THE 2022 RECONGRESS
The 2022 RECongress (Religious Education Congress) recently concluded its run at the Anaheim Convention Center on March 18 to 20. The event was sponsored by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, with members of the Diocese of Orange attending and participating. Bishop Kevin W. Vann presided over the March 20 Morning Eucharistic Liturgy, accompanied by a special choir.
2022 PUERI CANTORES SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA YOUTH CHORAL FESTIVAL AND MASS
Schoolchildren from parishes and Catholic schools around Southern California and beyond descended upon Christ Cathedral on March 19 to sing in the 2022 Pueri Cantores Southern California Youth Choral Festival and Mass. The Mass, presided by Bishop Kevin Vann, featured more than 300 children
from grades 4 to 12 singing as one combined choir. Dr. Richard Robbins, director of choral activities at the University of Minnesota Duluth and choir director at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Wisconsin, conducted the group. There was also a prelude featuring smaller groups singing in front of the altar.
At the conclusion of the Mass, Fr. Christopher Smith, rector and episcopal vicar of the Cathedral, noted how the Youth Choral Festival and Mass packed the choral balcony from end to end.
“I don’t think I have seen so many people in that balcony since the cathedral was dedicated,” Fr. Christopher said, “so it’s really wonderful, especially to have it full of so many children and young people praising the Lord.”
SCHOOLCHILDREN PERFORM DURING THE 2022 PUERI CANTORES SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA YOUTH CHORAL FESTIVAL AND MAS HELD ON MARCH 19 AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
LENTEN DINNER
Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Ladera Ranch is hosting a special Lenten dinner on April 8 beginning at 5:30 p.m. followed by special guest speaker Renée Bondi at 7:30 p.m.
Over the years, from the vantage point of her wheelchair, Renée has observed others praising the Lord while enduring heavy, painful crosses. Cost is $25 per person, includes dinner. For more information, call 949-218-3131.
HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH, LADERA RANCH. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
KATIE DAWSON RECOGNIZED
Katie Dawson, director of faith formation and evangelization for our Diocese, was recently named one of the top 100 women in leadership in the Catholic Church by FemCatholic, a publication which promotes itself as reflecting on “feminism, faith and women’s issues in light of the truth of our faith.”
The article called women “the greatest untapped resource in the Church, and that women’s gifts and leadership are essential to the Church’s flourishing.”
Congratulations, Katie!
KATIE DAWSON. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE