OC CATHOLIC - MAY 10, 2026

CONTENTS

The Christ Cathedral reflection space received the 2026 Faith & Form International Award for

CRISTO REY OC HIGH SCHOOL RAISES MORE THAN $2 MILLION

The school’s third annual ¡VIVA! Gala raised funds to support the school’s operating mission.

The Homefront America Memorial Day exhibit honors military, veterans and first responders.

MICHAEL’S ABBEY PREPARES FOR ELECTION

Following Abbot Hayes’s tenure, the Norbertine Order will elect his successor

St. Norbert’s Color Run adds a vibrant dynamic to the jog-a-thon fundraiser.

HERE’S TO THE MOMS

Mothers carry the world on their shoulders; they deserve grace and understanding.

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

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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.

by Fr. Cheeyoon Chun JoanPatten,AO

Congregation of the Norbertine Sisters Congregation of Jesus and Mary Benedictine Monks of Prince of Peace Abbey Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Missionaries of Mercy Lovers of the Brothers of St. Patrick Holy Cross Sisters of St. Joseph Sister Servants of the Blessed Sacrament and more!

Sunday May 17th 8 am - 2 pm Diocese Vocations Director Delegate for Consecrated Life AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM IN

ROSARY BEADS

“ Lord of Life, you shaped every human being in your image…” — Pope Leo XIV

READER CALL-OUT

This Rosary was a handmade gift from my son-in-law, made with so much love and attention to each detail. The Miraculous medal and Cross are sterling silver, and the beads are freshwater pearls. They were strung with fine wire to last, we hope, a lifetime or more.

— Noreen Cichocki, St. Kilian Parish in Mission Viejo.

If you would like to share a photo of your Rosary Beads with our readers, please send a photo and brief description (include your name and parish) to: Editor@occatholic.com

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY

ACTS 16:11-15; PSALM 149:1B-2, 3-4, 5-6A AND 9B; JOHN 15:26—16:4A

TUESDAY

ACTS 16:22-34; PSALM 138:1-2AB, 2CDE-3, 7C8; JOHN 16:5-11

SAINT PROFILE

WEDNESDAY

ACTS 17:15, 22—18:1; PSALM 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14; JOHN 16:12-15

JOHN OF AVILA 1500-1569

BORN NEAR TOLEDO, SPAIN, John was sent by his wealthy parents to study law in Salamanca. But, renouncing such a career, he instead lived as a hermit for three years, and was ordained in 1525, after his parents had died. Though he hoped to be a missionary in Mexico, his archbishop sent him to Andalusia, where he preached successfully for nine years. He was imprisoned briefly by the Inquisition for rigoristic preaching, then continued evangelizing for the rest of his life. Many of his letters survive. A holy priest and mystic, he was a friend of St. Ignatius Loyola and an adviser of St. Teresa of Avila and several other Spanish saints. He is a patron saint of Spain.C

THURSDAY

ACTS 1:15-17, 2026; PSALM 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8; JOHN 15:9-17

FRIDAY

ACTS 18:9-18; PSALM 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; JOHN 16:20-23

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

SATURDAY

ACTS 18:23-28; PSALM 47:2-3, 8-9, 10; JOHN 16:23B-28

SUNDAY

ACTS 1:1-11; PSALM: 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9; EPH. 1:17-23; MATTHEW 28:1620

“THE HANDS AND FEET OF CHRIST”

BY GREG MELLEN

THEY ARE THE UNSUNG workers and volunteers who help allow the Catholic Church to attend to and serve its diverse ministries and populations.

So much so that it became evident three years ago that it wasn't enough to honor just one Catholic woman volunteer. Thus, Suzanne Land and Brenda Ames, president and vice president of the Catholic Charities Auxiliary of Orange County, respectively, suggested expanding the

organization’s annual Woman of the Year celebration.

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the signature event, which had been unchanged for 30 years, returned in 2024 as the dinner for Inspirational Catholic Women.

This year the event honored 18 women who have provided “countless volunteer hours in parishes,” Ames said.

“I don’t think people realize how much they do,” Land said.

“This is an opportunity to recognize the women who help in so many ways,”

Fr. Mike Rizzo, chairman of the board for Catholic Charities of Orange County Board of Trustees said of the honorees. “They demonstrate the Heart of Mary. They are the hands and feet of Christ.”

This year’s class was indicative of the breadth and diversity of the diocese, with its honorees representing 12 churches and one diocesan ministry. They represented Caucasian, Latino, Filipino, Korean and other Asian communities.

Two women, Jan Prodan and Jane Nelson, were given special recognition as winners of the Joyce Brown Legacy Award. They have been members of the Auxiliary for 26 and 20 years, respectively, and have been with numerous charities and volunteer efforts.

