Author: Belinda Espinoza

Three local Catholic schools recently participated in their city’s tree lighting events. The first tree lighting event was held on December 6 in the City of Tustin. St. Cecilia Catholic School has been a part of this community event for the past two years where the choir has performed both times. During the first year, the Department of Catholic Schools helped coordinate this event and this second time around, the school took charge in all in the planning.

“Watching my son and his school choir perform at the Tustin Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday was an incredibly proud moment. I was moved by the way they sang three beautiful Christmas songs, pouring their hearts into every note.  They set a warm, festive tone as they kicked off the evening.  It was also heartwarming to see so many supportive families from our St. Cecilia School community that came to show their support. This performance was a fantastic opportunity for the SC choir to share their voices and leave a lasting impression on the community, making for a memorable start to a wonderful event.” –Mrs. Ogaz, St. Cecilia School Parent and Staff.

In the city of Orange’s tree lighting event on December 8, St. Norbert Catholic School and Holy Family Catholic School participated by bringing a craft to share with the community in an informational booth that featured both schools and was organized by the Department of Catholic Schools. This booth was staffed by parent volunteers from each school in Orange and one parent said, “The tree lighting event was beautiful and a fun Orange tradition.  It was great representing St. Norbert and sharing with the community the wonderful opportunities, experiences, and traditions our school provides.” – Mrs. Del Mundo, St. Norbert Parent.

These tree lightings presented a wonderful opportunity for our Catholic schools because it allowed the schools to engage with their local community and share about the way their schools function in case any community members are interested in learning more about enrolling or even working in these schools. These events also bring alumni, current families, and local parishioners together and provides a fun experience for everyone to celebrate their school’s presence in the community.

For more information about St. Cecilia School in Tustin, please visit their website.
For more information about the schools in Orange, please visit them at St. Norbert Catholic School and Holy Family Catholic School.

On Thursday, November 21, our TK and Kindergarten students held their annual Thanksgiving Prayer Service. The students gave thanks to God through prayer and song before enjoying a meal together. They had all brought a food item to donate to our HOPE Ministry. November 21, coincidentally is also the feast day of the Presentation Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary. All three sisters residing at the St. Irenaeus convent, Sr. Rosaleen O’Connell, Sr. Rosemary O’Sullivan, and Sr. Annette Figueiredo were invited to attend, along with the parish priests. The sisters were invited not only to share in the prayer service, but also because the school wanted to honor their feast day.

The students gave the sisters cards and a chain of paper lanterns (made by our first and eighth grade buddies), to honor Nano Nagle their founder.  Nano was known as the “The Lady of the Lantern,” because she would often visit the sick and poor at night. With the streets of Cork, Ireland poorly lit, she would be seen carrying a lantern to light her way.

In addition to the cards, Mrs. Stella Costello our principal, placed paper lanterns throughout the campus with quotes attached from Nano. Students were challenged to find all the lanterns, read the quotes, and reflect on them.

We are very grateful for our Presentation Sisters who founded our school back in 1963. They have been an integral part of our school’s history. Thank you to all the sisters past and present who have assisted in the formation of our students.

For more information about St. Irenaeus School, please visit their website.

Our Catholic schools emphasize service projects as a key part of their educational programming. They encourage students to engage in activities that promote making the world a better place. These service projects help students develop a sense of responsibility for others, cultivate empathy, and understand the importance of helping those in need. Students often participate in activities like volunteering at local shelters, fundraising for charities, assisting the elderly, or organizing environmental cleanups.

We visited St. Juliana School in Fullerton recently where students completed a service project during the month of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Students collected funds during the month of October to donate to St. Jude’s Medical Center in Fullerton, a hospital that treats those affected by breast cancer. A few parents of St. Juliana School also happen to work at St. Jude’s Medical Center and helped coordinate this project. The students raised a total of $3,281.00 for this project, an opportunity to give back to their community.

