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5
8
JUNE
28, 2026
CONTENTS
LOCAL ARTIST CREATES COLORING BOOKS FOR KOREAN CATHOLICS
Paulina Ochoa Lua’s two books depict scenes and saints for young Catholics.
50 YEARS OF FAITH, SERVICE AND SISTERHOOD IN THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
The Orange Diocesan Council of Catholic Women marked the anniversary of the chapter’s incorporation into the diocese.
9 THANKS FOR A SUCCESSFUL BAYANIHAN GALA
The sold-out fundraiser for the Poong Jesus Nazareno Filipino Catholic Center took place May 2 at the Knotts Hotel in Buena Park.
10
14
HONK IF YOU’RE READY FOR SUMMER
Our Lady of Fatima Academy’s year-end tradition sends off grads with cheers and celebration.
PRIORITIES
There are no half-measures when it comes to faith.
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
Sr. Director of Marketing: Caroline Wong, cawong@scng.com
SCNG CUSTOM CONTENT
Managing Editor: Caitlin Adams Art Director: Ryann Beveridge
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READER CALL-OUT
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AMOS 7:10-17; PSALM 19:8, 9, 10, 11; MATTHEW 9:1-8
CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA 376-444
CYRIL WAS BORN IN Alexandria, Egypt, and was the nephew of its patriarch, Theophilus. Classically educated, he was ordained by his uncle, whom he succeeded as patriarch in 412. He had helped Theophilus discredit and depose St. John Chrysostom from Constantinople, in what may have been a rivalry between the two ancient sees. As patriarch, he exercised his authority hastily and violently, drawing severe criticism, and was embroiled in heretical controversies, chiefly against Nestorius of Constantinople, who taught that Mary was not the mother of God. Cyril’s orthodoxy eventually was upheld by pope and emperor. This most brilliant theologian of the Alexandrian tradition was declared a doctor of the church in 1882; he is the patron of Alexandria.C
FRIDAY
EPHESIANS 2:19-22; PSALM 117:1BC, 2; JOHN 20:24-29
PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK
SATURDAY
AMOS 9:11-15; PSALM 85:9 AND 10, 11-12, 13-14; MATTHEW 9:14-17
LOCAL ARTIST CREATES COLORING BOOKS FOR KOREAN CATHOLICS
BY GREG MELLEN
PAULINA OCHOA LUA always enjoyed drawing and making art when her daughter Elena was young. That was more than a decade ago, and the lack of appropriate Catholic material bothered the mom.
“I could never find a cute coloring book,” Paulina said of her search for Catholic-themed publications. “It stayed with me.”
Years later, she joined a Korean Catholic parish and saw another gaping absence.
As a single mother, she loved the quiet connection of time she spent sharing art, faith and contemplation with her child. It was something she wanted to provide to the Catholic community, and now, more specifically, to Korean Catholics.
Elena, now a high school junior, has continued drawing and has become a skilled artist in her own right, while Paulina is still a sketch and coloring enthusiast.
So, after letting the idea steep in her mind and spirit of bringing Catholic faith and art together, Paulina asked herself, “Why don’t I bring it to life?”
Taking on a second job to help kickstart her vision, Paulina created the Little Litany Co. to create “cute and holy Catholic coloring books.”
In 2025, in collaboration with another artist, Paulina self-published “Catholic Saints, Vol. 1,” and followed that with “O Holy Christmas.”
It is estimated that only a minute percentage of the coloring book industry, which is geared toward secular themes, is religious, and even less are Catholic. Although there is a niche Catholic market, with St. Ignatius Kids, Autom and The Catholic Company among others having titles, the coloring books
are just a small segment among their offerings of other books and gifts.
GIVING BACK
Paulina is now focusing on a project that will meet a worthy need.
After a move several years ago, she became a parishioner of Our Lady of Peace Korean Catholic Center in Irvine, which she said has been “such a gift” in its acceptance and providing for her spiritual needs.
