To report sexual abuse by clergy or church personnel please call: 1 (800) 364-3064
Healing and Hope After Abortion: 1 (800) 722-4356
New Hope Peer-to-Peer Support Line | Mon - Fri 7:30 AM - 9:30 PM | Sat - Sun 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM: 1 (714) NEW-HOPE or 1 (714) 639-4673
BÁO CÁO LẠM DỤNG TÌNH DỤC
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.
본당내의 성적학대 신고
성직자나 성당 사목을 대표하는 관리자에 의한
학대의 피해자 인 경우, 교구청의 무료 신고 전화 번호, 1-800-364-3064 및 관할 지역 법 집행 기관에 전화하십시오.
Holy Sacraments
If you would like to share a photo of your Holy Sacraments with our readers, please send a photo and brief description. Baptisms, First Communions, Weddingswe want to see your special day! Include your name and parish to: editor@occatholic.com
JUNE 7, 2026
8
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL GOES “UNDER THE SEA”
Students take the stage in a performance of “The Little Mermaid Jr.”
LEADERSHIP IN OC CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Eighth-grader Norbert Huynh of Blessed Sacrament School is a positive model for his peers.
12 A CALL TO THE DIACONATE
Men find a calling in service to the community.
14 THE SILENCE OF THE SAINTS
What does silence mean 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
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.
SACRAMENTS
READER CALL-OUT
This is my daughter Theresa Sacher walking up to receive her First Communion on April 16, 2016, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church while a student at St Cecilia School. This is my favorite picture from the day because it shows her pure joy to be receiving Jesus for the first time. We are parishioners at St. John Neumann where she sings in the choir, cantors and volunteers as a catechist. —Susan Sacher
Do you have a favorite memory of receiving a Holy Sacrament? 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
“ We are one! ” — Pope Leo XIV
SAINT PROFILE
NORBERT 1075-1134
BORN TO A NOBLE RHINELAND family, Norbert led a courtier's life until age 35, when his spiritual conversion was triggered by a violent thunderstorm. After ordination, he became an itinerant preacher and gave his worldly goods to the poor. With Hugh of Fosse he started a community of canons regular in northern France that became the Premonstratensian Canons. In 1126 Norbert was chosen archbishop of Magdeburg (Germany), where he faced opposition and risked his own safety to recover church property.C
READINGS FOR THE WEEK PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK
MONDAY
1 KINGS 17:1-6; PSALM 121:1BC2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8; MATTHEW 5:1-12
TUESDAY
1 KINGS 17:7-16; PSALM 4:23, 4-5, 7B-8; MATTHEW 5:1316
WEDNESDAY
1 KINGS 18:20-39; PSALM 16:1B-2AB, 4, 5AB AND 8, 11; MATTHEW 5:17-19
THURSDAY
ACTS 11:21B-26; 13:1-3; PSALM 98:1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4, 5-6; MATTHEW 5:20-26
FRIDAY
DEUTERONOMY 7:6-11; PSALM 103:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 10; 1 JOHN 4:7-16; MATTHEW 11:25-30
SATURDAY
1 KINGS 19:19-21; PSALM 16:1B-2A AND 5, 7-8, 9-10; MATTHEW 5:33-37
SUNDAY
EXODUS 19:2-6A; PSALM 100:1-2, 3, 5; ROMANS 5:6-11; MATTHEW 9:36—10:8
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN SACHER
ART BLOOMS AT SISTERS' ANNUAL EVENT
BY MEG WATERS
ON A BEAUTIFUL Saturday afternoon in May, nearly 400 guests gathered in the St. Joseph Center Garden to support the ministries of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, who have played an important role in the health and well-being of Orange County residents for more than 100 years.
The guests were celebrating the fifth annual “Art in the Garden” party and fundraiser, benefiting five key ministries of the Sisters.
Sr. Mary Anne Huepper, CSJ, cochaired the event with Sr. Sara Tarango, CSJ. This was Sr. Mary Anne’s third time chairing the gathering, whose planning began in November. This year’s celebration centered on the theme of Global Unity.
“The theme comes from the concept that the world seems to be held together these days with duct tape and shoestrings — we want to reflect global unity by showcasing different foods from around the world, music and cultural expressions that show generosity and connection,” said Sr. Mary Anne.
The cultures highlighted at the event reflect the many nationalities represented among the sisters.