An audience of about 260 attended the sit-down dinner at the Arboretum,

with 100 percent of proceeds going to the charity’s Human Dignity Curriculum program, run by New Hope Counseling Services, which provides direct on-campus mental health support and intervention and consulting services at 16 diocesan schools, plus Cristo Rey High School, as well as a support hotline.

New Hope addresses a staggering need in Orange County, where, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency, 45 percent of local teens report struggling with emotional challenges from bullying, abuse and other causes.

Julianna Tapia, principal at Christ Cathedral Academy since 2022, offered a sobering report on the need for the service. She credited counselors at her school with helping to save the lives of two children who were actively planning suicide.

“Thanks to their intervention, those students are here, they’re alive and they’re thriving,” she said. “Their work reminds us that our children are known, loved and that their lives are precious. They are stepping in at the darkest moments and providing light.”

Ellen Roy, executive director of Catholic Charities of Orange County, said among 10-14-year-olds in Orange County, suicide is the leading cause of death, with 20 percent considering, 16 percent planning and 9 percent attempting suicide.

“It’s hitting us all,” she said.

Ames said New Hope's services are vital in “helping our children get out of the cycle of violence and abuse.”

Fr. Mike noted that unlike several programs that Catholic Charities supports, such as the Cantlay Food Distribution, the citizenship support and health and wellness programs, which receive funding from a number of sources, New Hope Services receives virtually all its support from the Auxiliary and the Inspirational Women event.

“We don’t have outside donors,” he said of the dinner. “That’s why there is such a focus on this.”

In addition to the meal, patrons were

able to donate and participate in various raffles and contests. There was also entertainment by the Mater Dei Rubies Singers, who included in their group Faith Nguyen, the granddaughter of one of the evening’s honorees, Mary Nguyen.

Speaking of the awardees and their continuing devotion to volunteerism, Ames said, “The Heart of Mary is their true influence.”

She added a paraphrased quote from Mother Teresa echoed by several honorees “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”

This year’s honorees are:

Jeanette Barreras, Holy Family Catholic Church

Brenda Bianchino, San Antonio de Padua del Canon Catholic Church

Chris Born, San Antonio de Padua del Canon Catholic Church

Maria Felicidad Claudio, St. Kilian Catholic Church

Donna Eagar, St. Francis Guild/St. Hedwig Catholic Church

Cathy Fitzpatrick, St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church

Norie Gatis, Diocese of Orange/ San Jose Filipino Ministry

Marita Lagman, Diocese of Orange/ San Jose Filipino Ministry

Lety Lopez, Christ Cathedral

Sharon Lynch, St. Joseph Catholic Church

Araceli Martinez, St. Bonaventure Catholic Church

Mary Nguyen, Christ Cathedral

Graciela Palafox, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church

Vivian Stewart, St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church

Mary Beth Syms, Holy Family Catholic Church

Fe Tamparong, Christ Cathedral

Janet Wiesen, Holy Trinity Catholic Church

Mary Wilson, St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church C

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.

1-800-364-3064

Be a companion to others on their spiritual journey.

The Art of Spiritual Direction (ASD) program trains individuals for the fulfilling ministry of spiritual direction.

Discover more about this certificated program offered 10 Saturdays per year at St. Joseph Center in Orange.

CHRIST CATHEDRAL’S MARIAN GARDENS WINS RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE AWARD

BY BRADLEY ZINT

THE MARIAN GARDENS project at Christ Cathedral was recently recognized by Partners for Sacred Places with a 2026 Faith & Form International Award for Religious Architecture & Art, a program founded in 1978 to honor excellence and innovation in architecture, design and art for religious places.

The Marian Gardens, which opened in 2024 as a walk-through experience exploring the Mysteries of the Rosary, won the Sacred Landscape award. The distinction will be presented at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2026 to be held in San Diego this June.

The jury provided the following comments:

“This landscape presents a rich set of ideas rendered with aesthetic sensitivity and detail. The programming of the

landscape is generous, providing several different kinds of contemplative spaces that one might use to connect with the life of Mary or with oneself. It was easy to imagine one using this landscape and how the materials, colors, form and scale of the design complements Johnson/Burgee’s famous glass church for Robert Schuller.”

Partners for Sacred Places, founded in 1989, is a Philadelphia-based, non-sectarian nonprofit focused on preserving historic sacred places. Of the 75 entries submitted from nine countries, 12 total awards were given in a variety of categories, including restoration and re-use of religious buildings.

Domusstudio Architecture, a San Diego-based architectural firm, designed the project. The concrete subcontractor was J&M Concrete Contractors, Inc., with supplies from Associated Ready Mix. Driver SPG was the general contractor. Outdoor lighting was by Oculus Light Studio.

The Marian Gardens was the second phase of the Our Lady of La Vang Shrine project, which also consists of the La Vang shrine and statue, a wall dedicated to the 117 Vietnamese martyrs and a re-creation of the Garden of Gethsemane. The entire shrine project was managed and fundraised by the OLLV Foundation.