To give back, Paulina has embarked on a new coloring book, tentatively titled “Korean Catholics: Journey to Peace,” that will help tell the unique Korean
CONTINUES ON PAGE 6
PAULINA OCHOA LUA HOLDS TWO OF HER PUBLISHED KOREAN CATHOLIC COLORING BOOKS WHICH WERE INSPIRED BY HER DAUGHTER. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
OCHOA LUA (LEFT) HOLDS TWO OF HER PUBLISHED COLORING BOOKS WHILE SOPHIA LEE HOLDS ILLUSTRATIONS FROM AN UPCOMING PROJECT. LEE ALSO ASSISTED WITH THE KOREAN TRANSLATION. PHOTO BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
and Korean American Catholic experience, complete with text translated into Korean. And while Korean Catholic books may be available in Asia, they are virtually unknown on this side of the Pacific.
Sophia Lee, business manager at Our Lady of Peace, provided the translation. She said she has never seen a project like it in the U.S. and said, “It was my pleasure,” about contributing.
Fr. Daniel Seo, director of Our Lady of Peace, has provided further translation and helped edit and guide the narrative portions of the book.
A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY
While Paulina knows plenty about European and Latin American saints and apparitions, Korean Catholicism is something else altogether with its own culture and traditions.
“I spent about a year researching and studying online,” Paulina said of Korean Catholicism, which she is still learning about, observing and discovering.
“Just learning about Korean Catholicism has really touched my heart,” she said. “It’s a really beautiful story I want to bring to life for kids.”
Catholicism was formally intro -
duced in Korea in 1784 during the Joseon Dynasty when Korean diplomat Yi Seung-hun encountered Catholicism in China and was baptized.
St. Andrew Kim Taegon was ordained as the first Korean priest and martyred at the age of 25 along with St. Paul Chong Ha-sang and more than 100 companions. It is estimated more than 10,000 Korean Catholics were martyred during the 19th century and are remembered with a feast day in September. California is home to more than 50,000 Korean Catholics according to the Pew Research Center.
Our Lady of Peace opened its
doors for Mass in 2010 and has a goal of building the first Korean Marian shrine in North America.
For her part, Paulina said she hopes to donate part of the proceeds from her book to the effort.
EXPANDING HER COLLECTION
For Paulina, keeping track of all the ideas she has for future books, while trying to harness her energy, is no small feat.
Paulina said although she and Elena don’t color together like before, they do brainstorm ideas.
“I have a whole list of themes,” she said.
She has thought of a book just on the parts of a church. Another on apparitions.
“There’s so much,” she said. “I could make a whole series on saints.”
Much of it is learn as you go, she added. For example, she admitted the future volumes of “Catholic Saints,” and maybe a re-issue of the first volume, should include the names of the saints.
“I just thought everyone would know all of them, but I guess it’s not that obvious,” she conceded.
She is also trying to learn more about selling and marketing her books to help offset printing costs.
She was recently allowed to offer her books at an event at Holy Family Catholic Church in Orange, where she was able to sell about 100 and is hoping to research other opportunities.
She also stressed that although she collaborates with another artist, the work is 100 percent artificial intelligence-free.
“If you buy these, you’re supporting hand-drawn independent artwork,” she said.
LEARN MORE
Anyone interested in learning more about Little Litany Co. and ordering books can visit the website at littlelitanyco.com and follow on Instagram. C
PAULINA
THE OC CATHOLIC DEAF COMMUNITY SPEAKS
BY MEG WATERS
FOR DECADES, DEAF
Ministry has been part of the Diocese of Orange.
For the last few years— after the churches returned to "normal" when pandemic restrictions were lifted—the ministry has been led by Fr. Steve Correz, who concurrently serves as pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fullerton. He is assisted by Fr. Scott Allen and coordinator Larry Lopez. Together, they have assembled a core group of priests fluent in American Sign Language and are working to expand access to the Word of God for Deaf and hard-of-hearing Catholics throughout the diocese.
“Proclaim a joyful sound and let it be heard!” The words from Isaiah 48:20 opened the entrance antiphon last month as about 60 Deaf and hard-of-hearing worshipers gathered for Mass in the small chapel at Christ Our Savior Church in Santa Ana. They answered that call not with shouts or song, but with their hands, their eyes and their hearts.
The Deaf Ministry’s mission goes far beyond American Sign Language at Mass. The goal is to build a true community for Deaf Catholics throughout the diocese, one that includes all the sacraments, Sunday Mass and the fellowship that nurtures faith.