Principal Dr. Manuel Gonzales states: “Breast cancer holds a deeply personal significance for me, and witnessing the incredible outpouring of love and support from our school community has been truly heartwarming. Your generosity and compassion reflect the strength and unity that make our school so special. I am especially grateful to the parents and individuals on our campus who dedicate their time and energy to supporting those affected by breast cancer. Your efforts not only inspire hope but also make a real difference in the lives of many. As we continue our shared mission, I am excited to collaborate further with our wonderful school community to support St. Jude’s Hospital and its invaluable contributions to breast cancer care and research. Together, we can amplify our impact and stand united in the fight against this disease.”

Dr. Courtney A. Vito, Director of the Breast Cancer Program states: “As the sole breast cancer surgeon and medical director of the breast cancer program at St Jude, I walk alongside the women of our community, of our parish, of our neighborhoods and their families every day as they face the diagnosis of breast cancer.  There are so many who are struggling with this disease as well as the challenges of everyday life in Southern California-rising rents and mortgages, rising costs of food, gas, medical care and so many other necessities.These are women who support their communities and families financially, spiritually, in the home and in the workforce.  Some of these women have no family nearby or any family at all.  Within our ministry at St Jude, we work to provide not only medical care but also to meet the emotional, spiritual and at times financial needs of our patients during their cancer care.  This is a very heavy lift for all, and that lift has been lightened tremendously with the blessing bestowed upon our program by the school family at St Juliana.  I am so proud to also be a member of St Juliana community both as a parishioner and mother of two St Juliana students.  I am blessed that my sons are growing up in a school community that always seeks to help, to guide and to grow in light of God.  We should each seek to leave the world just a little bit better than we found it each and every day.  This donation will help cancer patients secure rides to come seek their cancer care when they are too ill to bring themselves and do not have someone else available to help.  It will help women who otherwise could not afford proper nourishment, prosthetics and wigs, and so many other needs they may have during treatment to keep them whole and maintain their dignity.  It truly is a gift that will help save lives.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you to each and every family who donated to this worthy cause and for being the right role models that we all need.  You have left the world just a little bit better today.”

A few parents also wanted to share a few thoughts:

Ms. Flores, Parent: “This event was truly one of the most rewarding and touching experiences for me during my time so far at St. Juliana.  The highlight for me was the presentation of the check directly to our local St. Jude Hospital, along with fellow parents who work in the cancer center, all in the presence of our children to witness.   It really helped emphasize to the students the importance of showing kindness and generosity to those who need it the most.  For all of us, students and adults alike, it was a great reminder of the direct impact that we can have on our community and the power of giving.  This disease has unfortunately affected so many of our own families and friends, so it is important to give back and no amount is too small to make a difference.”

Ms. Pohlen, Parent: “I absolutely loved sharing this fundraising experience with my children. In a world where Breast Cancer and all forms of cancer are far too prevalent, it is so important to help others as much as we possibly can. No donation is too big or too small.  We chose St. Juliana School for the community and this community showed up for this event.   I have never been more proud to be a Falcon and have my children be at a school that goes above and beyond.”

We are very grateful for all the service projects that all our schools participate in throughout the school year. These projects are seen not only as a way to give back to the community but also as an opportunity to live out the teachings of Christ, particularly the call to serve others. By participating in these initiatives, students are encouraged to see their roles in the world as contributors to the common good, helping to build stronger, more compassionate communities.

For more information about St. Juliana Catholic School, please visit their website.

I had a great time attending the National Night Out event in the City of Placentia on Tuesday, August 6th. This annual event is a fantastic way for local organizations to connect with residents and show support for our local police department. For me, it was about more than just promoting the school; it was about building stronger ties with the community and showing love for the police officers who keep us safe. As the wife of a police officer, I truly understand and value the hard work and dedication of our first responders.

Belinda Espinoza, Enrollment and Marketing Coordinator for the Diocese of Orange’s Department of Catholic Schools, was also there, supporting and promoting Catholic education. Together, Belinda and I chatted with attendees, sharing information about what makes St. Joseph Catholic School special and the benefits of a Catholic education. The school’s participation in National Night Out is part of its ongoing mission to promote evangelization and bring exposure to Catholic education within the community.

