OC CATHOLIC - MAY 17, 2026

BISHOP VANN CELEBRATES 75TH BIRTHDAY

FRIENDS AND FAMILY GATHERED on May 10 to celebrate Bishop Kevin Vann's 75th birthday. A Mass was celebrated at Christ Cathedral followed by a dinner in the Arboretum. Special guests included Most Reverend José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles. Join us in giving thanks for Bishop Vann’s faithful leadership, steady guidance and meaningful service that continues to shape our diocese each day.

17, 2026

CONTENTS

5 ALTAR REDEDICATION

After months of renovations at St. Hedwig Catholic Church, a special Mass was celebrated on April 19.

8 CHRIST CATHEDRAL MUSIC MINISTRY HOSTS MASTER CLASS

Young musicians received individualized feedback from renowned performers during the class.

10 TIME WITH MOM

St. Junipero Serra Catholic School hosted a Mother-Daughter Tea featuring flowers, brunch and pastels.

12 ST. COLUMBAN SCHOOL HOSTS “HAVANA NIGHTS” GALA

The event raised funds for tuition assistance and to support the school’s mission.

18 TAKE ME HOME

Our true home is a place none of us have seen.

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

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CUSTOM CONTENT

Managing Editor: Caitlin Adams Art Director: Ryann Beveridge

Delivered weekly to parishes and homes throughout Orange County, Calif., Orange County Catholic is published by SCNG Custom Content, a division of Southern California News Group that offers content development and design expertise to businesses and nonprofit institutions. The Orange County Catholic editorial staff and editorial council are responsible for the content contained herein. Events and products advertised in Orange County Catholic do not carry the implicit endorsement of the Diocese of Orange or SCNG Custom Content.

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at

“Thanks to New Hope Counseling, I have learned that everyone has dignity, no matter what they did or have done.” - Thomas, 5th

Our 50 Anniversary Legacy of Love Celebration on May 30, 2026, honors a half-century of service while making a meaningful impact today. Proceeds directly support New Hope Counseling Services, bringing vital mental health care to children across the Diocese.

and

ROSARY BEADS

READER CALL-OUT

I would like to share my Rosary beads that my cousin brought me when she traveled to Ireland a few years ago. I love the feel of these “Book of Kells” beads. They depict the four Evangelists in the book: Matthew the winged man, Mark the lion, Luke the ox and John the Eagle. — Cecilia Rossano, St. Cecilia Parish in Tustin.

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 19:1-8; PSALM 68:2-3AB, 4-5ACD, 6-7AB; JOHN 16:29-33

“ We need faces and voices to represent people again…”

— Pope Leo XIV

SAINT PROFILE

ANDREW BOBOLA 1591-1657

BORN TO A POLISH FAMILY, Andrew studied with Jesuits in Lithuania and was ordained a Jesuit in 1622. He successfully pastored two communities before a period of ill health 1643-49. Hostility toward Catholics escalated where he was serving, despite a formal agreement between the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches to peacefully coexist. In Pinsk (Belarus), Andrew encouraged the persecuted Poles, but was captured by Cossacks and suffered a horrific martyrdom: whipped, dragged, skinned, and pierced by awl and sword.C

TUESDAY

ACTS 20:17-27; PSALM 68:10-11, 20-21; JOHN 17:1-11A

WEDNESDAY

ACTS 20:28-38; PSALM 68:29-30, 33-35A, 35BC-36AB; JOHN 17:11B-19

THURSDAY

ACTS 22:30; 23:611; PSALM 16:1-2A AND 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11; JOHN 17:20-26

FRIDAY

ACTS 25:13B-21; PSALM 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20AB; JOHN 21:15-19

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

SATURDAY

ACTS 28:16-20, 30-31; PSALM 11:4, 5 AND 7; JOHN 21:20-25

SUNDAY

ACTS 2:1-11; PSALM 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:3B-7, 12-13; JOHN 20:19-23

ST. HEDWIG CATHOLIC CHURCH CELEBRATES MASS OF REDEDICATION OF THE ALTAR

BY LOU PONSI

FOLLOWING MONTHS OF renovations, including construction of a marble altar and installation of a sacred tabernacle, St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Los Alamitos marked a milestone recently with a special Mass of rededication of the altar celebrated by Bishop Timothy Freyer. During the Mass, Bishop Freyer also blessed other sacred furnishings.