“These events showcase the worldwide nature and perspectives of the women who are part of our community of sisters,” added Sr. Mary Anne. “We have sisters from all over the world — Vietnam, Africa, Mexico and even one sister from China. Historically, our roots are French, but over time the Sisters have become very diverse.”
The event raised more than $350,000 from sponsors and benefactors, including the presenting sponsor, Providence St. Joseph Health. Other top sponsors included
Beth McPherson of Valiant Women Legacy, Healthcare Design & Construction, LLC; Kathleen Korner; St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church; and Annette and Chuck Walker
The celebration was supported by an army of volunteers and artisans, most of them sisters, who displayed and sold their creations to support the cause. Guests enjoyed live music, raffles, a silent auction and the opportunity to mingle with others who, like them, treasure and support the sisters' work.
The Sisters of St. Joseph are widely known throughout Orange County for their healthcare ministry and for founding several world-class hospitals, including CHOC Children’s Hospital. However, according to Sr. Mary Anne, “Healthcare
DAVID AND ROXANNE O’BRIEN CHECK OUT SOME OF THE OFFERINGS AVAILABLE IN THE SILENT AUCTION DURING THE ART IN GARDEN EVENT AT THE ST. JOSEPH CENTER GARDEN ON MAY 16. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GOULDING/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: SR. MONIQUE GAUTIER DANCES TO LIVE MUSIC WITH SR. HERLINDA RAMIREZ MACHADO AND SR. THERESA LAMETTEREY DURING THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH'S ART IN THE GARDEN EVENT HELD ON MAY 16.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
is one very important ministry, but our charism is reconciliation and justice so that ‘all may be one.’”
The Sisters’ founder, Fr. Jean-Pierre Medaille, told the first sisters to serve the dear neighbor without distinction. That was radical in the class-divided France of 1650. When the Sisters of St. Joseph came to the U.S., they first responded to the enormous needs in education and healthcare, especially for immigrants and Catholics who weren’t welcome elsewhere. Today, the sisters are involved in immigration issues, social justice, care for the earth, eco-spirituality, teaching and healthcare.
With this vision, the Art in the Garden event aims to raise funds for the Sisters’ five nonprofit ministries: the Justice Center, Shelter for Refugees, Sisters of St. Joseph Education Network, St. Joseph the Worker and the Center for Spiritual Development.
Maria Elena Perales is the director of
the St. Joseph Justice Center.
“Everything we do is a collaboration,” she shared. “For example, we host events to educate, advocate and inspire people to take action on issues such as human trafficking, homelessness, immigration and the environment.”
Sr. Sue Dunning and her team support refugee and asylum-seeking families in Southern California. The sisters operate a migrant family shelter program in collaboration with organizations such as Border Compassion. They provide safe transitional housing, advocacy and direct emergency assistance to individuals experiencing forced migration.
The Sisters of St. Joseph are also deeply involved in many local Catholic schools. Under the leadership of Michael Santa Maria, their education ministry works with school leadership and teachers, offering opportunities to grow in their knowledge of the Catholic faith, deepen their spiritual lives and learn how to promote and build Catholic identity within
the classroom. Schools that partner with the CSJ Ministry for Education include St. Joseph’s, Rosary Academy, Holy Family, St. Joachim, St. Irenaeus, St. Anne and St. Juliana.
The St. Joseph Worker program is an innovative, 10-month, full-time volunteer program for women ages 21 to 35, led by Susan Kadota. Participants serve full-time (36 hours per week) in placements related to social services, education, health care, advocacy and systemic change. They also take part in weekly and monthly activities that build on the program's four core values, including social justice events, prayer, reflection and sharing and retreats.
Sr. Jane Delisle heads the CSJ Center for Spiritual Development in Orange. The Center provides spiritual direction, companioning and educational programs—such as the Art of Spiritual Direction—for individuals of all faiths.
In the end, Art in the Garden did exactly what it set out to do: bring people together to support the Sisters of St. Joseph and their ministries. The funds raised will directly strengthen their work in education, healthcare, social justice and spiritual development, ensuring these services remain available to those who need them most. C
BISHOP KEVIN VANN STOPS BY THE ART IN THE GARDEN EVENT HELD ON MAY 16. HE IS PICTURED WITH (LEFT) SR. KIT GRAY AND SR. MARY BETH INGHAM. PHOTOS BY MIKE GOULDING/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
A CLOSE-UP VIEW OF SR. SUSAN TREZEK'S LACE PROJECT THAT SHE WORKED ON DURING THE ART IN THE GARDEN EVENT.
