary recognizable of bishops’ wear,” Bishop citizens. And as secular clothing began Freyer said. “It is two tall, pointed to change in the fourth through sixth halves in the shape of shields, the front centuries, the Church retained these one representing the Old Testament classical garments for religious rites and and the back one representing the New ceremonies. Testament." Gradually, over time, they took on There are also two tassels called deep theological and symbolic meanings. lappets, that hang on the back of a Fr. Frederick Schmit, O.Praem., is a bishop’s miter. Norbertine priest who serves as sacristan “During the ordination rite, the Book at St. Michael's Abbey in Silverado. In of Gospels is held over the head of the addition to his functions as sacristan, man being ordained to remind him that he has also been active in designing and we are always to be held faithful to the making clerical vestments. word of God," added Bishop Freyer. He described the various components Then there is the crosier, or the that a priest wears during the Eucharist staff shaped like a shepherd’s crook, and other sacraments. a reminder that a bishop is the Good “The amice is a white cloth that is worn Shepherd and is tasked with bringing in around the shoulders and the neck,” he all the lost sheep. said. Additionally, bishops wear a ring on The amice is considered the “helmet their right hand. of salvation” and serves to cover ordinary “We always wear the ring, and it street clothes so nothing non-liturgical serves as a reminder of the promise that shows. we made to be faithful to Christ and BISHOP TIMOTHY FREYER PRESIDES AT THE GOOD FRIDAY LITURGY ON APRIL 3, 2026, AT ST. BONIFACE CATHOLIC Next is the alb, a full-length white to serve Him above everything else, to CHURCH IN ANAHEIM. HE WEARS RED, THE LITURGICAL COLOR TRADITIONALLY ASSOCIATED WITH GOOD FRIDAY. linen robe that symbolizes purity of the shepherd people with care, love and PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE soul and the grace of baptism. compassion and to be true teachers of the A cord tied around the waist called The one item that people see most versions of the chasuble covered the body faith," said Bishop Freyer. a cincture is used to secure the alb. It immediately is the chasuble. This is the like a small tent. Deacon Modesto Cordero serves as symbolizes chastity and self-discipline. outermost liturgical vestment worn by a The primary symbol of the chasuble is the director of the Office for Worship for “The stole is the long piece of narrow priest or bishop during Mass. It is worn the “yoke of Christ.” the Diocese of Orange. cloth that goes over the neck,” Fr. Schmit over the alb and stole. When the priest dons the chasuble, he He explained: “A deacon normally said. “It is the primary symbol of priestly The word is derived from a Latin may recite the following prayer: wears the alb, cincture, stole and authority and the priest’s office.” word meaning “little house” since older “O Lord, who has said, 'My yoke is CONTINUES ON PAGE 13
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FEATURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
dalmatic. It is similar to a priest’s chasuble, a wide-sleeved outer garment worn by deacons and is often decorated with vertical stripes or bands called orphreys.” Deacon Modesto added, “Although the current Roman Missal does not require a vesting prayer, the traditional prayer when putting on the dalmatic is, ‘Clothe me, O Lord, with the garment of salvation and the vesture of praise; and may this dalmatic ever be for me an adornment of glory.’” The colors worn by clergy have specific meanings: ■ White and Gold: Symbolize joy, purity and glory. Worn during Christmas, Easter, weddings and feasts of non-martyr saints. ■ Green: Symbolizes hope, spiritual growth and new life. Worn during Ordinary Time (between Epiphany and Lent, and after Pentecost). ■ Purple or Violet: Symbolizes
penance, preparation and sacrifice. Worn during Advent and Lent. ■ Red: Symbolizes fire, blood of martyrs and the Holy Spirit. Worn on Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Pentecost and feast days of martyrs and apostles. ■ Rose (Pink): Symbolizes a pause during a time of penance to rejoice in the coming celebration. Worn on Gaudete Sunday (third Sunday of Advent) and Laetare Sunday (fourth Sunday of Lent). ■ Black: Can be worn for funeral Masses and All Souls’ Day. Symbolizes mourning, death and prayers for the departed. These vestments are not arbitrary or random. Instead, they all serve a specific purpose and function while acting in persona Christi, Latin for “in the person of Christ,” meaning that the priest, while celebrating Mass and the sacraments is acting not in his own power, but instead it is God and Christ who act through the priest. C
LITURGICAL VESTMENTS IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH FEATURE DISTINCT COLORS AND INTRICATE EMBROIDERY THAT REFLECT THE CHURCH'S LITURGICAL SEASONS AND FEASTS. PHOTO BY JOSHUA SUDOCK/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