The Marian Gardens were designed by a priest committee, with input from Aaron Torrence of Culver City-based Torrence Architects. Further design work and completion was by architect David Pfeifer, AIA, LEED, AP of Domusstudio Architecture.

“We are grateful for the support of the OLLV Foundation, the Diocese of Orange for their accepting of the project vision and ideas, and our engineering team and Driver SPG as well for having the fortitude and skill to see to its proper implementation,” said Pfeifer. “The greatest measure of our work is through

the prayer and worship of the faithful. However, recognition by professional and peer organizations is also appreciated. We are humbled and honored at the acceptance and daily utilization of the spaces by the Catholic community as well as the recognition and awards that the project has received.

“This project has the special and unique attributes of being less about function and more about experience and spiritual connections. It challenged our creativity to purify and distill the design to purely perceptual elements of form light, material and flow.”

The recognition is the third for the Marian Gardens. It was first lauded in 2024 by the American Concrete Institute’s Southern California chapter for use of decorative concrete. In 2025, the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) gave an Award of Merit for the gardens’ innovative use of outdoor lighting. C

A MOTHER’S LOVE

IN CELEBRATION OF MOTHER’S DAY, ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLICS GIVE THANKS TO THEIR MOMS

BY MIKE VULPO

MOTHER’S DAY weekend is here, and Orange County Catholic is celebrating moms who have made a difference in their children’s faith journeys.

We asked five women to write letters of gratitude to the mother figures in their lives who passed down their admiration of Jesus Christ.

What came next were messages of hope, service and most importantly, love.

DEAR MOM,

You were only 21-years-old when you said yes, choosing to put me first and beginning your journey as a mother with such quiet strength and grace. You once told me that in moments when you felt alone in that decision, you turned to Mother Mary for guidance and protection — that she held your hand and led you forward through the unknown.

Through every high and low, you have remained by my side, gently reminding me of God’s mercy and goodness — that He never abandons us, and that His plans are far greater than anything we could imagine. As it is written, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come” (Proverbs 31:25). I see that strength and dignity in you every day. You live a life of quiet service so beautifully — teaching the Rosary at local schools, loving so faithfully through your care for dad in his sickness and showing endless patience with your grandson (and with me, too). You are truly one of the most admirable and beautiful women I know, both inside and out.

I love you, Mom. Blessed are you among women — may you be celebrated today and always.

With all my love,

Charlene Henkelmann, San Francisco Solano Parish.

DEAR MADRE,

Aside from giving me life, faith is the greatest gift you could have ever given me. Your perseverance in prayer inspires me. Your love for the Lord in the Eucharist amazes me. When I see you interact with the people of our parish community, it shows me the family that we have within the Catholic Church, and that is one of the most beautiful treasures and truths about our faith that I will always carry in my heart. God is everything to me, especially now as a mother. And I owe you everything for showing me who God is through your love for me and through your profound relationship with Him. I love you Mom, and I am eternally grateful to God for you.

Love,

Gabriela Garcia, St. Boniface Parish.

DEAR MOM,

Your name, Mary, could not have been more fitting. Like Jesus’ Mother, you lived with deep faith, humility and unconditional love.

You left us too soon, but I trust God needed you with Him. The beautiful

legacy you and Dad created continues to grow — your big, fun Irish Catholic family expanding each year. You were a devoted mother to six children, a loving grandmother to 15 and would now be a great-grandmother to nearly 12. You and Dad gave us the greatest gift: a strong, loving family and the best siblings anyone could ask for.

One of your favorite sayings continues to guide me: “It is an insult to God to worry — give all your troubles to Him.” You truly lived that.

I am endlessly grateful that God chose you to be my Mom. Thank you for your love, your wisdom and for guiding me in my faith. I carry you with me every day as I try to be the kind of parent to my son that you were to us.

Happy Mother’s Day in Heaven to the

most loving mom. I love you always and forever.

Love, Kelli O’Keefe Spears, Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish.

DEAR MOM,

As a woman of faith, you guided me to trust in God and that faith would carry us through, even in the hardest of times. Growing up, you had a small sign that read, “When God closes a door, He opens a window.” That simple reminder shaped my faith in such a profound way, helping me understand that God’s plan is always greater than anything we could imagine. No matter what I face, I hold on to that truth — that He will make a way, even when there feels like there’s no way.

This is my first Mother’s Day without you, but I have faith and know we will be together again one day. Until then, continue to watch over us. I will share these lessons in faith to my children, like you taught me. Miss you, Mom.

Love you, always.

Cassie Schienle, San Antonio de Padua Parish.

DEAR MOM,

Of all the paths you could have followed, of all the gifts God gave you and all the ways you might have used them, we are grateful you answered the call to be a mother. Not only did you serve as a mother to the four daughters you bore and your nine grandchildren, but also to the kids you raised up in your home daycare and all of those in need over the years who found you waiting with an open door and heart.