The sanctuary elements had been completed for several months, but the parish waited for the bishop’s visit on April 19 to formally celebrate the completed project with the Mass of rededication of the altar and blessing of the tabernacle, an occasion St. Hedwig's pastor Fr. Quan Tran described as both a liturgical moment and a sign of the parish’s unity with the wider Church.

“The altar is an altar of sacrifice,” Bishop Freyer said during his homily.

“The altar is a place where we offer to God the unbloody sacrifice of Christ.”

As part of the official rite described by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Freyer sprinkled holy water on the altar and the other celebrants around the altar.

The bishop poured sacred chrism (consecrated mixture of olive oil and balsam) on the altar, then anointed the entire altar by hand.

Crafted from white Carrara marble

imported from Italy, the renovated altar was chosen for its beauty, dignity and permanence, and designed in harmony with the sanctuary’s new tabernacle and the space as a whole.

“The beautiful renovations to our church, including the tabernacle and altar, deepen our parish’s sense of awe at God’s glory and renew our awareness of Christ’s real presence in our church,” said Fr. Tran. “It invites the faithful into deeper reverence and devotion.”

Named Porta Coeli, Latin for “Gate of Heaven,” the tabernacle is meant to visibly remind Catholics of Christ’s true presence in the Blessed Sacrament.

A strong thread of symbolism runs through the tabernacle and altar.

The Paschal Lamb depicted on the front of the altar is also shown within the tabernacle, where the same image appears on the interior of its door, highlighting the unity between Christ’s sacrifice and His abiding presence in the Blessed Sacrament.

On the central door is an image of the Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus, recalling that Christ first dwelt within her womb and that she continues to lead the faithful to Him.

In keeping with tradition, the altar contains a first-class relic of St. Vincent de Paul.

“It reminds us that the sacrifice of Christ, made present in the Eucharist, is united with the witness of the saints,” said Fr. Tran.

Together, the altar and tabernacle are intended to heighten awareness of the communion of Heaven and earth made manifest in every Mass, Fr. Tran shared, calling to mind the Blessed Virgin Mary, the angels and the saints who join the faithful in worship.

Fr. Tran conferred with Enzo Sel-

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.

vaggi of Heritage Liturgical on the new tabernacle, the same firm that designed St. Hedwig’s existing crucifix.

From the beginning, the intention was not simply to create something beautiful, but to offer something truly worthy of the Lord, “something that reflects, in its very form, the profound mystery it contains — Jesus Christ present in the Most Holy Eucharist,” said Fr. Tran.

The same Carrara marble used for the altar was also used in the tabernacle and ambo, intentionally selected to complement the existing marble along the reredos wall and create a sense of visual and material unity throughout the sanctuary.

When plans for the tabernacle and altar began more than four years ago, the project was approached not simply as construction, but as prayerful discernment.

When renovations began in June 2025, all Masses and worship services were held in Quinn Hall.

Parishioners donated to support the work, and staff and volunteers prepared for the church’s reopening.

The church reopened Dec. 20, in time to celebrate Christmas Mass in the renewed space.

The generosity of parishioners has been a constant source of blessing, Fr. Tran said.

“Every gift is received with gratitude and a commitment to steward resources responsibly in a way that honors donors’ intentions,” he added. “In the end, the project stands not only as a testament to craftsmanship, but as a visible sign of a faithful and generous community. Their generosity reflects a deep love for the Eucharist and a desire to offer something truly worthy of the Lord.” C

MORE GOOD DAYS TOGETHER

BY SHARON ST. PIERRE, LCSW, CLINICAL DIRECTOR, NEW HOPE COUNSELING, CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ORANGE COUNTY

MENTAL HEALTH disorders affect more than one billion people worldwide, approximately one in seven individuals. Anxiety and depressive disorders account for the majority of diagnoses, with depression ranking as the leading cause of disability among individuals ages 15 to 29. According to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety result in nearly $1 trillion annually in lost global productivity.

These statistics are reflected locally within the Diocese of Orange. More than 30 middle school students experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, including suicidal ideation, have received life-saving intervention through school-based counseling services provided by New Hope Counseling of Catholic Charities. These services currently reach 16 parochial schools and one high school. Mental health challenges affect students across all socioeconomic backgrounds; however, stigma continues to be a significant barrier to care. National initiatives such as Mental Health Awareness Month in May play a critical role in reducing stigma, but sustained support throughout the year is essential.

During the academic year, one counselor typically serves in each school community, providing support approximately two days per week. Given the increasing level of need, this coverage is insufficient. Limited funding remains a significant obstacle to expanding access to consistent mental health services in schools.

Research highlights a significant treatment gap in mental health care (narayansevausa.org/guide-mental-health-awareness-month-2026).

On average, individuals wait 11 years between the onset of symptoms and receiving professional help. Early intervention, particularly in the elementary school years, can prevent prolonged suffering and improve long-term outcomes. Catholic Charities of Orange County remains committed to addressing this gap through services grounded in human dignity. Meaningful mental health support extends beyond clinical counseling.

It begins at home through healthy routines, open communication, positive relationships, faith formation and supportive family environments. Awareness of mental health symptoms is also critical; challenges should not be dismissed as phases that children will outgrow. Seeking consultations with mental health professionals should be normalized and encouraged.

We invite parishioners, families, and community members to join us in

expanding access to essential mental health services for our children and schools. Your support—through advocacy, partnership, or financial contribution—helps reduce stigma, strengthen early intervention and ensures consistent counseling services throughout the year. Together, we can create a healthier future for our students and build More Good Days Together. To support the cause visit app.dvforms.net/api/dv/Goanz C

CHRIST CATHEDRAL MUSIC MINISTRY HOSTS MASTER CLASS

BY LOU PONSI

ORGANISTS AND vocalists, many aspiring to perform church music, were given the opportunity to receive individualized feedback and instruction from a pair of highly acclaimed musicians at a masterclass held recently at Christ Cathedral.

The masterclass, which was held last month, was actually two classes held concurrently.

Many of the participants in the masterclass were members of the Christ Cathedral Organ and Choral Scholars program, a donor-sponsored educational and mentorship program for young musicians who are interested in pursuing careers in music, particularly church music.

The scholars often perform at cathedral liturgies and concerts, and receive guidance on college auditions, scholarships and career development.

Many alumni of the program have

gone on to attend major conservatories and universities, said Lauren McCaul, music administrator at Christ Cathedral.

Renowned organist Benjamin Sheen shared his expertise with players in the cathedral’s organ loft, and soprano Molly Quinn, who has performed as a soloist and collaborated with musicians at famous venues around the world, lent her expertise to the vocal class.

Sheen, director of music at Jesus College in Cambridge, England, and Quinn spent a week coaching the organ and choral scholars and conducting the cathedral choir for the weekend’s Sunday liturgy.

Sheen also performed a solo organ concert on the cathedral’s iconic Hazel Wright Organ.

The masterclass was both an educational experience for the students and a public performance for audiences who had a close-up look at how professional musicians train young artists, said McCaul.

McCaul organized the masterclass with David Ball, cathedral organist and head of music ministry at Christ Cathedral.

“Ben Sheen is a fantastic organist,” McCaul said. “And Molly Quinn is a fabulous soprano soloist. They are both very much in demand and very much at the top of their art at the moment. This is a peek into what a lesson is like. It is a whole different experience than just hearing them perform.”

As a Christ Cathedral organ scholar, Phillip Hoang, 18, performed a piece in the masterclass from British composer Cecilia McDowell.

Hoang said it was a privilege to learn from Sheen, who was already familiar with McDowell’s work.

Getting perspective on a piece from a new set of ears is also helpful, the organist said.

“It’s also nice since I think he might

be more familiar with McDowell’s works,” Hoang said. “Since he knew her a little bit, it’s like he sort of was able to articulate what the composer actually wanted when writing the piece.”

Receiving second and third opinions on a piece from other musicians can be extremely helpful, Sheen said.

“It might be a word, it might be a sentence, it might be a phrase,” Sheen said. “It might be a way of approaching the piece that you've never thought of, or your teacher has never thought of. So, I think it's a very important part of the process to see these different perspectives and get a different idea of a piece.”

Itzel Perez, a vocalist with the Christ Cathedral Spanish Choir, said she was anxious to participate in the vocal masterclass for several reasons.

Perez loves singing, but since she spends much of her time in college, working towards a teaching credential to teach choir classes to high schoolers, she can’t sing as much as she has in the past.