The event was also a blast for the children. At the St. Joseph Catholic School booth they enjoyed playing games, doing crafts, and writing heartfelt thank you notes to our police officers, expressing their gratitude and appreciation. These activities not only engaged the kids but also helped them understand the importance of community and support.

One of the highlights of the evening was the Placentia Police Department’s impressive demonstrations of their SWAT, K9, and motor units. These demonstrations were exciting and educational, giving everyone a firsthand look at the skills and capabilities of our local law enforcement.

Overall, the National Night Out event was a huge success, showcasing the unity and spirit of the Placentia community. St. Joseph Catholic School is committed to its mission of academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community involvement, always striving to make a positive difference in the lives of its students and the wider community.

By taking part in events like National Night Out, St. Joseph Catholic School reinforces its role as a cornerstone of faith-based education and community support, living out the values of faith, excellence, respect, and discipleship. For more information about St. Joseph Catholic School, please visit our website.

We are proud to announce that five individuals from the Department of Catholic Schools and a few of our diocesan schools will be participating in the 12th cohort of the Latino Enrollment Institute at the University of Notre Dame. The Latino Enrollment Institute (LEI) is a year-long formation program providing Catholic schools with marketing strategies and school culture interventions to better attract and serve Latino families in their local community. The LEI was created in response to national data suggesting Latinos are both the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. Catholic Church and the most underserved by Catholic schools. The University of Notre Dame’s Catholic School Advantage program founded the Latino Enrollment Institute (LEI) in 2012. 

The LEI was predicated on the idea that the principal is the single most important lever for change in a school, whether it be in establishing an environment that is culturally responsive to Latino families, implementing strategic marketing and recruitment efforts to boost Latino enrollment, or simply assembling the right team capable of carrying out these efforts. This initiative identifies and assists Catholic schools with substantial unmet capacity (open seats), favorable demographic potential—namely, a growing number of Latino families in the surrounding area—and motivated principals by offering a framework to transform schools in order to attract and serve Latino families.

In this prestigious program, in addition to the summer program, the five individuals that began this program will be placed on a small team of six or seven other principals in a cohort model and meet monthly via Zoom over the course of the year. Principal teams, facilitated by a member of the LEI leadership team, will work through a series of modules made available online each month. These modules are an opportunity to dive deeper into many of the topics and ideas presented at the summer conference, as well as to discuss any challenges, successes, and best practices with other principals engaged in the same mission.

Belinda, Kelly, Minh, Christina and Sister Teresa are the five individuals that attended the summer conference at Notre Dame and these individuals are an integral part of the 12th LEI cohort, which includes 38 schools nationwide, coming from 26 (arch)dioceses across the country. Dr. Jocelyn Smith, the coordinator of the LEI, is thrilled to be welcoming this 12th cohort of incredible school leaders. “LEI is a beautiful opportunity to embrace Latino students that enrich our Catholic schools with vibrant cultures, diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to our Catholic faith.”

For more information about the Latino Enrollment Institute, please visit this page.

We thank everyone who attended our Teacher and Support Staff Career Fair on April 27, 2024. We appreciate the time job applicants took to meet with our school representatives. We had 25 schools in attendance and we hope to have another career fair next year.

School principals and other school staff were present to discuss employment opportunities at their school sites. Schools from all over Orange County including elementary and high schools provided more information about what it’s like to work in a Catholic school.

Diocesan staff and a Human Resource representative were also present to welcome everyone to this event and provided additional assistance. We had a registration table for attendees and coffee and pastries were provided to all in attendance. A special gift was provided to those who registered in advance.

We continually look for good candidates to work in our schools. We are looking for teachers, support staff and other non-teaching positions. If you’d like to work in one of our schools, please check out our current opportunities at our employment page.

Blessed Sacrament School recently embraced the vibrant spirit of Lunar New Year with an unforgettable celebration that brought together our school community in a joyous display of culture and tradition. Led by Father Tuyen’s heartfelt prayer, the event started with a deep unity.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the captivating dance performance by the talented ASB girls, resplendent in their traditional ao dai attire. Their graceful movements intertwined with the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture, captivating the audience and setting the stage for an evening of cultural immersion.