The most important lessons about faith came from your quiet, constant

and relentless service (that never sought recognition or praise) to not only us but to everyone around you. One of the final decisions Jesus made during his ministry was to take a posture of humility and service when he washed his disciples’ feet. He called on his disciples to follow his example and do for others as He has done for them. Your motherhood is a dedicated example of how He called us to live and as he promised, you will be blessed.

Thank you always for embracing and fully committing yourself to the vocation of motherhood and for honoring all the women in our family line before you who carried their faith by bringing their children to the Catholic Church and living Christ’s teachings.

Your daughters, Jennifer Gloeckner, Amie Poladian, Laura Poladian (St. Joseph's Parish) and Lisa Poladian (San Francisco Solano Parish). C

BUILDING MOMENTUM TOGETHER: CRISTO REY ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL RAISES MORE THAN $2 MILLION AT ANNUAL ¡VIVA! GALA

BY CRISTO REY STAFF

UNDER THE THEME “Building Momentum Together,” Cristo Rey Orange County High School raised over $2 million at its third annual ¡VIVA! Gala, held at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point.

The milestone evening celebrated three years of growth and community impact, honored Fr. John Foley, S.J., the founder of the first Cristo Rey school in the nation, and drew more than 400 prominent Orange County philanthropists, corporate partners and community leaders.

Funds raised will support that shared momentum—helping ensure Cristo Rey remains an affordable option for students who might otherwise be unable to attend a Catholic, college-preparatory high school, one that offers a distinctive, year-round, real-world work experience as part of its curriculum.

The Santa Ana-based school, which opened in 2023, is completing its third year of operation and building on each year’s progress to grow its reach and impact.

“The Cristo Rey Orange County team has built an extraordinary high school for students from working-class families,” said Stephen Holte, founding president, Cristo Rey Orange County High School. “The overwhelming turnout and generosity of so many community and business leaders at this year’s ¡VIVA! Gala is further evidence that Cristo Rey’s mission is working—changing lives and preparing young people to be tomorrow’s leaders.”

The ¡VIVA! Gala’s success was made possible in part by the generosity of 31 sponsors whose commitment to Cristo Rey’s mission was central to the evening. WCM Investment Management served as the event’s Presenting Sponsor for the third straight year. Tim and Alanna Psomas were Platinum Sponsors. Birtcher

Anderson & Davis; Carmela and Ben Du; Michael and Debbie Felix Family; MJP Architects; St. John Vianney Chapel & Our Lady of Mount Carmel; and Woodside Credit joined as Gold Sponsors. Their leadership and philanthropy, alongside the full roster of sponsors, reflect the deep and growing investment the Orange County business community has made in Cristo Rey and the students it serves.

The success of this year’s gala is especially significant as construction continues on Cristo Rey’s new 63,000-squarefoot campus in south Santa Ana. The new campus on South Harbor Boulevard in the heart of Orange County is on track to welcome the school’s first senior class when it opens this fall for the 2026–27 academic year.

“From the beginning, our vision was to acquire a home for a permanent campus to ultimately serve 500 students, faculty and staff members for years to come,” Holte said. “The success of this year’s ¡VIVA! Gala and the growing support from our passionate donors, corporate partners and the broader Orange County community is making it happen.”

Bishop Kevin Vann gave the opening prayer to begin the gala, and another of the evening’s highlights was honoring Fr. John Foley, S.J., Chairman Emeritus of Cristo Rey Network. Fr. Foley served as

own upbringing.

“The first time I walked into Cristo Rey to speak to the students, I saw myself,” said Preciado, a first-generation Filipino who was raised by her single mother in a challenging environment.

“I knew I wanted more for my life, and I knew it was possible in my heart. But I didn’t know how to get there. And that is why partnering with Cristo Rey is so meaningful because now we get to be that door for those students.”

the founding president of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago—the first school in the network—when it opened in 1996 and he is considered the founder of the national Cristo Rey movement.

Owners and top executives from many of the 60 Orange County companies partnering with Cristo Rey and its unique Corporate Work Study Program attended this year’s ¡VIVA! Gala. The work-study program develops confidence, professional capabilities and social skills in students who spend one day a week during the school year working onsite or remotely at area businesses.

Partners include: City of Hope, F&M Bank, Rady Children’s Health, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Slater Builders, Hoag Hospital, Sperry Commercial and Sperry Equities, Brown and Streza, and Northgate Markets, among others.

“Our goal is not just to graduate students, but to send mission-driven young adults into the world who will serve and give back,” said Oscar Gonzalez, Chair of Cristo Rey Orange County Board of Directors and co-Chief Executive Officer of Northgate Markets.