“We want to rebuild and sustain the program through technology, including websites and newsletters, and by establishing an endowment through the Orange Catholic Foundation to cover costs,” said Fr. Allen. “More importantly, we want to bring
50 YEARS OF FAITH, SERVICE AND SISTERHOOD IN THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
BY MEG WATERS
CAROL
PALMER, INCOMING
president of the Orange Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, recently led more than 50 women in marking a milestone: over 50 years since the chapter was incorporated into the Diocese of Orange, which was formed at the same time. The anniversary celebration and conference, held at Christ Cathedral, began with a special Mass celebrated by the chapter’s spiritual director emeritus, Fr. Joe Robillard. The liturgy was followed by a luncheon, an inspiring presentation by Catholic speaker and recording artist Annette Hills, and a special visit and piano performance by Bishop Kevin Vann.
The Orange County chapter of the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW) operates locally as the Orange Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (ODCCW). Affiliated with the NCCW,
the organization exists to empower, educate and support Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. The council sponsors initiatives such as an annual baby shower for mothers and babies in need, support for vocations and international aid projects, relying primarily on freewill donations for fundraising.
The council’s new spiritual director is Fr. Tim Nguyen, who also serves at the diocese’s Marriage Tribunal. As the liaison between the women and the bishop, he sees firsthand the members' dedication.
“These ladies are very kind, patient, caring, and loving,” he said, “and they want to invite all the women in the diocese to come to their gatherings for prayer, sharing and Mass.”
The women are often called on by the bishop to help with various projects in the diocese. Their main mission, however, is to support mothers in troubled
pregnancies and vocations.
“In conjunction with Catholic nonprofits focused on helping crisis pregnancies, we sponsor an annual baby shower to help new moms ease into parenthood,” said Palmer. “We also help support seminarians as they pursue their priestly vocation.”
Palmer added that the group supports Vocations Purse, an organization that helps pay off student loans for women who want to become religious. It also supports Cross Catholic Outreach through the Box of Joy program, where members assemble shoeboxes with gifts around Christmas time, and those usually go to developing countries.
“We support Catholic Relief Services, the Madonna Plan, and the Water for Life project,” Palmer said. “We donate money to dig wells in developing countries.”
The day’s keynote speaker, Annette
JANINE MECKLER BRINGS THE A STATUE OF THE VIRGIN MARY FROM THE CHAPEL TO THE LUNCHEON AFTER THE ORANGE DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN’S CELEBRATION MASS FOR THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY ON MAY 19.
FR. JOE ROBILLARD DELIVERS HIS HOMILY AT THE ORANGE DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN’S CELEBRATION MASS FOR THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY ON MAY 19. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GOULDING/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Hills, recently authored a book titled “New Insight into Seeing the Holy Spirit at Work in Your Life.” After a 22-year career in the corporate world as an executive recruiter, Hills moved into the world of Catholic inspirational speaking, teaching audiences how to see what God has planned for their lives.
Today, the ODCCW has about 40 to 50 active members and is working to increase its visibility among priests as a resource for women in their parishes, while also adapting to the schedules of working women. In addition to in-person gatherings, the council now uses Zoom meetings and maintains a website (odccw.org) to help connect and engage Catholic women across the Diocese of Orange.
ODCCW has representatives in several parishes; for more information, please contact Carol Palmer at cpalmer@odccw.org C
THANKS FOR A SUCCESSFUL BAYANIHAN GALA
BY BECKY TAMONDONG, DOSJFM
WERE YOU THERE at the gala?
A successful fundraiser for the Poong Jesus Nazareno Filipino Catholic Center (PJNFCC) was held at the Knott’s Hotel in Buena Park on May 2. The sold-out event had 500 guests in attendance, filling a packed ballroom. Co-sponsored by the Diocese of Orange San Jose Filipino Ministry (DOSJFM) and the Alagad ni Maria, the event’s objective was to raise funds to help pay off the $2.4 million outstanding loan balance on the property which was purchased last year at $5.1 million to establish the PJNFCC.
This being our first venture in a fundraiser gala, the consensus is that overall, we did very well, not only financially, but in engendering greater awareness and support from the Filipino American community in the true spirit of Bayanihan—of working together and helping each other toward a bigger cause.