PRIEST ASSIGNMENT CHANGES
BY STAFF
BISHOP VANN IS PLEASED to announce the following appointments, effective July 1, 2026.
PASTORS
VERY REV. ALFRED STEPHEN BACA
From Senior Priest, St. Anne, Seal Beach & Episcopal Vicar for Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs
To Pastor, St. Philip Benizi, Fullerton while remaining as an Episcopal Vicar for Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs
REV. ANTHONY HIEN VU
From Parochial Administrator, Blessed Sacrament, Westminster
To Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Westminster
REV. BRANDON LONG DANG
From Parochial Administrator, Corpus Christi, Aliso Viejo
To Pastor, Corpus Christi, Aliso Viejo
REV. MARIO ALONSO JUAREZ
From Parochial Administrator, St. Anne, Santa Ana
To Pastor, St. Anne, Santa Ana
REV. MARTIN DUC ANH VU
From Parochial Administrator, St. Joseph, Placentia
To Pastor, St. Joseph, Placentia
REV. MICHAEL JOHN RIZZO
From Parochial Administrator, St. Edward, Dana Point
To Pastor, St. Edward, Dana Point
REV. QUYEN VAN TRUONG
From Parochial Administrator, St. John Neumann, Irvine
To Pastor, St. John Neumann, Irvine
REV. RUBEN RUIZ
From Parochial Administrator, St. Joseph, Santa Ana
To Pastor, St. Joseph, Santa Ana
REV. TUAN VAN PHAM
From Parochial Administrator, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Irvine
To Pastor, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Irvine
PASTORS RENEWED
REV. DOMINGO ROMERO
From Pastor, Our Lady of Guadalupe (Delhi), Santa Ana
To Pastor Renewed, Our Lady of Guadalupe (Delhi), Santa Ana
VERY REV. MSGR. J. MICHAEL
MCKIERNAN
From Pastor/Rector, Mission Basilica, San Juan Capistrano
To Pastor/Rector Renewed, Mission Basilica, San Juan Capistrano
REV. MICHAEL ST. PAUL
From Pastor, Holy Trinity, Ladera Ranch
To Pastor Renewed, Holy Trinity, Ladera Ranch
REV. REYNOLD EDWARD FURRELL
From Pastor, Sts. Simon and Jude, Huntington Beach
To Pastor Renewed, Sts. Simon and Jude, Huntington Beach
REV. VIET PETER HO
From Pastor, St. Polycarp, Stanton
To Pastor Renewed, St. Polycarp, Stanton
ADMINISTRATORS/
DIRECTORS
REV. JUAN BERNARDO NAVARRO
SANCHEZ
From Parochial Vicar, Christ Cathedral, Garden Grove
To Parochial Administrator, Christ Our Savior, Santa Ana
REV. DUY LE
From Pastor, San Francisco Solano, RSM
To Parochial Administrator, San Francisco Solano, RSM
PAROCHIAL VICARS
REV. ARMANDO VIRREY
From Parochial Vicar, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Santa Ana
To Parochial Vicar, Blessed Sacrament, Westminster
REV. ARUNDAS THOMAS
From Parochial Vicar, St. Mary, Fullerton
To Parochial Vicar, St. Joseph, Placentia
REV. BENJAMIN PHILIP TRAN
From Chaplain at University of California
Irvine & Associate Director of Vocations
To Parochial Vicar, St. Kilian, Mission Viejo while remaining as an Associate Director of Vocations
REV. BRANDON ROBERT LOPEZ
From Parochial Vicar, St. Kilian, Mission Viejo
To Parochial Vicar, St. Cecilia, Tustin
REV. CARLOS AUGUSTO LUY MONTEJO
From Parochial Vicar, La Purisima, Orange
To Parochial Vicar, Christ Cathedral, Garden Grove
REV. DANH NGOC TRINH
From Parochial Vicar, St. Joseph, Placentia
To Parochial Vicar, St. Columban, Garden Grove
REV. DIEGO MENNITI
From Parochial Vicar, St. Kilian, Mission Viejo
To Parochial Vicar, St. Philip Benizi, Fullerton
REV. GUILLERMO MARTINEZ
From Parochial Vicar, St. Justin Martyr, Anaheim
To Parochial Vicar, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Santa Ana
REV. HECTOR BEDOYA
From Parochial Vicar, St. Mary, Fullerton
To Parochial Vicar (Part Time), St. Boniface, Anaheim
To Parochial Vicar (Part Time/Residence), St. Columban, Garden Grove
REV. HIEU TRONG NGUYEN, SVD
From Outside the Diocese
To Parochial Vicar, St. Justin Martyr, Anaheim
REV. JAIME HERNANDEZ
From Parochial Vicar, St. Cecilia, TustinTo Parochial Vicar, St. Polycarp, Stanton