Gloria Preciado, chief of staff at City of Hope Orange County and a member of the Cristo Rey Board of Directors, told the gala crowd her involvement with the school is deeply personal because of her

Throughout the evening, Cristo Rey students served as ambassadors for the school, sharing their personal journeys with guests and offering a firsthand look at the program’s impact.

Among the Cristo Rey students greeting guests and sharing their stories of success, was Azusena, a junior and a member of the Cristo Rey’s founding class. During the formal program, she told her story about when she first learned about Cristo Rey as an eighthgrade student in Santa Ana. Azusena and her family worried the private high school would be out of reach financially and she might not fit in socially and make new friends.

“Well, three years later I’m still here! Attending Cristo Rey has opened many opportunities and I have grown and accomplished many things that I never imagined possible,” Azusena shared. For more information, about Cristo Rey Orange County High School, please visit cristoreyoc.org.

If you are interested in becoming part of the Corporate Work Study program and hiring students to work for your company or organization, please contact Vice President André Feijóo at (714)439-9626 x 301, afeijoo@cristoreyoc.org. If you are interested in supporting Cristo Rey Orange County’s broader mission, please contact Advancement Officer, Kelly Brennan (714)-439-9626 x 222, kbrennan@cristoreyoc.org C

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.

Watch a brief video about the program.

MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO TO HOST HOMEFRONT AMERICA’S FIELD OF HONOR MEMORIAL DAY EXHIBIT

BY MISSION SJC STAFF

MISSION SAN JUAN

Capistrano continues its partnership with Homefront America for the 2026 Field of Honor® held this year in celebration of the nation and Mission San Juan Capistrano’s 250th anniversaries. Hundreds of American flags will honor military members, veterans and first responders on the Mission’s historic grounds between May 19 and Memorial Day, May 25.

“As our country also celebrates its 250th  anniversary year, we know for sure that the brilliance of hundreds of American flags will inspire us and give reason to pause for proper reflection and respect,” said Mission San Juan Capistrano Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams.

The magnificent display in the Mission’s Central Courtyard will include over 400 7-foot-tall American flags, each recognizing a military member, veteran, fallen hero, first responder, in addition to K-9 and equestrian heroes.

Homefront America Inc. Founder and President Mamie Yong Maywhort said, “Field of Honor® is more than a display of patriotism. It is a tribute to those who have fought to protect our country and communities and to those who carry that legacy forward today. It

reminds us of countless sacrifices, extraordinary courage, and lives changed forever.”

Flag sponsorships are available to the community in support of Homefront America’s charitable programs for military families. Visit homefrontamerica.org for details.

Field of Honor® will be displayed during the Mission’s normal operating hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Tuesday, May 19, with special hours

on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. Regular admission pricing will be in effect with free admission to military, veterans, first responders and Mission Preservation Society members throughout the exhibit.

For advanced tickets, pricing, membership details and hours of operation, visit missionsjc.com . Mission San Juan Capistrano is located at 26801 Old Mission Road in San Juan Capistrano. C

ST. MICHAEL’S ABBEY PREPARES FOR ABBATIAL ELECTION FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF ABBOT EUGENE HAYES’S TENURE

BY ST. MICHAEL'S ABBEY STAFF

ST. MICHAEL’S ABBEY, within the Diocese of Orange, announces the forthcoming conclusion of the tenure of Abbot Eugene Hayes, O.Praem., and the preparation for the election of his successor.

On March 21, Abbot Hayes marked his 75th birthday. In accordance with the norms governing the Norbertine Order, this milestone occasions the conclusion of his service as abbot, which will take effect on May 31. His tenure of three decades has been marked by steady growth in religious vocations and the establishment of the abbey’s new campus in Silverado Canyon, including the construction of its abbey church. The abbey community extends its sincere and filial gratitude for the leadership of Abbot Hayes over the past 30 years.

Following May 31, governance of the community will pass to Prior Chrysostom Baer, O.Praem., who will serve as administrator until the election of a new abbot. In this capacity, he will convoke the Chapter of Election, when the solemnly professed members of the abbey will gather for prayerful discernment and the election of their new superior.

The abbatial election is scheduled to take place on June 19. In keeping with the traditions of the Order, the election will be conducted in a spirit of recollection and common deliberation.

The Holy See has granted a plenary indulgence to the faithful who assist at prayer at the abbey on June 18 or June 19, under the usual conditions. Priests from the Diocese of Orange have generously offered to hear confessions at the abbey on these days to accommodate the faithful.

The election will be presided over

by the Abbot General, Jos Wouters, O.Praem., who serves as the head of the Order worldwide, thereby expressing the communion of the local community with the broader Norbertine family. In accordance with the constitutions of the Order, the canon who receives the required majority of votes and accepts election will assume office immediately. The abbatial blessing is

anticipated to take place at a later date.

The Abbey entrusts this period of transition to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Michael the Archangel, and St. Norbert of Xanten, and asks the faithful to join in prayer for the community and for the one whom the Lord will call to this office.

