CAPISTRANO LIGHTS RETURNS
Capistrano Lights Returns is now open at Mission San Juan Capistrano on select nights through Dec. 30. Tickets include all-day admission, a multi-language audio tour and evening holiday programming.
The holiday programming runs from 4 to 6 p.m. and includes various activities: Carolers dressed in Dickens era costumes serenade guests with Christmas classics; guests are invited to take selfies with Santa Clause as well as under a 10-foot holiday wreath. Also enjoy the Christmas tree lighting and community Christmas trees throughout the grounds, visit the Serra Chapel after hours, shop for gifts at the Mission Store and make prayers for peace by placing a candle by the largescale Nativity in the Ruins of the Great Stone Church. Kids craft vendor and sweet treats vendor will also be on hand. For more information, https://www. missionsjc.com/capistrano-lights/.
ST. POLYCARP CELEBRATES ST. JOSEPH
On Dec. 3, St. Polycarp Catholic Church in Stanton celebrated with Bishop Timothy Freyer the conclusion of the Holy Year dedicated to Saint Joseph. The celebration began with a Eucharistic procession accompanied with the statues of Saint Joseph and the Pilgrim Mary, followed by a Mass. After Mass, a Eucharistic Procession to St. Polycarp’s hall commenced for the 48-hour adoration, which lasted until 5:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5. Many parishioners participated in the celebration and the 48-hour adoration.
ST. JOACHIM CHURCH CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY
St. Joachim Catholic Church is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2022. The milestone was officially kicked off on the First Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the liturgical year. Some of the planned highlights include:
– A commemorative Christmas ornament is being offered for a donation of $5. These are available after all Masses during Dec. 18-19 and in the parish office.
– The parish will be highlighting “Heroes of St. Joachim” in the months ahead. Over the years, the devoted pastors, parochial vicars, staff and parishioners have built up the body of Christ with such dedication to our Lord and His people.
– The parish will launch a special fundraiser to reach a capital campaign goal to build a new restroom building. With “75 for 75,” each family is asked to commit to a donation of $75 before the end of the fiscal year.
The parish will celebrate in different ways throughout the year as well as offer mementos in the different liturgical seasons, reminding us of the gifts from God and the friendships we have formed from this community.
HOMELESS PERSONS’ INTERRELIGIOUS SERVICE
Homeless Persons’ Inter-Religious Service will be celebrated on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m. at Christ Cathedral, 13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove. This national day of remembrance is held on the first day of winter, the longest night of the year.
Each year, thousands of individuals experiencing homelessness die on the streets of our nation due to illness, exposure or violence. Many from our very own community of Orange County.
To provide the name of someone you know who has lost their life on the streets in Orange County this past year so they can be acknowledged during the service, please contact Gina Marie Serial at 949- 324-0908 or email ginas@ourfatherstable. org.
LOCAL NEWS TO SHARE
Is something special happening at your local parish? Do you have news to share with our readers? The OC Catholic wants to hear about it! Please send your submissions to Patty Mahoney at [email protected]