The gala was graced by the presence of Bishop Kevin Vann, who blessed and inaugurated the PJNFCC on July 21, 2025. We are thankful to Bishop Vann who has continually expressed his full support of the PJNFCC since its inception a year ago. All the Alagad ni Maria priests in the Diocese of Orange led by Fr. Peter Lavin, and several permanent deacons from the diocese honored us with their presence, as did Fr. Francis Ang, the second home-grown Filipino to be ordained a priest in the Diocese of Orange on June 6. Other special guests included Lynda Johnson, the first Filipina mayor of Cerritos, with a cameo appearance of Mark Pulido, a former mayor of Cerritos. Steve and Kristin Luchetta, former Orange Area co-councilors of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (EOHSJ), leaders of the Filipino Cursillo in the Diocese of Orange (FCDO), Marriage Enrichment Formation Program (MEFP) in Orange County, Couples for Christ, Federation of Filipino Rosary Group-Orange County (FFRG-OC), El Shaddai, and several outstanding professionals and entrepreneurs from Los Angeles and Orange County attended our “star-studded” gala.
For entertainment, guests were treated to a pre-dinner mini-Santacruzan which featured 10 teen sagalas dressed in pastel formal gowns with their escorts and 10 little angels in white. Rondalla music was played for the Santacruzan procession and while guests were being served dinner. The now well-known Barkadahan Dance Troupe (BDT) composed of 30 children (ages 5 to 17), performed the Singkil and a modern version of the Tinikling which thrilled the audience. Bishop Vann watched the BDT perform for the first time at the gala and had a group photo taken with the kids right after their dance numbers.
“We now have a souvenir photo of our BDT children with our dear Bishop to save for posterity,” quipped one parent on this photo op.
The silent and live auctions added excitement to the evening with Fr. Peter Lavin as auctioneer. Thanks and appreciation to our generous sponsors, donors and hard-working volunteers as well as acknowledgements of special guests were announced by co-emcees Dr. Tony Reyes and myself.
With line dance instructors as leads, our fun-loving guests enjoyed the rest of the evening dancing the night away to the music of Alex Lagman and his First Choice Band, with Florence Aguilar as vocalist. Two of our local talents—Kim Doria from the Hijas, and Fronnie Degamo from the Hijos, provided musical intermission numbers with their vocal renditions of popular songs which delighted the audience.
The Bayanihan Gala—a Celebration of Faith and Culture was a successful fundraiser; it was also a fun-raiser.
Don’t you wish you were there? C
CAROL PALMER SINGS AT THE ORANGE DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN’S CELEBRATION MASS FOR THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY ON MAY 19. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GOULDING/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
BISHOP KEVIN VANN WITH THE BARKADAHAN DANCE TROUPE AFTER THE BDT DANCE PERFORMANCES AT THE BAYANIHAN GALA. PHOTO COURTESY OF BECKY TAMONDONG, DOSJFM
WOMEN PROCEED FOR COMMUNION AT THE ORANGE DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN’S CELEBRATION MASS.
HONK IF YOU’RE READY FOR SUMMER
BY BRITNEY ZINT
WITH HONKING horns, music blasting, a police escort and the excited cries of the younger students, the graduating class took their final ride through the elementary school parking lot to say goodbye.
For Our Lady of Fatima Academy’s annual Car Parade tradition on May 28, the graduating eighth-grade class of seven students was front and center. The entire San Clemente campus came out to send them off as they stuck out from sunroofs, sat in truck beds and even in the trunks of decorated cars. They threw out candy, lobbed water balloons and squirted water into the cheering crowds.
“I think the significance of having our drive-out is just saying goodbye to the graduates, but not forever: just a big, loving sendoff,” said the school’s principal, Jennifer Jukic.
The eighth-grade class spent their final school day together downtown after practicing for graduation. They enjoyed lunch and completed a scavenger hunt before taking the trolley back up to campus for the Car Parade, said eighth-grade homeroom teacher Jennifer Preece. The final day combined with the send-off was very emotional, she added.
“They are the most astute, faithful, grounded, polite — just a great, great group of kids,” Preece said. “I’m so proud of them and I’m so sad to see them go, but I’m so happy for them at the same time.”