Beginning on June 12, the Abbot’s Circle community will offer a Novena

to Our Lady, Queen of Our Order, for the intention of the abbatial election. The Norbertines invite the faithful to join this community in prayer through the Abbot’s Circle website at abbotscircle.com.

Confessions will be heard on June 18 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and on June 19 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. C

TRUE COLORS

ST. NORBERT COLOR RUN

BY BRITNEY ZINT

AS THE STUDENTS RAN

BY, their formerly white T-shirts were transformed into a rainbow of colors as parents held out squeeze bottles filled with powder and blasted each student with a puff of color.

St. Norbert Catholic School hosted its annual Color Run on April 17 for its preschool through eighth-grade students on the field. Like a jog-a-thon, students gathered pledges and then ran, jogged and walked laps (or were pulled in a wagon if they were in preschool) for 45 minutes to raise money for their school in Orange.

“Everyone’s out there having a great time,” said the school’s development director Megan Heiman, who organized the annual event. “The students are having a ball, and parents equally are having a blast.”

The Color Run is St. Norbert’s largest fundraiser of the year, helping to keep tuition costs down, explained principal Joseph Ciccoianni. All the money raised goes toward the school’s general fund, which pays for everything it takes to keep the campus running: staffing, curriculum and facilities. Hosting the Color Run allows the school to avoid having to raise tuition, Ciccoianni added.

“For some families, that extra $500 or $600 would break them,” he said. “Being able to offset that cost to friends and family, but in a way that they are getting involved in their kids’ education— it is a big help to families.”

One of the traditions that makes the Color Run so special is that the 3- and 4-year-old preschool students also attend the event. The younger students can choose to walk or run around an inner track or get pulled in wagons by eighth graders. For some graduating students, it’s a full-circle moment pulling the wag-

ons they used to ride in.

“It’s really sweet because I was once here as a preschooler,” said eighth-grader Julian Bystedt, 14, as he took a breather from pulling a wagon. “Even though I don’t remember it, I’m doing it now. It’s cool to be someone they look up to like I used to look up to eighth graders.”

Sixth-grader Jacob Corrals, 12, said he remembers being pulled in the wagon with his friend who he is running with today.

“It was just really fun,” Corrals said. He added that the event is special because “everyone comes together as a family and it’s exciting.”

While many of the older students said they were running for fun, first-timer James Beckman, 6, said his strategy was to run as many laps as he could.

DIOCESAN NEWS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

“I want to do all 46 laps,” the kindergartener said. Beckman said he remembers cheering on his older brother at the Color Run before he started at St. Norbert. The two also had their own color run at home when their older brother missed out due to sickness. The real thing, though, is as good as Beckman thought it would be. “It’s great,” he said. “Getting all the colors!” C

“Thanks

- Thomas, 5th grade

HERE'S TO THE MOMS WHO FEEL LIKE THEY'RE SPIRITUALLY STAGNATING

BY REBEKAH VALDERRAMA

WHEN I WAS A young, unmarried adult, I faithfully attended Sunday Mass every week and spent every single minute of it beating myself up for getting distracted. Today, I'm attending Sunday Mass with my husband and four young kids. Every other minute, someone is asking me a question, nearly damaging a hymnal, bouncing on the kneeler or crying to be carried. In short, I have more reasons to be distracted during Mass than I ever did when I was single. I spend a smaller percentage of every Mass actively listening to Father or talking to Jesus then I ever used to. And yet, I feel none of that guilt that used to plague me over my distractions.

Spirituality changes in every season of life, and perhaps nothing illustrates that more clearly than the season of motherhood.

Whenever I crave the prayer routines I see from influencers, or worry I'm not growing fast enough in my faith journey, I try to remind myself of this:

Motherhood is like a prolonged retreat, and God is working on my soul while I'm not even looking.

do sit down with my Bible, I'm likely to be called away to wipe someone's bottom within a few minutes.

Throughout my day as a homeschooling mom, I certainly don't have the time set aside for regular meditation or Scripture reading. If I

However, if I'm able to quiet my heart enough to hear the invitation, there are so many opportunities to turn those diaper changes into a prayer. Every act of work done to the best of my ability, in love, is the way to "pray without ceasing" like St. Paul calls us to (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

I never have to go out of my way to find Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy in my day-to-day life. I'm instructing the ignorant and comforting

tions and grow in virtue. If I want to be a better mom, which I do, I'll have no way forward but to become a saint at the same time.

I know I was called to this vocation, and lately, I've been graced with the ability to see why. The most important work I've been called to is the work of loving and teaching my children. This will be the work I'll be deeply engaged in for the next couple of decades and just knowing that I'll have no choice but to do God's will that whole time gives me such peace.

The world is out here telling mothers that losing themselves in their identity as a parent is a tragedy, but through the eyes of faith, I've come to see how freeing it can be to let go of who I used to be in favor of who God is calling me to be.