REV. JOHN DUY NGUYEN
From Parochial Vicar, St. Columban, Garden Grove
To Parochial Vicar, St. Timothy, Laguna Niguel
REV. JUAN CARLOS SALGUERO
From Outside the Diocese
To Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Guadalupe (Delhi), Santa Ana
REV. LUIS GERARDO SEGURA
From Parochial Vicar, St. Polycarp, Stanton
To Parochial Vicar, La Purisima, Orange
REV. MANUEL LOPEZ GONZALEZ
From Parochial Vicar, St. Angela Merici, Brea
To Parochial Vicar, St. Barbara, Santa Ana
REV. MIGUEL ANGEL CARABEZ HERRERA
From Outside the Diocese
To Parochial Vicar, St. Pius V, Buena Park (Effective April 1, 2026)
REV. NICOLAS TOAN NGUYEN
From Parochial Vicar, St. Boniface, Anaheim
To Parochial Vicar, San Antonio de Padua, Anaheim Hills
REV. NICOLAUS DUY THAI
From Parochial Vicar, St. Polycarp, Stanton
To Parochial Vicar, St. Boniface, Anaheim
REV. SALVADOR LANDA
From Medical Leave of Absence
To Parochial Vicar, St. Mary, Fullerton
REV. SAMUEL AYINBORA ATINGA
From Outside the Diocese
To Parochial Vicar, Holy Trinity, Ladera Ranch
REV. SCOTT JAMESON ALLEN
From In Residence, St. Mary, Fullerton
To Parochial Vicar, St. Mary, Fullerton
REV. TUAN JOHN NGUYEN
From Parochial Vicar, San Antonio de Padua, Anaheim Hills
To Parochial Vicar, St. Angela Merici, Brea
NEWLY ORDAINED
REV. FRANCIS ANG
From Transitional Deacon, St. Polycarp, Stanton
To Parochial Vicar, St. Polycarp, Stanton
RETIRED
REV. FRANCIS CHUNG KAY NG
From Parochial Vicar, St. Timothy Church, Laguna Niguel
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL GOES “UNDER THE SEA”
BY BRITNEY ZINT
APLACENTIA CATHOLIC
school pulled out all the stops — singing, dancing and acting — from nearly a quarter of its student body to bring the story of love, transformation and the struggle for independence to the stage.
St. Joseph Catholic School presented its spring musical, Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.” on May 14 and 15 at Servite High School in Anaheim. The production featured 60 students in grades first through eighth who auditioned and have been working for months to bring the production to life.
“I think it went fantastic; I was really impressed with the kids,” said director Laurie Cantrell, who is also the assistant principal. “They brought the energy and really stepped into their characters tonight.”
“The Little Mermaid Jr.”, based on the
classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, follows mermaid Ariel (Brooklyn Tyler), the youngest daughter of King Triton (Sam Walswich), as she falls in love with the human Prince Eric (TJ Cantrell and Dylan Gallegos). Ariel then wants to become a human. Despite objections by her fish friend Flounder (Dominic Duran) and her father’s advisor, Sebastian (Kaile Graham), Ariel makes a bargain with the witch Ursula (Isabella Garcia) to become human for three days so she can get Prince Eric to fall in love with her.
Eighth-grader Tyler, who played Ariel, started performing with the St. Joseph Performing Arts program in first grade. Tyler dreamed she would one day get the lead role.
“I was stunned,” she recalled. “I was so happy, like, it was the happiest I’ve been in a while.”
Tyler noted that her years on stage prepared her to take on a demanding role.
“I think I was more excited than nervous, because I was ready to step into a lead role, especially being in eighth grade,” she added.
Both Tyler and fifth-grader Lulu Cantrell — who played Scuttle, a friendly bird — said they loved watching “The Little Mermaid” animated movie growing up. Both said they rewatched the Disney movie to prepare, but Lulu Cantrell also studied something else: birds and how they move.
“It’s fun because you get to express yourself and you just really have high energy all the time,” Lulu Cantrell said, “and it’s just like you’re with your friends all the time and it’s just wonderful.”