BISHOP KEVIN VANN IS PICTURED FOLLOWING EASTER SUNDAY MASS ON APRIL 5, 2026, AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. HE IS WEARING WHITE AND GOLD, THE LITURGICAL COLORS THAT SYMBOLIZE JOY, PURITY AND GLORY. HE ALSO CARRIES A CROSIER, OR DECORATED STAFF. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
BISHOP THANH THAI NGUYEN WEARS A MITER, THE DISTINCTIVE HEADPIECE OF A BISHOP, WITH TWO TASSELS KNOWN AS LAPPETS HANGING FROM THE BACK. PHOTO BY KAYLEE TOOLE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE A U G U S T 16 , 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
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CATHOLIC FAMILY LIFE
HER MAJESTY, THE QUEEN BY SR. DIANE HEISS, SDSH
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ITHOUT STOPPING TO think or look it up, about how many times do you think that England’s Royal Family was in the news since the beginning of the year? One hundred? Five hundred? A thousand? As one of the most highly covered monarchies in the world, there have been tens of thousands of dedicated segments and news articles in less than eight months. From where does this fascination with royalty come from? Could it be from fairy tales listened to in childhood? Perhaps from an abundance of princess movies? Has it merely seeped into our collective consciousness over the nearly five thousand years since King En-MenBarage-Si, the earliest recorded monarch, reigned around 2600 BCE in Mesopotamia? No matter the origin of this fascination, nor the innumerable kings and queens since then, none can begin to compare with the Queen of the World par excellence. There is only one Queen of Heaven and Earth, and that is Mary, the mother of Jesus and our mother. We celebrate her queenship on Aug. 22, eight days after the feast of the Assumption, to show the close connection between her bodily assumption and her coronation. As the mother of Jesus Christ, the King of all Kings, Mary, the Queen Mother, has the role of greatest influence with him. In ancient times, when it was customary for kings to have many wives, it was the mother of the king who had the greatest influence on him, rather than one of his wives. Therefore, oftentimes one wishing to obtain a favor from the king would first go to his mother, asking
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For Your Family:
■Aug. 22 is the feast of the Queenship of
Mary. Attend Mass together and afterwards stop for a special treat.
■Pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, giving special attention to the Fifth Mystery, The Crowing of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.
■Bake and decorate a cake in honor of
Mary, our Queen and Mother, and pray the “Hail Holy Queen” prayer before enjoying it.
■Prepare a shrine for Mary by painting and
decorating a shoe box; stand it upright with a statue of Mary inside; then place a crown on her head which you can make using fresh or tissue paper flowers.
■Read Revelation 12:1: “A great sign
appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” Draw a picture portraying this.
■ Choose one of the many online crafts found by searching for Catholic children’s crafts for the Queenship of Mary, and do together.
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"MADONNA AND CHILD," BY BARTOLOMÉ ESTEBAN MURILLO, 1660, DISPLAYED IN THE RIJKMUSEUM IN AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS. PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH
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her to “put in a good word” for him. As baptized Christians, we can go directly to Jesus, the King of Kings, instead of taking such a circuitous route. However, recalling Jesus’ dying words “Behold your son … behold your mother” (John 19:25-27) it is good to know that the greatest of all queens is also our loving mother, always helping and protecting us. This feast has its roots in Scripture. When Angel Gabriel came to Mary at
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O C C A T H O L I C ■ A U G U S T 16 , 2 0 2 6
the Annunciation (Lk 1:26-38), she was informed that her son was to receive the throne of David and that his kingdom would be everlasting. Afterwards, as soon as Mary arrived to visit her aged cousin, Elizabeth called her “mother of my Lord.” (Lk. 1:3 to 9-45) From the moment of the Incarnation, Mary was always closely associated with Jesus, and therefore it is fitting that, through her queenship, she would share in his kingship. C
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OC Catholic Afar
The Shrine of Divine Mercy in Vilnius, Lithuania, houses the original Image of Divine Mercy, which depicts Jesus in the way St. Faustina Kowalska saw Him in her visions. The painting was completed in 1934 by artist Eugeniusz Kazimirowski. The Shrine is located at Dominikonų gatvė 12, and is open 24 hours a day. —Julie McCarthy, St. Hedwig Parish, Los Alamitos.
We want your photos! Send your pictures of “OC Catholic Afar” — of you, family or friends visiting Catholic churches and other interesting places — to editor@occatholic.com. Please include a brief description of the photo, the name of the person(s) featured in the photo and their home parish. A U G U S T 16 , 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
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