Never let Satan convince you of the lie that you are doomed to spiritual stagnation in this season of your life. Instead, thank God for your vocation every day.

Happy Mother’s Day!C

the sorrowful between feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. And I have endless opportunities to die to myself that I never had when I lived by myself.

Every day, when I struggle between my children's stubborn will and my even more stubborn one, I'm confronted with my own brokenness and shortcomings. I can't even pretend to accomplish everything by my own power. I need to lean on God in prayer. It's humbling and freeing all at the same time.

In short, life with young children is filled with constant struggles and temptations to selfishness and sin. But seen through the eyes of faith, these are all opportunities to confront my imperfec-

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BISHOP VANN!

BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS TO OUR SPIRITUAL FATHER AND SHEPHERD OF OUR DIOCESE.

Nicholas Kean Abraham

Sofia Ann Abraham

Audrey Grace Abrahams

Isabella Ziba Aftabi

Arn Stuart Albertson

Layla Sophia Allen

Addison Rose Alvarez

William Alvarez III

Troi Falelelifi Arthur-Taufaao

Christopher John Austin Jr

Bailey Sophia Bactat

Jaden Omari Bailes

Nolan Thomas Baker

Chase Daniel Bauer

Catherine Elizabeth Beadles

Elle Ryan Beck

Lily Ryan Beckstead

Alexander Constantinos

Bekis

Giovanni Paolo Berger

Kate Marie Berkus

Greta Rose Beyer

Arthur Alexandre Bimont

Andrea Bintintan

Luke William Bittner

Alex Donovan Blair

Colin Ryan Bonswor

Brise Evan Boop

Gavin Ray Bos

Blake Alan Bowen

Andrew Luis Broussard

Kaden Thomas Brown

John Robert Bruce

Abigale Patricia Bryan

Kelly Lauren Burke

Jack Siam Burnett

Niccolò Pietro Butera

Bianca Valentina Butler

Karina Justine Cabral

Maddalena Rose Cabral

Jinning Cai

Cali Payton Campbell

Gianna Antoinette Carlile

Cole August Carlson

Sally Gianna Caruso

Danika Cashion

Omar Stephen Caudillo

Josephine Angelina Cefalia

Emerson Kathryn

Champagne

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS 2026 of

jserra catholic high school

Darren Jeffrey Chi

Leonardo James Chiavacci

Thomas Grier Chugay

Minha Chung

Brody Glen Church

Chase Robert Clements

Abigail Grace Coakley

Alexandra Cobb

Elijah Drake Collins

Connor Hart Colman

Aidan David Coltman

Taylor Leila Conley

Niamh Kathleen Crawford

Zachary Leroy Criger

Sofia Frances Cutone

Caitlyn Elizabeth Davidson

JohnPaul Gerardo De Santos

Jordin Rae Deller

Julian DeSigio IV

Wyatt Michael Dever

Mia Michele De Wames

Eva Julianna Dietrich

Emma Rae Doss

Audrey Nicole Dowd

Garrett Christopher

Dudenhoeffer

Teagan Josephine Dumain

Sayre Aurora Leverne Duran

Zena Kenyatta Edwards

Aidan Matthew Eisenberg

Chloe Jules Elbaz

Gabriella Lucia Elbaz

Bethan Christina Elliott

Liliana Rose Escobar

Jacob Andrew Eshenko

Jack Donovan Ewing

Madison Juliette Ey

Cade Ethan Faul

Connor Aiden Faul

Landon Michael Feltham

Josiah Ah-Sam Filo

Troy Scott Filo

Rhyse Zoe Fitzsimmons

Hunter Caton Frates

Luke Allan Friedl

Amanda Ann Garrett

Riley Jane Godber

Shay Marlee Goddard

Matthew Gregory Golden

Ariana Lucia Gonzalez

Jacob Walker Good

David Gavin Goodrich

Nicole Marie Gorgy

Thomas Andrew Gormley

Otto Christian Graham

Gianna Rose Grass

Zachary Stephen Greene

Jane Elliott Gregor-Orr

Katie Nicole Guinosso

Jenna Brooke Haggard

Joshua Stone Haney

Finnian Joseph Hannegan

Mireya Joan Hardman

Abigail Tiffany Hauke

Raegan Maureen Haynes

Ding He

Mackenzie Marie Hennessey

Ryder Dennis Hess

Annabelle Elizabeth Higerd

Brandon Henry Hoff

Molly Asbury Hogan