“Any opportunity to perform is a blessing,” Perez said, and receiving personal instruction from McCall was an honor.

“I love to sing, and anything I can do to keep singing, I’m going to do it,” Perez said. “And so, getting the opportunity to sing with her tonight was cool, just because I get to fix things that I don’t think about as often. It’s nice to have someone experienced to be able to tackle those things.”

Quinn said working with the vocalists in the masterclass was as impactful for her as it was the students.

“One of my greatest joys is teaching,” Quinn said. “There was such a wonderful array of singers at slightly different ages and different stages of development. Just to have such an opportunity for those singers to have this experience is a real testament to the importance of this choral scholar program of this organ scholar program at the cathedral. Ben and I were happy to be part of it.”

UPCOMING EVENT

Organ & Choral Scholars Concert

May 20 at 7:30 p.m.

The annual showcase of young musical talent presented by the Organ Scholars and Choral Scholars of the Christ Cathedral Music Program. Information: christcathedralmusic. org C

TIME WITH MOM

BY BRITNEY ZINT

AT PALE PINK AND sage green tables, girls of all ages sat with their mothers drinking lemonade as they ate a pancake and frittata brunch. Dressed in spring floral prints, pastel colors, headbands and fascinators, women and girls came out to celebrate the mother-daughter bond.

St. Junipero Serra Catholic School hosted its first Mother-Daughter Tea for more than 270 guests on May 2 at the San Juan Hills Golf Club in San Juan Capistrano. The day featured a photobooth; raffles; bloom bar and dessert cart by Cart Blanche OC; a craft; and speaker Dr. Erin Barisano, superintendent of Orange County Catholic schools. Dr. Barisano spoke about her own journey to mother-

hood and raising her two children: the joy of being the most important person in your child’s early years; the seasons of partnership as the child grows into her own person; and the stormy middle school years when children are strengthening their roots.

“Motherhood isn’t just about raising a child,” she said. “It’s about the two of you growing together. In a sense, we are both the gardener and the flower, and so I think that we would all agree that the joy of a mother-daughter relationship changes its flavor as the years pass.”

The school traditionally hosts annual mother-son and father-daughter events, but this is the first year for an event that celebrates mothers and daughters. It was also a chance to raise money for emergency tuition assistance.

“It’s so important to teach our children to give back to their community,” said Katie Hock, PTO vice president of the Mother-Daughter Tea. “We don’t know what life is going to throw at us. It’s unpredictable. It’s really comforting to know as a parent that if something were

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to happen and a challenge were to arise, that there are funds that can help our fellow Serra Bears so they continue their journey with us.”

Seventh-grader Emily Anderson, 13, said she appreciates that her school hosted an event where she gets to have fun and spend time with her mom. The teenager stopped by the bloom bar to pick out greens, pink carnations and white ranunculus for a bouquet for her mom, Katherine Anderson.

“She puts a lot of hard work into our family and makes our lives fun and easy,” Emily Anderson said. “She’s giving us a good education, and I just want to be able to do the small things to thank her for it.”

Katherine Anderson said she’s enjoying all the special moments of the day.

“It’s really special, we’re making a great memory, and I love the event so far,” she said.

Wearing a flower crown on her head, Lucy Bower, 14, joined her soon-to-be-graduating fellow eighth-graders for pictures with their mothers. All the eighth graders received flower crowns to designate their special status. Although this was the first Mother-Daughter Tea, it was one of many lasts before Bower goes on to Santa Margarita Catholic High School next year.

Bower reflected how her larger school — St. Serra serves more than 1,000 students — gave her more opportunities in sports, enrichment activities and building friendships. Despite its size, the school community still felt closeknit.

“Even though it’s a big school, it feels like everyone is family,” she said. “I know everyone in the hallway, and everyone is close. You can trust everyone. If I had a problem, I could go to anyone in my grade and I know they would help.” C

ST. COLUMBAN SCHOOL HOSTS “HAVANA NIGHTS” GALA

BY BRITNEY ZINT

THE LIVE BAND PLAYED as women in floral dresses in the stunning colors of Havana mingled alongside suited men with fedoras. Hot house flowers in a bed of tropical leaves decorated the tables as parents celebrated a night out while supporting their children’s education.

St. Columban Catholic School hosted its second annual Gala Night, themed “Havana Nights,” on April 24 at the Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach. The night featured passed hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails, live and silent auctions, along with dinner in view of the sunset over the golf course.