While Tyler’s performance was the culmination of her time in the performing arts program, for fellow eighth-grader Scarlett Zaragoza, this was her first theater performance. Since
JOSEPH
ARIEL, PLAYED BY BROOKLYN TYLER, SINGS ONSTAGE DURING ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL'S PRODUCTION OF "THE LITTLE MERMAID JR." PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
it’s her last year at St. Joseph’s, Zaragoza said she wanted to try something new — and maybe overcome her stage fright.
“At first, I was very nervous,” she said, “but with the people around me, they made me feel very comfortable and it was just a very good environment. I am super happy and excited that I got to experience this. I’ve had stage fright for a while now, and I feel like doing this really helped me to overcome that.”
Seeing her students go from auditions to rehearsals, then finally taking to the stage, made principal Amanda Hawley’s “heart swell,” she said.
“It’s so beautiful to see even the shyest ones from school get up there,” she added. “And even if it’s just waving reeds in the back of the stage, they’re just joyful and they’re happy to be up there. So, it’s beautiful to see them blossom and feel comfortable being out in front of people, building their confidence and using their God-given gifts.” C
ST. ANTHONY VISITS THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE, CA
THE SAINT OF MIRACLES AMONG US
TWO HOLY RELICS of St. Anthony of Padua will visit the Catholic Diocese of Orange, California from Saturday, June 13th 2026. The two first-class relics will be accompanied by Fathers Fabio Turrisendo and Matteo Martinelli, two Franciscan friars from the Pontifical Basilica of St.
ST. ANTHONY VISITS THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE,
The Saint of Miracles Among Us
Two holy relics of St Anthony of Padua will visit the Catholic Diocese of Orange, California from Saturday, June 6th to Saturday, June 13th 2026. The two first-class relics will be accompanied by Fathers Fabio Turrisendo and Matteo Martinelli, two Franciscan friars from the Pontifical Basilica of St Anthony in Padua, Italy The two relics are fragments of St Anthony’s Skin and his Floating Rib; the latter relic has special significance because it was venerated by Lucy of Fatima in her convent in Coimbra in 1995, and by then-Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis) in the Cathedral of Buenos Aires in 2000.
Anthony in Padua, Italy. The two relics are fragments of St. Anthony's Skin and his Floating Riv; the latter relic has special significance because it was venerated by Lucy of Fatima in her convent in Coimbra in 1995, and by then-Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis) in the Cathedral of Buenos Aires in 2000. C
MASSES AND VENERATION:
Saturday, June 6
Our Lady of Fatima
105 North La Esperanza, San Clemente, CA 92672 (949) 492-4101
www.olfchurch.net
Masses: 5PM (English);
Veneration: One hour before and after Mass
Sunday, June 7
San Antonio de Padua
5800 E Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim Hills, CA 92807 (714) 974-1416
Christ Cathedral 12141 Lewis Street Garden Grove, CA 92840 (714) 971-2141
www,christcathedralcalifornia.org
Masses: 8:00 AM (English); Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception 100th Anniversary Mass at 11:00 AM (English) Veneration: Between 9:00 – 11 AM
URSULA, PLAYED BY ISABELLA GARCIA, RISES ABOVE THE STAGE FLANKED BY HER EELS DURING "THE LITTLE MERMAID JR." PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
CAST MEMBERS OF "THE LITTLE MERMAID JR."
LEADERSHIP IN ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
SPOTLIGHT ON NORBERT HUYNH, BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL
BY MIKE ZINN
FOLLOWING IN THE footsteps of his three older brothers, eighth-grader Norbert Huynh has been a positive force for teachers, staff and fellow students at Blessed Sacrament School.
Teacher Michael Seibert spoke of Huynh's strong character.
“He has many qualities, but the best is his strong moral character,” said Seibert. “He strives to always do the right thing.”
Seibert also praised Huynh for being an excellent lector and altar server during school Masses.
“He has deep religious convictions that identify with the Catholic faith,” added Seibert.
Teacher Jackson Leiberg has had the privilege of interacting with Huynh in a range of activities. Leiberg said Huynh is a humble, warmhearted person who has a positive attitude and works hard.
“He spent countless hours studying and preparing for the Academic Decathlon competitions,” shared Leiberg. “He is the glue that holds the grade together, welcoming and accepting everyone.”
Principal Debra Daniel recalled her first interaction with Huynh as his firstgrade teacher.
“He has a love of learning and has shown tremendous growth. He is an excellent example to his peers in the classroom, on the playing field and on the playground.”