Olive Diane Hopkins

Minghan Huang

Peiyuan Huo

Molly McGee Hux

Chloe Emerson Hwang

Isabella Sophia Ibarra

Taylor Grace Jefferson

Grady Simeral Jenkins

Jessica Marie Jenkins

Sophia Marie Jenkins

Milan Daniel Jepsen

Zhiyu Jiang

Presley Helen Johnson

Nile Pearl Jones

George Tyler Joseph

Ella Maria Joutz

Cosette Valentina Julian

Giovanna Simone Julian

Ava Kabiri

Eya Sofia Kane

Graham Brett Kitcher Jr

Katherine Sage Knauft

Ethan Eric Knowlton

Reagan Jacklyn Knowlton

Paulina Grace Kolenic

Emmett James Kopp

Allison Ruth Kraiss

Julius Black Hejn

Kristensen

Dylan Patrick Krugh

Raegan Abigail Kubisch

Massimo Cristiano Latini

Sienna Marie Lawton

Katherine Anne Layk

Jacob Paul LeBrun

Wenjie Leng

Nathan Alexander Leovao

Narvaez

Kaitlyn Letien

Shangjia Li

Xiang Li

Yijie Liang

Kaya Ettarose Lim

Alexander Charles Liquori

Douglas David Lorimer III

Natalia Grace Makhail

Coco Milan Makos

Peyton Eleni Marinos

Camille Anne Marquez

Daniella Marie Marquez

Jake Christopher Marquis

Alexandra Ann Marsh

Isabella Aftab Mashour

Kamryn Ann McCord

Jayden Daniella McDermott

Julia Katherine McDonough

Eden Brynn Meissner

Jack Robert Melenick

Emily Jane Meyer

Cole Meza

Luke William Miller

Cassius Thomas Millett

Bradley Paul Mills

Riley Scott Rosario

Monohan

Braden Michael Ng

Han Ngo

Zacarias Lee Nickerson

Skylar Grey Noble

Sophia An Stewart

Jackson David Story

Lillian June Streech

Luke David Sun

Scarlett Ann Swanson

Jack Michael Gentile

Ava Lynn Geoghegan

Tyler Hugh Gerhardt

Grace Kathryn Giraldin

Reese Julia Katkin

Maya Anna Kelsch

Braden William Kensel

Valerie Serra Kim

Emerson Alesia Kirk

Audrey Michele Nobles

Dylan Amir Noriega

Charlotte Clare Nowak

Megan Grace O’Donnell

Mariana Frances Offenheiser

William Wonsuk Oh

Cristian Alan Ortiz

Sloane Marie Paulson

Le Minh Huy Pham

Sophia Christina Joy Phillips

James Anthony Placey

Benjamin Michael Poli

Jonah Garcia Porzio

Justin Michael Powell

Tessa Johnni Purvis

Hannah Ryan Quinn

Jonas James Michael Ransford

Helena Criselda Reuter

William Edward Rice

Samantha Charmé Ringgold

Tayla Rene’ Rizzone

Eduardo Robles

Madeline Isabella Rodriguez

del Toro

Katelyn May Romano

Charles Philip Rush

Takashi Inoue Rutherford

Sophia Rose Rygiol

Rhys Berc Sakayan

Peyton Marley Salas

Jack Ryan Sauers

Audrey Tantiprasut

Kaylah Lee Tasser

Mason Payton Taylor

Joseph Soesa Terry

Jadian Joseph Teves-Castro

Noah Samuel Thayer

Sophia Grace Thompson

Landon Ryan Thrush

Piper Titus

Rocco James Tompkins

Dylan Joseph Varenchik

Sydney Lynette Veazey

Alejandro Glenn Villamizar

Julia Maria Vlahos

Matthew George Vlahos

Joshua Thien Vu

Scarlett Rae Vukich

Arina Sophia Wagner

Charlotte Belle Walrod

Hansford B Warner V

Mia Hope Wensinger

Ava Malia Ka’Iolani Wensley

Madeline Jane Weston

William Clark Wight

Paloma Katherine Wilkinson

Brennan Robert WonsleyTreichler

Addison Virginia Wood

Maya Evangeline Woolforde

Emilio Winston Salgado

Ava Louise Savasta

Hudson William Schweer

Jarod Bradley Sersansie

Cameron Daniel Shafizadeh

Kaden Henry Shahinian

Owen Charles Shaw

Alden Agustin Morales

Ava Michelle Moreno

Sara Elizabeth Moynihan

Makena Lin Murray

Natalie Megan Myers

Veronica Gregorio Sheftic

Samuel Michael Smith

Anthony James Solliday

Catherine Grace Sprague

Mason Andrew Stephens

Paige Elizabeth Stephens

Charley Logan Stephenson

Asher James Stevenson

Nora Suzanne Wright

Tegan Jones Wright

Manni Wu

Aidan Eugene Yeager

Andrew James Yeager

Samantha Renne Zacharias

Taylor Bradley Zawistoski

Junrui Zhang

Yi Nuo Zhang

Yifei Zhao

Jianuo Zhu

Ava Marie Ziegler

Emily Ann Zimmerman

Emily Marie Zora