“’Havana Nights’ — it’s tropical, it’s fun, it’s a laid-back lifestyle,” said gala co-chair Haydee Villagomez. “It brings

the community together. We wanted it lighthearted and lots of fun.”

The event is the Garden Grove school’s biggest fundraiser of the year, said principal Melissa Geary. The money raised goes toward the overall needs of the school as well as tuition assistance, Geary noted.

“We are excited that the event is finally here and it is all coming together,” said gala co-chair Glenda Rodas, adding later, “I think all of us work hard in the dayto-day things, so it’s nice to have a night where we can all mingle and get to know each other.”

While the night is primarily about the children so they can have a great school community, it also allows the parents to get to know other parents, explained Camille Burlaze, who led the decorating committee.

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“This is only our second gala, so it would be great if the parents have a great night and they spread it around to the rest of the parents of our school,” Burlaze said. “And hopefully our third, fourth and so on will be bigger. It’s such a fun night for parents.”

The fundraiser brought out alumni, including families with multiple generations of former graduates. Brother and sister Pat and Rose Passanisi graduated from St. Columban in the late ’70s along with their two other siblings.

“I couldn’t be more happy or more appreciative to my parents that we have a Catholic education,” Pat Passanisi said. “I was an altar server. We all had our sacraments there. We’ve seen a lot of

DIOCESAN

change there, pastors come and go … but it’s home. It’s home for me.”

Another family of alumni was the Daltons, whose third generation currently attends St. Columban. They began attending St. Columban when matriarch Sandra Dalton decided to send her children there despite having a public school across the street. She wanted them to have a strong education with a Catholic foundation. Now, Sandra Dalton is watching her great-grandchild go there.

It has become a true tradition, said William Dalton, III, grandson of Sandra and father of her great-grandchild, who is currently in sixth grade.

“It was something that we enjoyed,” he added, “so we wanted to give them that.” C

HANDS THAT HEAL: THANK A NURSE THIS MONTH

BY REBECCA FREEMAN, PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY COORDINATOR, DIOCESE OF ORANGE

“AGLANCE AT THE crucifix gives me the strength and the courage to work.”

These fortifying words were spoken by St. Maria Troncatti, a Salesian sister who is one of the very first canonizations of Pope Leo XIV papacy last year. She is celebrated as a former Red Cross nurse in WWI who turned her healing skills to mission healthcare work in Ecuador, gaining the respect of the local people and the admiration for her courage and holiness worldwide. This canonization serves as a timely reminder of the impact of holy men and women all over the world who have been the pioneers and innovators of healthcare fields and systems, whether the St. Francis Sisters founding the Mayo Clinic

or our own Sisters of St. Joseph breaking ground into what would become the current Providence Health System. And what better time to recognize these contributions than National Nurses

Rosary Beads

Week, which takes place every year around Florence Nightingale's birthday on May 12. The week honors nurses and their invaluable work, and is marked by celebrations, affirmations and sometimes, a blessing of the hands in hospitals around the country.

Many can recount the times when a nurse has been an integral part of the most poignant moments of their lives. Deacon Francis Ang, soon to be ordained to the priesthood expressed, “My faith influenced my experience as a registered nurse because it provided the basis for how I treated and saw my patients. They weren't just bodies on a bed, but a child of God with dignity, even in the midst of their pain, suffering and loneliness.”

Seminarian Travis Ang also shares a spiritual connection to the nursing field.

“By viewing all my patients through the lens of Imago Dei, I was able to look past each patient's illness or social status and see their true value as a son or daughter of God,” he shared. “This made it natural to treat my underprivileged community with genuine kind-

ness, looking each patient in the eyes and give them the high quality of care that they deserved. My work became more than about medicine, it was a way to show people that Christ was present in their lives especially during the challenging moments. I miss nursing every day and I pray for all my nursing colleagues.”

Nurses have a special calling, and many have shared their gifts in our parishes and churches across our diocese, especially through Faith Community Nursing. This program was established at Hoag Presbyterian Hospital in 1987 under the Spiritual Care Association and Westberg Institute. Per the Westberg Institute, “Faith community nurses are licensed, registered nurses who practice wholistic health for self, individuals and the community using nursing knowledge combined with spiritual care.”