Huynh lists his favorite academic subjects as science, history and religion. An excellent student, Huynh has earned Honor Roll distinction every semester since third grade.
In addition to Academic Decathlon, he also plays football, volleyball and basketball. He was recently named Most Valuable Player for the eighth-grade football team.
After graduating from Blessed Sacrament, Huynh will be attending Saint Lawrence Seminary High School in Mount Calvary, Wisconsin. This school is known for its college preparatory curriculum and spiritual development. The school was founded by the Capuchin Franciscan order. When asked why he is attending a seminary high school and preparing to enter the priesthood, Huynh reflected back to his early years at Blessed Sacrament.
“Being an altar server and having three cousins who are priests helped to get me interested in becoming a priest. Especially my cousin Martin, who is very inspirational.”
He also cited Seibert as a role model.
“He has great knowledge of religion and has taught me so much,” shared Huynh.
With his time at Blessed Sacrament winding down, Huynh offered thoughtful reflections on his classmates and the school. When asked what he was most proud of with regard to his classmates, he said, “If someone is hurting or down, my classmates would be there to help. The school has nice people, excellent teachers and friends who I have bonded with over the years.”
Huynh will be leaving in August to head out on his next big adventure in Wisconsin. His family has big summer plans ahead.
“We will hike 250 miles on the Camino de Santiago in Spain and then go on a cruise,” shared Huynh. C
NORBERT HUYNH, AN ALTAR SERVER, IS PICTURED BEFORE MASS. PHOTO COURTESY OF BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
To Retired Priest Status
(Effective June 30, 2026)
REV. JOSEPH ROBILLARD
From Pastor, Christ Our Savior, Santa Ana
To Retired Priest Status
(Effective June 30, 2026)
SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT
REV. CHRISTOPHER HERBERT SMITH
From Retired Priest Status
To Coordinator of the Newly Ordained Priests and New Pastors/Administrator Formation
REV. DAVID KLUNK
From Parochial Vicar, St. Hedwig, Los Alamitos
To Medical Leave of Absence, In Private Residence
REV. IGNATIUS PAZ
From Parochial Vicar & Chaplain at California State University Fullerton, St. Pius V, Buena Park
To Chaplain at California State University Fullerton Newman Center, Fullerton
DIOCESAN NEWS
REV. MARTIN ELIAS LATIFF
From Outside the Diocese
To Chaplain at University of California, Irvine
REV. FREDERICK ATENTAR, AM
From Outside the Diocese
To Chaplain at Mater Dei High School, Santa Ana
REV. PAUL HOA DUY VU
From Parochial Vicar (Part Time), St. Barbara, Santa Ana & Tribunal (Part-Time)
To Parochial Vicar (Part-Time), Our Lady of La Vang, Santa Ana while remaining in the Tribunal (Part-Time)
RETURNING TO INCARDINAT-
ED DIOCESE OR ORDER
REV. JOSE SUAREZ
From Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Guadalupe (Delhi), Santa Ana
To Outside the Diocese, Archdiocese of Tijuana, Mexico
(Effective April 14, 2026)
REV. AARON GALVIZO, AM
From Chaplain, Mater Dei High School,
Santa Ana
To Outside the Diocese, Alagad ni Maria Order
(Effective July 1, 2026)
REV. ISABELO ABUAN, III, AM
From Chaplain at California State University Fullerton Newman Center, Fullerton
To Outside the Diocese, Alagad ni Maria Order
(Effective July 1, 2026)
REV. DENNIS KRIZ, OSM
From Pastor, St. Philip Benizi, Fullerton
To Outside the Diocese, Servite Order
(Effective July 1, 2026)
REV. SEBASTIANUS MULU, OSM
From Parochial Vicar, St. Philip Benizi, Fullerton
To Outside the Diocese, Servite Order (Effective July 1, 2026) C
A CALL TO THE DIACONATE
BY GREG MELLEN
DEACON TOM SAENZ didn’t enter the Diocese of Orange’s permanent diaconate expecting to one day lead it.
“I thought I’d be working with the poor,” he said. “That’s what really attracted me.”
However, even before he was ordained, he was approached by Deacon Frank Chavez to consider succeeding him as director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate.
The suggestion surprised many within the diaconate — including Saenz himself.
“It was a complete surprise,” Deacon Tom said. “And the surprises never end.”
The outgoing director, who had served as a deacon for 37 years and led the office for 20, was retiring and saw a leader in Saenz.
