IT’S BEEN A BUSY OCTOBER at the Lambertian Ministry Center in Garden Grove.
The sisters who run it, members of the Lovers of the Holy Cross (LHC) of Los Angeles, have been holding online novenas, candlelight vigils, praying outside Planned Parenthood offices, and staging other events to mark Respect Life Month.
During October, Catholics are called to renew their commitment to the legal protection of human life, to support policies and service ministries that assist mothers and to extend compassion to those suffering from participation in abortion.
But as Sr. Josefa Ha explains it, the Lambertian Ministry Center has a much broader mission than providing help and support needed by young mothers to keep their babies amidst troubled pregnancies – as critical as that program is.
“When we say pro-life, we don’t mean we only help women who are contemplating abortions,” said Sr. Josefa. “Our ministry is for all women, especially young women. So, when they come here, they don’t feel singled out but feel like they are members of a larger community of women.”
A HOME IN ORANGE COUNTY
In 1992, LHC of Los Angeles became independent from its Vietnam-based ministry, which was established in 1670 by French missionary Bishop Pierre Lambert de la Motte (hence the “Lambertian” name).
The L.A.-based order’s motherhouse is in Gardena.
Active in the Diocese of Orange for three decades, members of the LHC of Los Angeles finally got their own building in Orange County in 2021 after they purchased the property from a Christian organization.
Although renovations continue around the sprawling property, the Lambertian Ministry Center has a thriving chapel, youth center, a pre-school and after-school program, a large hall for events and retreats and a separate space called Mary’s Sanctuary, where Sister Josefa runs various women-focused ministries.
“We strive to nurture all women through their journeys through life,” said Sr. Josefa, who has been a religious sister for nearly 30 years.
HELPING WOMEN AND CHILDREN
Sr. Josefa and her biological sister who also works at the Garden Grove center, Sr. Josephina, entered the convent together in 1986 – five years after their family came to the U.S. via boat from their homeland. In Vietnam, Sr. Josefa and her five siblings grew up with nuns.
“I always wanted to become one of the sisters I knew,” she recalled.
That early exposure to nuns helped engender in Sr. Josefa a strong desire to help women and children.
“Back in 1670, when our order was founded, women were not allowed to go to school,” Sr. Josefa noted. “They had no status in society and children had no voice. Bishop Lambert wanted us to educate women so they could help their families develop their faith and improve their social status.”
SUPPORT GROUPS
The Lambertian Ministry Center offers several ministries for women, in addition to its Respect Life Program, whose support services include medical, legal, employment and education. In addition, Mary’s Sanctuary holds baby showers for expectant mothers.
One new ministry, a mom’s group, is for mothers and mothers-to-be. With the aim of “honoring the gifts of mom,” the group kicked off in October and meets six consecutive Fridays, takes two weeks off, then resumes for another six weeks. The meetings include prayer, a light dinner, a presentation and sharing Childcare is provided for free during the meetings.
There’s also a women’s retreat called “Morning with God” held every second Saturday from 9:20 a.m. to noon, with lunch provided. The free gatherings include guided meditation, presentations, time for personal reflection and group sharing.
The women — groups average around 18 — come from diverse backgrounds and are at various stages in life, Anita Alexander noted.
Alexander is a retired pharmacist and a 29-year parishioner at St. Martin de Porres in Yorba Linda, has been to seven “Morning with God” retreats.
“It’s humbling, it’s a teaching moment, it’s a connection – sometimes you’re the one offering, sometimes you’re receiving,” she said of the meetings. “It’s a time out from the usual to take time for yourself and the Lord.”
At the “Morning with God” meetings, Sr. Josefa usually starts off with a Scripture reading followed by discussion, then there’s a speaker, and then participants scatter on the grounds of the Lambertian Ministry Center for quiet reflection and, if they desire, to consult with spiritual directors.
‘A GIFT, NOT A BURDEN’
Sr. Josefa recently began working fulltime at the Lambertian Ministry Center after visiting it frequently. She came to the center after working with USC students at Our Savior Parish and the USC Caruso Catholic Center.
Prior to that assignment, Sr. Josefa spent two decades as a hospital chaplain, and she’s also worked with homeless women.
“Here in Garden Grove, we teach women how to pray and teach them about the dignity of being women — how being a mother is a gift, not a burden,” Sr. Josefa said.
“We help them to see their children as treasured gifts from God. When they value their own body and learn the ministry as a mom, then they will know how to raise their children.
“We want all women to honor their gifts and dignity so they can value their children as gifts from God.”
For more information, contact the Lambertian Ministry Center at (657) 231-0110. It is located at 12211 Magnolia St., Garden Grove. The website is lhcla.org