The next day the students headed straight to the Our Lady of Fatima parish church in their graduation gowns. Even though they were officially done, eighth-grader Jack Meyer, 14, said he was already planning on coming back. Before the parade started, he decorated a black Tesla with an inflatable mortarboard graduation cap. He hung metallic
garland around the sides and filled the trunk — where he would sit during the parade — with balloons.
Meyer said he liked going to a small school that was a real community.
“You knew everyone very well,” he said. “You knew everyone’s likes and dislikes, what everyone was doing. It wasn’t hard to make get-togethers happen because there were only seven people.”
Standing on the grass and cheering the graduates on was seventh-grader Lily Trapp, 13. She said it was fun seeing the older class one last time. Knowing that she would be the one saying goodbye next year filled her with mixed emotions.
“It’s exciting,” Trapp said. “It’s kind of sad too, because I’ve been here almost my whole life. I’m very excited to do this because it’s really fun, but it’s also sad.”
Graduate Aurora Baccay, 14, said she remembered cheering on previous classes of eighth graders during the Car Parade. She especially recalls the candy thrown into the crowd. Baccay said she was excited to continue the tradition and was planning on throwing out lots of candy herself from the bed of a white truck decorated with handmade banners and party decorations.
Baccay, who is the valedictorian, said the education she received at Our Lady of Fatima Academy is what stands out from her time there. She said she especially appreciated that the teachers utilized newer teaching strategies.
“I’ve gotten a really good education here because it’s a small school, so there’s a lot of learning with the teacher, being close with them,” Baccay said. “All the teachers here are just really good. I learned a lot from them.” C
ABBEY KOOMAN STANDS WITH HER MOM, GWENNE KOOMAN, AS THEY PREPARE A CAR FOR THE OUR LADY OF FATIMA DRIVE-OUT ON MAY 28. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
REBECA ACEVEDO GARCIA WAVES FROM HER CAR DURING THE DRIVE-OUT AT OUR LADY OF FATIMA ACADEMY.
GRADUATING STUDENTS TOSS CANDY DURING THE MAY 28 DRIVE-OUT CELEBRATION.
GRADUATING STUDENTS THROW CANDY AS THEY MAKE THEIR FINAL DRIVE-OUT.
back the full faith formation program for anyone seeking closer union with Christ and His Church.”
At present, the ministry is centered on Sunday Mass at Christ Our Savior. Expanding in-person services is costly, so the ministry is also exploring emerging technologies to reach more people and build a strong donor base to support the work.
For many members of the Deaf Catholic community, that work is deeply personal. Omar Oregel, 35, is a research engineer at Edwards Lifesciences. Born deaf, he has been a part of the ministry since childhood. After receiving First Communion, he became a lector, inspired by his older sister Jasmine, who is also deaf.
“I wanted to be like her, to serve the Deaf community in worship and to make my mom proud,” he said.
Today, he helps lead community responses as older parishioners step aside and a younger generation begins taking on leadership roles.
Oregel remembers how difficult attending a hearing Mass once was. Before smartphones, apps and captioning tools, Deaf worshipers often had to rely entirely on a missal, struggling to keep up with the readings and the rhythm of the liturgy.
“It was very overwhelming for us to even show up to Mass,” he said. “We always felt there was a delay — when to stand, when to sit.”
Technology has transformed that experience. Worshipers can now download readings in advance from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, use captioning tools to follow along, and even read a priest’s homily if an interpreter is unavailable. What was once isolating can now feel accessible and immediate.
That sense of progress reflects the larger hope behind Deaf Ministry’s renewal: not simply to make Mass understandable, but to make every Catholic feel fully included in the life of the Church. In Santa Ana, the joyful sound of faith may be silent to the ear, but it is unmistakable to the soul. For more information, visit occatholicdeaf.org C
ABOUT 60 DEAF AND HARD-OF-HEARING WORSHIPERS GATHERED ON MAY 13 FOR MASS IN THE SMALL CHAPEL AT CHRIST OUR SAVIOR CHURCH IN SANTA ANA. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
A FATHER’S HOLY MESSAGE TO HIS CHILDREN
OC CATHOLIC DADS SHARE HEARTFELT WAYS THEY DISCUSS GOD & FAITH
BY MIKE VULPO
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE A
father’s role in his children’s faith journey.