“Our partner Faith Community Nurses are encouraged to complete a needs assessment to address the unique needs of their community,” said Beth Otterbein, Faith Community Nursing Outreach RN. “Many of our nurses serve their congregations as volunteers, each bringing their unique time, talent and background to the ministry.”

Our diocese has several dedicated Faith Community Nurses who have transformed access and insight into

care, including areas of mental health, grief and bereavement, caregiving and disease prevention. As part of the program, Hoag creates a covenant with each Faith Based Organization to support their nurse with continuing education, monthly meetings, an annual spirituality conference and a variety of health education and wellness programs, each faith community is provided an AED machine, annual CPR/First Aid trainings, flu vaccine and supplies, a blood pressure monitor and other materials for their ministry.

Faith Community Nursing has been an interfaith and ecumenical resource meeting this need across our neighborhoods and denominations.

Santiago de Compostela presently hosts a Caregiver Support Group through the Peace in the Storm project, started by former Faith Community Nurse Kanoe Martin and supported by the Emmanuel Ministry.

“The blessings of giving these precious caregivers time to recharge in the Holy Spirit is tremendously powerful as they care for their loved ones and friends,” said Martin.

The Faith Community Nursing program has been continued by Marcia McCormack, who has been a nurse since 1969, and has recently been appointed Health Information Advocate at the parish.

“I'm grateful to our pastor Fr. Thomas for supporting my response to God's call to service,” McCormack shared.

Additionally, Nurse Marcia shares healthy eating and wellness tips on her website marciamccormackrn.com .

At St. Irenaeus, Nurse Jennifer Dagarag continues to make a difference with countless resources and programs at the parish, even supporting up and coming nursing students.

“What touches my heart most is bringing Jesus into the mess of everyday life and reminding people how much

they are loved and never alone,” she said. “Whether through GriefShare, the gift of a Prayer Shawl or handmade Rosary, the smile of the Homebound Eucharistic Minister, the meal to at-risk youth through Bridge of Light, Mental Health Ministry and Sunshine Outreach Ministry, Our Divine Healer is at work."

At St. Timothy parish, the program has provided vital training for parish nurses and health ministers, which has become important to the integration of the Caring for the Whole Person Initiative.

“St. Timothy has had a robust GriefShare program for the past four years, offering the 11-week sessions at least twice annually and holding the specialty workshops, “Coping with the Holidays” and “Coping with the Loss of a Spouse” at least once annually,” shared parish leader Patty Mouton, MSGc. “Team members maintain a Support Group, started by Hoag FCN staff, which meets twice a month, for caregiv-

ers of loved ones with serious illness. With our Knights of Columbus, our Caring for the Whole Person ministry has provided critical support when family interventions for older adults have been complicated.”

This May, let us remember the examples of St. Maria Troncatti, and all the nurses in our lives, especially in our faith community, who selflessly tend to the Body of Christ in their vocation to heal and serve.

For more information on the Faith Community Nursing Program or healthcare related Caring for the Whole Person ministries, contact: rfreeman@ rcbo.org

To learn about how to become a FCN, visit: hoag.org/programs/spiritual-care/faith-community-nursing

Save-the-Date for the annual Healthcare Provider White Mass honoring nurses and all those who work in related professions, Sunday, Oct. 11 at 3 p.m. at Christ Cathedral Arboretum. C

Savoring our Faith

Join OC Catholic’s Recipe Swap!

Sharing recipes highlights the importance of gathering with family, friends and our broader Diocese of Orange faith community.

Please share your favorite recipes, along with your name and parish. Send your favorite seasonal dish, or a recipe that has special meaning to you or your family. Tell us why it’s important to you! Our editors will pick their favorites to be featured in OC Catholic throughout the year.

Submissions must include a photo of the completed recipe. Categories are entrees, appetizers, side dishes, beverages and desserts. Send your recipes and photos to: editor@occatholic.com

HOLY TRINITY HONORS OUR MOTHER MARY WITH MAY CROWNING CELEBRATION

BY MEG WATERS

IN ANOTHER FIRST for Holy Trinity Parish in Ladera Ranch, more than 300 parishioners gathered on May 3, to honor Mary with the parish’s first traditional May Crowning celebration.