Adding to the festive ambiance was a mesmerizing drum performance by Thiên Ân Performing Arts accompanied by the rhythmic beats echoing through the halls. The inclusion of Blessed Sacrament school children in the performance further underscored the sense of community and collaboration that defined the event.

As the celebrations continued, Thiên Ân Performing Arts dazzled the crowd with a captivating lion dance, their colorful costumes and dynamic choreography filling the room with energy and excitement. The interaction between the performers and the students of Blessed Sacrament added an element of joy and spontaneity to the festivities, creating cherished memories for all involved.

As the evening drew to a close, heartfelt expressions of gratitude were extended to our school community for their unwavering support and participation. A group photo captured the essence of the celebration, immortalizing the bonds forged and memories shared during this special occasion.

In essence, Blessed Sacrament’s Lunar New Year celebration was not just a cultural event but a testament to the diversity and inclusivity that defines our school community. Through music, dance, and shared experiences, we came together to honor tradition, foster unity, and create lasting memories that will continue to resonate with us in the years to come.

It’s a true blessing to watch our St. Francis of Assisi students live the joy and celebration of the Good News of the Gospel through their service and stewardship. 

What better way to do that than to consistently demonstrate the Gospel by following the words of Jesus, “I came not to be served, but to serve.” St. Francis of Assisi students have the opportunity to serve and live their faith by completing school-wide and grade-level Christian Service Projects throughout the entire year. They love being the hands and feet of Christ! 

One of their favorite projects is making Christmas Cards for the incarcerated youth in Orange County’s Juvenile Hall. A special thanks to Mr. La Puzza, the Director for the Office of Restorative Justice, and Ms. Guzman, Juvenile Facilities Ministry Coordinator with the Office of Restorative Justice, a part of the Diocese of Orange, for sharing a message of Christmas cheer and hope through words and prayers of encouragement.

The Saint Francis third to eighth-grade students attended grade-level sessions that began with Mr. La Puzza and Ms. Guzman sharing about the importance of what restorative justice means and how it helps to make them whole again. At the conclusion of each presentation, the students were invited to engage in meaningful question and answer sessions, followed by the creation of heartfelt festive Christmas cards, designed by the students. Even the younger students, from Kindergarten through Second Grade participated in creating festive Christmas cards in their classrooms. Their cards were precious and it’s heartwarming to read their messages as they wish the recipients a Merry Christmas.

It’s a joy-filled experience, and definitely one that our students look forward to all year long!

Tis the Season and Jesus is the Reason~

If you’d like more information about enrolling at Saint Francis of Assisi school, please visit their website. 

This week the Catholic Church celebrated the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Did you know that Our Lady of Guadalupe is the official patroness of the Diocese of Orange? Many of the schools in our diocese celebrated this day in many special ways, including our school.

Saint Joachim preschoolers learned about Our Lady of Guadalupe’s miraculous appearance to Juan Diego by listening to various stories, acting out parts of the story, and looking at beautiful images of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Students learned the symbolic meaning of the tilma and how the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was miraculously imprinted on Juan Diego’s tilma. The students created their own tilma with the image of our Lady of Guadalupe with roses around the image, similar to the tilma Juan Diego had. The students participated in a beautiful procession while wearing their tilma. Students took flowers and placed them at the image of Our Lady Of Guadalupe. They said a heartfelt prayer. The small prayer service was dedicated to our Lady of Guadalupe and Juan Diego.

Upon returning to the classroom the students watched an age-appropriate cartoon of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Juan Diego. After the cartoon was over the preschool students discussed their favorite parts of the story. They depicted their favorite part by drawing it and then used watercolors to paint their image. The Saint Joachim Early Childhood program teaches the students basic concepts of Christianity, Bible stories, and various lives of the Saints. We provide hands-on learning, exploring, and individualized learning by small group teaching.

For information regarding the St. Joachim Preschool program please contact Mrs. Christina Sinclair, Early Childhood Director at 949 574-7411 or visit the school’s website.