As many parents know, raising kids to have a relationship with Jesus isn’t just one person’s job. Instead, it usually takes a community of friends, clergy, a parish and loving parents.
Pope Leo XIV recently expressed how important the role of parenthood is, even if “families struggle to bear the burden of daily life and are often held back in their plans and dreams.”
“Do not be afraid to welcome and defend every child conceived,” the Holy Father shared during a recent General Audience. “Proclaim and serve the Gospel of life. God is the lover of life. Therefore, always protect it with care and love.”
Orange County Catholic spoke with four fathers in different stages of parenthood and asked them what they want their kids to know about God and the Catholic faith.
What came next were messages of support, encouragement and love that anyone can take to heart as they support Catholic youth in their faith communities.
JOSH BECKMAN
When raising his two children Colette and Joshua, St. John the Baptist parishioner Josh Beckman wants them both to know they are “one of the greatest gifts God has ever given me.”
While he already applauds their “kindness, curiosity” and the way they care for the people around them, the father-of-two hopes they continue to
develop their own personal relationship with Jesus.
“More than anything, I want you to know that you are loved so much by mom and me, but even more importantly by God,” he shared in a personal message to his kids. “My prayer is that no matter where life takes you, you always stay close to Him and remember that your faith can guide you through both the good and bad moments. I pray you continue to grow, knowing that success matters far less than being compassionate, humble, faithful and willing to put God first.”
EDGAR MORGADO
Every Sunday, St. Anthony Claret parishioner and Cristo Rey High School parent Edgar Morgado finds immense joy seeing his children Alexander, Valeria, Andrea and Patricia volunteer as altar servers.
“God has blessed me tremendously by providing me the opportunity to be your dad,” he said. “You have all chosen to serve our Lord in different ministries in our parish — I'm very proud of that. I love, specifically, to see all of you serving at the altar.”
Edgar continued, “I give thanks to the Lord for all of you every day. You are all my inspiration to wake up every day and to try my best to make this a better world.”
BRIAN PICKETT
When raising six boys — James, Asher, Judah, Silas, Eamon and Ronan — Holy Family parishioner Brian Pickett can’t help but be in awe when he watches his kids “grow into who God has called them to be.”
JOSH BECKMAN AND HIS CHILDREN ATTEND A FAMILY EVENT BEFORE FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BECKMAN FAMILY
“Each one of you brings the love of God to our family and to the people around you in so many ways,” he said. “When we love God and love people, we are not far from the Kingdom. You are like arrows in the hands of a warrior, carrying God’s truth, goodness and beauty anytime you allow Him to use you for His glory.”
As his kids grow up, Brian hopes they know that “what this world has to offer doesn’t compare to what God has for you.”
“When the Lord is your Shepherd, there is nothing you shall want,” he continued. “I pray you follow God all the days of your life and stay close to Him. Seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God. Your Catholic faith will show you how to seek Him so you can find Him. For neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
ALEC MCNIFF
After celebrating his first Father’s Day as a dad, San Francisco Solano parishioner Alec McNiff hopes his daughter, Reagan, knows how much she is loved by both her parents and God.
“Being your dad is the greatest gift God has ever given me,” Alec shared. “Of all the things fatherhood has taught me so far, the most important is what God’s unconditional love really means. Holding you for the first time, I knew that nothing you could ever do would make me love you any more or any less, and that is exactly how God loves you too.”
No matter what great things Reagan accomplishes or mistakes she may make along the way, Alec believes God’s love for his daughter “will never change.”
“It can be neither earned nor diminished,” he shared after baptizing his child in the Catholic Church. “I pray that you come to experience His unconditional love for yourself, and that the Catholic faith we raise you in becomes your own.” C
ALEC MCNIFF AND HIS WIFE, ANNIE MCNIFF, CELEBRATE THEIR DAUGHTER’S BAPTISM AT SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO CATHOLIC CHURCH. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MCNIFF FAMILY
EDGAR MORGADO AND HIS FOUR CHILDREN ATTEND MASS TOGETHER AS A FAMILY AT ST. ANTHONY CLARET CATHOLIC CHURCH ON A SUNDAY MORNING. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MORGADO FAMILY
PRIORITIES
BY DEACON KEVIN DUTHOY
TODAY’S GOSPEL (Mt. 10:3742) follows Jesus’ startling statement: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword (Mt. 10:34).” The English theologian G.K. Chesterton observed that Christianity rejoices in the separation that set souls free—the sword of Christ that cuts through illusion and demands a choice.
