Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Office

Director: Fr. Alfred S. Baca
Phone: (714) 544-3041
E-mail:

E-mail Link

About the Office of Ecumenism and Inter-Religion

In the Diocese of Orange, the Office for Ecumenism and Inter-Religion is:

1. A resource to the Bishop of Orange in the on-going dialogue between the Diocese and other Christian Churches and the Diocese and non-Christian religions.
2. A resource to the various offices of the Diocese in all things pertaining to Ecumenism and Inter-Religion.
3. A resource to the parishes of the Diocese in their ecumenical and inter-religious outreach to others.

The Director, appointed by the Bishop, and as his representative develops and coordinates all official dialogues with all Christian and non-Christian communities in the Diocese. He is assisted by the Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Commission in carrying out the responsibilities and duties of the Office.

The Officer of Ecumenism and Inter-Religion in the Diocese of Orange is Father Alfred Baca. Born in Orange County, Father entered St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo in 1982 where he completed his studies and in 1989 was ordained to the priesthood for Orange. After four parish assignments, Father Baca was sent for further studies to Rome. He studied for two years at the University of St. Thomas (the Angelicum) and completed his license in the area of Ecumenism. Returning to the Diocese in 2005, Father Baca was appointed the pastor of St. Cecilia’s Church in Tustin. In July of 2006 he was appointed Officer of Ecumenism and Inter-Religion.

Father Baca is assisted by the Ecumenical and Inter-Religion Commission of the Diocese. Members of the Commission are:

Father Al Baca (Chair)
Rev. Hugh Barbour, O Praem.
Mrs. Oralie Enos
Hon. Mary Erickson
Sr. Jeanne Fallon, CSJ
Ms. Renate Goutier
Mr. Brad Hawkins
Mr. Greg Kelley
Hon. David McEachen
Rev. Christian Mondor
Rev. John Monestero
Mrs. Ann Nguyen
Mr. Eugene O’Toole
Mr. Howard Young
Mr. Anthony Vultaggio

Bishop Brown addresses the Global Cultural Connections 3rd Annual Interfaith Dinner.

October 5, 2006 Ecumenical Letter

The Catholic Church and her relationship with other Churches