What Deacon Tom lacked in diaconate experience, he made up in other ways important in modern organizations and management. Overseeing a group of 138 active deacons, and growing, with another 45 currently in formation, requires a particular skill set. Deacon Tom is bilingual, has an MBA from Chapman University and the requisite technology background. He was the owner-operator of a successful business with 17 years’ experience. His work included guiding professionals through continuing education, which is a key part of diaconal formation.
Plus, as Deacon Frank said at the time, “He has a beautiful spiritual life.”
Currently, the diocese is seeking and accepting applications from candidates and their priests for the Class of 2032. Applications will be accepted until July 1.
LEADING THE MINISTRY
Now four-and-a-half years into his tenure, Deacon Tom, 54, sees God’s providence in the decision made by the
retiring director.
“The Church saw I had different gifts to give,” Deacon Tom said.
Since taking over leadership of the office, Deacon Tom has modernized the diaconate’s website and updated the formation curriculum, including the addition of an online academic component developed in collaboration with the Pontifical College Josephinum in Ohio.
Formation now spans nearly six years, beginning with a six-month discernment period followed by five years of formal preparation before ordination.
And those are just formal requirements. As Deacon Tom said, the growth never stops.
Aspirants, candidates and deacons are always expanding their knowledge and spiritual growth in Scripture study, homiletics, spirituality and liturgy, provided and supported by the diaconate.
Technology, communications and other aspects notwithstanding, much of the work of deacons remains rooted in the early days of the Church. The term deacon originates from the Greek word diakonos, meaning “servant.” The ministry appears in the Acts of the Apostles, when seven men were appointed to manage distribution of food to widows. Although diaconates and permanent diaconate faded over the years, they were revived during the Second Vatican Council and have become a vibrant and growing part of church life.
WHO ARE DEACONS?
“People see us at Mass and think that’s all we do,” Deacon Tom said of himself and his fellow deacons, who assist during liturgies by proclaiming the Gospel, preaching, distributing Communion and supporting the celebrant.
Deacon Tom describes the ministry in three dimensions:
The Word — teaching and proclaiming the word of God to make disciples.
CONTINUES
DEACON TOM SAENZ IS THE DIRECTOR OF OFFICE OF THE PERMANENT DIACONATE IN THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE.
PHOTO BY THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Liturgy — participating in Mass and church services, including baptisms, marriages and first Communions.
Charity — going outside the walls of the church in service to the public.
A fourth, informal yet key part of the diaconate, is wives and families, according to Deacon Tom, who has been married to Bianca for 28 years with three adult daughters. Wives are essential to the diaconate, often referred to as a blessing, heart or backbone of the ministry and seen as part of a shared vocation. Throughout formation and beyond, wives participate alongside their husbands and become active parts of the community of permanent deacons.
In many ways, deacons are the living bridge between the church and community.
“We have one foot in the modern world and one foot in the Church,” shared Deacon Tom. “We are that witness.”
As part of their outreach, Orange County deacons participated in more than 1,800 feedings, 2,600 visits to the shut-ins, 640 hospital visits and 280 jail visits. They were part of more than 5,300 baptisms, 2,700 funerals, 558 sacramental marriages and 265 quinceañeras.
They were involved in between hundreds to thousands of marriage preparation, faith formation, baptism preparation and bible study sessions and classes. On average, deacons donate about 17 hours a week in service of the church. And that is in addition to their visible in-Mass participation.
Pope Francis called deacons “the guardians of service in the Church.”
“Being a deacon,” Deacon Tom said, is all about “helping others find God’s plan in their lives — that’s the diaconate.”
ARE YOU CALLED TO SERVE?
According to Deacon Tom, the most important aspect to becoming a deacon is to be “called,” and begin a personal discernment. Beyond that, applicants must be:
■ Formally presented for the diaconate by a pastor who will help mentor during formation.
■ Committed to and living out Gospel values with demonstrated leadership qualities in parish/diocesan ministry for the past five years.
■ Between 30 and 55 years old.
■ Married in a stable, supportive marriage/family for at least seven years or, if not married, willing to commit to celibacy.
■ Capable of giving serious time to theological study, spiritual formation and ministry.
■ A high school graduate or GED holder.