Years ago, an attorney at my firm would begin difficult discussions with a paradoxical warning: “I love you like a brother, but I am going to have to run a sword through you.” It was his way of saying that compromise was not possible.
Jesus speaks with similar directness in today’s Gospel. These are not comforting words. They are demanding and uncompromising. This passage is often called part of a “missionary handbook,” a description of what discipleship requires.
We may wonder whether Jesus is setting a high standard only expecting to be met halfway. But Jesus leaves no room for negotiation. Whoever loves father, mother, son or daughter more than Jesus is not worthy of Him. Then He goes further: take up your cross, lose your life and follow me. Jesus emphasizes discipleship requires choosing Him above all else, without exception; and if just lukewarm, He will spit us out (Rev. 3:16). As the poet T.S. Eliot wrote, “Christianity is a condition of complete simplicity, costing not less than everything.”
Bishop Robert Barron illustrates this priority through the story of St. Thomas More. When King Henry VIII demanded approval
of his unlawful marriage and claimed authority over the Church in England, More refused. He lost his position, freedom and ultimately his life. His final words captured the essence of discipleship: “I die the King’s good servant, but God’s first.”
Initially, Jesus’ demands seem harsh. Yet He is not telling us to stop loving our families or reject the good things of life. Rather, He teaches it is only by loving God first—the source of all love—that we can truly love others.
This is the paradox of the Gospel: losing is finding; dying is living; weakness becomes strength (Mt. 10:39; Jn. 12:23-25; 2 Cor. 12:10).
among you, offer a cup of cold water and do these things because “he is a disciple (Mt. 10:42).” We are called to be Christians, imitators of Jesus, not secular humanists whose good deeds are devoid of divine connection. We are to do the good for “my [Jesus’] sake (Mk. 10:29),” a personal commitment to him, not an abstract goodness separated from God.
So we must ask ourselves: Has God remained our highest priority? Or have possessions, technology and distractions taken His place? As commentator Peter Kreeft reasoned, the more we disconnect ourselves from the source of truth, life and love, the more we lose ourselves and experience the futility of trying to be “god” to each other.
The “sword” of the Gospel separates what is passing from what is eternal so that we may choose what truly matters. If you want Jesus to claim you, then you must claim Him. Following Christ is not losing—it is winning. It is not death—it is life. It is not something—it is everything. C
By surrendering our egos to Christ, we discover the life we were created to live.
Jesus asks for sacrifice not because He needs anything from us, but because He desires our fulfillment. Jesus offers the greatest possible good- eternal communion with God—which requires the greatest possible commitment.
Choosing Christ will often create division. Some relationships, ambitions and values will oppose the Gospel. Jesus warns not everyone will choose Him, and those who do will experience conflict with those who don’t. Yet the reward far exceeds the cost. He offers nothing less than eternal happiness.
Jesus concludes by making discipleship practical: receive the prophets
PHOTO BY ALESSANDRO BELLONE ON UNSPLASH
OC Catholic Afar
Spring in Japan, the cherry blossom season, is a time of renewal and new beginnings.
During our sailing in the morning, a priest celebrated Mass aboard our cruise ship.
This photo was taken on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Nagasaki, Japan. In the afternoon, we visited Ōura Cathedral, the oldest standing Christian church in the country, also known as Minor Basilica of the Twenty-Six Holy Martyrs of Japan, which is built on a hill with spectacular views of the harbor. The property includes a courtyard to the left, and the former Latin seminary and archbishop's residence have been converted into a Christian museum to the right.
—Leida and Anthony Neidecker, Holy Family Catholic Church in Seal Beach.
We want your photos! Send your pictures of “OC Catholic Afar” — of you, family or friends visiting Catholic churches and other interesting places — to editor@occatholic.com. Please include a brief description of the photo, the name of the person(s) featured in the photo and their home parish.
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