“This is something we have been planning to do for a long time,” said Holy Trinity’s pastor, Fr. Michael St. Paul. “We were pleased that the Knights of Columbus, the Holy Trinity Rosary Group, the Fil-Am Filipino Ministry and the Hispanic Ministry worked together to make the event happen.”

Since the earliest days of the Church, Christians have held Mary in the highest esteem, second only to her Son, Jesus Christ. In one of his final comments, Jesus instructed the Apostle St. John to “behold your mother.” The Blessed Virgin, or Theotokos (God-bearer), for two millennia she has been the heavenly mother to all her children, an intercessor on our behalf to her Son and a comforter to all who call her blessed.

Following Mass, the ceremony began with an abundance of sweetness — a procession of toddlers in angel costumes bearing flowers, followed by first communicants in their white dresses and suits, also carrying flowers and finally, 17-year-old Gianna Carlile, who carried the wreath to place on the statue of the Virgin. The procession was accompanied by several traditional Marian hymns, including “Ave Maria.”

After the crowning, the congregation processed behind the statue, while praying the Rosary and proceeded around the church perimeter before returning to the church courtyard. As is typical of Holy Trinity celebrations, the event concluded with a feast for everyone in attendance.

While in middle school at the Mission in San Juan Capistrano, Carlile participated in a similar event during the CONTINUES ON PAGE 17

DIOCESAN NEWS

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procession. Now a senior at JSerra Catholic High School, Carlile has always had a special relationship with the Blessed Mother.

“My mother is from Portugal, and we have always had a special place in our hearts for Mary and Our Lady of Fatima. This is such an honor for me, honoring my heavenly mother, who has been so important to me all my life.”

Carlile and her family have been parishioners of Holy Trinity since its first Mass.

“We expect to continue this tradition every May to honor Mary as the Queen of Heaven,” said Fr. Michael. C

TAKE ME HOME

BY SR. DIANE HEISS, SDSH

JOHN DENVER’S SONG “Country Roads” was popular over 50 years ago, so perhaps by now few remember the beginning words of the first verse and the chorus: “Almost heaven … Country roads, take me home, to the place I belong…” It expressed a longing for home, a longing that rings true in our hearts even if we have not experienced a loving home. Home is a place of far greater importance than merely a street address or place of residence. In an ideal home, our needs for acceptance, belonging, encouragement, forgiveness, friendship and love are met.

No matter how difficult or painful our home life was, it is possible to belong to such a loving family. When we received the Sacrament of Baptism, we were adopted into the Family of God, and God our Father claimed each of us as His Beloved Child forever. Jesus, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, echoed this in telling us: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love” (Jn. 15:9). Although our emotions might not recognize this reality, we can daily pray for the graces to accept, believe and act upon it.

This past Thursday, May 14, was the Feast of the Ascension, when Jesus returned to His Father after completing His mission here on earth, telling the Good News of the Father’s love and redeeming us. It is not “Almost heaven” as in the song, but is heaven, the place where He belongs, the home which He longs to share with each of us. After Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, He remained with his

disciples for 40 days, and then, after giving them the Great Commission (Mt. 28: 18 – 20), He ascended into Heaven (Lk.24:51), telling them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Ascension Thursday is a Holy Day of Obligation, meaning that we are required to attend Mass just as on Sundays, unless there is a valid reason preventing it. Therefore, to enable many more to

of Luke (24:50– 53) and Acts of the Apostles (1:1-12). How might you have felt if you were present and saw Jesus returning to Heaven and angels speaking to you? Share this with each other.

■ Pray the second decade of the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, the Ascension, remembering that during the Last Supper (First Mass) Jesus said to His Apostles. “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. I go to prepare a place for you” (Jn 14:2).

■ As you pray the Creed during Sunday Mass, pay special attention to the words “He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father” and try to always remember that Jesus is at the right hand of the Father, praying for each of us (Rm. 8:34).

■ Gratitude Jar: Place slips of paper and a pen or marker next to an empty jar and invite family members to write what they are grateful for in each other and place these inside. Choose a time once a week to read these to each other. C

attend Mass, the Holy See allowed it to be transferred to the following Sunday. Most of the U.S. dioceses do so, except for a few. Since the date of Easter varies, so does the date of the Ascension, which is being celebrated today, May 17.

FOR YOUR FAMILY:

■ Attend Mass together today and afterwards read the story of the Ascension as found in the Gospel

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.

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Watch a brief video about the program.