The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange encouraged a mid-Lenten charitable outreach timed to what is called Laetare Sunday; laetare is Latin for rejoice. The Diocesan Pastoral Council, a group of lay advisors to the Most Rev. Tod D. Brown, Bishop of Orange, called for a second time on Catholics and non-Catholics alike to respond with renewed compassion and action to the continuing cycle of poverty and insecurity brought on by a protracted recession in our community. Parishes throughout the Diocese rose to the occasion contributing food, money, and volunteer hours to assist those in need. This important outreach campaign will continue through the end of lent.

Over 300 Orange County Catholic and Jewish faithful joined together in celebration of Passover at Temple Beth Sholom in Santa Ana on March 16. The Most Rev. Cirilo Flores, auxiliary bishop of Orange, co-officiated with Rabi Heidi M. Cohen of Temple Beth Sholom. This traditional Jewish meal commemorates the oppression suffered under the Egyptians in biblical times and is sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League of Orange County and the Office for Hispanic Ministries of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange.

Gregory J. Dhuyvetter to help lead highly acclaimed faith-based school system

The Most Rev. Tod D. Brown, Bishop of Orange has appointed Mater Dei Assistant Principal Gregory J. Dhuyvetter as the fifth Diocese of Orange Superintendent of Catholic Schools, effective March 8, 2010. Dhuyvetter will take over the day-to-day administration duties from Rev. Gerald Horan, O.S.M., who will continue as the Vicar for Faith Formation. The administration positions of Superintendent and Vicar for Faith Formation have been divided in response to the increased administration demands of a vibrant 42 school education system, with nearly 20,000 students enrolled in the 2010 academic year.

Latest CRS/Caritas Haiti Efforts

As the rainy season approaches, the focus of CRS' relief effort is moving from food—CRS has fed some 600,000 people—to transitional shelter. Many Port-au-Prince residents, their homes either destroyed or unstable, are living beneath sheets and curtains that provide no protection against inclement weather.