To learn more, visit www. rcbo.org/ministry/diaconate/ or contact Liliana Pinon, program manager, Office of the Permanent Diaconate at (714) 282-3035, lpinon@rcbo.org C
DEACON TOM SAENZ IS PICTURED DURING A 2025 DIACONATE FOOD DISTRIBUTION EVENT. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
DEACON TOM SAENZ GREETS A GUEST DURING THE ANNUAL TREASURE OF THE CHURCH DINNER HELD ON AUG. 12, 2023. THE FREE EVENT OFFERS FOOD, MUSIC, FELLOWSHIP
THE SILENCE OF THE SAINTS
BY JOAN PATTEN, AO
WHY DO WE FEEL uncomfortable in silence?
Why do we often choose noise and distraction over silence? Are we afraid to be alone with Jesus?
We all desire to experience peace in our world, our families and our own hearts. We live in a time when silence feels rare. Our devices, schedules and noisy culture pull us in many directions. For this reason, we often struggle to hear Jesus speaking in our hearts. The saints, from every age, experienced this struggle too. Yet, they show us that silence is the means for deepening our encounter with God. When we enter silence with courage, we discover that Jesus is already waiting for us.
St. Teresa of Avila experienced both dryness and distraction in prayer. She writes in “The Interior Castle” that God does His work in silence as He labors to build His temple within us. Moreover, she observes that it is under the condition of silence that the soul and God rejoice together. Her witness of embracing silence, even when prayer felt unproductive and difficult, encourages us to enter silence with the same confidence that we will meet God.
We see the transforming power of God in the soul of a modern saint who met God in silence, St. Charles de Foucauld. After years of searching for meaning in his life, he found that only silence before Jesus could satisfy his restless heart. Silence taught him to become little before God, and it opened his soul to receive and surrender to grace. St. Charles de Foucauld’s well-known “Prayer of Aban-
donment” reflects the fruit of His prayer, sustained by silence and trust. Therefore, St. Charles could declare with great freedom, “Father, I abandon myself into Your hands; do with me what You will…I am ready for all, I accept all.” His witness teaches us that silence is not passive, but a courageous act of vulnerability before God, in which we offer the gift of ourselves to the One who is always pouring Himself out in love to us.
The silence of the saints is a place of
study for all of us who desire to respond to our call to holiness. Their witness offers simple, practical ways we too can intentionally choose to cultivate silence in our lives. We do not need long hours or perfect conditions. Parents are burdened by demands from young children or multiple activities for older kids. Others face demanding jobs, caregiving duties or life circumstances beyond their control. Still, each of us can make a small choice that opens a space for God within the real circumstances of our lives.
As we approach the Lord in Holy Communion, especially on the feast of Corpus Christi, let us ask Jesus to give us a greater love for silence. A few minutes of quiet each day, intentionally chosen by turning off our devices, sitting before the Blessed Sacrament or in the quiet of our room, can open our hearts to the presence of God. Silence does not have to be a place of discomfort or fear. Over time, these small sacrificial acts of choosing silence over the temptation of distraction and noise help us grow in trust and attentiveness. Like the saints, we too will encounter Jesus who desires to free us from our anxious drive to perform and instead rest in Him. Silence becomes the safest place to be, where Jesus will teach us that we do not earn His love by giving a good performance. Instead, we are tutored by His abiding Presence, which simply invites us to be present to Him.
Only in silence will we encounter Jesus in the interior cell of our hearts, where, like the saints, we will learn to listen, surrender and trust the Lord as He reveals Himself in the intimacy of His love. C
PHOTO BY I AM_OS ON UNSPLASH
OC Catholic Afar
Ray Roman and his daughter Ava visited the Basilica de Guadalupe in Mexico City with a copy of OC Catholic in hand.
Considered one of the world's most visited religious sites, the basilica houses the tilma of St. Juan Diego, which bears the image of the Virgin Mary from when she appeared to him in 1531.
—The family attends Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Aliso Viejo.
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.
St. John's Seminary Offers Full-Tuition Fellowships for Hispanic Lay Ministers
St. John’s Seminary has fully-funded fellowships for Hispanic lay ministers interested in being formed to minister in parishes, Newman centers, Catholic K-12 schools, or campus ministries.
We offer fellowships for our new online M.A. in Pastoral Ministry that allows you to receive your entire education from the comfort of your home.
This program will help lay ministers, increase their knowledge of the Catholic intellectual tradition and improve their ministerial skills for the life of the Church. Students will be prepared to work in different areas of ministry and make professional and personal connections with others of the same mind and spirit.
A studio with professional video, audio, and lighting equipment has been built to allow our students to have an enjoyable technological experience.
We prepare our program to serve our students with the highest quality of education. For more information, please contact us.
